Hearth and Home

"Y-you know that I don't mix w-well with the cold weather." Will grumbles visibly shivering even under five layers of clothing. The trio currently stood outside adorning winter clothes preparing for target practice in the woods not too far from their home. Just past the trees he could make out the bright red barn housing their horses. They were on vacation but Skylar insisted they stay in top form. Which is why said girl was currently placing various targets around the forest on trees and snowmen. Each with their respective names on it.

Isaac, who was faring much better than his blond companion chuckles at his expense. Removing his own scarf he wraps it around Will's neck. "Don't be a baby and bundle up."

"Won't you be cold? I don't want to be the one responsible if you wind up with a cold" Will frowns but buries his face into the soft black fabric nonetheless. Isaac casually waves off his concern lifting his borrowed bow from off the ground. Skylar, who was standing a good distance away whistles drawing their attention back to the targets posted on the trees around her.

"Alright boys the rules are simple. Try to hit the targets while dodging my onslaught of attacks. The one with the most points by the end wins When time is up I'll signal with a whistle so we can rondevu. Do try not to shoot one another or myself.Loser has to do something for the winner." Skylar sums up the rules and conjures a small ball of light in her hand. Just enough force to knock the boys down without causing bodily harm. Counting down in her head she lets out a whistle signalling the beginning of training. Clicking the button on her timer Skylar sets her sights on the boys.

Isaac takes off to the right running atop the snow covered ground bow in hand. Will ran to the left already prepping an arrow to fire. Sliding across the ground he narrowly dodges his sister's attack releasing the bow string. With a thud the arrow is imbedded into the tree trunk. His celebration is short lived upon seeing it completely missed the circle target tacked to the tree.

"Gotta do better than that bro!" Skylar teases flinging an orb in Isaac's direction. Letting out a surprises yelp Isaac leaps into the snow while simultaneously releasing an arrow in her direction. Summoning a quick shield she watches the glinting bronze ricochet off sticking directly into one of Isaac's targets. "Lucky shot Mackenzie!" She calls dispersing the shield and throwing more orbs at a rapid pace.

Will and Isaac weave between the trees avoiding each other and Skylar's attacks. Hoisting herself up onto a tree branch Skylar tries to get a better view on the boy's whereabouts. Ocean blue eyes narrow scanning the snow for them. Out of the corner of her eye she spots Will's red beanie poking over a snowbank. Not too far away hunkered behind a tree was Isaac. His hunter green eyes scanned the area gripping the string on his bow.

"Why couldn't they think of something to do inside where it's warm?" Will grumbles pulling the bow string back and sinking another arrow into the target. Not too far from his location a blast kicks up the snow throwing Isaac into his direction. The two boys crash to the ground tumbling face first into the frozen slush. Will rises, sitting on his knees and looking over at his fallen companion.

"Dude, your sister is going to kill us." Isaac grumbles rubbing his head after colliding with the blond. Laughter could be heard in the distance from Skylar as she jumped through the tree branches. "This is less like training and more like she just wants an excuse to fire at us." He continues as Will helps him to his feet. Isaac thanks him adjusting his equipment and retrieving his winter cap from the snow placing it atop his brown locks.

"It's nice to get some exercise after being cooped up in the house. Although I have to agree she seems to be going all out." Giving the brunet an innocent smile Will swipes a few arrows from Isaac's quiver taking of in a different direction. "Don't forget we're still competing against each other!" He calls back at the dumbfounded boy waving his newly acquired arrows into the air.

"You cheater! Get back here!" Isaac yells pursuing the thief and raising a fist in the air. The son of Apollo's laughter echoed through the trees reaching Skylar's ears as she takes a break.

Settling down on a sturdy enough branch she keeps an eye out. Time would be up soon enough and the constant barrage of bullets she produced was starting to take its toll. For the remaining few minutes she decided to just let them toss around what remaining ammo they had left. At the end they'll tally up all the points and proclaim a winner. They're both progressing far past what I expected. Letting out an impressed hum Skylar shivers at the cool breeze blowing through her hair. In the distance she just barely makes out Isaac tackling Will into one of the snowmen she built. They're lucky I love them or I'd make them pay for rudley demolishing my hard work. Rolling her eyes she fires a few arrows off into a nearby tree while she waits.

"I imagine this was your handiwork?" Someone questions from below startling the blonde into falling off the tree branch. A pile of snow cushions her fall and blue eyes look up to find the culprit of her little mishap. Surprise and slight annoyance becomes apparent on Skylar's face. Mr. Mackenzie lets out a chuckle helping the young girl to her feet.

"Hello sir. Our normal training was becoming a tad boring. I just thought we'd make it a bit more exciting." Skylar shrugs reaching for the timer around her neck as it begins to beep signalling the end of their session. Placing her fingers to her lips she whistles loudly. Not too far away she hears two more answering in succession. This was their signal to head back to the house. Mr. Mackenzie place a gloved hand atop her head drawing her attention back to the burly man.

"Your mother asked me to bring you children out of the cold." He tells Skylar earning a nod of acknowledgment from the daughter of Apollo. Skylar waits patiently beside Mr. Mackenzie for the boys to return. Scuffing her boot in the snow she walks around examining each target pulling the arrows out after each one. Mentally counting the arrows protruding from each she tallies the points. With Mr. Mackenzie's help she finishes in no time. Bundling up the arrows they place them into two piles for the boys to retrieve. Isaac's voice reaches them and before long they're standing in front of her."I vote Will should be disqualified." Isaac huffs wringing out his hat. Small water droplets trickle from the fabric and mix with the snow."All's fair in love and competition." Will chuckles shoving his hands in his pockets. Isaac gives him a playful shove and a glare to match."Okay you two save it for when I'm not around." Skylar winks. She laughs when each of their faces flare up."Sky!" They cough awkwardly looking away from one another."I tallied up each of your scores and figured out a winner." She continues looking over at Mr. Mackenzie. Using two fallen sticks he drums them against a tree trunk."I totally creamed you." Isaac gloats nudging Will's side."In your dreams Mackenzie." Will replies with a smirk.When the drumroll ends Skylar throws her hands in the air. Little fireworks explode from her palms in celebration. "Isaac wins!" She cheers. "Now don't forget the deal William. You have to do something for our winner." Skylar reminds much to Will's discomfort. He had something planned in case he lost but never imagined he actually had to go through with it.Isaac throws his fist into the air. "Yes! I told you!" Mr. Mackenzie laughs at his son placing a large hand on his head. The son of Aphrodite beams up at his father."Good job my boy!"Wills lets out a defeated sigh putting his hands up in surrender. "Good game. I'll admit you're way better with a bow than I originally thought. You could give us children of Apollo a run for our money.""No way man I just got a few lucky shots. If Skylar didn't blast us into that snowbank you would of beat me." Isaac tells him glancing over to the blonde now pulling her arrows out of the tree and placing them in her quiver. One was giving her a particular hard time. With both hands gripping the metal shaft she places one foot on the tree trunk and tugs hard. The arrowhead comes loose and Skylar stumbles back into the snow. Snickers come from Will and Isaac as she stands brushing the snow from her bottom."Instead of laughing you two could of been helping." Skylar huffs putting the last arrow into her quiver.

"There's a bowl of soup and a warm fire back at home that's calling my name." Isaac says. Will agrees as well which leaves Skylar overruled. That does sound rather enticing. She walks over to the boys flinging her arms over their shoulders. Giving in, the trio walks with Mr. Mackenzie back to the Solace household to warm up.

Nico paced the front porch checking the inside of his jacket. Once he ensures the package is tucked away safely he stops in front of a window. His fingers run through messy obsidian locks in an attempt to look presentable. Scowling at a certain piece that keeps sticking up he gives up moving to the front door. From outside he could hear muffled voices. Tentatively his knuckles knock on the large wooden door three times. Pulling his hand away he waits for someone to answer.

Without looking through the peephole Isaac flings the door open. Confusion is apparent on his face until he registers the boy standing in front of him. "Look who decided to show up. Couldn't wait to see me could you?" The brunet teases stepping aside allowing Nico to walk inside. Nico rolls his eyes at him. He looks around the entryway and slides off his shoes. A slight shiver courses through his body when his feet come in contact with the cold floor. Following the son of Aphrodite Nico finds himself in the family room. Lounging on one of the couches was a stoic man he'd never seen before.

He had curly black hair that poked out from under a beanie. A bushy beard covered most of his face and dark green eyes were fixated on the television in front of him. His body adorned overalls and a seafoam green flannel. From the corner of his eye Nico could of sworn the large man was wearing snowman socks.

"Son who was at th- why hello there. Who might you be?" The man questions turning to face Nico and Isaac.

"Nico di Angelo." Nico introduces politely despite the anxiety bubbling within.

"You don't say...this is a small world isn't it? Well son of Hades I've heard a lot about you and I must say you're much more scrawny than I expected. I'm Isaac's father." Mr. Mackenzie says sizing Nico up. Inwardly scowling Nico chooses not to respond. "Young Skylar spoke so highly of you yet all I see is a malnourished pup."

"Funny she didn't mention a lumberjack in any of her letters. Must not of been important enough." Nico snaps throwing caution to the wind. Mr. Mackenzie moves to speak again but Isaac beats him to the punch.

"Dad please stop being rude or I'll tell Ms. Solace." Isaac threatens steering Nico toward the stairs and away from his father. He grabs the snacks he was to retrieve for the twins previously on the way. His green eyes drift down to Nico's hands where his nails were digging into the palms. Once they began ascending the stairs he apologizes to the raven. "Sorry about him. He doesn't exactly have a filter."

"I can see the resemblance between you two." Nico faintly smirks. "Neither of you know when to be quiet."

"I resent that comment. Keep in mind I could of just left you down there with him." Isaac reminds leading him to the end of the hall to a white door decorated in gold music notes. Above the door frame was a red light bulb that was currently turned on. He presses a small button to the left of the door and speaks into the intercom. A few seconds later the lock clicks on the door and Isaac pushes it open.

Sitting on a cushion in the middle of the floor was Skylar. Blonde hair was thrown half heartedly into a bun. Perched on the bridge of her freckled nose a pair of black-rimmed eyeglasses. This made Nico wonder if she always had them and never wore them around him. Dressed in an oversized sweater he guessed to be Will's she scribbled furiously with a pencil. Papers littered the floor around her varying from notebook size to small cards. Sat atop a notebook beside the blonde was a remote and a styrofoam cup of what looked to be instant noodles?. The son of Hades doubted they were healthy. Not too far away lounging on a bench was Will. His face was obscured by sheet music. To Nico he reminded him of a cat basking in the rays of the sun.

"Heya bud did you bring the sustenance?" Skylar questions not looking up from her work. Will on the other hand sits up with a yawn. His sky blue eyes widen slightly at the sight of Nico but gives the boy a welcoming smile. Walking to Isaac he retrieves a water bottle from his armful of snacks.

"I come bringing the gift of friendship!" Isaac announces dramatically. He slides off to the side to reveal the dark-haired boy waiting behind him.

"Yeah, I treasure our friendship but I'd rather have my tea right now." She waves in Isaac's general direction then to a empty mug beside her.

"What if I have something better than tea? I forgot to get it anyway." Isaac shrugs tapping his foot waiting for the blonde to look up. Will strides over to his sister and forces her attention off of the material in front of her. Before she can protest her eyes fall upon a certain dark haired boy not bundled up nearly enough for the cold weather. In a flurry of papers and almost knocking her noodles over Skylar races toward Nico.

He braced himself to be crushed in a hug only to feel a peck on his cheek and a slight touch of his hair. Arms held out slightly he watches in disbelief when she bypasses his attempt for a hug. Eager to retrieve the items from downstairs Skylar dismantles the lock and flings the door open. Sock clad feet almost trip her up as she darts down the hall.

"Stay right there I have something for you!" She calls. Stunned Nico stands there looking at the spot his girlfriend once stood. Isaac laughs at the expression on his face. Sitting on a folding chair the brunet watches him with a grin. Will on the other hand smirks walking over to mess up Nico's hair."Seems like you were expecting something more than a peck." He teases much to Nico's annoyance. Swatting away Will's hand he backs away from the son of Apollo. His cheeks were faintly dusted in pink out of embarrassment. How dare Skylar leave him hanging like that. This is why public displays of affection are stupid. He thinks to himself stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets. Will attempts to make light conversation with the son of Hades as they wait for Skylar's return.Humming a soft tune Skylar heads to the kitchen opting to make a cup of tea before bringing Nico his gifts. Placing the kettle on the stove she looks out the window. As she waits for the water to boil Skylar hears Mr. Mackenzie walk past the kitchen bidding her a good night. Returning his departing words with her own she readies a mug placing a tea bag inside. Hesitating for a moment she retrieves three more from the cabinet deciding to make some for everyone. As if on autopilot Skylar prepares the tea. Placing a bowl of sugar on a tray along with the mugs she carries it into the living room but not before grabbing a reusable shopping bag.The warmth of the fire hits her instantly enveloping the blonde in a sense of security. Placing the tray on the coffee table she turns to the large Christmas tree in the corner. Retrieving the few remaining packages from under the tree she stuffs them into the shopping bag. Out of the corner of her eye she spots someone at the fireplace. Placing the final present into the bag Skylar turns her focus to the new arrival."May I ask who you are?" The daughter of Apollo questions. Blue eyes examine the young girl sitting by the fire. A metal poker was in her hand as she tended to the flickering flames. She wore a simple dress made of brown fabric. A shawl made of white linen hung around her neck revealing mousy brown hair. Warm eyes shimmered in the firelight. The female's disposition made her seem much older than the eight year old body before Skylar."You above all should recall who I am. Family is of utmost importance to you afterall." Her voice comes out pleasant. Wracking her brain she searches the archives for any hint on who the girl could be.

A goddess I'm sure of it. She radiates a sense of calm and bears no ill will toward me. Being so close to the flames seem not to bother her either. Skylar thinks to herself offering the young girl a cup of tea. "You're Hestia, goddess of hearth and home. It's a pleasure to meet you miss." She greets taking a seat across from the brunette. "I mean no disrespect but what brings you here?"

The boys would have to wait. If there was a goddess appearing in the Solace household it takes top priority. Hestia takes a sip from her cup. Silence falls upon the room save for the crackling fireplace. Skylar waits patiently for the goddess to speak. Ocean blue eyes stare into the liquid of her own mug.

"Danger is awaiting you and those you hold dear. I come to you with words of caution Skylar Solace. You were born with a gift, one that could turn the tide of an inevitable war between good and evil. Whether is be for better of worse is entirely up to you." Hestia reaches over and grasps on of Skylar's hands in her own. Unintentionally the blonde's fingers begin to glow faintly upon contact.

"I knew that the battle at camp was just the beginning but from what you're saying this war of ours will be sooner than we expect. If this power of mine is so unpredictable maybe it would be best if I refrained from using it in the future?" Skylar says softly. The last thing she'd ever want is for someone to be hurt accidentally.

"I will not tell you which course of action to take. When the time comes you'll know what to do. Unlike most you have inseparable bonds with those you've allowed to touch your heart. Their voices will help to be your guide." Hestia smiles as Skylar ponders her words. The daughter of Apollo did indeed cherish the ties she had with friends and family alike. They've taught it that no one person can do everything themselves. It was alright to rely on others sometimes. She was only human after all

"This...war we're meant to fight. Is there anything else you can tell me about it or is there a limit on what you can tell me?" She asks.

"Even I do not know all the details. Only that demigods and gods alike will clash with the Titans. As we speak the opposing side continues to grow in numbers. Allies can be found in the strangest of places. Your friends may even have tricks of their own they've yet to play."