Found Light in the Shadow (Solangelo)

Chapter Four

Nico

When we got to Camp Jupiter, we were greeted by Hazel and Frank. Hazel ran over and hugged me as soon as I got out of the van. It felt good seeing her again, I haven't seen her since our wedding. As I was hugging my sister, Frank came over and shook Will's hand.

"It's good seeing you, sis. I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too Nico. We'll have plenty of time to catch up on the walk to New Rome."

The four of us talked about the events of the past year as we walked from the camp to New Rome. Hazel and I had IM'd a few times, but the calls were always short. It was nice to have actual conversation between the four of us. About ten minutes had passed before we reached the Pomerian Line. I was dreading what was about to happen for the past three days.

When we reached the statue of Terminus, the Roman God of Boundaries and protector of New Rome, the statue spoke to us. "Well what do we have here? I see that the Son of Pluto has returned to visit once again. And who is this with him, a Son of Apollo? I must say that this is a strange pairing."

"Terminus, this is Will Solangelo, my husband. We have come to New Rome to attend college within the safety of your border. We ask, that you please allow us access to the city."

"A Son of the Lord of the dead, married to the Son of the Lord of the sun? Well, I've heard of stranger things over my years. I will allow you to pass, but first, I require that your weapons be surrendered."

Will and I dug into our bags and pulled out our weapons. Julia, Terminus' assistant came over to collect our weapons. I handed her my stygian iron sword and Will handed over his bow and quiver.

"Thank you, they will be kept safe in the event that you need them when you leave. Welcome to New Rome." With that, Terminus ended the conversation with us.

Frank had told us that Reyna was finishing up a Senate meeting and would meet us outside the Forum when it had concluded. Frank and Hazel led us to the Forum and we all sat down on the marble steps. We chatted some more until the Senate members started to leave the Forum. After they all had left, Reyna was the last to leave. When Reyna came over to greet us, Will and I both hugged her at the same time.

"Boys, I, can't, breathe..."

We both let her go, "sorry Reyna, I didn't realize that we were squeezing that hard. It's good seeing you again."

"I missed you guys too. I hope married life is treating you two well."

"Actually, it's been pretty good." Will replied, "We have definitely been a lot closer than we were before."

I could feel the blood rushing to my face after Will said that. Yea my mind went straight to the gutter. Especially since we saved ourselves for marriage, we have definitely been closer than we were before. I think Will knew what I was thinking, because he smacked my shoulder.

Will said, "Nico, that's not what I was talking about." He was practically laughing as he said it.

After a few seconds of the others lightly giggling, I decided that this was a good time to try and change the subject. "Anyway, it's been a long trip, I think we'd both like to get settled in. Classes start in the morning and all."

"Yes Nico," Reyna said, "I'll show you two love birds to your new place. I warn you, it's nothing extravagant, but I think that you two will be comfortable."

Reyna led us through the small city, pointing out the important places along the way. The street she led us down was lined with double story houses. We stopped in front of a white house with light blue shutters. It had a small yard in front with a white picket fence surrounding it. The bright green grass was freshly mowed and the few shrubs were neatly trimmed.