𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐘 𝐈 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐌, luke castellan

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄.
it's nice to have a friend

ᯓᡣ𐭩

then.

𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐘 felt alone. She'd been at camp for only two weeks and she hadn't managed to befriend anybody. She wasn't sure if that was normal around here. But everyone already seemed to have their own group so Maisie didn't want to interfere.

After her dad had explained all about her situation, she was quickly sent off, without further instructions on how to survive. She didn't blame her dad, of course. His world didn't align with hers so he couldn't have given her any meaningful advice or information.

Now she missed him more than anything as she sat in her bed in cabin six, avoiding getting up for breakfast.

"Time for breakfast," the cabin's counselor called out to everyone who hadn't gotten up yet. Maisie took that as her cue to quietly groan but comply. She got up and made her bed -the counselor would scold her if she didn't- then got ready before heading to breakfast.

Most of the campers were already gathered by the time Maisie got there. She quickly found the Athena table and sat next to one of the girls, who was busy talking to her friend. She didn't bother speaking. She had tried enough of that already. After not clicking with anyone, she just gave up.

Before breakfast was served, Maisie saw Chiron getting ready to deliver a speech, as he always did when he had an announcement. He walked over to the tables and that's when Maisie noticed the two kids behind him.

One of them was a small girl, who couldn't be more than seven years old, Maisie thought. The other was a taller boy, who looked closer to Maisie's age. The pair looked scared, the girl more than the boy, but Maisie thought he was just hiding his fear, in order to appear brave for the little girl.

"If I could have your attention for just a moment, campers," Chiron spoke, and every conversation was stopped short. The centaur did have that effect. "Today, we have two new campers joining us. Please, welcome Luke, son of Hermes and Annabeth, daughter of Athena," he said gesturing to the kids.

Some campers gave small waves, some smiled at them, some didn't seem to care. But most of them went back to their food right after the announcement. However, Maisie felt some excitement that she hadn't felt in a while. She was glad they were getting a new kid in their cabin. Maybe this time she would make a friend.

Maisie waved at Annabeth as she made her way to their table, a little unsure, looking back at Luke after every few steps she took. Still, she managed a smile for Maisie.

"Hi, I'm Maisie," she introduced herself when Annabeth sat down next to her.

"Annabeth," the younger girl introduced herself, extending a hand, which Maisie shook. Annabeth did her best to hide her nerves, but Maisie was sure it wasn't easy to be sent off to a camp where everyone is like you, but nobody is like you at the same time.

"Don't worry, we all felt this way on our first day," Maisie attempted to reassure the kid.

"Did... did you run away too?" Annabeth asked, looking Maisie in the eyes. That took the older girl by surprise. She had come to camp on normal terms, so she hadn't even thought of that possibility for Annabeth.

"Oh, no, I didn't. But don't worry. You'll be safe here." Maisie managed her best reassuring smile for Annabeth. She wanted to make her feel welcome and reduce her fear. She knew what it felt like to be a new camper, full of fear for this new world. But she couldn't begin to imagine what Annabeth had gone through, having run away at her young age.

Annabeth smiled at her once again, then turned her head to the Hermes table. Luke looked up at her and gave her a small smile. Maisie didn't imagine the boy was having a good time right now either.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

Later that day, Maisie was getting ready in cabin six for training. She had taken it upon herself to show Annabeth the ropes and help her fit in. She definitely didn't want the young girl to feel the way she did when she first arrived.

Once they were both ready, Maisie guided Annabeth outside. The sun was looming over them, seeing as summer was making its presence known.

At the training arena kids were already picking out their weapons and opponents. Ares' kids were picking out the deadliest weapons and weakest kids to fight, while others were playing safe and picking their friends or cabin mates.

Maisie spotted some Hermes kids trying to steal people's weapons when they weren't looking. Luke was also lingering around them, making his way towards a wall with swords.

Annabeth noticed him too, making her presence known by waving at him. He smiled at her before picking out a sword for his duel.

"Do you want to meet him?" Annabeth asked Maisie when she noticed the older girl's eyes lingering on her friend for a second too long.

"Oh." Maisie hadn't thought Luke would want to meet her, since she was used to this treatment. Hell, she didn't even think Annabeth would want to be her friend. "Yes, sure," she agreed with a smile.

Annabeth smiled back at her and started making her way towards the Hermes kids. Maisie saw her saying something to Luke, who in response looked up and met Maisie's eyes.

Maisie blushed at the sudden attention and looked down, until the pair reached her.

"Hi," she said to Luke, managing a warm smile. "I'm Maisie." She extended her hand, waiting for Luke to shake it, which he did.

"I'm Luke. Nice to meet you," he replied, a smile of his own appearing on his face. Maisie couldn't help but notice how good looking he was.

Once they dropped their hands, Luke spoke again. "Are you up for a fight? Not to brag but I killed a good amount of monsters on my way here," he said, a smug grin plastered on his face.

Maisie raised her chin and gave him her best challenging smirk. "You might have forgotten my mother is the goddess of war."

"I'm up for the challenge."

Maisie took that as her cue to go fetch a sword. The two of them found a spot away from the other campers and fought with all their might, Annabeth watching in awe, hoping her mother would bless her with her warfare skills too.

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dear reader!

prologue's done!!!