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Was it too late to change her mind..?

Biting softly on her lower lip- nervously; Erin cast a glance back over her shoulder. The hood helping to shield her face from view as her dark gaze sought out the two figures that she'd just left behind. Anzu... Carlos... maybe she should have just said yes; hidden herself away in his cabin, even if for a small amount of time. Though with the sound of Brandon's voice echoing in her mind, and simply knowing herself; she knew that putting this off wasn't exactly an option. If she did... then she'd just refuse to go. It wasn't as if she'd been lying when she'd said that if she put it off, she'd change her mind on the whole quest to save her life thing.

Mind returning back to the present as her feet slowed her to an eventual stop, her attention drew back around to her surroundings, and the realization that the cabin she'd come to wasn't even her own.

Thanatos...

Her heart sunk in her chest. Spencer and Dorian... they both wanted to go with her. That had been made painfully clear enough during the whole-... A heavy sigh passed out through her dark lips. That thing in her cabin..? Honestly, she wasn't even sure what to call it. An ambush..? No... that was too harsh. Closing her eyes, she let her head drop forward slightly. A single hand leaving the pocket of the hoodie, her fingers working to keep the sleeve pulled over her hand almost completely; it was before she even realized what was happening that she was knocking on the door with her knuckles. Gods... she was not looking forward to this... to any of it...

Dorian left his room door open while he packed a backpack for Erin's quest. He didn't bring many things to camp so he wasn't really expecting to bring much on the trip. Their destination was Italy and although he didn't care too much for American fashion trends you could never go wrong with shopping in Italy. If he was lucky he'd even leave with his own personal tailor.

His sword was sheathed on the bed next to the bag and he had some other items scattered around that he thought he might need. He was in the process of placing some snacks in a compartment when he heard the knock on the main Cabin door. It wasn't hard for him to guess who it was. Not many would suddenly knock on the door of Cabin Eighteen. But things were already changing around her. He had a cabin mate and that was something he thought would never happen. Erin must've left her room and saw that they had left and figured they were there waiting for her, but he wasn't expecting her to be ready so soon.

He stopped packing and stepped out into the hall and called out to his brother who was still in his room. "Spencer, I think Erin's at the door." He didn't wait for a response before descending down the stairs and into the main area to open the door.

Dorian reached for the doorknob before turning it and letting the morning light into the otherwise relatively dark cabin.

When the door was fully open he saw Erin in a hoodie that he didn't recognize as her own and wasn't exactly her size either. But that wasn't important. He had known her long enough to know when something was troubling her or on her mind. "Hey, E. Are you okay? I haven't finished packing yet but I'm more or less ready to go."

With nothing left to do than to wait for Erin to get herself ready, Spencer decided it was a good time to lie in bed for a bit. After all, they may not get the chance of enjoying a soft and comfortable place to sleep on for the next seven days. When it comes to quests, you need to make do with whatever you can get your hands on, be it a cheap motel room, or junk food for sustenance. He could remember in one of his quests, he and his best friend, Serena Vasquez, had to collect and boil rainwater due to how dire their circumstances had been. They also didn't have any place to sleep in aside from the flimsy, makeshift house they managed to build out of various pieces of rubbish and scrap metal lying around. You either adapt to your circumstances or you fail and for most demigods on quests, failure is never an option, much more so when you're a part of the legion.

Hearing the knocking on the cabin door, it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who it was. Dorian only managed to confirm his suspicions. Grabbing his pack, he exited his room and made his way down the flight of stairs that led to the main hall where Dorian and Erin were already mid-conversation.

"Listen... as much as I hate to admit this, your cousin is right. You're still the one leading this whole operation and what I said back then was only a suggestion." He told the daughter of Hades in an apologetic tone before heaving a heavy sigh. In that short moment, he regained his composure and had now donned a calm, yet enthusiastic expression on his face.

"So, are we ready to leave? The sooner we find that bird, the sooner things can return to normal."

At the sound of the door opening, Erin turned her head back around. Her naturally plump lips parting ever slightly from one another as her gaze, just as dark as the color of her lipstick, fell upon the figure standing on the other side, "..D-Dorian, I-..." There were few people in her life that she could turn to- few people in the camp she felt that she could put her trust in enough to open up to, and Dorian was one of them. But seeing him now... hearing the words that he was speaking to her; it broke her heart, and all over again, she felt like crying. The familiar sting hitting her eyes, but this time she used the sleeve of Brandon's hoodie to quickly dash them away before they had a chance to form properly.

No more. She couldn't cry anymore..!

How was it even possible that she still had tears left..?

The sound of Spencer's voice cutting through the air; a sense of relief flooded through her, and once more, her attention was drawn back around. Her eyes, unable to settle on either guy for more than a few seconds at a time, flicked back and forth. Her voice soft, "..c-can I talk to you..? Both... of you... please..?"

The sound of Erin's voice momentarily caught Spencer off guard. Normally when the two of them talk, she sounded more confident, and sure of herself but now, the way she spoke felt like she was defeated, broken, and in pain.

With his own expression softening, Spencer motioned for the girl to enter their cabin. "Go ahead and make yourself comfortable. I'll get us something to drink."

After seating Erin to the comfiest chair in the hall, he rushes to the kitchen to prepare some black tea for the 3 of them. After several minutes, he comes back and pours tea on the 3 mugs he brought with him. He also placed a bowl of sugar cubes and some milk on the table in case Erin wanted to have them with hers.

Having finished serving Erin and Dorian, Spencer takes a seat next to Erin before he began addressing her.

"So, what do you want to talk about?"

Dorian had been pondering in silence during the couple of minutes it took Spencer to prepare them something to drink. This was the second time this morning tea had been used to start a conversation. He wondered just how much money the kids at Camp Half-Blood were pumping into the tea industry all on their own.

He sent several passing glances Erin's way starting to realize that whatever she wanted to talk to the two of them about wasn't going to be good. So when his brother returned and asked the question he was relieved as he couldn't wait much longer.

The smell of tea was once again overwhelming, and Erin was pulled back from her thoughts. She wasn't quite sure just when she'd entered the cabin, nor when she'd been urged to take a seat, but it didn't really matter. Reaching out to take the cup as it was offered to her, all she could feel was gratitude towards the two guys in front of her; not that she'd ever really be able to voice that out loud though. Life was hard enough; throw 'please' and 'thank you' into the mix and it was a whole new ball game she wasn't sure her pride was going to survive. And fuck it all, 'sorry' and 'help' were on a whole other plane of existence...

Once more drawn back to the present at the sound of Spencer's voice directed towards her, Erin brought her gaze up. Her dark eyes flicking from one brother to the next, her hands curled a little tighter around the cup she held. Why was it so hard to say..?

"..the quest, I-... I need... help..."

Spencer's forehead creased when he heard Erin's attempt to ask them for help. She must have struggled so much just to force those words out of her mouth knowing how prideful she can be. That's why he had already offered to help her back then. That's why he kept spouting suggestions after suggestions back in her cabin. That's why he pushed her more than the others did to go on this quest and prove her condemners wrong. Spencer wasn't any good at offering her comfort because he is broken just as much as she is. However, he's the type of person that could offer her solutions to her problems instead.

"Well, I'm already packed and ready to go. Have you already picked who's coming? The prophecy says you can only bring five people with you, right?"

Five people... right. That was all she could bring; but even with that, it was enough to push her so far out of her comfort zone it wasn't funny. Gaze dropping, once more falling away from the both of them to instead return to the cup in her hand, Erin nodded her head lightly. Her voice soft as she spoke, no longer sure if she could look either of them in the eye with the answer she was about to give. Especially knowing that it wasn't one they would want to hear...

"..Brandon and... and Carlos... they've already said yes..." Biting her lower lip, she chewed on it for a moment before continuing, "..y-you, Spence... and Tyler... I still have to ask him... and-..."

She let her words trail off, the tightening of her hands around the cup causing the tea inside to quiver slightly. This was what she hadn't been looking forward to- even more than having to actually ask for help, it was worse was telling someone who desperately wanted to go... to help... that they couldn't come. She hadn't even said it out loud and already her heart was breaking...

Dorian could sense the silent air of tension surrounding Erin when Spencer asked if she had already picked who was coming. He was starting to get a pinching feeling in his gut.

He listened as she started to call of the names. Brandon and Carlos, the sons of Ares and Tyche. Brandon was someone who knew Erin more than he did and was a more than capable fighter so it was a given that he'd be selected for the quest. Carlos made sense as well. Spencer was named next and when the fourth name was called out he knew... He wasn't going to be fifth. His eyes tried to meet Erin's, but they were averted away down at her mug.

Dorian stood up and decided to speak for Erin who had been choking on the words. He didn't want to make it any harder on her. He could tell this decision was eating away at her. "I'm not going..." The words fully hit him as he said it. He wanted so badly to go, to be there to make sure Erin returned safely with the Dove, but instead he'd be sidelined. Not even sidelined. He was at the concession stand only being able to hope that everything was going well out there. But Dorian knew that she was in good hands. Spencer and Tyler would never let anything happen to her and the same went for Brandon. With Carlos she literally had luck on her side. But that one line of the prophecy crept from the back of his mind. She was going to be okay... Right?

As much as Spencer didn't like his younger half-brother, he kinda felt sorry for him. He must have taken the news hard seeing as how he was really looking forward to joining this quest and helping out Erin. However, quests are a set of guidelines that every demigod must heed to ensure that everything turns out as best as it could be. Going against the specified number of participants could spell consequences as little as minor inconveniences, to probably full on dooming everyone involved. For as much as there are demigods that have succeeded in their quests, there are more that have met their ends in theirs.

Erin's choices weren't a random bunch anyways, nor were they all from the entourage that tailed her to her Cabin. Despite being kind of an asshole, you can never go wrong with Brandon having your back in a fight. He wasn't blind to Tyler's feelings either. In fact, other than himself, the son of Hermes was probably the next person that wanted to protect Erin the most. Carlos boosts their chances of success just by being a walking good luck charm. And with his vast knowledge and experience in combat, Spencer was confident that he could protect not just Erin, but everyone in their party when shit hits the fan. While she hasn't exactly mentioned the fifth member, he was certain that it's going to be a well thought out decision like she has made so far.

"Cheer up, dear brother. This is only speculation, but if I'm the one who's soul will be taken in this quest, then better me than you, right? The favorite son is alive and well, while the prodigal son is... taken care of. It's like the trash taking itself out for our father, as well." Spencer pauses and chuckles softly. "Though I wouldn't count on biting the dust just yet. You just make sure to be there in order to welcome our Princess of Darkness when she returns" Spencer smiles and as he takes hold of Erin's hand and squeezes it gently in order to reassure her. "Scratch that... when we return... All of us."

"..I just-... I-I don't... want to lose you..." Even with the warm and gentle touch of Spencer's hand resting over her own; it wasn't enough to pull Erin from the way that she was currently feeling. Not after having just broken the heart of one of her closest friends. No... she knew for a fact that her mind was going to be dwelling on that for some time to come.

Dorian was silent. He didn't know how or what he felt right now. Before they had their conversation earlier Dorian might have been fine with Spencer being the one whose soul was lost, but his brother had already been through more than one person should. Then Erin said she didn't want to lose him and he felt the same way about her, which is why he wanted to go on the quest in the first place.

But now he just felt like they saw him as the weak one and okay he was a bit weaker than the average demigod, but he was able to hold his own. He wasn't just this vulnerable kid who needed protection from the world. "I don't want to lose you either, E. I... I can't lose you. So come back to me, okay? Promise me you'll all come back."

Eyes closing; Dorian's words only served to make her heart ache. And before she knew what she was doing, Erin was back on her feet. Hands free, having put the cup of tea she'd been nursing down on the coffee table; her arms wrapped tightly around the back of his neck. Her head dropping to bury against it. She didn't want to lose him- she couldn't lose him. But even as she tried to convince herself of that, she couldn't help but think that maybe... just maybe, she was making a mistake by choosing to not take him on the quest.

"..I-I'm sorry... I-... I'm so sorry..."

Dorian was caught just a bit off guard by Erin's hug, but he didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around her back and hold her close. He could tell this was hurting her more than it was hurting him and for her he'd put on the bravest front that he could. He'd hate to have her constantly wondering about him back here while she was all the way out there facing unknown perils.

He gently brushed his left hand down her hair as if he were trying to sooth her when she was the one trying to make him feel better. "It's okay... It's okay. I'll be fine here. You don't have to worry about me. I'm not mad at you. I could never be."

Spencer remained on his seat as he quietly watched the events transpire before him. Admittedly, he was just a little bit green with envy when Erin hugged Dorian but he also understood that the kid needed comfort right now. He understood what it felt like to be powerless to do anything, after all.

"I already swore on the five rivers that I'll protect Erin, even if it's the last thing I do. Don't worry, nobody is meeting their end on this quest. Not on my watch."

Letting the two share some time alone, Spencer grabbed his rucksack and exited the cabin. Sitting at one of the chairs on the porch, he grabs a pack of cigarretes from his pocket as well as a lighter. The said lighter had impressions on it that suggested it was ornately decorated at one point but had worn out and faded due to years of use. Only and engraving of what looked like a scythe and a hammer crossed together was what remained. Serena Vasquez was the first friend he made when he arrived at Camp Jupiter. He and the daughter of Vulcan have been through many misadventures in the past and he could truly say that she was the best friend he could ever have. But when he was condemned to Tartarus, he never even got to say goodbye. And since he ended up escaping almost a century later, he never ever will. The lighter she had given him after his first year at Camp Jupiter is the only thing he has left to remember her.

Gingerly opening the lighter's cover, he ignites a cigarette he had retrieved from the pack before taking a whiff from it. The memories of his life at the roman camp suddenly began flashing before him, both the good and the bad, before dissipating as soon as he exhaled the smoke. After the quest was over, he plans on confronting Octavia about her and tracking down where her final resting place was.

"I've already let down one woman, I'm not planning on adding another one to the list."

"..don't think you could, even if you tried..."

Fingers curling, entwining with Dorian's as she held his hand; Erin slowed to a stop as she passed through the front door of the cabin and back onto the porch. The small moment alone with the youngest son of Thanatos had been appreciated- something that, she was sure, the both had needed, but... she couldn't keep doing this. Putting it off was just going to make it so much worse when the time came that she had no other choice than to leave.

Dorian was hit with the sun's rays and a foul stench once he and Erin stepped out onto the porch.

His eyes and nose followed the source to see his brother sitting in one of the chairs and smoking a cigarette. Great. Just when he started to like the guy. But if Tartarus couldn't kill you those sticks wouldn't either.

"So I guess this is it. Crazy start to the summer. Met an older brother I never knew I had and now he and my best friend are going on a quest. Why do I have a feeling it's going to get even crazier from here?"

Kid had a point... she'd give him that.

Sighing softly, her hand never once leaving Dorian's; Erin however, did move. Drawing the both of them closer to where Spencer was sat, she perched herself on the arm of his chair. Her legs crossing, though the action was involuntary- a habit she'd grown into Gods knew how long ago. Years. Gaze falling to the cancer-stick that Spence hand in between his lips, lingering a moment, she drew her attention back out to the camp lain out in front of them. A cigarette sounded really fucking good right now. It was just too bad she'd left her pack in her cabin that morning.

"..yeah... I get the feeling you might be right about that, D..." Body leaning gently against the older son of Thanatos, she gave Dorian's hand another light squeeze; though this time, she maintained it. Holding on with a slight desperation as she spoke. Unable to really focus on anything really in front of her.

"..this is just the beginning..."

Sensing the arrival of both Erin and Dorian, Spencer quickly pocketed the lighter he had in hand. As much as he wanted to open up to the daughter of Hades, the feeling of sadness and guilt he had for not being there for his best friend after all these years made him reluctant to open up on that just yet.

Still, he remembered that Erin also smoked every once in a while so he casually slid a cigarette in her mouth and retrieved his lighter to light it up for her. Gods know that after stress and burden suddenly dropped on her today, she needed one of his special Eucalyptus-infused cigarettes to calm her down, even if for a little bit.

After he hid his lighter once again, he recalled that she hadn't mentioned the fifth member of their party. Placing an encouraging hand, he looks Erin straight in the eye and smiles reassuringly at her . "You haven't exactly mentioned member number five just yet, and something tells me that you have yet to make the necessary preparations for this quest." He repositioned his hand on her back and gave her a gentle nudge. "Go now, Erin. I'm sure my little brother understands why you chose to leave him out of this. Time is of the essence and we need to move as soon as we can. I'll be meeting you back in your cabin."

Right. There it was again.

'Time is of the essence and we need to move as soon as we can.'

Spencer was the second person to tell her that in the space of what felt like the longest hour of her life- but she could have been wrong. She hadn't exactly been checking the time as she'd been making the rounds of pick and choose with the other demigods of camp. Hand lifting, trapping the cigarette between her pointer and middle fingers, Erin drew in a deep breath. Allowing the smoke to fill her lungs and to linger a moment before she let it out. Forcing it to trickle out through her nostrils. The strong smell of eucalyptus overwhelming her senses.

Standing at his gentle urging, her hand slipping from Dorian's to instead return to the pocket of Brandon's hoodie, she nodded. Already leaning this way and that- pressing a soft kiss against the cheek of both boys, and mumbling a soft "..thank you..." before she began off. Returning the smoke to her mouth as she let her feet carry her back towards her own cabin.

Fuck, she hated packing...

Corvus Helstrom

It had been a year since Khione had brought Corvus Helstrom into Camp Half Blood. At first, he would have found himself in an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by kids he did not know, wielding powers of godly proportions. Or, more properly, demigodly proportions. He was, at first, the quiet Swedish lone wolf that simply hung around the corner. However, as time passed, he would grow to befriend pretty much everyone else in there. At the very least, he knows every one of the other children of the gods, and they know him. The son of Khione, the only guy in the cabin of her glorious divine coldness so far. He would, it seemed, live with a pair of sisters, who were younger than him but were by far taller. Where did he get the short genes anyway? Khione was a goddess, a perfect specimen of humanity if she was human. And his dad was...well, average. A perfect balanced 5'10", just like everything should be. But he literally got the short end of the genetic stick, and was being… let's just say that Isaura and Astrid kind of make fun of him as a big but small brother. That did not make any sense did it? Ah, nevermind. As of now, he was the shortest male in Camp Half-blood, and was a favorite as an armrest for the other guys. Granted, he was fine with it, but it sometimes gets exhausting…

munch. Corvus stuffed a pizza slice into his mouth, devouring half of it in one bite. By now, he'd be known as a devourer of Italian cuisine, liking pasta and stuff like that maybe a little too much. Surprisingly, he doesn't gain any weight; perhaps the metabolism was too fast. Anyways, the cabin had been cleaned a few hours ago, as Corvus was essentially a master of keeping everything clean. He kept everything spotless, even when everyone else caused a titanic mess.

With the final slice in his hand, Corvus got out of the cabin, his right hand being a little greasy from the food. He'd walk a little, his surroundings getting a little colder than normal due to the power he had inherited from Khione. After a few moments of walking around aimlessly, he'd find Greyson, who just got out of the Hades Cabin. Bored, and maybe wanting to have a conversation with someone at this time of the day, Corvus walked up towards Greyson. He had already finished the pizza, but the distinct smell of delicious food wafted out of him. Greyson didn't like the cold, so Corvus turned off the freezing radius he exuded. Just for Greyson.

"Hey, Greyson." Corvus looked up at the other guy, speaking with a noticeable Swedish accent. "How are you…" He then gave Greyson a very warm hug. Why? No particular reason, other than he wanted to. It feels good, after all. Oh, and there's the grease...

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"No problem, and sure Octavia," Zane nodded back as he took Chaos in his hands. Noting her the frown on her face when she left, maybe he should not have talked about Erin's situation, what a frickin mess that is, and he can only guess how Erin feels right now. Accused by the gods of stealing Aphrodite's dove and they were not even sure why Erin was accused in the first place. It might even just a way for Aries to get back at Hades for some offense. Who knows and but, at least she has the support of her fellow campers. Knowing they got her back must Erin mean something to her and from the group that he saw around her last. There is plenty of volunteers to help her in this quest, and Zane might join them. However, it is up to Erin who would be coming with her.

Back to the furry ferret in his hands, Zane gently patted the creature. Feeling its soft fur on his fingers. It reminded Zane that he should check up on Nevaeh sooner or later. Get her out of the cabin and get a chance to fly around. He knows how nasty she gets antsy if she stays inside for too long.

"Yeah, no problem, Kalinda," when she came to take back her pet after the few minutes he had with Chaos. It amused him that Chaos had its own leash and the fact that there were leashes that small. A new thing you learn. Zane listened to what Kalinda said, and as for his thoughts. Zane crossed his arms, "well, it would be nice if at least one healer went with them if we can convince Erin of that. If not, then yeah, pack whatever they could need and then some. Since it is Erin's life on the line if they fail and Erin gets to be on the receiving end of Aries's wrath." Zane slightly shuttered at the thought of Aries unleashing his wrath on Erin. No way she would deserve that and who knows what state Erin would even be in after that. Maybe dead, maybe wishing she was, or something worse. "So let's get some medical supplies going and make sure that whoever goes with Erin is prepared for anything."

After leaving his cousin's cabin, he stood outside for several minutes just taking everything in. Letting other things sink in. He sighed heavily, not knowing what he wanted to do in that moment. Of course, as much as he wanted to help Erin there were plenty of other able bodies that were better suited to help her on her quest that would be picked to assist her. There was still a lot of time left before his class at the lake started, figuring he could go for a ride in the spare time until then. It'd been a couple of days since he had taken Storm out and put him through his paces. Of course he'd entrusted Tyler to take care of him when he couldn't, but today was as good a day as any to head down to the stables.

The son of Poseidon hadn't taken but a few steps towards his destination before he was stopped, arms wrapped around him from the side. For a moment he thought it might have been Adeline but a quick glance down proved him wrong. Corvus Helstrom. Son of Khione. He never had an issue with the boy, as they both were rather similar in a sense with the way they pretty much got along with everyone at camp. Greyson just wasn't exactly used to the hugging. The smell of pizza seemed to roll off of the young son of the snow goddess, eyeing his hand on his previously clean white button-up shirt.. now donning a grease stain the shape of Corvus' hand. Grey cleared his throat, attempting to not react to the issue, smiling down at Corvus.

"Corvus. How's it going, mate? Was just' heading over to the stables. What' are yau up to?"

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"Um, I had just finished cleaning my cabin." Corvus looked up at Greyson, scratching the back of his head with the hand that wasn't use to consume the pizza with such gusto. "My sisters are just doing their own thing, so, I'm just kind of wandering around here, you know. Since I've got nothing better to do..."

Corvus, despite getting along with pretty much everyone, was not so good with holding a conversation, and could easily be pegged as awkward. Let's not even get to the part that English wasn't his first language, and sometimes forgets one word or another in a sentence.

Awkwardly looking down, he then noticed that his hand was... err, greasy, and realized that he might have just soiled Greyson's spotless white shirt. "Oh, smörja, I may just soiled your clothes with my overly enthusiastic greeting and pizza grease laden hand..." Corvus looked towards where his hand was placed when he hugged Greyson, and sure enough, there was a grease stain. In the shape of his own hand, no less. "I'm so sorry, Greyson, I just... ugh, what am I doing with myself..."

Being at a loss of what to say, he decided to change the subject, "So, um, the thing. With Erin. A lot of people showed to support her, no? I'm thinking of what I can do to help her... I don't want her or anyone to get... you know, burned by Aries."

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"..hm..?"

The soft hum reverberating through her lightly glossed lips, Adeline's attention was drawn towards the familiar voice calling out to her. And just like with Greyson; just like with everyone in the camp, really, she didn't need to hear his voice in order to know who it was. Though... in this particular instance, it was a welcomed clue. Especially with everything going on- with everything running through her mind; and it wasn't long after that particular thought that she was looking once more in the general direction that Greyson's voice had disappeared in.

"..I-..." Biting softly on the inside of her lip, Adeline was hesitant, though a brief pause more and she was turning back towards Michael's voice. Her hand raising up from the other in front of her stomach so that she could gently brush some of her orange locks back; neatly tucking them behind her ear, "..Grey said he would find me later, I-... I'm not sure if that means I should stay here, or not..."

Michael glanced about, but couldn't see Greyson anywhere. He doubted that Greyson had meant for Adeline to stay where she was for long- and it wouldn't be hard to track her down if she did move. In any case, he didn't think it would be a good idea for her to wait around for what could be hours. With everything that was going on... Micheal hesitated before he spoke "I t-think you c-c-could go s-somewhere else" He said, gaze moving back to Adeline, Moe happily leaning against his side.

"It c-c-could be a while b-before he c-comes b-back." If he was dealing with Erin, it could be more than a little while before he was free to make his way back. "everything s-s-sort of w-went a b-bit c-crazy." More than a bit, and Michael glanced around, as if expecting something else to happen.

"..y-yeah... it really did..." Her hand returning back to the other in front of her stomach, a worried frown took over her features, and with it, she let out a gentle sigh. It had been such a good day; or, at least, that was how the day had begun anyway. But things had changed so quickly, and now everyone else was on edge. Upset and angry; and really..? She hated seeing them all like that. Figuratively, of course.

"..do you think she'll be alright..?"

Michael hesitated, not entirely sure what he could say- he doubted he had any words to ease her mind, but... He glanced away, thoughtful for a moment. "I... d-don't know. I s-suppose it d-depends. B-but she's t-tough. They f-find the d-d-dove"

They'd find the dove...

Chewing a moment on her lower lip, Adeline's head nodded gently to the words that passed through his lips. Her bright gaze turning back to where she had originally been looking. Michael was right... whoever was going- whoever Erin chose to take with her on the quest, well... provided she actually chose to go herself... they were going to be alright. They were going to succeed. They would find the dove, and they would come back together. The rest of them just had to believe and put their faith in the hope that they would.

"..merci, Michael..." Head nodding a little more confidently with the more time she spent on the thought, Adeline brought her attention back to the guy she was speaking with. Her soft lips turning up in a gentle smile as she stepped closer towards the son of Athena, "..were you heading anywhere in particular..? I-... I'm sorry if I kept you..."

He automatically shook his head, before grimacing to himself, and drawing in a breath. "I... n-no. I w-wasn't h-heading anywhere... " he said, feeling like a fool- shaking his head as if she could see him doing so. "D-did you w-want to go s-somewhere?"

"Sure." Nodding her head once more, Adeline's smile only brightened. Lighting up her gentle features, "..did you have anywhere in particular in mind..?"

"I... uh... y-you w-were w-waiting for G-Grayson, r-right? D-d-did you w-want to g-g-g-o somewhere he c-can find you again?"

"..I did leave my laptop in the amphitheater..." Dropping her gaze down and away slightly, Adeline seemed to think on that a moment before she turned her attention back to the Michael. Her soft smile once again lighting up her gentle features, "Do you think we could go get it..? After that though... we could have hot chocolates at my cabin; if you want to, I mean..."

Michael shifted, Moe shifting with him with ease- although the big ball of floof gave a sound that was somewhat disappointment as he was made to move. "S-s-sure. S-sounds g-good"

Tyler shook his head and closed the distance between himself and the table, physically having to pick Salem's furry face out of the mug before gently shoving him off the side and onto the floor. He didn't have any words, none that he cared to admit to wanting to tell the feline, anyway. It was always something with Salem, and it was almost always Tyler who suffered at his paws. Reclaiming his cup, he walked it over to the sink and dumped the rest out, using the soapy sponge he'd used on Erin's cup earlier. After rinsing and washing out the mug he'd had, he set it beside Erin's on the dry rack and proceeded to wash the tea pot before drying his hands off, turning back to face the feisty feline.

"What is it," the son of Hermes folded his arms over his chest, "--you hungry, or somethin'?" The cat only flicked his tail back and forth, blinking slowly at the boy from the kitchen floor. Tyler looked over at where his water and food dishes were located, his brow furrowing lightly at the sight of a full bowl.

"Salem.. your bowl is full, my guy." A moment of silence passed between the two before Salem, quite possibly having understood what Tyler was complaining to him about, got up from his place and wandered over to the cabinet where his treats and wet food were kept, brushing himself against the wood door. The cat's eyes found Tyler's as he let out a low 'rohr', becoming still all except for his tail that flicked back and forth at the tip, clearly waiting for Tyler to get his hints. The boy indeed knew what he wanted, figuring that Erin had enough on her plate at the moment, the least he could do was feed her clearly starving cat for her. Sighing heavily, Tyler opened up a cabinet door and grabbed out a cat bowl.

"You're lucky I love her, Say." The boy wandered over to the cabinet Salem stood in front of, gently nudging him to scoot out of the way with his foot before opening said cabinet to snatch out one of the wet food cans. Back at the counter, Tyler popped the thing open and without hesitation, was immediately joined by the feline who was very clearly happy with Tyler providing him with the good stuff. The nosy cat poked his way between Tyler's hands as he emptied out the contents of the can into the ceramic bowl, gently shooing the cat away from it.

"Dude, patience. Come on. Pspspst." Tyler held the bowl up as he stepped away from the counter, waiting to make sure the cat was indeed following him before walking the bowl over to where his old wet food dish lay on the floor beside his dry food and water bowls. Picking up the old one, he replaced it with the new one and watched the cat pounce over his food, already beginning to dig in. Tyler chuckled softly and shook his head, reaching down to gently pet the cat a couple of times from the back of his head to the tip of his tail before wandering back to the sink. Running some hot water into the bowl only enough to fill it, Tyler sat it down in the sink to let it soak so the crusted cat food would be easier to wash off later when he came back to it. Tyler turned around then, pulling the boxes of new teas that Erin had ordered from his father, taking his time in placing them with the rest of the teas she had stocked up in her cupboards.

"..you don't have to do that..."

The door closing quietly behind her, Erin lingered. Her dark gaze drawn through the entrance... the lounge... before settling on the familiar figure that was busying himself in the kitchen. Putting away boxes of tea. Tyler Rumancek... of course he was still here. He'd stuck it out, and he'd stayed, and by the look of it, it seemed as though he was the only one who had. That thought alone had her heart giving a little flutter, though she wasn't about to go admitting it. To him- to anyone, really. It wasn't exactly in her style to go around talking about her 'feelings' with people. Though... he had managed to get her to make a few exceptions through the years they'd known each other.

Biting her lip- chewing on it a moment, Erin hesitated. Her hand holding the smoke she'd been given, still lit though now held down at her side as she shifted, "..Ty, I-..."

What the hell was she supposed to say..? Honestly, she wasn't sure. Dropping her head, her dark gaze falling to the floor between them, she fell silent. Her dark eyes closing as she tried to work out just how she was supposed to go about this, "..I... I didn't take the stupid dove... I promise..."

Erin's voice, as soft as it was, made him jump. A box of tea collapsed to the floor with a bit of noise, Tyler made a face at it before picking it up off the ground to place it back where he had intended on placing it. His eyes shifted over to where the girl stood, more cold and closed off looking than usual, but also fragile enough to break at a gentle touch. It dawned on the boy that she was wearing an over-sized sweatshirt.. one he could swear he'd seen before. Was it Brandon Murphy's? He knew the two were close, but the sight of her wrapped up in his hood made him slightly uncomfortable. Jealous, perhaps? Mm.. only a tad bit, but not enough to ever want to make a stink of the situation. Tyler took a step closer to her, watching her battle with whatever storm was going on in her head.

"It's the least I can do. Keeps me busy, anyway."

He took another hesitant step closer, tilting his head slightly as he approached her. The vision of her before him hurt to see. Of course he'd seen her broken and far gone beside herself before.. this was different. It wasn't till her head dropped that Tyler decided to close the distance between them, tenderly placing his hands on her arms, gently wrapping his fingers around them as he bent down slightly to get an angle on her eyes.

"Hey, hey hey hey.. Er, I know you didn't." Tyler frowned slightly, sighing. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Help... the word alone almost broke her, and she couldn't help but lift her head. Her lips parting at the seam; her fingers curled gently down at her sides. The action only serving to pull the cigarette she was holding closer towards her palm, though even still, she was mindful to keep it far enough away that it wasn't about to scorch her. One look in his eyes though... and the words were tumbling from her lips before she had the chance to really form them in her mind.

"..come with me..."

Of course he would go with her. No questions asked, no second thoughts. He was there.

"You know I've got a go-bag already ready." Reaching into his back pocket, Tyler pulled the toolkit from his jeans and held it up between them, eyes trained on hers. "Not all the gods think you're responsible, either, Erin. Hermes sent a a little help.. probably figuring I'd be tagging along with you on your quest."

A flash of color caught Tyler's eye, only now realizing that she had the cigarette in her hand, which was quite close to her skin as well. Tyler reached down and tenderly took it from her, leaning over to tap some of the ash into the sink. He'd be sure to wash it out later when he went back to scrub the cat bowl. He turned back to her, looking around a moment before his eyes rested back on hers.

"Who all is coming? Do you need to pick up anyone else? Six people.. that's... that's gonna be interesting." All that attention.. their scent, all clumped up together the way they would be... dangerous. "You need me to help you pack, Er?"

Head nodding lightly in response, her long dark locks bouncing gently over the back of Brandon's hoodie; it was all she could do, unsure really of where to even begin. It wasn't as though she didn't have the answers that he was looking for- she did. She'd already given them over and over again to each of the others as she'd been stopped to speak. She was beginning to sound more and more like a broken record. Force herself to ask for help, recite the prophecy, tell them who else was going, then move on just to do it all again when the she came face-to-face with the next person. It was the natural cycle for anyone who got a quest... she just never in a million years thought that it would be her.

"..Brandon..." Voice soft as the name fell from between her lips, Erin turned her head. Her dark gaze drifting away from him for a few moments, but like clockwork, it returned. Once again meeting with his gorgeous blues- his perfect... blue eyes... deeper than any ocean, and brighter than she'd ever seen on a child of Poseidon. And fuck, she couldn't afford to be thinking like this. Not right now, anyway, "..Carlos... and Spencer, too... they all said yes... they're packing..."

Tyler nodded simply, chewing on his lip in thought. That meant there were five. Whoever the sixth might be, he didn't really care. The lineup seemed pretty well rounded. Pulling his attention to Erin again after losing himself in a momentary lapse of distracting thoughts.

"Alright, well.. let's go get you packed, yeah?" Out of habit, Ty placed the cigarette between his lips before hesitantly slipping his hand into hers, twining their fingers. "Come on, Er." He lead her up towards her room, peeking back over his shoulder at her, his thoughts distracting him once more in the moment.

"..what's wrong..?" Her lips parting further, Erin's gaze followed his own. Her pace slowing on the stairs as she glanced back over her shoulder.

Blinking at her in silence a moment. Why was she looking behind her? He was looking at her. A soft huff of air blew out of his nostrils as he grinned a bit, but instead of pointing it out and teasing her about it he decided to remain serious. Stopping at the top of the stairs before turning to her, he gently cupping her face in his hands. His eyes trained on hers as his smile faded, his expression riddled with concern and worry.

”I’m just.. worried is all. I know, more or less, how much this is going to take a toll on you.... l-leaving..” He leaned forward, then, placing a light kiss to her forehead.

”If I could complete this quest for you, I would..”

Eyes closing at his gentle kiss, though only for a moment; Erin's arms lifted. Fingers gently curling over the back of his hands as she brought her touch to his. The words leaving his lips only serving her heart to ache slightly. She was worrying him- she was worrying everyone. That had been made abundantly clear over Gods only knew how much time had passed between her meeting with the Oracle and this moment right here on the stairs of her own cabin.

"..I could never ask you to do that..."

Tyler searched her eyes a moment before letting a light-hearted smile creep up on his features, his thumb brushing over her cheek tenderly. He knew all too well she would never ask, but he wouldn't need her to. Of course Tyler didn't know the full story, but after some long talks with his mother he figured he'd had a grasp on the reasons as to why she was so against leaving in the first place. He never tried to pry it out of her, seeing her in a state such as this was hard enough as it was.

"I know," he replied simply, dropping his hands again to take hers, gently leading Erin into her room so that they could get her started on packing.

Fingers curling gently against the palm of his hands, Erin's gaze fell away from him as they reached her room. Instead glancing about almost absentmindedly, "..I... I don't even know what I should take... I've never done this before..."

Letting her hand go soon as they'd taken a few steps into her room, Tyler figured he'd have to take the initiative and do the majority of the packing. He grabbed her canvas bag from the closet and tossed it on the bed, snagging the toiletries bag she had beneath her bathroom sink that he'd gifted her a couple years back. Brushing the dust off of the thing, he chuckled softly as he shook it out, walking back into the room to stuff it into her bag.

"Well, it averages in the seventies this time of year." Tyler turned to her closet, grabbing out one of her more favored sweatshirts, folding it up neatly and stuffed it down into the bottom of the bag aside the other item.

"..it's summer... in Rome, I mean..." The soft sound of her voice falling past her lips, it was a few moments longer after she spoke that her attention actually focused on him at all. Her dark gaze lingering a moment on what it was that he was doing before she drew it up to meet with his own.

Tyler made a face, shrugging lightly.

"Seventies, eighties. Same difference." he smirked, looking from her bag to her again. "I highly doubt Murphy is gonna let you take his hoodie with you to Rome. Never know when you might need a jacket.. just cause the days are warm doesn't always mean the nights are."

The boy looked around her room, eyes finally falling on her dresser where he knew she kept her undergarments before turning back to her. Sure, they were together, but that still wasn't something they'd crossed over yet. That kind of intimacy was something that Tyler insisted on holding off on out of respect for his family customs. As any normal teenage boy, though, his thoughts did wander. The thoughts alone pulled color to his face.

"You wanna, um... grab some of those," he motioned over towards her dresser, clearing his throat shyly before he quickly turned away to go back to her closet, grabbing a few things he could remember her wearing together in the past.

"..you mean underwear..? Bras..? The type of toiletries you avoid so much as looking at..?"

Corner-eyeing her as she spoke to him, Ty nodded while avoiding direct eye contact with her sheepishly as he brought the clothes he had gathered over to her bed to fold them down to fit neatly into her bag.

Shifting slightly on the spot, following him with her gaze, Erin once more slipped her hands down into the pockets of the hoodie, "..you know we're going to have to talk about this at some point... right..?"

Tyler paused, slowly bringing his eyes up to meet hers. "Y-yeah.. is now really the time for that, though Er?" he asked hesitantly, still folding clothes as he talked, turning his gaze down to the bag on the bed as he shoved a couple of shirts down to the bottom of it. "I just.." Tyler stopped again, sighing softly as he turned his head to look at her once more. "If we have to talk about this, could you at least grab some and.. _{bring them over here...?}"

Biting her lip, Erin's gaze fell from his. Dropping to the floor between them. He didn't want to talk; not about this. At least, he didn't want to talk about this now; but if they didn't, then when..? People had made it clear they had faith in her- blind faith that by some fucking miracle, she was going to get this done, and was going to clear her name. But that was just it. It all came down to if she cleared her name. And if they didn't talk then... there might not actually be a later to do so.

"..forget it..."

Shaking her head lightly, she eventually moved. Giving him her back as she crossed over to her dresser, and after opening the drawer and staring into it for a few moments, she began to pull out undergarments that she was going to need.

Pressing his lips into a fine line, he stared at her back a moment before dropping what he had in his hands and closed the distance between them. Tyler stepped behind her, gingerly placing his hands on her elbows as he leaned over her shoulder to get an angle on her. "Erin, please.. don't do that to me." As he spoke, his hands slipped from her elbows to her waist, wrapping his arms around her midsection as his chin gently rested on her shoulder.

"Talk to me.. please." He looked up at her with a soft gaze, hoping she would indulge him and not keep herself closed off. Maybe the discussion would pull away some of the stress from their current dilemma of her quest, though he still wanted to hurry and get things done so they could get on the road as soon as possible.

"..Tyler, I-..." Closing her eyes, her fingers curled gently around the bra she'd taken hold of. Enjoying the feeling of his calming touch, "..it's just... there might not be a later this time..."

Tyler continued to watch her though her eyes were closed, feeling her loosen up in his embrace a bit brought the slightest smile to his features, though it didn't last long before fading after hearing what she said.

"There is going to be a later. We're gonna see this through, Er.." Tyler held her close to him, gently nuzzling her cheek with his own, his voice growing a little softer. "If you wanna talk about this now, though, then let's talk, beautiful."

She couldn't help it. Her head turning gently into his at the sign of affection he was giving to her, "..what's the point..? I know you don't really want to, Ty..."

"..but you do. And..." Tyler closed his eyes a moment, just holding her as he thought about how he wanted to word it. "You're right. It is something that.. we need to talk about."

She could feel it... clearly. Her heart beating away in her chest. But it wasn't just there... She could feel it in her mind; pounding in her head- for the love of Zeus, she could even feel the steady drum-like beat in her ears, and while she knew it made no fucking sense, she also knew it was possible. It had to be. Opening her eyes slowly, head lifting, she couldn't help but simply watch him a few moments before speaking.

"..I just-... I don't know anymore... I can't even think of where to begin..."

His eyes searched hers a few moments before he averted his gaze, completely unsure of what to say. Ty chewed on his lip thoughtfully.

"..well... alright.. uh..." Another minute of silence passed before he sighed softly, turning his head to bury his face into her neck. He wasn't entirely sure how to start the conversation. Instead, he just held her quietly. His mind suddenly started going over the same what if's that she was worried about, closing his eyes as if trying to close himself off to the thoughts. He wouldn't think that way. Couldn't, even. He had to hold it together.. if not for himself, for her, at the very least.

They weren't going to talk... they never did. It was a conversation they both knew they were going to have to have, but every time- every single time they had the chance, they let it pass them by. And really..? She shouldn't have expected any less. Especially today of all days- now of all times. She wasn't even sure why she'd gone and brought it up in the first place, it was stupid, "..forget it... please, let's just-... let's just get ready to go..."

Tyler’s shoulders dropped slightly before pulling away from her, walking back to the bed to continue folding. ”_Yeah..”

Ty ran a hand up through his hair, too many emotions running through him to truly pinpoint which one was the most prominent in that moment. He picked up a pair of pants and folded them down, shoving them to the bottom of the bag, doing as she asked. Changing the subject..

"Want a second pair of shoes, at all?”

She could feel it... his disappointment. It was as thick in the air as the tension that had hung between the group earlier had been. Lowering her hands back down into the drawer, staring at the contents, Erin brushed over the question completely, "..where do you want this to go..?"

”Just bring it here.. I’ll... I’ll fold it for you. If there’s anything else you can think of to bring, inima mea, might wanna grab it. Should have a decent amount of space left in here by the time I’m done folding all this.”

"..I'm talking about us, Tyler..."

Tyler heart dropped then, blinking a couple times before turning to look at her. "W-what do you mean?" Standing up straight, folding his arms over his chest. "You.. you know how I feel about you, Er. And I know that you know I don't want to force my customs on you.."

His eyes drifted away a moment before returning to hers again, tilting his head. "Is.. is this about me not telling my mom..?

Twisting after another moment; Erin's lips parted ever slightly as she met with his gaze, "..maybe... I-I don't know..."

"Well.. are you ready for marriage, Erin? Hmm?"

"..I don't know, okay..?" Turning back to the drawer, it was a few brief moments of just staring before she began to move. Grabbing out what she thought she was going to need and sliding it shut. Marriage... Marriage- it wasn't like she hadn't thought about it. Of course she had. What fucking girl alive hadn't thought about it..? About their wedding..? It was stupid, yeah. A fantasy that just slipped its way into the mind at random points in a woman's life, but it was something that even she couldn't deny had happened.

Chewing on her lip; she turned. Keeping her head down, clearly avoiding meeting with his eyes as she crossed over to where he was stood. The gentle red warming up her cheeks more than evident as she pulled her bag over to her, shoving her undergarments into it, "..I mean... I don't... not... want to... I-... I have thought about it... yeah..."

Tyler watched her, scratching behind his ear as he watched her just shove her undergarments into her bag without folding them, trying to ignore his slight pet peeve. "Thinking about it and actually being ready are two very different things, Er. I can't tell my mom, okay? We have talked about this before.." Of course on a much smaller scale, but she knew what his customs entailed. Tyler turned, sitting down on the bed beside the bag so that he could look up at her clearly without her avoiding his gaze.

No choice about it, Erin met his gaze. Stopping with what she was doing, "..why..? Why does it have to be marriage or nothing; why can't it just be what it is..?"

"Because that's how we do things, Erin!" As soon as it came out, Tyler's breath caught in his throat. He hadn't meant it to come out as sharply as he'd said it. Swallowing hard, Tyler bent forward and pushed his face into his hands, elbows firmly planted in his knees. He stayed there a few moments before sitting back up, his palms flipped upwards in his lap as his shoulders pulled up in a shrug.

"A-and isn't that the whole point of dating? To eventually get to marriage? ..or is that not what we're doing here?" It was then he turned his eyes to Erin, a tinge of hurt in his voice as he used her own words against her, "..where do you want this to go..?"

She flinched. Eyes shutting and head turning away from him as his harsh response lashed at her, though she knew he hadn't meant it. He never meant to raise her voice towards her. And when it happened, it was a rarity- she could count the number of times it had happened over the last four years on a single hand, and still, the number was lower than the actual amount of time they'd known one another. But... as much as she tried... she couldn't refrain- couldn't hold back her reactions.

She'd tried... it was impossible anymore...

"..you know what I want, Salvavita... I just-... I don't want to die before it happens..."

Tyler stood to his feet as soon as he realized what he'd done, hesitating a moment with his hand on her arm before wrapping her up in a gentle but firm embrace. Mentally, he was kicking himself in the ass.

"_{Erin, I'm..I'm sorry, baby.}" He chewed on his lip firmly, curling into her. "You're not gonna die, Er.. we're not gonna let that happen."

The very second his arms slid around her body; she relented. Her touch first drawing to his sides before her hands slid further around. Fingers curling over the back of his top, almost in desperation, as she clung to him. He had such faith in her- they all did. And it wasn't as though she didn't believe in them; no. It was herself she didn't believe in... how could she, after everything...?

"..I-I love you, Tyler..."

"I love you, inima mea." How could he not..? After everything.

They'd stay in the embrace another minute before Tyler pulled away, insisting that they finish up packing her things, drop by the Hermes cabin to grab his own things, make arrangements with his brother Miles to take care of his reptiles while he was gone, and gather the others up so that they could head out. They had a long week ahead of them. He wanted to get it over with as soon as was possible, for both their sakes.

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Alina peeked from underneath her comforter to make sure that Julie wasn't waiting silently for her in her room. She didn't know how the girl got into her room. No matter how many deadbolt locks she puts on the door the kid always finds a way. Her eyes scanned the room and to her relief she was the only one present. She sighed softly and uncovered her face fully, but still wasn't in the mood to make the giant move from her bed to the floor. Instead she decided to make a call.

Alina waved her hand out to form a stream of rainbow light next to her bed. "Call mommy."

Almost immediately someone's clothed back was shown propped right on the rainbow screen. "Huh. I don't hear the familiar sound of drachma being deposited into my account. It must be my beautiful daughter." Iris turned around revealing that she was wearing a Double Rainbow T-Shirt. She stepped backwards putting her face into the picture. "Ah, that's better." She paused checking her wrist and the watch that clearly wasn't there. "Why are you still in bed?"

Alina rolled her eyes. "Hello to you too, mother. I was just about to get out of it. Thought I'd check in before I do."

"Is that your way of saying you missed me?"

"Of course not. Don't make me gag. This is why I don't like people."

"I'm a goddess, dear."

Alina let out an exasperated sigh. She was starting to wonder why she made this call in the first place. Why was she calling again? Oh, that's right. "This Erin situation. Do you have any juicy intel?"

"Now, Leora. You know I don't like to gossip." She leaned forward putting her face directly in front of the screen. "Just a few whisperings so far. Most of the gods and goddesses don't believe she did it, but no one's brave or patient enough to challenge Ares' accusation. Some don't even think that a demigod was the one to do it."

Alina could've surmised that herself. The timing may have been convenient with most of the campers returning to camp, but stealing a sacred symbol wasn't an easy task. Even if a demigod was responsible they would have had to have gotten help from a god or goddess. "So nothing."

"Uh... Rude. This did just happen, you know. Give the rumor mill time to turn."

"You'll update me when it does?"

"Of course, dearest. Now, ciao. Some of us have to work for a living." She blew Alina a kiss and watched as she blocked it with her comforter. Iris shook her head with a smile and disconnected the call. The rainbow stream broke into tiny pieces as they fell to the ground only to disappear once they made contact.

Once her mom was gone Alina reached her hand out to grab where her mother's invisible kiss had landed and released it onto her cheek. She slid like a snake out of her bed and onto the floor. Her buttocks hitting the cold floor was the push she needed to get to her feet and start her morning routine. She walked to her bathroom to begin there. She washed her face, brushed her teeth, brushed and styled her hair. She decided not to put on any makeup this morning. It wasn't like she needed it anyway.

Afterwards she made her way to the kitchen and prepared some coffee and when it was ready she poured it into her favorite gold cup and decided to enjoy it outside. On her way out she grabbed a robe from the living room couch and put it on without missing a step in her walk or spilling her coffee.

When Alina stepped out onto the porch she was hit directly with the sun's rays. The light causing her melanated skin to shimmer and glisten. She sat in the chair nearest to the door and took a sip of her coffee. "Ah. Perfect."

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Kalinda flicked a glance back to Zane, giving a soft sigh, "A healer going with them would be great, but I don't know if it will happen. Erin will take people she trusts explicitly... and I doubt any of them would be left behind anyway. We'll just have to prepare for them as much as we can." She moved to the back of the infirmary, grabbing one of a few packs she often had ready- just in case they were needed. She sighed heavily, wishing she could prepare for anything, but it was viritually impossible to know what might happen. She moved back to Zane and Vivian, her mind moving fast as she flicked through options and what would be important.

She looked over to Vivian with concern as her sister spoke, the other girl uncharistically quite. She watched her for a few moments, knowing that VIvian had to be okay- she'd just checked her, but she still worried. "They'll get everything we can spare. I'll see about getting those that can working on more to restock." More than likley Kalinda was going to have some late nights ahead of her. Well, she often had trouble sleeping these days. it might be good to have something to focus on. And there were, after all, plenty of beds in the infirmary if she did end up passing out.

And perhaps she wouldn't be alone in it. One thing about the camp and other campers was that when needed, they did come together. As evident by what was happening. Kalinda wasn't sure how to feel about that, but it didn't matter right then. "Hopefully they won't need what we give them, but it'll be there if they do." She shifted again, gaze flicking over the infirmary. "Lets gather what we can. You wanna pack it all up, Viv? I get too impatient with making it fit nicely."

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Jamie leaned low over the horses back, unable to help the laugh that escaped them as the majestic animal took to the gallop as if she were riding to freedom. In a way, Jamie supposed, they were. Back home. Back to camp, where they'd be safe for a time. Jamie could have easily taken a car or travelled in a more direct way to the quest, but then they wouldn't have been able to enjoy a ride- and Jamie did love horses. Oh, sure, pegasus were stunning and all, but there was something about riding a horse at full speed, unrestrained, that just made Jamie happy. Jamie would take whatever happiness that they could get, particuarly lately.

Jamie's sword- a familiar weight these days- was secured against the saddle- and Jamie would occassionally brush against it, as if to remind themselves that it was still there. The large sword might not be the most convient of weapons, but Jamie lvoed it. And a part of Jamie thought that it signified Jamie themselves... elegant, if a bit rough around the edges, strong and delicate all at once. At least that's what Jamie thought. As Jamie relaxed, they let Starlight have her head, the horse eagerly making way to the camp.

Reaching up, Jamie ran a hand through their hair, debating about getting it cut again, or trying to let it grow out for the hundredth time this year. Abesntly, Jamie's thoughts moved towards the money they had plopped into their mothers account- no doubt Jamie would get a message about it, as Their mother always wanted to know how Jamie was getting it. Well, Jamie wasn't about to tell her that it was a bit of trickery. Let their mother think Jamie was coming by it honestly. It would put her mind at rest. And jamie could be satisfied that the family was looked after.

As they passed the permitier into the camp, Jamie's shoulders eased and a worry that Jamie hadn't been aware of faded. Letting out a slow breath, Jamie relaxed completely for the first time in days and Jamie shifted, leaning down to reach into the pack on the otherside of the saddle, taking out a flask. Taking a long drink from it, Jamie eventaully pulled Starlight into a trot, and then a walk, seeking to cool the horse down before returning to the stables. As they past the tower, Jamie frowned. Wasn't it a challenge day? Shouldn't there be other campers here?

Gaze moving over the camp, Jamie slid of Starlight's back, taking the horses reins in one hand, continuing towards the stables. Something had happened... something bad. Where was everyone? Well, there was always one person you could go to for gossip. Alina no doubt had answers, and Jamie automatically shifted towards the Iris cabin. Jamie was unsurprised to find Alina lounging on the porch of the cabin, and Jamie raised a brow. "Late start to the day? Bummer. Was hoping for some answers as to what the fuck is going on. Thought it was a tower day... must have got the days mixed up... "

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Alina was enjoying her coffee when she noticed someone pulling up to her cabin with a horse trotting alongside them. She looked closer and realized it was the gender fluid child of Hermes and Julie's older sibling. They weren't exactly close, but Alina didn't mind them. Though she always had a feeling that they were hiding something. It could be the nagging feeling she gets around most Hermes kids. They were often shifty, but at the same time Alina felt like they were someone who wasn't all that bad.

"Late start to the day? Bummer. Was hoping for some answers as to what the fuck is going on. Thought it was a tower day... must have got the days mixed up... "

Before Alina would give her response she'd take a dramatic sip of her coffee. Once she was done she placed the cup on the armrest to her left and licked her lips. "An early start to the afternoon actually. Your sister woke me up. But no, you didn't the mix up the days. The tower event ended early with Pierre from the Morpheus Cabin as victor." She took a slight pause to figure out how she was going to deliver the next news. "But as for your real question, Erin Chase has the quest of clearing her name in the case of Aphrodite's stolen dove. Beyond that I unfortunately don't know. Your brother on the other hand may have more information. You know how close those two are. Oh right, before I forget. Welcome back."

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Talon made his steady way back to the camp proper, shoving his hands into his pockets, the salve Valeria had given him a small weight in one. He sighed softly, keeping his head down- he didn't really feel like interacting much with anyone else. Valeria had, somewhat, made him feel better. But that didn't mean he wanted to face ridicule... He sighed again, and almost seemed to make himself feel smaller, shrunching himself up slightly. Moving towards the cabins, Talon refused to let himself be drawn away from his goal.

He could slip in, clean himself up a bit, and then sneak back out again, hopefully without meeting any of his siblings, without becoming angry again. His hands automatically curled into tight fists once more, and his heart beat faster. He didn't want to hear Elias's calm voice, or deal with him at all. And if he ran into Octavia... He almost turned around, almost walked anywhere else but towards the cabin.

But he had to at least check on Cisiley. He could do that. Cisiley... the snake was generally okay, but he still needed to ensure she was alright. He sighed again, and shoved open the cabin door, making a quick dash to his room, hoping that no one was in the cabin.

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Jamie watched Alina, having no doubt that the Iris child was studying Jamie- as if to try and figure out what other intent Jamie might have besides just trying to figure out whatever the fuck was going on. The camp was usually a flurry of motion- and while there were people about, Jamie couldn't help but think it was more subdued then normal. Perhaps Jamie was putting too much thought in it. She waited for Alina to speak, and couldn't help the slight chuckle as Alina took a rather dramatic sip of her coffee.

Jamie couldn't expect anything less then any of the other campers. They were all a little dramatic in one form or another, and Jamie didn't mind the chance to watch the Iris camper. Her chuckle turned into a frown at Alina's words, and Jamie flicked a glance around, as if expecting someone to jump out and declare it all a joke. Not Pierre winning the tower- although that was surprising, given that she was sure Ky'vie and some of the other strong contenders would have competed. No, it was the rest. Why the fuck would the Gods think any of them would want to steal a fucking dove? Especially Aphrodites dove.

You wouldn't even be able to sell it without bringing a rain of trouble on yourself. "If Erin is in trouble, he'd be with her. Best not to interrupt Erin in a mood in any case. I rather like my appendages attached to my body." Jamie said, "Well, it's something at least. Thanks. Hey, I grabbed some things while I was out, you need anything? Probably have it in one bag or another."

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It was... one of the only places she felt truly free...

Thoughts of everything going on slipping from her mind; Isaura took a single step forward. The surface of the lake freezing under the blade of her skate, though the rest of the lake remained as it was. Water. A gentle smile gracing her delicate features, showing no hesitation in her actions, she pushed forward. Her figure gliding gently over the lake, leaving behind her weaving strokes of ice decorating its surface, and tracing her each and every movement. It felt good... being back out on the ice- she needed almost desperately that small sense of normality among the chaos that currently reigned.

And it was simple muscle memory. Like riding a bike- and as she picked up confidence, as she picked up some speed, she couldn't help the way that her glossed lips lifted into a gentle smile that seemed to reach her eyes and light up her features.

It didn't matter how much went wrong- how hard everyone pushed her; what got thrown her way, or how much she second guessed her choices... the ice was where she belonged. And to her, it was as natural as breathing. The cold to her was just as much as the heat was to Hayden- it was who they were. And there was no changing that. Why would they ever want to..?

Slowing to a stop as she reached the center of the lake, Isaura allowed her gaze to glide over the area. It was so beautiful... and she couldn't imagine spending her days anywhere else, aside from her home in Norway. The seam of her lips parting ever slightly, her hand lifted. Giving a gentle wave towards the familiar figures huddled together on the edge of the lake, her attention fell to what she was doing. Head tilting lightly as she slipped her earphone in. And as the music hit her ears, she began to move. The routine coming with ease as she glided along to the song that had begun to play.

After having spent the better part of the morning slaving away on a busted sword for yet another one of the Ares campers, it was only when one of Hayden's siblings had barged into the forge to tell him and their siblings of the news brought by Chiron and Mr. D. Erin Chase had been named the one responsible for lifting Lady Aphrodite's godly symbol. From what he knew of the girl, he didn't believe that she could have done it, though the thought of wolves in sheep's clothing played at the back of his mind. No one had suspected Luke Castellan all those years ago when it came to Zeus' godly symbol having been stolen.

He shook the thought away, forcing himself to ignore the negativity. He truly hoped she hadn't been the one to do it. Though he hadn't had much time under his belt spent with her, he had to think better of her. She never did anyone wrong, or any harm. Sure, she sent the hounds after Brandon Murphy and Greyson from time to time but that didn't make her a villain. Hayden had played with the idea of simply remaining in the forge, but couldn't help but wonder how Issie had taken the news. Of course he knew the pair weren't friends, but still.. it had to have been hard to hear, regardless. Surely she had been there to hear the news straight from Chiron and Mr. D themselves, he knew she was headed for the Obstacle Tower this morning.

It hadn't taken Hayden long to reach the area, but after spending several minutes searching around the Obstacle Tower grounds, he couldn't find her. He knew she'd be one of two places, and decided to check the closest one before heading off to check in her cabin. Heading towards the lake, he didn't have to travel far up the path before he caught a glimpse of her gliding over the water, the water freezing beneath her skates as she went. A small little smile crept up at the corners of his lips as he approached, reaching the edge of the lake where he slowly dropped to the ground and sat on the beach to watch her. He loved seeing her in her element. Folding an arm over his knees, he placed an elbow over his hand and rested his chin into the other, watching her with a smile.

The movement along the bank... it had caught her attention out of the corner of her eye some time ago; and despite the fact that she had been so deeply gone in her own little world, Isaura just couldn't help but stare as the large and imposing figure wandered over. Sitting himself down on the bank of the lake in order to watch her skate out over the blend of ice and water. And that smile he wore-... It sent her heart fluttering madly in the confines of her chest.

Pulling out of her current spin- breaking away from the routine altogether in order to change paths instead, Isaura's glides were slow. Silent almost as she closed the gap between them, and without showing a hint of hesitation, she abruptly halted. The smallest bit of ice scraping into tiny shards as she twisted to a smooth stop. The gentle smile she was known for breaking out over her lips as she gazed down at him. Her hand extending out to take hold of his as she hoisted herself back up and onto the bank of the lake. The blades of her skates digging into the ground, "..I didn't think you'd be finished your work this early.

Hayden watched her as she moved over the water, noticing she had also seen him too and was now heading over. As she made her way over, he stood up and dusted himself off. Taking her hand, he gently pulled her back onto the shore.

"Oh, I'm not. After hearing the news though, I'm sure Dak won't mind me taking a break from fixing his sword. Seriously don't know what in the hell he did to that thing to screw it up so bad."

Reaching his free hand up, he gently brushed a few stray strands of hair from her face, tilting his head. "Er du ok, min kjære?"

"..já... jeg har det bra, minn villieldr."

His touch, as gentle as it was with his fingers brushing across her face, was more than enough to send her heart into a fluttering storm, and with it, her gaze lifted. Once more meeting with his as she gave a nod of head; only further helping to cement her answer to the question. She was okay, considering. Of course she knew the girl that had been accused of the crime, but... it wasn't as though her and Erin were the best of friends. Respectful to one another in passing- never really getting into one another's path. She felt, however, that she knew her well enough to not believe a word that came from the mouth of Ares, "..it doesn't take a genius to know that she didn't do it... and from the outrage at the tower..? She has the support of the camp behind her. Those closest to her seem willing to wage war, even... I hope this doesn't come to that...

Hayden nodded lightly, sighing heavily. "Yeah, lucky enough for her, really." Looking over his shoulder off towards the other campers, Hayden chewed on his lip gently before turning back to look at Isaura. "Is that the only thing bothering you, or is there more?" He figured that it was, indeed, the only thing bothering her.. but even he knew that figuring wasn't fact and it never hurt to ask and make sure. Ever since Issie had gotten back and they'd rekindled their relationship, Hayden had been sure to always double check with her, especially when it came to how she was feeling.

What could she say..? He knew her better than she knew herself...

A gentle sigh passing out through her lips, Isaura's bright blues drifted away from him. Instead looking out over the lake before movement caught her attention, and her eyes flicked to the two figures that had been standing not too far from where they were; watching for a moment as they left. Though it wasn't until Valeria and Talon were both gone that she spoke again. Her voice soft, "..there was an incident on the tower this morning... and-..."

Hesitating, she let out another sigh. Her gaze lifting back up to meet with his before she finished the thought that she'd been in the process of voicing out loud, "..and I may have gotten into a small argument with my sister... again..."

Hayden's eyes followed her own to see the Ares boy standing off a ways with Valeria before disappearing, returning his gaze to her as she spoke. He'd heard about the incident with Talon, Octavia and a few others that were involved. The mention of her sister caused a shadow of a smirk to cast over his lips, tilting his head slightly. "What happened?"

"..what always happens..." Rolling her eyes, Isaura simply shook her head. Allowing her gaze to wander once more before returning back to the man that she loved.

Hayden chuckled softly, reaching a hand up to scratch at his beard.

"It's always something with her," he sighed softly, folding his arms over his chest with a soft charming smile. "Well, I just wanted to come out here and check on you, my queen. I should probably head back to the forge and polish off that sword of Dak's, but after I'm done, would you like me to accompany me to lunch?"

"I would love to; nothing would make me happier." Hand lifting; Isaura's touch was gentle as she lightly brushed the tips of her fingers across his forehead. Dragging across the stray strands of his hair before neatly tucking them back and behind his ear. Her hand lingering a moment or two longer before she let her arm fall back down by her side, "I don't have any classes to run today- no one has shown interest in winter sports this year, so I'm completely free for the foreseeable future. At least at this point anyway."

Isaura's light touch forced his eyes closed as his smile grew a bit, leaning into her hand in the moments before she let it drop away from his face. He dropped his own arms from where they'd been crossed over his chest, gently grabbing her wrist before pulling her into him slowly. His eyes met with his love's once more, listening to her speak.

"Mm.. these kids don't know what they're missing out on." The son of Hephaestus' lifted a hand to cup one side of her jaw, leaning down to press his lips to hers in a soft kiss. "I look forward to seeing you then." He flashed her a soft, loving grin before backing away from her, his hand lingering against her face as long as he could before dropping it at his side. After walking backwards a few steps more, he finally turned around to make his way back to the forges.

Her heart fluttered lightly in her chest. And even with such a small show of affection; she couldn't help the way her cheeks flushed a gentle shade of red. It was perfect- he was perfect. Ever since the first moment they'd laid eyes on one another. Before then, she wasn't sure she'd believed in love at first sight, but now-... Well, claim her a Disney Princess and call it a day. She'd found her Prince Charming. He just happened to be the one who made the shining armor.

"..till then, minn ástir."

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Corona smiled at Pierre upon hearing his opinion on the matter at hand. She was really glad that she brought him along since he did make a valid point. However, she is confident that she had addressed what he was concerned about when she designed her blueprints.

"The actual core is still under development. Since this is a rather large machine, it's gonna need a lot of oomf to make sure it doesn't drop out of the sky while it's airborne. However, the core is meant to be compact and can be repositioned within several points of the machine to ensure that it is constantly safe from attacks." Corona explained enthusiastically before turning to Brynn.

Slowly, she approached the brunette with a serious look in her eyes. She gently grasps her hands in hers and averts her gaze for a bit as she spoke to her in an uncertain voice. "I need help on the more... techie side of things, Brynn. I'm wondering if you can help me develop an A.I. for the ship I'm building. I have a detailed list on the specifications of what she'd need to be like... since I am modeling her after my twin sister, but I'm not really that confident with my coding and developing skills."

Letting go of Brynn's hand, the redhead approached the skeleton of what would be her greatest work yet, staring at it with a certain sense of longing in her eyes. This project was personal... way too personal for her. The fact that he had to ask for help from someone else wounded her pride greatly since this was supposed to be a dedication for Aurora. But if she really wanted to get this done the right way, she would have to endure it. Besides, if there is somebody in camp who can really help her get this project off the ground, in more ways than one, then it's Brynn and maybe she could get the rest of her siblings in on it too... when she is ready.

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The sound of the guitar strings rang throughout the bunker, filling the space with its soothing sounds and hypnotic rhythm. The conga drums picking up the song before they completely stopped, and a woman's voice joined in, smooth and enchanting before the instruments resumed and continued the song. The walls of the bunker were covered with various posters. Ranging from old Mexican bands to modern movies and tv shows to schematics for various projects being worked on. The roof had glow-in-the-dark stars that formed various poorly arranged constellations and some Christmas lights of different colors giving bunker 15 a sort of a chaotic vibe to it. On the far back of the bunker, Beauregard had a carving tool in one hand and a small hammer in the other.

"Ya no estas mas a mi lado, corazon y en el alma solo tengo soledad. Y si ya no puedo verte porque dios mi hizo quererte para hacerme sufrir mas."

He sang along with the song, hips moving from side to side with the beat as he danced around his woodworking tools. Beau had been working on a new desk for his room since the last had broken down after some... events. This time he was sure he'd make the legs sturdier for them to support more weight, but it seemed like he had been distracted from the task at hand. The song had taken his attention from carving the leaf designs on the edge of the desk to sing around his current project.

It wasn't unusual for the young man to get distracted from his work. Beau was known to work five projects at a time just to abandon them weeks later to finish older ones. His siblings were a lot more productive than him, which is why he never really took up one big project at a time or why he would just lend a hand when he didn't have anything significant work of his own.

"Siempre fuiste la razon de mi existir, adorarte para mi fue religion. En tus brazos encontraba el amor que me brindabas el calor de tu pasión"

Beau continued to sing along as he danced around the desk in front of him before coming to a stop when he remembered what he was supposed to be doing. The song continued to play around him as he kneeled in front of the desk and began to carve out the intricate leaves on the wood. Masterful hands carefully shaped the material until he was pleased with the shape. Beau nodded approvingly at his work before moving on to the next.

"..did you want me ta reinforce the legs this time..?"

The natural warmth of her hands pressing first over her little brother's shoulders; Ky' vie slid them forward. Arms wrapping gently around him from behind, it was both affection and curiosity that had her body resting over his- curled over, and head situated right beside his own as her dark gaze took its time to slowly glide over his intricate carvings. She had to admit, it made her slightly jealous. His skill with woodworking far outweighed her own, but she knew she couldn't be good at everything. Despite being called it, even sarcastically, she wasn't perfect. And that was okay by her. Besides, that was just how it went in Hephaestus cabin. It seemed each of the four of them had something the others didn't. Each had their own specialties that they excelled in.

If you wanted autonomous weapons... lasers- something that was grand, flashy, and just over the top; then Corona was definitely your girl. You needed new furniture, a custom made bow or staff- literally anything to do with wood; well then, Beau was definitely the one you needed to see. Looking for something more delicate..? Automail, transport, robotics, firearms, computers- custom jobs and working replicas; that was her thing, and she did it well. And Hayden..?

Well... she was a decent weaponsmith, but even she knew that she couldn't make a blade as well as Hayden could.

Really, it made her proud. Seeing what they were all capable of. Combining their skills though..? She chuckled softly. Arms tightening slightly, giving her brother a hug before she pulled back and moved herself around to stand in his line of vision. Her hand reaching out to lightly brush over the surface of the desk in appreciation. A smile dancing over her features, "You didn't come cheer me on this mornin'. An' since you weren't at the cabin; kinda figured that you'd be here."

"Es la historia de un amor, como no hay otro igual- oh holy shit, you scared me!" Beau jumped, almost dropping the carving tools in his hands. He hadn't even heard Ky'vie enter the bunker or get close. He had been so concentrated on the carvings to even notice until she was practically hugging him. "You know, you should really knock." He huffed when she pulled back and stood across from him on the other side of the desk. Or he should start locking his bunker or maybe designs a special alert; Beau had to write that down at the top of his pending projects. It had been a while since he had done any real coding, so that would be a nice refresher.

"Stayed up late; by the time I woke up, I heard that it was over." Beau stood up, placing his tools on the desk. He looked over Ky'vie before he remembered what a little bird had told him before he came down to his bunker. "Heard Pierre took the ring, must suck losing; kinda regret not watching that in person." He teased her. Beau really wished he had been there that morning, mainly to cheer for Ky'vie and see the Ares kids fight amongst themselves. If only he had sent that guy from the Apollo cabin away right after finishing up with his bow, he wouldn't have stayed up so long at night. Ah well, what could he do? Beau couldn't resist pretty faces.

"Anyway, I think I got the legs handled. Just want you to take a look at them, and since I'm also going to install a tablet into the desk so I can work on some projects digitally I need to make sure this thing could handle a lot." Beau had always depended on one of his siblings to give his projects a one over before he deemed them complete. It was always smart for someone else to check his work, fresh eyes to make sure nothing was wrong or out of place. Back home, his grandparents had always been critical in giving him feedback, so he expected no less here- especially while being surrounded by others with similar interests as his.

An inbuilt tablet wasn't going to add too much weight to the desk; his projects however... they were another matter entirely.

Nodding her head at his words, giving him a sign that she was indeed listening to what he was saying, Ky once more leant over. Fingers curling gently over the carved edge of the desk, she let her free palm run along the curves of its legs. And while she had faith in her brother, her gaze flicked between all four of them, searching his creation for any tiny little imperfections that might have appeared during the process that they should be worried about. Though as she'd already predicted, there were none. His work, as always, was pretty damn flawless.

"..you used oak..?" Eyes flicking up, meeting with his for a brief moment, her hands moved instead to the drawers. Her attention dropping down to them as she slid them open and shut again; seeming to eventually give up on doing so as she instead placed her hands on the surface. And after kicking off her shoes to make sure she didn't leave dirty prints behind - even after wiping her feet on the welcome mat - she hoisted herself up onto it. Her head dropping to watch the results as she put her full weight onto it, "..rollers are sticking a little on the drawers. Easy fix. Other than that... if it can hold my weight, and yours; then she'll be right to take whatever you throw at her."

Bringing her attention back to him, she held her hand out to him in offer to help him up, "..and F.Y.I... I did knock. You were just too far gone in your own lil' world to even bother noticing."

"Hard maple, it was a bitch to get shipped out here, but it was worth every penny and headache." Beau hummed, watching the legs of the desk while she stood over it, trying to spot anything else he had missed or ear any creak. Beau was always critical of his work, always searching for any imperfections or mistakes he could improve upon. It drove the guy crazy sometimes, almost to the point of staying up all night trying to improve that one little imperfection. He knew it wasn't a healthy habit, but it was relatively common with the rest of his siblings. They could get lost in their own projects for hours on end without even realizing it.

When Ky offered her hand, he kicked off his shoes and took it, pulling himself up on the desk. "Pretty damn sturdy," He grinned, bouncing just the slightest on his feet and looking down at his almost completed project. "Just gotta finish up the carvings, fix the rollers, sand it, and stain it." Beau couldn't help but do a little victory dance. The desk had passed the sturdiness test; now all there was needed was to finish its decorations. Beau was almost halfway done with carving out the desk's edges. Now he just needed to extend the carvings down to the legs. Installing the tablet would be the easier part, as long as he gathered the right materials. If not, he could always ask Ky or Corona to help him out on that end.

"I get lost in the music and work, can't blame me." Beau jumped off the desk onto the floor with a grunt. "And thanks for the help; I can probably get this done tomorrow." The carvings would take the most time, but they would be worth it.

"Yeah... I know what that feels like."

It was a flaw they all seemed to have- every child of Hephaestus. It was just so easy to get lost in their work. The amount of times she'd sat herself down at her desk, or her workbench- hell, even sitting down to watch a movie with her mates, only to look up what felt like five minutes later only to then be told hours had passed, or the movie had finished. Sure it could be annoying at times, but... it was just part of who they were. For better or worse.

Chuckling softly, her body crouching and hand pressing back down onto the surface of the desk; she followed her brother's lead. Though instead of hopping down off of it completely, Ky swung her legs around and out from under herself. Perching on the beautifully crafted piece of furniture with her legs dangling over the edge. Hands resting on either side of her body, "You want a in-build computer to use, I've been working on something new down on my level that you might be interested in having a look at. I plan on integrating it into my latest project, but having someone test it out, see what it's capable of would be a big help."

Beau had crouched down by one of the legs to examine one of the carved leaves. It looked like he may have gone a little too deep into the maple, and it seemed off. It would look exactly like the rest to a normal eye, but he knew that the tiny detail would eat at him. It wasn't anything some sandpaper and some minor adjustments wouldn't fix, but Beau had to make sure to get back to it soon.

He perked up when Ky mentioned one of her new projects, looking up from the desk to her. "Really? I've been meaning on starting this new project, but none of my current computers can handle it, so yours might." He had this idea flowing around in his mind for a while. His last conversation with his mother, as unpleasant as it had been, had planted a little idea- an idea that just kept growing day by day. He had to try it, and Ky's computer just might be the tool he needed.

"If it can't handle it, I'll be sorely disappointed." The sound of her soft chuckle once more filling the air, Ky pressed her hands down into the edge of the desk. Using them to give her that extra little push as she slipped herself off of it, and back onto her feet. Okay... so even she had to admit that it was so fucking adorable how his features lit up whenever they began talking about their current projects- or how his eyes sparkled when one of them mentioned they had an idea for a new project.

Were they all like that..?

A single hand remaining on the desks surface, her body nevertheless curled over slightly. The other hand reaching down to help pull her vans back onto her feet; she instead lifted her head. Her smile remaining over her features as she met her gaze to his, "Come down to twenty-seven with me an' test it out. Lemmie know what you think. I could use another's opinion on my work so far anyway- aside from Storm-breaker, I haven't attempted a project of this size before..."

"Ky, you are a genius; of course, it'll work. Maybe, who knows, I've seen you distracted lately." Beau had seen the way she'd look at a certain someone from cabin eight. It was easy to overlook, but he knew his sister well enough to know when she was catching feelings. When she'd smile to herself or tuck her hair behind her ear, even the little jump to her step, they were all dead giveaways. It was rather cute, he'd have to admit, he had his doubts about Brandon. It was no secret that he was a player, and as hot as he was, Beau had to be wary of the guy.

"I trust your creations" He stood up from his crouching positions, stretching out his back with a small groan. Being slouched over the desk for the past hour had stiffened his back, maybe he could get that guy from cabin eleven to come back tonight and give him a nice massage. Loose up the tension around his shoulders a bit.

"Let's go, I wanna see that supercomputer of yours. I wonder if it'll run Minecraft with ultra shaders on."

Deep down, she knew he hadn't meant it, but... his words hit her like a ton of bricks, and with it, her smile faltered over her features. Had she really been so distracted lately that others were beginning to notice..? Crap; was it showing in her work..? Features falling slightly, distracted, all she seemed capable of doing was giving him a nod to know that she'd heard him. Her feet shuffling slightly over the ground as she headed back through his workshop and towards the room that held elevator. Waiting for him to join her first before she absentmindedly hit the button for level twenty-seven. The doors closing in front of them.

"..is it really that bad, Beau- like... have I really been that distracted..?"

If Beau was anything, he was but oblivious. Instantly he noticed the change in Ky, and it was surely from what he had said. He hadn't meant it in any bad way or to diminish the hard work she had been doing the past weeks. It had been just a small jab at her, a jab that seemed to be a sore spot for Ky. Beau would beat himself up for it later.

He hurried as he put away his tools and walked into the elevator with her. "Hey, I didn't mean it in a bad way. I barely even noticed, honestly." Beau reached over and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, giving them a slight squeeze to reassure her. "You being distracted is like me concentrating on a project. You're good Ky, really." Ky, along with Corona, were the most driven out of all of them. He always admired that about his sisters, not that he would admit it. They'd rub it in his face non-stop for the rest of his life.

"..I really like him, Beau..." Her lips parting slightly at the seam, Ky turned her head. Her dark eyes lifting up to meet with his; staring. Her gaze vulnerable, and almost with a slight fear behind iris', "..I know that we're not together- well... at least not officially or anything, but... how he makes me feel..? I didn't even feel like this when I was with Derek..."

Oh that look, a look Beau knew all too well. Well enough to know that what Ky was feeling was the real deal and there was no backing down. It would either lead down a long road or to heartbreak; he hoped for the former. "I'm rooting for you, Ky. If he really makes you happy, go for it." He smiled down at her, giving her a tight nod as encouragement. Her choice in men had always been questionable to him, but he couldn't deny her happiness. While Beau, or any of his other siblings, wouldn't hesitate to kick Brandon's ass if he hurt Ky, he knew his sister would be the first to do it. "Just... be careful, okay?" As much as he didn't want Ky to get hurt, it was inevitable. These kinds of feelings always ended up with someone hurt in the end.



Beau heard the last lyrics of the song just as the door closed in front of them. Funny.