may you learn to mend yourself
Do you know what fortitude means? a silvery voice says in her mind. She looks over to see the owl’s large eyes still watching her intently. Its head tilts, as if emphasizing the question it has just asked. Annabeth swallows hard, unsure of what awaits her, but also unafraid. She has met every challenge ever placed in front of her, and this time will be no different. “It means courage in pain or adversity,” she answers confidently. The owl spreads its wings and leans forward slightly, as if bowing. A child of wisdom, indeed, it says. Instinctively, Annabeth puts her arm out and the owl lands on it. Annabeth's mind barely has a chance to register that she is speaking to an owl when the library begins to call to her like a siren song. As if in a trance, she begins to walk up the steps towards the entrance, and all she can do is hope there are no jagged rocks awaiting her on the other side. Come now, Miss Chase, it says. We mustn’t keep our Lady waiting.
