Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 22

Artume

Her gaze lingered on the peculiar plant in front of her for some time. It wasn't that unusual, considering where she was, but it was entirely different compared to human fruit. Even if she felt a rather ominous sensation from it. It was a fruit with thick, hard skin, and rather dangerously shaped thorns clung to the tree.

"You should not eat the fruit, Artume," a voice said behind her. "It will force you to stay within this realm, for a period of time at least."

"Perhaps to the Gods you were born into, Persephone. It will not affect me, for I am already part of the realm of the dead," Artume said, turning to the second Queen of the Underworld.

"Ah, yes, must be nice. I only heard it after I ate six seeds," Persephone sighed. While she sounded unhappy about being 'trapped,' she did look rather content living here.

"Forgive me, but I thought you'd be enjoying your time under the blue sky," Artume said in a soft chuckle, earning herself a raised eyebrow. "You said so within the throne room."

"Indeed, but for some unknown reason, the winter Stars showed themselves early this year."

Artume sighed, opening her hand to produce a silver light, revealing a list of stars currently visible. She looked through the list, her eyes scanning them before stopping at a specific one, making her tsk from annoyance.

"I swear, Betelgeuse and Orion are a pain in the ass," Artume muttered, swiping through the list, making them disappear. "They're waiting for the proper time now. But I am afraid that will only be for a few days. Winter is coming, Persephone. The closer it gets to winter solstice, the more they wish to show themselves. Actually, they were only a few days early."

"Yes, but my mother is quite adamant I am up there," Persephone said. "I said I am content down here, but even my reassurances of feeling safe and happy didn't satisfy her. Now I travel up and down the realms."

"It is not wrong to be loved. I have forgotten what it felt like to be loved by my parents," Artume said, taking a bite from the fruit as they walked through the dark yet beautiful garden. It might be a nightmarish garden for normal people, with seemingly harmful plants. Yet, each flower was beautiful as it glowed and at times sparkled in the dark.

"How long?"

"A thousand years since my mother faded, and almost two hundred years since my father faded."

"It must have been hard. I am sorry to hear it."

"Yes, well," Artume said with a sigh. "Not much I can do about it. I have to deal with it like any mortal. It's not easy, yet having Annabeth helps."

"Hmm," Persephone hummed, observing the luminescent plants. Her fingers glided over the leaves that curled into themselves. "A mortal. Father was not willing to raise more to Godly status or allow more to enter our ranks. Must be frustrating."

"A bit, yes," Artume answered. "But I think it may be for the best. Everything has happened quite quickly between me and Annabeth. Sometimes it does well to slow things down. But despite what he says, I will raise her to immortal status. By my own means if necessary."

"Yes, I knew enough when I saw you make the request on Olympus. Quite the lucky mortal. Is she worth such a sacrifice?"

"To me, she is more than worth it," Artume said without hesitation. "I don't want to lose those I have grown to love and care for. My friend Juniper is one of those I wish to keep at my side, which is why she is now my attendant. Maybe it is good to have Annabeth spend time as a mortal. There are things she needs to solve. I will patiently wait for the right moment."