Sir Sparky

Camp Athens - Closed

---

^{851f1f....|.... Outfit ....|.... party}

---

While he didn’t necessarily want her to leave, he gave her the chance to be more social like she had said she wanted earlier. Just because he was a new fledged loner didn’t mean she had to get dragged down with him. Before departing, Iliana suggested who he could talk with for new company himself, thanked him and bidded him a nice night.

"You too." Duke saw Iliana off with a kind smile.

Then he was back to basics. Alone with a table to himself and less than a quarter of food on his plate. He considered Iliana’s suggestion genuinely, looking over at Nelly and Fiona who seemed to be in some converse with a new male like the young demigod said. But he decided against it sure his presence would only throw off whatever pleasantries and free flow conversations were happening in that direction.

"Is this seat taken?"

Duke turned and looked up to see Sloane. They hadn’t interacted much in their time at camp but they were forced to spar that one time. He burned her and she held a blade to him. It was a good match and they both kept it clean which Duke respected but…he didn’t think she’d ever elect his company.

She pulled out the chair. "I’m sorry. I needed… social camouflage," she explained with a tight smile. "You felt like a safe place to hide."

"Sure. Hide out as long as you need," he assured a little slowly, but no less genuinely.

He couldn’t help himself when he checked her over assuring she was physically safe and unharmed first. Signs of bruises or red marks that didn’t belong but she was perfect. Duke was aware safety encompassed more than physical but it was his priority and the rest was her business to disclose.

A small weight dropped on his feet causing Duke’s brows to furrow in confusion briefly and inspect the source. A dog laid across his and Sloane’s feet, unbothered by the choice sleeping location. "Sorry, he’s tired. I can move him if it’s a problem."

"No, it’s fine. " Duke reached down and gave the puppy a gentle scratch with a fond smile. "It’s no bother at all. Besides, it seems like he could use it."

Both Sloane and the puppy were welcome to take reprieve in his company as long as they liked. Next to him he could see Sloane making an effort to gain some composure: A vacant look and chest rising and falling. While the natural occurrence of simply asking what’s wrong or are you okay occurred to him, he decided against it. If she wanted to talk, she would, and she came to him for some sort of shelter so he’d respect that and not prompt any discomfort. They could sit in a comfortable silence for all he cared.

"How are you?" she asked, the first to break the predicted silence. "You know… After the whole box thing and the Valises?" She closed her eyes, seeming to regret her question. "I’m sorry. I just… I can relate. Alex, Ajax… Liam." Her voice trailed off at the last meaningful name.

It initially felt too personal to delve into, but he forgot Sloane went through it too. The sheer abandonment. While Duke didn’t know much of Liam, people could see Sloane and him got close. It was half of her story too. "I know, " he said quietly.

"And, you know, nearly dying to a box full of monsters…"

He flicked up a small smile to suit her awkward laugh and attempt at a topic shift. "Yeah, we’ve both been there too. It’s been intense."

But something brewed within. Duke took in a breath thinking his response would be easy and a simple fine would suffice. But Sloane knew that wasn’t the case and deserved the truth and fellow outlet. "I’m okay but I’m not, " he began thoughtfully. "You know there’s a sadness they left. A feeling of abandonment like it’s personal. Resentment. " He half shrugged. "But I have to try not let it hinder me. "

Duke angled his body towards Sloane slightly. "Now, I know the Valises weren’t the best. They became destructive and unhinged and," Duke waved a hand across some space "a whole lot of stuff. I had their backs through that because I loved them and thought I owed them something. They were like family. But they chose Olympus. " Duke didn’t mean to unload on the girl and was surprised in his own honestly, but he never got to talk about it out loud before and it was easier talking to a kindred spirit about it he supposed.

Duke didn’t like to bitch or moan and usually just got on with things but the Valises left a hole for him and a mixed bag of emotions. He wasn’t entirely sure why they even left. To become proteges to a god that would never retire?

This time, Duke looked at the table running his hand along the groves and cleared his throat. "Did you…did you love Liam?" Like her, he instantly regretted what departed his mouth. He hesitated knowing it was wrong and still went ahead. He glanced at Sloane. "You don’t have to answer that. Sorry. " He frowned deeply.

Now it was his awkward fumble for recovery and a different subject. "At least it’s showed our perseverance. " He still needed something less deep and that they could talk about with more ease. "I don’t think I ever found the time to thank you for finding the box, by the way. Those monsters were strong. I didn’t expect it to be easy, and you’d think it would have been a mismatch, " he said as he opened his palms where his fire could spawn from best, "but I had some forest nymph and a leshen. The vines were like whips and constraining, they pinned most my body I almost didn’t get out in time. " Duke raised his chin to expose his throat where the faintest line of a mark was left from his encounter. "See? Barely made it. " Then his lips transformed to a smile as he looked down at her, hoping Sloane would know they could make a mockery out of his scratch and whole situation.

^{interactions ....|.... Iliana, Sloane ............... mentions ....|.... Iliana, (glances at) Nelly, Fiona, Morne}

Camp Athens - Closed

---

^{B45F06 .....|..... outfit .....|..... Party}

---

Something hit Mason in the back of the head. Something that literally chilled him to the spine because it crumbled and was freezing and sunk down the back of his neck and shirt. He paused in brief contemplation then decided on resuming his way to the bar.

Mason grabbed himself a beer not caring for the brand or type, just wanting alcohol and wandered away from such a hotspot as the bar.

As he took a swig he caught another broad ginger guy approaching Andy. It would’ve been almost a straight line for her if he wasn’t bobbing and dancing his way there. Mason frowned watching him draw closer and closer until they exchanged some words. The swig turned into a bigger mouthful that he chased down with another. So a dude with his arms out approached Andy.

Mason forced himself to look away at nothing in particular. Just blurs of people and distance. Though at one stage he looked longingly in the direction of his cabin before his eyes fell back on the party, trying exceptionally hard to keep his eyes away from the group of dancers. There were two other girls in that dance space they created and from what he could see they weren’t trolls. Add at least a dozen other pretty ones among the party not doing anything, including Blair. His eyes started to browse for her wanting to dangle her in like meat on a hook. He doubted she’d like being told what to do so did he play fake charming? ‘I’d like to see you move in that dress’ with a gesture to the dancefloor and wait for them to find each other. Hmm. ‘Look at that guy, he’s pretty handsome.’ No, she wasn’t an idiot although she was a woman with a lot of desire evidently. Mason took a long drink again. “For fuck’s sake,” he muttered.

His eyes fell back on Andy and her annoyingly persistent company. Though even he knew most conversations lasted longer than a minute. Maybe he hoped she’d be less inviting but that wasn’t her. A rush of movement caught his attention instead and Mason saw Wes barrel across the field to pick up some small ginger in a tight embrace, both giving hearty laughs and smiling ear to ear. Mason smiled in amusement. Not because the scene filled his heart but because it was hell of a reunion and hell of a scene. Which meant some blonde would probably be less ecstatic about it. Ballsy move causing a scene for a girl that’s not your girl. Maybe he should’ve shot some unwelcome advice back at Wes.

These little moments almost made attending camp parties worth it. Mason held his bottle by the neck and wandered to the skate rink as a place to lean. It looked deserted enough compared to the tables of food and beverages and dancefloor. And if he saw anyone approach he could always leave first.

But it was hardly long lasting. Under his watchful stare, the red male held out his hand and Andy grabbed it. Briefly, Mason tried to dismiss it because Daniel was nearby dancing with a girl – it didn’t mean anything and he wouldn’t try anything with other people nearby. Yet, their dance resumed. Mason was convinced and his mind was made as his legs took a path of their own walking straight towards Andy and her company, and without losing pace, he cut between them, shoving the man apart with his arm and using his body to block him from Andy. “Pick someone else,” he told the guy, not half as threatening as he felt. Instead, he said it like a plain cold fact.

Mason’s front faced her while he turned his back to the newcomer. He walked forward, taking Andy’s upper arms gently as he guided her back a few paces away from her new friend. Mason didn’t look at her though, sure he would be met by either a glare or wide eyed stare. He wanted to give her more time to enjoy her own creation, mingle and be a butterfly without the weight of their relationship on her chest but he quickly had enough watching apparently. At least of that guy being around her.

Then he did it. He risked a glance at her. “Told you I'd find you.” Sooner than he thought admittedly.

^{interactions ....|.... andy & nate ............... mentions ....|.... trinity, blair, wes & rae ............... collabs ....|.... none}

---

---

^{851f1f....|.... Outfit ....|.... party}

---

"I . . don't know. I do have a few friends like Nelly and Veronica. Do you have any friends, Duke? You and Fiona seem to get along well."

He gave a confirming nod to the latter statement “Me and Fiona get on.” But he wasn’t exactly crowded in friends or siblingships. “I, uh…don’t have many friends aside from her.” Without the Valis duo and Theo who he was accomplices with at best, Duke had a lonely existence when said out loud.

Duke pushed the remaining food around, the uncomfortable topic making him lose the last stretch of his appetite. Iliana wasn’t to know and he didn’t blame her, but that was the second thing he had to own up to today that gave him some self-realization.

"Well I look forward to meeting him then. I hope he likes the camp." Iliana said regarding Leo.

Duke looked at him then Iliana. “Me too.” He didn’t want the good demigods being miserable in the environment they would be stuck in for a time.

"Heath's family likes to have parties and I've gone to those, but they're never that big. I've learned to dance, but I am average at best. I am sure you've noticed this, but I am introverted, but I am willing to try something new at least once, as long as it's not dangerous. Do you like parties Duke? Also, I appreciate you willing to talk to me too. You're very easy to be around."

He smiled again, oddly assured and comforted that Iliana said he was easy to be around. “Thank you, Iliana,” he replied. “I don’t think too much of parties honestly. I’m just more showing face to be part of the community, make sure the bonfire stays alive, prevent murder. The usual.” Duke meant to land a joke but it proved true as well.

“It’s good to try new things now and then too. It’s a good attitude to have.” He approved. “You know, you don’t have to let me stop you from dancing or doing whatever you want to do,” he said glancing at her empty plate. She could exercise her social abilities wherever else she desired and he wouldn’t take it personally though the conversation was pleasant and she was just as easy to be around.

^{interactions ....|.... Iliana ............... mentions ....|.... none}

Camp Athens - Closed

---

^{851f1f....|.... Outfit ....|.... party}

---

"Just taking my time. I haven't been able to talk to those who got seriously hurt in that last fight. Seeing them up and about is good to see though. I know I need to be careful around certain people. I want to give people here the benefit of the doubt, even after seeing certain people's trials, but I know I am naive and I want to change that. Of course there's all the new campers. I've managed to talk to a few of them. I'll try checking in on them tonight if I am able."

“No, no, no.” Duke waved his fork. Who she wanted to talk to and that she wanted to make the endearing check in on everyone rounds wasn’t what he was asking. “I said who do you wanna get to know. It can’t be everybody.” Though perhaps in her universe, it could. Iliana was already proving different.

His correction aside, he supposed he shouldn’t have ignored one highlight in the rest of what was said. “It’s nice you give people the benefit of doubt and check on them. Some deserve it, some don’t. It’s something you’ll figure out through trial and error I suppose.” Unless Heath could help her cull a few people off the list from the get go. Otherwise, naivety had no magical wand for a cure. Camp could break her naivety and innocence gradually and slowly with enough burns.

"Have you met any of the new campers yet?"

Duke nodded. “Actually yes.” He gestured towards the bar. “A son of Ares. Leo. Worth the benefit of doubt too I’d say.” Though that was shooting above his area of expertise. Vouching for people wasn’t something Duke often did. Anymore.

There was a moment of silence as they ate. A comfortable silence. Duke was hungry and from what he could see of Iliana’s frame, she needed some calories. But Duke still felt obliged to make some discussion with his company. “Do you do any of this stuff?” Again, his fork twirled in the air in gesture to the whole activity field. He wasn’t asking if she partied but if she did any sledding, skating, dancing, games — any of the numerous present activities.

^{interactions ....|.... Iliana ............... mentions ....|.... Leo}

---

---

^{8e0047....|.... outfit ....|....party}

---

He had since chosen to lean against a tree with an arm and browse. Nelly seemed to dart around with infinite and exhausting to watch energy. Too preoccupied on the latest group of girls she elected to be with, Blair seemed to spawn out of thin air with evident disgust. "What in the 90s-ski-parka are you wearing?" She even took a closer look and pinched his collar. "I should tell dad to cancel your credit cards."

Blair was lucky he could even hear her because what the fuck was she wearing? Some risque burlesque outfit? “He needs to cancel yours first!” He argued, eyeing her lack of clothes in the same way she looked at his. Her outfit covered so little and probably cost a ridiculous amount more. The temperature was currently cozy but she’d freeze if nature took its original course again.

"Why do you insist on dressing yourself when your sister has more fashion sense in her pinky?" She started to circle him for a head to toe evaluation. Lochlan stared forward with a sigh as his overly bedazzled sister judged him in her glammed up loin cloths. "At least ditch the jacket and own the greaser look.”

Lochlan shook out of his jacket almost immediately and held it out to her gladly. Never mind the fashion feedback, she could take the damn jacket and put it on. But he knew she wouldn’t dare touch it again when it was despicable in her eyes. Normally Lochlan didn’t care what his sister wore, that was her prerogative but around a bunch of demigods drinking and suped up people wearing that! seemed like asking for extra trouble. Even for her. This was their first camp party too and she wanted to go, or be just about be all out.

“What are you even wearing?” he shot back appalled. Though he didn’t care for its technical name or materials as much as why she landed on that dress and thought it was a good idea for someone smart. She must have been on one of her revenge / make a statement sprees.

Lochlan flicked his jacket over his shoulder and gave a cheery smile out of defiance. Neither sibling was compromising or sorry.

“Come get a drink with me.” He headed to the bar with he assumed Blair in tow.

He had just caught the end of some gorgeous creature asking a guy for help in finding a place to offload her stuff and where to go. The man responded by referring her to Andy initially, then used half his brain by introducing himself to the girl at least. That was more sensible.

"Shots!" He announced out loud to any bar goer in the vicinity.

^{interactions ....|.... Blair ............... mentions ....|.... Nelly, Sofia, Veronica (sees), Leo, Amorey, other bar crowd (for shots)}

Camp Athens - Closed

---

^{B45F06 .....|..... outfit .....|..... Party}

---

Trinity’s answer regarding if Andy thought he was the same wasn’t completely assuring. Being in the same circumstances still sucked. Which was what Trinity was getting at. If he wasn’t too upset he would have given a quick touché to her.

“There’s no Andy rulebook,” she told him. Well obviously otherwise he’d take a chapter or two for reference. But it seemed that was Trinity terminating the conversation and being done. “But, not much is accomplished by silence and distance.” She continued after a moment. Her advice was probably her definition of helpful, and while not the worst by her standards or others, it was still sharp and to the point. There was no romantic gestures or suggestions to woo her, or even a suggestion to give her space and time in that real hippy dippy way, just a ‘don’t ignore her.’

“You don’t have to take a backseat. Show some backbone.”

He cupped the shoulder she hit. Case in point.

Still, Mason rolled it over in his mind. There was a medium to be achieved he just didn’t know how. He didn’t want brief encounters with Andy, he didn’t want them to keep dodging each other, he wanted to be with her. He knew he was going to talk to her, he had to but there was no saying how that would go. “I’m just letting her enjoy the night a little first,” he murmured, looking over at her again.

He didn’t know if he had ever heard Trinity growl a warning at him before. It wasn’t wise to provoke the kid’s of Ares by any means but he stood by what he said. After all Wes was the one that came to him after a private conversation then tried to play cupid unwelcomingly.

He was most surprised to see Trinity pay him so-so credit for saying it was none of their business. “True. Except when you see someone you adore in turmoil, you’re not gonna just sit by. At least I’m not going to.” Almost. Of course she had a reason and defense because everything was a battle.

Like it was to battle the thought of Wes and Alex. “I would hope not,” she seemed to growl.

Mason buried his hands in his pockets and smirked, while she gathered herself for calm happy thoughts instead. “I’ve asked and tried to be the sympathetic partner, because they were friends but he seems okay.”

The emphasis didn’t go unnoticed. “Pssht,” he rolled his eyes and dismissed the fairytale ending. “Whatever keeps you from murder.”

Mason caught the shimmer of something in his peripheral before the shape came into full focus. "You both look great," Blair greeted offering him some reprieve. She was wearing some silver sparkly dress that showed her slender body type with curves emphasized in the right places. "Especially you, Mason." A smirk slipped by his lips seeing her check him out before he immediately snapped himself out of it. She was undeniably hot and clearly she had similar thoughts on him but he didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize his chances with Andy who meant definitively more than eyeing some girl.

Before he could remind Blair, she spoke. "I know, I know. ‘Never gonna happen,’" she recited. Mason glanced to Trinity quickly in case she thought he ever indulged her. "Look, the whole camp knows there’s trouble in paradise, and who am I to get in the way of true love?"

Mason sighed out. Apparently it had been a bit of everyone’s business. If there ever was a next time he’d be sure to hide it a lot better.

"But if that—" she gestured to Andy vaguely "—falls through, my bed is always open."

“I bet,” he responded dismissively. Once upon a time he would have jumped at the chance to bed a girl like Blair. Someone to make you forget things for a wildly pleasurable time instead. Then she would have had her taste and maybe been less interested and provocative towards him.

Then it hit. He was forced to consider and pay her words some actual mind. If Andy and him fell through, he wasn’t sure what he’d do other than be more unhappy. He probably would fall into some worse patterns, turn destructive and leave Hades’ mark on camp.

"Anyway, toodles!" She offered them both a smile and little wave.

“See you,” he replied a little distantly. Because liked or not, Blair was hard not to see at the party in a sparkly dress.

Trinity scoffed her disapproval, but Mason thought they got off light compared to how Eve pursued men. “She’s mostly harmless. But don’t worry, she’ll get bored.”

“Anyway,” she began in attempt to get things back on track. “What’s your problem with Wesley?”

He’s a disgraceful Valis kiss ass who tried to justify the murder, he’s costing camp a valuable warrior because he can’t do anything, then tried to invite himself into mine and Andy’s business after a private conversation. That was his true answer. Maybe if somebody else had been in front of him and asked that’s what he’d tell them. But this was Trinity. “No problem. Just…” he inhaled and shook off the itch to insult Wes, “mad I didn’t get credit for my own dress up.” He smoothed down his shirt.

Before she could interrogate further or catch him in his poor lie, Mason looked off, wide eyed. “Did that guy just pinch Andy’s butt?” No sooner than when Trinity turned, Mason walked off. In a lose either way scenario, it was something Mason had to resort to. He smiled a little to himself that an old trick was still effective.

“I’ve got it,” he called back to her in assurance as he headed for a drink. For them, it was assuring he had the Andy thing under control. For anyone else, he was simply getting a drink for him and potentially his friend.

^{interactions ....|.... Trinity, Blair ............... mentions ....|.... Andy, Wes}

---

---

^{851f1f....|.... Outfit ....|.... party}

---

Iliana was surprisingly candid in what Duke thought was some idle chatter, asking each other how they were, but he had to admit it was refreshing. It meant it wasn’t just some empty filler for her and she was genuine. Even when he asked if she drank, she admitted her age and drink of choice and a bad experience with Scottish Whiskey. He may not have been overly receptive but he was listening.

"I'd rather eat first. I can always talk with others afterwards. Besides, we haven't really talked much either, that is, if it's okay with you. I am trying to get better socializing, but I know I'll never be like Andy or Nelly."

Duke laughed once though he didn’t think Iliana was aiming for humor. “It may not be polite but you can eat and talk.” Duke shoved a mouthful of food into his mouth, chewed and swallowed then held out his cutlery filled hands pointedly. “See?” But he knew depending on where she came from, talking at dinner itself could be counted as rude.

“It’s fine. You can stick around as long or little as you like,” he said next in regards to her asking if it was okay to accompany him. “I think you’re doing pretty well so far,” he offered. “It’s tacky and corny but you don’t have to be like them, just be yourself. If that makes you a little quieter or more reserved, so be it.” Duke would rather someone be true to themselves time and time again than the alternative.

Shovel after shovel of food fell into his mouth. Since Iliana chose him as a current exercise partner for getting better at socializing, he wagged his fork and put an enclosed fist at his mouth until the latest mouthful was gone. “How do you think you’re doing?” He wore a pensive expression.

“Are there people you want to especially get to know?” He gestured vaguely to the party. He wondered if she was someone who went for power or kindness or just let a cat’s curiosity guide her, which he’d advise against. Sometimes you didn’t know what you were stepping into until too late but having some awareness or aim helped.

^{interactions ....|.... Iliana ............... mentions ....|.... none}

Camp Athens - Closed

---

^{47815a....|.... Outfit ....|.... party}

---

Before he could get a response, Daniel’s head swiveled at some whacky commotion regarding some guy wanting to be more like a rodent or with the rodents than some girl in front of him. A bad break up or just an unflattering comparison? Either way that was the short and thick of the interaction as both dispersed.

“Feels like I just got here, and already people’re acting up.”

Only because it was inappropriate to show amusement, he tutted once and raised his brows. “If you only knew,” he said more to himself than his company. By camp standards that was a peaceful disagreement. No less tense or unpleasant on the girl, but peaceful as it didn’t vortex to other campers.

“But anyway, what I gotta warn you about is, I’ll give it a fair shot, but I don’t really dance all that much. I’ve done, like, the Cha Cha Slide at weddings and a couple of school dances, and that’s about it.”

Daniel smiled at her given warning. “Well I appreciate the heads up. And hey, you know maybe one of those universal dances will come on and you'll get to shine with the Macarena.”

The rosé was no match for the apparent time constraint the demigod in front of him was on. Or she was drowning out how unpleasant taking to the dancefloor with him could be. Daniel rolled his head watching the liquor disappear at rapid speed. “Oh, okay...” She offered him a hand next and he blinked a little stunned. “Yeah, right. Let’s go.”

He grabbed her hand and led the way. He glanced back at the bar where people seemed to congregate and multiply by. Now he left of course that would be the case. But he caught sight of Andy and her company and waved them to come along as well. The more on the dancefloor the merrier and it might’ve assured the girl he had in his hand he wasn’t a creeper. But knowing what a stiff Andy could be sometimes, and not knowing the new dude, he wouldn’t be surprised if they pretended they didn’t see it.

If anyone else in that crowd caught the invitation though and was willing, he wouldn't be mad. It was better than everyone nestling together and sticking to their safety zone.

Daniel gave the dark-haired girl a single spin for entry then released her hand to move as freely or tamely as she wanted. He, meanwhile kept it pretty low key for now and shifted his weight side to side with a few double hits with the beat he couldn't help as the party music raged on. “You got a parent?” he asked while he moved. Obviously, she did. “More specifically, the one that brought you here? Maybe a name?”

The only fair thing to do was to give his information. He held out a hand if she dared. “Daniel. Hecate.” His hand wasn't there to shake at the official introduction. Rather, actually bust a move with her. But maybe her saving grace was on the way.

^{interactions ....|.... Rosalia ............... mentions ....|.... Leo, Andy, bar crowd}

Camp Athens - Closed

Just posted for Duke for now because some chick pressured me :P Daniel's not far behind though.

Camp Athens - Closed

---

^{851f1f....|.... Outfit ....|.... party}

---

Iliana asked if Duke wanted to try one of Heath’s biscuits and he paused mid chew. “I’m feeling a little like a guinea pig here.” He joked. But being offered food was hardly the worst thing to happen.

He nodded and reached for a shortbread biscuit giving a friendly smile. “I’m good Iliana. How are you?” Duke reached behind him and offered Iliana the oreo cookies in turn that she was eyeing. She could only get her answer on the food one way.

As he returned the plate to the table, Fiona appeared. “Sure where else would I find you, eh? Save one for me, will ya Duke? I’m utterly starved, and that’ll make a good dessert. If the look o’bliss on your face is anything to go by.” Fiona greeted.

She could consider him called out. But when food of this array beckoned, how could he deny it. “No promises” he told her, covering his full mouth.

Duke smiled watching Fiona dart around him for her own plate of food. “Food before drink, making good decisions,” he stated. The statement clearly applicable to the both of them. Or maybe Fiona had already got her head start. He knew the bottle she carried around with her sometimes wasn't water.

“Good to see you alive too,” he added after her converse with Iliana. Duke hadn’t spotted the red hair or heard the thick accent of Fiona all day. But the girl did have her own life and devices. It didn’t mean Duke couldn’t mock though.

”Just as parched as well, do either of ya wanna a drink?”

Duke raised a hand at table height waving the kind gesture away. “I’m good.”

That left him with Iliana not that he ever minded the girl. She was typically quiet and the art of conversation didn’t always come to him so easily. So he forced a kind smile and after a moment, he gestured to the bar with a thumb. “Do you drink much?”

He wasn’t sure he could ever recall seeing Iliana with a drink in her hand. It didn't bother him either way, he was simply making conversation. Badly.

A new girl approached the food table offering a wave and Duke nodded, smiling kindly at her. Though it did prompt him. Rather than look the part of food warden, Duke filled his plate with more sensible substances like meat and starch, mozzarella sticks and forfeited his spot by the food in preference for an actual table, gesturing for Iliana to come too, if she wanted of course. “Want to join me or is there mingling to be done?"

It wouldn’t hurt for her to make more connections and allies. Though that could be said about anybody including himself.

^{interactions ....|.... Iliana, Fiona ............... mentions ....|.... Tapeesa}

Camp Athens - Closed

---

^{B45F06 .....|..... outfit .....|..... Party}

---

Andy came closer and Mason stifled a sigh expecting a lecture or some comment that he was an ass and she still couldn’t be emotional around him. He had just got there. But she stood close. Too close and she stared. Instead in such a quiet voice she said something completely unexpected. "You look handsome." He thought he must have misheard. If it wasn’t followed up by a kiss on his cheek and hand on his chest. She let her hand drift along him. Mason extended his arm and briefly and ever so gently, skimmed his fingers through hers prolonging her touch for a second.

Again, he was in half a mind to squeeze her hand and just tug her back to him but he let the contact remain hers and short. Though she didn’t make it easy. The last thought he had to do, she ended up acting out.

“I’ll find you later,” he promised.

Mason stared after her. She looked amazing, a combination of modest, cute and sexy all in one. He tried not to stare because staring from behind looked piggish but…she wasn’t easy to peel his eyes away from.

Trinity snapped him out of his happy day dream. Literally. “You. Me. Talk.”

He knew it was coming but he still sighed out with a roll of his eyes and followed her. She looked to be in turmoil over something for a moment. Maybe she’d even spare him a lecture. But she walked on. “Look-”

Trinity stopped sharply in front of him that he bumped into her. “Whatcha doing Romeo?”

He looked off in annoyance taking a step back. It wasn’t much use fighting with Trinity. Besides, he had long admitted to his fuck up. Getting re-scolded about it wasn’t going to change anything. “I know,” he answered dully.

“You need to shape up. Andy deserves better from you. She needs better from you. If you’re not gonna step up to the plate and keep treating her like she’s alone or expendable then you need to leave her alone. You don’t get to do this Hades brooding bullshit. Last thing she needs is to feel like she’s dating Ajax again.”

“I know!” He snapped this time. Mason clenched his fists. “I know,” he said again more evenly. “Don’t compare me to him.” Mason despised Ajax and the way he treated Andy, choosing a bratty bitch sister constantly over his own girlfriend unless he wanted to get intimate. He used and abused her. They weren’t the same.

“I can acknowledge I’m faulty. Big time. But me and him don’t even belong in the same sentence like that.” He pat down his pockets for a smoke, catching some girl at the bar putting out one of hers. Unless she was drowning a stick.

While he was stressed, why not add to it. “Does Andy think I’m the same?” he asked, almost afraid to hear the answer.

“Look, obviously you’re doing something.” She gestured up and down him. He supposed it was nice someone saw some effort. “But you need to make it up to her tenfold.”

Mason sighed again. “I want to. I mean I’m trying but I don’t even know if I can hug her or kiss her… or just give her space.” Mason watched Andy converse with some big red-ginger then looked back at Trinity. “If you know what she wants me to do, tell me. Please. Because I’m lost.”

Somewhere along the way, he had lost Trinity, her eyes mostly drawn on his outfit. “Did Wes recommend?”

Mason laughed dryly. “None of what the self-nominated camp counsellor recommended said dress like this. I don’t need his advice or 'recommendations' anyway.” His eyes found Wes and he scoffed. That boot licker only served as nosy and an annoyance in the hall.

“None of it's his business. Or yours.”

Mason jutted his head in the direction of the group playing cornhole. “Shouldn't he be more focused on his relationship with you and the lack of arm?” One would think being handicapped, healing from the box and having a daughter of Ares would preoccupy his day rather than caring about other people's relationships. "Or has he been too focused on Alex leaving?" They were the best of best friends after all. He'd hardly be surprised if they fooled around before Trinity got involved with Wes. Or during.

^{interactions ....|.... Andy, Trinity ............... mentions ....|.... Wes}

Camp Athens - Closed

---

^{8e0047....|.... outfit ....|....party}

---

The importance of dress code. Who’d have thought it. Until you were working off literally nothing. Lochlan stared at his closet at a loss. This is when he could use Blair’s annoying yet handy talents. Plus then he could always see what she was wearing and see if she dressed him obviously down or up. But usually Blair took fashion selection very seriously.

Lochlan dove into the closet of blazers and jackets and yanked one out. He could wear this purple beauty with any colored top and pants and sure it was more casual than dressy but in a place like camp, it seemed fitting. He doubted they could ever throw a more tasteful event anyway. Lochlan settled for a plain white shirt underneath and black jeans.

He dragged his tail there. This was his first camp party and he didn't expect to be blown away. He wasn't remotely excited but he was curious so it must have been that driving him there. He could show his face until he'd had enough and slink away.

Admittedly the field was barely recognizable but the big opening by the arena and stables could only be one place and his sense of direction wasn't that bad. But something was missing. Blair wasn't even there yet. Too wise to get lost and not seeing her vote against attending a party, she must have been caught up in something or...someone.

Lochlan prowled around the party, eyeing the prospects and who he could manipulate or have fun with. But most people were smart, grouped up in a pack or couple at least. Sure Lochlan could do the 2 for 1 deal or make someone do something to the other but he still needed to contemplate it. Some people were tricky.

^{interactions ....|.... none ............... mentions ....|....Blair}

---

---

^{47815a....|.... Outfit ....|.... party}

---

The day dragged on. Hardly a fan of uneventful and long days, he had a mind to whip the content and quiet camp in shape- give the new campers a real welcome by setting some hell beasts loose but he knew that wouldn’t be fair to the recently recouped campers and, well, once he conjured something he didn’t control it so there was no tracking them and it kinda made him responsible if something super bad did happen. Apparently catching naïve campers unaware was thoroughly frowned upon and someone would be bound to find out it was linked to him.

Daniel took himself for a walk around camp. He knew the place, head to toe, yet he felt restless. Bored actually. So while he voted against conjuring something wicked for now he still dreamed. He’d set it loose, a pack of five, right by the arena. Humanoid figure on two legs, two arms, but not skin and flesh, maybe gray and harder like a rhino’s hide, no eyes, rows of razor sharp teeth - To this day the wendigo still got him best. He had had his share of claws and bites but none of it the kinky fun kind.

Lapping back around to the field again, he had half a mind to help Andy and the camp’s favorite warrior, but two little miss independents could always ask if they needed a hand otherwise were more than capable themselves.

-------------------------------------

Without catching any co-campers on his path, Daniel arrived alone which was a different feeling. Not impossible to work with but certainly a new thing. Normally there was some hype on the journey there with someone to talk to but he had a silent walk. It was admittedly harder and harder to feel a pep in his step when nothing had happened in so long. But he supposed tonight was the night. It was a party, there were newbies. Things were bound to happen.

Everything was the usual set-up for a camp party. The drinks, the fire, music. The snow, ice skating area and sledding hill were new additions. Daniel was impressed to see it altogether in one final product. Everyone was well scattered throughout the party meaning Andy had admittedly selected a good array of activities.

Daniel spotted one new camper by the bar who went pretty hard on the dress up side in some, what would probably be considered, majestic shade of green knee length dress. It wasn’t bad by any means and she could wear it but she was the only one so far that dressed as if they could attend a ball too.

No one else looked to beeline the girl to bug her. So Daniel took the responsibility. “What are the odds,” he began getting near her, “that you’re the first on the dancefloor?” He leaned an arm on the bar. Dancefloor obviously being a substitute for a vague dance area, but she’d pick it up. “I’ll even push people away and clear it up for you.” Because there was always at least one fool who stood in the middle of it in his experience.

Daniel paid another glance around. More sincerely, someone honestly had to break the cycle and dance first. At least people weren’t pinned at this party. Demigods were skating and mingling and moving around. “I gotta warn you, I don’t think any classicals will come on,” he teased. He knew just because she dressed classy and had a rosé, it didn’t mean that encompassed her. It could have just been she liked to dress up or that’s how she partied in her past.

He would've introduced himself but he was starting to believe when he gave his name and grew acquainted with attractive dark haired girls, things went south.

^{interactions ....|.... Rosalia ............... mentions ....|.... Andy, Trinity}

Camp Athens - Closed

---

^{B45F06 .....|..... outfit .....|..... Cabin> Party}

---

Mason visited Jenn’s site. He worried all the camp refurbishments, particularly the wall might’ve desecrated it but he should have known Andy would keep it in tact and secluded. Normally he gave her updates or spoke to her but there was nothing good to report between Alex not so much as getting a smack on the wrist and the box. As for his Andy crisis, this might’ve been the time Jenn would give him her unwelcome advice too if it bothered her enough and abuse him lovingly to set things right or lose her. She’d paint a nice harsh black and white picture for him. He sighed and pat her stone. “Miss you.”

He returned to his cabin for the rest of the day.

Mason showered and didn’t give his clothes much thought for the party. He grabbed whatever was sitting there available and left his cabin until he caught movement down the path of a blonde and brunette. Andy was in some black dress and Trinity in nice jeans and top.

Not to mention how comfortable the weather was now. Mason glanced down and doubled back into his cabin.
“Fuck.” He rifled through clothes and clothes trying to think if he even had anything remotely dressy or that showed some effort for a party. Then, like a miracle he found something. Mason put on some cologne with it and left his cabin once more.

He didn’t hurry to join the party. Festivities were drinking and socializing and while he was an ok drinker, socializing took more effort. Much more the combination of socializing while drunk. When the field was in view, Mason saw horror. Andy had littered the field with winter themed activities, making a whole sled hill and skating rink. Nelly certainly looked to enjoy it at least. Mason breathed through his nose. Activities were supposed to be a good thing and it was an above and beyond effort. Good for most the camp.

He went closer and the girls were at the bar. Give or take another body or two. There was a food table. Music. A little game area going with someone in a mini dress, what must have been Evelyn by the red hair, Wes and some guy. Mason stared at the blonde in the outstanding dress then glanced away. Attention grabbing wasn’t usually his style.

He saw Sylas and had half a mind to accompany him but some other red head sweeped to his side. That left the other side of the bar. Andy or not, he needed his own drink. So he crept towards them hands buried in his pockets.

He approached. He let his gaze float over Andy steadily. It wasn’t just a black dress, it was some light material , fancy patterns and flowers, cloaking over something darker and more huggy underneath. “Andy. You look breath taking.”

Inside he’d rather have embraced her, kissed her cheek or something but he knew better to keep his distance for now.

He glanced to Trinity briefly and nodded. He even bothered to raise a hand to Heath.

He leant on the bar grabbing his own drink. Mason knew Trinity would have a mouthful for him or fist depending on what she heard. So he’d get that ugly out of the way first, lingering by her. Let Andy enjoy her night without…him drama for a bit. He planned to talk to talk things out with her but he couldn’t tell how it would go so let her be and enjoy the festivities she created.

^{interactions ....|.... Andy, Heath, Trinity ............... mentions ....|.... Sylas, Nelly, Evelyn, Fiona, Chariselle, Wes, Elysium ............... collabs ....|.... none}