|| Runaways ||

|| Chapter 3 ||

Annabeth awoke with a start. At first she thought she was dreaming, but then the ache in her muscles returned. "Thalia? Luke?" Annabeth sat up and looked around. She was on a soft couch with a fur blanket draped over her. Luke was no where to be seen but Thalia was across the room, also sleeping.

"You're up" a voice came from behind her. Annabeth turned and scowled at the girl who was holding three cups of water and a plate of cheese with more Ritz crackers. "Luke's washing up, and Thalia's just crashed over there. Do you want to shower next? I have extra clothes."

Annabeth took a mug of water and sipped from it, the cool wetness once again soothing her throat. "Thanks," she said.

The girl sat down on the couch in front of her. "I'm Diana, by the way."

"Diana, like the Roman goddess?" Annabeth asked. Diana looked surprised.

"Why yes, like the Roman goddess." she looked at Annabeth curiously. "You know Roman mythology?"

Annabeth shrugged, though her eyes gleamed. "I know stuff. My mom's--" she cut off. "smart" she finished.

Diana looked amused. "Well, you must have a lovely mother."

A door opened and they both looked over. Luke exited, dressed in his normal ragged clothes. The dirt was off his face, though his hair was still wet.

"Luke!" Annabeth beamed. "You're clean!"

Luke smiled. "Yeah."

Diana stood up. "My apologies. I don't have male clothes. Annabeth, would you like to go next?" Annabeth jumped up eagerly. "Sure!"

Diana handed Annabeth some clothes, similar to her own. "Take your time."

Annabeth turned on the shower head, and watched mesmerized as the clear, warm water gently pulsed down. She stood in and relaxed as the heat soothed her, running down her arms and legs and taking weeks of dirt with it. Annabeth stood in a while longer before grabbing the shampoo and scrubbing her hair, sighing as her scalp breathed. A few blisters on her hands stung, but she ignored them. Then the conditioner went on, a luxury that Annabeth had forgotten about in her hurry to stay alive. The water washed the soap suds down, then Annabeth shut it off and grabbed a fluffy white towel Diana had brought to her, reveling in the softness. She quickly dried and put on the clothes-- a soft white shirt and tan camouflage pants with a silvery light ski jacket before exiting. The steam from the shower left the bathroom in clouds as Annabeth exited, feeling cleaner than she had in months.

"Annie, you look great" Luke said, beaming. He turned to Diana. "Thank you for your hospitality."

Thalia stood up, looking well rested and refreshed. "Yeah, thanks."

Diana turned her silvery eyes distastefully to Luke for a flitting moment. "You must leave soon," she said. "My... Sisters will not tolerate the presence of a male."

Thalia and Annabeth glanced at Luke.

"However," Diana continued, "I have a proposal for Thalia and Annabeth. Come with me into the woods."

Luke stood up forcibly. "No," he said firmly. "I'm coming with you, if you're taking them. We're a family." His eyes glinted in a way that made Diana sure he would take physical measures if refused his request. She inwardly sighed. Males.

"I warn you, it will not be pleasant. And when I am in my home, do not expect the same hospitality."

With that, Diana set off into the woods after calling for Ellie, who trotted in front of her.

"I thought this was her home," Annabeth whispered nervously.