I live!

Sorry for the long wait. The holidays kicked my ass in several ways and I'm just getting back into the groove of things. Updates should hopefully be fairly regular from here on as the story progresses!

Lots of things planned here and I just can't wait (especially for the steamy things I want to write).

Enjoy!

… And her father's smiling face was the first thing she saw.

Those same sea green eyes she'd seen in mirrors for most of her life set within the well-tanned face of a Mediterranean sailor, his mustache and beard trimmed to perfection. He was dressed in dark navy slacks and deep, green buttoned shirt with the sleeves rolled up almost to the elbows. That along with a button or two undone near the neck helped give a relaxed air.

Just seeing that did away with the nerves she'd been feeling, even if she still had to meet her stepmother too. So, with an excited smile of her own, she stepped forward into the open arms of her father.

"Papa," she said warmly as she was enveloped within his embrace, hugging him back with everything she could.

His chest rumbled with a deep chuckle as he held her, giving her a firm squeeze before relaxing it as he stepped back.

"It's good to see you too Penny. How are you?" he asked, looking her over for just a moment.

She internally preened at the hints of approval she caught in his eyes.

"I'm good, thank you," she replied before looking back to Artemis, offering up a hand to the redhead.

Artemis took it and let herself be pulled closer, drawing Poseidon's gaze. His eyes narrowed for a moment, a slight glow of intensity coming from them as Artemis looked back without giving anything away, firmly holding onto Penny's hand. However, after a few seconds, Poseidon relaxed again as a slight smirk formed on his face as he looked at Penny with amused raising of his eyebrow.

Neither goddess missed the meaning behind the look, Penny giving a sheepish smile while Artemis blushed lightly. That just made him chuckle more before he opened his arms at Artemis.

"Doesn't your favorite uncle get a greeting hug too?" he asked, his voice innocent to none as his eyes did the smiling for him.

Artemis snorted a bit at that as she rolled her eyes but smiled all the same and walked up to him, squeaking slightly as Poseidon gave her the full-on bear hug. Penny couldn't help giggling a bit at the sight, watching Artemis blush as she was easily held off the ground thanks to the size difference until Poseidon set her down.

Coming up to her flustered lover's side, Penny looked at her father as Poseidon set a hand on each of their shoulders.

"I'm happy for you, both," he said, his gaze sincere as both goddesses smiled back at him.

Nodding his head, he let go of their shoulders and turned around, ushering them towards the door. Letting Artemis walk in front of her, the goddesses made their way past the front door into the kitchen. However, instead of looking at the surrounding layout, décor, and whatever was causing that wonderful smell, Penny's gaze immediately went to the goddess standing beside the granite-top island in the middle.

Holy…

Unbidden, Penny took in the sight before her, silently complimenting her father's stellar tastes in women. Maybe it was because they weren't in the middle of a battle at the moment, maybe she'd simply hadn't taken the time to really look the one occasion Amphitrite had been around during the ceremonies. Regardless, here and now, Penny felt like she was actually seeing her divine stepmother for the first time … and she really liked it.

Tall and statuesque, with curves in all the right places, Penny could see why Amphitrite was known as Aphrodite's undersea rival. Those warm, light brown eyes naturally relaxed anyone who saw them, even if there was an edge of power to them, like the calm tides before high noon. Her long, flowing black hair falling in waves was tucked back, leaving her face clear and showing off her naturally olive complexion.

Letting her gaze lower—after pausing on those plump, dark lips—Penny admired the lacy, dark green dress Amphitrite chose for the evening. It was almost shoulder-less and only dipped a bit past the collarbones but even if didn't show cleavage, the snugness more than made up for highlighting a wonderfully full bust. With a mix of wavy patterns done into the lace of the material, the thicker material forming the bodice of the dress was visible underneath.

It suited to show her slim waist before flaring out into wide-set hips as the skirt of the dress relaxed from there, falling lightly against her legs and ending just after mid-thigh. From there, her legs seemed to go on until it ended at her black heels, making Amphitrite look taller than she already was.

All in all, Penny now had her stepmother under the 'Total Babe' category.

However, her gaze went back up to find Amphitrite's eyes as the vixen stepped up beside Artemis. The only time she'd been face to face with the sea queen, Penny had only found annoyance and indifference at best before Amphitrite left to rejoin the battle. Now though, things were very different. Penny hadn't been the only one doing some checking out, going by the way Amphitrite's eyes had done a quick up and down.

Amphitrite kept her face at a casual yet friendly demeanor, with a slight smile and a generally welcoming air. But her eyes showed just a little more than that, given the way Amphitrite was focusing more on Penny than Artemis. The vixen was almost sure she saw hints of interest in those chocolate orbs, but for what exactly?

Well, a curious fox she was, so she focused on another assortment of senses as she heard the door closing behind her. Reading the surface-level emotions she could, she got hints of nervousness mixed with a keen sense of curiosity, and … was that excitement?

She didn't really get a chance to try and dive deeper—not that she would have gone too far, otherwise that was plain invasive—as her father stepped past her and stopped at Amphitrite's side, his arm seamlessly wrapping around her waist.

"Now I believe a re-introduction is in order given the last time wasn't exactly ideal," her father started, giving a side glance to Amphitrite. Penny could have sworn she saw just a little golden color coming to Amphitrite's cheeks at that. Regardless, her father continued, "… And things have changed quite a bit, so, Amphitrite, meet Penelope Romera."

"A pleasure," Amphitrite said in turn, stepping forward while raising her hand for a shake.

"Mine too," Penny replied as she met the sea goddess halfway and took her hand.

However, the moment she was holding onto Amphitrite's hand, Penny felt a familiar urge push forward after already stirring the moment she saw the beauty. The one she got whenever she was around attractive women; an almost irresistible desire to flirt and tease. So, stepping closer while keeping a slightly firmer hold, Penny inclined her head a little as her voice dropped into a lower tone.

"… And please, just Penny," she all but purred, her eyes never leaving the queen's.

She was rewarded with the slightest widening of Amphitrite's eyes, a little more color coming to her cheeks. Feeling rather successful in her little moment, the vixen allowed herself to step back as she released Amphitrite's hand, letting the touch linger just enough.

The divine vixen kept a slightly teasing smile on her face as she glanced at their audience. Artemis looked somewhere between bemused and somewhat surprised at what she did. Her father on the other hand looked highly amused with the slightest bit of curiosity as his eyes kept shifting between her and Amphitrite.

Looking at her stepmother again, Penny's gaze was met by those brown orbs as Amphitrite faint blush slowly died down, but the vixen didn't miss that little smile playing on her lips. She could also sense a slight bit of satisfaction coming from the queen along with a growing excitement.

"Penny it is then," Amphitrite said after a few seconds, her voice coming out distinctly warmer as the goddess looked back at her in the following silence.

"… Well," her father started after clearing his throat, seamlessly setting aside the way Penny and Amphitrite were staring at each other. "I know this is all a little sudden, so again, thank you for coming."

"No worries uncle," Artemis replied then. "We didn't have exact plans for the evening as it was, but this is a nice too."

Both then stopped as they glanced at the two goddesses, their gazes locked as Penny tried to figure out everything she was seeing and feeling. That and Amphitrite was just really easy on the eyes to begin with. Aside for the brief blush coloring Amphitrite's cheeks, the queen wasn't giving much away even to Penny's rather exotic senses.

She wouldn't expect anything less from a queen with millennia of experience anyhow.

Still, she could make out those hints of interest and excitement at the surface but had the nagging sensation that there was more but just couldn't get a proper read on it. However, her musing was put aside as she felt Artemis give her a light squeeze of the hand just as her father did the same with his hand on Amphitrite's hip.

Amphitrite finally looked away from her and glanced at her husband, blinking for a moment before the queen's eyes widened and her cheeks colored again as she turned back to them.

"Then we're glad to have you both. Now, who's hungry?" she asked, waving a hand at dining table already set up for four behind them, with several large platters covered over waiting for them.

At that moment, Penny's stomach decided to make itself known with a growl, drawing all eyes to her as a blush now marked her cheeks as she gave a sheepish smile. Damn, old mortal reactions. That got a round of chuckles from the other gods before Poseidon stepped aside with Amphitrite and ushered them to the table.

As her father went about pulling Artemis' chair and then her own, Amphitrite walked to the kitchen, looking into what looked like a wine cabinet before pulling out a clear bottle. Thanking her father as she sat down, she watched as Amphitrite opened the bottle, a crisp popping sound echoing about, before the sea queen came to the table and started pouring glasses.

Filling Artemis' first, and then Penny's, Amphitrite then filled her own and her father's before setting the bottle down in a chiller and sitting in the seat Poseidon pulled out for her right across from Penny. Looking at the beauty across from her only for a moment, Penny then shifted her gaze to her father as he cleared his throat.

"Well, I know this isn't exactly chef made but I hope you'll enjoy this little spread Amphitrite and I whipped up for you," he said as he waved his had making the silvery covers disappear.

The aroma all but assaulted Penny's sensitive nose, making her mouth water as she eyed the food.

At the center was a large, steaming pan of pasta covering in a thin white sauce and pale cheese. Oddly enough, the pasta had an orange tint to it, making her wonder if there was anything blended into it. She could see mushrooms and spinach cooked into the paste along with a liberal splash of parsley on top.

The platter beside it had seared steaks on it but Penny had no idea what animal it was given the odd red and orange coloration of the meat. She could also see and sense the shimmer of a tiny warming charm over those two platters, meaning the covers had been more for aesthetic and theater.

Beside that was a small basket of freshly made bread rolls and another small bowl of freshly tossed salad. She could pick out the cucumber, arugula, and peach in it, but the other fruits or veggies weren't familiar to her. It all smelled delicious regardless and she was already trying to plan how she'd go about eating it.

However, her eyes were then drawn to her father. Seeing him pick up his glass, she mirrored it as did Amphitrite and Artemis.

"To the gods, or should I say us?" he asked, a cheeky smile on his face getting an amused snort from Penny, and slightest eyeroll from Artemis while Amphitrite's amused smiled said it all.

Clinking their glasses together at the center, Penny brought the glass to her lips to take a sip. The wine was had a bit of a sharp and crisp flavor to it, carrying notes of lavender and something else she couldn't quite put her finger on, before the flavor mellowed out to a smooth finish.

Normally her preferences were on the sweet side, but she liked this wine regardless. Taking another slight sip, she then set down her glass as she looked at the food.

"What would you like first?" Poseidon asked her as Amphitrite already started spooning some salad onto Artemis' plate.

Seeing as Artemis was already started with the greens Penny said, "Salad please."

That got Amphitrite's attention as the queen smiled and shifted a bit to putting some on Penny's plate. Once she had a generous portion, Amphitrite moved to putting some on Poseidon's plate. Penny did not miss the tiny pout on her father's face, or the way Amphitrite narrowed her eyes at him, half-serious and half-amused. Looks like someone needs to work on eating his greens, Penny thought, silently giggling to herself as she waited for Amphitrite to serve herself.

Once done, Amphitrite noticed neither Penny nor Artemis had started.

"Oh, no need to wait," the queen waved off to which Penny and Artemis eagerly got their forks and dug in.

Penny was quick to take her first bite, a pleased hum coming out as she chewed on leafy goodness and the mixed in veggies and fruits. There was a slightly yellow veggie (?) in there, diced up along with some kind of nut that reminded her of cashews, all tossed in a red-wine vinaigrette. The slices of peach added hints of sweetness along with the fresh cucumber and the mystery veggie that was more tart and crisp.

"Like it?" Amphitrite asked her after a few bites, the queen elegantly eating her own salad.

"I do, but what's this?" she returned, holding up one of the yellow diced veggies on her fork.

"That would be a variant of sweet squash we grow in Atlantis," Amphitrite answered readily.

"Oh, I'm guesses you have lots of variants or completely different fruits and vegetables in Atlantis," she mused out loud getting an agreeing hum from Amphitrite.

"It's quite the selection actually and then you'll find even more variety in different territories deepening on how they grow their produce. Everything here comes from the farms we have near the palace."

"Huh, I don't remember seeing much farms when I was there," she said before she could help herself.

Amphitrite only gave slight nod. "You wouldn't have. All the smaller fields for our rice and other roots crops were already harvested before the battles could get too close and then used as battle lines. However, there is actually a network of caverns underneath the outer rims of the palace and city proper that is used for farming mostly."

"Really?" she asked curiously, taking another bite as she remained focused on Amphitrite.

With another nod, the queen elaborated further. "As you know, it isn't easy getting direct sunlight all the time. Seaweed farms and specially made grains made by our specific sea deities do well, but most of the vegetables and fruits come from the cavern farms. We use glowing crystals that naturally form in the caves and a species of glowing moss that we line the caverns with. That mixed with the various nutrient solutions, pond-beds, and fertilizers works wonders."

"Wow. You think I could see them some time?" she asked. Her curiosity rising as she wondered what it would be like.

"I think we could plan something," Amphitrite replied, looking rather pleased with the idea.

By now they'd finished their salads and Poseidon was already serving the pasta, starting with Artemis again.

"And the pasta?" Penny asked, the coloration drawing her eyes again as her father then served her some.

"The flour's made from a type of sea grain so that color comes through," Amphitrite answered as Poseidon ladled some onto her plate. The queen then grabbed the basket with bread rolls, placing two one each plate Poseidon switched to placing a steak on each of their plates.

Eyeing the meat, Artemis was the one to speak up this time. "And these?"

Given how long Artemis had been around and what manner of animals or monster she'd hunted, Penny was surprised the goddess didn't know the source of the meat.

"That would be one of Atlantis' specialties, wild Argona," he answered. Seeing Penny and Artemis' confused looks, he elaborated. "Think of a giant sea serpent with a head more like a crab and covered from front to back in thick, grey plating that can grow to the length of a football field."

Both Penny and Artemis' eyes widening at imagining that, wondering how hard it must be to catch even one of those monsters. Poseidon continued on though.

"… They're mostly scavengers but they'll eat small prey, which is how we lure them out. They're native to the lowest reaches of the ocean and usually travel through deep trenches or underwater cave networks. Luckily, one such cave system has an opening near the southeastern border of Atlantis, at about 3000 meters or so. They're pretty calm compared to a lot of the bigger, more predatory creatures hiding in the deep, but they can get a nasty temper and thrash around for days on end when we catch one on a line."

Then a small smirk made its way onto Poseidon's face.

"If you two want, I could take you on a trip to fish one."

Sharing a look, the two goddesses had matching grins on their faces at the thought. Artemis mostly for the thought of adding yet another giant to her list of hunts. Penny on the other had was just excited at spending time with Poseidon and getting to do something in Atlantis to begin with.

"Sounds like fun," Penny said for the both of them.

"Yes, and I'm sure you three can make all sorts of plans later, but let's not let the food get cold," Amphitrite added in, getting three semi-sheepish looks as the gods dug into their meals.

Naturally, Penny and Artemis zeroed in on the Argona steak first, cutting off generous slices and taking their first bites. It felt a lot like salmon at first bite, but the flavor was completely different. A hint of saltiness like most seafoods but the flavor was meatier in a way. She wasn't really sure what animals she could compare it too but maybe that was the point; nothing she'd ever eaten was similar to giant serpent of the ocean depths.

She definitely liked it though and judging by how Artemis was digging in with gusto, the lunar goddess approved too.

From there the meal proceeded as if there wasn't anything particularly special or important about it. Between Artemis and Penny asking about things in Atlantis and the sea kingdom in general, the conversations were kept light and fluid as they ate. From Artemis asking about the kind of game that could be found in the surrounding wilds and what was needed to hunt there to Penny asking Amphitrite about the undersea city and what it was like, time just flew by.

Soon enough the plates were clear with everyone having gone for seconds or even thirds (gods sure could put it away when they wanted to), they settled down.

Penny dabbed at her lips with a napkin as her father sigh contently before getting up and starting to gather the plates. Penny was about to offer to help but he raised a hand at her.

"Don't worry, I got it. Why don't you three move to the living room? I'll bringing out dessert and coffee soon," he said as he easily balanced a collection of empty plates and bowls while shooting Amphitrite a look.

The queen nodded in turn before she got up, Penny and Artemis mirroring the action. Following the sea goddess, they went through a small hallway leading into a large living room. With the softly polished wooden walls and furniture, a plethora of blankets folded over the back of love seats and a large couch, and a toasty fire crackling away within the small fireplace, the entire room felt cozy and inviting.

Going around a small coffee table, Amphitrite gestured at the two towards the sofa. Feeling far more relaxed and at home thanks to the meal and idle talking, Penny was quick to sit and grab Artemis before the goddess could set her rear down. Getting one of those adorable squeaks from the smaller goddess, Penny pulled the redhead close enough to almost have the redhead on her lap, thus maximizing snuggle potential.

Artemis' flustered face and squirming of token protest made it all the sweeter.

She could try to make a fuss in front of company all she wanted; Penny knew Artemis loved it even if she still got embarrassed about it. It made Penny wonder how Artemis would react it if was the Hunt around them instead of a goddess already in the know about the more sordid affairs surrounding Penny. Speaking of goddesses in the know, Penny took her eyes of the adorable pout coming from her newest lover to look at the queen…

'Am I going to spend all evening eyeing up my step-mother?' she wondered, though honestly, she wasn't trying too hard to stop herself that much.

The view was just so … enticing.

Amphitrite had set herself down in the love seat right across from the pair, her gaze full of amusement as she watched the pair. Her pose was relaxed yet just had a sense of grace to it as she leaned back slight, her long legs crossed sensually as one hand lazily draped over the armrest.

Their eyes met again and yet again Penny sensed a curious mix of emotions at the surface.

The excitement and curiosity were there as she'd expected since she kept sensing the same thing all throughout dinner considering Penny's focus had been mostly on Amphitrite. The nervousness from the first arrival had all but vanished during the meal but now it was back to a lesser extent, and for the life of her, Penny wasn't sure what it was for. Then again, her father's invitation did say they had things to talk about.

However, even that was pushed aside as she caught traces of a new emotion behind it all, slowly building up within the beautiful queen; longing.

That caught Penny short, but she wasn't sure how to respond to that at all. What did Amphitrite want and what did it have to do with her? As she thought about how to even begin to bring that up, her father arrived, drawing all eyes to him. With a bit of pomp and flare, the sea god neatly delivered two large sets of silver platters onto the coffee table, and with another imperious wave of a hand, made the coverings shimmer away to reveal the promised sweets and coffee.

A small steaming pout of it circled by little porcelain cups, alongside small dish trays with sugar cubs and cream. The other platter was set with small cakes of various flavors; chocolate, vanilla, and possibly strawberry going by sight and Penny's sensitive nose. If her tails had been out, they would have been wagging up a small breeze, her eyes zeroed in on the chocolate confections especially.

Hearing a demure giggle, Penny brought her eyes back up to see Amphitrite looking at her once more, doing nothing to hide her amusement. Poseidon wasn't much better, having easily slipped into the loveseat and shifted Amphitrite around to almost sitting on his lap much like Artemis was on Penny's. Much like Artemis, Amphitrite gave a token protest even as her lips quirked up and Poseidon grinned back at her.

Almost succeeding at suppressing a faint giggle at the couple's byplay, Penny gestured to the table and asked, "May I?"

"Of course, what would you like?" Amphitrite answered, shifting to leaning forward to easily reach the table from her perch on Poseidon's lap.

Penny glanced at Artemis first, silently asking the goddess what she wanted.

"Strawberry cake please."

Straight to the point, no surprise there. Artemis was eyeing those cakes just as much as Penny was.

Chuckling under her breathe, Penny graciously took a small cake already on a tiny platter (little fork included) handed to her by Amphitrite and gave it to the redhead. Once that was done Penny looked back to the table only to see Amphitrite already holding out a platter with the chocolate cake on it, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Chocolate for the little fox?" Amphitrite asked, her tone full of mirth and gentle teasing as she wiggled the plate enticingly.

Huffing good-naturedly, Penny replied, "Yes please," as she took the plate and leaned back into the couch.

Not being able to resist, Penny was quick to take a bite as she idly noted Amphitrite handing a simple vanilla one to her father, but then the taste hit her tongue. The rich taste of cocoa and the slightest hints raspberry carefully laced into the dark, fudge like chocolate centered in the warm cake all but melted in her mouth. Thick and creamy, it glided over her tongue as a low moan of delight escaped her slightly parted lips.

For all of five seconds all that mattered was the taste and sensations within her mouth, her eyes closed in content as a warm drizzle flowed down her throat. Opening her eyes to look at the downright heavenly treat, she was surprised to see flakes of gold within the soft cake and in the slowly melting center of the cake when she realized why it was so good.

The cake was made with Nectar as an ingredient.

That was a surprise all its own to the divine vixen. One discussion with Hestia during their date in between playing around and eating sweets off each other had been about mixing godly food with mortal food. Most would assume Nectar and Ambrosia would work with anything given that it always tasted like the favorite food/drink of the consumer but sadly that wasn't the case.

When mixed into mortal cooking, the divine food took on flavors of the food used, enhancing it in ways no spices or other blends could on their own. Sadly, much like with mortals consuming too much, getting the quantity of nectar or ambrosia wrong, or in contact with the wrong ingredient first (which was the main flavor enhanced afterwards) could all but ruin even a simple dish.

It also meant preps and cook times had to be adjusted, otherwise the food would easily come out under or overcooked. As it stood, only a handful of gods could competently cook mortal food blended with divine food and that was for the simple dishes. Baking it was a whole other ballgame and even Hestia had to meticulously watch over her food when she did it on the rare occasion.

So, who made these cakes?

Looking up at her father and Amphitrite to ask that very question, she noticed that all eyes were already on her. She was about to ask why they are looking at her (she noticed out of the corner of her eye that Artemis was also looking at her, a familiar blush on her cheeks), until she realized what she just did. It was a times like this that she remembered being a love and therefore, a sex goddess came with plenty of perks … and quirks.

Coming off as sexy without even trying was just one of them.

Aphrodite never let her forget it, or teasing her about it, especially when she was oblivious to it herself at times. Her nose and senses as a love goddess let her know just how many times she caused a hunter to need a fresh set of panties after being around her too long; the poor dears.

With a faint blush coloring her cheeks at the attention on her, she smiled sheepishly as she took another bit of her cake. Luckily the attention didn't stay on her for much longer as Poseidon cleared his throat, drawing eyes on him as he set down his cake next to the one Amphitrite had gotten for herself; a chocolate one like Penny.

"Well, I think now's a good time as any to have that talk," he said, his posture straightening as Penny and Artemis also set their treats down. "Now, I'm sure you two were curious why we called you, so I'll just go and say it; it's about mainly you—" he said, pointedly looking at Penny, "—and Mariana, along with the others in your group to some extent."

Both goddesses shared a glance at that before returning their undivided attention on the god of the seas.

"What about us?" Penny asked, her tone even as she waited for the reply.

"Well, to start, let me ask you something; how's your training going?" he asked pointedly.

That made Penny pause as she thought on it. "… Good," she started, wondering why her father was asking about it to begin with. "My archery is definitely close to the top hunters and Artemis says I'm getting better at tracking every day…" she continued but trailed off as her father shook his head.

"No, that's not the training I'm talking about. What I'm talking about your godly training," he said to which she looked at him oddly. He sighed slightly as he leaned back in his chair and gave her a stern look. "I know you enjoy your time with the Hunt and Artemis has done well with what she's shown you but staying with the Hunt is seriously stunting you; especially when there's a prophecy hanging over your head."

She frowned mildly at that and given what she could feel from the redhead, Artemis was too. Sure, she'd come to that conclusion herself, but they'd already adjusted for that very thing; her group would splinter off from the rest of the Hunt after they visited New Rome and Camp Jupiter.

So, she told Poseidon as much, only, he then shook his head.

"Not enough. Sure, you won't have to be as on guard about what you say and do but you still have to keep to a level of hiding that just won't work if you really want to flex your power. Unless you feel like putting up the strongest barriers every time you settle anywhere just to have some practice room, you won't get much done."

Well, he's not wrong, she silently thought, a frown still on her face as she looked down and nibbled on her lower lip. Not to mention, putting up the barriers in the first place required a lot of prep if she wanted actual powerful ones to begin with and that could easily be noticed. And Fates forbid the barriers fail for any reason; she'd show up like burning lighthouse on a starless, silent night to the senses of every god in North America if that happened.

Luckily seeing what she was thinking on her face, her father continued, "That's why we thought up a possible solution, well, a few things actually. We've even been talking to Hera and Hestia about it for ideas and such."

Penny and Artemis perked up at hearing that, looking curiously at the king who was slightly smirking at having their attention.

"Does it have anything to do with the island?" Penny couldn't help herself from asking, the subject having been on her mind ever since Blackjack mentioned it.

"I told you that overgrown donkey would let it slip," Amphitrite snipped at her husband, getting an amused snort from Poseidon, before she focused on them. "Islands, plural, and yes, they are part of it. Originally only one was planned with the possibility of adding more later on."

"They were supposed to be a wedding gift for you and Annabeth, since I knew you'd never let Athena's labors stop you," Poseidon added, a pained look crossing his face for just a second.

Penny stopped herself from wincing at the mention of that. She felt Artemis' hand finding her own and giving it a gentle squeeze, something she gratefully returned as she tried not think more on that specific line of events.

"… But, seeing as how things have changed," Amphitrite picked up, having rested a hand on her father's knee in her own show of support. "We repurposed them for what you'll need now. That main island planned for you is already complete, villa, a personal training ground, servants, and all along with a powerful barrier to make it all but invisible to just about everyone not keyed in."

"Servants?" Penny asked, blinking owlishly at the queen.

"Of course," Amphitrite replied, a teasing smirk making its way onto her beautiful face. "It's only natural for a princess to have her own personal routine of servants; maids, attendants, cooks, groundkeepers, and stable-hand to go with Blackjack and any other mounts or creatures you decide to bring along."

"But… but…" She was at a loss for words, looking at her father and stepmother in disbelief.

Her own personal island!? One that sounded like it was stocked to the nines with everything needed to make it some paradise resort, and all for her? Sure, she got that it was originally a gift, but this was a little much, wasn't it? And as if to keep her off balance, Amphitrite listed off more.

"It also has its own mini-port just for you with several ships; yachts in all sizes, shipping vessels if you feel the itch to go out and bring in your own catch; fully staffed of course. There's even a speedboat," the queen added as she glanced at her husband, "Your father and Triton dearly wish more people would join them in their races."

"But …" she still didn't know what to say. She wasn't used to being on the receiving end of so many gifts, not even after being regularly spoiled by Aphrodite. "Why so much for me?" she finally asked, her voice coming out soft as she felt her throat tighten up slightly.

The minute the words left her mouth, she saw both their faces fall into frown and even Artemis turned in her lap to look at Penny.

"Because if anyone deserved this and so much more, it's you," Poseidon answered firmly, his gaze boring into hers. "After everything you've been through and endured, after what you've done for all of us, this is only a dime in the bucket to start."

"But I just did what was needed. Anyone in my position would have," she protested, the words sounding hollow even to her own ears. "… and I'm not even a real princess," she almost mumbled as she looked down and away from them, feeling overwhelmed at their looks. Even Artemis was giving her a stern eye.

"No, you're not," Amphitrite agreed, her voice coming out gently. "But that won't be an issue if you agree to my other idea."

Feeling her curiosity take hold, Penny slowly turned her head to look across from her, meeting Amphitrite's warm eyes as she said something that Penny wouldn't have expected in a thousand years.

"That's why I want to adopt you…"

Silence reigned as Penny and Artemis stared at the queen in shock and disbelief, their eyes wide enough to mirror saucers. Penny even went as far as to pinch her own thigh to see if she imagined that. Amphitrite for her part met their gazes with a firm one of her own, not a hint of deceit present. A good minute or so had to have passed before Penny recovered any of her wits, her voice almost a whisper.

"… What?"

"I want to adopt you," Amphitrite repeated, her voice just as warm and unwavering as the first time.

"…But…"

Again, she was speechless, her grip around Artemis' waist having gone slack as she stared at her stepmother. Amphitrite looked like she was going to say more but a hand on her leg made her pause as she glanced back at Poseidon. They shared a look for a second or two before Amphitrite released a soft sigh and nodded as she leaned back against him while he turned his attention back on them.

"Well, that was one of the bigger ideas we have, but it isn't an obligation. You don't have to answer now and even if you decide to turn it down, you can. That island is still yours along with the idea we have for the rest," he said.

"What did you have in mind?" Artemis asked, speaking up for the pair.

Penny thanked the redhead with a squeeze of her hand, preferring to merely listen now rather than talk as she still had to get herself centered again.

"Well, though the idea of adoption is more private, we wanted to ask you about making the group traveling with Penny its own thing, not just a smaller Hunt following her. Since it would get old thunder cheeks nosy if I was too involved with it, Amphitrite thinks it would work best if she put the motion forward during one of our meetings, but not until after you've visited New Rome. The group will still carry your blessing but with the addition of Amphitrite's as a co-patron."

Artemis nodded slowly at that, likely seeing the possible benefits of a group of hunters running around with the blessing of a powerful sea deity.

"Naturally, this group will travel mainly near coasts where they have the advantage while your Hunt can focus on the plains and mountains of the continental US but that's something that can be hashed out later. The bigger goal is to have a group Amphitrite can visit and monitor with impunity," he said.

"And you as well," the redhead added.

"To an extent, yes," the king admitted with a nod.

"Okay, and the goal with the other islands you mentioned?" Artemis followed.

"It's more of an idea I had with Hestia and Hera actually," Amphitrite spoke up, nursing a small cup of coffee in her hands she'd prepared as Poseidon and Artemis talked. "With the gods visiting Camp Half-Blood regularly and hopefully soon, Camp Jupiter as well, we thought about making a third, more neutral location for the demigods without the history between the West and East. As it stands, Camp Half-blood sadly wasn't designed for a very large population, especially now with demigods from all gods, not just Olympians, are coming in. Thankfully many went to New Rome this time around to help with the surge but that won't due for every year if the trend keeps up. Even with the summer almost over, Hestia's expecting the year-round roster to increase quite a bit."

"So, the idea of making a third possible location, and not just a camp at that, was brought up," Poseidon picked up. "A town—or even a possible city—out at sea. A bit of an experiment; a new hub not only for surface-world demigods and gods but those from Atlantis and its surrounding territories too." He then grinned as he added, "It could even function as a home-base for the new group formed. With Amphitrite's blessing and practice, water-based teleportation or simply swimming there would be a piece of cake."

Penny perked up a hearing that, her mind now racing with all kinds of possibilities for the islands and what they could be made into.

"Where are the islands now?" she asked, having calmed a bit as the others talked.

"Well, only your island is complete and above the surface—hidden naturally—but its right in the center of the Caribbean. I thought you'd like the warmer waters, not to mention, if we build an archipelago of islands near it, I thought that spot would be fairer than either the Pacific or Atlantic," Poseidon answered.

"Not to mention we have plans for the Pacific too," Amphitrite added but didn't elaborate when Penny looked at her.

"But the most important part," Poseidon continued, drawing Penny's gaze. "Is that you can safely train there, or better yet, come down into the Sea of Monsters or Atlantis and train directly with me—with us," he added as he wrapped an arm around Amphitrite, getting a firm nod from her.

"… Really?" she asked, her voice a near whisper as she looked at her father and stepmother, desperately hoping she wasn't imagining things.

"Yes," Poseidon replied, his sea green eyes brimming with warmth which made her chest tighten.

Then her eyes shifted to Amphitrite, those brown orbs focusing on her as Penny felt yet again the one emotion that had been the most hidden until now; longing. She … she's serious about adopting me, she mentally noted, feeling the stinging of her eyes as she gave them a watery smile and barely nodded, unable to trust herself to do anything else.

She felt Artemis shift in her lap and the goddess' squeeze of her hand. She eased herself back as Artemis turned her attention to the royals across from them, drawing their eyes as Penny took some time for herself, all the while listening in.

"So then, if you go through with it then …"

From there the trio kept talking about plans and ideas to incorporate. Which gods would be informed and to what extent, time-tables and how to plan out these yet to be formed islands. As they talked the time just flew by, helped with their constant snacking on the deserts and coffee. All the while Penny chipped in here and there, but her mind was still focused on their offer to her and watch she'd do with it.

Part of her wanted to accept right away, but another part held back because of what it could mean, what it could change. And just why was Amphitrite so invested in it…

And that's a wrap!

Several developments here and the fun continues. Hope you guys let me know what you think, see ya soon!