Artemis,

I have to see you. This is pure torture for me, seeing you from a far and not being able to pull you close. Please I am miserable without you. I need you to give me a chance to prove myself. As I have said I will meet you anywhere, anytime just tell me. I will meet you at the bottom Styx if you want me to. I just have to see you.

Ares

Artemis sighed as she folded the letter. This was the seventh one she'd received. He wasn't giving up and she had no idea how to make him stop. She carefully placed the letter in its place just as Apollo entered her room unannounced.

"Lune."

"Huh? Apollo! You shouldn't sneak up on me like that." She protested as he laughed at her.

"Athena and I have been waiting for you." Artemis stared at him blankly. "We are meeting in her room to discuss you little problem."

"Right. I forgot."

"Obviously."

Gemini walked to Athena's room silently. Apollo assumed that his sister was pouting. In reality Artemis was just thankful he hadn't seen the letters. Though every time Hermes brought one her heart soared, she desperately wished they would stop coming. As they entered they saw Athena who had taken to reading as she waited.

"Oh there you are Lune." She commented closing her book.

"Yes I was distracted. I hope you'll forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive. But I think the two of you are really over thinking the situation."

"How so?" Apollo asked while pouring Artemis a drink.

"Artemis should just talk to Ares directly."

"I can't!" Artemis shouted shocked. Her wine spilling onto the floor. "He could be killed!"

"By who?"

"Father would kill him just because. Nothing I could say would save him."

"Then talk in secret." Athena glazed into Artemis' widen eyes. "If that look you are giving me then I'm guessing he has already asked you for exactly that."

"Impossible!" Apollo shouted finally outraged at the thought of sharing his sister with the war god. "He hasn't been near her. I made sure of it."

"Apollo calm down." Artemis placed herself between her brother and Athena. "I am safe. He hasn't taken me from you."

"Apollo I was wondering something about this problem but can you go and get Hermes? I think he knows more than he is telling."

"I'll ring his little neck if he's been keeping things from me." Apollo vowed as he swept from the room.

"Now that we are alone. I know that Ares has been writing to you."

"No he hasn't." Artemis disagreed coolly.

"Then please explain why Hermes has been spending so much time with the two of you."

"I cannot speak to Hermes interactions with Ares but as far as myself Hermes seems to unable to take no as an answer. He seeks me out to beg for her. I have grown extremely annoyed if Daphne wasn't one of my favorite nymphs I would have killed her by now just to be rid of him."

"Liar." Artemis began to protest but Athena held up her hand. "I've seen them."

"Seen what?" Artemis asked trying not to betray herself.

"The letters. I've seen you reading them. I've seen him writing them. And before you ask I have eyes everywhere I know all I wish to." Artemis sighed defeated.

"What do you suggest?"

"Talk to him. You know that you want to, besides this is killing the both of you."

"He suffers?"

"Yes. He does."

"I cannot be seen with him. It would raise questions I don't have answers for."

"Answers that no one, not even Father is entitled to. Your relationship with Ares is your own. Don't let Apollo, Father or anyone else stop you if you love him." Athena paused and eyed Artemis carefully. "You do love him don't you?"

"With all my heart."

"Then talk to him. But if you are afraid to see him write to him."

"I hadn't thought of that. I could…" Apollo burst in dragging Hermes behind him.

"I found the little twerp." He announced smiling. "Now Hermes tell me what you know."

"About what?" Hermes replied brushing off his clothes.

"Ares. And all this time the two of you have been spending together."

"Apollo," Athena interjected before Hermes could answer. "Would you like some wine?" He nodded and she rose to hand him his glass while temporarily blocking his view.

During that brief moment Hermes and Artemis look at each other. She nodded minutely and blinked in response. They had prepared for this. Artemis was unaware that Ares had also planned out what Hermes was to say should any questions arise and so to surprise her he when with Ares story.

"Well to be honest I don't think it's any of you business how I spend my time or who I spend it with," Apollo's grip tighten around the stem of the glass, Hermes rose his hand to calm his brother. "but since you must know I will tell you. Ares has been teaching me to fight. I know he isn't the type to help anyone but I awarded a boon that he could not refuse. So he is granting me training."

"And why are you suddenly given to violence?" Athena asked even though she was well aware it was all a lie. At least it was a good one.

"I wish to fight for Daphne." Hermes turned to Artemis. "I know you have denied me several times and grow tired of my presence. But I will not leave until you have given her to me, even if I have to fight you for her."

"Hermes this is neither the time nor the place." Artemis was internally filled with pride. She would have to find a way to reward him. "Apollo I've heard enough, haven't you?"

"I'm not sure. Athena, what say you?"

"There is nothing more we can glean from him."

"Very well." Apollo said but he seemed a little disappointed. "Hermes you may go."

Scene Change

When Ares returned to his room that evening he found Eris and Hermes waiting for him. They were talking causally. He wasn't sure he felt about it but it didn't matter his presence would change the atmosphere. So he walked right up to them and just as he expected they went silent immediately. He smiled as he lowered himself into the chair across for them. The silence continued as Ares watched them. He was aware that they were waiting for him to begin but he also enjoyed watching them squirm. Hermes broke the silence not wanting to waste anymore time.

"Ares I have a package for you. However there is a matter of which we must speak of first. Preferably alone." He added with a sidelong glance at Eris. She bristled slightly.

"Lord Ares I also have something to give you but I think that our conversation is best discussed in private." Eris retaliated

"Eris you will put your report on my desk, then you are dismissed. If I wish to discuss it I will find you. You are dismissed." Eris' eyes went big and round with disbelief momentarily before she obeyed. When she was gone Ares continued. "What do you want Hermes, I have no letter for you deliver. So why are you here?"

"Did I not say that I a package for you? Artemis has replied." Ares had to force himself not to strangle Hermes for not telling him sooner.

"Give it to me and get out." Hermes did as he was told trying to keep his laughter to himself.

Ares,

I have finally come to the conclusion that ignoring you won't make you go away. I wonder why that is, I am not any more extraordinary than the others. In fact I am most certain that I pale in comparison to them. However I must say that there are not words to describe the joy I feel when I read your letters. They mean the world to me; although I'm not quite ready to meet face to face please don't stop writing. I'm sure that you will convince me in time.

Yours though out of reach for time being,

Artemis

&&&&Author Note&&&&

Leigh: School is hectic

Conscience: Excuses, excuses…

Muse: That's pretty rude Conscience

Conscience: I'm not talking to you.

Muse: You're so immature.

Conscience: Whatever.

Leigh: Ladies….

Conscience: Just leave already we were fine without you!

Muse: Make me!

Leigh: Yep…I really missed this. See you guys nexttime.