The Not so Golden Ages (A Solangelo AU)

This isn't fate, it's just a coincidence

Nico strolled along the side of the gray stone wall of the apple orchard. The sun was growing higher in the sky and it got hotter. Nico was just happy to be in the shade of the green apple trees, which were ripe with red fruits.

He climbed over the wall and found a basket. He dumped out the rotting fruits and held the basket, climbing up one of the lower trees. He started pulling off the large, firm fruits and hummed a song he heard one of the sailors from Creto sing.

He filled the basket with apples and started snacking on them, strolling along the dirt paths. He knew where to go to avoid the owner, and he always got away with it. He went over to one of the water holes and started to drink, resting in the shade.

Nico laid against the trunk of a tree, growing drowsy from the food and water. He closed his eyes, knowing the orchard owner never came this far out. A nap couldn't hurt him.

He fell asleep and had a dark dream, or nightmare.

He was growing used to it but this was different. Nico was getting chased by a large bear, angered for some reason, or perhaps just hungry. Then a cloaked figure with sun colored hair jumped out and struck at the bear with a silver sword.

Nico watched the figure take down the bear with great skill and smooth motions. He watched in awe as the large bear fell into a heap. Nico's voice wouldn't work, and the figure turned around.

Then he woke up, a little dazed. He glanced over at the basket of apples and smiled. "I guess I can get money for a new tunic," he said, picking up the weaved basket and running down the pathway.

A glimpse of gold caught his eyes but he didn't think much of it until he tripped over someone and fell, spilling the apples all over the ground. Nico knew not to speak so rudely to anyone, but it accidentally came off his tongue.

"Watch it! Don't you know not to lay on the path?!" Nico grumbled, picking up the spilled apples. "You just here to loaf around?" He asked the blonde guy.

He watched at the blonde teen looked up at him, eyeing the apples. "Can I have one?" The teen spoke in a gentle voice. Nico tossed an apple to the blonde. "You need to be careful around here. If the owner catches you eating those, he'll definitely report you to the kin for theft," Nico warned.

No one in the town was daring enough to steal from the orchard, but they never told on Nico. They knew he did it, despite the laws against theft. After all, the orchard owner never cared for the apples in the back.

"Thank you," the boy said. Nico looked at him again, snapping out of his daze again. "You're welcome. So, what's your name?" Nico asked, taking a seat next to him.

"My name? It's William, like the prince, but I go by Will," the blonde said. "Will? Interesting. My name is Nico. I'm a son of the lavender field worker, you know, the one that delivers lavender to the king?"

Will shrugged. Nico looked up at the sky. "It's almost sun down. Want to come meet a few of my friends? We're camping out near the waterfall in the woods. Thalia is bringing some boar from her hunt. Want to join?" Nico offered Will.

Will took a moment to think about it but nodded. "Sure!" Will grinned. Nico nodded and picked up the wicker basket. "Let's get going," Nico said.

Nico led him down the dirt path, passing by the familiar rocks and forest clearings, where nymphs are said to hide in. He turned past a large rock the he calls King, and the sound of the waterfall was heard in the distance.

Nico started down the slightly steep path and pushed aside some tree branches before they arrived at a spot on the shore.

The waterfall created a cool mist, which always felt nice on hot summer days. Thalia was roasting the boat meat on a spit over the fire while Jason was picking blackberries from a bush.

Jason looked over and waved. "Nico! I could use some help! You got the apples? We could sell them tomorrow at the markets! They're growing high in price, you know!" Nico set down the basket and allowed Will to look around. "Hey Will, take the vase over there and fill it with water. I'll be back later. I'm gonna go try to find a fig tree. They're normally ripe around this time of year," Nico said, grabbing a bowl and heading down a small pathway that was slightly overgrown.

The sky was red with streaks of purple, pink, and orange as the sun set over the mountains. Nico returned with a bowl of figs and the four campers ate until they were stuffed. "Thalia, you're amazing at cooking!" Nico said, eating one of the blackberries. "Thanks, Nico," Thalia said, smiling softly. Will seemed to be enjoying the food, which made Nico comfortable. "So, do we just sleep on the ground?" Will asked and earned a confused glance from Jason.

"You've never went camping? We are all in a tent. That's all we have. We aren't wealthy like the merchants and artisans!" Jason smiled.

"Yeah. We're lucky we have plenty of food because it's harvest season," Thalia said, packing the rest of the boar meat into her hunting bag. Will seemed to understand and sat on a log, by the fire. Nico took a sip of the water they collected and sat beside him with a smile. "You seem cheerful. You also seem a little confused. You're totally new here. I'll show you around tomorrow. For now, lets rest before the wolves wake up and keep us up all night," Nico said, pulling Will to the rough hide tent they set up, large enough to fit all four of them.