The Smell of Those Cookies!

[Kenna Rhys]

Kenna knew that she could always go to the mess hall to just get her some food. But something in her told her to head towards the big house instead. They always had a plate of fresh cookies, in case a new camper showed up for the cabin leaders to talk to. Humming to herself, she pulled out her little machine in her pocket and began to fidget with it. Pulling it apart and putting it back together. It was a little thing like this that helped to focus her ADHD mind that seemed to be going so fast! That was when she got close to the house and could smell the scent of the chocolate chip cookies. It made her stop for a moment, but then opened the door and rushed in. That was when she realized that Lilythe was finishing talking to a new camper which she panicked and ran to the kitchen. Hoping neither of them saw her. Making it, she began to look around when she found a full plate. Picking a cookie up and began to munch on it. 

@ Amelia Celeste Martin

[Amelia Celeste Martin]

Amelia repeated Lilythe's words in her mind. Don't anger Mr. D. Mr. D is actually Dionysus, the Greek god of ... What was it again? She thought to herself. She noticed someone rush past her and enter the kitchen. Confused Amy got out of the seat and walked over to the kitchen. "Um, hello?" Amy shyly called out. She wasn't sure whether to barge into the kitchen or not. She really didn't want to mess up. "Hi... I'm new here," she says as she slowly opens the door to the kitchen.

[Kenna Rhys]

Kenna froze mid-bite as the voice behind her startled her. She turned, cookie crumbs still clinging to her lips, to see a new face entering the kitchen. Her heart raced for a moment, not expecting anyone else to be here. She felt a blush creeping up her cheeks, and her voice came out in a timid, almost whispered tone. "H-hello," Kenna stammered, her eyes downcast as she tried to hide her nervousness. "I'm Kenna, f-from the Hephaestus cabin. I...uh, just wanted a cookie." She glanced up briefly to meet Amelia's eyes, a shy smile playing on her lips. Kenna had always been the quiet one, and meeting new people was always a daunting experience for her. "cookies are nice, um do you want one" she replied, handing a cookie to Amelia with a gentle, trembling hand. "Camp Half-Blood can be a bit overwhelming at first, but everyone here is friendly." 

[Amelia Celeste Martin]

"Um. Yes, please," she answers timidly. "How long did it take for you to find out who your godly parent was?" she asked nervously. She slowly to Kenna and gently took the cookie from her. Someone is shy like me. Her dad's Hephaestus, she thought to herself. Is everyone like her? She asked herself. She felt her face go warm and she began to rub her arm. "I'm Amelia, but people call me Amy." she says after taking a few bites of the cookie.

 

[Kenna Rhys]

Kenna couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as Amelia accepted the offered cookie. She watched as the new camper, Amy, took a few bites, her own shyness gradually dissipating. "Nice to meet you, Amy," Kenna replied, a bit more at ease now that they were sharing cookies and conversation. She took a small bite of her own cookie and then glanced at Amy's question about their godly parent. "Well, it took a little while. At first, I came to the big house...but then a some nights later at the bonfire was when it happened." Kenna paused, remembering that day. "How about you? Did you have any signs or strange occurrences before coming here?"

[Amelia Celeste Martin]

"I'm not sure. I've never thought of that before. What do you mean by signs? Anytime something was about to go strange, my mom, step-granddad or Steve, the satyr would distract me and take me somewhere else." she answered and finished the cookie. "What's the bonfire like? Does it get intense? Are there a lot of people there? How does a Greek god or goddess claim their child? Sorry about the many questions. I'm confused and a little, no, really scared." Amy slowly began to rock herself as a way to calm her nerves. It was important for her to know as much as possible. 

[Kenna Rhys]

Kenna could see the genuine curiosity and apprehension in Amy's eyes, and she empathized with the new camper's uncertainty. She took a deep breath and decided to answer Amy's questions to the best of her ability. "I understand, Amy. It can be a lot to take in at first," she began, trying to be as reassuring as possible. "By signs, I mean anything unusual or out of the ordinary that might have happened to you. For some campers, it could be things like being able to build things or having luck.....I mean I like machines." She finished saying holding up her spider machine in her pocket. Taking it apart she then put it back together as fast as she could. "The bonfire is a fun gathering where campers from different cabins come together, and sometimes, the camp director, Mr. D, makes announcements or introduces new campers....even if he gets their name wrong but It's a chance to relax and socialize."

There was so much she learned in the last year so she was just trying to remember the things she had seen at the bonfires over the years. "When a Greek god or goddess claims their child, it's often through a symbol or sign that represents them. But it can be other things too....Maybe tonight you will get claimed." Kenna hoped her words would provide some comfort to Amy, who was still trying to find her place in this extraordinary camp.

[Amelia Celeste Martin]

"Oh. So signs can be anything. I'm not too sure about that. That would be nice to find out who my godly parent is." she says. She stops and thinks of what Kenna told her. What strange things happened around me? I never built anything. I can dance ballet, but I learned that when I was little. I can play the piano, but I also learned that when I was little. Figure skating to. I can sort of draw. I can sing-ish. What is different about me? She thought to herself and looked back at Kenna. "After I get claimed, do you want to hang out? I mean if that's okay with you. Am I annoying?" she asks as she resumes rocking herself. The bonfire. All I need to do is to get ready for it. Yeah. She thought to herself. Her thoughts were racing and she slowly felt impatient. Kenna seemed nice and she was the first person, other than Lilythe who made her feel normal. 

[Kenna Rhys]

Kenna decided to offer some reassurance, knowing that the process of discovering one's divine parent could be both exciting and nerve-wracking. "Don't worry too much about it," Kenna said, a small smile playing on her lips as she continued to fiddle with her spider machine. "Sometimes it takes a bit of time for the signs to become clear. And hey, you never know what talents or abilities you might discover while you're here. Camp Half-Blood has a way of bringing out the best in people." As Amy mentioned the idea of hanging out after being claimed, Kenna's eyes brightened with genuine enthusiasm. "Of course, Amy! I'd love to hang out with you," she replied, her shyness melting away as she saw the opportunity to make a new friend. "You're definitely not annoying at all. In fact, it's really nice to have someone to talk to. We can explore camp together, and I can show you some of the cool spots. And don't worry too much about the bonfire; it's a fun and relaxed event. I'll be there with you, so you won't feel alone." Kenna hoped her words would help ease Amy's impatience and anxieties as they continued to bond over cookies and shared experiences.

[Amelia Celeste Martin]

"I'd love that very much," Amy answered excitedly. Her worries slowly melted away after hearing that Kenna wanted to hang out with her and would be there with her when she goes to the bonfire. I have a friend! A real one! This isn't something that happens every day. I can't believe this!  "What's your favourite spot to hang out? I can't wait to explore with you! And thanks for letting me know. I get so wound up, that I can't think properly and well, If Camp Halfblood does the things you say it does, I can't wait to find out my talents and abilities. These cookies are delicious!" Amy continued as she grabbed another cookie. She looked at Kenna and made a mental image of her in her mind. Kenna was her first friend and hopefully after getting to know her, she could be her best friend. 

[Kenna Rhys]

Amy's excitement was infectious, and Kenna couldn't help but feel a warm sense of friendship growing between them, although her shyness lingered like a faint echo. "I'd love that very much," she replied, a soft smile gracing her lips. "My favorite spot... well, I really enjoy spending time in the forge where I build and tinker with things....Then there is the lake which is fun too." Amy's enthusiastic questions and compliments made Kenna's cheeks flush with a slight blush, but she pressed on, eager to make her new friend feel comfortable. Kenna was not the most sociable girl so sometimes talking was a challenge.  "I'm glad you like the cookies, you can have more if you like" she said, her voice still gentle. " Camp Half-Blood is a place where you can be yourself, and I'm sure you'll discover incredible things about yourself here. Plus, having a friend like you to explore it all with is going to make it even more exciting." Kenna couldn't have imagined a better outcome when she had first entered the kitchen for a simple cookie, and now she had not only found a friend!

[Amelia Celeste Martin]

"What happens in a forge? I've never been to one. Usually, I'm either at an ice rink, ballet studio, my piano teacher's house, at school or at church. I figure skate, dance ballet and play the piano." Amy says while grabbing another cookie. "I like lakes, Where I live there's a river called St Lawrence and I usually only see it when I cross Victoria, Champlain or Jacques Cartier Bridge. " she continues as she finishes the cookie. She wanted to let her new friend know her as much as possible. "Where are you from?" she asks curiously. She grabbed another cookie and ate it. The smell of the kitchen reminded her of her church's basement where every Saturday, a large amount of food would be made in the kitchen for potluck. She loved potluck especially when a lovely old lady named Francoise would be there. She always made the best cookies. 

[Kenna Rhys]

Kenna listened attentively to Amy's words, enjoying getting to know her new friend better. "A forge is like a workshop for blacksmithing," she explained, her shyness easing a little as she shared her knowledge. "It's a place where Hephaestus's children, like me, work with metal and create all sorts of things, from weapons to gadgets. It's a bit noisy with the sound of hammering and the heat from the furnace, but I find it really comforting. It's a great place to tinker and invent." Amy continued to share about her interests and experiences, Kenna couldn't help but be drawn into the conversation. "I've never been figure skating or ballet dancing, but they sound amazing. You're so talented!" she exclaimed, her admiration shining through. Thinking of home, some tears came to her eyes as she wished she could be there but it was too dangerous for her mom to be exposed to monsters and such. "And lakes are beautiful. It must be nice to live near one. I'm from Asheville, North Carolina, which is the mountains of North Carolina.  My mom is a metal jewelry artisan. She creates beautiful pieces, and I've always been fascinated by her work. But Camp Half-Blood has become like a second home to me." Kenna felt a growing sense of connection with Amy as they talked about their lives, and she realized that she was truly grateful for this unexpected friendship that had started over a plate of cookies in the camp kitchen.

[Amelia Celeste Martin]

"Thanks. I've never thought of how being able to dance ballet and figure skating could be considered a talent." She paused thinking of what Kenna said about her home and her mom, "That must be hard for you. Your mom sounds like a wonderful person. " Because of her overprotective mother and step-grandfather, she never noticed anything strange around her. "I've never been to the States before. Being here at the camp is the first time I've ever been outside of Canada. " She looked at Kenna once again and felt sad. Tears went down her face as she replayed what Kenna had said to her. What should I say next? I don't want to come off as insensitive or anything. What on earth do I say? Amy began to think of things to talk about while looking at her and the kitchen.

[Kenna Rhys]

Kenna reached out to gently pat her shoulder, trying to offer comfort in her own quiet way. "Talent comes in many forms, Amy, and your ability to dance and skate is definitely something special," she reassured her, her voice soft and empathetic. Amy mentioned being in the United States for the first time, Kenna couldn't help but feel a twinge of homesickness for Asheville. "It's different for sure, being away from home, but maybe when we get older and can fight the monsters. We can see more of the states together?," she said, trying to provide some encouragement. "And if you ever decide to visit Asheville, you should definitely see the Biltmore Estate. It's a beautiful place with a fascinating history." Feeling a connection with Amy, Kenna mustered up the courage to make a suggestion. "Amy, would you like me to give you a tour of the camp? I can show you around and introduce you to some other campers. It might help you feel more at home here." She hoped that her offer would brighten Amy's spirits and strengthen their budding friendship.

[Amelia Celeste Martin]

"I'd love that." She smiled at Kenna. "That would be so awesome. I could meet your mom and see more of the States. Then, I could show you Canada. There are so many beautiful things there. Plus I can translate for you. I'm bilingual." Amelia thought of what she'd need to know in terms of fighting. She imagined herself with Kenna touring the United States. She imagined trying out different kinds of food with her and going on many adventures together. "We could be like Charlie's Angels or Totally Spies or, it doesn't matter. We can come up with that later. Lead the way." 

[Kenna Rhys]

Kenna couldn't help but smile as she saw the enthusiasm in Amy's eyes. It was a relief to know that her suggestion had been well-received, and she felt a growing excitement about showing Amy around Camp Half-Blood. "I'd love to see Canada with you, Amy," she replied, her shyness giving way to a genuine sense of camaraderie. "And your bilingual skills will be a great asset. I'm sure it'll be an amazing adventure." Amy mentioned the idea of being like secret agents, Kenna couldn't help but chuckle. "That sounds like a lot of fun, Amy. We can definitely come up with something cool together," she agreed, her heart warmed by the thought of the adventures they might share. "For now, let's start with a tour of camp. There's so much to see, and I'll introduce you to some of the others. It's going to be a great day." With that, Kenna led the way out of the kitchen, feeling a newfound sense of confidence and anticipation about the friendship she had found in Amy. Kenna was then looking out to the camp and stopping right outside the Big House, "There are the cabins over there, volleyball courts over there, rockwall is that wave and then the lake there. Where do you want to go first?" 

[Amelia Celeste Martin]

Amy smiled back feeling a sense of belonging. As the wind blew through her hair, she thought back to her camping trips with her church members. Those were the few times her mom could spend time with her other than Saturdays. The smell of Camp Halfblood was slightly different than the campsites she'd been to. First of all, the camps she went to weren't meant to be lived in long term. Then there was the fact that Camp Halfblood was a haven for halfbloods and the camps she's been to generally didn't have halfbloods and no one was aware of Greek deities. "I'd like to see the lake first please," she replies with a smile. 

Edited September 9, 2023 by Amelia Celeste Martin

[Kenna Rhys]

"The lake it is," she said with a grin, leading the way towards the shimmering water. As they walked, Kenna pointed out various landmarks, sharing tidbits about the camp along the way. "Over there is the archery range, and that's the climbing wall but be careful as it has lava. We can try those activities sometime if you'd like."As they reached the lakeside, Kenna couldn't help but take a deep breath, savoring the fresh air and the tranquility of the place. "This is one of my favorite spots in camp, other than the forge" she said  softly, her shyness returning slightly as she gazed out at the serene water. "It's a great place to relax, swim, or just enjoy the view. And if you ever want to go canoeing or have a lakeside picnic, this is the perfect spot." She turned to Amy with a warm smile, ready to share this special place with her newfound friend."What do you think?" 

[Amelia Celeste Martin]

"That sounds lovely, the picnic, canoeing, relaxing, swimming and enjoying the view. I wouldn't want to try the climbing wall though, that sounds scary " Amy answers with a smile. She was not used to hanging out with someone. She had her step-granddad, but he was an older man and he still had a job and clients who needed him. Even at her ballet and figure skating classes, the other children were more of dance and skating friends. Most of them had wealthier families and had better relationships with their families. The fresh air was a nice welcome to her lungs, living in the city was loud and annoying. She couldn't help but miss her mom and her 3 half-siblings. "How do you know when you're ready to go back to your home?" she asks quietly. She loved the fact that she had made a new friend and that they were getting along, but she wanted to go home. 

[Kenna Rhys]

"That's perfectly fine, Amy. We can focus on the activities you're comfortable with," she replied with a reassuring smile. As they stood by the lakeside, Kenna couldn't help but notice the contemplative look on Amy's face. She realized that Amy must be missing her family and her home in Canada. "It's natural to miss your home and family, especially when you're in a new place like this," Kenna said softly, her shyness fading as she tried to offer comfort. She thought about Amy's question for a moment before responding. "Knowing when you're ready to go back home can be different for everyone," Kenna began. "Some campers stay until they are eighteen, while others stay longer. It really depends on how you feel and what you want to learn or experience here. There's no rush, Amy. Camp Half-Blood is like a second home, and you can always visit your family when you need to....but you have to get permission first" Kenna wanted Amy to know that she had a friend who understood the feelings of missing home. Seeing a bench she walked over to it and took a seat, looking out to the lake where some of the campers were doing different activities. 

[Amelia Celeste Martin]

"I guess so. It's just, I don't know," Amy pauses and looks at the lake. She didn't want to wait 'til she turned 18 or 16. She wanted to go back home. As much as she liked her budding friendship with Kenna, she needed to be at home, back with her mother and stepfather. "What do I need to learn so I can survive out there?" she asks anxiously. Her mind was swarming with thoughts and she couldn't keep herself calm. What could she do? What else could she possibly do? "You have skills and can do so much. I want to be able to do things too." 

[Kenna Rhys]

She spoke with a calm and reassuring tone, determined to help her friend. "There's a lot you can learn here. We'll start with basic combat training, like how to defend yourself with a weapon or your natural abilities." She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "But survival isn't just about physical skills; it's also about understanding the world you're in. Learning about monsters, Greek mythology, and camp knowledge about fighting." Kenna shifted on the bench, facing Amy directly, her eyes filled with determination. Kenna was hoping that maybe just maybe her friend would feel better. "I'll be right here with you, every step of the way. And I promise you, with time and practice, you'll gain the confidence and skills you're looking for. You're capable of so much, Amy, and I believe in you. We'll make sure you're ready for whatever comes your way." Kenna's shyness had fully given way to a resolute determination to support her new friend. In the last year she had gotten better with learning all sorts of things for camp so maybe she could help her friend too. 

[Amelia Celeste Martin]

The words did comfort her and she did feel relieved. Now she was worried about how she was going to learn self-defense and discover her natural abilities. She just couldn't dance a monster or skate them to death. She couldn't lug around a piano and serenade the monsters. She didn't know what she could do. Plus, Amy was not a fighter, she was scared of it. To her fighting was too much for her to handle. Learning Greek mythology didn't seem too bad especially since she could find her own unique way to learn it. "I hope there aren't any exams. I'm bad at those. If I'm being tested on something, I forget everything including how to speak, think and do anything. " she says with a nervous smile. She did have some strength and was quite agile. She even learned ballet pointe ahead of her classes because her ankles were stronger. "About being a demigod, halfblood did it make me able to learn ballet pointe ahead of everyone in my class?" she asked Kenna. "Also please tell me there is a way I can keep up with my ballet lessons. I love ballet and I one day want to be a Prima ballerina assoluta." 

[Kenna Rhys]

 "Don't worry, Amy. Camp Half-Blood doesn't give exams like school does," she assured her, wanting to alleviate her worries. "I mean its not like that but we do have monsters show from time to time so I guess that is our test." Amy's questions about her newfound abilities and her passion for ballet intrigued Kenna. "Being a demigod can enhance certain skills," she explained with a thoughtful expression. Kenna thought about the camp and knew of the apollo campers were talented in the musical arts and maybe some were dancers. Well that wasn't her cabin for sure but she could help ask around right?" And as for ballet, we can certainly find a way for you to continue your lessons. There are talented campers here who can help you with that, and I'm sure you'll have the opportunity to pursue your dream of becoming a Prima ballerina assoluta."