Hunter's Arrow (Naomi X Artemis story)

Chapter 6 - Pledge [Part 2]

Naomi
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The tour Thalia was giving Naomi simply astounded her. The camp was set up around a beautiful woodland forest, near a cliff with an amazing view of the sea. It was a view Naomi just had to see at any point, no matter what. Or, at least according to a few other Hunters around. Naomi was also surprised at how eternal Maidens as young as nine years old could live together like this, with little to no arguments.
The two had stopped near the edge of the cliff, where water surrounded the bottom rocks. With a canned drink each, the two sat near the edge, looking out at the sea. Naomi just kept smiling, loving the view.
"You've really not seen a view like this in a while?" Thalia asked Naomi.
"It's complicated," Naomi replied. "But yeah, that's the truth."
"How did you even manage so long the way you did? You were... how?"
It was then that Naomi looked down at the ground. Usually, talking about something she'd rather keep a secret - if at all - would worry and upset her.
"Hey..." Thalia wrapped an arm around Naomi, pulling her closer. "If you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to. I won't bring it up again."
"It's okay..." Naomi finally spoke, but quietly. "I can tell."
And so she did. Thalia held on to every word, shocked at how Naomi managed to survive the torture she endured. It was almost as if Thalia now had someone else to admire for their actions.
"Naomi... I..."
"I don't want sympathy, Thalia," Naomi replied. "It can't change what happened. That's why I want to move on from it."
"And how do you plan to do that?"
"I'm not sure... I'll figure something out."
Thalia then stood up, an idea in her mind. "I think I already know of something."
Naomi also stood up, curious, but nervous at the same time. "How?"
"Maybe you can join us."
A shocked Naomi simply stood there, a few moments of silence whispering into the wind.
"Maybe we should go see Lady Artemis about it?"
Naomi nodded. "It might help..."

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Artemis
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The soft clip-clops of Artemis's silver deer echoed through her tent. Even though it had been rescued many years ago, the goddess still cared for it. This deer had become a little pet to Artemis, and she found it adorable how it liked to rest its head on her lap.
As the deer rested once more, the tent opening was lifted, as Naomi and Thalia walked in.
Artemis smiled at Naomi. "Had a good look around, then?"
Naomi nodded. "This place is beautiful, and that view, I just love it!"
"Wait until you see it at night," Artemis replied. "That is when it really shines."
Thalia nodded in agreement. "Sometimes, we even roast some marshmallows and s'mores."
"S'mores?"
Thalia just looked shocked. "You've never had a s'more before?"
"Nope, and I'd rather not say why."
"I'm going to make sure you try a s'more if you join. It's like this waffle sandwich that has a melted marshmallow at each side, and chocolate in between. Sound nice?"
Naomi smiled, and nodded. "It does."
"Moving on from roasted treats," Artemis interrupted, "the question is still at hand, Naomi. Will you join us?"
Naomi's smile disappeared. It was clear to Artemis that Naomi still wasn't sure about her decision. Eternity away from the troubles of life was very tempting, but at the same time it was impossible to think about staying young forever. At least until you fall in battle, or find love.
Thalia placed a hand on Naomi's shoulder, as if she was assuring the poor girl. "You'll be free of what happened to you."
Naomi looked up at Thalia. "Free of... him?"
"He won't hurt you again."
The mortal then nodded. "Okay. I'll join."
Artemis walked towards Naomi. "Don't be scared. Nothing bad will happen to you. We can take care of you."
"You just have to say a small pledge to join," Thalia then added. "Then you'll be free."
"What's the pledge?" Naomi asked.
"Just repeat what I say. 'I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis.'"
"I..." Naomi took a deep breath. "I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis."
"'I turn my back on the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood, and join the Hunt.'"
Naomi repeated the line, then took another deep breath at the end.
"Feel okay?" Thalia asked.
"I guess..." Naomi replied. "Is that it, then?"
"Pretty much. Lady Artemis just needs to accept you now, then you'll be with us."
Artemis nodded. "And you know I will."
"You accept everyone, we might as well take that part out," Thalia joked. Artemis giggled, obviously understanding the joke.
The fireplace at the edge of the tent then flickered more, turning a bright shade of silver. The three watched as the fire released a small silver circle that travelled across the room. Artemis and Thalia then looked at Naomi.
"So?" Thalia asked. "How do you feel?"
"Strange..." Naomi replied. "Like... like what happened to me never did..."
"So I take it that means you feel stronger?" Artemis then asked.
"Guess so, yeah."
"Well then it worked, she's in," Thalia smiled. Naomi then giggled. It was as if she was happy to be a part of the Hunters. Was it to do with feeling free?
Everybody had their own reason for joining. That was the most Artemis knew, anyway.
Perhaps she could try to discover Naomi's reason for joining...

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A/N
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Well Christ, this was way overdue...
I am so sorry for its tardiness, I know I said I would have this out for my 30 month Anniversary on here, but...
Nope, I couldn't...
I already had Vanished for Torture planned...
And I couldn't concentrate...
But now it's out, and I can finally rest!
Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and... I probably did not get Artemis's emotions right, so if I didn't, I am SO SORRY!