(yes it’s happy this time. sigh.)

The sun hung low, casting a golden haze over the little garden tucked behind the chapel ruins. That was her garden. Or, at least a little copy of it. Vines trailed along crumbling stone, blossoms curling around the cracks like the earth was trying to heal something forgotten.

Artemis sat cross-legged on the grass, surrounded by bundles of wildflowers she’d probably just created whilst she was walking. Lavender, baby’s breath, soft pink clovers, and bright daisies were strewn around her in small, careful piles. Her hands moved gently, threading stems together in a delicate circle. A half-finished crown sat in her lap, the petals nodding slightly in the breeze.

A hum escaped her. Quiet, wordless, sweet, as she added a ribbon of thyme to the braid. Her expression was soft, peaceful. For once, the weight behind her eyes seemed lifted.

She didn’t notice anyone approaching at first. She was too focused, fingers weaving love into every twist of the crown.