Elijah Quinn

At the break of dawn, as the first rays of sunlight painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, Elijah emerged from his cabin, ready to embrace the day ahead. With a sense of purpose in his step, he began his morning routine, a blend of physical activity and spiritual connection that set the tone for his demigod existence. He started by greeting the rising sun, paying homage to his divine father and drawing strength from its radiant energy. Standing tall on a hill overlooking the camp, he closed his eyes, raised his arms, and allowed the gentle morning breeze to caress his face. As he basked in the warm embrace of Apollo's light, he silently offered his gratitude for the new day and the power bestowed upon him.

With his spirit invigorated, Elijah descended the hill and made his way to the camp's training grounds. Engaging in a series of gentle warm-up exercises, he prepared his body for the challenges that lay ahead. Stretching his limbs, he focused on flexibility and joint mobility, ensuring his muscles were prepared for the day's activities. He wasn't the type to do more intense workouts but he preferred to be fit and not fall behind compared to the other campers. After completing his jog around the camp's perimeter and a series of calisthenics, he found himself in the infirmary after having his breakfast meal.

The familiar scent of medicinal herbs and tools greeted him as he pushed open the door, stepping into a haven of healing and solace. The air hummed with a gentle energy, a blend of compassion and the promise of renewal. As much as he liked archery, he also sought to administer care and comfort to those in need. @ Emberlynn Knight

Elijah understood well enough that she was not used to being in the spotlight. Akemi didn't like attention which is why he found her in depths of the forest in the first place. Where as him, an Apollo camper, was pretty much used to it. His music had gathered people, but he wasn't camp wide popular. Perhaps only his circle of friends stuck around for him while others just liked his tunes. And he was fine with that. It was simply his way to express his thoughts, feelings, and emotions, much like writing in a journal - except it is more like composing a song. Elijah had planned on singing a song he made for her today but he wanted it to be a surprise. It was his way of telling him the three words which he had been meaning to say. He wasn't sure if he was ready but her wink made it seem harder to do it.

"Someone didn't tell me they have charmspeak." He smirked at the playful banter. It was the only words he would say when he became a target to her polished words. He happily drew a sigh as he continued listening to her. The tones in her voice was like music to his ears and that held significance to an Apollo child. Giving her hand another soft squeeze, he set an affectionate gaze to her. "It's okay. I'm trying my best too. And this date is one way of expression. It's not fancy, but at least it is not all hearts and chocolates like the Aphrodite Cabin."

"Instead, it's just going to be us in canoeing in the lake. Slow and peaceful, just the way you like it. Except for the sunlight though."

"Wow. You know how to make a guy swoon."

And she really did. When she wielded her words like so, his heart skipped a beat as easy as producing a tone from his guitar. When was the last time this happened? He couldn't bother remembering because they're walking to the lakeshore together, their hands intertwined. He is the happiest child of Apollo, no- guy right now. Why bother humbling himself?

It was okay for her to apologize. He was already aware that this was new to her, but it was also new to him too. It seemed like he could handle himself better out of the two, but it really was his penchant for playing it off cool. He liked to be the "cool" guy to the new campers even though there are cooler guys out there. Though just as he was about to respond, he heard a subtle noise from aside but he didn't bother - then he heard her mutter and now they're concealed from everything else. "What? That could have been an animal spirit. You scared someone might see us or something?" With that, he was wondering if she was afraid of seeing herself with a guy. Holding hands.

"I'm not accusing you, but I think it's perfectly fine we're together. It's not like someone is going to spread rumors. And even if they did, I'd be okay with it." He shrugged before he gave her a genuine smile. "And knowing you, you'd probably take revenge on that person. Probably turning them into a pig or something." Elijah wasn't aware, but he knew the Hecate cabin well enough to know they could do something like that.

"And no, I will not shoot them in the butt." 

Even though he didn't seem to care much about her, his glances towards her made it otherwise. The two of them haven't talked since the day of that incident and whenever Elijah approached her, he was simply avoided by disappearing into her shadows or just... disappearing with some form of her magic. After multiple attempts were futile, he elected to give up finding her. It was no use in trying to talk to her when she wouldn't give it a try, but a small part of him remained to be stubborn. Seeing her hide behind her friends, Elijah finally sat down in a vacant space on a log and grabbed a marshmallow or two before getting ready with his guitar.

Roasting sticks were being passed around as well and after receiving one, he stabbed his marshmallows firmly and began roasting them into the fire while making conversation with some of the campers in his proximity. It was truly a bliss to be here, remembering the time when he was initially too timid to sing until this confection was at play, easing him closer to the fire and managed to sing along. He liked sweets as a kid back then and he still liked it today. 

For once, Elijah was mad at an animal for ruining their moment but they were right at the time. It was okay to get lost, but not for too long-- he made a mental note to himself as the pair continued to stroll on the path to the lake. It's a bit far from where the pegasus stables was but he figured the trip was just part of their little spontaneous date, aware that she didn't like being out in the sun for too long and that she'd wanted to avoid eyes. He intended on using this opportunity to ask her where he stands... when they haven't said the important three words yet.

Hearing some of the development she went through has been a bit of a cathartic experience. Akemi had always sticked to the shadows and now she had met more people. Elijah was satisfied that she found more to mingle with and not some tools she can use for her own gain. Of course, how could he not be aware of that. He sensed something as off at times when he was with her, but he brushed it away - believing that she could be a better person. No. He didn't want to believe it. Elijah gave a soft squeeze to her hand. "That's good. At least you found other people to talk to other than me."

He couldn't help but smirk a bit at his comment. "Even flowers need sunlight once in a while." 

Elijah loved going to the bonfires every night and this one is no exception. It would be his chance for him and his siblings to play some of their tunes, sing campfire songs, roast marshmallows, and have a good time. And even then, he wanted to see the new munchkins who had came recently. He heard it was supposed to be a pair of twins, siblings, and one other camper. He was certain that one of them got claimed already, thanks to the word of mouth, but he'd never know until he'd met them in person. The child of Apollo left his cabin with his guitar case slung over his shoulder, giving it a pat as he walked towards the light source of the lodging area. One of the campers nearby he already recognized, Rissa, who seemed to be in a happy mood as much as he is. He waved to her from afar but just as he was about to approach her, he saw a familiar shadow nearby. It couldn't be...?

He looked at the person. It was her. He then waved to her without hesitating, a soft smile tugging on the corners of his lips. Knowing her, she'd avoid him as easy as he'd approach her... but he'll do just that later on. 

✺ While he is an expert marksman, he makes a good medic.

✺ His weapon of choice is a pair of double-edged celestial bronze throwing daggers. They are an ongoing project he's been working on at the forge. Despite the time spent on them, they don't transform- this is mostly because he’s half certain that if they looked like mundane things, he’d lose them- but he does keep them strapped to his forearms. 

✺ He is able to generate arrows entirely made of light, with power dependent on how much light is gathered in those arrows.

Ranking

Strength ✦ ✦ ✦

Speed ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Stamina ✦ ✦ ✦

Intelligence ✦ ✦ ✦

Agility ✦ ✦ ✦ 

Elijah continued to sing to his heart's content, emotions rushing to his mind as the memories followed. Even though he is a year-round camper, he's made time to spend with his mother with vacations, birthdays, and holidays. He didn't want to endanger her with him being a demigod and all, but he told himself that if he was going to protect her, he needed to train so he could tackle any monster that comes his way. Singing this song is one way he could emotionally connect with his family along with the occasional hymn to his father for spiritual healing. He's taken on medicinal herbs nowadays with the help of a certain Hecate child and a Demeter child.

Fingers let go of the strings as the song was coming into a close, his voice fading out into the air. He drew a deep breath to recompose himself until a voice reached out to him. Looking down, it came from a red-haired lass. "Common Sense," he responded, "my mom and I composed the song before I sang it in my first competition." It was the same song that led him to victory and paved the way to being a rising star in the music industry. All that was then dropped because some harpies decided to crash the party. "Sometimes, I play this song whenever I miss my mom." Placing the guitar inside his case, he fell to the ground and met her eyes.

"So you were talking a walk?"

With the rest of his siblings out and about, it as finally time to have the cabin to himself. This became a rare opportunity, considering that this cabin has the most members. Who can blame their dad and his philander nature? He settled down into a vacant couch with his guitar and strummed it before an awkward silence ensues. He shook his head. No, he preferred to get some air. It's probably the reason why the rest of his siblings are out. Elijah shouldered his guitar case, checking to see if his acoustic guitar was still inside and safe. Letting the door to the Apollo Cabin closed, she set off to find a place to play. A glance back to the cabin was shot, and he still could not believe how with sunlight, it looks like it is made of gold.

The first thing he thought was the amphitheater. On the rare chance that the entire facility was vacant, he decided to check it out to see if the odds were in his favor. They were not. Who was he kidding? It did no harm to check, but it's not like he has beef against whoever was occupying it. So he chose the next best thing - somewhere probably no one could hear. A bit of an isolation. He arrived to a quiet tree and swung himself into the branches, climbing until he reached a comfortable bough. Taking out his guitar, it was a present given to him by his mother. He took care of it ever since, cleaning and fine tuning it at least once every other day. He loved it. And it reminded him of home. His mother taught him how to play and he could do so in front of an audience. But this time, he preferred to be alone with his music. He strummed it softly to check if it was in tune, quiet chords barely audible.

As they grew in confidence, he attempted the song he performed from his first competition. @ Elena Clarke

What Elijah had planned in mind was just a little getaway in the lake with just the two of them in the canoe.

Even if she didn't like socializing, there wouldn't be much people at this time to even talk to. It would be just him. And an umbrella to keep her protected from the sun's rays.  The young man was softly smiling as she softly held his palm against her cheek, thumb brushing soft circles on her skin as he continued to set an affectionate gaze. He set himself up in his own spell without her doing, but he was still aware of this - he liked seeing her soft side. Elijah wanted to kiss her again, but the neigh from the pegasus he rode earlier broke him out of his impromptu dream. He shook his head. "Right, um. We should get moving." Flustered, he grabbed her hand and led them out of the stables and let go once they were far enough, if she wanted to.

"No need to get changed since everything is ready. We just have to talk to the lakeshore together," he paused, "So how have you been? What have you been up to lately?"

Relieved that his proposal received a favorable response, he had already thought of a place to spend their romantic moments at. Well, he was more like mulling about it since they did not have time to meet up like this. The place he had in mind wouldn't have much people at this time and the space they're in could fit in just two people. Elijah needed to compose himself after such a kiss, simply because each one brings him a joy. Even though he's probably the only sunshine she could tolerate, his idea for their date might have to stretch that... "So I was thinking we could ride on the canoe in the lake. It can be however long we want, but I wanted to have a chat. I will bring food to keep us busy."

"You know I won't make you socialize. It's not you." He drew a happy sigh when he lifted her finger off his sternum. "I wouldn't make you do things you don't want to do. I will ask for your permission first, so... relax, okay?" A radiant smile he had grew sincere, genuinely taking the time to really ease himself into her personal bubble. He knew that the two of them dwell in different worlds despite being in the same camp, but a very big part of him wanted to make it work. He wasn't too sure on her side, but he was hoping this isn't unrequited.

It's unlikely that Akemi could find herself outside of the forest just to see someone, but if anything, he was glad one of those people was him. Even though he found pleasure in finding her in her natural habitat, he thought it was more fun to see her towards the locale of camp grounds. Of course the young man missed her, evident in his smile and firm, yet affectionate embrace then their hands finding each other once again. "So I was thinking that we go on our first date? Like official." He smiled sheepishly. "I know I haven't said anything to imply this or drop hints, but it's usually the spontaneity factor that winds up giving the outing... memorable, I'd say. I hope I didn't scare you." Elijah, at the moment, was more concerned for her answer, knowing that she isn't used to this kind of offer without prior notice. He drew his confidence in how far they got along in their relationship -- item, but not an item.

Adding to that, he decided to give her another surprise -- a chaste kiss to her lips as she was staring at his face. It wasn't brief, but nevertheless had that endearment feeling. "Convincing enough?"

The child of Apollo was about to leave the stables until he saw a familiar face, leaning herself against the wall. She looked cute in a pony tail. "Hey you." He gave her a soft smile as he approached her in a hug, firmly embracing her with his arms wrapped around her person. His head was resting on her shoulder for a brief moment, eyes shut until he parted. He hasn't seen her in a while so a hug is warranted and much appreciated, whether or not she liked it. "I do, yes." He answered sincerely but narrowed his eyes into a pair of slits out of amused suspicion. "It doesn't look like you miss me though." It was a half-joke but some part of him wanted reciprocation but he could not bring himself to expect such from a ghost.

"Been busy this week, but today is my day off. If you don't have plans, we should do something." He was calling for some action, a hand moved to interlace her fingers in an affectionate squeeze. 

@ Rebecca Jones ,

Thank you for coming to our little beach picnic. It looks like the weather was in our favor- we were basking in the sun! No pun intended.

Elijah

@ Willow Iris Hazelwood ,

That time when we're singing a duet, I don't suppose we can perform that in a concert? Whenever you're ready. I love seeing you express yourself.

Elijah

@ Akemi Lancaster ,

I'll be patient with you. Let me know when you're ready to take the leap. If you're hesitating, that's okay. I'll be with you every step of the way.

Love,

Elijah

@ Emberlynn Knight !

I'm glad I found you with your flower petals. I hope we can be good friends someday.

Meeting you again at Capture the Flag isn't the best since we're in opposite teams but thank goodness you were there to aid Lilythe.

Elijah

Nothing particularly special today, except for the fact that he had been so busy with camp activities that he had barely had time to fly in the past couple of weeks. Elijah was busy preparing for the archery tournament along with other obligations that he had to tend to. He would always spare some time for Akemi whenever she could catch him; however, she had to wait until later in the evenings when he was finished with everything for the day. But sometimes, there are days where he would not see her at all. It was today he had planned to himself, starting with a stroll to the stables. He slept in at a slightly later time than usual before grabbing breakfast which consisted of avocado toast and an omelet with a side of fresh fruit. His goblet was filled with orange juice but he was occupied by some friends for a chat before he could finally proceed with his day.

The sun shone brightly, bathing everything in a pleasant golden glow as he took in the sights around him. The woods and the lake were calm and peaceful, with their inhabitants taking a morning nap as they basked under the sun's warm rays. The birds chirped merrily in the distance while the wind rustled through the leaves of the trees. Nature is a beautiful thing and so are pegasi. Elijah sighed contently as he arrived at the stables just in time for the pegasi riding class he had signed up just a week before. He was greeted by a dapper child of Iris who gave him last minute instructions before he could enter the fly field.

"Alright everyone! Let's begin!"

Everyone gathered in front of the pegasi, who were already saddled up and waiting patiently for their riders. This lesson is a freeform so they were given tips and reminders on how to work with their winged equestrians and not fall to the ground in addition to the exercises to give them a feel. A minute after they mounted, everyone was soaring. After some time, Elijah landed on the ground and petted his class partner. He hesitantly guided it back to its place in the stables and a yearning smile was given until he parted. @ Akemi Lancaster

Elijah knew the forest is one she considers her home apart from Cabin Twenty. It's vast and filled with monsters so not every camper is going enter on a whim. It's a perfect hideout and training grounds for her. A look of admiration was given to her then, moments as she brushed her thumb on his lips that were once stained with her lip stick now spread out. Another chill gust blew over them but his body did not shiver due in no part to the warmth. The electricity spreading out from neuron to neuron from the thrill of her. "We shall." The boy parted with those words, leaving the ghost of the forest to her own devices. He certainly enjoyed the hug when he wrapped his arms around her body, head empty - heart full.

Unaware of her real intentions.

fin.

The kiss was nothing he had imagined it to be. It felt exciting, thrilling, stimulating, breathtaking... No amount of words could exactly describe the experience. He was more than pleased to hear her response if it is anything but him being a terrible kisser. He supposed it is a fear most boys have to avoid embarrassment but it turned out to be natural. Elijah chuckled, "That's gotta be the best 'pun' you've said to me so far." Sunkissed. He continued to look at her, waiting for what she could do next since he was not ready to part just yet but her dare worked on him and they kissed again. And again - like waves crashing into shore one after another. Elijsh was cupping the base of her neck for a couple more kisses, satisfying the craving he did not think he had.

Lips parted in a content sigh, a smile forming when the two of them finally parted. "I think it's about time I should head back since I've got matters to attend to, unless you want me to stick around." Elijah has responsibilities outside of the forest but he wanted to check in with her first. Usually she would let him go, but... this time he felt like her answer might be different.

Elijah was not sure how to respond to that request. He wasn't sure if such an opportunity will come by again, but she was willing to let them relive that desired moment again. Like a rewind. Heart melting to her soft tone, he gave her a nod as he moved forward. Once their gaze met, he could not part. It's like a dream. A pretty ghost, no, flower. A grin slowly curled his lips as he let himself get absorbed into the moment that was taken away from them. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

The adolescent teen set an affectionate gaze, taking the moment to admire her once more. It feels like a glance at her would make him smile but it now feels like he could do anything. Maybe even perform right now. No way was he going to part like this. His hands parted from hers and went to hold her arms, giving them a soft squeeze as he moved a bit forward so their faces are close. Head leaning forward once more, his eyes grew shut as soon as their lips met for a brief, passionate moment. 

He hesitantly withdrew his lips, eyes setting another gaze, curious to see her reaction from the moment. "How do you feel?"

There was a sudden knot to his stomach as he was mentally preparing himself for her response. Maybe it was in instinct, but he felt that she could say no. Elijah did not expect this either but he grew to like her over the times they have met up in the forest and occasionally outside of the trees and the undergrowth. His heart sunk realizing that she was crushing on him for years, giving him every bit of hope he could get. The confession was quite sudden but he was the type to not hold back when he wanted to communicate something even if it is a delicate matter. When their gazes met, he met her sadness with hope. It was shifting but the hand holding reassured him.

He listened to her with intent as she expressed her stance the best she could at the moment. He knew every word she spoke was not a lie, but a heartfelt message mixed with a bit of confusion until the end. When she made her request, it was certainly better than a 'no'. "Okay." He responded. "Take all the time you need." He watched as she looked away flustered and his heart fluttered at the sight of her softy. After a short pause, he continued. "You're not a ghost. You're a wallflower. Pretty much the same, but the latter sounds more pretty. It's a flower which blooms in early spring season, maybe after a storm."

"With a bit of patience, even a flower could bloom under the sun... I'm your sunshine." Elijah smiled quite widely at the comparison he has made between the two of them. He gave her hands a soft squeeze, hoping she'd look back.  

Elijah was more frustrated at the wind interrupting their moment and he was not sure if they were ever going to get that back or accomplish it again. His heart was pounding against his chest, head looking away from her out of embarrassment. He had to take a moment to recompose himself by drawing some slow breaths until he could get himself to face her. The soft tone in her voice helped and seeing her hand reach out for his, he held it without hesitation and their fingers gently interlaced. "Thanks... It was a blur of a moment." He spoke in an attempt to explain himself. He was in the mood. "I just... like you. I don't know how to say it, but I like you." He paused looking down on their shoes before looking up to her again. "Maybe that's why I came to visit you in not-my-training clothes."

There are other occasions where he does visit her in anything but training attire but today he thought he could enjoy the weather comfortably. Now it felt like he would be reminded how it interrupted their romantic atmosphere, if she ever reciprocates. 

Pleased to know that every artist he listed was right, he made a mental note of those are the ones she listens too, along with Green Day and Chase Atlantic. He realized he already listens to some of their songs already so he did not think could not be more in sync from the start. Elijah was chuckling at her gasp, thinking for a moment she had used magic to make the device appear in her hand. He would not be surprised if that was actually the outcome but there is irony in that possibility. "Figured. People watching while hearing natural noise can be a bit boring."

MP3 players became the best alternative to music in camp life since devices with communication functions are prohibited. Such technology attracts monsters so anything without radio waves is allowed. Pretty much every person he knows here owns one. Elijah was... surprised at her question, looking at her in awe when she offered her hand. It was a different side to Akemi, one perhaps nobody else as seen other than him. It was cute. The young man drew his breath and a hand reached out to hold hers.

"I would be honored."

He shot a glance to the screen of her player and recognized the song after mere moments. "I'm not the best person to ask..."

// Better Together - Jack Johnson, couple dance for reference!

Elijah guided her step by step, eyes gazing into her when she followed through. The song was slow and enough to set the mood, if that was her intention. Confidence prompted him a wink after a twirl until their faces were close by the end. He was nervous but he could not bring himself to let her go. Just not yet. Face leaning forward for a kiss, their lips almost meeting until a gust blew on the couple. The sudden chill blast shuddered his person, forcing him to let go. He was embarrassed with his face growing hot. "Sorry. I'm sorry."

Elijah was more than pleased to hear her sing along with him so he continued to sing the musical notes with grace. Singing has helped him tremendously since he sustained a loss before coming to camp. It helped him remind him who he was and how he got there and the satyr who helped shaped him would look down at him from the skies as a star. A bit of a cheesy belief but he clung to it because he was like a father to him. His lips curled into a smile, she could tell that he was enjoying their little bonding over music.

"Like... emo music? Paramore, Yellowcard, My Chemical Romance?" He was trying to make sense of her tastes since that would be one more thing to talk about between them. Music has always been part of his life so it's not an exaggeration when it has been ingrained in his experiences. It's a miracle to be given musical talent but he can't enjoy every song out there. "I don't judge. You could link me to your playlist and I could download it into my mp3 player. I made sure to get a lot of storage." Elijah is open to listen to music, given the recommendation or if someone he knows expressed a taste. At least, he wanted to be more open minded to something that makes them feel something others may not.

"Wow." He became thrilled to know she liked dancing. "80s, 90s? Wish I could bring a stereo here. We could have danced. I wouldn't mind doing it with you. I'm not a good one either so we can do it terribly together."