Tristan Damaris

Tristan was not expecting to go to the north shore for the fireworks show. The past two years he had been watching the flashy display from the comfort of his mother's cabin simply because he did not have anyone to go with. And even if he did, he preferred to watch it alone but this summer will be different. When Dahlia asked him to come with her, he gave an answer. It was not immediate but he accepted the invite. He had bonded with her so much within a short period of time that he was growing suspicious of how things are playing out. The thought of Nemesis just striking down the bad luck because all he had experienced is good things from being her friend... remained in the back of his mind but nevertheless, he persisted. Finally arriving to the beach, the sun was beginning to set. He had forgotten how beautiful was the view... when was the last time he was here? It was the first week he arrived at camp.

Two years later, he was grateful it remained the same. He was looking forward to seeing it so suddenly for some reason. The thought of his best friend Dahlia came to mind and the corners of his lips curled into a smile. Taking off his sandals, he walked in the sand barefoot to look for the Demeter child. Not much campers showed up which made his search short. "Dahlia!" He paraded to her. "Thanks for having me. Been a while since I have been here." And a long while. 

Happy to hear that Arsen agreed to a study session, he was happy to be getting much more interaction from the Harrington twins. He found them unapproachable because they have this energy he could not seem to match on his own but he was lucky to be related to them. If he weren't, he may not speak to them at all. Chuckling at McKayla's comment, he reassured her. "Don't worry. We won't do anything like that. We're going to try more... cosmetic spells like adding makeup or changing your hair. Each spell is reversible within time but they can also be reversible with a respective spell. Our mother knows how much some of us like to... experiment." Tristan shot a wary glance towards Arsen but soon formed a smile to the Nike girl.

"Hmm..." The boy began to ponder, his mind sifting through the books he had read. Cosmetics magic were not part of his study but he remembered skimming through some out of curiosity. With a metaphorical light bulb lighting up above his head, he widened his eyes as he snapped his fingers, causing a grimoire to materialize out of thin air in front of him. "There we go." The book fell into his hand and he opened it to pore over the pages. "Why don't we start with making her nose bigger? Just... try not to make it too big. The spell is... Pinocchio. You try Arsen. And focus on her nose so you can have the maximum effect."

Being a child of Hecate can be a bit confusing. One day you are just a person living a normal life and the next, you experience supernatural phenomena of fantasia. When his father died, he thought it was one of the drawbacks to being a person with powers. With great power, comes with great responsibility, he thought back to his dying words. Tristan was determined to look over as much grimoires as he could and only studying those that he found to be useful but there are still spells the better part of him wants to see the produced effect. It was better than those illusory tricks his father had showed him but nonetheless amazing to anyone new to magic.

"I agree, yes. Magic is awesome but there's always a limitation. Sounds lame but it's a gift mother gave me. In turn, I can learn any spell that's kept record in the cabin. Hecate is the goddess of magic after all." And he was proud to have her as a mother for letting him live out his dream of being a wizard. Looking back at him, he wanted to ask. "So does your name short for anything? Like TJ Maxx, Trader Joe's..." Tristan could not help but chuckle at his comment but he wanted to lighten the situation before they head out. 

A cordial smile as he began to examine him now that he's made a safe landing from the tree albeit the bruises he sustained on the way. It was better than a thud to the ground and doing so could have worsened his condition. Tristan was glad he was able to save him and his gun in time. "You're welcome. I'm happy you're okay. Now with the monster at hand..." He glanced over to the direction the howl came from. "If you're still startled, I can stall it long enough for you to flee. I can grant you temporary protection so the monsters can't track you. You too, Killian. If anyone, an adult should be the one accompanying you. You survive..." He set a confident gaze onto the boy. "And I'll show you a couple more magic tricks. How does that sound? I'll catch up with you."

"I'm well. And yourself?" After the two campers exchanged their greetings, Tristan looked up once more to se TJ still clinging onto the branch. It seemed like they would have to pry just to get him off but he did not want that. He'd rather not scar him through peer pressure. "I don't mind fighting either. I've got protection charms in my sleeve so they won't lay a skeleton finger on you. Think of it as an undead repellant." The undead was one of the first things he had looked up when he came back to camp when he was told even children of Hecate could have control over necromancy to a certain extent. If he did, he can't control skeletons but at least he could communicate with souls. "If you don't want to, it's okay. Like he said, you can be our lookout while we can defend our post or distract it while you run."

Tristan was certain he would be stuck in there but his eyes widened when he began to fall. He cringed at the sight but nevertheless gave him a surprise he did not think he'll experience once in his lifetime. A hand reached out to where TJ was about to hit the ground and prevented him from doing so by suspending in the air just for a few seconds before letting him fall the rest. He could have done it for longer but... magic conservation was his priority when the sun is still up. Approaching him, he leaned down and a hand reached out for him to grab. "You alright, man? I'm Tristan. Not the best circumstances for our first time meeting, I know."

This uneasy feeling that Tristan had since she mentioned she was attacked by some unknown group of criminals began to grow. It did not feel any different from the dangers he had faced at home but imagine having to constantly move just to get away from these people, but his newfound drive clenched his fist. He was ready to fend off her family's attackers just so they could have a peaceful life again. If she was left in the dark, then it must be a matter that concerns her father but he highly doubt that he's ever going to spell and endanger them. She seemed fine about it now since she's here in camp but it still concerns him that the attackers may still be part of the picture. Unclenching his fist, he responded. "Hmm... I do think that there is an upside to these plants having feelings. You take care of them, they'll take care of you. Simple as that. I know that won't be as problem."

"Tomorrow." He spoke without an ounce of hesitation. If she did not know, he became rather eager to see her again. She had squeezed into his reading time today so after lunch, he had somewhere else to be. The thought became irritating. He promised he would "hang" with his half-siblings today but time with Dahlia became much more enticing. A kind, youthful, and caring flower. Someone who allowed whom he made an instant connection with and even held hands. He wanted to hold back by habit out of his reservations for the people around him but she was an exception to the point where he'd consider combining their hobbies and maybe... hold hands again. "Ah!" Tristan was surprised to hear that she owns tangible copies of manga when he heard that most people would read the material online for free. "I haven't read it but I brought it up because it has so many chapters I found at my local library. I'm looking to start reading now that you brought it up. Do you have any recommendations? How about a more shorter series but more story rich?"

"Trash? What the?" The boy could not help but give her an annoyed look. Now he felt guilty for avoiding them but that gave him an idea. "So maybe... we can do a clean up day with just the two of us? Once a week at the forest. You don't have to come if you don't want to." Tristan knew that she would agree to it but he wanted to avoid the thought of her turning him down. From the question, it sounded like a weekly engagement so it required commitment which was something he was not too certain on her taking it up. Though upon the mention of ramen, he beamed at her. "Absolutely, I'd love to." Tristan began with instant ramen when his stepmother decided not to leave him food. It wasn't the ideal meal but it was better than getting spanked for eating leftovers. She wouldn't know if a pack of ramen went missing. He was about to speak when she was suddenly so close to him. Her face as she began to set her gaze, Tristan met eye contact and found himself leaning towards her. At first, it was holding hands. Then they're about to kiss. They're about to press their lips against each other in passion-

Voices filled the kitchen as a couple of campers entered, startling him to part from what could their first kiss. His hand instinctively slapped the ramen packet upwards from her hand and it soared. After concaving upward, it landed on his head before sliding down to the floor between them. "Sorry for scaring you guys, just needed to grab something." A male camper spoke as he went about his business and their small group left the kitchen. Tristan took a deep breath. He was annoyed and Dahlia could tell. "Um, yeah. Why don't you... surprise me? Give me your best shot at ramen. I hope I've earned the honor of tasting Dahlia's ramen special." 

Tristan was using his magic conservatively so that he would not be super worn out by the end of the game. Then again, if the game ever took place during the evening, the entire Hecate Cabin would be advantageous and no one would want that. Yet he still found the thought amusing with a light chuckle. Earlier he was just scouting and used a spell to point that Dustin was nearby and was going to take the flag at any moment but it was too late. He had been interrupted by several other red team campers and had just arrived near where the blue flag was. A bearded young man stood near a tree with his head tilted upwards - he seemed to be looking up long enough- Oh. There's TJ. He grew curious as to what could scare a child enough for him to even climb a tree and perch himself there.

"Hey Killian." He gave him a wave before looking up with him. "Zombies? I don't remember facing them last year... Wait, are you talking about Dustin's new ability?" He did not know about this either but word spreads around camp faster than wildfire. "My guy... that's undead magic. Some Ares and Hecate kids can do it other than Hades kids but only to an extent." He paused, taking the moment to glance at his BB gun. He was actually impressed he brought that to the game. If he could cast a charm on it, the bullets could even pierce through monsters. "Come down. We have to defend our flag. We'll do it together."

Tristan began to frown so he interjected. "Your father had attackers? What happened?" He could not help but show concern for her family. It's what anyone would do but he had hoped she is able to disclose some details. Whatever she was about to say, he was ready to give her his support. To many others, it's not every day that someone goes all in for someone they had just met but the two of them felt different... as if a missing piece of a puzzle is found - making him feel like whole. "When you said it is like the plants already knew you were in trouble, I was a little envious of that. Wished I could just grant autonomy to my magic or something..." He was amused by his own comment yet an awful thought lies within his mind. He wished his magic could have protected him from his mother's abuse and prevented her from hitting him. Or even just slur her speech whenever she intends on using words. All he could do was to restore his skin back to the way it was. He never liked to see the regions where she had hit on that brought nothing but a painful reminder of her maltreatment towards him. And even then, how come his real mother did not help him? No sign, no hints, nothing.

"Yes, I'm okay. I'm relieved that you were not crying because you were sad but because you were happy." The boy let out another soft chuckle. "I was going to apologize for making you cry but it seems like I did not need to." Tristan wanted to show how much he cared for her in the short time they had met. It was the power that their instant connection held for him because they were simply strangers last summer. He'd see her around in archery class or in the flowerbeds but she's here right now in front of him. "Are you?" He retaliated with a playful tone.

Her new friend nodded subtly. "I'm free most of the time too. That means there are times when I am more free than others." He responded. Though if she were to knock on Cabin Twenty's door to ask him to hang out while he was floating mid-air cross-legged with a floating grimoire on the side, he would open his eyes and drop his magic study session right away to accompany her. Okay, maybe too dramatic but he'll let her know once he's finish he can leave. "Manga, right?" He had remembered hearing about it before. Something about Japanese comic books and the only title he could recall is One Piece because he could recognize the spines that line up the shelves. How does a manga series have more than one thousand chapters? The author must be passionate. "I've heard of One Piece so I suppose you know about that?" It was all he knew. He'll take it because it was the only link he could find to her interest. Coffee and manga? Well that's a combo he's feeling inclined to try out.

Tristan took the moment to gauge the building from where he was so he was almost certain the Big House did not have many campers. Great. No one to interrupt their fluff. As the pair entered the kitchen, the boy could not help but chortle at her response. "Close enough." He stood by her as he scrutinized the fridge. It was stacked. Filled with groceries such as snacks, vegetables, dairy, meat... anything you might need to prepare yourself a meal. Well it was not that surprising. They have goblets that fill themselves. "So how are they? How have they been?" He was curious to know more about them but one of them scared the daylights out of them when he was going on a walk so he had been reluctant.

The boy took the moment the first times he harnessed the power of the shadows. The very first being to shield himself from his stepmother's upcoming attack with a belt, the second was to strike a hellhound after seeing his father die with his own eyes, and the third was to kill the third and last hellhound. The circumstances were not very... triumphant as he had expected it to be but then again many protagonists don't really have a sunshine and rainbow's backstory to brag about. "I suppose you can say that. It's not like I knew about it before I used it." At the time, all he could think about was needing protection from his mother while squeezing his eyes shut and then to retaliate. Perhaps emotion is a contributing factor to his abilities. I've killed two monsters the first time I used it though the situation was not exactly ideal. After that whole ordeal, Tristan did his best to remember his power not as something he gained after what he lost but to protect others. It's not that the events and the power correlate but the circumstances called for it simply because he needed to draw this power. Once she was done admiring the weapon, it dissipated within the next couple seconds. The black color began to fade until it blended into its surroundings.

"You were happy..." His lips parted a bashful giggle as it brought a certain warmth to his cheeks. "Right, silly me. I'm...-" Tristan was about to apologize for... hugging her. For embracing her when she was alright with it. But he did not. There was no need for that. They had just met and it felt like he had known her for longer than he knew - a miracle even he did not expect to experience but nevertheless welcomed. He was also rather shocked at how fast they were going. Two day-one, or rather, several minutes into their conversation-type friends hugging. Is this normal he asked? Dahlia did not necessarily object but that was probably because she was okay with it or she was too startled to say anything. He hoped it was never the latter.

Coffee was something his half-siblings introduced to him when he began staying up late cultivating his magic. The beverage allowed him extra hours of awake time at the cost of sleeping in later in the day and in some cases the afternoon. Moreover, there are many different types drinks that can be made from a freshly brewed espresso. Lattes, frappes, americanos, affogatos... you name it. Tristan spent the first week creating the 'perfect' coffee beverage in each category only to realize that it did not matter unless the drink tastes good. Of course, this caused him to stay up often so he halted his coffee making for the week after. The boy smiled. "Of course. Just let me know when you are free." Making coffee from scratch will seem like an arduous process for anyone new to it but for her, he was determined to make it as fun as possible to take her mind away from the actual labor. When she spoke of walking through fields, he remembered going there a while back because he needed strawberries so he can make a smoothie in the Big House. Tristan was about to speak only to halt his words when she let go of his hand. He was gazing on it for a moment and saw how empty it felt and the warmth disappearing every passing second.

Following her inside, the two entered the main room which was left with hideous decor as spoken from one of the cabin leaders that showed him this place the first time. Apparently, Dionysus has a thing for leopards, evident in the taxidermic head that hung above the fireplace. "So what is it like hanging around the forest? I think you guys would have a unique perspective compared to the other campers. Is it true that trees speak to you or is it just the dryads doing the talking?"

"That's... right." Tristan was getting ahead of himself with what could a child of Demeter's abilities can do but he was then reminded of the consequences of using them outside of Camp Half-Blood. He did not know it at the time but it was not until he arrived at camp that his magic could attract monsters like that horde of hellhounds that trashed his birthday party and killed his father. The air between them grew somber for the moment as the thought made him tremble but her question brought him out of his trance. "I still practice my magic to an extent so I leave the more stronger and sophisticated spells for the evening. Even charms are doable at this time of day." The boy gave her a reassuring smile. "You'd also find me practicing my shadow power- umbrakinesis. I hear it's a rare one among Hecate children. I only know myself and my half-sister do have it and we occasionally meet up to cultivate this power. Like for example." Tristan opened his hand and shadows seemed from the ground to manifest a dark energy filled rapier. He grabbed it by the hilt as soon as it finished materializing and pointed it away from her so he doesn't accidentally cut her. "See? I can do this with other shapes and forms as well, just needs a bit of imagination."

Dahlia crying embarrassed him. If it was not for her, he would not have made such a bold statement. It was because of her that he was able to do so and he did not regret doing it though this sight of her was not something he'd expect. "I'm... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry. Umm...-" The girl was in his embrace the next moment as he firmly wrapped his arms around her. Feeling her body warmth close to her's, she could feel his face getting even more warm the more they hugged. It was the first intimate contact he did since he entered camp but it was all he could think of to get her to stop crying. When she parted, he wiped a stray tear off her cheek before giving her another reassuring smile. "You look prettier when you're not crying." Perhaps this comment may have offended her, but he never intended to do so in such way but rather complimented her.

Thanking her for her understanding, the two of them began to hold hands as they finally approached the Big House. Even though she brought up the grub they could grab, all he could think about was the hand holding. How soft her hand felt and how firm the grip was. It was not too tight, but not too loose either. It was just right. Anyone could assume that they are dating but he would not necessarily deny it either. At least, for now he will. He felt such a strong connection with her that doing this felt appropriate after what they had just talked about. He has his troubles trusting other campers but with Dahlia, it seemed to come so naturally. He was going to speak to break the silence but it seems like she already did. "Um, so as you already know I like reading fantasy novels but I also like brewing coffee. I buy locally sourced coffee whenever I'm out of camp. You can already guess why I came to like the beverage." 

"That's right- food." He interjected. "I hear your magic is not limited to making plants grow but it's not just flowers, my friend. Any life form considered to be a plant. Fruits, trees, vegetables. While I cannot make food just appear, you can grow them. You guys... can potentially cure world hunger. More plants, more animals so- meat, and more nature which clearly everyone in this world needs." He paused with a grin. "That's what I heard though. I wish I could elaborate." Tristan has not interacted with any of the children from that cabin often so Dahlia would be his first real conversation. Most of the information he had gotten from reading, chatter, and being a witness himself. There certainly lay a section of grimoires back in Cabin 20 pertaining to plant magic and its combat capabilities but further study requires having a deep understanding of nature which was something Tristan was not too keen in pursuing at the time. Now that he's met Dahlia, he's reconsidering just so they could practice it together. "Our magic is weak during the day, but it does get stronger during the evenings. Our magical capabilities can be quite... ambiguous, I'll admit."

"I meant every word, Dahlia. Just like what you said. I like you for you, not because you're a child of Demeter. A demigod's abilities only make a part of them." Tristan could not be any more ecstatic from an agreement of friendship. More often than not, Tristan felt lonely since he entered camp. Sure he had talked with other campers and his half-siblings but he'd usually keep to himself being fascinated with how much magic can he do. He can make himself sound like a people person but he has his reserves on forming connections aside from spending time with Asher whom is the only half-sibling he had spoken the most because the two shared a goal. Glancing down at the flower as she held it, it became more than some magic trick he did to impress her but a token of gratitude and their friendship. They had just met but he was beginning to feel comfortable around her presence despite him not being aware. Perhaps it is because a part of him just needed someone to relate to.

"It's... It's okay. I appreciate the curiosity. I don't believe anyone had ask me that." Except for Asher but she asked a different question to which he could not bring himself to give a response just yet. Knowing her, he would probably tell her at a later time - just now is not the best time. He could not bring himself to say this either but he wanted her to wait, to be patient with him. He wanted her to show that he could trust her so that he knows that he won't be hurt in the future. Tristan was lost in his own thoughts but the mention of hunger forced him out of his little trance. "Now that you mentioned it, I'm hungry too." As the two approached the Big House, he noticed that the flower he gave her looked like it had just bloomed and the stem kept it from falling from her ear. When did it have a stem? Either way, he knew it looked good on her.

Though when she paused to hold out her hand, he paused too. He glanced at it, longer than he should before looking up to her. His own slowly reaching out to meet hers, but it stopped to retract for the moment but they were already holding hands in the next. A faint red hue etched across his cheek as his face grew warm. It certainly is silly.

"Magic like me?" Tristan's eyes dilated. "Hmm... I think having the power to control plants is still considered magic in itself. Plant magic. You and your half-siblings just have a better knack for it and we do. Besides, I'm certain that there is a lot more to being Demeter's child than having a green thumb." Letting out a soft chuckle, he decided to make a quick stop to show her a magic trick to thank her for her blunt honesty. It is not something he would expect to hear from another camper who can make plants grow within physical contact but he appreciated the thought. "Don't move. You have something stuck on you." A hand past her head to the back and with a flick of a wrist, a waterlily dahlia appeared out of thin hair as he held it with the hand before revealing it. Double bloomed, sparse curved, and shallow in depth, this particular breed of dahlia stood out to him when he was taking a stroll on the flowerbeds the other day. So when she spoke of her name, it reminded him of that flower. "Consider it a token of your honesty. And yes, it's real. Totally not a projection."

With every second he spends with her, he felt that they could connect the more they chatted. With books, there's virtually unlimited topics to hash out but Tristan has only dived into the fantasy genre but he has dabbled into true crime, science fiction, and romance. He was beginning to anticipate what their future meetings will entail because he does plan on seeing her again. "I could not agree more." He wanted to bring up another title he has read but it seems like Harry Potter will take up the conversation for a while but he did not mind. There is always another time.

Tristan gave her a wide-eyed expression along with a mouth forming an 'o'. "That's right, that's right! Harry asked her to come with him to the party. When they met that the entrance hall, the other girls were glaring at him. I suppose they wanted to be his date." He could not recall if that was actually it or if he was reading it into it too much. "I remember when Harry said his goal was to become and Auror and while Snape scoffed at the idea, Luna pulled him aside to advise against it- saying that Aurors were part of the Rotfang Conspiracy: an alleged plan to bring down the Ministry of Magic from within using dark magic and gum disease." He chuckled. "Definitely a Luna thing." Tristan was not confident in calling anyone a friend. Sure, he has chatted with campers since he arrived but he can't find himself to casually bring anyone up and say they are his friend. It was something he had to live with... until now. So without hesitation, he declared. "I could be your friend." All the signs are there and all he needed to do was to take a leap forward.

"I suppose. Hard to come by these days." He shrugged. Tristan witnessed Harry grew up to be a fine young man with people around him he can call a friend. He struggled, achieved, and overcame obstacles with help so he could not have gone this far without them. A part of Tristan felt envious despite having Uncle Al yet he is usually off doing his satyr duties. He could not blame him but there are days he wished he could just be there for him. "Maybe. We're orphaned." It was a white lie but he considered his stepmother as good as dead after facing abuse from her for years. He even found it to be a blessing not having anywhere to go rather than living with an uncle, aunt. and cousin who disregards your existence. It was obvious he did not want to speak anymore about their pasts' resemblance to each other, but he was kind enough to etch an awkward smile on his face. "It's a sensitive topic... I'm sorry I could not give you a more concise answer."

Soon, the Big House appeared within his vision and it won't be long before the pair arrived at the front porch. 

Tristan could remember the look on her face when he first asked if they could study umbrakinesis together and she looked at him as if she had been looking for someone to examine this power with. It was not every day that they met up as the both of them had other things to do, but he enjoyed every second he spent with her. He was beginning to see her as a sister he wished he had because of a reason that dwelled in his past. He was not sure if he can tell her yet but if she ever asked, then he would be willing to share. The reason she won't learn from the children of Hades felt unexpected to him but he preferred it this way for some brother-sister bonding. Usually she would be the first to arrive but his excitement made him want to go. "Asher!" He called her rather eagerly. "I'm good, thanks for asking. What about you? How's life outside of camp?" All he knew was that she went to a prestigious school and worked as a high ranking official in her father's company since his passing. He recalled having her in his contacts but he preferred to save the chatter until she arrived at camp because she preferred keeping her two world's separate.

"So for today, I was thinking we dive into application. Mother's inscriptions can be a lot but it helps to know the how." Setting the book aside, two rapiers made of black energy manifested into his hands with ease. The process began with the hilt before the blade formed as if bits of shadow are working together under a single command to mold what he has in mind. "I used to only one on my first year, but I can do two now. I'm working on lengthening duration since there are times I'd want to hold my "shadow" arsenal for as long as I want." 

"It's my third." Tristan interjected. "Yeah, don't get me wrong- I do love this place. It's like... the next best thing compared to Hogwarts. Sure we don't wear robes or get sorted into one of the three houses, but there is a charm this place has that the magic institution does not. And if you think about it, our immortal parents "sort" us into their cabins." He simpered, pleased with the comparison he had just made. Hearing that she would only come in the summers, it made sense when he saw her last summer but did not show up before the fall season began. It's alright- Campers have a life beyond the boundary. They go to school, home with their families... the thought made Tristan somber for the moment. He had been keeping up with his studies because he wanted to go to college someday but he does not have a home to come back to. Not anymore. He shook his head a bit.

Only to beam at her when she's expressed her love for reading. "I can totally relate. As you read word per word, you feel like you are entering the world the author has presented for us in their work. Granted, sometimes those worlds seem better than reality but they do provide comfort for me. There would also be an instance when I would read and I get distracted in my own thoughts about the information I absorbed- then I would lose track so I would have to take the moment to find where I left off." Tristan could not help but laugh. It would have taken longer to finish the book but he liked taking this time to get lost in his own thoughts. 

Upon the mention of Luna Lovegood, he raised his eyebrows for the moment. He did not think someone would have taken a liking to her as most people would choose someone else as the character can be quite different but that is what makes her stand out. "I love her too." He added. "She has this... unbelievably rare quality of actually not giving a damn about what everybody else thinks of her. People at school call her names but Harry just takes her seriously. Like asking what certain animals are even though he knows they aren't real. He's just super nice to her. I just think they have great chemistry. Better with her than Ginny anyway. Not that I'm opposed to the ship." Luna was someone that he would find himself being friends with, starting with the admiration of her confidence. And for someone who treasures friendships with the memorabilia in her room, she deserves someone like Harry to take on that role.

"This man..." He referred to the character in question. "... was extremely brave, loyal, and selfless person who possessed tremendous strength of character. He would be prepared to put his friends' needs and best interests first because he loves them. To the point where he was pushed to violently attack Bellatrix and Snape." He paused as he get a gaze onto her after halting his tracks. "I would do that too." He was content that she had worded her question as such because his life and Harry's life before they went to camp and Hogwart's respectively bears a resemblance to each other.

Tristan was looking forward to their first study session of the summer since his half-sibling twins have chosen to come to camp during the summers. He was only thirteen when he first met one of the twins, @ Asher Harrington . Because he saw her studying umbrakinesis, he thought it would be a good time to ask if they can study it together. He was only able to materialize a sabre at the time and used it to prove to her that he has the ability. Since then, the two of them have scheduled their study sessions whenever they can. He liked learning from Asher as she knew more than him when they first started but now it seems like he developed his ability more to his liking. He would usually find himself inside their mother's cabin to study theory but today they had planned on putting what they learned into practice. Tristan was dressed in his usual orange camp tee shirt while an elastic waistband wraps around his waist. The band makes up the top rims of the running shorts, providing for easy maneuverability while staying anchored to his lower body. Amethyst tennis shoes hugged his feet as he was perched on a sturdy branch of a maple tree with a grimoire in hand. He was reviewing some of the spells he had learned to do last night while waiting for Asher to arrive.

Tristan had been a closeted nerd for some time and there had been some factors in his personal life that had influenced him to be this way, mainly his stepmother. He knew she would do everything in her power to make his life miserable without intervention so he kept to himself in his room most of the time and would eat in the dinner table with his father. By the same coin, he used Harry Potter as a medium for escapism along with several other fantasy novels he could get lost in. He felt that he can align so much with Harry that he often wished to go to Hogwarts instead of being stuck at home. Though once he was claimed by his godparent, he felt that his dream partially came true. Camp Half-Blood is no Hogwarts, but he can still harness magic and wield the shadows. No Ravenclaw robes either but he was not complaining. "I wish I can go to Hogwarts too, but I like this place." Away from his mother then so he had been staying here since he arrived. "Don't tell my mom that." He was instinctively waiting for some sort of hint that she heard what he said but to no avail.

"I like reading too, but not too long. Make sure to take breaks so you don't fry your mind. The book won't go anywhere." Indeed, he loves the fantasy genre but there are other things he liked to do that take up his time. Other than cultivating his demigod abilities, he liked to get some exercise in so he can stay fit but he would not think about the extreme nature of physical activity with the exception of Capture the Flag. At least, not yet anyway. "I can relate. Sometimes when I read, I grow hungry and I don't even know I'm hungry unless I put the book down." Placing a hand on the rear of his neck, he rubbed it while chuckling awkwardly. "I wish I can just make food materialize out of thin air but it doesn't work that way." He shrugged.

"My favorite... I love Harry. His character resonates me more than I know." He began. "I know he is the main character but I trust that my reason makes my choice an exception." At the moment, he did not want to say anymore but he will think about it when he spends enough time with her. For now, he felt like he could be comfortable around her. "He is quite something, I can tell you that at least. What about you? Who is your favorite?"

"Of course, Dahlia. It's my pleasure. I am always available to help but you can always go to a child of Apollo if you are in the mood for a song. It's not for you though, it is for their father." He could not help but grin at his own remark, knowing that they sing to their father so they can heal injuries. "But please do be careful. I'd rather not see you get hurt again, okay?" Giving her a pat on the shoulder, he let her absorb his question as he pondered what to say next. Silence befell on the pair as the two just stood there as if they did not want to part just yet. He knew she was in a hurry to go to the Big House so what was she doing here again? A soft breeze blew through their area, causing the grass and leaves to rustle. Tristan was about to suggest accompanying her to her destination when she brought up his book, only to be rather shocked from her reaction that gave forth.

"Wait you do?" He helped himself with another smile for the moment. He felt elated to hear that another camper has expressed such a similar interest and the only reason no one else knew is because he is a child of Hecate so belief in another fiction's magic may be normal to some. "According to that online quiz everyone takes, I'm a Ravenclaw. I would still believe that even without that quiz though." Tristan let out soft giggle. "Please excuse me. I'm happy to know you like the series too. Why don't we have a chat over it while I accompany you to the Big House? You would usually see me practicing my magic but today I am free." He paused. "Of course, it's okay if not. It did sound like you were in a rush earlier."

When the girl looked up, all he could do was smile out of relief. She is okay and her face is pretty as if a black petunia flower bloomed right in front of him. A bushy mass of a black velvet flower - her jet black hair that matches the colors of the petals. When he helped her up, her concern for the tree brought him to softly chuckle. He did not know where she tripped but it seemed like her foot touched that root over there. It would even make more sense of she is a child of Demeter with their shared concern for plant life. Though when she spoke, it actually confirmed his suspicions - evident by his eyes widening momentarily. He shook his head to prevent his thoughts from potentially interrupting their first encounter before smiling once more. "I'm sure the tree does not mind." He glanced over to it before returning his gaze towards Dahlia. Now noticing that she has a scratch, he licked his lips. "If you can just pause..."

Tristan simply muttered a phrase in Latin and thew scratch on her face became undone within a second. Sure, the magic is weak during the day but what's the harm in casting a spell that requires little energy? "There you go. Now you can go to the Big House as if you never tripped." He gave her a wink though when she asked, Tristan was taken aback. He became a little hesitant with the question as he slowly hid the book behind his back but it was a short burst of the moment when he decided otherwise. He showed her the front, hardcover book of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. "It's Harry Potter. I don't show this just to anyone but I love this series. I think it's my sixth time starting it." He did not know why, but he anticipated on what she was going to say. She won't make a rude comment, right?

Tristan was in the middle of Chapter 5: Diagon Alley where Harry arrived in Ollivander's to buy himself a new wand for his first year in Hogwarts. He was about to move on but reading that text brought him to reminisce the moments where he was instructed to use a wand to channel his magic through the instrument. The younger children among his half-siblings tend to use them since they don't have the control to do wandless magic so as they get older, the wands will grow impractical and will then be passed along to the newer members once control over their magic is developed. Being a Harry Potter fan himself, Tristan was very excited to be given his first wand. Every one of those instruments are made with the wood from the forests within camp and then a spell is performed so that it can harness magic. He still keeps his wand to this day but only when he is dressing up as a Ravenclaw student.

A soft grunt from below interrupted his train of thought and he immediately leaned towards the side only to see a black-haired girl land on the ground. Alarmed by the sight, he closed his book and hopped down to run to her aid. "Hey!" He began with a soft voice as he helped her back up, relieved that she did not suffer from an injury though if there was a scratch, he could cast a spell now to heal that. "I'm not sure why are you in such a hurry but you should be more careful. If you'd like, you can sideline and we can take a trip to the infirmary." Giving her a soft smile, his lips curled as he introduced himself. "I'm Tristan, child of Hecate. And who might you be?" 

He doesn't have the best sibling relationship with Arsen as much as he would like but he could not say the same for him and Asher either. Sure, they exchanged a few words here and there but nothing too significant to be remembered. All he knew is that he is the type to keep to himself and he respected that but seeing that such a deal has been made is nothing but an opportunity to spend time with them. Tristan can be found cultivating his magic most days but because there are virtually unlimited possibilities of what children of Hecate's magic can do, he only mastered spells that he thought could be useful to him in the future. He and McKayla also exchanged words but their previous encounters made him catch wind of her competitive nature, inherently found in the children of Nike.

"I am about to practice my umbrakinesis with some of the campers in the arena... but since Mr. Harrington here said you agreed to letting him practice his magic on you, I think a magic study session is in order." He paused with a gleeful smile as he exchanged glances between the two of them. "You guys don't mind if I join, right? Arsen, I'd love to help you out while you're still here. Since she is volunteering, we can start with light, miscellaneous spells so you can practice them yourself during the evenings. We have a library of grimoires, scrolls, and runes to work with back in the Hecate's cabin. It's been a while so I believe that space is free for us to use - someone was just using it earlier." He spoke, recalling the moment he saw the smoke.

"I understand if you guys prefer the privacy. Just say the word and I'll return to the arena." It was clear to him that the two of them had talked and struck a deal so he considered it intrusive to just barge in. 

Name: Tristan Damaris

Face Claim/s: Dylan O'Brien

Type of Graphic: Siggy

Images: Up to you

Text: Up to you

Mood/Colors: Up to you

Other Specifications: Prefer images/gifs of Stiles Stilinski (Teen Wolf), maybe that "Hogwarts" finish?

Surprise me?

68

The child of Hecate was perched on a sturdy branch of an aspen tree, reading a hardcover copy titled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. He had always been a fan of the series since he was a little kid and he wound up escaping to it whenever he got abused by his stepmother. Day after day, he would fantasize himself in the Potterverse and manifested those thoughts into writing. He eventually created his first fanfiction and showed it to is late father but his work was later ripped to shreds by his stepmother out of spite. Still, he never let her got in the way of his writing and continued to do so in secret. Today, he felt like rereading the entire series for who knows what time while the leaves of the tree slightly shook from the light breeze. The high sunlit clouds drifted across the clear blue sky. The whole landscape was bathed in a warm glow of the sun that had risen. When he glanced at his surroundings, a random thought crossed his mind and checked the date and time by uttering the spell. What appeared before him is a faint, cloudy text that depicted the trivia he needed. That's right, this is the week that more campers will come back since they are out of school for the summer, he thought to himself.

Tristan held the book on his lap while having a leg cross over the other. What laid on the under leg is a lucky cat bookmark with a red string tied to a tiny hole on one end for easy grab. It was given to him by his father when they had gone to a stationary store called Paper Plant Co which sold curated stationary and houseplants. @ Dahlia Wakabayashi

Tristan began the day rather late since he stayed up last night practicing his magic. He was extra motivated simply because there are endless possibilities on what the spells the children of Hecate can do. They can be offensive, defensive, or even as mundane as moving objects around for convenience. Though what made it easier to learn is how similar Harry Potter magic is to this, except without the use of a wand but instead spoken in either Latin or Ancient Greek. Although a bit ambiguous, he felt he made a lot of progress when he puts his mind to it. To his surprise, there was a knock on Hecate's cabin door and out of curiosity, he decided to give her the time of day. It was one of the campers who came by to ask if he could expand the storage inside their bag. He nodded as he took the bag in his hands, taking a quick look inside. "Well, that certainly could be done. I've casted expansion charms myself in the past, I just need to look for the grimoire that had the spell's instructions." He thought about inviting the girl inside, but after seeing that there was still smoke billowing out from the doorway, he decided that they would be better off out in the porch instead. So, with a snap of his fingers, two comfortable looking porch chairs appeared beside them, accompanied by a round coffee table with a set of pitcher and glasses set on top, nothing inside but ice cubes. "Okay so, feel free to take a seat and just give me a second to grab the spell book." He proclaimed as he took one step inside before stopping himself. "Oh, and, just whisper what kind of drink or refreshment you want to the pitcher. It will fill itself up," he said with a wink as he ran inside the cabin.

Once he finished the campers request, it was time for him to practice his umbrakinesis. He knew very well that the magic granted by his mother is practically limited during the day so he thought he could train to make himself useful in that time. Even so, he was grateful that he was able to wield this dark power during the day. The young man was on his way to the arena to ask anyone available for him to spar until a familiar figure is talking to another. He squinted his eyes towards him from afar and a smile was brought forth when he recognized that figure. Tristan power walked towards the pair and they seemed to be more and more clear in his eyes. "Hey fellas! Arsen. McKayla." He greeted them. "What deal was made this time? I bet you convinced him to join in on one of your little competitive mischief." He could not help but grin at his own comment.

First Time in the Big Apple.

Desperate Measures