The Exarch

The pool's clearing looks different today. The midday sun's reflection of the water is muted and dispersed by a low layer of mist over the water. Above the mist, on top of the rock we use for stargazing sits a tall and lean unfamiliar woman with dark hair, wearing a more ornate version of Nadya's hunting tunic. She radiates a quiet power that's both intimidating and captivating and is flanked by flanked by two women: a stout curvaceous blonde and a willowy redhead. Nadya whispers, "That's The Exarch, Maia. Leader of the Huntresses servants."

Their gazes rise from the pool, pass over me and lock onto Nadya.

"With Merope, we have a quorum. Is Sam ready?" The Maia asks.

"Yes, Maia." Nadya responds.

Maia beckons us forward. We step into the water, and I fight back a wince. The water is bordering on scalding. Nadia squeezes my hand as we continue forward, and a subtle smirk appears on the redhead’s lips. Maia, however, looks competitive while her companions eye me down.

Maia asks with a neutral voice, "The water to your liking?"

I tense up then after a moment respond, "I can handle it, but I wouldn't call it pleasant today."

The blonde woman laughs while the redhead scowls at my response. "That... is the type of answer we are looking for. You'll do for this mission" Maia responds with a slight smile.

"Are you serious?" The redhead questions.

"Yes, Electra. We have focused to long on just warriors. That is how they drove the rest of us to ruin."

"So what am I if not a warrior?" I ask.

The Blonde responds, "You are a warrior but that's not all you are. Merope trained you right? She's always had a large heart... and been willing to buck orders when needed to follow it."

Maia picks up after the blonde, "Exactly Celaeneo, this mission will require tact, understanding and adaptability. Merope excels in 2 of those three areas."

Nadya winces a bit at the last comment from Maia. I whisper, "Merope?".

I hear her respond under her breath, "Later, please".

"Your mission is to scout out the mountain at the island's heart, Olympus in exile. After the fall, the heavenly court fled its homeland. There are plans to return, but not everyone thinks things should be as they were. The Soldier, The King and The Celebrant want to keep things as they were. We need information on what they are planning. They recognize us, but you in your new form are unknown to them. The are holding a gala soon to celebrate their imminent return to the wider world. That’s where you come in."

"And you think I can infiltrate them?" I ask.

"They are used to being the only ones who get to decide and to them you’ll just be another local girl at the upcoming gala" Maia says.

Nadya squeezes my hand again as if for good luck. I nod, trying to absorb the plan. "Will others be joining me?" I ask Maia. Maia shakes her head, "No. We need to maintain a certain distance from this one."

The redhead, Electra, looks down her nose at me. "You think you can handle a divine gathering?"

I clench my fists and steel my face with resolve despite my nervousness, “I’ve faced worse before for Nadya and I can again.”

“Good, Merope, make sure they start as soon as possible.” Maia responds.

Nadya (or should I call her Merope?) and I exit the pool and set off to begin preparations for the infiltration.