Winnie Sullivan

The way Dahlia covered her mouth when she laughed was a quirk that Winnie immediately fell in love with. Her heart swelled with pride at making a friend like this: what was it people said? Quality over quantity? Winnie felt that this sentiment especially went for friends. She wouldn't trade Dahlia for any number of shallow friends. How much easier it is to feel understood with the right person than in a room full of strangers! "So the universe brought us together!" she grinned. Winnie took Dahlia's hand gladly, enjoying the gentle warmth of the other girl's palm against her own. It was the most eonderful feeling in the world to be welcomed into Dahlia's home, and assured of her place there too. "Our hands fit together just like our souls!" she observed dreamily before taking off into a run with her new friend in tow. She followed the beautiful green shape of the Demeter cabin in the distance, approaching it quickly and breathlessly. She stopped just short of the steps outside of it, giving Dahlia's hand a squeeze and looking her to her for confirmation. "Are you ready?"

16/09/2022 Dearest diary! Today it is sunny and blue; the clouds are scampering across the sky like plush white rabbits. The wind must be high up there, but as I sit in the strawberry fields the breeze is gentle. There's a party tonight, but I'm not going to go. I don't like loud noises or alcohol, or screaming to be heard over music. I wish I did sometimes -- I've been at CHB for a few years, but still it's hard not to feel isolated. No matter! I have my kindred spirit Dahlia, sweet Loukas, and all the satyrs to keep me company. Strawberries, too. They're looking plump and red as usual, thanks to the magic that runs through this soil. I feel it every day, in every bite. Sshhh don't tell anyone, but I sneak some of the ripest ones for myself and Dahlia! There is much going on at camp these days. I've been watching Henrietta Abbot and Liam Santos... they have a very strange relationship that even I can't get a perfect read on. I ought to look away and leave them be to sort it out amongst themselves, but they're just fascinating. So is Tempest Truett. I sense a part of her nobody else sees is about to surface. Everyone will be seeing her in a new light -- one more than most. A red-headed Phobos girl, Beatrix. I'll get to say 'I told you so' to Loukas! And I'm sure Sage will be interested in gossip like that... if she has a Tempest case file, it'll definitely require some updates in the next few months! Anyway, I must go... I found a perfect few berries that simply must be delivered to Dahlia as soon as possible! Darling diary, you should see the sky today! Sweetest sorrow in writing goodbye to you. Love, Winnie

Winnie wasn't surprised to see the mix of emotions that drifted over Loukas's face at her words. It was a serene, mild reaction to an observation that would have many campers angry or defensive; she loved that about Loukas. He was always kind, understanding and measured. Many demigods tended towards the reactionary, impulsive, indignant... Loukas was special like that. She really couldn't picture him getting angry. "That's brave of you to admit," she smiled encouragingly as he explained himself. "And such noble things to worry about -- that shows you're a good person. You're one step closer to getting out of your box." She gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze to show she was proud of his candidness. "Most people aren't as accepting as you, Lou," she said, nervously. "I'm not sure any of these people would take so kindly to me pointing out the stuff they hide from the world. From each other." Winnie shook her head, her usual dreamy smile returning to her face. "I'm happy just watching, you know me."

Enjoying the way the boy's eyes lit up as he spoke, Winnie stayed quite silent as she listened. He seemed very passionate about a variety of things: his home country, his siblings... there were few qualities Winnie admired more than passion and kindness. Miro seemed to have both in excess! When he suddenly turned into a copy of her, her gasp evolved quickly into an airy giggle; "Oh my goodness, how did you do that?" she exclaimed gleefully, peering at him from different angles. It was an incredible power; he had replicated her so perfectly. It was definitely strange to look yourself in the eyes like that! "Yes, I'm Apollo's girl," she replied, once she'd taken in his trick enough to find her words. "That's probably why I love it out here so much," she gestured to the surroundings by sweeping her arms wide. "Everything is so beautiful in the sun." She grinned at the compliment, unable to hide her joy at being complimented. "Coming from an Aphrodite child, that means a lot," she said, tucking a flower behind her ear. "You would be a beautiful model too, though I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that!" she laughed. Suddenly, an idea came to her. "Wait... Can I draw you? It would be an honour to try and capture you in this moment," she said excitedly, picking up her sketchbook from beside her and flipping to a new page.

Tempest was an especially interesting case. Winnie would have almost no read on her if she hadn't been keeping a vigilant eye out. There was a certain Phobos camper who seemed to do a number on that unshakable Queen Bee... "Usually scary people are hiding how scared they are," Winnie remarked in a hushed tone, her eyes trained on the older girl. "Tempest isn't as tough as she pretends to be. She finds it more comfortable to be hated than loved, that's the problem. Between you and me, I think we'll be seeing a new side to her soon..." Winnie shook her head quickly, grounding herself back in her body. "Sorry, I was slipping away for a minute there," she smiled dreamily. "And you," she turned to Loukas, feeling suddenly bold. "You're scared too. It's a more gentle fear than hers, but I can see it. It lives in your hands," her eyes flickered down to his slender fingers. They carried some strange sadness, an apprehension she couldn't quite place. Winnie gave her friend a sincere smile.

The knowing look Loukas gave his girlfriend wasn't lost on Winnie. There was definitely more to the late-night stable visit, and she couldn't help wondering what he wasn't telling her. A date, a first kiss? Either way, it was a sweet story and she was honoured to hear even the censored version! It sounded so romantic... she couldn't help but wonder if anything like that was in store for her sometime soon. It sometimes seemed like everyone at Camp was in love, and she was missing out on something beautiful. "Definitely a truth girl," Winnie agreed. "I'm an open book. Secrets are just barriers that fence you in," she looked wistfully around the group, her eyes landing on Henry. "See the way Henry's shoulders are hunched? She's sitting in her own invisible box. Secrets do that to people." It was a small wisdom Winnie had picked up from a lifetime of observing people.

Winnie smiled, watching Loukas seek comfort in Sage's eyes. They were very sweet together; when her friends were happy, she was happy. Hugging her knees to her chest, her big eyes scanned the other campers again. Wild and adventurous weren't really her strong suits... most other demigods enjoyed the thrill of spontaneity and battle. She, though, was definitely more of a bake-some-banana-bread-and-bird-watch kind of girl. "I'm not very daring," she admitted. "I once snuck out of my mum's house when I was 10... only because I wanted to feed the ducks at the park though," she grinned, remembering how much trouble she had got in for that escapade. That was about the start and end of her career as a rebel. "What about you? Aside from your earlier performance of course," she questioned with an airy giggle.

Winnie gave Loukas's girlfriend Sage a sincere grin before letting out a giggle at his joke. "The moon, yes! Your moon, not so much," she joked, trying to block out the image of him sprinting into the water. It was seared in her mind! "I've never played before," she added quietly, looking around at the chaos that unfolded. One of the boys was carrying Petal Price around! Was it a dare or a whim of his own? Who knows really... even observant Winnie couldn't keep track of all the flings and affairs around camp! "Everyone looks so happy, I just had to come over!" "You're all very complicated creatures, but you laugh like harp strings," she beamed, looking around. Most people were watching Petal and Gael, but some were, like her and Loukas, caught up in their own conversations.

Winnie wasn't used to participating in things. Usually, she hung around in the background, content just to watch from afar. At Camp Half-Blood, that was usually enough; there was always so much going on, she never got bored of simply observing it all! She'd been watching the distant game of Truth or Dare from her cabin window for some time, far enough away to have to guess most of what was going on. She saw a boy sprint off into the lake, naked -- I guess he picked dare! Another boy had put on quite a show, too. Winnie's curiosity got the better of her, and she slipped out of her cabin into the night. She picked her way carefully over to the group, avoiding pegasus droppings and trying not to draw too much attention. She really had no intention of playing, but it had looked so fascinating. Anything new she could learn about her fellow campers, Winnie was there. She slipped into a spare seat, tucking her hair behind her ears as though preparing to listen. She only recognised a few people by name -- Henry was a spitfire from the Athena cabin. It seemed like her game, as she sat more or less in the centre. Then there was Loukas, one of her friends! She gave him an enthusiastic wave. "Hi! The moon seems happy to see you!"

Winnie smiled, nodding a little ferociously in agreement. "Oh yes! The moon definitely likes you. She's beaming down on you very carefully." It was an odd observation, but very true. The sharper of Loukas's features were defined by the pale light it offered. He looked like a painting, while Winnie just looked distinctly sleepy. She was glad that their first meeting was at night, so that she might see him fully realised. During the day, she bounded and skipped around, her delight uncontained. That's how Loukas was at night, and she was honoured to see it. She guessed few people had. "I understand that. The day can be very overwhelming sometimes." Winnie could definitely sympathise with what he was saying; she had always been a bit sensitive. The bustle and noise of breakfast were difficult to cope with; in an attempt to avoid the worst of it, she often missed out on some of the best food. Generally, the Ares and Athena kids got to that stuff first. Which reminded her -- Loukas had a friend in the Athena cabin -- Sage! She had seen them out together quite often and wistfully wondered if they were in love. She hoped so, as they looked darling together. "I notice the little things first, then everything pieces together to make a whole. Usually, the smallest things are the most beautiful," Winnie replied, happy to put her worldview into words. Something told her that Loukas would understand, and maybe even relate. They seemed to be kindred spirits, unlikely as it was. "I'm out here searching for a new perspective," she answered. "And to observe the beauty in the night... I wanted to make friends with the stars, but it looks like I made friends with you instead!"

Winnie couldn't help but let out a little squeal of happiness as Dahlia agreed to sing with her! She was making a friend, and it was so easy! Remembering a movie she once watched, Winnie extended her pinky finger out to the dark-haired girl. "Okay, let's promise. I, Winnie Sullivan, pledge to always share souls with my new friend Dahlia," she recited. Her eyes were big and full of sincerity, eager to solidify this new bond with a gesture. "I hope your stardust rubs off on me! I'd like to sparkle like you," Winnie added happily. It sounded like Dahlia was as excited as Winnie, and that made her extremely glad. Especially because they seemed to have such similar life philosophies; "Oh, definitely! The universe puts us all on this earth for a reason. We're all enough just by being alive," she agreed wistfully. "That's why the sun always kisses the tops of our heads! We're very loved." It had always been important to her that everyone felt important. Often, that sentiment seemed to be a little unreciprocated, especially by kids her own age. But, with Dahlia, Winnie felt purposeful and calm, important and loved. What a beautiful day it was! "I'd love to see your cabin now," she said, a little shyly. "If you and your siblings will have me."

Looking around the room, Winnie tried to take inventory of all the campers and what injuries they seemed to have. Nothing too severe, so that seemed like a decent place to start. "I've never healed before... not on purpose anyway," she said softly, looking at her little sister with something like awe. She was so young, but so in touch with her powers already! Winnie found Becca inspiring in that way: she used her magic for good. "Maybe you could teach me the basics?" She walked over to a sleeping camper who had his arm in a sling. "Can you demonstrate your powers on him?" Winnie asked quietly, careful not to wake him. She was hoping to pick up some tips by watching an expert like Becca at work!

"We should sing together sometime," Winnie said. She felt a sudden rush of courage, feeling distinctly that Dahlia was somebody she could be vulnerable with. Being a daughter of Apollo, Winnie had a good singing voice -- it wasn't that she was trying to hide it. Singing just felt like such an intimate expression, something to be shared with only special people. She could tell Dahlia was special. "I adore French music," she added wistfully. "I'll teach you my favourite French songs if you teach me some J-POP? It's like swapping a little piece of our souls!" She stopped in a patch of sunlight, absorbing its precious warmth and power for a moment. Turning to her new friend, she tilted her head, taking her in. "You know how all humans are made of stardust? I can see your stardust. Most people lose theirs along the way." Dahlia's cabin sounded just perfect! Winnie loved the way her eyes lit up talking about it. Obviously, it was a beautiful, safe space. "I don't suppose... can I come over sometime? I've never had a sleepover before," She just couldn't help asking, even though it was a little forward. She was even too new to camp to know the rules! But whatever punishment there was for being in the wrong cabin, it would be worth it. Growing up so isolated had been tough, but things were looking up now! Maybe it was time to do everything she'd missed out on?

The boy's big, kind eyes and gentle demeanour put Winne immediately at ease. Often, she was brushed off as strange when she verbalised her thoughts like that. But this boy just seemed amused -- not in a cruel way. Just interested in a new perspective. "I'm beginning to see that," she grinned, looking around for a moment. "If the night has magic, it seems willing to share," she observed, her voice dreamy and distant; he seemed to have come alive in the moonlight, bright-eyed and flushed from the cold air. Up close, she recognised him as Loukas Makris. He was the boy that always seemed languid in the sunshine, and barely ever rose before noon! He had a boyish look about him, with a sweet smile that leaned toward the shy. A child of Hecate -- practically the opposite of Winnie's father Apollo. "You've got moon eyes, Loukas," Winnie said matter-of-factly. "Do you get those from looking at her so often?" She asked, curiously turning her head to gaze up towards the sky. The camp had little light pollution, making the stars not only visible but bright. Even out of her element, she was taken away by the beauty of it all. She eclipsed the light of the moon with a raised hand, picturing it winking down at her. "It's so late... is this why I never see you at breakfast?" It may have seemed an odd question, but she was notoriously observant, as only someone on the outskirts of things really could be. She noticed when people weren't there.

Winnie Sullivan, daughter of the sun god, was giving night-time a whirl. It wasn't that she felt she had exhausted the beauty of daylight -- as far as she was concerned, that was impossible. More so that she wanted a fresh perspective. Dreamy as ever, she observed that the full moon looked like a big, glassy eye, ready to release a big teardrop onto the world. Everything was still, hushed, and dark. Cicadas chirped into the night and tree branches whispered among themselves. The silhouettes of the pines looked strange and surreal in the half-light. Winnie wasn't scared, but she felt distinctly sluggish without the sun shining down on her. And how odd it was to see the usually bustling camp so humble and quiet! Staring up at the sky, Winnie didn't see the person quickly approaching. She was too caught up in daydreams to even hear the crushing gravel and heavy breath of a boy on a midnight run. Stepping out into his path, Winnie collided with him. Stumbling back, she let out a gasp. "Oh my! I'm so sorry," Winnie exclaimed breathily. It was cold enough to see her own breath, her words becoming shapes in the air... but no! She couldn't afford to get distracted by that! "My fault, I wasn't looking where I was going. I was just waiting for the moon to blink" she explained, holding out a delicate hand in case the boy needed help. @ Loukas Makris