[img]https://i.imgur.com/sk2CPzp.jpeg[/img]
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[center][color=#4a766e]#4a766e[/color] ~ [url=https://www.cottontraders.com/dw/image/v2/BCDM_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-cotton-master-catalog/default/dwfe666f99/images/original/AA15382W_original_female_lotus_602332.jpg]Outfit[/url] ~ Lake[/center]
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The dog barked at her, not the mean kind.  At least it didn't sound mean.  Iliana could pick up emotions from animals, but this one she couldn't get a reading on.  There was an undeniable calmness about the animal, so Iliana wasn't too worried about it hurting her.  Animals were way easier to understand than people.  If it barked at her, did this mean it understood her?  How was that possible.

However, before she could ponder anything else, the animal transformed right before her eyes.  Hers eyes widen as fur turned to skin and before she could take another breathe, the dog turned into a man . . . who was shirtless.  Her cheeks turned bright red and before she could stop herself, flowers sprouted under neath her and she fell back on her bum.  She registered his words, but couldn't respond for a few minutes due to how flustered she was.  Thankfully, she snapped out of it and looked around.  She groaned seeing the flowers before looking at the man again.  While her face was still red, she managed to keep eye contact as she stood up and wiped off any sand on her.

[color=#4a766e]"Apologies, I have issue with my powers at times and I am not used to seeing guys without their shirts on."[/color]

That was true.  She couldn't recall if she ever saw Heath without a shirt on.  It wasn't that he was modest, it's just he was very practical, at least when outside.  He never wanted to take any chances to get sunburn, so the times when it was warm enough to not wear a shirt outside, he always wore one.

Now she knew a few of the guys did the course without shirts, starting with River, but they were far enough away that Iliana didn't see their muscles.  Looking at the man, who was obviously a camper, she could see more of him.  Then her curious nature got the better of her.  She also got worried with how cold it was and here he was without wearing anything for his top.

[color=#4a766e]"I hope you don't mind me asking this, but are you one of Artemis's lot?  I know one of her kids is capable of turning into an animal.  Also, aren't you cold?  It's probably below freezing still."[/color]

She then recalled the last two Artemis offspring she knew.  Theo and Rae.  Theo she barely knew because he liked going off on his own.  The last time she saw him was during the Trials, a day she'll never forget.  Rae, she lived up to her namesake.  She was like a ray of light, so full of energy and confidence.  It was hard to imagine someone like her dying during the Pandora's Box incident.  She heard that Fiona had been the one to find her.  Iliana, despite having a broken leg at the time, was there for Cherise when she saw the condition her closest friend was in when they set up a morgue in the Infirmary.  Cherise couldn't be consoled and eventually left because of that.  Plus she felt useless not being able to heal those alive with injuries.  She hoped she was doing better now.  Iliana knew from experience that she would never fully get over a death like that, losing a loved one to violence.

Snapping out of her thoughts, she looked back at the camper again and realized she hadn't introduced herself yet.

[color=#4a766e]"Oh, my name is Iliana.  If you haven't figured it out yet, Demeter is my mother.  Nice to meet you."[/color]

She remembered he said he only got in that morning right before training.  That made sense, she didn't recall someone like him last night.  Iliana tried recalling if she saw him this morning at camp and couldn't.  Of course, there was that one race she didn't really watch due to still recovering from her first run.  Thinking about how poorly she did today remind her of how much she had to grow, at least in physical endurance.  She doubts she'd ever been as good as Trinity, Andy, and a few others, but she hoped to improve.  This guy here looked like he had no issues with the course.

[color=#4a766e]"Well, I hope you like camp.  I've only been here since this summer.  It's not perfect and as you've heard we've had a rough go recently, but I do enjoy it here.  It's helped me a lot.  Still, I have a lot to improve on.  Did you ever get anything to eat after training today?"[/color]

If he didn't get anything to eat, she would direct him in the direction of the Main Hall or show him the way if he allowed it.  Honestly she'd be lying if his state of 'undress' kept distracting her.  At least he had sweet pants on.  Hopefully her own mannerisms weren't bothering him, especially her little 'flower display'.  She really should get back to meditating again because in the past it helped her.  She wouldn't rush things.  Her adopted father always told her to work at her own pace.  She didn't want to admit it, but she did miss him.  He did his very best to be a 2nd father to her.  She did call him dad too, but more out of habit.  It sadden her how she just didn't want to be around humans anymore, but they were so unpredictable and she'd been hurt too much by them.  The only exceptions had been Heath's family.  Maybe one day she would feel comfortable around humans, but she wouldn't think about that now or anytime soon.  For know she would get to know more people like her and find herself again.

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[center]Interactions ~ Theron [@Rockette] ~ Mentions ~ River, Trinity, Andy[/center]