The music was loud and the partying was louder. There was lots of dancing and singing and drinking. The children were having the best time; they ran around and around the dance floor chasing each other in imaginary games. Some of the adults were dancing but most were sitting and standing around talking and laughing. The decorations had been done exquisitely, the square looked majestic. The Royal Olympians had yet to arrive but all the other royals were there. The Asgardians were already there and they were the life of the party. Thor already drunk was boasting about how he was going to win the games and about how strong he was. Volstagg was by the buffet table obviously, Fandral was standing amongst a group of young woman and Hogan was dancing with Lady Sif. Loki was standing with Frigga and Odin who were talking to some of the Olympian elders.

"When do you think the Royals will arrive?" Frigga asked.

"They usually arrive fashionably late" one of the elders said.

As he finished speaking a trumpet sounded and a guard stood to attention. "Please make way for the Royals of Olympus" he said.

The crowd watched in awe as Zeus and Leto walked into the middle of the dance floor, they were both encrusted with jewels that glistened in the candle light. Ares, Hephaestus and a couple of the girls followed and behind them and then came Apollo and Artemis. There was a ripple of gasps as the twins walked forwards. Apollo for once looked like a true prince; he was wearing a blue waist coat that had white sleeves. He wore dark brown leather trousers that were obviously new and behind him swept a beautifully made blue cape. On his head perched a golden crown. Even though Apollo looked very handsome it was Artemis everyone was looking at. She was wearing a light and dark blue dress that had a flowing train behind it. Her hair was tied up on her head and flowed down one shoulder. Also on her head was a golden crown. She had her arm linked with Apollo as they came to a stop.

"Thank you everyone for attending" Zeus said looking around. "Please drink and eat as much as you can"

"I'll drink to that" Thor said raising his goblet. Most laughed with him but a few looked displeased that he was already wasted.

"Please tell me he isn't already out of his head" Artemis whispered to Apollo.

"If I told you that I'd be lying" Apollo whispered back.

"Do me a favor and don't leave me alone with him" she said and Apollo patted her hand what was clasping his arm.

"Of course, the champions must keep a clear head" Zeus said glancing at Thor. "For the second game will commence tomorrow. For now though, have fun"

As everyone dispersed Thor lumbered his way over to Artemis, Apollo stood up as straight as he could and looked at Thor with angry eyes.

"Would my lady give me this dance?" Thor asked holding his hand out for Artemis to take. She watched him closely.

"I'd rather not Thor" she replied.

"Why not?" he asked, he rocked a little on his heels.

"She said no" Apollo said and Thor looked at him.

"What does it matter to you?" Thor asked.

"She is my sister and she said it is not her wish to dance with you" Apollo said firmly.

"Your sister is my fiancée" Thor said "So brother, if you wouldn't mind stepping out the way…"

"Thor, leave them in peace please. Stop making a fool of yourself" a voice said joining them, it was Loki. He looked down at Artemis and smiled quickly at her.

"Loki, you would no sooner side with them?" Thor asked, there was no anger in his voice, just sheer drunkenness.

"No Thor" Loki said softly "I just think that Apollo and Artemis have just got here and that they wish to greet guests before dancing and what not" Loki said, as smooth aa ever. "Give Artemis an hour or two and then ask again"

Thor looked at Loki and then to Artemis. "Later then" he nodded and walked away. There was a distinct wobble in his walk. Artemis sighed.

"Oh please, I am not going to marry that" she said. "Look at him..."

"He's okay when he isn't drunk" Apollo said. "He'll make an exceptional husband"

Artemis looked up at her brother. "So you approve of my marriage?" she asked.

"Well yes, I'd rather you marry him than anyone else" Apollo said "At least I know you'll be well protected"

"Apollo" Artemis said and gave him a hug. "You can be very brotherly sometimes"

"Yeah well, don't tell anyone" he said.

"Cross my heart" Artemis said with a smile "Now go on and have fun"

He gave his sister a peck on the cheek and flitted away through the crowd.

"Thank you" Artemis said to the remaining Loki.

"What for?" he asked

"For saving me from your brother" she said.

"I could do so much more than save you" he said looking down at her.

"Loki, please not here" Artemis replied. "Let's just have a care free evening"

Loki sighed and gave her a small smile "Ok"

"Now why don't you go find a pretty girl and ask her to dance" Artemis said, Loki didn't reply. He just raised his eyebrows. "Meanwhile I'm going to go get a drink" she said and walked away.

Many people chatted to Artemis and told her how pretty she looked; although the constant flow of people was nice she was pleased when Hep came over.

"Hey you" she said opening her arms and he swept her up.

"Arte, where have you been hiding the past few days?" he asked as he put her down.

"Better question is where have you been?" Artemis said.

"I've been spending more time with Sybil" he said, a slight blush on his cheeks. "Arte, I'm going to ask her to marry me, tonight"

Artemis found it very hard to contain her excitement. "Hep, I'm so pleased for you! This is so exciting" she exclaimed and jumped into his arms again.

"Thanks Artemis" he said hugging her tightly.

When she pulled back she kissed his cheek lightly. "I'm so proud of you"

He face fell slightly "Do you think Father will approve?"

"Hephaestus" she sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Why would Father not approve?"

"Even though Sybil is a beautiful, kind, generous woman she is not of royal blood and you know how Father can be, I mean your marriage to Thor is a prime example"

"Hep, do not take me as an example. Never take me as an example, do what you think is right and make yourself happy. Okay yes Father might not approve, but who needs his approval?" she said and Hep gave her one of his own special smiles.

"Sister, I do hope you are following your own advice" he said.

Artemis noticed Loki cross the square ahead of them; Hep saw her looking as well.

"I wish I could" she sighed.

Behind her Thor's cheers of happiness bellowed around the square. Artemis rested on the bar table and sighed with her drink in hand.

"Hopefully the Cosmos will be watching over me" she said and Hep smiled.

"Stay strong sis" he said. "Now, would you like to dance with me?" he asked and Artemis smiled.

"Shouldn't you be dancing with Sybil?"

"She is still preparing herself" Hep smiled.

"Sybil does not need to prepare, she is stunning the way she is. I hope you tell her that" Artemis said allowing Hep to take her hand.

"Everyday" Hep said and spun his sister around.

Throughout the night there was much dancing and laughing. It was late when Zeus and Leto announced they were retiring for the night and Odin and Frigga followed shortly after. It wasn't long till it was just the young gods left at the party. Once the last slow song had been played Freyr took to the stage.

"How do everyone" he said looking around. He was slightly tipsy and was pleased his sister, Freyja, had gone to bed. "One of my most treasured friends has joined us tonight all the way from Alfheim, Jareth"

There was a puff of smoke and a very tall elf emerged, he had blonde spiky hair and was wearing a long cape that draped from his shoulders. Instantly all the girls in the court yard swooned to the front of the stage.

"I gather you're having a party" Jareth said and everyone cheered. "Well, I'm here to provide you warriors with some music so let's get drunk and have an amazing time!" he yelled and the music started up.

Artemis watched as Hep and Sybil danced together, she wondered idly when he was going to ask her to marry him. She was getting tired and was worried that she was going to miss it. The song Jareth was singing was very catchy; it was something about magic dancing. Artemis was sure that Loki would like this song but she hadn't seen much of him since telling him to go ind someone to dance with. Her train of thought was interrupted when Sif sat down at the table next to her.

"So, are you looking forward to the second game tomorrow?" she asked, her eyes shining.

"No not really" Artemis said. "It's an endurance one and I don't have much stamina"

"Don't worry about it, besides we won the first one. There's no pressure"

Artemis raised her eyebrows and looked at Jareth on the stage. He was now singing a slower song. She caught the words 'as the world falls down'.

"He's a very good singer isn't he?" Sif said looking at Jareth "And soft on the eyes"

"Yes very" Artemis agreed. She sighed heavily and brought her goblet to her lips; she took a big sip and placed the goblet back on the table.

"Arte, are you alright?" Sif asked.

"Yes I'm fine. I think I just drunk a little too much, I am going to retire now" she said standing.

"Here take some water" Sif said handing her a glass.

"Thank you" Artemis nodded and moved away from the party.

As she wobbled away from the party the song Jareth was singing echoed in her ears. His voice seemed to flow through her and make her lighter headed. She had no idea where she was walking too till she could smell salt in the air and feel the sand beneath her toes.

"Mmm, beach" she mumbled to herself and walked towards the water. She stopped when she was knee deep. "I really drank too much" she laughed and scooped up her dress the best she could. She was gently humming and swaying to herself when someone called out her name. She turned and saw Loki standing on the beach.

"Hey Loki" she called and waved to him frantically.

"Arte, what are you doing?" he called, looking at her with raised eyebrows.

"I'm…" she said looking at him and them down at her feet. "Holy Minator I'm in the sea!" she exclaimed, the effects of the wine suddenly no longer clouding her mind. "Loki I'm in the sea!" she shouted.

"Hold on" he called and set to pulling his boots off as quickly as he could. He then waded out and Artemis leapt about two feet into his arms. He laughed and looked softly at her.

"Have you been drinking Artemis?" he asked smelling the drink on her breath.

"No" she replied and looked into his eyes. Her arms were wrapped tightly around his neck and one of his hands gripped under her knees and around her back. "Where have you been all evening?" she asked almost crossly.

"I was at the party like you" he replied.

"But I haven't seen you!"

"That's because I was giving you some space" he said.

"Why?" now the danger from the water was gone the alcohol seemed to be hazing her mind again.

"Because" he sighed and started to carry her back to the sand. "You look so stunning that I feared if I got close to you I wouldn't be able to leave you alone"

"Oh" she replied.

As Loki placed her feet firmly on the sand he ran his hands down her shoulders to her hands and gently took her's in his.

"I think I'm drunk" Artemis said, her eyes glazing over a little.

"Then it would be wrong for me to take advantage of you, no matter how tempting it is" Loki said and gently brushed his lips against hers.

"You're taking advantage" Artemis said, a smile playing across her lips.

"I just can't help it, you're like a siren to me" Loki whispered.

Artemis blinked up at Loki and slowly reached her arms around his neck and he snaked his arms around her back and pulled her close.

"What about your brother?" Artemis whispered.

"Thor always gets everything he wants" Loki said watching Artemis's face closely. "Well I'm afraid you are one thing he cannot simply have" as soon as the words left his mouth he pressed his lips to hers.

Neither was sure how long they remained locked together but there was suddenly a flash of light that startled them both.

"Quick" Loki said tugging Artemis behind some rocks.

She giggled and he covered her mouth gently with his hand. "Arte, shush" he said although they could both hear the smile in his voice.

"Artemis wouldn't have come this way" a voice said.

"It's Hep" Artemis whispered.

They watched as Hep, Apollo and Sif came onto the beach, behind them stumbled Thor. "She doesn't like the ocean"

"She seemed to have drunk rather a lot" Sif said.

"And low and behold my brother has also disappeared" Thor slurred his words. "I bet they're together this minute…"

"Thor!" Sif scolded. "Artemis isn't like that"

"But you said she was intoxicated" Apollo said "And we all know how Loki feels about her"

"He would never harm her" Thor said, his voice low "He's always wanted what is mine"

Loki was ready to jump to his defence but Artemis squeezed his arm. She slowly brought out one of her wings and covered them as the four got closer with their torches.

"This is a waste of time, come on" Apollo said "Let's head back towards the palace. Perhaps she's made it back already"

Artemis and Loki remained motionless as Sif, Apollo, Hep and Thor exited the beach. With a giggle Artemis drew back her wing and looked up at Loki.

"We are in such trouble" she laughed and brought her lips to his.

"That we are" he also laughed and placed his hand on the back of her head to bring her closer. "This is turning out to be an interesting night" he said against her lips and Artemis nodded.

There was a pause between them "Would you like to come back to my room tonight?" Artemis asked quietly and Loki looked down at her.

"Arte, are you sure?" he asked, secretly he was so hoping she was going to say yes. His heart soared as she nodded her head slowly. He gently took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

The pair eventually got back to Artemis's chambers, they'd side-tracked to the kitchen and even though Loki and had told her she'd had enough Artemis had downed two more glasses of champagne. Loki was becoming more and more unsure as to whether he wanted to join Artemis in her chambers. Yes he loved her and wanted to be with her but when she was under the influence and not herself, the alcohol in her system made her more confidant and he wasn't totally convinced he'd be spending the night with the real Artemis, his Artemis. He'd mentally decided to take her as far as her door when he heard a voice and scuffling on the other side.

"Shush" he whispered to Artemis who was now swaying and hiccupping by his side. He pressed his ear to the door and listened.

"There's someone in there" he whispered and looked down at Artemis. She just shrugged her shoulders. Pushing Artemis behind him Loki braced himself and pushed the door open, his hands held forward to use magic if needed. The sight that beheld him amused but also confused him as he looked down at the fawn, Pan, and surrounding him were puppies, wolf puppies.

"PAN!" Loki exclaimed and the boy jumped and looked up. His wide eyes darted from Loki to Artemis.

"Oh yeah" Artemis said pushing Loki into the room and quickly shutting the door behind her.

"What on earths going on?" Loki asked looking around at them all startled.

"Don't freak" Artemis said and went over to Pan. "I told Pan that I would help him look after his puppies"

"They aren't my puppies" Pan said looking up at her, he picked up the one called Alue and pushed it into Artemis's arms. "Each puppy is destined an owner, Loki this is Blue" he said picking up the small female black pup. He stood and walked over to Loki, his hooves clattering on the marble. He held to puppy out for Loki to take, Loki looked at Artemis who nodded. Loki gently took the small bundle of fluff in his arms. "You were destined to own her" Pan said.

"I don't understand" Loki whispered.

"Pan, it's getting late. You should go home to your Mother" Artemis said walking over and placing a hand on the fawn's shoulder.

"Okay" Pan nodded and headed to the door.

"Come back at 6:00" Artemis instructed and the fawn nodded and trotted away down the hall. Artemis closed the door slowly and turned around to face Loki. Her eyes met his as she cringed and waited for his response.

"What have you gotten yourself into this time?" he asked with a smile creeping onto his face. Artemis slowly relaxed and placed Alue back on the floor, the puppy licked her hand quickly and then jumped over to the other dogs to go play.

"It's a long story" Artemis said.

Loki glanced at the moon rising in the night sky. "I think we have enough time" he said, still holding Blue in his arms.

Artemis told Loki what Pan had told her about the wolf and what he had been told about them supposedly having a puppy each. The whole time Blue was sat fast asleep in Loki's lap. Once she had finished she waited for his response.

"Well Pan has a vivid imagination" Loki said and Artemis frowned.

"I don't believe he is lying" she said. "And besides I think you seem rather happy with your puppy"

Loki looked down at the animal in his lap. "She is cute" he mumbled and stroked Blue's ears.

"Well I'm gonna get changed out this dress" Artemis said taking a hair clip out and letting her hair fall to her shoulders. She'd forgotten about her drunken invitation to Loki. He watched her, waiting for her to say something. "I'll be back in a moment" she said and headed to her bathroom. Loki sat on the bed and watched as the puppies played rough and tumble. He then thought about Pan.

"How did Pan come into existence?" Loki called to Artemis in the bathroom.

"His mother is or was a nymph called Driope" she replied "And we're pretty sure that Hermes is his Father, although he will never admit it. I was thinking of making him my page, what do you think?" she called.

"I think you might be biting of more than you can chew" he said as he spied a book on the shelf.

He placed Blue on the bed and she curled into the quilt, he then walked over to the bookshelf and brought out a book labelled Greek Mythology.

"Where did you get this book from?" Loki asked and Artemis poked her head around the door. She squinted at the red leather hardback book and smiled. She darted behind the door again and pushed it closed. "Its one that my father gave me" she said "He brought it back from one of his trips to Midgard. It's scary how accurate they are about me"

Loki opened the book and skimmed down the contents. He noted that there was a chapter on all the Olympians but the one he was interested in was Artemis. He flicked to her chapter and snorted at the picture that the Midgard ants thought the Olympian Goddess looked like.

"They aren't accurate on your appearance Arte" he laughed and she giggled from the bathroom.

"Oh yeah I'd forgotten about that, I'm going to take a shower" Artemis said, her head appearing around the door again. "I'm not sure how long I am going to be. You can stay and read that for a bit if you like" she said nodding to the book.

"Okay" Loki smiled softly.

She smiled back and closed the door; he noted the sound of the lock turning. With a heavy sigh he went over to bed and started to read the book.

Artemis came out the bathroom 30 minutes later, she was dressed in her favourite pink silk nightwear and her hair tumbled down her shoulders and back. As she walked into her room she noticed that Loki was still lying on her bed only he was fast asleep with the red book flat on his chest. Smiling to herself she walked over to the balcony and looked out across the ocean, it looked so magical. She then looked down at the puppies. They were all curled up together, she bent down and stroked Alue, the pup looked up at her and Artemis couldn't resist the urge to pick her up and cradle her in her arms. Slowly she shut the balcony doors, barricading out the sounds of the party goers, and walked over to the bed. She smiled when she spotted Blue curled by Loki's side. She gently placed Alue on the bed and she joined her sister and fell asleep next to her, Artemis then removed the book from Loki's chest and placed it on the bedside table. As slowly and gently as she could she removed his boots, she was glad he'd removed his leather coat pre-hand. Picking up another blanket she placed it over him, she then gently slide under the covers and faced Loki and the puppies. He was so peaceful when he slept, all his worries swept from his face. She wondered if he was dreaming. Kissing Alue on the head she turned over and fell asleep.