(3rd Person)
The hunters had settled just around the north Texas area, and they were about settled. Zoë and some other hunters were setting up fires and tents as Artemis instructed some of the younger hunters in basic skills.
Then the rain started. Now light rain wasn't a problem for the hunters. But this rain was anything but light.
Sheets of rain poured down in seconds of its start and by the looks it wasn't stopping soon.
"Girls! Go to your tents, we will regroup when this lightens up!" Called Zoë
The rain continued well into the night, but now it was worse. Thunder boomed in the air with high winds whipping around the trees as lightning struck around, lightning up the darkness.
With the girls safely in their tents, Artemis and Zoë planned their next move in the huntress' tent. But it was hard over the sounds of the raging storm.
Zoë wasn't blind. She could see how Artemis tensed at every clap of thunder. She could hear the goddess' heavy breathing shook unsteadily.
But she didn't ask. Of course she was concerned, she loved Artemis. But she knew that the goddess hated showing or talking about fears or worries. So she didn't push the subject.
"I think that's enough for today, let's go to bed Arty" Zoë stated.
Artemis barely looked up keeping her eyes closed and head down.
"Arty?" Still no response, something was wrong. Zoë places a gentle hand on her love's shoulder standing across the table from her. Artemis shook her head.
"Artemis look at me please" Zoë pleaded with her. She shook again as lightning struck outside.
Zoë crossed the table, standing in front of her. Grabbing her hand firmly she asked again.
"Artemis love, please tell me what's wrong" she pleaded lifting her chin with her free hand. She was met with red, puffy, fearful eyes.
Zoë was quick to wrap the goddess in a tight hug, letting her bury her face in her shoulder. Artemis' body shook with sobs and fear.
Staying like this in silence for a moment, the redhead finally spoke between shaky breaths.
"It's just my dad when we would fight he would get angry quick. He'd shout at me, but for him, shouting brings thunder and storms and I'm just..." Artemis trailed off hanging her head.
"Just what?" Zoë gently pushed.
"I'm so powerless against him! He always has the upper hand! He's threatened you before too and I just don't know how I can protect you. He said he'll take you away or kill you and I just don't know why you'd stay with me when I'm so pathetic. I mean your worth everything, why would you want me?" She cried hugging her tighter as another clap of thunder echoed off the trees.
Gently pulling away Zoë met her eyes with a soft sad smile. Cupping Artemis' face with soft but strong hands.
"You will not lose me Artemis. I know promises are dangerous in our line of work but I swear, I will always find my way back to you. Regardless of what your father says you'll never truly lose me." Zoë stated firmly. Gently kissing her on the lips which she quickly responded to, pulling her close and cherishing the moment.
"I know you're afraid of your father, as am I. But you are certainly not weak for being afraid, love. You are brave, so brave. Always leading without hesitation, protecting others without a second thought. Why would I ever want something else, when everything I want is right here?" She finished kissing her softly again.
Artemis nodded now looking more tired from crying and leaned forward in Zoë's warm embrace. Zoë kissed the slightly shorter goddess on the head before lifting the girl's legs to wrap around her torso, kola style.
Buring her face in Zoë's shoulder, the redhead allowed herself to be carried to her (their) cot and snuggled closer once Zoë was comfortably settled underneath her.
"I love you" Artemis mumbled into her neck on the brink of sleep, but it came out as 'iff fuff u' making Zoë laugh.
"I love you too"
