The temple constructed from white Pentelic marble was a lot grander than Theoric was expecting after seeing there was a private area that would likely have been given greater concern by those in power. Knowing this he wondered how amazing the private one was if the public one looked this good.
While admiring the temple from afar as they approached they were stopped by temple guards at the entrance who were keeping an eye on Theoric as he approached.
"Halt, this is the temple of Athena, a holy place for our people to come and pray in peace, weapons are not permitted."
Annabeth thinking that strange spoke- "My moth... I mean, that doesn't sound like something Athena would enforce, she is the warrior goddess of wisdom, there is nothing wise about leaving oneself vulnerable."
The guard not expecting a rebuttal from a woman, glanced over and was surprised at how beautiful she was, and ended up losing his train of thought as he just began to stare.
Just when Theoric's group was about to have enough, suddenly the other guard asked- "Do I know you?" He had the strangest feeling that she was very familiar and that he should know her.
Io seeing Annabeth growing uncomfortable cleared her throat- "If that's all, we'll be going now." she said grabbing Anna's hand and pushing her way past the guards to enter the temple.
Theoric not wanting to further the problem took the chance to follow them, slipping past the dazed guards with Sigyn right behind.
The guards watching them leave finally commented- "So I guess we're just letting them go then."
"She did make a good point... Did you see her, she was stunning, those eyes and that chest, what I would give to make her mine."
"I'll be sure to let your wife know next time we gather for dinner."
"You wouldn't?!" he asked panicking.
Chuckling- "Who knows?... The real question is, why did I feel so familiar with her."
"I know what you mean, maybe she's been here more than once but we only ever saw her from the side or a spot in the crowd."
"Maybe."
Annabeth wiped away the sweat off her brow at almost being discovered- "It seems those who work here will likely be able to tell who I am if some random guards outside could feel it."
Sigyn- "Does it matter if they find out? isn't that why you're here?"
Theoric frowned- "If she was discovered it would become annoying."
Io agreed with Theoric- "Yes, it would be better not to be discovered by the masses, we wouldn't want them surrounding and trapping Anna here to become there living mascot of Athena."
Theoric- "Yeah and that would be the best-case scenario." he said drawing frowns at the truth of his words.
Annabeth- "I should have brought a cloak, I didn't expect regular humans to be so sensitive, 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."