Turning of Tides

11. Earth-Shaker's Kids Shake Things Up

Since I woke up this morning, I've been so excited along with everyone else. Tonight we finally play Capture the Flag against the Ares cabin and their allies. The teams are Athena, Apollo, and Hermes against Ares and every other cabin. I would have been worried if I didn't know that we have the distinct advantage of intelligence and cunning. I had sat with the Athena cabin at breakfast discussing strategy, and I was surprised when we were able to agree on a lot of things. Respect was earned in that discussion, and I really hope I don't lose it when she finds out who my dad is since our parents have that huge rivalry. We'd finished planning after about 2 hours and used everyone's skills while still being unpredictable; I'll be agitated if we don't win with this strategy. Wow, ok, I'm too competitive I really need to work on that.

Concluding the meeting which had moved into the Athena cabin I walked out and headed to the armory to talk to Charlie. Entering the forges, I smiled feeling all of the machines moving and all of the metals being forged. It had been too long since I stepped in a forge and although this one had nothing compared to Hephaestus's workplace, I felt a sense of peace being here. My ADHD felt useful but I was on a mission, I needed some armor for tonight. Last night I gave Charles some of my measurements, but I hadn't had armor made in a while, so I need a few more measurements made.

"Charlie boy!" I yell and see his head pop up from a workstation.

"Nerissa, hey, give me just a minute." He says putting down his wrench and covering the object on his desk with a tarp before standing and walking over to me. "Follow me I've got most of your armor done I just need some final measurements for the breastplate. I'll have it done about an hour before dinner if you want to swing by and make sure everything feels right so I can adjust it before the game." He says taking me over to another section where a lot of finished swords, shin guards, and other pieces of armor was put up neatly. Pulling up a tarp he shows me my and the sketch he has for the breast plate.

"Oh my gosh, this is amazing Charles! Are you sure that a few drachma and that favor I'll owe are enough to pay for this?" I ask him. This armor was just shy of Hephaestus' work!

"As long as you help me out with Silena I'm sure it's enough. Now Nyssa is gonna take your measurements, and I'll get started as soon as I can." Beckendorf tells me when his half sister Nyssa walks up to me smiling.

The measurements barely took any time, and I had looked around finding so many cool schematics for automatons, weapons, and improvements to their cabin. What seriously intrigued me was a plan for a metal dragon. I had only gotten a glimpse before a camper; I think his name was Jake, took it away quickly. He gave me an apologetic smile but walked away so I figured I'd better leave and stop snooping. Not my fault I'm an incredibly curious person, at least I do it nicely. Walking to find Percy I find him sitting by the lake with Grover.

"Hey Percy, hey Grover! Climbing wall?" I ask my brother looking at the smoldering holes in his t shirt which make him glare at me while Grover and I laugh.

"Yes, that thing is impossible," Percy complained, and I feel sorry for him, I'll have to teach him a few things one day.

"I'm just glad you didn't die. I just got you, and I'm not looking to lose you just yet." I tell my twin while sitting down with the two boys as we watch the naiads weave baskets underwater. We sit in silence, and I notice Percy was trying to get the courage to say something, so I just sat quietly until he was ready.

"Hey, Grover, how'd your meeting go with Mr. D after I left?" My brother asks, and Grover's face turns yellow as he refuses to make eye contact.

"Fine." He says. "Just great."

"So your career's still on track?"

The satyr glanced at Percy and me nervously. "Chiron t-told you I want a searcher's license?"