wildflower

Harper. 18. Please be nice to the plants. 'she is beautiful like summer shining in the skies, and kind like flowers sharing their light with all the world. she is endlessly hopeful like rainbows at the end of storms and she brings happiness wherever she goes, trailing roses behind her feet.' [closed rp blog for fire & glory]

[magikolina-blog]

@harperduncans

Lina needed more people on deck with the cursed around them. Between the research and the monitoring that all her patients needed. She grabbed the nearest person she could find to take notes as she went around. She looked over at the nearest person to her, Harper. “Hey! Are you busy? I need an extra hand just taking notes. It would mean a lot to me if you could help out for just a bit.”

[harperduncans-blog]

Blossom - and countless others - were in trouble, and there was not much that Harper could do. Giving plants only worked for so long before you had given plants to everyone you could and everyone was still suffering. “I - no.” Harper said, broken out of her thoughts. “I’m not very good at note-taking, but I can try my best. Just as long as you don’t mind messy handwriting and misspelled words.” An apology she hated to give, but one that children at school had mocked her for (until her father had finally decided to teach her himself), and one that she still resorted to around strangers, even if she did vaguely know Lina and even if many people here did share some of her difficulties. 

[harperduncans-blog]

avadakaravadra:

So it had been a faun or satyr that had guided her, though he’d already guessed as much. He let her have her few steps away, fairly confident he’d be able to catch her if it was proven that he needed to. He let his facial expression shift easily, careful to make sure that he looked the opposite of the night-stalking animal he’d been exuding during their conversation, letting relief wash over his face. “A faun sent you? Then maybe you do belong here. I didn’t realize one had sent you.”

The safest thing would be to take her to New Rome. At least, it’d be the safest thing for him. It’s what he would have done before his turn of heart. “I’m sorry if I scared you. It’s just that— we have to be very careful here. We can’t have the wrong people finding us. You don’t have to leave.”

She watched his expression change, although at least for the moment, it did very little to entirely relax her. But she did her best to slow her breathing down as she gave a small nod. “Mmhm. I - yes. Of course, that - that is what I said.” She knew that whatever façade she was putting up was likely transparent, but that did not stop her, not right now.

“It’s - it’s fine. Don’t worry about a thing.” She said, twirling her fingers around in her hair. “What am I to do if not leave? Spend time with you?” Harper glanced up at him again - her natural instinct was to trust those who she met, but she was also incredibly nervous at the idea of spending time with a stranger who had seemed keen on casting her off as not belonging. She would wait and see what he responded - how he responded.

[harperduncans-blog]

aidan-mckay:

Aidan smiled, happy for some company. “Awesome. I’m used to making large amounts of food, so I’ve go plenty to share if you like Italian. I also have a very special treat.” He pulled out a container and held it up proudly. “Brownies. Family recipe. With everything going on it took forever to get the stuff for it, but I think it was worth it.” He grinned, offering her a napkin and fork. “Aidan. Aidan McKay. Pleasure to meet you.”

“I love Italian. Just so long as it’s vegetarian, please.” Harper grinned at Aidan. “Also, I never could say no to chocolate.” She took the napkin and fork from him with another shy smile. “Harper Duncan. It’s - it’s really lovely to meet you as well.”

[aidan-mckay-blog]

Exhaustion was only a vague thought in the back of the boy’s head, as he distracted himself through work. Trying to understand or wrap his mind around the chaos of this magical world only stressed Aidan out, gave him headaches. Instead, he stuck with what he knew how to do, and it was help people. Talk to the distressed and hallucinating, getting the injured medical attention. He sighed, sitting down on a stone bench with his lunch. He stared at the food, his eyes feeling heavy. He pulled himself together as he heard someone approaching, putting on his winning smile. “Hey.” He said with a nod. “Need help with anything? Or would you like to join me for lunch?” He offered, patting the bench next to him.

[harperduncans-blog]

It seemed like one thing after another just kept happening in this place. This would-be haven. But she had a brief moment to breathe, once again caught up in her own thoughts when another voice startled her out of them. “I - I can join you for lunch, surely.” She sat down and looked over at the boy. “My name is Harper.”

[harperduncans-blog]

sofilltomethepartingglass:

Nico wondered if he had ever been as agitated and awkward as this teenager standing before him. With his luck? Probably. His eyebrow rose as she mentioned having been claimed - and proceeded to ramble about the timeframe. Why was she coming to him about her claiming? He didn’t have anymore siblings, he could be sure of that - his father was the only one of the Big Three to have kept his oath. And then she described the symbol that had appeared over her head, and his eyes darkened.  His mind immediately summoned the image of a woman in a green dress shrieking ‘CEREAL’ while he, his father, and his stepmother all groaned in exasperation. He heard her voice echoing in his head: ‘Pushing a plow is character building!’

“Demeter.” He said simply, his voice a little tense. “You’re a daughter of Demeter, Goddess of grain, agriculture, harvest, growth, and nourishment.” He cast his gaze across her face. “And that makes you the sister of my stepmother.” There was a definite twinge of bitterness to his voice.

“Oh.” A small smile swept across her face. In her bits of research on Greek Mythology she’d come across talk of Demeter - and had, admittedly, been drawn to her. Being her daughter made all the more sense, if she thought about it. She still didn’t entirely understand even close to everything, but at least she had a name for her mother now.

“You’re Persephone’s step-son?” She questioned, raising an eyebrow. “It’s - nice to meet you.” After a pause, she bit her lip and said. “So Hades’ son, then? Did I get that right?” She blushed, aware of how painfully obvious her lack of knowledge on the entire Greek Mythology canon was. With a small smile, she gave a flick of her hand and caused a few bright tulips to sprout up around her feet.

[harperduncans-blog]

avadakaravadra:

She had seemed to hesitate on her words about a man before, and he could potentially infer from this uncertainty that she was withholding some information about this ‘man.’ “There wasn’t anything strange about this ‘man’?” he probed, putting extra emphasis on the word in question. 

“Because someone lied to you and said that you belong, when you don’t,” he replied quickly with the old bite he would have said the words with. “Why don’t you just stop tiptoeing around the subject and tell me exactly how you came to be here?” Jax offered with a smoother voice, though there was still the underlying air that he would not be pleased if he didn’t get what he wanted from her answer. “And look me in the eye when you tell me.”

“His legs. They - they were like a deer or something.” She took a few more steps back from him, feeling as though every admission she had was just digging herself into a deeper hole. “W-why?” 

Fighting off the urge to cry, Harper pressed her palms against the sides of her thighs. “I d-do.” Or do I? She shook her palms, running them through her hair. “I was in-invited. So I came.” Harper glanced up at the man, only barely making eye contact. “I was told this was a place for people like me.” Even though I don’t see how. “I c-can leave you be, I didn’t mean to disturb you, I promise.”

[harperduncans-blog]

peacefully-blossom:

Student vs. teacher. It was weird to think about, and Blossom understood Harper’s insecurities about teaching. When you’re the student for so long, the thought of being a teacher is weird and scary. Of course you don’t want to teach wrong, but it’s also about stepping outside of your comfort zone. It took a lot fo encouragement from Blossom’s friends to get her to start teaching, so she hoped she could do the same for Harper. “Not try, you will. If you feel like you’re a good student, then you will be a good teacher. I know it.”

She knew her and Harper would get along, and she was excited. They already had so much in common. Harper seemed shy, which would be an interesting mix with Blossom’s bright personality. Maybe Harper could teach Blossom how to not be so hyper and maybe Blossom could teach Harper how to come out of her shell a little more. It would be a learning experience for both of them. The dance and yoga lessons were also a plus. “Oh of course! Great idea. I always forget about cell phones.” She said with a laugh, taking Harper’s phone and inputting her information. Once she finished and handed Harper her phone back, Blossom pulled out her own. “Here, add your stuff onto mine too.”

“I like to hope I’m a good student, at least.” Harper gave a small shrug. She did love dance - until coming to New Rome it had been one of the places where she’d felt most at home. A place where she could be herself, and when it didn’t matter that she might struggle with read - a place that actually catered toward her need to move around. “It’ll be a good trade. Yoga for dance, and hopefully help both of us in the process.” She offered another smile to Blossom.

They seemed a good match. Not that Harper really knew what constituted a good match when it came to friends, but between Brooks, and now possibly Blossom, she felt pretty content. It felt nice, having people she could call friend, who she could feel comfortable around. It still wasn’t the same as she felt around plants - but it was something. “I’ve only got one because my dad wants to be able to contact me, but it’s easy to forget about them.” She took Blossom’s phone and put in her number. “All set, then. I - thank you. You’re really nice.”

[harperduncans-blog]

peacefully-blossom:

Blossom shook her head as Harper mentioned being a burden. “Never think you’re a burden. You’re not.” She assured her with an encouraging smile. Harper was so nice, at least of what Blossom could tell so far, and the fact that she thought she was a burden made Blossom a little sad. “I would be honored to teach you, whenever you’re ready to be taught that is. Just let me know! And it would totally help your dance. I’ve always wanted to try dance. Maybe I could teach you yoga, and you could teach me how to dance!”

It was refreshing being around Harper. She was one of the few people who seemed to not be hung up on the war. It seemed like every conversation Blossom was having lately revolved around the dispute going on, and Blossom kept having to explain how she didn’t understand the whole thing. To know Harper felt the same way was a bit of a relief. “Me either. I guess all we can do at this point is wait it out.”

“Oh yeah, shellfish won’t be an issue at all.” She said with a laugh. It seemed like Harper was appreciative and respectful of Blossom’s choice. Most people judged vegans, or made fun of them. Harper seemed rather interested in it though. “Oh stop, you’re lovely. I’m so excited for futer adventures with you.”

She sucked in her lip in, wanting to respond that she could very well be one, especially if she was butting into Blossom’s life just like this. But instead she found herself giving a half-shrug. Blossom was someone who seemed good and honest - someone who would also not just say that things were not okay if they truly were not. “I’m ready whenever you’ve got the time, honestly.” Harper smiled shyly. “Yes, I can try to teach you dance, though I’m certainly more student than - than teacher, in that regard.”

She gave another nod at Blossom’s comment. “I guess so, I just - I - I really just want it to be over, but also th-this isn’t the time to focus on that right now.” Pursing her lips only slightly, she pulled out her phone. “If we’re going to be yoga-slash-dance fri - teachers - whatever you’d call it, it might be good to exchange numbers. If you want to, that is.” Add you to the only about three contacts I’ve even got on here.

“I’m glad for that.” She smiled again. “I - I’m glad we met, that’s for sure.”

[harperduncans-blog]

sofilltomethepartingglass:

If Nico was entirely honest with himself - without pretenses, without attempting to find the victim-hood he had succored himself in for more than a decade - he liked helping people, in his own way. Sure, he wouldn’t run out of his way to move mountains for people the way some others (ahem, Percy) might, but he was probably among the more dependable Sons of Hades… not that he had much competition currently, but he was including the long-dead sons of the Lord of the Dead in his reckoning. 

Which is why when a visibly anxious blonde teenager started fiddling with her dress and awkwardly introducing herself, he didn’t immediately walk away from her. She seemed like this was difficult for her for some reason - and Nico would never in a million years have expected it to be because she somehow found him alarming (no, that part was expected), but somehow less alarming than Percy or Annabeth. That just wasn’t normal.

His dark eyebrows rose slightly at Harper’s fumbling request for advice or assistance, she guessed. Taking a moment to scrutinize the young female demigod in front of him, Nico nodded his head slightly. “Assistance, sure. Advice, you’d probably better go to one of the Athena kids.” His voice was somewhat flat - but not rude. “I’ve never been one for advice.” 

Why hadn’t she just somehow found the courage to go and talk to Percy or Annabeth? She couldn’t string together a sentence around Nico without fumbling through her words - even more than usual.

“Assistance, yes.” She fiddled with her hair, braiding it into one thick braid. “I - I j-just got claimed. Or almost just. Not too long ago, but I don’t know who my mother is. I can tell you the thing that appeared over my head though?” Her face turned pink - and she fought to make it go away. “It looked sort of like a -” She bit her tongue, fighting to remember the word, “like a sickle, and some wheat? or grass? Some sort of grassy plant.” She bit her lip, realizing that she’d started to describe it before she’d even gotten the ‘all good’ from Nico.

[annieknowbyss]

SUPERPOWERS | chlorokinesis / botanopathy

the psychic ability to control and communicate with all plant-life.

[harperduncans-blog]

Someone had told her that Nico apparently knew things. Which Harper supposed (knew, if she were being wholly honest) that Percy and Annabeth did as well, but despite the fact that Nico was myth to some, the idea of approaching him was less alarming than Percy or Annabeth (especially the latter, if she were honest). But Harper also knew that if she spent too much time focusing on it, she’d freak out and back out of going to talk to him.

But she needed to know what her claiming meant. Who her mother was, and what on earth that meant she might be able to do.

Tugging at the edges of her dress, Harper finally spotted a figure that she assumed to be Nico and quickly made her way over to him. “Hey,” she started, biting her lip, “I - I’m Harper. I was told you could help me with a,” problem? issue? it was not either of those, but she struggled to find the right word, “thing. I - I need advice, or assistance, I guess.”

@sofilltomethepartingglass

[harperduncans-blog]

peacefully-blossom:

“Oh stop, you’re gonna make me blush.” Blossom joked and teasingly shoved Harper’s arm, lightly of course. So far, Harper and her were finding they had a lot in common and Harper was super nice. “I love teaching. I’m certainly not the best. Even though I’ve been doing yoga for practically my whole life, I definitely don’t know everything and I mess up sometimes. But, we learn from mistakes and one another! I could teach you if you want, just let me know. I love pulling people into the yoga world whenever I can. But don’t feel like you have to! I won’t be offended if you say no. I totally understand that yoga isn’t really for everyone.”

It was so refreshing to hear Harper talk about how she disagreed with the hatred going on. Blossom didn’t really understand that rationale behind all the hatred going on lately either, and all the hate really upset her. She just wanted everyone to get along and love each other, but at this point, it almost seemed impossible. But, despite that, she still wasn’t going to lose hope for peace. “Exactly. It’s so sad how some people can just be so full of hate for others, and just the world in general. I’ll never understand it.”

“Of course, oh my goodness! Don’t be silly, I wouldn’t want you to have an allergic reaction. Are you allergic to anything else? Just so I know.” She asked. “Thank you? No, thank you! You’re amazing! You’re such a good friend already!”

“That’s not my goal, but I do speak honestly.” At the mention that Blossom did teach, Harper bit her lower lip. “I’d love to learn,” she answered honestly. “I - I wanted to ask you wh - when you first asked, but I didn’t want to burden you, you know?” She practically half-squeaked, though her voice was still fairly quiet, which certainly made the half-squeak come out as more of a partial gasp. “But yes. It could help with my dance, and I’m sure have many other benefits.”

She felt at peace around Blossom - part of her wondered if that was some sort of extension based on who Blossom’s mother was, but perhaps it was just Blossom’s natural way of existing. Either way, Harper was surely not about to question being comfortable around someone else - someone who was new, and someone who wasn’t Brooks. “I doubt I will, either. I see no logic or point to it.” She bounced lightly on the balls of her feet.

“Shellfish, but that’s not about to be a problem if you’re doing vegan.” She gave Blossom a small grin. “You - you’re lovely, I’m glad I can be a good friend to you.”

[harperduncans-blog]

avadakaravadra:

Though he’d stopped his pacing, his gaze was still trained on her, his eyes sharp and discerning as she continued to stutter through her explanations. But the explanations weren’t entirely explanatory, at least not to the extent he was looking for. “And who told you that?” he questioned immediately after her claim, demanding more information in an instant.

“Just saying that doesn’t make it true.” It definitely seemed more likely that she be Greek rather than a complete newcomer. Which was…unfortunate. Truly, Jax had much less ill will towards the Greeks than he had a few months ago, but he couldn’t simply be seen letting one go if he were to maintain the picture he’d always been— that of the perfect and loyal Roman son.

She still wouldn’t look at him, and he felt a flicker of guilt for causing such discomfort that wouldn’t have even registered before, though as always, he was careful to keep his carefully crafted mask in place. Nothing slipped through his features that he didn’t want to slip through. “I’m gonna have to say you’re wrong on that one.”

“A man. He told me I needed to come here.” She could practically feel her voice growing quieter with each word, and Harper cursed herself for it. Sort of a man. Not really - I don’t know what exactly he was. Is. Harper only wished that she could turn invisible - that she could run as fast as Brooks told her that he could. Because then she could get away from this and all the self-doubt that already circulated her.

“But it is true. Why else would I be here?” She understood that perhaps, and especially given the circumstances, this was not the best question to ask, but she didn’t know what else to say - what else to ask - and her insisting (best she could manage, at least) did not seem to be getting her anywhere. She still avoided his gaze, because making eye contact would just make it all the more difficult to maintain her insisting that she did belong. 

“I don’t think I am, actually. I think everyone here deserves to be here.” 

[harperduncans-blog]

This Isn’t Ivy League || Brooks, Cat, Harper, and Marcus

Brooks and Harper attempt to go out for a nice afternoon of nature exploration and get more than they bargained for.

Brooks left camp pretty frequently. He liked to think that he was becoming very good at sneaking in and out of the camp unnoticed. It wasn’t uncommon for people to leave camp, Brooks had noticed that. The camp had still gone unraided by Roman soldiers which meant that the secret hadn’t gotten out yet. Today, as Brooks was heading toward the edges of camp he had run into Harper and invited her along. “I know some great spots with beautiful views.” Had been Brooks best selling point. That’s how the two found themselves wandering around the lake above camp. “I come here a lot to clear my head. It’s quieter than camp.”

When Brooks had suggested that they go and explore some parts outside of the camp, Harper had agreed quickly. She loved the camp, and she was fairly certain that they weren’t exactly just supposed to go about everywhere. But she was still new, relatively speaking, and it was important to go and see new places. “Quiet is good.” Harper nodded, offering a small smile. “I am certainly a fan of it, especially in a place as beautiful as this.” She gestured around them. “Thank you for inviting me.” The lake was beautiful, and Harper breathed in the smell of all the trees and flowers around them.

“How are you adjusting?” Brooks found himself asking her. It seemed strange, those words coming out of his mouth instead of someone else saying them to him. He still didn’t feel like he had a good grip on everything that demigod and camp life had to offer, but he thought himself adjusted enough to at least offer assistance to others. He liked helping others, the sensation was new but pleasant. “It took me awhile to find my bearings, but once I started making friends it became a lot easier.” Once he had started training and involving himself in the war. He knew Harper had no desire to fight, but maybe she just needed to find her own reason to stay.

“It’s all still more than a little confusing,” Harper admitted honestly, “but it is so beautiful. So I am rather fond of it all.” She looked up at Brooks. It was all true, she did still have a great love for her new home, even though she still hardly understood anything that was going on. But one day her mother would out her - claim her - though Harper still didn’t understand what needed to happen in order for that to happen. “I like to think I have started on the friends thing,” she looked over to Brooks, not wanting to add on ‘with you’, because although she was fairly certain he would agree, she did not wish to assume that he would. “Besides, I have my schoolwork and dance courses to focus on, so that is something.”

“That’s an understatement” Brooks laughed. “If you ever have everything figured out please enlighten me.” Across the lake he could see the large lake houses that were part of New Rome. A portion that the greeks were no longer welcome at. “Well the people here are friendly, so it’s not surprising.” The two hadn’t known each other long but Brooks considered Harper a friend. He quite liked all the people that he had met so far actually. “Well at least you have something to keep you busy. I spend my free time roaming around keep or sneaking around outside of it.” The last thing he needed was to be sneaking around outside of camp only to be kidnapped by Roman soldiers.

Harper shook her head. “I have high doubts that I will ever find and figure everything all out.” She bit her lip. “But if I do, I’ll let you know first of anybody.” She pulled one leg up and out, into a stretch much like the one she and Brooks had done before their run not too long ago. “I have been very lucky to find such kindness here, yes.” She listened to Brooks and gave a nod, “I think that is still a valid way to spend your time, so long as you enjoy it.” She glanced around them both quickly before wrapping her arms around her body, slightly chilly despite the beautiful day.

Brooks appreciated Harper’s willingness to stay positive and kind despite the war. Especially with how little that she knew about the demigod’s world it was amazing to see her so positive and willing to learn. If Brooks had a life to go back to outside of New Rome he wasn’t so sure he would be as willing. He wasn’t sure he would have stuck around or he might not have even come to New Rome in the first place. These were the things he came up here to think about. Brooks glanced at his watch, the two had been gone for a couple of hours now. Roaming around for too long in the open probably wasn’t a smart idea. “We should probably start heading back. It’s going to get dark in a little bit.”

She breathed in the fresh air all around them, only half paying attention to what Brooks was saying. Harper enjoyed the time spent out here more than she figured that she ought to. Especially since neither she nor Brooks were technically supposed to even be out here. Which were rules, and rules did often and usually have importance, but these rules only existed because of excessive fighting that should have never had to happen in the first place. “I suppose we should.” She whispered.

After the initial battle in the Eastern district, Cat had been commanded to patrol the more vulnerable parts of the city, and to her great amusement she had found something out of place. Two Greeks, stealing through the streets of her city. Using sign language, Cat directed her troops to fan out around them before motioning for Marcus to follow her. Stepping into the street, she smiled menacingly, pulling her revolvers from their holsters she clicked the hammers back and aimed each one at a Greek head. “By the laws of New Rome, and the authority of the senate and the first cohort, this is your first and final warning. Stand down, and I won’t hurt either of you. Resist, and Marcus will show you why the first cohort is the best.”

Marcus enjoyed patrols with Cat, she always seemed to make the right choices and the tough calls without hesitation. He admired that and learnt everything he could from her. As she signed orders to the troops he read her orders before reading his own. As she stepped out and announced their arrest, he stepped out from behind her, smirk on his face. Yeah, he definitely would show them. As if it had all been planned out, he summoned flames that danced around his right hand and aimed it at them with a wink. Flames were one of the easiest elements he could control, he always reasoned it was due to his descendance from Vulcan. “I’d do as she said.” He added.

Brooks’ heart plummeted as soon as he heard the woman’s voice. Before she even finished her sentence Brooks could tell that these were roman soldiers stepping out to capture them. He immediately felt sick to his stomach and glanced around, taking in and and all exit strategies that came to mind. But escaping demigods with magic, arrows and guns were different than running from a mugger or cop. Brooks stepped in front of Harper and held his arms up in surrender. “Please don’t hurt us!” He didn’t need to fake fear but some tears might not hurt. “We aren’t greek soldiers!” That part wasn’t even a lie. “My name’s Brooklyn, son of Mercury. This is Harper. She hasn’t even been claimed yet. We are just walking around the lake. We aren’t trying anything we swear. Don’t hurt us please.” Whether or not these soldiers bought the story, Brooks needed to find a way to get him and Harper out of there pronto.

This was not happening. Harper wished that she could just sink into herself. She moved closer to Brooks and found herself extremely grateful for once that she didn’t talk too much, and didn’t like to talk too much. She nodded at Brooks’ words - it was okay to lie in this situation, and it also was true that she hadn’t been claimed. Though she was fairly certain that she was Greek, even though that was not something she entirely understood. “I just r-really like nature.” She finally said, finding her voice, though it wavered. “That’s all we were doing, you do - don’t need to hurt us.” The weapons and clear magic were not something she wanted to be anywhere near right now.

Nature. What a quaint ideal. Cat however had grown up in this city. There wasn’t a single member of the Legion by the name of Brooklyn. He was of the age where he’d have certainly joined the Legion were he to be Roman, and she would recognise him if he had joined the Legion. Of course, they didn’t know that. Which meant that she and Marcus could have a bit of fun with their prey. “Brooklyn, son of Mercury,” she pretended to think, scratching at her chin for a moment before frowning, “from the Queen family?” she asked, making up a name to see if he agreed with it. “If you are Romans then what are you even doing so far past the last Roman position? It is incredibly dangerous here, Jackson and his Greek dogs have been killing any Roman that they can get their hands on. Probably as vengeance for what happened to his friend Grace, I heard he lost the eye y’know.” She turned to Marcus for the end of that sentence, hoping to get some sort of reaction from the Greeks.

Marcus didn’t recognize the other and that was saying something. His father and family were well known and everyone who was someone attended their family’s gala evenings and even the most meaningless families were gossiped about. What really gave it away was Cat mentioning the Queen family, which did not exist. Catching on, Marcus made the flames vanish before he sat down and lay himself out besides Cat, propping himself up with his arm and resting his other arm on the knee of his bent leg. “It’s true, although I’d say we helped and that he looks a lot better this way.” He smirked. “It’s dangerous out here, them Greeks can be a real menace.” He paused before asking, “Wait, Brooks? From the 6th Cohort right? I think I might have heard off some good looking guy called Brooks from the 6th?”

Brooks knew when he was walking into a trap. One of the pros of living the last two years learning to lie and act his way out of situations. He had picked up on more than a few red flags in a conversation. Brooks knew nothing about the Queen family, but it was far too specific of a reference for Cat to willingly offer an out to them. In an ideal situation, Brooks would have some semblance of information on the Romans to fuel his lies. Unfortunately, he didn’t have any personal information to to share that would help his lie. But Brooks needed to be flexible. “I have no idea what either of you are talking about.” He was walking a dangerous path, he knew that. But with both his and Harper’s lives on the line he seemed to have little choice. “I don’t know any Queen family and I don’t even what a cohort is! Let alone how many there are.” Grace. A wave of anger rose in his body. They were mocking Jason’s injuries. He was furious, but logical. He couldn’t show his anger. He needed to remain as frightened as possible. “I was claimed a couple of months ago. I was told about New Rome and directed out here. When I got here I learned out about the war and the Greeks found me. I panicked and told them that I was a son of Hermes so they wouldn’t kill me.” His hands were growing tired but he refused to lower them in fear of getting shot because someone thought he was reaching for a weapon. If it came down to a fight, both him and Harper were screwed. So they needed to find another way out. “I was trying to leave the camp and convinced Harper to come with me. We escaped and found the lake but I don’t have any idea where I’m going. Please do not hurt us. You can clearly see how terrified we both are. We don’t even have weapons. All I have is a pocket knife. It’s in my back pocket. I can grab it for you if you don’t shoot me.”

She felt sick to her stomach. This was about a million-and-one times worse than any elementary school playground bullies. Harper continued to let Brooks do most of the talking as she tried to figure out just what the two adults were up to. Even despite her belief in the good of all, there were too many signs that that something was wrong. She felt her body stiffen at the woman’s mention of Jason’s injury. Mocking something like that was cruel, comparing others to animals was terrible. You helped? She bit down as hard as she could on her lip and stared right at them, wide-eyed though remaining relatively silent. “He just w-wanted me to be safe, too.” She whispered. “So that the Gr- the Greeks didn’t decide to lock us up or anything.” Harper silently cursed herself, everyone in the Greek camp who she’d met had been nothing but warm and welcoming and kind. They didn’t deserve even the smallest lie that said they were anything but. “We’ll just go ahead and get back home,” she stumbled over her words, “you know, back to safety and all.”

“Enough,” Cat announced, suddenly growing bored of these foolish games and wishing for another respite from her time patrolling. Bringing these fools into Camp Jupiter would have to do for the days activities. Besides, she was sure that if they were truly telling the truth then it would be found out soon enough. Although she couldn’t quite bring herself to believe their tall stories. They’d made no reference of Lupa, something a true Roman would recognise. “I don’t believe that you’re not Greek, but I guess there is only one real way to tell. We’re going to detain you and take you back to the Camp, they’ll be able to test whether or not your claim is true. Besides, if you’re Romans you’ll be safer off outside of the city. We can transfer your leaving information as soon as we’ve validated your claims.” She nodded at Marcus, and reached behind herself, hooking a pair of handcuffs off her belt. Unsnapping them, she looked at the suspects, daring them to move.

Marcus rolled his eyes as the fun ended. He could see through the lies as if they were the mist. The boy seemed to have a golden tongue, a gift given to children of Mercury and Hermes. There was no telling just yet if his statements were true or not. The girl seemed very timid and unlikely to be a threat, she also seemed to be scared out of her mind. Most Roman’s knew who the Centurions were, especially Cat, yet they hadn’t called her by name once. Jumping up to his feet he too took out a pair of handcuffs but his materialized into his hand rather than him reaching for them attached to his belt. “Listen, don’t make this hard for yourselves. You obviously know the Roman law, and resisting can lead to even greater consequences. Besides, if you run, I’ll just put the handcuffs on magically, and with a moving target, there’s no guarantee it won’t hurt.”

They were so screwed. Brooks was trying to remain positive and level headed but the odds were stacked against them. These two roman soldiers were obviously well trained and if part of a cohort or whatever they were claiming, that probably meant there were more soldiers around. He could not imagine a situation where the two of them were going to make it back to the Greek camp. The two of them were too outnumbered and not nearly skilled enough. It was times like these that he wished his pocket knife magically turned into a chainsaw or something fantastic like Percy’s pen or Jason’s coin. Unfortunately, it looked like the two were on their own. And with Marcus threatening his magic handcuffs, which were apparently a thing, just running didn’t seem like an option. Maybe if Brooks could provide a distraction it would give Harper time to get away. “Fine. Fine. Just don’t hurt us. Like I said, we aren’t soldiers.” Brooks began walking forward, eyeing the ground and spotting a root sticking out from the ground. He veered his path to make sure he would have to walk into it and purposely planted his foot under it, forcing himself to trip onto the ground. He planted face first, digging his palms into the ground and gathering as much dirt as he could into his fists. “Damn it.” Brooks mumbled, pushing himself back up off the ground. “If I’m actually a greek spy I must be the clumsiest soldier known to man.” Then, as quickly as he could, threw the dirt at the two soldiers, and spun to yell  “Run!” to Harper. He knew the dirt would do nothing. But he at least hoped that they would focus their attention on him so that Harper may be able to get away.

No. No, no, no. Harper’s eyes glanced at the handcuffs that the woman held, and she felt her nails dig into the palms of her hands at the mention of magic handcuffs that the man could apparently use. How would that even work? She found herself thinking, too curious and too unknowing once again. If they made it out of this, she desperately needed to find somebody to help explain all the ins and outs of this place to her. They would make it out of this, though, because nobody needed to die. Nobody ever needed to die. She could feel her mouth go dry as Brooks moved toward the other figures, then her eyes grew wide as he threw dirt at them - and yelled for her to run. But she remained, unmoving, feet planted on the ground. I’m not leaving you. She wanted to say, but remaining mostly quiet was for the best. “Leave us b - be.” She said, her voice wobbling as she attempted to feign confidence, ever part of her body feeling terrified and anxious. “Don’t you dare hurt us.” Especially not my only full-confirmed friend here. She took a few steps forward, finally - unsure of what her plan was, unsure of what she was supposed to do here. Harper finally relaxed her fists from their clenching, giving a small flick of her wrists, and found herself give a half-audible gasp as a few strands of ivy suddenly sprouted from the ground and wrapped around the handcuffs in the woman’s hands.

Cat was moving forwards, having brushed the dirt out of her eyes and blinking a few times, she’d started after Brooks, intent on handcuffing him just a little too tightly. Stepping forward she reached out and was about to snap her cuffs around the Greek when she noticed the girl move. The earth almost seemed to respond as vines of ivy leapt up and wrapped themselves around the handcuffs in her hands, the ivy moved of its own accord, defying gravity and surging through the air. The vines lashed around the metal circles and pulled down tightly, dragging them out of Cat’s hands and causing them to rattle onto the floor. “She’s a child of Ceres or Prosperina,” she snapped, reaching to her belt and pulling a sword out before hacking free of the vines and taking a step away. “We’ve got to stop them, she’s too valuable to allow to join the Greeks.”

Marcus growled as the vines leapt out at Cat and then became annoyed as they seems to move on their own accord and wrap around his arms too. He struggled to pull his arm from the plants but soon the vines had wrapped themselves around both his wrists and held them close together. Now he was the one who was handcuffed. With a roar of frustration, his hands burst into flames, burning away at the vines that held them tight. The smell of burnt vines and white smoke filled the air and with another tug, be broke away from the charred vines. He made a move towards the boy whom was closest, hoping to use him as leverage, hold him captive until they both surrendered. But the same root that has tripped the other seemed to find its way over Marcus’s foot, causing him to topple forward and into the dirt too. He did however, manage to send a ball of flames in the girls direction before his face met the dirt beneath him. He had probably missed and looked up as soon as he could, spitting the blood that had come from his busted lip.

What the hell had just happened? Brooks was so sure that the two were completely screwed when all hell broke loose. Vines began growing from nowhere and both Cat and Marcus seemed taken aback by this new development. Brooks glanced back at Harper and the realization that this was her hit him. She had powers too apparently and they had just completely saved their asses. Or at least, they were giving the two the chance to get away. Marcus fell and in a fit of rage seemed to hurl at fireball. Brooks tried scrambling to his feet to save Harper but when he realized couldn’t get there in time, instead reached out and pushed out at her ankle, knocking her over so that the fireball would miss. A second later, Brooks had crawled to his feet and was helping Harper onto her feet. “We need to go. Right now.” He said in a rush, yanking her along by her wrists as the two made their way out into the forest.

She’d never known that she had powers of that sort. For a moment, Harper stood, wide-eyed as the vines wrapped around the man and woman in part, but then they each broke away from them. This still isn’t working. Her heart was still racing and then the man sent fireballs toward her and before she could even duck, Brooks had pushed her out of the way, causing her to fall down on the ground. She caught her fall with the palms of her hands and then grabbed Brooks’ hand as he reached out to help her. “Right there with you.” She whispered and began to move with him, turning back halfway and gave another flick of her wrist, causing a small fence of vines to grow between them and the others - given that the man could apparently create fire, she doubted that it would do much, but maybe it could help a bit. Until she could figure out exactly what she was able to do. This was much more than simple keeping flowers alive always and growing a few small plants in her room.

After the two were safely away from these Roman soldiers, Brooks and Harper would have to explore this new and exciting revelation in Harper’s powers. For now, the two would have to focus instead on surviving. Along the path of their escape a single Roman soldier stepped out to stop the two. So they did have soldiers spread out. Made sense. Brooklyn was positive that this soldier could outfight the two. But Brooks remembered what Jason had said. That chaos was Brooks’ best friend. He just needed to do the unexpected. So while Brooks and Harper ran full speed toward the soldier, Brooks dropped. And fell to the ground and into a roll, barreling into the soldier’s leg and kicking into the soldier’s groin. Then he recovered quickly and kicked the dude’s head with his foot. He neglected to see if the man was unconscious or not and instead waved Harper along so the two could keep running. He veered Harper off of the path leading back to Camp, “We can’t go back there tonight. No telling if they’ll follow us or not.”

Somehow, they’d made it away. Harper didn’t quite understand how any of that had happened, but right now she just needed to keep moving until both she and Brooks were safe. But another soldier appeared, apparently making their ease of escaping more difficult than it should have been. If there was no war, they would not have had to run, they would not have been attacked simply for being Greek. The prejudice made absolutely no sense to Harper, and she refused to hate someone else simply because they had a different birth than she did. Harper couldn’t help but watch in amazement as Brooks deftly dealt with the soldier - though any violence was not somethings she would ever be fond of, but right now she needed to get out of here alive, and make sure that Brooks did too. Then she could maybe start to process what on earth she had done back there. “Yes, we’ll have to stay in the forest this evening.” She looked around at the upcoming trees. “I - I don’t want to risk harm to anyone back at the Camp.”

The two ran for what felt like forever. Even Brooklyn’s legs were tired by the time they finally slowed. But the adrenaline still hadn’t stopped pumping through his blood. When he was certain that the two hadn’t been followed - and to be clear Brooks still had not been completely sure they had not been followed - the two finally stopped running and decided to take a rest. He leaned against a tree and slid down it until he was sitting on the ground. Then he rested his head back against the bark and took a long second to catch his breath. “We can figure out a place around here to make camp. It won’t be a particularly luxurious night, but we won’t put anybody else in danger.” Then he paused lifted his head to look at Harper, “That was impressive. What you did back there.”

She skidded to a halt when Brooks stopped. “Yes,” she sighed, “we can. I am not bothered by sleeping here, I’m sure we can find a nice patch of grass, or dirt, and it is still lovely out.” At his mention of what had happened, she felt her face grow red. “I - I do not know what happened, I just - I didn’t want them to hurt us, and then,” she gestured vaguely around, “that happened. It’s - I’ve grown f- flowers before, but not that.” She wrapped her arms around her body. Harper smiled down at Brooks, “but thank you. I appreciate your kind words.” She let the words of gratitude hang in the air for a few moments before she moved to sit down - but before she could, she noticed a slight shift in the way the light fell around her and glanced up - a sickle and a few sheaths of wheat floating above her head. “What - what is that?” She said, moving towards Brooks, the image following her.

“Well it was incredible. You saved both of us.” Brooks smiled. A part of him was disappointed that everyone around him seemed to have these incredible abilities. The other part knew that Harper had already had some type of abilities. He recognized the flowers and the way things seemed to spring to life around her. And most of all, he was happy that whatever she had done it saved the both of them. “So thanks.” Suddenly, something was appearing over head and Brooks jumped to his feet to get a better look at it. “You just got claimed.” Brooks admitted, wide eyed. “I don’t know who it is though.” He studied it further, willing the name to come to him, but his mind remained blank. “Damn it.” He groaned. He wished he could have been more helpful to Harper. “When we get back to camp we will figure out. Other’s will know.”

Her cheeks turned a bright shade of pink. “Thank you, again. You were a big help though, I would’ve been in way bigger trouble from the st-start without you there. So thank you.” Harper smiled at her friend. “Claimed? Like, by my mother? But -” She scrunched her nose. “I - we - still don’t know who she is.” Harper glanced up at the image above her as she sat down next to Brooks. “It’s okay. It is no trouble either way, I am just glad that perhaps this means I can be of more use.” Chewing on her lip, Harper gave a small flick of her wrist and let a few vines sprout up from the ground and wrap around one another, forming a small fence around the tree where she and Brooks sat. “Perhaps that can help keep us safe until we go back home tomorrow.”

[harperduncans-blog]

peacefully-blossom:

“Me too. I find this Earth extremely remarkable. I still don’t understand how people can damage this planet and not feel awful about their actions. This Earth gives us so much and protects us from so much, we as humans should do the same thing for it. Treat people how you want to be treated, you know? Or I guess in this case it would be the Earth. Anyway, it must be cool to know all the science and stuff behind it all. I don’t know any of that stuff. I just appreciate it and try to keep the planet healthy however I can.” She explained. It was really nice to see that it seemed like Harper had the same appreciation that she did. Not many at camp did, and no one really could understand Blossom’s love for this world. Harper, however, seemed like she was the one person that could understand. “Oh yes! I do yoga every day. I love it. I teach some of my friends too. Percy suggested I get a big class going, but then the war broke out and stuff so I doubt that could happen now.”

At the mention of hate, Blossom couldn’t help but sigh. She was glad though that Harper had the same questions that Blossom did. “I have no idea.” She said matter of factly. “I wish I could understand it all, but  I don’t. I don’t understand how people could be so full of hate for another group of people. We all are humans, we all are demigods. We should be fighting the common enemy, which is monsters, not each other. It’s all so silly and- it’s just awful that people had to lose their lives because of bigotry.”

Each thing Harper said made Blossom grin bigger and bigger. It was amazing to finally meet someone so similar to herself. Honestly, she didn’t think it was possible. “That’s great! You are one hundred percent right, meat consumption is bad for the environment, as well as animal products. If you want I could make you some vegan recipes! Of course, you don’t have to go vegan, but I have some pretty great recipes if I do say so myself.” She joked with a laugh. “You know what, Harper? I think we’re going to be really great friends. Oh my goodness, I’m so excited! We’re into a lot of the same things.”

“Earth is remarkable.” Harper smiled in agreement. It was wonderful to find someone like Blossom who seemed to share a number of her views on the world. Although she knew that the likelihood had to be low, for a moment she also wondered if her and Blossom’s divine parentage was the same, but she quickly pushed the thought away. It didn’t matter (although it did, of course - it seemed as though everyone she met knew who their divine parent was except for her). “You teach, too?” She asked, chewing on her lip. She already did dance and had at least occasional plans to go running with Brooks, but yoga was different and could be good. “That’s - that’s wonderful. I bet you’re a l-lovely teacher.”

“We are all the same. Just because we are from different backgrounds should not mean that treating one another with hatred is allowed.” She looked down. It made no sense to her, just as the bullying from other schoolchildren hadn’t. Cruelty just seemed useless, always and forever. There was no logical reason in Harper’s mind to use cruelty, or to dislike someone else based on wholly superficial reasons.

“I would like that. Just no sesame, please - I’ve got an EpiPen and everything, but would ideally like to prevent an allergic reaction.” Her cheeks grew pink at the admission, but she believed that Blossom would not take it as being any trouble. “I - I’d like to be friends, please and thank you very much.”

[harperduncans-blog]

thebolt-unbound:

“My… mother, as much as she was, left me in a park to be escorted to the Wolf House when I was seven. Not much of a life before that. She’d already started to go insane at that point. Life was infinitely better when I joined the Legion.” Continuing to stitch he cast a brilliant smile in her direction, “Oh but you must. They’re both amazing people.” 

The smile grew fractionally smaller, “Well.. I am the son of the King of the Gods… I guess it does. But, I’ve got other titles I much prefer.” Harper seemed nice, if a little bit spacey, but he honestly loved talking to someone that didn’t bother him with talk of the war, “Not necessarily trees… but… I like the outdoors.”

“Oh.” Harper said, fighting the urge to clasp her palms over her mouth and instead stared, wide-eyed, at Jason for a few moments. “I - that’s - I am glad life got better for you with the Legion.” She said, finally stopping tripping over her words. “Could - well, I bet that I am bound to run into them eventually.”

“Like what? I am happy to call you whatever you most prefer.” Harper said, a small smile crossing her lips. “I enjoy the outdoors as well. It’s always been where I feel most comfortable. Most at ease.”

[harperduncans-blog]

brooklynstrickster:

“Chicago is a great choice.” Brooks remembered begging the theater director to put the play on at his school. The two had looked into it and found that the rights to the show were not overly expensive and could be done by a high school budget. Not to mention, the abundance of female characters made perfect sense for a school with such an unbalanced level of female to male theater members. Brooks was one of just four other guys and Brooks didn’t mean to brag, but he was definitely the most talented and able to play a role such as Billy Flynn. It was a miracle that the two had convinced the school board to show it. Though the two had to edit a few scenes from the original script and downplay some of the more overt clothing options and dancing moves – the spread eagle for example – they got their play. “How annoyed are you going to be if I sing every word?”

Brooks shrugged. Truth was that he didn’t know the answer. Others certainly had more god-like abilities than Brooks possessed. Brooks was faster than most but he was barely the flash or sonic the hedgehog fast. All of his speed and ability could be chalked up to his living situation, not anything superhuman or godly. In his eyes, he was nothing more than a human with now a trio of shitty parents instead of just a duo. “I don’t really think anybody could give us a definitive answer. Even the gods.” They may even be unsure of the exact science of it.

“I don’t know what to expect, let alone dream of.” Brooks couldn’t recall any dreams about dates, though he was sure back in high school they must have happened. He was way too repressed and terrified of his sexuality to not have nightmares about men. “But thanks. Happiness is important.”

Brooks appreciated Harper’s kindness and her hand and hadn’t realized that the two were still standing motionless until Harper pulled her hand away and spoke. He had completely forgotten about the run. The two had started talking and gotten lost in the conversation. “Well I’m usually out here every morning so you’ll know where to find me.”

“Oh good, glad I chose right the first time.” Harper was excited to see proper musicals, see stories told through song in a different way than ballets did. There was also the added benefit that they could very well give insight into her friend, and knowing more about Brooks would not be any bad sort of thing, certainly. “I will not be bothered at all, I promise.” She chewed briefly on her thumb nail and looked up at him. Her words held truth, and she imagined that Brooks was likely a lovely singer.

His words were a bit of comfort, although she did still hold some confusion. Her possible abilities, whatever they were, might be nothing, but there was always the chance - although she doubted it - that she had some skill as incredibly brilliant as flying or some such thing. “Per - perhaps because they are also still learning?” She asked, giving a slight shrug of her shoulders.

“If you wish, after it is all done, you are welcome to, you know, come and talk to me about it.” She offered Brooks a shy smile. “I-I’d like to hear about it, and I like to hope I’m a half-good listener at least. Happiness is wonderful, I am glad you agree.” Harper wasn’t quite sure why she was talking more than usual, but something about Brooks seemed to draw words out of her more easily than what happened with others - but she refrained from questioning it, at least most of the time.

“If you would like, I would love to go for more runs with you. I often get up with the sun, if not earlier.”