The Curse of Oenone (Daughter of Olympus II) - [Leo Valdez xF!Oc]

I'm Being So Normal About This

Ara's so used to not being noticed unless she wants to, that it catches her off guard when people move out of her way mumbling apologies without her having to utter a word. 

"This is my boy, Chuck!" Hedge's voice catches her attention and Ara makes her way to look at the tiny newborn the satyr is holding. 

Clarisse notices Ara the moment she's close enough and lets out a chortle, pulling her into a rough hug. "Everyone, look how tall Birdy has gotten!"

Ara blushes like crazy. Hedge places his son in her arms, she's never held anything this fragile. "He's... cute," Ara chokes, giving him a fleeting but genuine smile.

"Strategus, glad to see you're awake," Chiron appears, handing her a goblet. "Just in time for our toast." Ara stands in front of the crowd, Nico comes out of nowhere and places her gold laurel wreath on her head with a mocking smile. "Out of every tragedy," Chiron begins, "comes new strength. Today, we thank the gods for this victory. To the gods!" 

The crowd echoes that with little feeling. 

"And to new friends!"

"TO NEW FRIENDS!"

Her mentor gestures at Ara and she moves onward, carrying the confidence she gained while proving her worth in all the ways imaginable. Everyone cheers and hollers her name like viewers in a coliseum, and she would know, she fought in the best one. 

It doesn't do anything to fill the void in her chest.

Ara smiles at the demigods before her. "Thank you for fighting for what you love. Without you, I wouldn't've been able to protect this place," she raises her goblet. "What I told you last year, I repeat to our Roman family: I will be here for you, always. The future's brighter than it's ever been."

Everyone drinks to that, and Ara gulps down the content in her goblet hoping it'll take away the bittersweet taste on her tongue.

***

"Tomorrow, we Romans must return home. We appreciate your hospitality, especially since we almost killed you—"

"You almost got killed," Annabeth corrects playfully.

"Whatever, Chase."

The campers nudge each other and joke around. Ara is standing next to Nico, watching the scene unfold with a vague grin.

"Anyway," Frank adds. "Reyna and I agree this marks a new era of friendship between the camps."

"That's right. For hundreds of years, the gods tried to separate us to keep us from fighting. But there's a better kind of peace—cooperation."

"Are you sure your mom is a war goddess?" Piper calls from the audience.

"Yes, McLean. I still intend to fight a lot of battles. But from now on we fight together!"

Everyone cheers so loud Frank has to shut them up. "You'll all be welcome at Camp Jupiter. We've come to an agreement with Chiron and Ara: a free exchange between the camps—weekend visits, training programmes and, of course, emergency aid in times of need—"

"And parties?"

"Hear, hear!" Connor says happily. Ara notices he's got an arm around Lily's shoulders and Lily is terribly stiff but blushing and smiling. Both of them are glowing silver.

"That goes without saying. We Romans invented parties." Reyna jokes.

"Oh my gods." Ara grasps Nico's arm and whispers excitedly. "Oh my gods! Lily and Connor—"