Sally woke up disoriented and confused, wondering why she wasn't in her own bed. The memories of the last few days hit her and left her with a feeling of apprehension until she looked around the room she was currently in and saw the goddess of the hearth smiling at her, waiting on the couch across the room.
Noticing that Sally was awake, Hestia offered to get some water and left the room. She took this time to make some more observations. The room was painted a deep brown and the main centerpiece of the room was a gigantic brick bonfire pit. The flames were high and mighty, glowing vibrant colors from the darkest red to the lightest blue. A small desk and chair made out of the finest cherry wood was to the right of the bed she was currently sitting on. Tapestries of Greek history lined the walls and appeared to be enchanted as the flames flickered and glowed.
The peaceful serenity lulled Sally into a calm state; she had never been at rest since her parents' death and she realized that it had taken its toll on her.
"How are you feeling Sally?" Lady Hestia asked.
Sally jumped, not realizing that she had returned while she was admiring the room and its ethereal beauty.
"Better, thank you Lady Hestia" She replied after realizing she had asked a question.
Hestia simply smiled and handed Sally a warm drink of tea.
Although normally very wary of strangers, especially gods and goddesses, she knew that Hestia was peaceful and wouldn't harm her. She took a sip out of the cup; immediately the warm feeling engulfed her heart and made her smile.
The feeling was odd since she hadn't sincerely smiled since her parents' death. That thought made her cheery mood immediately disappeared.
She felt that it wasn't right that she lived whilst her parents went to the afterlife.
Noticing this, Hestia went to sit by her and offered her hand to Sally. She gratefully took it and glanced at the goddess, wondering what to do next.
Hestia began, "I have been watching over you Sally, and I know that you have been through some tough times that no one your age should be going through. I want to offer to be your friend, I have a place where you can stay in the mortal world for as long as you need until you are older."
"But why me, Lady Hestia? I know that you are a kind goddess who helps out others but I do not see why I am so special." Sally questioned, wondering how she got the attention of a goddess, the eldest Olympian no less.
"Ah, but you are wrong there, my child. You are very special indeed, your heart is pure and your willingness is strong. You have the courage and bravery to stand up for what you believe in, as well as the intelligence to do what is right when all hope seems lost. Your spirit matches the flame, and that is why I have chosen you compared to other demigods."
"I am not a full demigod however, I only have ¼ godly blood."
"That may be so, my dear, but your spirit is enough for the hearth. It has chosen you as the demigod child to represent the hearth and bring peace to the mortal world. You will go far in life and accomplish great feats that will defy fate itself. You are a key component to the well-being of this planet when the time comes. I know it is a lot to ask of you but I would like it if I could help you, sort of like a patron. You can do this, I am sure. I would not be asking if I thought you couldn't do it." Lady Hestia explained.
Sally mulled over the idea. It was a lot to take in, considering she was only nine. She felt the need to step up to her task and accept the responsibility. The thought of the world falling apart because she couldn't step up to the task made her determined to succeed.
"I accept, Lady Hestia" Sally said confidently.
"Oh, please, just call me Hestia. We are, after all, friends now." Lady Hes—Hestia said with a grin that could outrival the Cheshire Cat.
Hestia snapped her fingers and flashed both Sally and herself to a condo in New York.
"I hope these accommodations suit you. The table and plates are specially made by me; just think of a food appearing and it will. There is a school within comfortable walking distance as well. Don't worry about the mortals either, you just need to use the mist and bend to your will. It will be easy for you since you are clear-sighted." She explained.
"Thank you so much, Hestia. I really appreciate what you've done for me." Sally exclaimed with gratitude.
Hestia chuckled at her thankfulness for the simple gesture.
"Its nothing, really. As your patron, I wanted to make everything comfortable for you. Now, I must be going. There is an Olympian meeting soon and I fear that they will need my help. Make yourself at home and I will talk with you later." Hestia said before flashing away in flames.
A/N: There you go, my second chapter of The Child of the Hearth and Sea. I hope you like it! If you feel the need to mention something I have forgotten or you want to make a plot suggestion, go ahead and leave a review or PM me. I want to thank my unofficial beta , BoBTheUnicornio, who really just reads the chapters because I force her to. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I just wanted to tell you that I have started Chapter 3 (still a prologue because it keeps getting longer as I write, sorry!) and that you can expect a surprise visit from a Lord of the Underworld. BYEE!