of wit and wisdom

Annabeth Chase.

[thelittlestcheshire-archive-blog]

Ches shrugs, “not one hundred percent sure, to be completely honest. On one hand - it means I’m staying at camp full term until this mess is under control, so, I don’t have to deal with some things at home, but on the other hand, an increase of monsters isn’t going to be good for anyone.” She shakes her head, “My siblings on my father’s side likely won’t be happy I won’t be coming back to them after the summer is over - but, this is a priority. No matter how much I’ll miss them.”

She smiles, “Yeah, Ari seems really nice - I’m hoping we become friends.” Her mother had paired them together for a reason - after all - if she had thought it wouldn’t work, she doubted that her mother would pair them. 

[annabcthsarchive]

“Staying at camp full time isn’t that bad.” Annabeth reassured Ches with a smile. “It’s nice that you get along well with them. Sounds like they really like you.” Annabeth’s relationship with the human side of her family was currently doing fine but unfortunately it hadn’t always been that way. It took years before they could sit down to a meal together.

“That’s good. Not to put any pressure on you, but having a bond with your partner is kind of a life or death thing.” Thank gods Aphrodite didn’t try to split her and Percy up, or Annabeth would probably flip a switch. The goddess had promised to make their lives more interesting, which also meant harder.

[thelittlestdemigod]

“Well, uh..” Lying had never been one of their strengths. “It’s um..it’s just..” Walking along with her now in the opposite direction of their intended destination, they struggled to find the right way to tell her without her getting mad. Or, at least not furious. They could handle mad, not furious.  “I think, um.. there may have been some gryphons nesting nearby, I’m not sure exactly where but I found one of their.. eggs on the ground abandoned.” And they’d made certain to check that it was definitely abandoned. They couldn’t find a nest anywhere nearby, nor any gryphons. 

Originally posted by flower-crowns-and-newts-ass

[annabcthsarchive]

Annabeth twirled her dagger as she waited for Deryn to finish their hemming and hawing. However, when they finally managed to spit it out she almost dropped her dagger. “A what.” She said, not even framing it as a question. 

Just their luck, honestly. What kind of idiot gryphon would nest so close to the camp? “So that’s what you’re carrying? A live gryphon egg through camp?” Annabeth blinked at them. “Well, I guess its a blessing in disguise Mr D isn’t here.”

[rowsblanch-archive-deactivated2]

character posters: annabeth chase, percy jackson and the olympians.

[thelittlestdemigod]

Oh no.

Deryn froze like a deer in headlights. Annabeth was really nice, but she scared the crap out of them. Their grip on their coat tightened. If she found out what it was, there was no question she’d make him get rid of it. And to them, that wasn’t an option.  They turned towards her and bit their lip, thinking about what to say. Well, maybe it couldn’t hurt to be honest? “I.. well, I found something in the forest, and I was going to take it to Chiron to see what I should do with it..” Well, that wasn’t a complete lie, they were going to take it to Chiron. Eventually. 

[annabcthsarchive]

Annabeth’s eyes narrowed. She’d dealt with the Stoll brothers and their attempts at lying many times, and Deryn was definitely hiding something. “The Big House is in the opposite direction, you know.” She said, giving them a disbelieving glance. “No matter, I’ll go with you. What did you find, anyway?”

[thelittlestcheshire-archive-blog]

“Happier than most I suppose.” Ches shrugs, the downsides of being a rich kid was never knowing who was using you to get stuff and who was actually your friend. Sure, she had her siblings - but, outside of them? She had been quite lonely until she arrived at camp - now she was able to hide the big family company and the trust fund.

She preferred it that way - after so many years of not having any genuine friends, it was so nice to have people who seemed to enjoy her company instead of the money.

“I hope so too, it’s very important to accurately report on what you saw, it’s just a matter of some people will always be willing to twist a detail or two to get ahead. It’s sad, but, some people just don’t understand.” She hoped the demigods here understood though - and realized that being accurate was more important then lying.

“Okay, I’ll be right here.” Ches tells her, it doesn’t take long for Annabeth to come back and the red haired girl gives her a smile when she returns, catching the apple she tossed in her direction. “Thanks.” It was important to thank people after all, “We shall.” She agrees.

[annabcthsarchive]

“So ...” Annabeth started as they walked to the archery range. “What do you think of this whole mess? The Tartarus coming to the surface world thing?” She was genuinely curious to see what Ches thought about it. The more opinions she heard, the better after all. Perhaps it could even help her with some ideas.

“Speaking of which, have you met your partner?”

[thelittlestdemigod]

Ok, so he knew this looked suspicious. Most campers didn’t go around lugging strange objects wrapped their coats, but Deryn was not most campers. There was no telling how much trouble he’d get in if anyone caught him sneaking a live /gryphon egg/ into camp. It wasn’t like he’d gone out with the intent to bring one into camp, it just.. kind of happened that way. For now, all he could do was hope no one would stop or question him before he got to his cabin, and he’d be home free. 

[annabcthsarchive]

Annabeth was heading back to her cabin to catch a quick nap before she was supposed to head the next training class. Percy was away on some quest for Chiron and that meant Annabeth was not sleeping well. 

That was until she spotted a camper with a suspicious lump under their coat. She couldn’t help herself, she rolled her eyes. Did people really think throwing a jacket over things would help hide large objects? She sighed. Her nap would have to wait.

“Hey, you! Stop. What exactly are you hiding?”

[thelittlestcheshire-archive-blog]

“For us? Definitely, but my grandmother wasn’t exactly aware of who my mother was - my father wasn’t one to give details.” Ches admits, she could barely remember her father - he had been gone a long time and all she had left from him was a trust fund. The archery had came from her grandfather - and it was without a doubt a useful skill to have. Not only was it a good exercise - but it was an extremely useful skill to have.

“Some people will always twist a story - whether for gain or for their pure amusement. It’s helpful when they don’t twist the important ones - but, I’m sure some people don’t see the importance. As for personal lives - well - rumors always seem to fly. It’s human nature - I suppose.” She notices Anabeth doesn’t comment on her last statement - but - she doesn’t ponder on it long. If Anabeth was going to say something she would have said it, and Ches had no doubt about that.

“That’s fine, rules are rules.” She liked to break rules - often - but she had the feeling Anabeth wasn’t the type to allow a rule like that to slide. She wasn’t that eager to go into the big house anyway - in all honesty. While something to snack on before dinner sounded like a good plan, going inside the building didn’t.

[annabcthsarchive]

“Oh, I see. Well, at least you had a relatively happy childhood.” She commented, trying not to sound bitter. Annabeth was always torn between wishing she had a normal childhood and being grateful that she had me her friends when she had. 

“Considering the fact that importance now means life or death I certainly hope everyone knows the importance.” Some days she just wanted to scream at the skies and ask, why me? As if going through two Great Prophecies and Tartarus wasn’t enough, they only had two years of relative peace before a new problem presented itself. Annabeth was tired, and if she was honest all she wanted these days was to live a happy, monster and world threatening free life with Percy. Unfortunately, she didn’t have much of a choice.

“Be right back,” Annabeth called over her shoulder. It didn’t take long for her to locate the kitchen and grab what she wanted. “Here,” She tossed an apple Ches’ way as she emerged, two bottles of water and a container of strawberries in her other hand. “Shall we?”

[thelittlestcheshire-archive-blog]

“Hardly, my grandmother thought it was hardly proper to hand a child a weapon - she would have preferred it if I stuck to just piano.” Ches admits, her grandmother hadn’t exactly expected on raising a demigod though. Her father hadn’t exactly gone out and told anyone about his affair. “I would like that, better to learn then to need it later and have no clue what to do.” 

“Have you ever played the game telephone? Stories tend to get twisted - even slightly, by the person telling it. Perhaps they misheard a part, perhaps they’re twisting it for their own amusement? You never know.” She tells Annabeth, “it’s better, to get to know people for yourself and then make judgement- occasionally harder said then done, but better.” 

“I would like that, actually.” Ches admits, Annabeth seemed like a good person - and she did need to make more friends. It couldn’t hurt to go with her.

[annabcthsarchive]

“Learning the piano isn’t a useless skill, per se. But for us I think handling a weapon is the more useful choice.” Annabeth laughed. “If I didn’t I’d probably be dead by now.” She had been seven when she left, and if she hadn’t run into Thalia and Luke she honestly wasn’t sure if she would be standing here right now.

“I have, actually, and I know some people who tend to twist stories for personal gain. I don’t think its going to be much of a problem now, though. Most demigods know the importance of relaying accurate information of what’s going on. Stories about personal lives, however, is a whole different ball game.”She smiled at Ches’ last statement. Quick judgements were sometimes the things that saved lives, but that could be learned later so she held her tongue. 

“That’s great!” Annabeth sheathed her sword and gestured for Ches to follow. “You’re going to have to wait outside while I grab some stuff, though.” She said apologetically as they walked. “Campers aren’t allowed to waltz in whenever.”

[theo-longbottom-deactivated2016]

Bella sighed, not knowing what she was doing, like how she does for most of her life. “You’re right. Sorry.. It’s just not the same,” She chuckled. “Of course, even without the war about to come, it wouldn’t be the same either way.”

[annabcthsarchive]

Annabeth gave the other girl a wry smile. “And here I thought we would be able to live in peace after all that. Honestly, going through two Great Prophecies in one lifetime? The universe should cut us some slack.”

[thelittlestcheshire-archive-blog]

“Some people find it sooner than later - I’ve been practicing archery since I was five or six. My grandfather started me - and I loved it. Never did stop, much to my grandmother’s chagrin.” Ches admits, “but, I may have to attempt sword play a little here or there, try to get a little better. You never know when you’re only going to have only a sword lying around, I suppose.”

She shrugs, “I try not to involve myself too much in the gossip - better to meet people for yourself and learn about them through their actions then to listen to everything the gossip mill tells you.” It was easiest that way, she supposed - to avoid the gossip mill as much as possible. Of course it wasn’t a completely foolproof plan - sometimes it was impossible not to hear something and it got stuck in your brain - but she tended to like the people do the talking for themselves. “You don’t have to, some stories are better left told by others, right?” She gives Anabeth a small smile, not wanting her to feel pressured or anything.

She nods, “Just about always.” She admits - sometimes she would shoot arrows with Bella, but when she wasn’t training with the girl she usually stayed to the far side to shoot. “Thank you.” She wasn’t exactly sure about that - the Apollo children tended to be good at archery, but she wasn’t one to turn down a compliment. “Well said, Annabeth, well said!”

[annabcthsarchive]

“She didn’t approve of it?” In Annabeth’s opinion, any skill would be an asset, whether currently or in the future. “Chiron does prefer campers to be able to hold their own in hand to hand combat as well. If you’d like, I don’t mind helping you.” At least this girl was willing to learn. While Aphrodite kids did go for the mandatory classes, most had no interest in them.

“That’s a good stance to take, some stories get twisted anyway. It all depends on who you listen to, actually.” She had developed the skill of reading people over time, mostly thanks to that part of her life when she was on the run with Thalia and Luke. Annabeth learned pretty quickly who was most likely to give her a factual assessment, and who were the most likely to exaggerate a story. “Right. And sometimes there are things people are better off not knowing.”

“I’m heading to the Big House for awhile, I know for a fact the kitchen is always stocked there and I could use a bite before dinner. I’m planning to head to the archery range after that, though. You want to come with?”

[theo-longbottom-deactivated2016]

“On the contrary, my father is the god of hell, which make my birth somehow connected to all the shitty things that happen in the world when people wither away and die.” She shrugged, heading out the door. “You do that, totally helpful.” She yells over her shoulder.

[annabcthsarchive]

“Please let’s not talk about it anymore. It’s been two years and the feeling is as strong as it was when it just happened.” Annabeth sheathed her knife and followed Bella out the door. “How do you expect to find it if it is, though? The Hermes cabin is usually in a mess two minutes after inspection, and I’m pretty sure they’re used to your intimidation tactics by now.”

[theo-longbottom-deactivated2016]

“Chase, you and I both know that I can take you in a fight; even if I’ve lost a couple more times than you.” Bella raised an eyebrow.

“Shit,” she cursed under her breath, standing up and taking a deep breath in. “I swear, if I find those glasses in there I will beat each and every one of them to a pulp.”

[annabcthsarchive]

“Hey, you weren’t the one going through hell.” She parried, although cringing a little. Bella of all people would know how bad it was down there. Shaking it off, Annabeth got up with a smile. “There are innocents in there, you know. I’ll tag along to keep the peace.”

[thelittlestcheshire-archive-blog]

Ches smiles, “Still better than me, I’m horrid with swords - archery I like to think I’m good at, swords - not so much.” She tells Annabeth, “just like I am with my bow and arrows, I presume? Everyone seems to find a weapon they’re attached to here - let it be knives, daggers, swords, bows, or something completely different.” It was nice, she had to admit, to be in a place where she finally fit. Where she wasn’t just a strange girl with a trust fund.

“I suppose that’s understandable, I didn’t catch the whole story - but from what I’ve heard two years ago had a lot happen.” She honestly didn’t know too much, no one had exactly filled her in a year ago when she arrived for the first time - and most of her time was spent with the girl who gave her tour and her brother or in the archery range. It was better that way, easier. Less people to worry about befriending her for her money that way.

“I came back earlier this week, I’m usually a seasonal camper.” She explained, smiling, “Although I’m not surprised I haven’t met you yet, I tend to spend a lot of time in the archery range. It’s very peaceful - reminds me of home, as weird as that sounds. You’d think a daughter of Aphrodite would feel at peace anyplace else.”

[annabcthsarchive]

“It takes time and a whole lot of practice.” Annabeth reassured her. Not to brag, alright maybe to brag a little, but she had mastered most of the weapons that were there. “It takes awhile but people usually find something they’re comfortable with.”

The blonde’s eyebrows raised slightly in astonishment. “I’m surprised, considering you’re from Aphrodite. Not to stereotype, but they do tend to gossip a lot.” Truth to be told, Annabeth didn’t like talking about it much herself. Tartarus still gave her nightmares, which was why, as the whole camp already knew, she went to Percy’s cabin every night. However, it didn’t stop that small amount of satisfaction she felt whenever she overhead their story being told around camp. She was amused by how the ones who weren’t as involved as they were liked to repeat the story, but she supposed it was because it didn’t have as much of a lasting effect as going through the deepest part of the underworld had. “I know there are some who still like to tell the stories, but honestly, I’d rather not rehash it.” She might enjoy the admiration, but the actual memories of what had happened were never fun.

“Oh, that’s right, I remember now. I go to the archery range once in awhile, I think I’ve seen you there. Always to the side, though?” Annabeth smiled. “I think you’d be able to take on the Apollo kids any day. And no, it isn’t weird. I might not like your mother much.”  — understatement, considering how Aphrodite had promised to make their love life very interesting (aka hard)  — “But her children do have interests other than matchmaking and beauty.”

[theo-longbottom-deactivated2016]

@annabcths

“Anna, have you seen my glasses anywhere? I swear to gods I put them on a table near the archery range when we went for training.” Bella asked, searching frantically around the room, hoping that somehow, her glasses magically reappears out of nowhere and helps her regain her prescriptive dose of sight. 

[annabcthsarchive]

Annabeth suppressed a sigh, only because Bella was one of her closest friends. “Call me that one more time and I’ll cut you,” She raised an eyebrow at the brunette, her new dagger pointing in her direction. It wasn’t the dagger, but it would have to do. She liked to keep an easily concealed weapon on her at all times, and she hated being called Anna, Beth, or even worse, Annie.

“I haven’t seen it, but it could be in the Hermes cabin. I wouldn’t put it past Travis or Connor or one of their siblings having something to do with its disappearance.”

[thelittlestcheshire-archive-blog]

Ches honestly wasn’t one for sword fighting, but when she saw the girl practicing while exploring the area surrounding camp, it was impossible not to want to watch. While swords had never been for her - no matter how much she had tried - she supposed that it would be cool to see someone in action with them.

That was starting to seem like a bad idea - however - as she snapped the twig and the girl pounced.

“You’re good at that, aren’t you?” Ches admits, looked over Annabeth with curiosity in her eyes. “Caught me off guard - I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. Just wanted to watch for a bit - I’m not exactly good at sword-fighting myself, so it’s always cool to see someone in action.”  She had no problem admiting she was bad at sword fighting, it likely wasn’t a secret - after all. The girl had been shooting bows and arrows for as long as she could remember, it was the one thing her grandfather had insisted on the girl learning - and it was one thing she was thankful for more than anything.

Her grandparents were often busy with their company, but there was no doubt about it - the time they occasionally took out to spend with their grandchildren were precious moments.

“I’m Ches, by the way, nice to meet you. Sorry, I honestly didn’t mean to startle you.”

[annabcthsarchive]

Annabeth let up when she realized it was another camper, although she still had a wary look in her eyes. It had been hours since she last had contact with anybody, so she supposed the girl could have arrived then. She smiled slightly at the redhead’s comment.

“Not as good as I’d hoped.” She remarked wryly. Over and over she had been reminded that her fatal flaw was hubris, and she wasn’t one to fake modesty. However, she wasn’t the type to inflate her own ego either. “That’s alright. It isn’t my strong suit either. Two years with this thing but I still prefer a dagger.” Specifically, her dagger, also known as the cursed blade of the first Great Prophecy. Annabeth winced internally. Thinking about it always brought back memories of Luke, and she didn’t really want to go there at the moment.

“Annabeth Chase. Nice to meet you, and don’t worry about it. It’s been two years and I’m still jumpy around everyone.” She shrugged her shoulders, studying the girl at the same time. “Are you new? I don’t think I’ve seen you before. Been claimed yet?”

[annabcthsarchive]

Annabeth was practising with her sword in a clearing slightly away from the main camp areas, trying to master wielding the drakon bone blade. She was pretty good at it, granted, but it didn’t have the same feel as her dagger. It was to be expected, after the amount of time she had it for, and she still felt the frustration and sadness every time she thought of it. 

Lunge, parry.

After Tartarus, after Gaia, it was weird to come back to normal camp life. Or not so normal anymore, considering the fact that the world was starting to look like the underworld. She sighed, faking blocking a strike and slashing back at her imaginary opponent. She couldn’t even have many private moments with Percy anymore, as some more of Poseidon’s kids had turned up and he was now obligated to share the cabin with them, something she was very irritated about. That didn’t stop her from going over every night though, which was technically against the rules but hey, they’d been through hell, worse even. The one small consolation was that his new found siblings seemed to know to let Percy have some space.

Feint, lunge.

As she completed her last move she heard a twig snap which meant  — intruder. Blame all she had been through, but Annabeth was not going to take any chances. Quick as lightning she had turned and pounced, knocking the person down. “What are you doing here?”

[greedwtf-deactivated20240722]

Heroes of Olympus Aesthetic: Annabeth Chase. “Annabeth Chase wasn’t a normal child. She was too smart, too dangerous. Her step-mother knew, she knew little Annie was a freak. She would call her that and her father wouldn’t stop her, so little Annie believed this. She did until she met Percy, another troubled kid.”