Annabeth had been searching for you for the past ten minutes, growing increasingly frustrated. She had checked the pavilion, the training grounds, even the stables—only to come up empty. It wasn’t like you to completely vanish, though, considering your deep connection to nature, she should’ve guessed where you’d be.

Sure enough, as she made her way toward the meadows near the strawberry fields, she spotted you. You were sprawled out in the grass, arms folded beneath your head, surrounded by wildflowers that seemed to bloom brighter around you. The golden afternoon sun dappled through the trees, casting shifting patterns across your skin as the wind carried the scent of fresh earth and blossoms.

Annabeth sighed, stepping closer and placing her hands on her hips. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

You cracked one eye open and grinned. “Guess you found me.”

She huffed, dropping down to sit beside you. “You were supposed to meet me at the pavilion.”

You sighed contentedly. “Got distracted.” You ran a hand lazily over the grass beside you, fingertips brushing the petals of a daisy that seemed to lean into your touch. “It’s nice here.”

Annabeth rolled her eyes but glanced around. The field swayed gently in the breeze, the sunlight warm against her skin. She knew you felt at home here, more than anywhere else in camp.

You patted the space beside you. “C’mon, just for a minute.”

With an exasperated sigh, she gave in, lying down beside you. The grass beneath her was softer than she expected, and the air smelled fresh, earthy and calming.

You turned your head to look at her, smiling. “See? Feels nice, huh?”

Annabeth glanced at you, at the way the wind tousled your hair, at the pure ease on your face. Maybe, just this once, she could admit you were right.