Artemis

Disclaimer: She's the puppeteer and I am the puppet. Her ideas, my words.

Chapter One

Bella

The crystals of sand slid between my fingers, heated from the day and slightly course. I sighed, relishing in the dim sunlight that basked the coastline. I did it again, imagining that the grains of sand were my life – starting out as a whole, a mound, then slowly diminishing until my palm was empty. I shifted my position in the sand so that my legs bare legs were enjoying the warmth. A voice behind me startled me.

"Shouldn't you be going to bed soon?" The voice was admonishing, slightly grating. It was Phil, my mother's newest husband. Since malaria had claimed the life of my biological father, Renee thought it a business investment to marry and manage her own property. "A lot of money is to be made if your husband dies," she once told me. To me it had sounded cruel and detached, so I promised myself I would not turn out like her. I loved her, yes, but some things were just an abomination. I wriggled my toes.

"Just enjoying the evening sun," I said lightly. Phil bristled and I turned to look at him. The chocolate waves of my hair caught the sunlight and shimmered.

"A young girl your age ought to be married and out of my hair by now," he muttered. I smiled sweetly.

"Well I've only been in your hair for about four months now. Maybe you should work on your patience, father." My sweetly sarcastic tone infuriated him and he stomped away, probably to tell Renee. I didn't care. Since the moment I'd met him I'd hated him. He was loud, rude, and utterly ignorant. How Renee could stand to even share a bed with him was beyond me. I sighed, my gaze resting on the horizon. What I wouldn't give to head out that way – to leave the godforsaken town and never look back. I hated small town life. I wanted bustling streets, art, music. Not pigs and goats and women who grew wealthy off of the death of their husbands. I wanted life. Regardless of that, I knew that Renee would be coming for me any second, asking why I'd disrespected Phil and demanding that I apologize. Ha. As if I would dream of doing that. I never regretted anything I said to him. I stood, watching the sand fall from my dress like rain back to the beach and then began walking. I had no intention of going home – the beach stretched for miles and a long walk would do me good. Before long I came across a large ship. It was teeming with life – men running around. It wasn't aimless – a lot of them carried ropes, packages, and satchels of food. I watched the man that had to be the captain; his hat was oddly shaped and black with an emblem on the front. I didn't recognize it. When he turned he caught my gaze and I was taken aback. His hair was bronze, and not brown-bronze, just bronze. From where I stood I could see his eyes were a lighter color than that, like topaz. I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. And then he looked away. Never had I seen a man as handsome as he was. In fact, I'd never even taken the time out to look at men. Since Phil I had been convinced that all men were pigs. Straying closer I almost bumped into one of the men. He was good looking as well, with those same light eyes. His blond hair was tousled and slightly sweaty. He carried a large box. He opened his mouth to say excuse me and a shrill, melodic voice filled the air.

"Jasper! Be careful with those! There are fragile things in there!" I turned to see the source of the voice and the girl focused her gaze on me reprovingly. I stared at her. Those same light eyes, long curls of silken blonde. Gorgeous. She sneered. "You, commoner, shouldn't you be sheering a sheep or something?" Stung by her insult I swallowed.

"Excuse me," I murmured, before scurrying away. I cast one last glance at the man called Jasper. Before the girl had even left, I asked. "Where are you going?" He smiled.

"Italy." And then he was off, listening to the female bark orders. I shook my head, starting home. Italy. A beautiful place, I'd heard. My heart clenched. Oh, what I would give to go there!

-

That night I sat in front of the small hearth, warming my toes. The nights were usually a little chilly and Renee had made some hot cider for me. I sipped it.

"Dear, you can't run your mouth off to Phil," she said softly. I shrugged.

"He's not my father and he's a despicable man. I give respect when it's earned." Renee sighed. I could tell that my defiance took a toll on her, but it took a toll on me too. I didn't want to deal with him. I didn't want to be anywhere near him. I sipped the cider again, the soothing warm liquid heating my insides.

"You could at least try," she offered.

"So could he," I retorted. Renee didn't respond. Instead she changed the subject.

"Did you see the ship out there?" she asked. I nodded, thinking of the bronze-haired man. I smiled.

"It's very large."

"Hmm. They're calling it Artemis. Though I can't imagine why…" I shrugged.

"Active imagination?" Renee yawned.

"I don't know. I'm off to bed. You'd better do the same. Phil will be down to check shortly." A string of dirty words came to my mind, but I only said –

"Yes, mother." She left me there and as I watched the flames in the heart flicker blue and orange I could see his eyes again – silhouetted in the flames. I sat the cup down. I had to meet him.

Yes. It's short. It's just a taste and then you can let me know if I should continue. Thanks for all the reviewers from the Cotton Tail that are reading it. You're my loves.