Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Artemisias

Chapter Three

The evening breeze cut the air like a sharp knife, sending chills down everybody's spine. The silver crescent moon was hidden behind thick, black clouds, sending little light to the earth below. The trees shivered, their leaves falling mercilessly onto the ground as the wind blew. All was silent; there were no animals making sounds in the woods, no cars passing by, and no one spoke.

Thalia Grace shifted in her seat beside Artemis. She glanced anxiously at the Goddess of the Hunt; her electric blue eyes throwing all evidence of fright as her gaze flickered from Her Ladyship to Sirona, the Celtic Goddess of Healing. Being in the presence of two goddesses was overwhelming; it made Thalia extremely uneasy 'due to the events that may take place.' She wasn't at all sure if Artemis and Sirona would get along well now that they knew of the newest member of the Hunt's identity.

"My lady," Sirona spoke up, her voice was smooth and calm like a fine Springtime weather. She stared at Artemis through her long, dark brown fringes that was covering half of her face. She didn't bother fixing it, thinking that it would be like that again later. "Please let me speak with the rest of the Olympians; they deserve to know the upcoming danger."

"I understand," Artemis uttered almost aloof, holding Sirona's gaze to confirm whether the Goddess of Healing spoke the truth or not. She sat upright, the resilient dark blue carpet of her tent scraping against her bare legs. The small campfire separating the two of them was burning stronger as the seconds passed by. Thalia wondered if this was an indication of Artemis' rage. "However, I am not sure if they would be willing to receive audience from you."

"Why, Lady Artemis? If it is about the past, I―" Sirona halted mid sentence, seeing Artemis raise her hand in order to cut her off. Sirona made a slight tsking noise, looking away and avoiding the others' eyes upon her. They were in a perilous situation and yet something from the past just had to get in the way of both sides co-operating. "I cannot believe this," Sirona muttered bitterly, staring at Artemis with narrow dark brown eyes that appeared almost black in colour. She knew she had a much better temper, but, somehow, this was getting on her nerves enough that she felt like she had to let go in order to lose some of the tension.

"I apologise for that, Sirona." Artemis sighed softly, ignoring the glare she was being given and flashed Sirona a good-natured smile. "I will try to pass along this message and convince them. I do hope they would agree…" Artemis turned her head to Thalia's direction, motioning for her lieutenant to have a say if she had any opinions to share.

"I do hope, as well," Thalia murmured, choosing her next words wisely. "I really think that we should tell the Olympians about this, but… Why, Lady Artemis, do you say that they might not want to see her?" Thalia furrowed her eyebrows, confusion etching her features as she sought for answers at the back of her head. Was there something she was missing? She knew of the Greek deities' history, however, she had a feeling there was an information that wasn't revealed to her and the others.

"In due time, Thalia." Artemis frowned, her sorrowful silver eyes watching the fire before her flicker abnormally. "I will tell you, Thalia, in due time; just… not now. Is that understood?" Artemis pursed her thin, pink lips in thought. She lowered her head slightly, her auburn fringes acting as curtains to conceal her eyes. She clenched her fists at her side, unhappy that she would keep something away from her half-sister when she deserved to know.

"Yes, Lady Artemis," Thalia uttered almost inaudible, heaving out a heavy sigh. Her electric blue eyes wandered across the room, noting how the fire coming from the small camp-fire gave shadows to the objects inside the tent; how it gave shine to porcelain vases and such. There were several animal skins and paintings decorating the walls of the silver tent, giving life to the place. Thalia felt the soft, blue carpet beneath her hands as she placed them at her sides, rubbing it occasionally.