She walked slowly, which was nice. I didn't want to have to run, especially because I was not in good shape. We carried all our stuff on our backs as we walked right behind her. She didn't seem to mind us, stopping to glance at us once in a while, as if making sure we were still with her. The sun was setting on the horizon when she finally stopped walking. She started munching on some berries, and we did the same. I broke off a piece of ambrosia and held it out to her. She took it. I stroked her face and she closed her eyes. She acted like a kitten, curling up next to me and dozing off. Orion stroked her back.
"She's beautiful." He observed.
"She is," Will agreed, "She is a gift from Artemis. She is leading us to the Amazon hunters, the original hunters of Artemis."
While the boys chatted, I started a fire. Being by the hearth was a weird feeling for me- like I could either curl up and take a nap, or fight a war. I was just about to fall asleep when the flame crackled and my mother walked out of it. Her dress seemed to be made of fire, but in a calming way. She sat down next to me. The deer woke up, walked away from the snoozing boys and over to my mother, lied down, and put her head on my mothers lap. She petted her head. "How did you ever find her?" Asked my mother, "It has been many a century since I have seen her about. I wonder how she got over the Atlantic."
"She found us, actually. She wanted us to follow her." I replied.
"I see. It seems she has taken quite a liking to you." She said. The deer had fallen asleep, and was almost purring. She was a marvelous beast.
"That's cool." I said.
"It's more than cool," she pointed out, "She is The Hide, and she has bonded with you. It would take a force of God to separate you two now."
"So, she's like my animal stalker?" I asked.
My mother chuckled. "Yes, like your animal stalker. Speaking of stalkers, have you gotten to use my gift yet?" She asked.
"No." I replied.
"Good. I would like to keep it that way, but sadly, your time will come. You will have to be brave or be dead." She warned.
I sighed. "It can never be easy, can it?"
"Nope. But don't worry. The gods are on your side. You will be fine. I'll talk to Chiron about getting a martial arts course if- when you come back."
I smiled. "Thanks, mom." I gave her a hug, and she walked back into the flames. I lay down to rest, and The Hide lay right down next to me. "I like you." I whispered. She nuzzled me. "I'll call you Philana- a friend." She did her weird purr thing and fell asleep. The embers were slowly dying, and I drifted into sleep.