Artemis ~
The night was still and silent. I sat by the lake, waiting for Orion. It was almost midnight, there was a full moon, and the water was very calm, almost too calm. Poseidon must be in a good mood.
I saw movement in the water; soon Orion swam up to shore. I was shocked, he was wearing a white tuxedo instead of his normal hunting attire. Is this some sort of special occasion he's planning?
Orion ~ (Flashback)
"Son, it's time. I sense her presence. You shouldn't keep the lady waiting any longer."
I sighed, taking one last glance at the mirror. I wasn't wearing my usual hunting clothes. Instead I was wearing a tuxedo, which felt … uncomfortable, but I was doing this for Artemis, so there are no regrets, besides there was no turning back now. The next few minutes were going to be one of the hardest times in my life. I was going to propose to Artemis, the virgin goddess who detested men.
End of Flashback
Artemis ~
"So Orion, care to explain why you've called for this um … meeting so suddenly? One more thing, why on earth are you wearing a tuxedo? I thought you hated those! "
He didn't even answer me; instead he just got down on one knee and took out a small wooden box.
"Artemis, goddess of the hunt, forests, and the moon. When we first met, you resented me with a passion, but we got to know each other better when we hunted together, and things just clicked together, it was like we were meant to be with each other. Our bond was inseparable, even when I was in Hades, and it still is. I have already swore on the River Styx that I love you with all my heart and soul, and that is a promise that I am willing to keep for the rest of my immortal life. Will you make me the happiest man alive by giving me the honor of becoming your husband?"
No, this … this couldn't be happening, it's just too good to be true. What would my hunters think of me? I have raised them to detest men, and taken away the immortality of those who had fallen in love, when I have done so myself.
"Listen to your heart" a voice spoke in my head.
Aunt Hestia?
"Yes, it is I. Artemis, when you are with Orion, the hearth burns ever so strongly. Do you not remember when you lost him? How it hurt you so much to see him go? Never forget this, the hearth isn't always a roof over your head. He is the one, now listen to your heart and make your choice wisely."
"Yes Orion, I will."
Once those four words came out of my mouth, I knew that they were true. It was what I wanted all along, all these years. It had just taken me these many centuries to finally make that decision.
Orion stood up and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer to him. I stayed in his arms, lost in those sea green eyes of his. I didn't even realize that the sun was already starting to rise. Had we really been out here for so long?
I looked out at the sun, knowing that Apollo was out there somewhere. Did he already know that Orion and I were … engaged? And what would father think of this? Would he be happy that I had found a man to be with or would he be upset?
"Artemis."
I turned to look at my now fiancé, his eyes were deep green, meaning that he was concerned but still had a small smile on his face.
"You're worried about what your father and brother thinks of this aren't you? The way you look at the sun and the skies. Know that whatever they think, I'm still here for you and will always stand by your side."
Oh Orion, that man and how he can read my thoughts just by taking a glance at me.
"Alright Orion, let's go."
I took his hand and we both teleported to the throne room on Olympus. Father sat there on his golden throne as if he knew that I would be coming.
"Ah, Orion and Artemis, is there something that you should be telling me about?"
"In fact, yes we do." Orion replied.
How could he be so confident? Even I, the daughter of Zeus himself, who was called "daddy's girl" by every other child of Zeus was clueless and didn't know what to say. Yet Orion stood there, tall and proud, facing my father and spoke again.
"Lord Zeus, I apologize for not asking for your permission for Artemis's hand in marriage, but I cannot change the past, so now I am asking for your blessing."
Zeus ~
I couldn't believe it. My daughter Artemis was getting married. Never have I thought that this day would happen, but I guess sometimes even the king of the gods could be wrong.
He was asking for my blessing? Let's see, he's a minor god, lieutenant of my brother's domain. Hmm … I know, yes that'll do.
"Orion, I am glad that you have found your true love, and that she has excepted your proposal. As for my blessing, I will now make you a major god."
I focused on Orion for a few seconds and felt a surge of my power enter him. Good, it was done.
"Orion, you are now the god of mortals, heroes, waves and tides. Artemis, I would like to speak with you privately."
I watched as my daughter looked at Orion who nodded at her and released her hand, allowing her to come to me. I was so glad that my daughter had finally found herself a perfect man.
Artemis ~
Orion was now a major god. But if father could bring Orion back from life, couldn't he do the same for Zoe? And what does father want to speak with me about? Is it about Thalia? The hunt? Orion? Did I do something wrong? I quickly pushed these thoughts aside, and hoped for the best as I reached where father was standing at the very end of the throne room.
"Artemis, I know what you're thinking right now, that I can simply snap my fingers and bring Zoe back. I can but think about it, Zoe is now in the stars; she died a hero. Do you not remember that? She gave up her life to go on her final quest, knowing that she was going to die in the end by her own father's hand. It's true that she deserves to be immortal again but it would be unfair to the other heroes who have died as well. Orion is the only exception because he has served us all well, slaying many monsters that pose as threats to us. I pitied him for it was Gaia, who sent Scorpios to kill him murdered him. I understand how you feel about Zoe; it pains me to see you lose one of your sisters, especially one that has been so close with you. You have already given her the highest honor, by putting her in the stars. Think of what Zoe would want you to do? Would she want to see you mourn and cry for her every day and night? She would have wanted you to move on. Now honor her last wishes, it's for the best."
Zoe, she deserved so much more than to just be put on the skies. I sighed and shed my last tears for the huntress that I've lost, knowing that her spirit was somewhere out there, watching me.
"I … I just wish that I could do more. I sighed.
Father came up to me and wrapped his arms around me.
"It's for the best Artemis."
Zeus ~
She was usually so strong, nothing like was she was right now. I hated to see her like this, so fragile. I sighed, knowing that she would get through this eventually.
"Come one Artemis, Orion is waiting. You have a wedding to plan. Remember that you can always Iris Message me when you need me but I don't you'll be anymore since you have Orion. Don't forget to send me an invitation!"
I kissed the top of her head and exhaled with relief as a smile appeared on her face. She sprinted out and joined Orion. Ah, this was something that Aphrodite would call a great love story worthy of being written down in the records.
Sorry for those who wanted Zoe to be brought back to life. Anyways, I'm already starting to work on Chapter 10. Gasp, yes it's going to be the wedding. Thanks for all the love and support. Remember to R&R!
