Epilogue

Artemis and her troupe continued their travels, making their way around the world. Along the way, they picked up new members. Sekhmet joined them in Egypt, Macha in Ireland, Pele in Hawaii. In Norway, the goddess Freya considered joining, before she found out that a vow of chastity was involved and laughed them out of her home.

Eventually, their wandering took them near Greece once again. It had been centuries since Artemis had talked to her family, so naturally she stopped by for a visit.

If the others were shocked at her returning with a larger party than she'd set out with, they didn't show it. The hospitality on Mount Olympus was perfect as always, thanks to Hestia, and Artemis had a wonderful time introducing old friends to new ones, recounting her adventures, and hearing about all the messes her brother had gotten into in her absence.

She had been making plans to set out again soon when Aphrodite approached her.

"Still not thinking of settling down?" the goddess of love asked. Her voice held less judgement than it had all those centuries ago. Now she just sounded curious.

Artemis shook her head. "No. I still don't imagine I ever will."

"Well," Aphrodite said, looking over at were Artemis' troupe was engaged in a lively discussion with the furies, "at least no one can accuse you of being lonely."

Artemis chuckled. "Now, who would ever accuse me of such a thing?"

Aphrodite laughed along. "I suppose I was rather insufferable back then. I just couldn't imagine anyone being happy if they weren't living the life I wanted. But as long as you are happy, that's all that matters."

Artemis looked over at her troupe. She watched as Iphigenia shrieked laughter at Asushunamir lifting her over their head, apparently engaged in a contest of strength with one of the furies. She looked at all the new faces that had joined her over the centuries, and thought of her promise to visit Kali again.

Artemis smiled as she looked back at Aphrodite. "I am as happy as I could possibly be.

The next morning Aphrodite was at the front of the crowd of gods, waving and calling farewells as Artemis and her friends set out once more to see any part of the world they hadn't yet explored.

Author's Note: I wanted to wrap up the story by showing that Artemis is still traveling the world, picking up new friends along the way. I also wanted to bring Aphrodite back into it, since she had a role in the introduction, and show that she's realized and accepted that Artemis is happy living her life the way she wants.