The sun wasn't even up when we were all gathered around a rented bus. I had my duffel bag on my back as we clustered and waited to be told to board. It wasn't a long wait and a middle aged man with a military style hair cut opened the door to the bus and yelled gruffly, "Alright, listen up, kids - my name is Trevor Deran and I'm a veteran of the Twelfth Legion and at the request of the Senate of New Rome, I have come here to pick you up since your camp can't be without your head of security Argus and none of you can drive a bus. There are a few you need to know; first, there will be no crazy horse play on my bus. It's distracting and not befitting demigods of your age and training, even if you aren't Roman. Second, we will be making several twenty minute stops throughout each day. I highly suggest that you use the facilities and get something to each. We will stop for two meals before stopping for the night and it's going to be a four day drive. Third and finally, all meals and lodging will be on the Legion. Congrats because this never happened when I was in the Second Cohort. Now, load up!"

He stepped back from the door and we all loaded up. The last to get on, to my surprise, was Coach Hedge. Trevor Deran looked at him with hard eyes. "Didn't know we were having a Faun coming with."

"Satyr!" snapped the coach, "and I'm the Protector that Chiron assigned to this trip."

Trevor grunted and indicated the seat next to his.

I went all the way to the back of the bus and scooted in before leaning my head back and going back to sleep. When I woke up, I found that I was sharing a seat with Hazel and Frank, both of whom were still passed out cold. Hazel was snuggled up to Frank, hugging his arm like a teddy bear. I chuckled and leaned back to sleep some more but I couldn't so I looked out the window. Must have been sleeping for some time because we were only a few miles from Pennsylvania. As I gazed out, the bus pulled off the highway and went to a truck stop. I expected it to be busy but I wasn't expecting a huge convoy of military trucks and a bunch of tough looking soldiers milling around, drinking borderline toxic energy drinks, smoking cigarettes and laughing as they lounged by there trucks or exited the store with bags of snacks and drinks. I nodded respectfully as I walked by, held the door for a pair of them as they went inside. Valentina Diaz, the Aphrodite camper who came along since Piper apparently didn't count and Drew had no desire to go to New Rome, giggled and said, "Wow... there really is something about men in uniform."

I chuckled as I went to the restroom. Once the necessaries were taken care of, I grabbed some snacks and a six pack of cream soda. Once I had paid, I headed back out to the bus. Coach Hedge and Trevor were arguing amiably, chuckling and laughing about mix martial arts or something so I just leaned against the truck and began to munch on a cliff bar and sip on cream soda. Valentina came over and I offered her one. "No thanks; too many calories for me. Mind if I sit with you? I feel awkward sitting next to Piper and Jason."

I grimaced and said, "I wouldn't mind but Frank and Hazel..."

"Oh, we're moving to a bench closer to the middle of the bus. Apparently there were some empty ones;" said Hazel, surprising me as she walked up. I smiled at Valentina and said, "Well there you go; seat's yours."

We all loaded back up and Valentina said, "Alright, I'm gonna try and get some more sleep."

She leaned back and I looked out the window. For the next several hours, I look out the window. It was so beautiful in the mountains. I wished that I could run among the trees and peaks and hunt the deer and the bears that were there. Looking up, I saw a hawk or eagle soaring over and felt jealous. I wished that I could be that free. With a sigh, I leaned back against the seat. Valentina leaned over and rested her head on my shoulder and I felt tingles going up and down my spine. With a smile, I leaned back and rested my head against the seat back. I must have nodded off again because when I woke, I found that my cheek was rested on the top of Valentina's head. Across the ile, Percy and Annabeth were snuggled up. Annabeth was snoring softly but Percy was grinning at me and shot me a wink. I blushed and leaned my head back. Again, I woke up for our next stop with my cheek resting on her head. "Hey, Valentina, we're at our next stop. I think it's lunchtime too."

Valentina lifted her head and yawned. "Thanks; I really need to go to the bathroom."

We piled out and I had to stretch out. Percy came up and nudged me. "I noticed you and Val were getting pretty cozy."

I grumbled something to the effect of, "I can't control what my head does when I'm asleep;" and headed towards the station. Trevor Deran was yelling, "Alright, go in and order whatever you want for lunch and I'll take care of the bill."

I stretched out a little more and headed in. The restaurant was just a big diner type place for truck drivers. They served burgers and fries and sandwiches and onion rings and the like. I grabbed a booth and Percy and Annabeth slid in across from me. To my mild surprise, Valentina slid in next to me and said, "Alright, what should we get?" as she perused a menu.

Lunch was fantastic. I had a couple of big burgers, a huge stack of fries and iced tea. Percy had the same and the girls both laughed at us. "Where does it all go?" asked Valentina, who was eating a sandwitch and munching on fries. Annabeth shook her head. "I stopped asking that years ago. Boys eat a stupid amount."

I chuckled. "Thalia always laughed at me because of how much I ate."

After lunch, I headed back out to the truck and had to stop. In the parking lot were two men leaning against motorcycles and watching all of us demigods. I didn't like the look of them. One of them smiled at another and I know that I saw fangs. Quietly, I went to Coach Hedge and Trevor Deran and pointed them out. "They're just a couple of bikers;" dismissed the truck driver. "I don't think so, Sir. They have fangs and they smell weird."

Coach Hedge sniffed the air and said, "All I can smell is that diner, kid. You sure about them?"

"No but I am sure they're bad news. We should load everyone up as soon as possible."

Trevor studied me for a moment before saying, "Well as soon as they're done eating, I'll give them five minutes. Even if those guys are up to no good, they aren't going to attack a group of war trained demigods."

I agreed there but even so, I headed back in and told Percy, Jason and the other, older demigods just so that we had a couple of people ready. Within five minutes, we were loaded up and on our way.

The rest of the four day trip was pretty uneventful. Each stop had people, monsters or mortals, who were watching us but never engaged us in any way. When we finally made it to camp Jupiter, Percy Jackson nudged me and said, "You're gonna love this."

I agreed. I could see the city of New Rome in the distance and the fortifications of Camp Jupiter as well. Approaching from the fort of Camp Jupiter came a large formation of Roman soldiers with standards and a golden eagle. I was suddenly weary. Having a large contingent heavily armed and armored soldiers marching towards you will have that effect. At the head of the cohort marched a young woman, probably seventeen or eighteen, wearing a purple cloak over her armor and with an imperial gold sword at her waist. "Demigods, over here;" called Jason to the rest of us. We clustered haphazardly together while Percy, Annabeth, Jason, Piper, Frank, Hazel and Leo stood in front of the rest of us.

The young woman called a halt to her cohort before marching right up and embracing the seven heroes one at a time and greeting them. That done, she raised her hands and said, "Greek demigods of camp Halfblood, welcome to New Rome and Camp Jupiter. I am Praetor Reyna Ramirez-Arellano of the Twelfth Legion of Rome."

Frank, who had changed right after getting off the bus, went over and stood next to her, towering over her in his own armor and cloak. Reyna smiled at him before continueing. "Praetor Zhang and Centurion Levesque will bring you to the guest quarters prepared for you within the Fort so that you can keep your weapons. However, within the city limits, you must be unarmed. No swords, bows, knives, spears or anything. Once you have settled in your quarters, please come to the forum in New Rome. Remember, leave any and all weapons behind. Praetor Zhang, Centurion Levesque, please show them to their guest quarters."

We followed Frank and Hazel and found that it was set up two to a room. I was with Sherman Yang from the Ares cabin, which made me groan. That whole cabin had it out for me. To my surprise, he was fairly amiable. "Hey Price, I'm taking this one, that alright with you?" he asked gruffly. "Fine with me; I'm not picky."

Sherman grunted and asked, "Can you believe that we're required to give up our weapons? It's crazy!"

I shrugged and said, "Well it doesn't surprise me. There is, apparently, a history of assassination in Roman politics so keeping people unarmed is a must. Even so, I'm gonna be uncomfortable not having at least a knife on me."

Sherman nodded as he leaned his spear, shield and sword against the wall. I myself had to lay down my sword, bow, quiver, knives and tomahawk. That done, we both headed out to meet the others. Hazel and Frank were wearing purple t-shirts with the letters SPQR on them and purple togas. Jason wore a white robe over his and a wreath of lorals on his head. The three of them led all of us towards the city and at the line, a bust of a Roman dude stood. "Greetings, visitors - Greeks if I'm not mistaken. Welcome to New Rome. I am Terminus, the god of borders and boundaries. You must all be unarmed before you enter the city limits and please have your identifications ready."

We all looked at each other in confusion until Percy, Jason, Hazel and Grace handed out small lead tablets. "These are a variant of the probatio tablet - basically declaring you beginners as members of the Legion. Ware them around your neck with your bead necklaces."

That done, they marched through what at a time. The statue god said as each went through. "Praetor Zhang, welcome; Centurion Levesque, good to see you again. Ah, Pontifex Grace, glad to have you back. I must say that I appreciate the shrine you built. It's quite gorgeous. Former-Praetor Jackson, welcome back; still have the sword in your pocket?"

Percy blushed and said, "Crap! Yup, here it is Terminus. Sorry about that."

"Quite fine, my boy; Julia take the man's pen, please;" said the statue and a very young girl of perhaps seven or eight in pig tales ran up with a metal tray like those seen in the airport. She looked adoringly at Percy. "Hi Percy;" she squeaked shyly. That reminded me too; my harmonica was still in my pocket. As we went in one at a time, Terminus identified us and greeted us very politely by name and by our godly ancestor. As I stepped up, he said, "Arthur Price, son of..." and then went slack jawed. Internally, I groaned. Clearing his throat, Terminus said rather frostily, "Son of Dianna, do you have any weapons?"

"Yes, my lord, here;" and I placed my harmonica next to Percy's pen. Terminus frowned, "Very impressive, a celestial bronze boar spear. You may enter, son of Dianna."

The way he said 'son of Dianna' sounded like an insult, as if I should be ashamed of it. Even though I understood why he spoke to me this way and even though I expected it, I still felt my jaw clench. I followed the group with a scowl on my face until Hazel patted my arm. "Don't worry, Arthur; they'll get used to you and once you prove your merit, they'll be able to look passed the fact that you are the son of Dianna."

I smiled and thanked her as we entered the forum. A group of demigods and legacies in togas sat in seats as we filed in. Most of the senators had dispassionate looks on their faces but a few were quite obviously displeased at our presents. Even so, one of them said, "Welcome, demigods of Camp Halfbood! We are pleased to welcome you to our home and eagerly await our celebration of the victory against Gaia and the giants. They will begin tonight and games, feasting and plays will take place. One of the Centurions of the Legion will go around looking for participants in the events. We hope that you find your accommodations satisfactory."

They all clapped and Annabeth and Percy nodded respectfully before the former cleared her throat and said, "Thank you for your most warm and gracious welcome, Senators. We were very gratified and excited to hear that we were invited to the victory celebration of the Giant War. We are eager to get to know our Roman brothers and sisters and hope that we can strengthen the bonds between us."

Suddenly one of the senators stood. "The bonds between us? What bonds do we have, Greek? Your presents here is an insult to those who came before us!"

He was shouted down by the other senators and the hard looks from both Frank and Reyna seemed to cow him. "Our bonds;" answered Annabeth calmly, "are our ties to the gods. Their names and personalities may be different but even so, they are the same gods. Zeus and Jupiter, Mars and Ares, Venus and Aphrodite - they are the same."

Reyna smiled and stood. "Annabeth Chase is correct. It is time to bury all of the bad and bloody history between Greeks and Romans and to bridge the gap and meet in peace and celebration."

Again, many of the senators clapped. Finally, Jason lifted his hands and said, "Greeks and Romans, I firmly believe that the gods will smile on this celebration. I recommend that sacrifices are made at each and every alter, giving thanks to the gods."

Percy grinned and said, "Great idea; now enough of this, let's party!"

Annabeth elbowed him and his friends snickered. The senators dismissed them all and we headed back to our rooms to rest awhile. Just before I laid down, there was a knock on the door. Frowning I went to it and found Reyna there waiting. "I was hoping we could have that private conversation now, if that's okay;" she said. I nodded and called over, "A Sherman, I'm going out."

He grunted back drowsily and I closed the door behind me. At first, we made small talk about the trip, the weather and the wonders of New Rome and Camp Jupiter. We headed back to the city and walked the streets. After a pause and Reyna had bought us both the best hot chocolate I'd ever had, I sighed and said, "I take it that now, you would like to talk about me and my mother?"

Reyna smiled and said, "Only if you feel comfortable enough to do so. I understand that it is quite the personal matter."

We went to a park bench facing a beautiful fountain. Across the park, I noticed Percy and Annabeth walking hand in hand on a romantic walk. After a pause, I gathered my thoughts and said, "The way my father and mother told it, I was made from a mixture of ash, fire, my father's blood and my mother's ichor. I was not created or conceived the traditional way."

Reyna nodded in understanding. "So you are similar to the children of Minerva, or your Athena. How is it that your father managed to crack through the hard and frankly anti-men exterior of Diana?"

I chuckled and said, "Honestly, I'm not completely sure. This is going to sound bizarre, but I think that she didn't love him romantically. I think she grew to love him as a very close friend. The last time we spoke, she even compared their relationship to that of her relationship with Apollo, her brother."

Reyna sipped her drink before asking, "How did that work? I was always under the impression that Artemis hates men."

"It's far more accurate to say that she does not trust men. Every time she opened up, they proved less than trustworthy. Well my father couldn't break her trust."

Reyna blinked. "What do you mean by that?"

I sighed and replied, "He was a war veteran and suffered an injury that rendered him unable to have kids or even... well..."

Reyna chuckled and lifted a hand, "I got it. So because he was unable to break her trust, she was willing to do so."

"Exactly; well one night, on one of her visits, my mom found my father in a state of depression. He had received word that a family member was pregnant with another child. My father really, REALLY wanted children and couldn't do to his war injury. Because of that, my mother spoke to Zeus, Hera and Aphrodite, asking if it were possible for it to happen. I was Olympus's most closely guarded secret on Olypmus. Only my mother, the three afore mentioned gods and Apollo know who I am thus far. Well, that's not completely true. There are a few minor gods and goddesses who know but they keep it to themselves. Anyhow, my father killed a yearling and sacrificed it to Artemis in the fire. Using a knife, they cut themselves and dribbled blood and ichor on the burning meat. The way my dad told it, the fire suddenly went out and in the cold ashes lay me."

Reyna nodded, her face expressionless. Finally, after a long minute, she said, "So Diana is still a maiden goddess."

I nodded and sipped my chocolate. Another long silence before Reyna stood and said, "You have an interesting story, Arthur. Not everyone will believe it."

I shrugged and said, "I don't much care what people believe. Anyhow, is there anything else you wanted to know?"

"Yes;" she said with a small, amused smile, "Are you participating in the games?"

I thought about that. "What competitions are there?"

She pulled a list from one of her pockets and read off the list. "Chariot races, gladiator fights, unarmed combat, foot races, javelin throwing, archery..."

"There you go;" I said with a grin. "Yes, I'll participate in the archery competition."

Her smile became even more amused. "I'll let the organizers know for you so that you can go and get some rest. The competition will be this evening and you will have quite the challenge."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "No disrespect to your demigods because I'm sure there are some fine archers among them but I doubt that."

"Oh it's not just our legionaries you have to worry about, Arthur. My sister and a couple dozen of her best warriors will be here before the end of the day."

My mouth dropped open as I remembered Reyna's sister from what Thalia Grace told me about the war. "Your sister?" I gulped. "Yes;" she said with a laugh. "Queen Hylla and her Amazons;"

After a good nap and a wash, we all gathered up and were led by Jason, Percy, Hazel and Frank to where the celebration was being held. First, Reyna gave another welcome speech, reiterating her warm feelings to the Greek demigods and also introducing her sister. Hylla Twice-Kill as she was known to the Romans and their friends, was a woman in her early twenties and was fiercely beautiful. She was a warrior through and through wearing a suit of light golden armor and a golden belt. She stood and lifted a glass with a nod towards Hazel, Frank and Percy in turn. When all the introductions and welcomes were offered, Reyna's amused smile returned and she said, "Our first contest is about to begin. Will all those who are going to participate in the archery competition rise, prepare your weapons and get into the designated lines, please."

Aside from myself, Frank Zhang, a dozen and a half other legionaries and three Amazons were participating in the contest. The way the contest was conducted was that we each fired three arrows at a target roughly twenty-five feet away - a very easy series and no one was eliminated. The target was pushed out to fifty feet and so on until the target was a hundred and fifty feet away when a few of the legionaries managed to miss the bull's-eye with at least one arrow of their three shots. With each proceeding round, another competitor was eliminated, another legionary, one of the Amazons and so on until the target was at six hundred and fifty feet out and it was myself, an Amazon, Frank Zhang and two other legionaries. I carefully drew, aimed and fired one shot after another. Two more legionaries were eliminated and I looked over at Frank. He was sweating and looked nervous. For me, another fifty yards wouldn't be too much trouble. I looked around and saw that the Amazon was studying me. She was of medium height and looked to be about a hundred thirty-five pounds with none of it being excess fat. Well, okay so maybe some of it was but, trust me, it was only in the best places. Any, she had red hair, blue eyes and used a compound bow, a nice modern one with all kinds of attachments and I was actually impressed with it, though I didn't use them myself. As a son of Artemis, it would take all the fun out of archery and hunting. When she noticed that I had caught her looking, she gave a coy smile and walked over to the dividing line. "I've gotta say, I'm pretty impressed. You're a good shot for a male."

I cocked a brow and said, "Wow, aren't you a sweetheart? I like your bow by the way. Is it custom made?"

She offered it to me and answered, "Yup, made for me by a son of Hephestus back at the Amazon headquarters; he really knows his way around weapons like this. How about yours? What's it draw weight?"

I grinned and shrugged as I offered her a chance to check out my bow. It was six and a half feet long and recurved yew wood. "A hundred and twenty-five pounds is the weight."

"Woah..." she said, her eyes wide. She struggled to pull the bow back but only managed a half draw. Shaking her head, she traded my bow back to me for hers. "That takes a powerful set of arms and shoulders there. Oh, looks like the targets are set. May the best..." and she paused, smiling even more coyly, "archer win."

I grinned right back and went to my mark. I put three shots in the center of the target. So did she. The target was moved. I put three arrows in the center of the target - and so did she. When the targets were three hundred yards away, it was just myself and this Amazon left. The light was fading and the judges - the two Praetors, as well as Pontifex Jason Grace and Hylla the Amazon Queen, huddled together to try and end the competition. After quite some time of deliberation, they called a legionnaire over and whispered to him before turning to face me and the other remaining competitor. "We will have only one more round. You will each fire one arrow, your goal, to put out the candles out there. They are four hundred yards out. May the best archer win."

The Amazon was studying the tiny, flickering golden red glow and I decided that I was going to prove a point. Pulling two arrows from my quiver, I drew, paused, aimed carefully and fired. It was three seconds before both candles winked out. Silence followed as all eyes turned to me. I turned to the judges and Reyna cleared her throat before saying, "While I appreciate the skill demonstrated, I personally consider that pour sportsmanship, Arthur Price. Re-light the candles and this time, please refrain from putting out your opponent's target."

I nodded and we waited. When the candles were lit again and we were told to proceed, I aimed and fired at my candle and the flame puffed out. I turned and watched just as the Amazon did the same. We waited... and waited... and after ten seconds, we all concluded that she had missed. Reyna and the judges stood and Reyna declared, "Arthur Price is the victor. Well shot, Archer."

A loral wreath was placed on my head and, after I had returned my bow and quiver to my room.

The feast was amazing. Invisible wind spirits carried food and drink of every kind to and frow. People lounged around in groups and some went from group to group, chatting, laughing, drinking and, in the case of the Amazons, flirting with the male demigods. I wanted to put my wreath in my room but Reyna said that I had to wear it the entire night. I sat on a couch, eating cheese and crackers and sipping on soda when the three Amazons who had participated in the archery contest all plopped down onto the couch on either side of me, coy smiles and fluttering eyelashes more than evident. "So..." said one of them, "... your name is Arthur Price, right?"

I cleared my throat and said, "That's right; I'm at a bit of a disadvantage. You know my name but I don't know any of yours?"

They stated their names were Sheena, Britney and Danielle. It was Danielle who had made it to the final round. All three of them were very attractive, especially, in my opinion, Danielle. Sheena and Britney were older than I was by a year or two and Danielle was within a couple weeks of me. "That bow looked heavy;" said Sheena. Danielle nodded and said, "Oh it was; the draw weight was a hundred and twenty pounds. I couldn't even draw it back."

I was blushing and one of them said, "Let me feel your arms."

"What?" I stuttered and she put both hands around my biceps. I was blushing cherry red as she all but purred, "Wow! Who needs a bow and arrows with guns like these?"

"O-kay then;" I said, trying to stand, "Leaving so soon?" asked Britney, who grabbed my upper arm and held me down gently. "We were just getting acquainted."

"A little more than acquainted, I think;" I murmured as I allowed myself to be pulled down. Percy and Jason were chuckling when they stopped up short next to us. "Nice shooting, Arthur; you look like you're enjoying yourself;" said the former with a grin. I shot them both pleading looks and thought as hard as I could, "Help me!"

Unfortunately, telepathy was not one of my strengths and they walked on by while Sheena, Britney and Danielle moved closer. "So... do you have a special someone back at Camp Halfblood, or maybe here in New Rome and Camp Jupiter?" asked Britney. I shook my head and stuttered something very clear, cool and distinct like, "Nuh-uh..."

"I see; well have you ever been to Seattle, Washington? It can be gloomy and rainy but I bet you would warm the place right up. You should come and visit us and stay awhile."

I fidgeted and said, "Wait a second; I always thought you guys hated men - kinda like the Hunters of Artemis."

Danielle smiled and caressed my hand. "A common misconception; we do not hate men. On the contrary, we like men - really like men. We just think that men have a place and need to be put in it. Most men are really not all that impressive, mediocre warriors and mediocre at just about everything except for some kinds of labor or work. You, however, might have the chance to be a Gargarean with your skill as an archer."

I frowned. Gargarean? "What's a Gargarean?"

"In ancient times, there was a city of men who we called the Gargareans. Once a year, we would get together and celebrate and nine months later, lots of pregnant Amazons would be walking around the city. Now a days, men who really earn our respect and prove that they are strong, wise and trustworthy are called Gargareans. They usually marry an Amazon."

"Uh-huh;" I said, beginning to feel really nervous. "So what do you think?" purred Britney. "Do you think you could be one?"

I didn't know how to answer her and was begin to tremble in anxiety. These girls were really beginning to make me never. "Even if you aren't?" cooed Sheena, "I think you'd make an orange jumpsuit and metal collar pretty hot."

"Ladies, if you didn't notice, you're scaring the pour boy;" came an amused voice. We all looked and Queen Hylla stood there with a cup in her hand and an amused smile on her face. They stood and bowed and I suddenly exhaled a breath I had no idea I was holding. Quickly I stood to my feet as well and moved away from them and Hylla laughed. "Don't worry, Arthur. When we visit my sister's home, we abide by her customs. You have no need to fear being slapped into a collar and an orange jumpsuit. I'd be careful wandering too far away, though. When you exit this place, all bets are off and my warriors will try to take you."

"Hylla, behave yourself;" said Reyna though I could tell she was holding back laughter. "You are scaring Arthur even more than these three did. Pay no attention to them, Arthur; they're just being shameless flirts."

I was still blushing but I managed a smile and said, "I'm really not used to this much attention."

Hylla nodded and said, "Britney, Sheena - attend me please."

They pouted but obeyed their queen, leaving me alone with Danielle. "So... where were we?" she asked with a bat of her eyelashes. Since it was just her and me now, I felt a little less nervous. Again, I sat down, grabbing a couple slices of buffalo chicken stuff crust pizza from a passing tray and offering her one. "My favorite;" she said. Music began to play as we talked and several couples began standing and dancing in an open area. Percy and Annabeth were the first on the dance floor followed by Leo and Calypso. I watched as one couple after another and no shortage of single individuals went over. Suddenly, Danielle grabbed my hand. "Come on and dance with me, Gargarean."

I tried to protest but it didn't do me any good at all. She yanked me into the dance area and we began to dance. She didn't hold back, dancing as close as possible and even wrapping her arms around me and using her hands to place mine on her hips. At first, I was very uncomfortable but it quickly became fun and I started to really enjoy it. Danielle wasn't complaining either. Suddenly, the song became slow and she wrapped her arms around my neck again. I couldn't tare my eyes from hers. In the almost-full moon, she looked absolutely beautiful. After I don't even know how many songs, I croaked, "I need to get a drink of something and get a little space."

She frowned. "What do you mean?"

I smiled and said, "I was born in the Rockies and I love the wild, open places. I get anxious when in a crowd for too long."

"Can I join you?" she asked and I was more than happy to let her. We slipped out and headed towards the temples on Temple Hill. There were at least four that were currently under construction and two that were currently being repaired. "It's a beautiful night;" she murmured. I agreed. I didn't really know what to say but then, I stopped by the shrine to Diana. It was small, about the size of a one car garage with a shrine. I pulled a package of crackers I had absconded with and put them in the burning brazier. "Why do you sacrifice to Diana specifically?"

"She's my mother;" I replied in a quiet murmur. Her eyes widened. "I thought that they were being symbolic or metaphorical because of your skill. I didn't know they were serious."

I smiled and shrugged. "Athena, the Romans' Minerva, has had children and maintained her maidenhood. Artemis did the same, albeit in a different way. It's a bit of a story."

She was quiet before she said, "I'm a daughter of Mars, myself. You know, when Rome conquered Greece, sometimes I wonder if Ares knocked out Athena and stole all of her military aspects and became smarter and more strategic."

I chuckled at that. It sounded about right. Across the years, I saw my mom's two aspects - Greek and Roman and they weren't all that different. In fact, the only difference was that Diana was every bit as much warrior as she was hunter. Artemis was mostly a hunter. After the crackers burned down, we went and laid in the grass between two temples, talking about nothing and looking at the beautiful constellations late into the night.