BY fates design

A new year

An: reminder of the units in Cassiopeia's court:
Crown Court: Jake, Alex, Kira, Eleana
Heather (defence) unit: Kira Pansy, Fred, George, Corvus, Clarisse
Iris (intelligence) unit: Alex, Achlys, Daphne, Annabeth, Delilah
Orchid (outlier) unit: Jake, Neville, Astro, Grover, Will
Gladiolus (ladies in waiting) unit: Eleana, Luna, Astoria

When August came to an end, Cassiopeia was sad to say goodbye to camp, not that she wasn't excited to go home to her siblings and family in England, rather she was disappointed to leave the ones she had in America. Mr D leaned against her door as she packed the last of her belongings that she wanted to take with her.

"Soppy." He said, catching her attention. "When you come back next, I have something to give you." Cassiopeia tilted her head, opening her mouth to ask why he didn't give it to her then but he interrupted. "It's your Yule present, or whatever it is you witches celebrate." He rolled his eyes. "I expected letters."

Cassiopeia turned to smile at Dionysus, who sat lazily in his throne, one leg bent with his foot resting on one of the arm rests while his upper body leaned back over the other. He had a golden goblet in his hand that he raised slightly in her direction when he noticed her smile.

Cassiopeia grinned, she knew Dionysus was reluctant to show how much he cared for the children of camp so she preened every time he alluded to the fact he would miss her. "Of course, Dino, when have I ever not sent you letters?" She bounded towards him, wrapping him in a tight hug. "I'll see you at the winter solstice." She promised.

Unlike the past few years, Cassiopeia didn't intend to stay in England for winter, or at least not all of it. She had promised to return for new years, suggesting they host a new year ball instead of a Yule ball as she wanted to be in camp over the majority of the holiday.

"See you then." Dionysus grunted, patting her head before walking away. If she had to guess, Cassiopeia assumed he was going to see his sons, Castor and Pollux.

Dionysus took a long drink from his goblet as he heard the names, his brow furrowing with a look that many in the hall thought to be grief.

For the next hour, she bid goodbye to all of her friends, before heading into the woods, stopping in a clearing lined with head stones. "I'll see you at the solstice." She muttered, letting a little of her magic slip out causing the flowers that tangled over the stones to bloom a little bit brighter.

Chiron was the last person she found, waiting for her up on Half Blood Hill with a box in hand. "Cassiopeia," he greeted, hugging her briefly, "I wish you luck and safety in the following months." He passed her the box. "A little something to keep you in good spirits. I will see you soon, child." He patted her shoulder before heading back down the hill, leaving her standing there alone.

For a moment, she didn't move, just stared at the pine tree, the Fleece glittering in its lower branches, until she finally decided it was time to go home. Just as she was about to head down the hill, she heard someone yelling her name. Turning, she found Percy running towards her, cheeks flushed and hair messy like he'd just run his fingers through it.

"Oh, good you haven't left yet." He panted, stopping right in front of her. "I wanted to say goodbye, and give you this." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a little box wrapped in blue paper and tied with a green ribbon, a single forget me not slipped under the bow. "Open it later." He said.

"Thank you." Cassiopeia felt her cheeks burn slightly. "I'll see you over Yule, winter, and I promise I'll write, so please do respond." She told him.

"I will." He said, and before she could say much more, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to his chest. He was taller than her now, more so than before, his nose just brushing the top of her head. He was wrapped in her scent, calming and warm, lilies, chamomile, strawberries and something that was distinctly her.