sand and salt

found

Leo held the door open for Piper who gave him a curt nod of thanks along with a smile. The brunet boy flashed her a grin and kept it plastered on his lips as Adeline approached him.

"Thanks—uh, Leo, right?" Adeline said stepping into the door way.

"Yep that's me. And you were...hmmm...Linny, right?" Leo grinned.

Adeline cocked an eyebrow, "Linny? What kinda nickname is that? I really hope that isn't the best you got." The brunet raised his eyebrows.

A grin played dangerously on his lips, "You shouldn't have said that. Because now I'm going to have to try out every nickname on you until one sticks." Adeline glared at the boy, unable to think of a clever comment.

"Leo! Adeline! What's taking you so long? Chiron's waiting!" Piper called from inside. The blonde sighed, walking past Leo into the house.

Adeline observed the eclectically decorated room. Big worn leather couches circled in front of a stone fire place. Grape vines framed multi-cultural masks which were scattered along walls across the space. A retro Pac-man machine sat in one corner making sounds from time to time. The creepiest thing being the stuffed leopard head above the fire place. Its eyes followed Adeline as she moved forward.

Annabeth and Piper sat next to each other on one of the couches. Closer to them was a man in a wheelchair. A brunet, gray hairs peeked out of the rest on his beard and head. The man cleared his throat,

"You must be Adeline, please take a seat." He gestured to a chair next to where the girls were sitting. Leo leaned against the arm of the couch fiddling with a nut and bolt, twisting them apart then together again. Adeline watched amazed as his hands moved quickly and fluidly, as Leo paid no mind and was in a staring contest with the leopard.

The man broke her gaze away from the boy immediately as he began to speak again, "Now—Adeline I hear that you crossed the border by yourself, is that correct?"

She nodded slowly, "Yes, sir, I was being chased by a hellhound. Something, like a voice in my head saying, 'get over the hill.' And well—I didn't expect to be here." She flashed the man a sheepish smile. Instinctively, she straightened her back, remembering her manners.

"Well I'm certain you have many questions," he said.

Adeline nodded, "This is going to sound dumb...but—uh— What's your name?" The man chuckled making Adeline's cheeks flush red with embarrassment.

"That's a good thing to know I suppose. I am Chiron," he explained, "I'll be here to help you find your—" he glanced at Annabeth.

"We're not sure which parent exactly," Annabeth explained for her.

"Ah well, you've come to the right place. Hopefully you'll find out here. For now, you'll be settled in Hermes Cabin," Chiron smiled.

"I—uh—just had one more question," Adeline piped up.

"Of course, ask away," the old man smiled sincerely.

"Why didn't I know about any of this earlier? My grandparents never told me a lot about my parents, much less that one of them was a god!" She exclaimed.

Chiron sighed, "It could be they didn't know about your parent's godliness or had chosen not to tell you. Nevertheless, the fact you are here now will bring you closer to the truth."

Adeline nodded slowly, "I understand. Thank you."

Chiron smiled, "Of course. Until we find which ever parent it may be, you will be staying in Hermes cabin, as I said. Were you shown where that would be?" Adeline shook her head, her mind wandering back to the cabins she saw from the hill.

"I'll escort the lady, Chiron," Leo said grinning as he popped his hand up lazily. Piper rolled her eyes at Leo as Adeline's breath hitched, as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"Thank you Leo," Chiron sighed shooting Adeline a sympathetic smile.

"Uh—Chiron. I believe now would be a good time to talk about the updates in the—uh—situation," Annabeth interrupted. Adeline shifted her gaze over to the blonde girl, curiosity filling her mind.

Chiron seemed to notice replying, "Ah yes," he turned to Leo and Adeline, "Leo, it might be beneficial to give Ms. Hemmes a tour of the entire camp. Would you excuse us you two?"

Adeline, knowing she was no longer needed, nodded "It was wonderful to meet you, Mr. Chiron. Thank you again for all your help."

The old man smiled, "Of course, and just Chiron if you don't mind."

She bowed her head politely, "Right, thank you again, Chiron."

The man nodded, "Don't forgot to come to me if have any further questions." Adeline smiled nodding her head.

"Alright let's get this show on the road." Leo said walking to the door. "You coming, Addy?"

The girl huffed as she trudged over to the door, "It's Adeline." The brunet boy grinned as he opened the door for her.

(AN: kinda a filler chapter. It gets better I promise)