Blonde Curls

Annabeth carried the clean clothes inside, laying them on the table to fold them. Thalia's electric blue cloak, Piper's soft pink one, and Bianca's green cloak were folded in order, soft squares laid in a row as Annabeth moved on. She folded one of her dresses, placing it in her laundry basket to take upstairs.

Each of her guardian's clothes were neatly stacked in the laundry basket. Annabeth pressed the basket to her waist, holding the outside handle with her left hand as she ascended the stairs in her cottage. She pushed open the doors to their rooms, placing their clothes on their beds. It was Tuesday, when they would be out getting groceries. Annabeth turned to look at the clock in the hallway, closing the door behind her. It was only noon, she had a few hours before they were to be home.

She hurried downstairs and dropped the basket by the door, taking her cloak off the rack and opening the front door. Annabeth slipped the tan cloak over her shoulders and secured it around her neck. The cloak was a few years old, and too short based off of her recent growth spurt. The cloth danced half a foot above the grass, fluttering against the pale skirt of Annabeth's dress.

Annabeth weaved through the trees, heading back to her favorite spot. It overlooked the city and the castle, with boulders perfect for sitting. Birds could fly by and little flowers danced around tree trunks. Annabeth loved it for the scenery and how tranquil it was.

"Maybe when I'm twenty, then I could roam the city. I'd have to have Piper show me the way." Annabeth said to herself quietly, bringing her knees to her chest and resting her chin. "I bet it's lovely." She sighed, the rays of sunlight dancing across her shoes.

"It's my first time seeing it, but I can assure you it is." A smooth, disembodied voice said from behind. Annabeth touched her feet to the grass, placing her hands behind her swiftly and turning her head.

Her eyes locked with the other person. Armor clung to their torso and shins, a shimmering sword attached to a sheath on their hips. Annabeth could see feminine curves, long eyelashes around buttery almond eyes. Their hair was long and dark, tied back by a ribbon. Her, as Annabeth guessed, lips were plump and gave her a look of contemplation. Their skin was tanned, slight definition of muscles along her arms.

The girl began to unstrap her armor, in plain clothing underneath it. She sat next to Annabeth on the grass.

"I hope you don't mind." She said offhandedly, focusing her gaze on the city as well. She was definitely a girl, the way her chest curved would give that impression.

"Who are you?" Annabeth asked, her voice quiet. The stranger looked up at her.

"Oh, I'm from the kingdom just East. My name is Reyna." She offered, "I may have swiped armor to come along on the trip here. Supposedly it is the princess' birthday soon. I never knew what she was like."

Annabeth studied her. Reyna seemed honest, open.

"I'm Annabeth."

Notes

;)

~Nova~