LoSP Side Story Ch.3: A Venison Date

Moss-veiled oak trees rose amongst lush leaves of emerald green, their branches spreading overhead through which birdsong drifted, fainter than the rays of sunlight streaming through.

Grass and little mushrooms crushed under Percy’s boots as he trudged forward quietly, following the silver of Artemis’ bow.

Artemis crouched, examining the tracks of the deer left on the damp ground.

“This way,” she announced, moving through the trees quicker and quieter than a leopard.

Percy trailed her through the undergrowth, avoiding the brambles and being as quiet as possible. Up ahead, Artemis tensed up, peering between two tall, pale ash trees. Her grip on the bow tightened, her eyes narrowing.

In the distance, Percy could feel a body of freshwater.

‘A lake.’ Percy spread his senses. ‘Water bodies are the places where animals usually come and rest. But this distance is too much. The lake is more than half a mile away.’

A silver arrow materialized in Artemis’ grasp.

‘If anyone can do it, it’ll be her.’ Percy stayed still, careful not to make an iota of noise and disturb Artemis. ‘I can’t even see the deer. And she’s about to shoot it.’

#She’s the goddess of the hunt.#  Alexander snorted in my mind. #Artemis will make the shot.#

Artemis’ bow twanged and a triumphant smile bloomed on her face.

“Did it hit?” Percy asked, breaking the silence after a few moments.

“Of course.” Pearly white teeth shone between her lips. “We’ve our deer.”

Artemis stalked forward, toward the lake where the deer lay dead, an arrow sticking out from behind its shoulders, having dug through its heart and lungs. Artemis knelt next to the deer and touched its forehead, murmuring a prayer.

#That’s very noble of her.# Alexander commented. #The deer will get a very good life next time. It is now blessed by Artemis.#

A silver glow encompassed the deer, and Artemis stood up.

“Do you want to set camp here or go back to my palace to cook?” Artemis asked. “And mind you, you’re the one who will be doing the cooking.”

“I know.” Percy smiled. “That’s what I promised, didn’t I?”

“Hopefully, next time you won’t pull such stupid stunts and scare the crap out of me.” Artemis gave Percy a meaningful glare.

“I won’t,” Percy promised. “Not unless I have no other option.”

“Fair enough, I suppose,” Artemis huffed. “I’d hate to lose my first… boyfriend because he was too stupid.”

A smile blossomed on Percy’s lips, and he stepped closer. “Boyfriend huh?”

Artemis frowned. “Did I say something wrong? We, um kissed, and all.”

“No, you didn’t say anything wrong.” Percy paused. “At least I don’t think so. I haven’t dated before.”

“Well, neither have I.” Artemis bit her lip. “Or really seen anyone like I see you. This is totally new to me.”

“Well, we fight Titans. I am sure we can figure it out.” Percy put an arm around her waist, pecking her cheek. “If not, we can call the literal expert on love and ask her.”

“That will be a very bad idea.” Artemis wrinkled her nose. “I think we could figure it out on our own.”

“You do know that she’s part of the reason that I came up and confronted you about the kiss instead of burying it.” Percy ran a finger through a strand of her hair, tucking it behind her ear. “She told me that I was being stupid and so were you. That we both loved each other but were too scared to lose it all.”

“Perhaps I should send her a thank you note,” Artemis hummed. “So, the palace or here?”

“We should go to the palace,” I said. “Or my tent where I can have a kitchen. I would rather not risk messing up our first date.”

“I wouldn’t mind.” Artemis whispered.

“Still, I want it to be as perfect as possible.” Percy said. “Paul said I should take you to a nice restaurant. But… well, I thought you’d like this more. Hunting, cooking, and then having the meal.”

“That’s true. I don’t really like hotels and restaurants. This is much more… personal.” Artemis smiled. “Close your eyes, Percy.”

Percy felt a pair of lips brush against his and power swirled around them, burning against his skin like the warmth of the flames in the hearth.

Percy’s eyes fluttered open as the lips retreated, only to find himself in a dark, silver palace, Artemis stood inches away from him, her breath tickling his lips. With a soft snap of her fingers, light flooded the room, like the moonlight lightening up a dark road.

The hunted deer was nowhere to be seen.

“I think you forgot the deer, Artemis.” Percy said.

Artemis frowned and snapped her fingers again. “There, now it is in the kitchen.”

“Then shall we get cooking?” Percy smiled.

“We shall.” Artemis’ fingers curled around his hand, and she tugged him forward, toward the kitchen.

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AND… DONE! Hope you all liked the short scene.

I wanted to keep it sweet and lovely. Involving cooking and stuff would’ve gotten messy and led to war-talk. So, I decided to end the scene.

Also, a lot of short stories will feature Artemis and Percy together and so will a lot of scenes in the main fic (LoSP). The Next Side Story will be Percy and Artemis v/s the Katoblepones
titled The Bull Fight which is almost ready. And it has more Percy-Artemis. Cute stuff which you'll enjoy.

A huge thank you to Mughil & Anax for betaing this chapter!

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Stay Happy! Stay Safe! Keep Smiling! Keep Reading!

HPfanfictioner66