Chapter 5 - Pledge [Part 1]
Naomi______
As Naomi awoke when morning arrived, she looked around. She was still in the tent that belonged to the goddess. At first, she believed it to be a dream, but now she knew it was real. She truly did meet a goddess, and she truly was free from Aaron.
Footsteps soon emerged. Naomi turned round, and Artemis looked like she had just woken up, too. But at the same time, she looked ready for anything. Maybe things went perfect for a goddess. Especially for her.
Artemis smiled at Naomi. "Sleep well?"
Naomi nodded. "I did."
On the edge of Naomi's bed, something was now there. Artemis must have put them there last night. A clean set of clothes for Naomi. It made her happy, that the goddess cared for a mortal like her. Was it because she was a young maiden? Or in need of refuge? She didn't know.
"Hey..." Naomi started. "How come you helped me?"
"What makes you ask that?"
"Just curiosity."
Artemis sighed, walking over to Naomi. She sat down on the fold-out bed, next to her. "Have you ever heard of my Hunters?"
"I have before," Naomi replied. "When we studied Greek Mythology in school, it was you I took interest to."
"I see... I asked for a reason, though."
Naomi's curious personality wanted to know more. "What reason?"
"I see potential in you, Naomi. I was wondering, if you'd like to join something that I... Let's just say something that I own."
Naomi gasped in shock. "Me? With you?"
"Yes. Come with me to our Camp. You can decide there."
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Everything was packed away pretty quick. Naomi was surprised at how much could fit into on small backpack. But nonetheless, once everything was safely sealed, Artemis led Naomi to a small camp. To the left was a giant archery pratice range, where girls in the same clothes were firing arrows. One girl was observing them. She had short black hair, ripped black jeans, but wore a silver headband that shone in the sun.
"Thalia?" Artemis called to the girl, and she came walking over.
"Yes, my lady?"
"Do you mind giving Naomi here a little tour of our camp?"
"Of course I don't mind."
Artemis smiled, as she patted Naomi on her head, before walking to a rather large tent.
"So, you're Naomi, right?" the girl who Naomi assumed was Thalia asked.
Naomi simply nodded.
"I'm Thalia. I serve as the Lieutenant here."
"Where exactly... is here?"
"Look around you." Thalia's hand gestured round the camp. "This is the home of the Hunters of Artemis. Girls round your age mostly."
"Then how old are you?" Naomi asked.
"Curious, aren't we? I'm 15." Thalia didn't even seem offended, which was a surprise. "I took the Pledge before my 16th birthday. That was about ten years ago."
"So you'd be 25 now?"
"Not really... Once you take the Pledge, you remain that age forever. Or at least until you break the Pledge."
"Hold on... what Pledge?"
"I'll explain later," Thalia smiled. "Come on, follow me. This place is rather amazing."
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