Chapter 84 - Athenas Temple (2/2)

Annabeth- ”I should have brought a cloak, I didn't expect regular humans to be so s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e, I guess that's what comes with being around the temple for so long.”

Io grabbed her hand and squeezed in comfort- ”Don't worry, we have your back, just avoid standing out until we find a high priest to talk to in private, stand behind in the middle of us to avoid gazes.”

Annabeth nodded as she moved behind them taking Sigyn's spot who was doing that same thing till now.

Theoric seeing his wife acting so shy around so many smiled at her as he took her hand, causing her to break out in a grin.

The temple was packed to the brim with people, they still had to wait a bit at the opening just to get inside. Annabeth and Sigyn were enjoying looking up at the massive columns that held up the entrance and the many carvings that jutted the temple walls depicting the many gods in there various forms.

Theoric grunted- ”Why are there so many people, is it some kind of special day or something?”

”Probably, let's just get in a find what we need and get out, I would prefer not sticking around too long,” said Io feeling uneasy around so many unfamiliar men.

Passing through the massive doorway they entered into an open area, the cella, an inner area of the ancient temple.

Around the insides of the temple along the walls were various small statues of the various gods. Only Zeus and Athena had bigger statues, Zeus's statue's had a special place in the middle on both sides half as tall as Athena's statue which was at the very end looking down on all the rest since it was a temple for her.

Passing by the Zeus statue, Io froze up in fear seeing him for the first time in any compacity after so long was a bit much as she began to shake. Her hand instinctively going to the bracelet she never takes off.

It was Annabeth's turn to comfort her as she came to usher her along with a bit of help from Sigyn who was concerned.

Annabeth whispered softly- ”Io, you knew it was going to be here, don't let it get to you, come on, we should continue forward, we shouldn't stand too long in front of his statue you know.”

Io registering her words dumbly nodded, happy to have Sigyn and Anna holding her as she mustered the courage to continue forward.

Theoric could only sigh at being unable to help in this sort of situation, he wasn't close enough to her yet to provide that kind of support.

He looked upon the statue one last time wondering if they would really come to blows in the future. It was never apart of his plans, but it seemed like he was going to need to start thinking about it more.

Finally standing in front of the giant statue of Athena, Annabeth looked up in aw at the grandiose image of her mother.

Theoric leaned down and whispered to the group- ”We should stay here until the crowds disperse before trying to converse with her, I think it will also give her a better chance to feel that you are here the longer we wait.”

Annabeth- ”Sounds good to me, is that okay with you Io?”

Io gave a small grin to show she's fine so Annabeth didn't have to worry- ”As long as I'm over here and not over there, I'll be fine.”