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It was only about five or ten minutes after Nelly left and Elysium got into roaming around his house that his stomach growled — he instantly thought about grabbing his backpack that he put at the front doors. It had snacks in it. Then… he thought about a better idea. He could go to the common areas and get familiar with new faces. His stomach was growling and he was wishing that he asked Nelly to point him into the right direction but it was too late for that. 

Going through the house with slow amazement, Elysium found the front door and got his shoes back on. He ended up grabbing a few items and putting them into his pockets before leaving his cabin. [i]His cabin…[/i] That was such a weird thought for him. He hadn’t had his own place for the most part. Most of his life was sharing his room with others — boarding school and university. It was going to be strange living in such a big place without anyone else. It caused a slight discomfort to drape over his body and he looked back at the cabin because of it. 

Without letting himself get too deep in thought, Elysium moved forward, and he made his way towards where he saw other people roaming around and the bigger buildings. One building seemed more active than the other so he decided to go with that one first and entered it. Getting out of the cold was a sharp contrast to the heat in the building and he made sure the doors were shut behind him while he noticed quite a few unfamiliar faces. Giving at least two people a gentle smile as he passed them and walked up to where it looked like food was. He stood there without grabbing any dishes or utensils to make his decisions. 

Once he picked up a plate and got his food and a warm drink, Elysium moved over to the sitting area, and he noticed a few people. Looking around and making a decision, he decided to approach the girl who was alone and had a dog by her. People with animals were usually friendly and good. At least that was what he had learned from experience, especially ones that seemed well behaved, ‘[color=5a6a85]Hello,[/color]’ he started off with a warm smile. ‘[color=5a6a85]I hope I’m not bothering you in any way. I’m just trying to learn a few faces since I am new here. I’m Elysium.[/color]’ He thought getting to the point was the easiest thing to do in this situation. Then he wondered if she was new or not as well. 

Sloane had long been lost in thought, her attention flitting between the fireplace, new faces passing the window, and the blueberry she pushed around with her spoon. She didn’t notice anyone approaching. She was so used to being fairly invisible that she assumed her interactions with Ace met her social quota for the week. A male voice caught her attention and the new company made Rocco sit up with excited anticipation. Sloane looked up, finding a tall, dark haired man standing beside her table with a smile. The corners of her lips tugged upwards slightly in return. [color=c7b29b]"Oh, hi."[/color] Her small hand covered her mouth as she finished her current bite of food. [color=c7b29b]"You’re fine,"[/color] she said after she swallowed and motioned her hand toward the available seats at her table. [color=c7b29b]"I’m Sloane, and this is Rocco,"[/color] she added with a nod to the happy, tail wagging puppy beside her.

When Sloane gestured to the available seat at the table, he dipped his head, and set his plate there. Before he considered even sitting down, he held his hand to Rocco so the dog could check him out, ‘[color=5a6a85]It’s a pleasure to meet you,[/color]’ and once Rocco seemed fine with him, he reached out, and scratched his head. ‘[color=5a6a85]The both of you,[/color]’ he added. 

Then he moved the seat out and began to sit down, ‘[color=5a6a85]Are you new here?[/color]’ it was small talk but he didn’t believe she was new here with how she was acting. There was something about her posture or body language that said she was content with this place… at least to an extent. Elysium looked at his food. He got a bowl of chili, put sourcream, cheese, and cracks on it, a bowl of mixed fruit, hot chocolate, and a side of roasted long beans. 

Rocco didn’t hesitate to shove his head into Elysium’s hand, happily accepting any and all pets available. Then, once he sat down, the dog plopped his butt down on his new best friend’s feet hoping to get more attention and maybe even some scraps. 

Sloane shook her head. [color=c7b29b]"Oh, no. My brother and I arrived at the beginning of the camp year… June I think."[/color] She smiled slightly at her own forgetfulness. [color=c7b29b]"I honestly can’t remember. Everything’s kind of blurred together. I feel like I just arrived, but also like it’s been years."[/color] She drank what remained of her coffee then set down her empty mug. [color=c7b29b]"I’m sure you’ll relate soon enough,"[/color] she added with a sheepish smile.

‘[color=5a6a85]I don’t know all the details but I know a lot of events happened,[/color]’ Elysium casually brought up while being blissfully unaware. He had no idea of what had gone down at camp but his mother explained that plenty of tragic events happened which is why they were recruiting more offspring. It was somewhat unnerving when he sat there and truly thought about it — [color=5a6a85][i]How many people died during those events? Did anyone die at all? Who left this place because of what happened?[/i][/color] There were plenty of questions that popped into his mind and plenty more than he would never ask even if he was curious. No reason to poke wounds that were possibly not healed. 

There were a lot of questions, but she also wasn’t surprised. If any of the Gods even hinted at some of the goings on here, their children were bound to have questions. Sloane rested the handle of her spoon against the brim of her oatmeal bowl while she counted. [color=c7b29b]"I’m uncertain about how many before I came to camp. There’s only one death that I know of. But a couple months ago, there were three who died. The previous camp leader, his half sister and another girl."[/color]

It wasn’t Sloane’s fault, and she knew that. But the guilt of the box still weighed on her heavily. It was a gift from her mother for her, regardless of whether she opened it, her brother did, or it was an accident. The intent was her, so she felt like it was her burden to bear. She inhaled softly as her gaze fell to the half eaten oatmeal. [color=c7b29b]"Two left recently. One was best friends with one of the girls who died. The other…"[/color] Her voice trailed off for a moment as she glanced down at the tip of Rocco’s tail swishing back and forth. [color=c7b29b]"We don’t know why he left."[/color]

Elysium couldn’t help his thoughts wander about the handful of deaths and people leaving. He had no idea why that person left but with that bit of information… he could understand why someone would leave. There was nothing to add to her previous words on the deaths, not right now, since he didn’t want to push for details. ‘[color=5a6a85]I am sorry that there were losses here,[/color]’ that was the only thing he could get out about that information. 

[color=c7b29b]"I appreciate your sympathies,"[/color] she replied, with a genuine smile. [color=c7b29b]"We’ve been lucky enough to have some time to heal… Emotionally and physically."[/color]

With the thoughts in his head, he was unsure what she meant by that, but he kept the smile on his face, ‘[color=5a6a85]I’m sure that I will be able to soon enough,[/color]’ he took a drink of his hot chocolate before putting it down. ‘[color=5a6a85]What does the itinerary at this camp look like? I know it’s not to fool around and have fun, but I am curious how intensive it can get.[/color]’ Elysium began to eat some of his food. 

[color=c7b29b]"I don’t think there’s any specific schedule, or at least not that I can tell. Camp is supposed to be a safer place for us, jury’s out there,"[/color] she added with a slight raise of her brows. [color=c7b29b]"There’s a lot of training, demigods are supposed to be heroes and all that."[/color] Sloane shrugged her shoulders, that definitely did not pertain to her. But that was how the mythology framed it. [color=c7b29b]"Depends on who’s leading at the time. Ajax had us play capture the flag, Nick made us spar each other. Based on the announcement Andy made, we are in for a [i]’rigorous training regimen’[/i]."[/color] Her face made it very apparent she was less than thrilled about that. [color=c7b29b]"Don’t worry, everyone looks more capable than me."[/color]

‘[color=5a6a85]I must have missed that announcement,[/color]’ Elysium chuckled a little bit. ‘[color=5a6a85]I’m glad that I was casually working out back in my…[/color]’ What was he supposed to say? Life? ‘[color=5a6a85]...old life? I guess, so I hope training isn’t too awful.[/color]’

[color=c7b29b]"What’s working out?"[/color] Sloane jested with a soft laugh. [color=c7b29b]"I was never one for exercise, but Rocco gets me out and about more than I normally would."[/color]

Then his face seemed to be put into more thought, ‘[color=5a6a85]What do you mean? Everyone looks more capable than you? Do you have some hidden powers that could wipe everyone out?[/color]’ Elysium was teasing her but he honestly wouldn’t be surprised. These were children of other Greek gods. They could have any abilities. Lightning bolts like Zeus, seductive abilities like Aphrodite, awful curses like Hera, and so much more. 

Sloane pursed her lips, contemplating for a minute how to answer. [color=c7b29b]They’re not hidden,"[/color] she teased back in response. [color=c7b29b]"I just choose not to use them."[/color] That definitely sounded more vague and ominous than intended, but since they both seemed to be teasing, it was all in good fun.

‘[color=5a6a85]O,[/color]’ Elysium sounded somewhat dramatic with his initial response and he was clearly teasing her in such a simple way. Then he thought about it. He tried almost daily around regular humans not to use his own abilities — using suggestive speech instead of assertive speech so he didn’t accidentally make someone do something they didn’t want to do. ‘[color=5a6a85]I understand,[/color]’ he said casually. ‘[color=5a6a85]We might not have the same abilities but I try my best not to use mine. It’s hard not to sometimes because I have to be careful about my words and how I say them,[/color]’ he leaned back in his chair and his shoulders relaxed. 

She couldn’t help but linger on his description of his own battles repressing his powers. Sloane rested her hands on top of one another on the table and tilted her head slightly in curiosity. [color=c7b29b]"That doesn’t sound far from my own abilities. You’re not secretly my brother are you?"[/color] she teased, but there was a tiny bit of hope in that comment. A brother, any brother would be better than Sylas. But Eris would have told her if there were others. She knew it was wishful thinking.

That question made him laugh and that laugh showed his teeth, he was grinning, ‘[color=5a6a85]I don’t know. Who is your parent? Mine is Hestia,[/color]’ it was humorous for sure but he realized in their teasing… there could be seriousness. He had no idea who the child of anyone else was. He could have half siblings. Nelly mentioned something about it already though that person left the camp. 

‘[color=5a6a85]Though,[/color]’ he decided to add on before any answer. ‘[color=5a6a85]Quite a few people have told me that I am like a big brother even though I am not their blood so maybe I will be a brother to you,[/color]’ Elysium was so used to people putting him into an older brother or fathering spot. It was a position that was natural for him. 

 [color=c7b29b]"[i]Hmm,[/i]"[/color] Sloane mused with a slight smile. [color=c7b29b]"You’re proving to be better company, but sadly, no. My mother is Eris so… Would that be the antithesis to yours?"[/color] While she made light of her own parentage, it was no secret to her how daunting a child of chaos could be. It all but said ‘evil’ on the package. Although she had been lucky and not judged too terribly for her parentage. But on the other hand, if people talked about her she hardly knew. It wasn’t like she was running in any circles since her arrival.

That initial response told him everything that he needed to know, they definitely did not have the same parentage, ‘[color=5a6a85]Yes, Hestia is the antithesis of Eris and vice versa,[/color]’ he mildly replied. However, he did not seem to be bothered or taken aback. Elysium was not going to judge Sloane for her parentage — that was something that no one could control. You couldn’t control who you came from but you could control who you were. 

‘[color=5a6a85]I feel like I might be in the dark about something,[/color]’ he teased Sloane with a friendliness in his body language. He gestured his empty spoon to the side and back at her. ‘[color=5a6a85]For a child of Eris, you are not very chaotic by first impression. Either you are fantastic at disguising who you truly are or you must have taken more after your father,[/color]’ he smiled while using his spoon to eat. 

Sloane couldn’t help but chuckle softly at both of his assumptions. She leaned back in her seat and tucked loose strands of hair behind her ear. [color=c7b29b]"No."[/color] She shook her head with a slight smile. [color=c7b29b]"I suppose I’m the black sheep of the family."[/color] While there was a time when she followed in her mother’s footsteps like a proper pupil, it was more out of obeisance. By all rights, she was the problem child in comparison to her brother. There were days she wondered if Sylas had let her be, if she would be everything Eris wanted her to be. Did Sylas beat the tenacity from her? There was no way of knowing. 

[color=c7b29b]"I’m sure you’re perfection in your mother’s eyes,"[/color] she added as her smile reached her eyes. There was no mockery or teasing in her tone. He mentioned having a brotherly demeanor and exudes an overtly calm and understanding nature. By her account he was everything she imagined a son of Hestia would be. Perhaps more attractive than if she was asked to paint a picture of what she imagined, but attractiveness seemed to be part of the demigod gene. Everyone at camp was hot in one way or the other. She wasn’t vain enough to lump herself or her brother into that grouping. Sloane always thought they looked a bit unconventional. But otherwise her thought remained and Elysium was no exception.

There was a slight bit of negative emotion that he could feel from Sloane though it was nothing that he could put his fingers on — Anger? Fear? Resentment? There was nothing that made it prominent enough to fit a description. And he was about to say something before he fell silent — [i]I’m sure you’re perfection in your mother’s eyes.[/i] It caused his face to change a few times before forcing a fading smile and a fleeting emotion from his eyes. Shaking his head no. ‘[color=5a6a85]I don’t really have an idea of what she thinks about me,[/color]’ he was honest. ‘[color=5a6a85]I met her about a week ago or so…[/color]’ he looked down at his food and thought. Shook his head again in the negative before looking back up at Sloane. ‘[color=5a6a85]I have no idea who Hestia is except for what I know from my history and mythology classes and she has no idea who I am except for the few hours she decided to show up and tell me about this place,[/color]’ Elysium had the sense that Sloane knew who her mother was way longer but it made sense. She has been at camp longer too. 

‘[color=5a6a85]Though,[/color]’ he smiled somewhat more genuinely, ‘[color=5a6a85]I know a thing or two about being the black sheep in a family,[/color]’ he chuckled before taking a sip of his hot chocolate again. ‘[color=5a6a85]I was sent to boarding school in my young teen years before my family didn’t want to deal with me.[/color]’ There was truth and over exaggeration with that… However, it wasn’t much of an exaggeration at all. His grandmother would have loved to deal with him — his father, step mother, and other family members all followed his stepmother's suit on wanting him out of the family. 

[color=c7b29b]"I’m sorry,"[/color] she said with a frown. Sloane knew better than to assume that others had any kind of relationship with their parents, divine or not. Her own melancholy smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she listened to him share his upbringing. [color=c7b29b]"I can relate to being sent away,"[/color] she admitted. [color=c7b29b]"My father had my mother come collect me for a couple years. He focused his attention on politics and my brother, while my mother got her own protege."[/color] She shrugged her shoulders. It probably sounded worse to others, but by that point Sloane was used to it. It just [i]was[/i] her life. Whether or not she liked it was irrelevant. Before camp she had little to no choice in what happened to her.

[color=c7b29b]"The Gods are [i]different,[/i]"[/color] Sloane added. [color=c7b29b]"They don’t see the world and relationships the way we do. We’re little more than pawns to them, even their own children."[/color]

Listening to Sloane speak about how her father sent her away, he understood that feeling, because his father sent him away. It was never easy but it was what it was. There was no changing the past. ‘[color=5a6a85]If you want my opinion about it, I think you got a better deal. Politics can be ruthless,[/color]’ and he wanted to say stupid… but he kept that to himself. It was just a room full of people screaming at each other and hoping whoever could scream louder got the vote. 

‘[color=5a6a85]I mean, we are only a second in their lives. They are immortals and we are mortals. To them, our life is just a mere minute of what they have lived and will live,[/color]’ Elysium didn’t take any of it to heart. Not really or he had not thought about it yet. He wished he had a mother growing up, he wished his stepmother would have been a better mother, but if either of those things worked out like they did. He would not be the person he was today and he didn’t consider himself that bad. ‘[color=5a6a85]I don’t mean to stray too far from the topic but what keeps you here? At camp, that is.[/color]’ 

Sloane parted her lips and started answering, [color=c7b29b]"I, uh… [i]Hmm.[/i]"[/color] Her voice trailed off as she found herself at a loss for words. Why [i]did[/i] she stay? Since Liam left, she was very aware of how lonely she was. He was her only friend at camp and left without a word. It was only her and Rocco. She could leave, take her dog and go anywhere in the world if she wanted and never see her family again… But she was still there. [color=c7b29b]"I don’t know, honestly,"[/color] she admitted with a forlorn smile.  

That answer seemed to satisfy his question since he wasn’t trying to be too nosy or overstepping when it came to their small talk. ‘[color=5a6a85]I feel like a few people came here and will most likely stay because they don’t feel like there is anywhere else to go,[/color]’ Elysium looked around the more-than-empty dining hall. Then he looked back at Sloane, ‘[color=5a6a85]Plus, you said you have a brother. He’s most likely here isn’t he?[/color]’ that had to be a greater reason than a lot of other people had for staying. 

[color=c7b29b]"I do,"[/color] Sloane acknowledged his comment. [color=c7b29b]"But we’re not close."[/color] She shrugged her shoulders as if it wasn’t that big of a deal. There was more to it, there always was. But that was nothing she’d unload on someone she just met. Only Liam knew, and that was by accident. It’d be awhile before she ever told anyone willingly. [color=c7b29b]"Did you come on your own or were you sent by your parents?"[/color]

Elysium seemed to look conflicted by her answer because he knew that could be a sensitive cord to pluck for people. ‘[color=5a6a85]I’m sorry,[/color]’ he replied without too much emotion in hopes that she wouldn’t be bothered by such a response. 

The topic changed and most likely for the better but he wasn’t sure how to answer it — it’s not like Hestia was threatening him or forcing him to come to Camp Athens. She simply suggested it. ‘[color=5a6a85]I think I came here on my own accord more than Hestia’s desires. She approached me and we talked. Then I decided that this was worth a try,[/color]’ he spoke evenly. ‘[color=5a6a85]I don’t know… Everything happened so quickly and it felt like I was going through the motions until I got here.[/color]’ It was complicated to think about, let alone talk about. 

Sloane nodded her head. [color=c7b29b]"That seems to be pretty common. It’s [i]supposed[/i] to be safer here… According to the Gods, anyway."[/color]

She let her gaze drift past Elysium’s shoulder to look out the window. She lost track of how many new demigods had arrived, but it was a lot. She found herself thinking out loud, [color=c7b29b]"It’s weird… that the Gods just decided to send a bunch of their kids here at the same time, in the middle of winter."[/color] Sloane leaned back in her seat and crossed her right leg over her left. [color=c7b29b]"When I came it was the beginning of a new camp year, but otherwise people come more… sporadically."[/color]

‘[color=5a6a85]From what I have heard…[/color]’ he chuckled at the thought before taking a drink to wash down the negative emotions that he had welled up. ‘[color=5a6a85]...that a lot more dangerous stuff happens here.[/color]’ His almost black eyes looked at Sloane with consideration as if he was weighing that she would tell him the truth more than anything else — she seemed to tell the truth so far. Everything she has referenced aligned with what Hestia said to him. 

Elysium looked out the window as well and shrugged his shoulders, ‘[color=5a6a85]I wonder what the occasion is. Hopefully, nothing terrible,[/color]’ and there was truth in his words and maybe a hint of uncertainty in his tone. He was hoping that the immortal parentage of everyone wasn’t sending them to their deaths but he wouldn’t be surprised at the same time. 

Taking another drink, ‘[color=5a6a85]Do you think there is a special reason?[/color]’ 

[color=c7b29b]"Sure,"[/color] she agreed while reaching her hand under the table to pet Rocco. [color=c7b29b]"But it’s almost certainly terrible."[/color] There was some sarcasm in her tone, but it was laced in truth. Sloane doubted this was all a coincidence, that the Gods just [i]happened[/i] to send their kids here at the same time. After everything, she knew better. [color=c7b29b]"Sorry, I think my time at camp has left me jaded. I’m probably exaggerating."[/color] [i]She hoped.[/i]

Those were not words that he wanted to hear nor a confirmation that he wanted to process. If the gods were bringing all their children here for something terrible, why? That was a question that he knew was irrelevant to ask because in the mythologies, gods were constantly selfish and horrible to each other. Why would they be any better towards their children? ‘[color=5a6a85]Whatever it is, I hope as well, but I don’t have any hope myself,[/color]’ Elysium had a constant nagging in the back of his head that Hestia showed up for a reason and not a good one. Sloane was just confirming his assumptions. 

‘[color=5a6a85]I just hope everyone is ready for whatever it is,[/color]’ Elysium was hoping that it was nothing that would happen soon. Everyone was arriving and he assumed that most people didn’t have that many skills in fighting or skills that they would need to survive whatever was terrible. 

[color=c7b29b]"Supposedly that’s what the training is for… The inevitable [i]’terrible’[/i],"[/color] she said with air quotes. [color=c7b29b]"But don’t worry, I’ll die first. You’re safe."[/color] Sloane added with a lighthearted chuckle. It was a grim and fatalistic view, but she wasn’t deluded when it came to her chances either. Death didn’t scare her and it wasn’t like Liam was there to protect her anymore.

Sloane realized she probably wasn’t giving the best ‘welcome to camp’ pep talk. She scratched her head awkwardly and sighed. [color=c7b29b]"Sorry. Probably not the comforting chipper conversation you were expecting. The dog is just a ruse,"[/color] she teased with a slight smile. 

He couldn’t help the smile on his face and the shake of his head when he heard such a thing, [i]I’ll die first,[/i] and he hoped none of them would die. ‘[color=5a6a85]I hope you, nor anyone dies,[/color]’ he vocalized his thoughts. Though there had been death in the past so hoping for such a thing was wishful thinking on his part. 

‘[color=5a6a85]I wasn’t really expecting too much of anything,[/color]’ Elysium casually said while leaning back in his chair. ‘[color=5a6a85]I didn’t expect people to be happy when they might still be mourning the deaths of their friends and everything else. My mother didn’t tell me [i]details[/i] but she told me that quite a lot of terrible things happened. I assumed death happened from her statements,[/color]’ he explained. 

Her gaze fell to the table as she lightly rapped her fingers against the cool surface. Sloane was sad about the loss of life, but she wasn’t familiar with those who died enough to mourn. She wasn’t surprised that Hestia didn’t divulge everything that came to pass at camp. Who would want to come here after hearing that? [color=c7b29b]"It was… Quite horrible,"[/color] she admitted with a slight nod of her head, eyes fixed on the table. Horrible that it happened in the first place. Horrible that Sloane was dumb enough to give the box to her brother rather than hide it away. It was hidden now… But too little too late. [color=c7b29b]"What [i]did[/i] she tell you?"[/color]

‘[color=5a6a85]I imagine so…[/color]’ he confirmed that he understood to some extent. Elysium shrugged his shoulders at the following question, ‘[color=5a6a85]Practically…[/color]’  he had to think about it because it had been a lot to handle over the past few weeks of knowing this and that. ‘[color=5a6a85]A lot of terrible events happened, horrible things happened to campers, and they needed to recruit more children of theirs. She requested that I come here, and that’s pretty much it. She talked to me about my abilities and what I could possibly do. I understand some of my abilities even if I might now know the extent. Stuff like that,[/color]’ and he was probably not remembering everything that Hestia told him. 

Her head tilted slightly to the side, listening intently. Sloane was curious what speech their parents gave them to get them to camp. It made sense to leave out the gory details of what had happened here, but part of her was curious they didn’t better prepare their children. [color=c7b29b]"You’re not curious?"[/color] she asked blatantly. If she was only given vague notions of terrible things that happened to the new place she was going to call home, Sloane couldn’t deny that she’d be asking about it the first chance she got. Ignorance is bliss, so they say. Perhaps Elysium preferred to remain in the shadows and remain optimistic. She always found herself to be more pragmatic.

‘[color=5a6a85]I might not know the details, Sloane, but I understand terrible things happened,[/color]’ he explained. ‘[color=5a6a85]I am curious but I am not going to demand anyone tell me,[/color]’ Elysium chuckled at those words. There was no intent to demand or request people to tell him and he didn’t want that influence on anyone — if he did request such a thing, it could cause people to say something they didn’t want to him. 

Taking a sip of his drink, he sighed, ‘[color=5a6a85]I don’t like asking for things because if I word stuff that is demanding or statements. People are influenced to tell or do what I say in those ways even if they might not want to or realize they are doing it at first,[/color]’ Elysium decided to be truthful with her. 

[color=c7b29b]"I understand. It took me a lot of practice to be able to control when my words… have [i]weight[/i] or not."[/color] Sloane had the advantage of learning control directly from her mother, which was not a luxury many demigods got. She could sympathize with the concern of influencing others when not intended. That would bother her as well. She cleared her throat and leaned forward. [color=c7b29b]"I don’t know the specifics of what your mother told you, but—"[/color] Her tone softened as if sharing a secret. [color=c7b29b]"Demigods with abilities like ours have a sort of—"[/color] Her eyes squinted as she wiggled her fingers near her temple.  [color=c7b29b]"Natural immunity to other’s influence. Only demigods who’ve honed their skill and are exceptionally powerful can overcome that immunity. Or Gods, of course."[/color] 

His eyes focused on her as she began to explain [i]her[/i] powers in the sense of it taking awhile and how she doesn’t know his specifics. He wasn’t sure where this was going but he was trying to have trust in this situation. ‘[color=5a6a85]That is good to know,[/color]’ he appreciated the information about people having similar abilities just meant they were somewhat immune to each other. How one could overcome that immunity with training or gods, naturally. 

She studied his face to gauge his reaction. It might have been something he figured out eventually, but knowing how he tiptoed to avoid using his abilities when he didn’t want to, it might help him relax, at least around her. [color=c7b29b]"I’ve only achieved it once and I was very emotionally charged, which could have been the catalyst."[/color] Sloane wasn’t trying to brag, but exemplify how difficult it was even for someone with higher training. So he was likely safe. [color=c7b29b]"I’m not entirely sure which demigods have similar abilities. Aphrodite’s children probably have something similar. Ares demigods have a bit, from what I’ve see. I’m not sure how strong it is though. Perhaps Hera’s offspring as well?"[/color] Rhetorical, but a possibility as well. She never took the time to ask Lochlan what he could and couldn’t do, but knowing how vindictive the Goddess was, she wouldn’t be surprised.

‘[color=5a6a85]By the sounds of it, each demigod has a little bit of something,[/color]’ he chuckled. There were not many gods in the pantheon and she had named almost half of them right there. He found it amusing and somewhat comforting. 

[color=c7b29b]"I do know that when someone tries to influence you, you can kind of [i]feel[/i] it. For me it’s like a little tingle on the back of my neck, like getting goosebumps."[/color] She motioned her fingers toward the back of her neck as she spoke. Sloane then held out her right hand palm up. [color=c7b29b]"I can show you, if you’d like."[/color] 

Elysium had never been in a situation where someone tried influencing him with abilities but he listened. ‘[color=5a6a85]I rather not,[/color]’ he spoke evenly and sternly. ‘[color=5a6a85]I rather not use my abilities on you or you use your abilities on me. I know how mine work,[/color]’ he informed her. ‘[color=5a6a85]As long as my words are suggestive or questions, I do not influence anyone. I just cannot make statements or demands.[/color]’ How freely Sloane was willing to [i]show[/i] him was somewhat off putting and it was an introduction to what others were going to be like — he assumed others would be way worse and not asking to use their abilities on him. 

Once she saw his discomfort and hesitancy, Sloane quickly retracted her hand and tucked it into her lap. [i]Too much, too soon.[/i] [color=c7b29b]"Sorry,"[/color] she apologized. The only person she had talked to with abilities similar to her own was her brother. And she’d rather die than give him pointers. It was rare for her to have a moment where she could be helpful, but for someone who only found out about this world a few weeks ago… It must have been enough to handle without her throwing more at him. While her goal was only to help, perhaps some people preferred to discover things on their own. She overstepped.

The silence grew uncomfortable. She felt awkward and her cheeks began flushing. Sloane didn’t have a clue what to say after derailing the conversation.  She started gathering her dishes and the empty dog bowls. [color=c7b29b]"It’s a lot for your first day, and you just got here… Like an hour ago."[/color] She cleared her throat and tucked her hair behind her ears as she stood up. Her hands fumbled as she stacked the bowls and cradled them in her arms. [color=c7b29b]"It was nice meeting you."[/color]

Sloane excused herself before she could make a bigger fool of herself. She was already two for two on horrible first interactions with the new demigods, the last thing she wanted to do was make it worse. She flashed him a weak smile and nodded her head toward him. [color=c7b29b]"Come on Rocco,"[/color] she called for the dog as she weaved her way through tables, scurrying her way to the entrance. The pup gave Elysium’s hand a quick lick before he ran after her. She discarded her dishes in the collection bin and placed the dog bowls back in the corner where she found them. After checking that Rocco was at her side, she exited the main hall hoping to become invisible again so she couldn’t embarrass herself further. This is why she had no friends… [i]Ridiculous.[/i]

Elysium noticed how the situation was going right from Sloane’s expression, the one she made after his reaction, and he knew that he royally fucked up with how he reacted. She was opening up to him and he shot her down without even meaning too. When she got up, at first he sat there, because he had so many thoughts in his mind. Should he grab her — [color=5a6a85][i]Do not do that Elysium.[/i][/color] He internally screamed because it was only natural to want to stop her and back peddle. 

Glancing down at his hand, the one that felt a wet warmth from Rocco’s tongue, and brought it up towards his chest. He watched as the pair left the dining hall. ‘[color=5a6a85]Dammit…[/color]’ he whispered to himself as he was determining what he should do. [color=5a6a85][i]You fucked up…[/i][/color] rang through his head and that was not how he wanted his first impression to go down with anyone. This caused him to stand up and move out of the dining hall and into the frigid cold. Looking around to spot Sloane not that far away. Thankfully. 

The man made sure to catch up to her, ‘[color=5a6a85]Sloane,[/color]’ he stated without touching her or getting too close since he didn’t want to overstep. ‘[color=5a6a85]I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to react like that. It’s just… everything is a lot and I have never had anyone use abilities on me. I don’t think I have met another demigod until now,[/color]’ he was trying to explain himself. ‘[color=5a6a85]I’m not saying you would do anything to hurt me but it’s still nerve wracking. Scary even.[/color]’ Elysium was hoping his apology and explanation made sense. ‘[color=5a6a85]I didn’t mean to come off the way I did and scare you away. That was not my intention at all.[/color]’ 

The tail of her coat brushed the top of fresh snow as she trudged through the fresh powder, beelining across the white field. She was home free, or so she thought. Sloane paused when she heard her name and glanced back over her shoulder. [i]He followed her?[/i] She exhaled softly, her breath a white cloud in front of her face as she listened to him apologize. She crossed her arms tightly over her chest to block some of the wind from creeping beneath her coat. Her brows knit together in confusion. [color=c7b29b]"Wait, why are you apologizing?"[/color] [i]He already answered that, idiot.[/i] She shook her head, brushing off her question. 

‘[color=5a6a85]I’m apologizing because I know I came off defensive,[/color]’ Elysium explained. 

[color=c7b29b]"No, I understand. I should have waited, saved it for training… just shut up honestly,"[/color] she admitted with an awkward laugh. [color=c7b29b]"I’m not good at socializing,"[/color] Sloane confessed with a shrug. There was a reason she was sitting alone and it wasn’t because everyone at camp was allergic to dogs. [color=c7b29b]"You didn’t have to come after me. It’s fine… I’m just embarrassed."[/color] The last thing she expected was him to follow her out into the freezing cold to apologize. She was the one who came on too hard with all the power stuff. How did she think he’d react? It wasn’t like every demigod got one on one training with their parent. She knew better. 

Elysium shook his head, ‘[color=5a6a85]I rather you not shut up,[/color]’ he confirmed. He enjoyed people talking and he didn’t mean to get so defensive and on edge about her offer. His expression softened when she confessed that she isn’t good at socializing, ‘[color=5a6a85]I’m not the best at times either so that makes two of us,[/color]’ a smile grew on his face. 

‘[color=5a6a85]And I am embarrassed, which is why I came after you,[/color]’ he began to explain. ‘[color=5a6a85]I didn’t want our first interaction to end so tensely and uncomfortably. You offering wasn’t an issue, I just have never had anyone attempt to use their abilities on me, so I got nervous. You can if you want to. I’m sorry that I got so uppity about it in the first place.[/color]’ 

Her eyes shifted between Elysium’s face and his moving hands as he explained further. She stepped forward and gently grabbed his wrists, holding them still. [color=c7b29b]"Please stop apologizing."[/color] Being nearly a foot taller than her, Sloane had to crane her neck to look up at him. [color=c7b29b]"I never [i]want[/i] to use my abilities. I was only offering so you’d know what it felt like when someone tries to influence you… Because they most likely will."[/color] She couldn’t speak for everyone at camp, but her brother was always looking for opportunities to manipulate others. It wasn’t like demigods owned up to trying to influence others. They were just lucky enough to be able to tell if someone tried it on them.

After a second or two, Sloane cleared her throat and awkwardly released his hands. [color=c7b29b]"Your food’s getting cold,"[/color] she said while briefly glancing over at the Main Hall. [color=c7b29b]"It’s fine. I promise,"[/color] she added with a reassuring smile. No amount of apologizing in circles was going to make things less awkward. But it was apparent neither one of them intended to step on the others toes. So, no harm done. Unfortunately for her, Sloane doubted she’d be able to get through the rest of the day without more awkward encounters. 

Feeling the light delicate pressure on his wrists caused him to look down and realize what was happening. She was grabbing his wrists to stop his hands from moving while he spoke, he smiled with an off-kilterness, ‘[color=5a6a85]And I appreciate your offer, I really do,[/color]’ he wanted to assure her that he did appreciate the offer even though he might have reacted badly to it at first. It was a very generous offer even if it scared him. 

‘[color=5a6a85]I’m not really hungry anymore plus I had snacks on the way here,[/color]’ Elysium explained while rubbing at his wrists — out of habit more than anything — and he looked back at the main hall. Then his attention went back to her, ‘[color=5a6a85]If everything is fine, may I walk with you?[/color]’ he asked gently since he didn’t want to overstep. ‘[color=5a6a85]I don’t want to go back to my cabin yet and roam around. I wanted to get to know a few more faces before the party tonight.[/color]’ 

Sloane found herself actually surprised that he, not only, had no intentions of going back to his food but wanted to continue walking with her. Maybe there was some sort of puppy privilege where having a dog made people come around you more. She had no idea. [color=c7b29b]"Sure, although I don’t know how many people we’ll run into. It already looks like half of the crowd has disappeared,"[/color] she added, noting the originally bustling entrance was practically deserted. She pointed in the direction she was heading, across the field and south of the arena. [color=c7b29b]"I was going that way. There’s no real direct way to my cabin. I usually go through the field so Rocco can run."[/color] As she mentioned it, the dog sprinted around several feet in front of them trying to catch snowflakes. She smiled and slid her hands back into her coat pockets.

Elysium shrugged, ‘[color=5a6a85]If I don’t meet anyone else at the moment, I will definitely meet more people at the party tonight,[/color]’ That was something he was looking forward to. The party sounded like a fun time and something to help familiarize everyone with each other. 

[color=c7b29b]"Yeah, a lot of people seem excited about it."[/color] She lightly kicked some snow as she walked. [color=c7b29b]"I haven’t decided if I’ll go or not."[/color]

‘[color=5a6a85]I’ll go whatever way you go. I’ll talk you to your cabin and then I will go back to mine,[/color]’ Elysium didn’t want to bother her too much. He watched as Rocco ran around trying to catch snowflakes with excitement. It caused him to chuckle. ‘[color=5a6a85]So…[/color]’ he glanced over. ‘[color=5a6a85]Do you have anything you like to do or enjoy at camp?[/color]’ 

[color=c7b29b]"Ok,"[/color] Sloane acknowledged him with a slight smile. [color=c7b29b]"Umm…"[/color] She tucked her lips between her teeth as she pondered his question. [color=c7b29b]"Honestly, if we don’t have training or some mandatory whatever… I spend a lot of time reading."[/color] She shrugged her shoulders innocently. [color=c7b29b]"I’m pretty boring."[/color]

Elysium seemed interested when she brought up reading, ‘[color=5a6a85]Anything specific? Fiction? Nonfiction? Certain genres?[/color]” the man seemed genuinely curious about this topic. He smiled, ‘[color=5a6a85]If you are boring…[/color]’ he chuckled. ‘[color=5a6a85]I’m comparable to watching paint dry then.[/color]’ His words were playful and teasing while he chuckled a little more. 

She laughed at his comment. Sloane didn’t see how he could be dull as he claimed. But perhaps her definition was more pliant than others. [color=c7b29b]"I’ll read anything,"[/color] she replied. It took her a moment to recall what she was currently reading. She spent so much of her time in her cabin that she usually got through them pretty quickly. [color=c7b29b]"I’ve been rereading through Jane Austen’s works. Currently on Pride and Prejudice. I love romance books around the holidays."[/color] She smiled innocently. It wasn’t the most intellectual choice, but they made her happy.

‘[color=5a6a85]I’ve heard of Jane Austen and how popular her books are, though I have never picked up any myself,[/color]’ he confessed. A lot of female friends in college seemed to enjoy Pride and Prejudice and a few of them made him watch one of the movies but he wouldn’t be able to pick the movie out of a line up. ‘[color=5a6a85]Why specifically around the holidays?[/color]’ he seemed interested in that — he had never heard something like that before. People enjoy specific genres or categories during certain times of the year. He wondered if Sloane was a hopeless romantic. All the romance novels possibly triggering her imagination for her own life’s version of a hallmark movie to happen. 

She chewed on the inside of her cheek for a long moment searching for words, trying to decide how honest she wanted to be. But in the end there were no good excuses aside from the truth. [color=c7b29b]"Because I’m lonely."[/color] Sloane’s gaze fell to the snow at her feet as she made a small trench with each step. [color=c7b29b]"The holidays are always about being together. At least with romance novels I can live vicariously."[/color]

[i]Because I’m lonely,[/i] were words he was not expecting from her nor was he expecting such words to weigh so heavily around him. She was being honest. His smile faded into consideration and he listened to what she had to say. Nodding as he listened, he glanced at her, ‘[color=5a6a85]Well, if you ever are too lonely. You can come visit me at my cabin. I tend to be a homebody so I am usually there,[/color]’ he offered. Elysium understood how awful it could be to be alone. It wasn’t a fun thing when you didn’t want to be alone either. 

[color=c7b29b]"I appreciate the offer."[/color] She had no idea if she’d ever take him up on it. Sloane wasn’t the type of person to burden others with her presence. But the offer was still kind and considerate.

‘[color=5a6a85]Maybe you’ll find people in this new group, so you are not as lonely,[/color]’ he added with a faint smile. It seemed like quite a few people entered around the same time that he did. That meant there were fresh slates to work off from. New people to figure out and find a friend or two in the bunch. ‘[color=5a6a85]And it’s fun to live [i]vicariously[/i] through books. It lets your imagination run wild,[/color]’ Elysium let his eyes wander around the snow and scenery around them. 

[color=c7b29b]"That’d be nice."[/color] Sloane’s gaze drifted up the side of the arena as they exited the other side of the field and rounded the stables. Seeing those tall walls reminded her of the view from Liam’s cabin that looked out on those very walls. She wasn’t lonely, for a time. But three months ago felt like a decade when she spent it locked away in her cabin. She had almost forgotten what it was like having someone to depend on and confide in. It took a moment after he spoke for the words to actually sink it and bring her attention back to the present. [color=c7b29b]"Oh, I have a terrible imagination. It’s nice that books do the heavy lifting for me."[/color] She laughed softly, looking back over at him.

There was a conflict of surprise and not being surprised — quite a few people have confessed to him in the past that books did the [i]heavy lifting[/i] when it came to the imagination. ‘[color=5a6a85]At least you have something to boost it,[/color]’ he chuckled. ‘[color=5a6a85]Books are definitely good for taking you into a whole new world,[/color]’ that made him think about the books he saw around his cabin. None of them were familiar to him and he wondered if he would like any of them or not.  

‘[color=5a6a85]We could always create a book club if there isn’t one already,[/color]’ he spoke before really thinking about it. Once it registered to him, he felt like that was somewhat of a stupid recommendation, but he didn’t back peddle on the idea at all. 

[color=c7b29b]"I don’t know if anyone brought enough books for a club."[/color] Sloane picked up a stick that laid in the path and tossed it for Rocco. [color=c7b29b]"I’d love a book club. But it might be a party of two."[/color] She wouldn’t say no to setting up a club, but she imagined she was one of the few campers who came with a collection of books and a kindle. It was the only piece of technology she cared to bring. [color=c7b29b]"Did you bring a lot of books?"[/color]

Elysium laughed when she brought up that their book club might be a party of two, ‘[color=5a6a85]Two is better than one, isn’t it?[/color]’ his words were teasing but he always found company, even quiet company, to be better than him being alone. He shook his head in the negative, ‘[color=5a6a85]Actually, I brought a few but the cabin. However, that magic is made and done. There are quite a lot of books in there that I’ve always wanted to read but never got around to doing it,[/color]’ he confessed with somewhat of an innocent and excited undertone in his voice. There was always excitement when it came to books — he loved them. 

[color=c7b29b]"I prefer two over a big group anyway. Might not embarrass myself as much,"[/color] she said, laughing at her own awkwardness. Sloane perked up at the mention of so many books. She’d never leave her cabin if it came stocked with shelves full of books. She was jealous. [color=c7b29b]"Lucky. My cabin experience has been… unique. So no mountain of books. I might have to come steal some,"[/color] she teased. 

His dark eyes wandered over to her and he shook his head, ‘[color=5a6a85]You worry too much,[/color]’ it slipped out before he thought about it but he could clearly tell that she didn’t care for embarrassment. To him, that was an every day event on some level. ‘[color=5a6a85]Come over anytime that you like and you can read away. My cabin must have sensed that I love reading or something. I don’t know how that magic works at all and I bet you and others probably don’t either, do you?[/color]’ Elysium was curious about the magic. How did the cabins shape and form into the [i]perfect[/i] cabin for people and that those cabins came in stock with multiple things. 

She was a bit taken aback by how blunt Elysium. [color=c7b29b]"Maybe,"[/color] was all she could think to say in response. Perhaps Sloane did worry too much. Maybe she only worried because it was the first time since she’s been at camp that she had to concern herself with the opinions of others. [color=c7b29b]"Oh, I’m not sure,"[/color] she replied to his latter question as they neared the turn off toward her cabin. [color=c7b29b]"I only just got my own cabin a couple months ago. But I think it’s kind of like the room of requirement in Harry Potter or something. It just kind of… senses what you’re like?"[/color] She shrugged her shoulders. [color=c7b29b]"Might be a question only the Gods can answer."[/color]

‘[color=5a6a85]Oh, so we have a Harry Potter fan?[/color]’ Elysium seemed interested since she brought up Harry Potter and referenced something — The Room of Requirement. ‘[color=5a6a85]Do you know what house you belong to?[/color]’ He was honestly curious about this. It might seem childish and dumb though he found it to be a playful little discussion. Yet, he wouldn’t be disappointed or anything if she wasn’t able to answer such a question. He only remembered his house because he took the quiz or whatever in his teen years. 

Sloane laughed, looking down at the ground. She was found out. She had read a lot of books over the years but was guilty of enjoying the popular titles as well. [color=c7b29b]"I’m a Ravenclaw,"[/color] she admitted, smiling coyly and shrugging her shoulders. [color=c7b29b]"I’ve been told it’s very obvious."[/color] She chuckled. 

And he nodded his head, ‘[color=5a6a85]That makes sense. I bet they are the only ones that could answer that question since I assume they built this place.[/color]’ Though his assumption could be wrong… why would anyone else build this place? 

[color=c7b29b]"Probably?"[/color] she said, less than convincingly. [color=c7b29b]"There’s no plaque with camp history laying around here."[/color] Sloane took a couple steps forward and pointed down a small path off the beach. Down a narrow trail framed by snow covered leaves was a tiny cabin nestled in a little clearing. [color=c7b29b]"That’s my cabin. It’s nothing fancy and definitely [i]not[/i] big enough for bookshelves, but I like it."[/color] 

‘[color=5a6a85]Also, I am a Ravenclaw too,[/color]’ he added with a smile. There always seemed to be less Ravenclaws than other houses though he didn’t pay too much mind to it. It was all fun and games at the end of the day. ‘[color=5a6a85]Maybe someone should make a plaque or history book while they are here,[/color]’ Elysium instantly thought about how he would format it and everything. His major was in history and he would love to record everything that was happening and what not. Maybe that would be a side mission of his, carry around a notebook, and record everything. 

He looked ahead to the cabin that she was pointing out, ‘[color=5a6a85]It might not be big enough for bookshelves and it might not be fancy but it is yours. It was created and fashioned just for you,[/color]’ though if she enjoyed reading so much, why didn’t it put books in her cabin? He was even more curious about how the magic that formatted these cabins worked. 

[color=c7b29b]"Yeah, I think so."[/color] She smiled as she looked over at her cabin. It was nice having her own place, no matter how small. For most of her life Sloane was always dependent on other people, her father, her mother, her brother… Liam. But for the past couple of months she was truly her own person. It might have been lonely and quiet, but it was hers. [color=c7b29b]"I don’t know if camp magic worked for this cabin or not since it’s the…"[/color] She looked up with furrowed brows, counting. [color=c7b29b]"Third? Cabin I’ve stayed in. Fourth if you count like one day, but that’s a long story,"[/color] she added with a laugh. Rocco, seeing home in sight, ran up the path and slipped through the small dog door on the side of the cabin.

Hearing how she had switched cabins so much was surprising — did her past cabins get destroyed in the events that happened months ago? He was curious but he wasn’t going to push at all with such questions. It felt like opening a closet at someone else’s house that you weren’t told not to open, but you know you probably shouldn’t open it, even if it is a coat closet. ‘[color=5a6a85]Well…[/color]’ he responded while looking over to her cabin before shrugging his shoulders. ‘[color=5a6a85]Maybe it worked, maybe it didn’t, but at least it’s something,[/color]’ he was trying to stay positive about it even if he didn’t have much to say on the matter. 

[color=c7b29b]"I like it,"[/color] she added with a small shrug of her shoulders. Sloane didn’t care if camp magic made it special for her or if it was someone’s old cabin that had been left untouched. It suited her and it was hers. That was enough. 

‘[color=5a6a85]Well, I guess, I’ll see you around? Maybe at the party later?[/color]’ Elysium didn’t want to intrude and invite himself into her cabin. Plus, he needed to get back to his cabin and look around some more. 

[color=c7b29b]"I haven’t decided if I’m going to the party, but it’s a small camp. If you don’t see me around, then I’m probably here."[/color] Sloane smiled. She pulled her hand out of her pocket to wave at him before turning and heading down the path after Rocco.

Elysium smiled at her because he understood. Parties were not always his type of thing but he wanted to go because he was new to the camp. ‘[color=5a6a85]If I don’t see you around, I’ll definitely check on you, here,[/color]’ he added. He waved back before heading to his cabin. 
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[center][b]Collaboration with[/b][@Mjolnir][/center]