Hestia's pov:
"Well maybe, you could ask Athena to come here? With us? Or do they go to another, different white void? And maybe bring Skyler too? I like her, she's nice." Sam said, telling me his idea.
"I have no idea actually if that's possible or not. I haven't tried going in between worlds with another deity and their host." I responded.
I gave it some thought. I was about to talk to Athena before we were rudely interrupted by Oizys and her men. But would I actually be able to say what I want in front of her? Would k be able to speak freely with Skyler and Sam here?
Sam gave me an expecting look. He was willing to put aside his fear of Athena so I could talk with her. He was willing to put aside his fear so I would feel better.
In that moment I decided if he is willing to put aside his fears for me, then I should be willing to do the same for him.
"I'll try to connect with Athena and bring her here. In the mean time, will you return for a moment and ask Skyler if she could enter the void with Athena."
Sam nodded, almost grimly. It occured to me how brave this little kid is. He's only nine years old and already willing to put his own feelings aside for the greater good. He would make a fine protector one day. One day...
Sam's pov:
I woke back up in the cell. A place I'd rather not be waking up, but hey, what can you do?
In front of me I saw Skyler, she seemed sweaty and distressed. She was talking to Athena. I could see their eyes lighting up and I could their voice changing.
For a moment I hesitate. Is worth it? Because Athena is really cold sometimes. It's like I can never reach her. Almost as if she's above me cause she's smarter.
The goddess probably is above me. I mean, she's a litteral goddess. If she decides she doesn't like me, I can die.
'Athena is not above you Sam. Not here on earth. Here we are all equal. And even if she decided to hurt you, she'd have to deal with me first.' Hestia reminded me.
I take a deep breath and muster all my courage.
"Urm, sorry to intterupt, but there's something I'd like to ask." I say, carefully touching Skyler's arm.
As they look up they look stern at first. Then their face softens.
"Hey Sam, what's up?" Skyler asks with a gentle smile.
"I uh-, I was wondering if uh-, you and the scary-, I mean you and Athena. If you'd come into the void with me and Hestia."
Skyler's pov:
"Hestia would like to talk to Athena." Sam finished.
That last sentence was Sam's voice, but I doubt it were his words. Vaguely I remembered Athena and Hestia were about to talk. I should let them have it. Besides the empty void with two goddesses and a nine year old is better then a prison cell, where you see your enemies kill potential allies.
"Sure, we'll be right there with you." I said to Sam.
At that, the boy nodded and layed himself back down, no doubt disappearing into the void.
Athena was strangely quiet about the matter, but I could feel her nervousness inside of me. Maybe she figured it was inevitable and that this conversation had been long coming. I didn't know, but it didn't matter either. We were going, whether or not she wanted to, because I was not staying in this horrible cell. Well, not consciously at least.
Hestia's pov:
Sam rejoined me in the void. A few moments later both Skyler and Athena appeared as well. For a brief moment my eyes met Athena's. Was she nervous?
"Please sit." I said, gesturing at the fire in front of me.
Sam took a seat in my lap, Skyler and Athena sat opposite of me, around the fire.
"Before we start, I'd like to set up some rules, because otherwise this might end up going in the wrong direction." I stated.
Athena swallowed and Skyler raised a confused brow.
"The same rules as the hearth on Mount Olympus, if you'd be so kind Athena."
My niece nodded.
"Room for discussion and arguments, but none for fighting and hatred. Room for everyone to be without judgment, but none for discrimination." She recited, almost as if she read them from a scroll.
"Exactly. We both get to speak our minds, but no matter what I might say, I want you to know that I don't hate you. You're still family." I remind her.
I even manage a small smile. I see a bit of Athena's nervousness fade. I mean seriously what does she think? That I'm going to grill her alive above my fire?!
"Thank you." The wisdom goddess in front of me uttered in a shakey voice.
I saw Skyler glance at Athena as if she were saying 'what the f*ck happened to you?!' she must have this brave image of Athena, seeing her façade crumble like this, I understood it was confusing.
For a moment we were silent. Then I decided it was time I told them what was on my mind. Time for me to speak up and let some things of my chest.
"You know why I called you here?" I asked, making eye contact with Athena.
Her grey eyes moved underneath my gaze. Just like I remembered. She dislikes direct eye contact. She prefers to look either right underneath or right above my own.
Why she dislikes eye contact? Well simple. Eyes are windows to the soul and the wisdom goddess doesn't like anyone seeing what's inside of her.