Lois
Esmeray and Artemis reunite at the Champion's new residency
Dennis
She did not want to be here. Posidena was far from her domain, hers was one of dirt and wood and stone, this was one of salt and sand and sea. It wasn't an antithesis of her aspects but in no way did this place welcome her, she was an outsider in every sense as her four hooves clopped across the beach and towards her quarry. The villa was a large splay of white, long and short to remain stalwart in the face of oceanic winds, with a boxy composition that modern architecture adored. It was chic in its uniform paleness, which in the still moonlight of the late night gave the structure a serine ambience. Warm orange hues that poured from its open frame speaking to some life residing within.

With a leap and a jump Artemis ranged up the stairs towards the sound of life, shuffled movements and breathing catching the huntress' ears, before curtly arriving at the landing. Coming to stop to observe the space, it was a nice home, not in her style or taste of local, but she would never deny the quaintness of the space. Black doe eyes peered in search of her quarry, spotting the muted movement of shadows from within. Quietly the small deer form stalked forward, small hooves somehow silent upon the hard floor, creeping through an open sliding door before coming upon the purpose of her meeting. Esmeray, her Champion and chosen demigod to aid in protecting humanity, stood before her with a trash bag and broom as she sought out cleaning what appeared to Artemis to be the home of a hermit. Beer cans and other discarded trash; wrappers, chip bags, and the like, were strewn about the home in a fashion unbecoming of anyone who ever had company. However the goddess knew Esmeray, and knew whom this house truly belonged to and never suspected the demigod of the mess

"Esme, darling girl, didn't your mother tell you to pick up after yourself?"
 
The form of the small white doe melted away, collapsing and then rising in a fluid motion til a fully formed woman stood directly behind the unsuspecting Esmeray. Artemis was dressed causally, she nearly always was, a simple fitted grey cropped tank top, a comfy looking flannel with a black and white pattern, beige cream sweats that hung maybe a little too low on her hips for a chastity goddess, and large chunky sneakers that had certainly seen better days. A playful smile hinted at the corner of her large full lips as awaited the girl's reaction, it had been some time since they'd last met and despite the hardships Artemis knew Esmeray must've suffered without her, she was excited to see her again.
Melissa
The emptiness of the home was strange, the lack of Triton or his music playing in the background made the house seem bigger and emptier than it had before. The sounds of the broom as she swept were like tv static against the barren walls, echoing around the room. Esmeray had been cleaning the house and after five trash bags, she was close to her wits end. It had taken three trash bags just to clean up the kitchen and Triton's bedroom alone. The living room was the last room she had left, and the lack of decor had seemed to be a wide open shot for Trition's left over beer cans. 

"I should have denied the house." Esmeray spoke out loud to herself, as if her own personal angel and devil sat on her shoulders, speaking back and forth to one another. Speaking to herself had somehow become an often occurrence, leaving her wondering if she was truly going mad. "But how can you deny the queen of the ocean," 

A voice that wasn't hers sang in her ears, scaring her. Esmeray jumped, throwing the broom in the air and catching it quickly pointing the end like a makeshift weapon at the shapeshifting figure. The transformation was familiar, the shift from deer to human as fluid and swift as a stream. The red curls of Artemis stood stark against the white of Triton's home, like a gem in the sand. A smile lit her face as she made eye contact with the rambunctious goddess. It was when her heart rate calmed down that she finally processed what was said. 

"One, you were almost pulverized by my broom fighting skills and two, my mother did... Amphitrite teaching Triton on the other hand is debatable." She laid the broom against the stiff sandstone couch and reached out to hug the goddess. "I'm happy to see you."

Esmeray's appearance was disheveled, a girl who now held a little more weight on her shoulders. Her long brown hair was tied up in a sloppy bun, small tufts of hair sticking out. Her blue eyes looked bruised from the lack of sleep and her grey sweat pants and black crop top did nothing to help her tiresome look. But despite it she held a smile on her face.
Dennis
Artemis admittedly wasn't expecting that sort of reaction from Esmeray, her stalwart joy flickering for a moment as her eyes widened at her champions fright. She'd intended to surprise the girl certainly however the meek reaction wasn't what she envisioned. However something about it, conjoined with Esme's quick recovery to wield her broom as a weapon, reminded the goddess of why she'd chosen her. For her softness and the ability to turn it hard when necessary, the pointed end of the broom reassuring the goddess as much as it amused her. 

"Oh no, mercy mercy please o' mighty broom master." She kidded, raising her palms up in feigned submission. Staggering green eyes peered at the improvised weapon from beyond a coy knowing smile, the rumble of a laugh coming out beneath her words. Her hands fell as Esmeray discarded her weapon and approached to embrace her, Artemis meeting her with a step and wrapping her arms fully around the shorter girl's form. "I missed you Esmeray." Artemis was a kind goddess, that was undeniable, but rarely did she so openly admit any semblance of affection or positive emotion. 

After a beat Artemis withdrew from the hug, placing her calloused hands upon Esmeray's shoulders. Holding her in place Artemis observed the girl, the same painted smile wrinkling her cheeks into dimples, however her eyes melted into something other than the pure joy and excitement that had been there previously. She knew her champion to be a warrior, strong willed and capable of enduring the world's turmoil, but Artemis couldn't hide the concern built within at the sight of the girl's appearance. "I should've returned sooner, I'm here for you now darling." She didn't know if her words would help, perhaps it was some selfish urge within her to ease Esmeray's stress, but she hoped they would. If not Artemis truly meant what she said, rarely did she not, she wouldn't be leaving anytime soon.
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Melissa
The hug was a welcomed one, between her loving family and her best friend who didn't know what the word affection meant. She hadn't felt a true embrace since she had last seen the goddess and the dehumanizing trauma was slowly turning her spirit into rubble. Artemis pulled away from her hug and examined her; most likely taking into account how exhausted and deranged her champion looked. The lounge clothes were wrinkled and a mystery stain sat on the knee of one pant leg. She grimaced, not wanting to even imagine what it could have been. 

"You have no clue how much I've missed you." Esmeray glanced at the goddess. Artemis had not changed at all in the short time span they had been apart. Her golden red ringlet curls showed her wild personality and paired with the bright dark green of her eyes gave a hint of playfulness. The dimples that rested in her cheeks only added to the enchantress. Her human form was beautiful in every way but despite her beauty, Esmeray knew that the goddess was not one to be reckoned with.

Esmeray stepped back and waved her hand around the room. "Welcome to my new abode, compliments to the goddess of the sea herself." Esmeray frowned as she looked at the trash ridden home and then back at Art. 

"Artey, tell me how I get myself into these predicaments and then tell me how to get out of them." She dramatically threw herself on the sandstone couch, making sure her head landed on one of the few pillows as she plopped down. Her legs were aching from standing the entire day and she was just on the brink of over exultation due to both using her powers on a **God** And cleaning the entire house from top to bottom.
Dennis
The ache at the top of her stomach grew as she examined the girl, she'd watched from afar the trials and tribulations Esmeray had underwent. She'd felt her gifts being used, that was admittedly when Artemis paid more attention, so she knew things had been difficult. The ache churned more at the thought, Artemis would take on all the girls struggles if she could, it was much easier for her heart to just do it all herself. A stoic smile appeared on the goddess' face at her champions comment, she needed to be strong for so many reasons and now Esmeray had become another one. 

"Ah, what a... Benevolent gift. Leave you to keep up your half brother's messes. I know not her parenting strategy but I hope Amphitrite straightens the boy out, less he learns the hard way from someone else." She'd never personally needed much guidance or correction in her earliest years of existence, she'd been birthed as a fully realized goddess of course but even then she'd always been a bit more mature than her brother. However she simply couldn't see how this home was a gift, it was something likely to be returned in the first place.

Artemis watched as Esmeray plopped herself theatrically upon the stone couch, another piece of furniture she couldn't appreciate, a breath held in as her champion hit the hard surface. "Oh sweet child," Artemis crossed the room to the couch, sneakers silent upon the hard floor, before sitting beside the girls head. "To be quite frank, the world doesn't give a fuck and it's going to continue throwing bullshit at you for the rest of time." She looked down at the girl, green eyes a swirled mess of emotions, worry and woe for the things she'd have to face in the future, regret for not preparing her better and so much more. "But—" As she spoke the goddess gently placed a hand on Esmeray's cheek, thumb caressing back and forth in a somewhat motherly fashion, "You are a strong willed young woman, and most importantly you're smart. Smart enough to decide what to do when the time comes, and compassionate enough to make sure it's the correct decision. Although I might recommend practicing saying no," A small laugh rumbled in her stomach, "You may be a little too kind."

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Melissa
Artemis studied her, the soft motherly tone reminding her of her own mother whom she had lost almost a decade ago. The loss of a loved one never leaves, the small reminders that pop up at the darndest of times. Esmeray tried to dismiss the sadness that rolled in but the exhaustion hindered it. She wanted to tell Artemis everything, tell her about the brother whom had lost mind, the father who she finally met and was exactly like she had expected and the war... The war in which ran the world at this point. 

Esmeray shrugged at Artemis' words. The house was the least of her worries and while she was partially grateful for the place to stay she couldn't help think about how she would much rather be with Conner and Jared. Both of them off on their own missions. She didn't let her mind think about Amara, her fear mongering ally whom always known how to press the right buttons. 

"I'm glad you are back though. Its been... Interesting to say the least." Artemis crossed the room and sat by her. Esmeray looked up, the vibrancy of her divinity against the bright white walls. " I know, I know. Especially because of who my father is and the part I've decided to play in all of this. The part **We've** Decided to play." They were all considered neutral, not wanting to pick who should be the king of the gods but instead opting for peace. But before peace there had to be violence. 

She rolled her eyes at Artemis' last words. Though she was right coming from a goddess, she wondered if saying no to a goddess was as easy as that. "If I say no, that is just another god I do not want to anger. I love the sea... But all my life I feel like I have been running from it." She grabbed the pillow out from under her head and covered her face with it instead, wanting to scream into it until the world around them came crashing down.
Dennis
Uncertainty filled the goddess. It had been many moons since she'd last truly sat down and spoken with, well, anyone for that matter but specifically mortals. They were simply yet endlessly complex entities in comparison to immortals such as herself. Their short lives burned brilliantly in a tiny explosion that often went unnoticed in what felt like a blink of an eye to her, their hearts and minds swaying through feelings and ideas that Artemis took years to process. She didn't know what to say to her own champion, to reassure her and give her the tools to live. Artemis thought about the last mortal she'd tried to patron, she didn't want that fate for Esmeray.

"I'd like to say you'll have plenty of time to catch me up on things but I suspect I'm going to get rather busy. Fates only know how much harm my father and uncle have done in my time away, I need to see it all with my own eyes before deciding what to do." She didn't care for this war, the last major war between the gods had almost shattered the old world, ultimately leading to inevitable loss of mortal life and the ruin of civilizations. She didn't care who sat on the throne, she just wished to see her domain flourish and that wasn't possible when the sky and sea were trying rip each other apart.

Her green eyes lingered on Esmeray in her dismay, the helplessness she felt from the girl only piling atop the building sense of responsibility she felt for her champion. "You mustn't deny your nature Esmeray." The goddess paused, her hands coming together in subtle tell of unease as her fingers clinging for their counterparts. "The sea is apart of you, just as much as you are apart of it. Trust me child, I know how hard it is to accept a father so terrible but denying them is the same as denying half of yourself. They define our pasts but it is you who will define your future, so you must take action to make it one you'll be proud of. We must be better than our fathers, if not for ourselves then for those around us who depend on it." She wasn't one for words and she wasn't sure if hers would reach Esmeray but she hoped the other would understand what she meant.
Melissa
Esmeray sat up, resting against her elbows as she looked at the goddess. The pillow fell off of her and to the ground. She did have a lot to tell her, not just about Triton and his insubordination but about her father and the plans the champions had next. Artemis was what Esmeray assumed mortals called a gypsy soul. A goddess who could never be pinned down even when war called for her no matter how much she tried to ignore it. She sat up completely, all playfulness from the warm welcome stripped away. 

"They destroyed the sanctum, Art. I'm not sure if it was your father or mine but so many people are dead. Innocent people who were just seeking safety from this war. Children. " Esmeray's jaw clenched in anger and her hands fell into her lap. "If the sea is a part of me how can I prevent it from overtaking the other half? The half that cares and loves people that will ultimately die. How do I accept that part and not become my father when I watch as he destroys everything that the other half of me loves and lives for?" 

Esmeray looked out the window, the sea staring back at her as if it were listening to her every word. A subtle breeze wafting through and caressing both of them. "I need to know more, do more. I understand the need for power now." A small painful chuckle escaped her lips. "Though, I believe my reasoning for wanting it is cultivated by different roots." She looked up at Artemis again, the soft sense of sadness coated in her green eyes. 

"We need to do more. I need to do more."
Dennis
If it had been a millennia ago Artemis would've flown into a rage at the Esmeray's words. The death of innocents and children was an unacceptable transgression in her eyes, she'd slaughtered mortals for less. But the transgressors now weren't mortals, they were gods and very could be direct family. It took every ounce of control in her not to take up her bow then and there to go storm Olympus. For now, she told herself, she'd wait and temper her rage. Mold her fury into an arrow that would devastate her enemies when the time was right.

"I don't know." Artemis wished she did, for as much guidance as she could offer her champion there were things beyond her. Esmeray's plight was her own and only she could walk that journey, "You have too little faith in yourself child. Your heart is strong and though it may waver at times, you must listen to it and not be overcome by the sea." 

She gazed at her champion, how feeble and weak she seemed in that moment. It was disheartening, Artemis knew that she'd thrust so much responsibility and future anguish onto this girl by championing her but it was a necessary evil she'd tell herself. "Never stop loving dear, it was what makes you weak and vulnerable yes but it'll also give you the strength and courage to do what must be done."

At the mention of power Artemis stood, her long legs taking her a few steps away from stone sofa. "I've noticed you've yet to call upon all my gifts. I didn't bestow you them without reason, they are powerful enough to give the edge you'll need if you have any hope of protecting the things you love." Artemis' peered beyond the room, out the same window as Esmeray, her eyes landing upon the sea outside. Her mind wandered towards plans of vengeance and violence upon her uncle and father. "There will also be a challenge to do more, however you need not face it alone. Call upon your allies and you'll manage to surmount any odds, and if you truly must call upon me. I'll come to aid if you require it."

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Melissa
The words spoken lingered in the room like a heavy fog. Words of war, of family and of the troubles that were not near as evident. Esmeray was appreciative of Artemis and everything she had done and continued doing for her. More family to her than her real family ever was or ever could be. She smiled faintly. Artemis was right, and she wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not. 

"I just feel like I could never do enough. I am not sure anyone will get through to them and I am not sure how we are going to ever play offense when all we ever do is defend." She straightened her shoulders. Her worries showed the comfort she found in the goddess, relinquishing feelings she was so used to keeping hidden and safe. The strength and determination had always been a barrier for the fears and insecurities. Now, on full display. Esmeray closed her eyes letting the walls slowly go back up. "But you are right, unfortunately." 

Esmeray stood and took a deep breath. She needed to stop feeling sorry for herself. She was blessed despite the difficulties that they faced. She had work to do, people to recruit and lives to save. Because of Artemis she was able to do that more than most.

"I've used them only briefly. I just don't want to use them and exhaust both of us. I need to find out what my boundaries are, what our boundaries are and learn from them." She looked up at the tall gorgeous goddess, the stubborn determination that resided in her eyes slowly pierced into Esmeray like a candle to a match. "I need you to not leave me for months on end again so that we can figure this out... Together." Esmeray crossed her arms, shooting an accusatory look 
In her direction. 

She ignored the talk of allies, for now. Knowing that Artemis would be there if she called on her was comforting but it didn't help the pit in her stomach. The gods and goddess that chose Athena's side had so much power and authority, a chance to do more than stand and watch as if everything would find peace on its own. She knew Artemis had her own reasons for not joining the battle but she found herself wishing that she would change her mind and follow her own advice.
Dennis
Esmeray was only half a god. Artemis needed reminding of that from time to time, her champion's words and woes did just that. She was an entity born from humanity and divinity, the aspects of each having their individual moments to shine. Here, now, in the confines of the bleached sandstone walls of Triton's abode Artemis witnessed the unprompted kindness of humans within Esmeray. Gods were fickle animals by nature, they needed worship and praise before they bestowed any semblance of kindness upon others but humans, humans were more than them in that regard.

"I grow tired of Athena's schemes as well. She sees this war as a grand game of chess, I don't think she cares for the stories and lives of the pieces she plays." She meant no disrespect towards her half sister, she was a goddess of tactics and cleverness, it wasn't expected of her to empathize with the troops and people under her command. It was that coolness that made her such an effective planner and leader in times such as these but it left Artemis wanting. "But we mustn't lose faith. Wars are great, big ugly things that I've known to last lifetimes. This one could last multiple given the stakes at risk for all sides."

Artemis' gaze remained unfocused on the world outside, emerald green hues shimmering with refracted light that spilled into the room. Even then in her unguarded state of relaxation she was a tense thing, a rigid mass of lean muscle waiting for a moment to explode. The cloud of a troubled expression disappearing from her face with a blink, turning her face towards Esmeray once more. Her features lifting at the edges with a calm smile as she observed her champion, all previous fears and insecurities that had built being vanquished by the reality of duty and what the pair would have to do. "You're going to have to learn quickly then, my dear. Dark storms brew on the horizon and war waits for no woman. Don't worry so much about me and practice til your legs give out, then get up and practice so

Me more."

She took a step towards Esmeray, pausing an arms length away to look down at the muted girl. She was disheveled mess who was too kind for her own good, and Artemis thought she was the perfect person to be her champion. "I can't promise you I won't have to leave again, this world is vast and this conflict stirs trouble across it all. Most of the gods can't see past this city, leaving it to only a few of us to handle all the BS that builds up. I will swear to you though, I'll never leave you forever." At this she reached out her arm, extending it between them for Esmeray to grab. It was exactly as she'd done when she'd made Esmeray her champion. "We will beat this.. Together."
Melissa
*Practice til your legs give out then get up and practice some more.* Esmeray had sat through many training sessions for herself, garnering what her body could do without the abilities given to her by Artemis but as she thought about it now she nodded. She had to treat Artemis and her gifts as an extension of herself. Had to learn on her own the boundaries in which they could reach as well as together. It wasn't a hard reality to come to but she had hoped for a little more inclusivity. 

"I'll do exactly that." She briefly looked out the same window at the dark and rapacious sea. The parts of her needed to learn how to blend together and she needed to learn what she was capable of. Artemis put her arm out for her to take, the wisdom in which she spoke echoing in her mind. The familiar gesture that made her smile as she looped her arm with hers. 

She found the promise of never leaving her was a hard feat to surpass, even despite the goddesses divinity. The gala had shown many of them that even gods were not subject to eternity. She shook the thought from her mind, the brief image of Persephone and looked up at Artemis. Artemis could handle herself but Esmeray held a promise to protect her as much as she could as well. 

"Together." It was a promise.