Chapter 4: A Worthy Companion

Any objections Artemis thought she would have about the giant canine accompanying her Hunt went completely out the window. Noir's regal air was not just for show as he gracefully traveled alongside the Hunters back to camp with Lily on his back. He moved swiftly and so quietly Artemis had a tendency to forget he was there altogether. After all, having searched occasionally for the supersized mystery wolf, she never expected to see him lazily bounding along with her Hunt. She would still need a bit of time to adjust to the giant stealth wolf but her Hunters seemed almost happy with his addition already.

She honestly had expected more protest, but with Noir being as friendly and cute as he was, they quickly died down. Especially since her still adapting Hunters had a tendency to trip once in a while, and when they did, he would have a tail reach out and steady them. Even Hunters got tired, so the odd younger member actually ended up on his back along with Lily, chatting quietly as they made their way back to camp. Lily was no exception as she was quickly making friends with all of the other Hunters. It seemed she wasn't too shy as long as she was comfortable. That comfort was found quickly as all her Hunters were exceptionally welcoming with younger girls.

They had yet to hear her story but that could wait, first she had to get her properly fitted in the typical Hunter gear.

- Yay! My first Line Break! -

Lily walked out of her tent in a silver parka, jeans, two small hunting knives strapped to her waist, and a bow on her back with the signature silver arrows in her quiver strapped across her torso. She practically bounced her way over to Noir who was contentedly lying down near the campfire as the Hunters bustled about preparing for dinner. She was curious about how they were going to feed the huge wolf, but that could wait. Especially with Lily jumping around an amused looking Noir who watched as she pranced around showing off her new gear. The wolf raised his head off of his paws and nodded in approval.

"Lily!" Thalia called, "We need to get you situated with a tent but for tonight you might have to share. Would you mind sharing with me?"

She seemed to think about it for a second, then shook her head. "If you don't mind I think I'll stay with Noir." Thalia looked at her with a question in her eyes, then at Artemis. In response Artemis shrugged as the child seemed inexplicably attached to the massive wolf. Artemis herself was still pondering how the wolf had been able to converse with the small child and knew about her protection of young maidens. Truthfully the beast was a mystery that, for now, posed no threats and, judging by how easily he knocked aside a swarm of arrows, would be a brilliant ally. They still had yet to hear Lily's tale but figured that could wait until the campfire. For now it was time for dinner.

She shot a look to Thalia that said, "Later" and nodded to Lily. She smiled and continued to tell Noir about how much of a cool female ninja she was gonna be as he looked on in contented amusement.

"Dinner is ready!" Artemis along with the rest of the hunters gathered at the dining tent along with noir who padded along quietly with Lily on his head. Considering that the tent wasn't designed for massive 10 foot wolves, he settled for laying down with his massive head in the entrance to the tent. Lily gave him a quick scratch behind the ear which sent his mass of tails into a pleased frenzy as they whipped every which way. Truthfully, Artemis really needed to figure out how many there were. But, before that, she focused on her Hunters who had piled their plates high. After formally introducing Lily to the entire Hunt they dug in after the typical sacrifice to her. She left the head of the table, seeing as Lily was busily eating and laughing at the other Hunter's jokes, and ventured to see Noir. It took her a second to realize they were missing one huge shadow wolf from the tent entrance and as such she took a quick peek outside. She found Noir happily munching on a bear that seemed to have serendipitously arrived nearby to be eaten. She was worried about cleaning up the carcass but that was a waste as she watched him practically inhale the bear, bones and all. All that was left was a small blood stain, and a stuffed wolf happily licking his chops. She was astounded as to how not a single bit of his fur was out of place. Artemis was almost annoyed that she knew so little about the beast that was traveling with her Hunters and why she trusted it so easily.

He had just happily gorged himself on an entire bear bone and all she could think, looking at his sleepy face, was how cute he was with his eyes slowly drooping. Too many thoughts were on her mind when a hand landed on her shoulder sending her 3 feet up in the air. She turned to see Thalia looking at her, concerned.

"What's on your mind, Milady?" Artemis sighed, suddenly very weary with the addition of a truck sized wolf that she couldn't seem to bring herself to be bothered by. If this was a monster then it was nothing like anything she had ever seen before, which wasn't good. If creatures so old she didn't even know what they were are awakening then the upcoming war would become a whole lot more difficult.

"Just trying to wrap my head around our new compatriot," she gestured towards the drowsy wolf next to the campfire the Hunters were gathering around. "I have no idea why he doesn't make me uneasy much less why I call him a 'him' instead of an 'it'. Something about this wolf doesn't put me on edge but it's something I have never seen before. I question what else may awaken. We have already seen the Ophiotaurus and now there is a giant wolf with uncountable tails that no one is bothered by?" She shook her head, "I don't know what it is Thalia but my instincts do not react to him at all, almost as if he has always been there and only now do I notice him."

Thalia nodded solemnly as if coming to the same conclusion. "Perhaps we should bring this to the council? Beasts unknown roaming about the earth can only lead us to expect the same from both sea and sky."

Artemis agreed with her Lieutenant and dismissed her to the campfire, contemplating how she was going to get the beast to Olympus with her. She loosed a long sigh and decided she would deal with it tomorrow after a night's rest. First, however, it was s'more time with her Hunt. She sat with Lily, using Noir as a back rest as he curled around the fire in a crescent moon shape (the irony was not lost on her) as many of her Hunters were joining in. She realized this was the first time she had actually felt his fur even after knowing about him for weeks. By Chaos, he was soft and plushy, and it took every ounce of her self-control not to snuggle into the warmth of his fur. Unfortunately many of the girls caved and did exactly that, even Thalia let out a low moan of contentment. She blushed and very quickly recomposed herself as many of her sisters chuckled at her. She looked ready to turn them into a melted gooey mess but that was before a giant plush tail laid itself across the girls that had situated themselves against the owner's body, acting as a huge blanket.

Artemis was barely surprised at the lack of uncomfortable heat despite the close proximity to the fire. She was learning quickly that this wolf would hold more surprises than Hermes' pockets after a night of drunken pickpocketing. Trust her, it's happened more than once with rather… intriguing results. Up to this day she had no clue where in the world anyone managed to find bacon flavored condoms of all things…

After laughs and many s'mores, the girls started to turn in save Thalia who had opted to stay with Lily outside curled up with Noir. Having been woken by the departure of the Hunters Noir took in the sight of the sleeping 9 year old on his flank with a drowsy daughter of Zeus close to joining her in the land of Morpheus. He lightly picked them both up and curled up more tightly until he was almost a full circle. He gently replaced the girls on 2 of his tails that acted like a mattress, while the others very promptly curled the rest of the way around them. It formed a pitch black dome of comfort and Noir put his head down for the night. Artemis got up to head for her tent once she was sure all her Hunters were situated. She cast a quick glance back at the Wolf who was nodding off and threw and good night over her shoulder as she walked.

Something warm, calm, pleasant, and reassuring entered her mind. A presence that brushed against every corner of her mind with a tenderness she did not believe possible and a kindness that made her heart stop. The voice that followed was liquid velvet, made of deep bass baritone notes, and a melodiousness comparable to the ebb and flow of tides at midnight, with the lightest kiss of wind.

Goodnight, Milady of the Moon

Just as quickly as it had come, it was gone. She actually whimpered at the loss of the presence (though she would profusely deny it if anyone asked) and turned around to find the source. There was no one there except for her and Noir. Noir's eyes were closed, and his breathes were even. But there was no doubt, Noir had spoken.