Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 7

Artume

"May I ask you something?"

The day had been long and arduous, yet they maintained a steady pace, making considerable progress. Following their exhausting journey, they settled near a small river to set up camp. No one seemed to complain as they tended to their sore feet and aching legs. Despite their fatigue, Artume felt no fatigue; she could have continued onward if she wished. Watching the stars emerge, she felt a sense of contentment that prevented boredom from settling in.

Thalia's approach was unexpected. Artume had primarily interacted with Annabeth, so Thalia's approaching her willingly was special. Artume never denied a supplicant in her temples, but this felt different. She wouldn't turn down a kind and determined woman, perhaps even a future friend.

"Certainly, Thalia. Should it be in private, or would you prefer Annabeth to be present?" Artume suggested, knowing Annabeth is kind and in her opinion an approachable person.

Annabeth, one of the kindest mortals Artume had encountered, was not important to get to know. Humans never stayed alive for long enough to become familiar. While this used to be make it unimportant to Artume, she has come to appreciate the value of savoring the moments life offered.

"Annabeth, do you mind?" Thalia asked softly.

"Sure, take your time," Annabeth replied as she moved to join the others by the fire. There was a moment of silence between Thalia and Artume. Thalia seemed lost in her own memories, much like Artume, yet their experiences were distinctly different.

"Come, sit. The stars are beautiful tonight; we can just sit together if you want," Artume offered gently, providing a comforting smile. Thalia's tension appeared to ease slightly as she sat down next to Artume, her gaze fixed on the sky, albeit unfocused.

"Why are you so fixated on the stars?" Thalia asked, her voice soft.

"It's my domain, Thalia. However, beyond that, I simply adore the stars—their beauty and their constant presence during the night. It's difficult to put into word the connection I feel with them," Artume explained, gazing upward with a serene smile.

The twinkling stars had always captured Artume's imagination, compelling her to pause and admire them with a childlike wonder. While her fate had condemned her to solitude, forced to witness the fading of those she once knew, she remained grateful for the stars, her eternal domain. She would always look up in awe, despite the bittersweet memories they held.

"Well, um, there's something I need to know. Have you ever seen or do you know anything about my brother? W-What happened on the day he disappeared? Can you offer any insight?" Thalia asked, her voice tinged with desperation.

"I understand," Artume responded, placing a comforting hand on Thalia's shoulder. Although mortals often assumed she possessed omniscience, she now knew only slightly more than Thalia did. "I am sorry to hear about your brother. Unfortunately, I have fallen too far to see into the past. I wish I could provide you with answers, Thalia, but I cannot offer any answers into his disappearance."

Thalia let out a deep sigh, closing her eyes as she covered her face with her hand. It wasn't the response Artume had hoped to give, but there was little she could do to ease Thalia's pain. Her brother remained beyond her reach, lost in the shadows of the past. While Artume wished she could offer something, she couldn't provide anything substantial, save for her support.