The sun was setting slowly on the city of Olympus casting a beautiful purple and gold light against the blue sky and white clouds. The sound of the waves on the soft sand was like a gentle lullaby. The air was still warm and there was an atmosphere of business as town's people could be seen darting from building to building carrying items in their arms, for Olympus was to be host to the Game of Champions.
The Game of Champions is an age old contest between the nine realms. It is a battle of strength, tactics, bravery and strategies. Normally it would be a fair contest as to who would win but this year was very different. This year the princes' of Asgard and Olympus were of age to enter. Apollo and Ares had been training their wholes lives for this one year, this one year to show they were strong enough and were ready to lead their Father's army. From Asgard Loki and Thor were more than ready. Thor with his strength and powerful Mjolnir in his hand and Loki with his sorcery and magic, everyone was ready for the greatest battle the Game of Champions had ever seen. Apart from one...
Artemis stood on the balcony of her room. The trouble she was feeling could be easily read on her face. It wasn't the Games that worried her; it was the event that was to take place afterwards. She had learnt from her Father earlier in the day that it was his and Odin's intention to marry Artemis to the oldest prince of Asgard, Thor. Artemis didn't dislike Thor as she had other suitors, she simply didn't love him and she intended to marry when she was in love, her half-sister Aphrodite had taught her that. First though was the opening ceremony, she'd been provided with a beautiful dress to wear that she refused to look at till she had to put it on. She liked to look at dresses and she liked to make dresses but she hated to wear dresses, she much preferred her normal leggings and tunic. Interrupting her train of thought was a knock at the door.
"It's open" she called turning briefly to see who it was. Hephaestus walked in silently; he smiled at his half-sister as he approached her.
"And prey tell why are you not in your ceremony gown?" he asked hugging her softly. Artemis pulled back and gave him one of her famous smiles. She would raise one side of her mouth creating a dimple, her eyes would shine and her eyebrows rose. "You know I dislike wearing dresses" she said.
"Yes but it is only for one night" Hephaestus said flitting over to the dress on the bed. He picked it up carefully and brought it over to her, he held it up and pressed it to her shoulders.
"One night is already far to long" Artemis replied taking it from him roughly.
"I heard Father told you of his marriage plans for you" Hephaestus said taking a seat at the dresser. "Do I need to ask your response?"
"I do not dislike Thor, only I have not seen him for years. We were children when we last set eyes on each other, how am I to know if I will learn to love him or not?" Artemis asked turning back to the sunset with her dress still in her hands.
"I saw Thor as of last month; trust me when I say he has grown into a fine man. Gentle on the eye" Hephaestus winked.
"But it is not looks that matter Hep, its's what's inside that matters!" Artemis said irritably.
"That is something Father and Odin do not care for" Hep said leafing through a book that was on her dresser.
"Would you please not read that, it's my journal" Artemis sighed, walking over to him slowly.
"I like to read your journal, it's full of the tales and troubles that you and Loki used to get into when you were children" Hep said smiling. "Tell me sister, if it was Loki you were 'assigned' to would you feel differently?"
"I would still feel as I do, only it would probably make things easier as I know or should I say knew Loki better than Thor" she replied sitting on the bed opposite Hep. "When Thor and Apollo would practice their fighting skills Loki and I would tell each other stories and ride the horses. We'd walk the shores of Asgard and converse about the stars…" Artemis said leaning on her fist and watching out the window again. Hep watched her smiling.
"Did you love Loki sister?" he asked.
"Love, well I loved him like a brother. As I love you, we were just children…" she trailed off again.
"I think I shall leave you to get ready, it shan't be long before they arrive" Hep said standing slowly; he leant over and kissed his sister's cheek. "And try to wear your smile" he added.
"My smile won't be seen as Father has given me this to wear" Artemis said picking up a piece of fine lace that had been lying on the bed next to her.
"Is that a veil?" Hep asked taking it in his hands with a smile.
"Yep, apparently I am not to be seen before the first game" she said raising her eyebrows.
"Well that's ridiculous" Hep said and then the door suddenly flung open and Leto, Artemis's Mother flounced in.
"Artemis why are you not ready, the princes are nearly here and everyone is prepared. Hephaestus what are you doing here?" Leto asked noticing the young man standing there.
"I was merely checking to see if Arte was ready, as you can see she's not but I was just leaving" Hep said looking from Leto to Arte. "I'll catch you later" he said with a nod and left.
Artemis didn't look at her Mother. They had very different views on life, Leto was very ladylike and wore dresses and hair pieces and had tea parties. Artemis was her polar opposite.
"Mother I trust you were aware of Father's plans of my marriage" Artemis said as her Mother dashed about the room grabbing brushes and pins for her hair.
"I was aware but it is your Father's decision not mine. I think you would do best to just smile and except it" Leto replied.
"But I don't love Thor, why would I marry a man I hardly know?" Artemis asked as Leto started pulling a brush through her daughter's hair.
"I married your Father" Leto replied.
"That's different" Artemis mumbled quietly.
After 30 minutes as the sun dial counts Artemis was standing in-front of her mirror in her silky blue dress and veil. Her Mother had adjusted the veil so it rested just under her eyes; her eye makeup itself was stunning. If her Mother could do one thing it was make-up.
"You look beautiful Artemis" Leto said resting her hands on her daughter's shoulders.
"I just want you to understand one thing" Artemis said turning to face her.
"What's that honey" Leto said looking at Artemis in the mirror.
"I will not marry Thor and I will not be pushed and shoved around like I'm a child"
Leto's face changed from happiness to one of anger. "You are my daughter, Zeus is your Father and you will do as he pleases" Leto said letting her hands drop. "Now I have to go fix my hair, you will go down to the main hall and meet with the others" Leto said and walked out the room, her long gown flowing behind her. With another sigh Artemis followed her Mother out and made her way to the great hall.