A God's Mercy (Apollo x OC)

Chapter 32

     Shadows of swaying leaves fell in his eyes, the smell of salty water filling his nose. He could think of nowhere else to go, nowhere to think straight but here. Delos was especially nice this time of year. Even on his remote side of the island, he could smell the fat and wine offerings burning in the temples. All the while, waves of anger filled Apollo as he recalled the events the night prior. The girl did not cower before him or beg for mercy, as she should have. How dare she speak to him as if they were intimates, equals, even? Did she think he was in need of her opinion, or her pity? And asked him for a favor, as well! Who did she think she was? It was so astounding he might have admired her. But he kept those ideas under a heavy stone. He refused to look past the anger, in fear that he might do anything more foolish.
     "Heard anything on the wind?" He jumped, whirling to see a beautiful moon-haired youth in hunting skins. She held her hands up. "Calm yourself, it's only me." He faltered.
     "Artemis."
     "The only." She smiled at him in a way that pained him. She wouldn't look at him like that if she knew what he'd done. Glumly, he turned his gaze back onto the waves. If he'd had his way, he would hide to the ends of the earth, but a man had to control his problems. "Why are you dallying? I thought you'd have your bow with you." He shrugged, carelessly plucking a string of his harp. "Apollo?" She tickled a foxtail tickled under his nose. "Apollo!" He swatted it away lightly.
     "Stop it."
     "I meant no harm in it." He eyed her from the corner of his eye. A delicate frown creased her brow. Even though she was the older twin, she seemed so young. There was no other in this world like her. She smelled of mud and bear fat and leather. Her freckled cheeks were flushed with the thrill of the wild. "What's the matter with you?" Feeling himself soften, he scooted close to her, their arms pressed together. She leaned against him, sighing. "You've been avoiding me. What's the matter with you, eh?"
     "Sorry, I've just been thinking."
     "About something troubling? Or.. perhaps someone?" The tips of his ears felt hot and he strummed his lyre a bit more. Artemis pinched one, laughing through her nose. "Knew it."
     "Is it really so obvious?"
     "You needn't be so shy about it. You chase after lovers so much, I can recognize the signs." She was surely the greatest hunter alive. "Is it, perhaps, a quarrel?"
     "Something like that?"
     "Tell me about it."
     He raised eyebrows at her. "You, a sworn maiden?" She failed at looking innocent, despite her cherubic features. She shrugged.
     "I have some experience."
     "Hm," he leaned back in his seat, wondering how he should word his predicament. Of course, he wouldn't tell her everything. That would be foolish. Artemis was a fearsome creature when angered, and the last thing Apollo wanted to do was rouse that anger. "I'm angry with her. We've... had our differences, but for some reason I just can't get rid of her."
     "If it were me, I would just let things continue as they are."
     "Yes, but she's making issues for me. There is someone else important to me that doesn't appreciate her presence." Her lips quirked disapprovingly.
     "A jealous lover?" Sure, why not? He nodded. "I didn't think you would be so bothered by such a thing."
     "These girls are particular thorns in my side." She laughed and leaned back in her seat too.
     "Even so, I would still leave things as they are. Leafs come and go. They change color, don't they? It's the same with relationships. Something or other is bound to change. No need to wrestle your way through every time." He laughed, feeling some of the pressure ease from him. This was a feeling he missed. Another thing that girl had stolen from him.
     "It's no wonder you're a maiden."
     "I just like to take things as they go."

* Short chapter here lol. I'm just taking it easy now cuz I just you guysssss I just finished my college applications!! Ive been stressed these past few months but I'm so happy now. Also fun question: can anybody guess where the story's taking place now? I think it's fairly easy now lol.