Strange girl in a tree/ Kindred spirits, morning light/ Lucky to find you

[Winnie Sullivan]

Winnie Sullivan was new to Camp Half-Blood. Indeed, she was practically new to the world; she certainly looked around like that was the case. Walking through the forests that skirted the camp grounds, Winnie's eyes were trained above her, wondering at the sunlight that dappled through the leaves. Her mother had kept her so sheltered growing up that the grounds often overwhelmed her. The campers were loud, often violent (even if only in training), and almost always guarded. Fascinating to watch, but difficult to join.

Suddenly, something interrupted Winnie’s view. Someone. A pretty girl with dark hair sat in the crook of a tree above her head, holding a book in one hand. Winnie smiled dreamily, noting that she looked completely at home there. Like a fairy, she observed, tilting her head for a different angle. The morning sun haloed the girl, painting her warm and magical-looking. I suppose we technically are magic, she pondered, still getting used to the reality of her heritage.

Not loud enough to frighten her, but still to be heard, Winnie called out. “Hi! What are you doing up there?”

@ Dahlia Wakabayashi

[Dahlia Wakabayashi]

Dahlia had been feeling a bit lonely in her cabin, so she found a book in her room of one of her favorite manga's Miramaya!!! Taking it with her, she went outside where she felt most connected!!! Her mom was Demeter and even though she just found out. Dahlia thought it brought a lot of light to her life as she had always been one that being outside in nature made her feel connected and grounded. Once she made it to the forest, Dahlia began to look around for her favorite tree. It only took her a few minutes to spot it as she ran over to begin climbing. Humming a JPOP song to herself, she made it perfectly in the branch she loved to sit in day after day!!! Stretching she then pulled out her manga and leaned back to read. 

A hour went by when she was so caught up in her manga that she did not even hear the girl come walking towards her. It wasn't until she spoke that she was spooked. Dahlia lost her balance and began to wave her airs to catch herself "WOAHHHHHHHHHH" but it didn't help as she then fell out the tree onto the ground. Her manga falling at the feet of the girl while dahlia as another bit aways pushing herself up. "Well that wasn't graceful" her words to herself were stern as she began to rub her head. 

[Winnie Sullivan]

Winnie, feeling guilty for making the girl fall, held out her arms uselessly, as though she could catch her. When she hit the ground, a book fell from her hands. Winnie liked her already. "Oh! Are you okay?" she asked breathlessly, concerned, but maintaining her usual optimism. Holding out a hand to help this new friend up, Winnie let out a soft giggle. It wasn't that she thought the fall was funny -- quite the opposite! -- but she was delighted by the contrast of her thoughts and the reality of the situation that had unfolded. Right after pondering how much this girl looked a fairy, she'd tumbled from the tree in a move that couldn't be less like flight!

"I think it was very elegant!" she reassured. "Like a swan trying to fly," the words came out dreamily. Formally, she offered a hand to shake. "I'm Winnie. What's your name?" She picked up the book and smiled, flicking through its pages. It was almost all pictures! A dyslexic's dream!

[Dahlia Wakabayashi]

Dahlia steadied herself on the ground as Winnie's arms reached out uselessly, attempting to catch her during the fall. Despite the minor embarrassment of the tumble, the genuine concern in Winnie's attempt warmed her cheeks. She accepted the offered hand and allowed Winnie to pull her back to her feet, the corners of her lips curling into a grateful smile. Winnie's soft giggle in response to the situation was infectious, causing Dahlia to chuckle along. There was an unexpected comfort in Winnie's presence, as if they had been friends for longer than this brief encounter. The comparison to a swan's attempt at flight, though unconventional, drew out another laugh from Dahlia. "I suppose graceful falls are my specialty," she quipped, amusement dancing in her eyes. She even moved her arms out like a birds arm flap!

Dahlia mirrored the gesture, extending her hand for a handshake. "Dahlia," she replied, her grip meeting Winnie's with a sense of excitement. Watching Winnie pick up her fallen manga and express genuine fascination with the artwork, Dahlia felt a blush come on. She had not shared too much with others about her heritage as she had been picked on in school for it all. "Ohhhhh that is my manga" she said still blushing "One of my favorites." 

[Winnie Sullivan]

"Dahlia! Like the flower," Winnie smiled dreamily. "I can definitely see that in you," she squinted at the girl, cocking her head. With the sun behind her, Dahlia almost did look like the plush perennial. Just as Winnie had suspected, this girl was something special. A kindred spirit at last! Suddenly, the thought of residing at Camp Half-Blood didn't seem so scary. The blush that flooded Dahlia's cheeks made her even more similar to her namesake flower, making Winnie let out a giggle.

"Manga?" sheltered Winnie hadn't heard the term before, but she liked the way it sounded and felt in her mouth. "It's very pretty. I love it already!" In an easy movement, Winnie hooked her arm in Dahlia's. It was like they'd been friends for a long time already, for how comfortable and familiar she felt. Winnie began to walk, continuing to explore the forest with her new friend at her side. Fascinated to learn more about her, she began the questioning. If she was more concerned with normality, she would've been worried to overwhelm Dahlia. But she was too excited by the prospect of knowing more about her to care!

"Who are your parents? What cabin do you live in? What's a manga? How do you get your hair so shiny?"

[Dahlia Wakabayashi]

"Yeah, like the flower," dahlia replied, her smile growing wider as Winnie's dreamy expression made her seem even more enchanting. Her innocent perspective was refreshing, and it made her feel surprisingly at ease. Dahlia chuckled at her comment, raising an eyebrow playfully. "Well, I'll take that as a compliment." Her curiosity about manga seemed genuine and endearing. It was refreshing to meet someone who wasn't familiar with the term but was open to learning about it. As she hooked her arm in Dahlia's, she felt a warmth spread through her, the feeling of an unexpected bond forming between them. Winnie's casual gesture felt like something a lifelong friend would do, and it was a comforting thought. Dahlia had made friends with those in her own cabin sure, but people outside seemed to avoid her for some reason.

Walking alongside Winnie, she couldn't help but enjoy the shared exploration of the forest. Winnie's questions flowed freely, and her curiosity was infectious. Dahlia could not help but chuckle at her rapid-fire inquiries, finding them endearing rather than overwhelming. "My mom is Demeter, goddess of agriculture and the harvest," she began, feeling a sense of acceptance in sharing this piece of her identity with Winnie. "I'm in the Demeter cabin...... A manga is a type of Japanese comic or graphic novel, and for the hair, it's all about using the right shampoo and conditioner, I guess," She began to giggle again as she found this all too funny. "What about you, you got claimed the other day right?" 

[Winnie Sullivan]

Winnie listened to Dahlia's answers, completely enthralled at all the new information. She nodded, smiling earnestly through all of it. "Oh wow, fascinating! Can you make flowers grow?" she asked dreamily. It was easy to imagine Dahlia commanding nature; Winnie had never seen Demeter, but she imagined the family resemblance was striking. There was something about her that fit in so well with nature. More so than other people, you could tell that the forces that made flowers, trees, rivers, and land had made Dahlia too. That's what Winnie thought anyway.

As Dahlia returned her question, Winnie's eyes lit up with pride. Her free hand stretched up above her to the sky, blocking out the sun with the silhouette of her fingers. "Daughter of Apollo," she answered happily, her voice like a soft exhale. While she'd only recently discovered her heritage, she swelled with pride at being the child of the sun god. Poetry, healing, music, light... It made sense, her mum being a famous poet and all, but Winnie could still hardly believe it. "Cabin 7," she added, though she'd only recently moved in there. "Haven't made any friends yet, though... how weird is it that we have so many siblings we never knew about?" Winnie liked to watch her siblings, and already knew all of them by name. They liked to sing, dance, practice archery... she was still on the outside though. As usual. She didn't mind, but she was also very glad to have Dahlia now.

[Dahlia Wakabayashi]

As Winnie's eyes sparkled with interest and her questions continued, Dahlia found herself opening up more and more. The dreamy curiosity in Winnie's demeanor made Dahlia feel like she was sharing her world with someone who genuinely appreciated it. The idea of controlling plants made her chuckle softly. "Well, I can help them grow, but it's more like encouragement than command. Well and in battle I guess it is more of a command to control them, I do love to sing to them" she explained, feeling a certain warmth in discussing her abilities with Winnie. It was a skill she was still honing, but being able to bring life to the natural world around her was a gift she cherished.

Listening to Winnie reveal her own heritage, Dahlia felt a sense of awe. Apollo's child – the sun god's daughter. It suited her somehow, with Winnie's radiant energy and the way she seemed to light up the forest around them. "Daughter of Apollo, wow" Dahlia echoed, her tone holding a mixture of admiration and fascination. Cabin 7 – that must have been where all the Apollo kids resided. Winnie's comment about not having made friends yet resonated with Dahlia. It was strange how they could be surrounded by others like them, yet still feel alone. With a sympathetic smile, Dahlia nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's pretty surreal to discover you have a whole bunch of siblings you never knew about, plus we can all be so similar but yet different" she said, her voice tinged with understanding. "But hey, at least we found each other." She squeezed Winnie's arm gently. 

[Winnie Sullivan]

"We shouldn't have control over flowers anyway... they should grow in their own time, like us," Winnie said solemnly, nodding to herself. Her nose wrinkled at the mention of battle, but smoothed out again when Dahlia mentioned singing to the plants. "You like to sing? Oh goodness, me too!" Excitedly, she took Dahlia's hand and held it aloft, twirling her around. How quickly and easily they'd clicked! For a moment, all the world seemed golden and not just because of the sunlight; a true friend, finally. This is what Winnie had been waiting for practically her whole life. While she was perfectly happy in solitude, maybe solitude shared with Dahlia would be even better!

Giving a small hum of agreement, Winnie thought of her cabin. In the sunlight it gleamed golden, reflecting the god for which it was erected. The other Apollo campers were kind to Winnie for the most part, but none seemed to like her particularly much. So similar and yet so different... Dahlia's words struck a chord with her. Even now, out of the isolation she grew up in, she felt pretty alone. That was, until about ten minutes ago. "Found each other? I found you, and you fell out of a tree!" Winnie's giggle was kind rather than mocking, sharing in the joy and amusement of their origin as friends. 

Winnie returned Dahlia's squeeze, smiling radiantly at her. "You must pick some strawberries with me soon," she said. "The satyrs don't like to ask campers for help, but they'd be so thrilled with you!"

[Dahlia Wakabayashi]

"You're right, nature has its own rhythm, and honestly I just loving giving a boost to things" she said, as she blushed a little. "Oh yes I do love to sing, I sing to a lot of JPOP in my room."  As a rush of joy as Winnie took her hand and twirled her around. In that moment, the forest around them felt like a magical place where anything was possible, and Dahlia was grateful for this newfound friendship. They continued walking, Dahlia's gaze settled on the gleaming Apollo cabin in the distance. It was a striking sight, and she couldn't help but admire it. Winnie's comment about finding each other made her giggle, and she felt a lightness in her heart. "Well, it was a memorable entrance, to say the least," she quipped, sharing in Winnie's amusement. It felt good to have someone who appreciated her quirks and found humor in them.

Winnie's suggestion of picking strawberries together with the satyrs brought a smile to Dahlia's face. "I'd love to," she replied eagerly. The idea of helping out and making friends with the satyrs sounded like a delightful adventure. As they walked deeper into the forest, Dahlia couldn't help but feel that her life at Camp Half-Blood was taking a turn for the better, all thanks to the unexpected friendship she had found in Winnie. "So ummm what do you do for fun? Like is your cabin always singing or playing music?" 

[Winnie Sullivan]

Winnie's laughter rose to the canopy of trees above like bubbles. She was so delighted by Dahlia, and how easily they fit into each other's worlds; she didn't usually have much in common with people her own age. It was definitely a nice feeling. "J-POP? What's the J stand for?" Winnie enquired curiously. She wasn't usually insecure about her sheltered upbringing, but she really wanted Dahlia to think she was cool. Asking questions was supposed to be good when you meet new people, but was this too much? Winnie's worries were quieted when she looked at Dahlia's pretty, gentle face again. It was clear she wasn't being judged for once. Winnie flapped her hands in joy, feeling at once soothed fulfilled by the repetitive movement!

"Oh yes," Winnie smiled serenely. "There's always music playing. We lead the singing at the campfire, too. There are lots of artists and poets in my cabin -- they're fun to watch work. I don't usually join in, but I like to observe..." she trailed off. "I do my singing in private," Winnie added shyly. Many of the other Apollo kids were flamboyant, keen to show off their beautiful voices. Whenever she joined in, she felt she sounded too squeaky and mousy! "What about you, Dahlia? What's your cabin like? Is it as pretty on the inside as it is on the outside?" Winnie liked the Apollo cabin, but secretly she was incredibly jealous of the Demeter kids. Their cabin was beautiful and whimsical, with grass growing on the roof and plants everywhere. She was grinning just picturing it!

[Dahlia Wakabayashi]

Winnie's laughter was like a soothing melody, and Dahlia found herself giggling along, feeling a sense of lightness she hadn't experienced in a while. She noticed Winnie's curiosity about J-POP, and her cheeks flushed slightly as she explained, "J-POP stands for Japanese pop music. It's this really catchy and fun genre from Japan. I love how upbeat and energetic it is." She appreciated Winnie's interest and felt a sense of connection, knowing that they could share their musical tastes with each other. Listening to Winnie's description of her cabin and their musical talents, Dahlia found herself intrigued. It seemed like a lively and creative place, and she could imagine the vibrant energy that must fill the air during their campfire gatherings. When Winnie mentioned that she did her singing in private, Dahlia couldn't help but smile reassuringly. "I'm sure your voice is lovely," she said sincerely. "And it's great that you have your own space for it."

Winnie's question about the Demeter cabin made Dahlia's heart swell with pride. "Oh, our cabin is like a little piece of nature inside," she explained, her eyes lighting up with fondness. "There are plants everywhere, and it feels like a cozy garden. Plus we have really good cooks so you best bet there is good food being made." Dahlia's gaze then drifted to Winnie, her newfound friend who had brightened her day in ways she couldn't have imagined. 

[Winnie Sullivan]

"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?

[Dahlia Wakabayashi]

Winnie's suggestion of singing together filled Dahlia with excitement and a hint of nervousness. It was a vulnerable proposition, but Winnie's sincerity made it feel right. "That sounds wonderful," she agreed with a warm smile. The idea of sharing their musical worlds felt like the perfect way to strengthen their friendship. As Winnie mentioned French music, Dahlia's curiosity piqued. "French music sounds lovely, and I'd be happy to swap songs with you," she replied, her eyes shining with anticipation. "It's a deal – a piece of our souls in each note." 

Standing in a patch of sunlight, Winnie's words about stardust touched Dahlia deeply. She had always felt a connection to the natural world, and now she felt a similar connection with Winnie. "I believe we're all connected to the universe in some way," she mused, her gaze softening as she looked at her new friend. "And I'm glad I haven't lost my stardust." Winnie's request to visit her cabin and have a sleepover took Dahlia by surprise, but it was a delightful surprise. "Of course, you're more than welcome anytime," she replied warmly, her heart swelling with the thought of sharing her safe haven with Winnie. "We'll have the best time, I promise." That was when she thought of the cleaning harpies. They just had to make sure they were in their cabin by a certain time. "Do you want to see it now or later? I bet one of my siblings are baking something good!!!" 

[Winnie Sullivan]

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."
 

[Dahlia Wakabayashi]

Winnie's enthusiastic squeal of happiness was contagious, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness herself. As Winnie extended her pinky finger for their promise, Dahlia smiled warmly and hooked her own pinky around Winnie's. "I, Dahlia Laurence, pledge to share souls with my wonderful friend Winnie," she said with a touch of playfulness, sealing their promise with a pinky swear. It made her giggle and cover her mouth with her other hand. The moments of loneliness she felt in the past really made this worth it now that she was making a new friend. "You already sparkle, Winnie, in your own unique way," she reassured her as she blushed. As Winnie spoke about the universe's love, Dahlia couldn't help but nod in agreement. "Exactly, the universe has a way of guiding us and showing us the path we're meant to take," she said, her voice filled with a quiet wisdom beyond her years.

With Winnie's enthusiasm to see the Demeter cabin, Dahlia's heart swelled with happiness. "Oh, my siblings will be thrilled to meet you," she replied warmly, feeling a sense of pride in her cabin family. "Let's go, Winnie. I promise you'll love it there, and you'll always have a place in our cozy garden." Dahlia began leading the way through the forest, excited to share her world with her newfound friend and create even more cherished memories together. They made it out where the whole camp laid in front of them. Looking towards the cabins, she saw cabin four, held out her hand for winnie to take. They could then skip, run or walk to the cabin to explore it more!

[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?"

[Dahlia Wakabayashi]

Dahlia couldn't help but be filled with joy as she looked at Winnie, her new friend who had brought so much light into her day. The connection they had formed in such a short time was something she cherished, and she felt a sense of gratitude for the universe for bringing them together. "Yes, the universe brought us together, and I'm so glad it did," she replied with a warm smile.

As they held hands and ran toward the Demeter cabin, Dahlia couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling within her. The cabin was like a sanctuary to her, a place where she felt the most connected to her divine heritage and where she could share her love for nature with her siblings. Stopping just short of the cabin's steps, she turned to Winnie with a bright smile. "I'm more than ready, Winnie," she replied, her voice filled with anticipation. Together, hand in hand, they climbed the steps and entered the Demeter cabin, ready to explore the cozy garden that awaited them and create new memories that would solidify their blossoming friendship.

The End~~~~~~~~~