Kratos stared into his fire. The sounds of the woods echoed about him. His forest had felt different. Something old had come into his boundary and he waited outside his home for it.
"I know you are there."
In answer, someone came from the tree's. A girl, still a child, dressed simply. What struck Kratos most were her eye's. There was fire there, but not the kind he was used too. No, rather than the raging inferno he was so used to, this was more gentle, reminding him of his old hearth.
"Hestia."
"Hello, nephew."
The two shared a look, before the Spartan nodded his head to a log across the fire from him. The goddess took a seat. Staring into the small flame she took a stick and began poking into it, the flame growing warmer. The two remained in silence a moment longer.
"It has been a long time my dear nephew."
"..."
The silence stretched on, only interrupted by the crackling of the fire and the sounds of birds.
"How long do you intend to remain in this exile, Kratos?"
"I do not intend to leave it."
"The age has changed. You may yet be able to find a new place in the world."
"The world may have a new face, but God's are still the same."
For this, Hestia had no reply.
"Why have you come here?"
"You have felt it haven't you? The old powers are stirring. Kronos himself may return soon."
"Is that why you are here? To call me to fight for Olympus again?"
His frame tensed. Although he had no weapon, Hestia knew he was but a twitch away from having a weapon in his hand. The axe in the stump looked particularly dangerous, and practically sang with the magic of the North.
"No. I have no delusions that you would fight for us. Not after all we did."
The Spartan relaxed, the fight leaving him as quickly as it came.
"Then for what purpose have you come to my home?"
"I have come to ask, that should the titan's forces come to your door, that you will remain neutral."
She looked him in the eye. She saw him for what he was then. There was no sign of the blood soaked soldier, or the wrathful god. Just a man. A man worn from loss, and tired of rage.
But beneath it she also saw what once was. She could feel the power that had brought low Olympus.
He looked in her eye's, and gave her a nod. They sat in silence for a moment longer, before she left. Kratos stared into the fire a moment longer, it's warmth left behind by the Goddess.