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While he didn’t necessarily want her to leave, he gave her the chance to be more social like she had said she wanted earlier. Just because he was a new fledged loner didn’t mean she had to get dragged down with him. Before departing, Iliana suggested who he could talk with for new company himself, thanked him and bidded him a nice night. 

[color=851f1f]"You too."[/color] Duke saw Iliana off with a kind smile.

Then he was back to basics. Alone with a table to himself and less than a quarter of food on his plate. He considered Iliana’s suggestion genuinely, looking over at Nelly and Fiona who seemed to be in some converse with a new male like the young demigod said. But he decided against it sure his presence would only throw off whatever pleasantries and free flow conversations were happening in that direction. 

[color=#c7b29b]"Is this seat taken?"[/color]

Duke turned and looked up to see Sloane. They hadn’t interacted much in their time at camp but they were forced to spar that one time. He burned her and she held a blade to him. It was a good match and they both kept it clean which Duke respected but…he didn’t think she’d ever elect his company.

She pulled out the chair. [color=#c7b29b]"I’m sorry. I needed… [i]social camouflage[/i],"[/color] she explained with a tight smile. [color=#c7b29b] "You felt like a safe place to hide."[/color]

[color=851f1f]"Sure. Hide out as long as you need,"[/color] he assured a little slowly, but no less genuinely. 

He couldn’t help himself when he checked her over assuring she was physically safe and unharmed first. Signs of bruises or red marks that didn’t belong but she was perfect. Duke was aware safety encompassed more than physical but it was his priority and the rest was her business to disclose. 

A small weight dropped on his feet causing Duke’s brows to furrow in confusion briefly and inspect the source. A dog laid across his and Sloane’s feet, unbothered by the choice sleeping location. [color=#c7b29b]"Sorry, he’s tired. I can move him if it’s a problem."[/color]

[color=851f1f]"No, it’s fine. "[/color] Duke reached down and gave the puppy a gentle scratch with a fond smile. [color=851f1f]"It’s no bother at all. Besides, it seems like he could use it."[/color]

Both Sloane and the puppy were welcome to take reprieve in his company as long as they liked. Next to him he could see Sloane making an effort to gain some composure: A vacant look and chest rising and falling. While the natural occurrence of simply asking what’s wrong or are you okay occurred to him, he decided against it. If she wanted to talk, she would, and she came to him for some sort of shelter so he’d respect that and not prompt any discomfort. They could sit in a comfortable silence for all he cared.

[color=#c7b29b]"How are you?"[/color] she asked, the first to break the predicted silence. [color=#c7b29b]"You know… After the whole box thing and the Valises?"[/color] She closed her eyes, seeming to regret her question. [color=#c7b29b]"I’m sorry. I just… I can relate. Alex, Ajax… Liam."[/color] Her voice trailed off at the last meaningful name.

It initially felt too personal to delve into, but he forgot Sloane went through it too. The sheer abandonment. While Duke didn’t know much of Liam, people could see Sloane and him got close. It was half of her story too. [color=851f1f]"I know, "[/color] he said quietly.

[color=#c7b29b]"And, you know, nearly dying to a box full of monsters…"[/color]

He flicked up a small smile to suit her awkward laugh and attempt at a topic shift. [color=851f1f]"Yeah, we’ve both been there too. It’s been intense."[/color] 

But something brewed within. Duke took in a breath thinking his response would be easy and a simple fine would suffice. But Sloane knew that wasn’t the case and deserved the truth and fellow outlet. [color=851f1f]"I’m okay but I’m not, "[/color] he began thoughtfully. [color=851f1f]"You know there’s a sadness they left. A feeling of abandonment like it’s personal. Resentment. "[/color] He half shrugged. [color=851f1f]"But I have to try not let it hinder me. "[/color]

Duke angled his body towards Sloane slightly. [color=851f1f]"Now, I know the Valises weren’t the best. They became destructive and unhinged and,"[/color] Duke waved a hand across some space [color=851f1f]"a whole lot of stuff. I had their backs through that because I loved them and thought I owed them something. They were like family. But they chose Olympus. "[/color] Duke didn’t mean to unload on the girl and was surprised in his own honestly, but he never got to talk about it out loud before and it was easier talking to a kindred spirit about it he supposed.

Duke didn’t like to bitch or moan and usually just got on with things but the Valises left a hole for him and a mixed bag of emotions. He wasn’t entirely sure why they even left. To become proteges to a god that would never retire?

This time, Duke looked at the table running his hand along the groves and cleared his throat. [color=851f1f]"Did you…did you love Liam?"[/color] Like her, he instantly regretted what departed his mouth. He hesitated knowing it was wrong and still went ahead. He glanced at Sloane. [color=851f1f]"You don’t have to answer that. Sorry. "[/color] He frowned deeply.

Now it was his awkward fumble for recovery and a different subject. [color=851f1f]"At least it’s showed our perseverance. "[/color] He still needed something less deep and that they could talk about with more ease. [color=851f1f]"I don’t think I ever found the time to thank you for finding the box, by the way. Those monsters were strong. I didn’t expect it to be easy, and you’d think it would have been a mismatch, "[/color] he said as he opened his palms where his fire could spawn from best, [color=851f1f]"but I had some forest nymph and a leshen. The vines were like whips and constraining, they pinned most my body I almost didn’t get out in time. "[/color] Duke raised his chin to expose his throat where the faintest line of a mark was left from his encounter. [color=851f1f]"See? Barely made it. "[/color] Then his lips transformed to a smile as he looked down at her, hoping Sloane would know they could make a mockery out of his scratch and whole situation. 

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[color=808080][b]interactions[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] Iliana, Sloane [color=2e2c2c]...............[/color] [b]mentions[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] Iliana, (glances at) Nelly, Fiona, Morne[/color]
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