Heir to the Moon (V2)

II.XII Chrismas

Two days after the festive celebrations of Saturnalia, on a crisp Christmas morning, Harry woke up before the sun had even risen. He quietly made his way to his mother's room, eager to share the quiet moment with her. The eleven-year-old cautiously climbed onto her bed and nestled next to her sleeping form, careful not to wake her.

Artemis stirred slightly in her sleep, her maternal instincts already sensing the presence of her son. Without fully waking, she instinctively pulled him closer and enveloped him in a protective embrace. Harry couldn't help but smile at the warmth and security he felt in his mother's arms. Slowly, he closed his eyes and drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

A short while later, a hunter entered Artemis' tent and addressed her respectfully as "milady." Upon seeing the tender scene between mother and son, the hunter discreetly backed out of the tent without disturbing them further.

The first rays of dawn began to pierce the thin fabric of the tent, casting a gentle golden light across the room. Outside, the crisp morning air was filled with the distant calls of birds and the rustle of leaves, signalling the start of another day.

As the sun climbed higher, the tent began to warm up, stirring Artemis from her slumber. She opened her eyes and smiled down at Harry, who was still nestled comfortably in her arms. "Good morning," she whispered, her voice gentle yet carrying the strength of a goddess. "What brings you to my bed this morning?"

Harry just snuggled deeper in her chest seeking the comfort of his mother's warmth. Exhaling she whispered into his ear "Harry, my moon you have to wake up."

Harry opened his eyes, his gaze meeting the soft light filtering through the tent. He yawned and stretched slightly, feeling the comforting weight of Artemis's hand on his back. "I just wanted to be with you when the day started," he mumbled, his voice muffled against her chest.

Artemis chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "I can think of no better way to start the day," she said warmly. The goddess gently shifted, allowing Harry to sit up. She glanced outside, noting the brightening sky. "Shall we see what this day brings us? Perhaps a walk in the forest? The world is quiet early in the morning; it's a magical time."

Harry's face lit up at the suggestion. "Can we really? Just the two of us?"

"Of course," Artemis replied, her eyes twinkling. She rose gracefully from the bed, extending her hand to Harry. He took it eagerly, and together they stepped out of the tent. "Grab a bow and we can go on a hunt. Just you and me."

"Can Aurora come?" asked Harry referring to his dire wolf cub as his face lit up with a smile.

Artemis nodded, her smile reflecting the warmth of the morning sun. "Aurora should definitely come. She might enjoy the fresh air and the chase."

With their plan set, Harry quickly dressed, his excitement bubbling as he laced up his boots. Artemis watched him, her heart swelling with pride at how quickly her son was growing up. She handed him a light, beautifully crafted bow, perfect for his young hands. "Today, you'll practice your aim. Remember, it's not about how many targets you hit, but how well you understand the wind and the forest."

Harry nodded earnestly, taking the bow with a respectful grasp. As they stepped outside, Aurora, the young dire wolf cub, bounded up to them, her tail wagging furiously. She nuzzled against Harry's leg, her bright eyes sparkling with anticipation.

The trio ventured into the woods, the trees standing tall and silent around them. The forest seemed to recognize Artemis, parting slightly as if in reverence to her presence. Harry felt the magic of the morning wrapped around him, a gentle reminder of the wonder of his world.