Meeting Unexpectedly (Private to Bre)

Bejamin was wondering through the forest aimlessly, so it wasn't a suprise if he would get lost or not. However, with his long seven years at camp, he was pretty sure he understood the area well enough to find his way through.

He could be wrong, but he was sure that if he was, someone would find him.

As if on cue, the son of Thanatos noticed a girl near a tree stump. He wasn't really social at all, and in fact more of an introvert, so he usually wouldn't be the one to give the greeting first. Though, in those situations, he was usually the one being found. He was almost always alone in a secluded area, and the peace would suddenly be disturbed by someone's footsteps, and then a conversation would spark up between the two. So in all honesty, he never got the private time he wanted. He had to be more careful, that way he isn't blowing his 'I want to keep a low profile' sort of thing.

"Hello," Ben said, tipping his gray fedora in a mannerly way towards the girl.

"Benjamin Reed," he replied in his calm, deep tone of voice, "son of Thanatos."

Ben looked at the sky, recalling a few constellations he remembered reading about. He could see the most obvious one, the Big Dipper, and then Ursa Major which collaborates with the ladel constellation. Even for a child of the god of the underworld, Ben could still find time to read. Expanding his knowledge was one of his top priorities, especially since he is missing out on school at camp.

"What bring you all the way out this deep in the forest?" he asked almost nonchalently.

Benjamin observed the daughter of Apollo's body language, realizing that she was either uncomfortable with his presence, or she was remembering something really important to her. He tried to look like he didn't know, and said, "Lovely evening, isn't it?"

Ben always wore his stone faced expression, except when he wanted to show his emotions. Other than that, he let his style of clothing do the talking. He sat down by the tree stump, and scanned the sky of stars.

"May I have your name?"

"That's a nice name. Is it short for something?" He met her eyes, not wanting be rude with avoiding eye contact.

As he waited for her reply, Ben looked at her intentively, but not too intentively. He realized that she actually was kind of pretty, inside and out, despite the fact she was hiding a few things from him. They just met, too.

Ben nodded his head as she spoke as a sign of respect that he was paying attention to her. He couldn't comprehend why Essie hated her name, but then again, that name probably brought back a past full of famil fued and pain. He decided not to ask, and moved right into another subject.

"So how long have you been at camp? Not as long as me, maybe? Seven years?"

If only his father hadn't made him start his training early, he wouldn't have been at camp for so long. Then again, Ben always did find a way to look on the bright side of things, and realized that the intense training was probably for his own good. Though, every once in a while he can't help to think how is mother has been after all these years.

Ben answered with a simple nod of his head. He couldn't exactly tell her why or how he came; the events were just to painful. He didn't like to dwell on the past, but that part of him always stuck-- free to roam in his mind forever; bashing him with every ounce of heartbreak it had in itself, and planning to eat away at his very soul-- his heart, until there was absolutely nothing left.

"So that's one thing in common for us, I guess," he concluded, his eyes focusing on the stars.

"Yeah. Quiet, too."

Benjamin let the peace calm his mind, breathing in the fresh air, and then slowly releasing it from his lungs. He tried to enjoy the nature around him-- the flowers closing their buds for the night, the sound of crickets, the leaves on the branches of trees that swayed when the wind caressed them in it's arms: it was all so peaceful, so quiet, so enjoyable. He could probably spend the night here in the forest--with Essie or not--and feel completely at ease; his troubles, vanquish.

"Is there anything on your mind?" he asked, keeping the conversation steady. "I mean, anything that you would like to share?"

For the first time in years, Ben managed a very, very, small smile. He let out a quick, soft laugh; still smiling. "I guess it's their weight."

After that short, happy moment, Benjamin returned to his stone-faced expression. He knew the dangers of showing his emotions, and he planned on never letting it happen again. It may not seem like it, but the son of Thanatos is a soft, delicate soul-- one that is hard to understand, but able to comprehend if he lets you.

"Yeah, I know where we are. It might be hard to navigate in the dark, though."

Benjamin shook his head left and right, scanning for a way out of the forest and back to camp. It was already too dark, which would be a plus for him. If he could manipulate the shadows to a point where they could actually see, he might just be able to lead them out.

However, a part of him didn't want to leave the spot he was in now-- alone in the forest with Essie. It wasn't just the fact that he enjoyed everything around him, but he was appreciative of having another human being to talk to at this very moment.

"You know, you look pretty in the moonlight." Ben wasn't a flirt or a player, but one that strongly believed in the truth. If he thought something--negative or positive--he wasn't afraid to say it out loud.

"I mean, not to make you uncomfortable or anything. I'm just complimenting you." It might have seemed odd of him to say that with his expressionless face; a compliment like that coming out of his mouth. Whether it was weird or not, Ben didn't care; it was who he was, and he wasn't going to hide it.

"You're welcome."

Benjamin could only imagine the retaliation he would have recieved if Essie wasn't as understand. Freak. Loser. It would have probably been what any other girl would do; though, he didn't care. He was perfectly fine with being alone almost all the time.

"Did anything good happen today?"

"No, no. I don't really experience that much joy anymore."

Ben didn't mean to sound manipulative, like he was wanting Essie's sympathy; he was more mature than that. Rather, it was his real answer--he truly didn't encounter much happiness in his life. It could have been the fact that he was the son of an underworld deity, or something else--like an important factor in his life was missing.

Benjamin stood up and shook his hands dismissevely.

"It's not your fault. Don't feel guilty for something you didn't do."

Ben didn't know how to respond to Essie's question. Do you believe certain things happen for a reason? he asked himself, contemplating on the possible answers. It's very possible. The Fates are the ones that shape the lives of everyone--human and demigod alike. People encounter problems all throughout their life--there will be no change in that--it always has been for a certain purpose. Chaos and order is what keeps the balance alive--equilibrium, they call it. Everything has a purpose--pain and happiness.

"Yes, I do." he said simply. "Is there something troubling you?"

[color=orange]Essie shook her head quickly, "No, not really. Just..." she thought for a second, "A question to ask." she shrugged. So much was on her mind. She didn't really want to tell though. She looked over at him, "But, for the record...so do I." she smiled a small smile towards him. She didn't really care if or when they got back to the camp. She was having a fine time here with Ben, even if he didn't talk a lot.