Perseus Jackson: Titan of The Hunt

CH31: Tempting Fate

(Artemis)

After an initially tumultuous few days following the arrival of the new guardian. The next few weeks passed thankfully without any significant incidents, as Percy and the three new hunters worked on their training. The twins and Reyna quickly grasped the understanding required to be a hunter and were soon relatively proficient in field craft and in archery despite their initial misgivings.

Most surprising was that Reyna had seemingly assumed the role of Thalia's aide despite their initial mistrust of one another. It seemed my plan back then had worked with flying colours. Additionally, I was impressed in the way she had stepped in to help the others learn other skills outside of their usual regime.

Aside from swordsmanship, which I didn't mind as a somewhat extra-curricular skill. It also taught you what to reasonably expect from an opponent using the weapon themselves. I think perhaps most importantly coming from a very much group combat-based origin she was quick to think up team building ideas when the group was sitting around bored.

Despite quickly assuming the role as a huntress, the girl still however refused to jettison her armour. Instead, she had even resumed wearing her cape, albeit with the outside face redecorated in a layer of silver silk. So, maintaining the general colour scheme of the group as such I had no cause to complain. If she wanted to wear it, it was her choice to do so.

The only problem I had now was, I was actively avoiding Percy for the most part wherever possible. Ever since I that night Diana had stolen that kiss from him. I just could not build up or maintain the courage to talk to him for any significant period of time.

Instead, our meetings were always kept short and succinct, and certainly always in the presence of others. Every other night as I sat in my chariot, I would watch him when he was on duty for hours on end. Completely oblivious to the passage of time around me, often being surprised to discover my view was lost as the horizon came in the way.

I wanted nothing more than to confront him about everything but each time I prepared myself for what I wanted to say. I lost my courage and would instead collapse into a worried panic. Afterall, what if I was wrong and he wasn't talking about me that night all those weeks ago. What if perhaps there was someone else, he was talking about that night?

Twice, he had been forced to disappear for a period of time, because he was recalled to Orthrys to attend an important meeting. Or at least that was what he told me, but he never saw fit to notify me of what actually occurred in them. All I knew was that he generally returned from them in a somewhat bad mood. But then again this was generally the same with any immortal who was summoned for a big 'important' meeting that generally turned out to be anything but one.

The hunters likewise had wondered at his vanishing acts, and I simply explained he had other business to attend to elsewhere. Most had left it at that, if anything Tania was almost cheerful each time, he was not around. However, the more inquisitive ones i.e., Thalia would often try probing for information only to be stonewalled by myself or the guardian upon his inevitable return to camp.

Thankfully Reyna at least privately knew what was likely happening and would often lead my sister away before she stuck her nose in too far.

As for Percy himself, ever since his emotional breakdown he had been back to his usual light-hearted self. If I had not witnessed the scene with my own senses, I would never have suspected it were possible.

I didn't know if he had caught on to my different attitude around him or what he perhaps thought at the moment. Both because of my own unwillingness to initiate conversation as well the fact as he had become much more reclusive around the camp. He would only participate with the hunters when Reyna outright asked him to help with some form of combat training. Despite the conclusion of our 'fight' being in my favour, I had to tell the girls that if it had actually been a real fight. Percy would have almost certainly won in a close combat battle. As such they would do well to listen to his advice on the matter.