action ♕ jan 4

[excusing]

[ You've come pretty far haven't you, Roman Barbie? Seven months in the Greek camp and she's earned another tattoo, reunited with Johnny, got a boyfriend and has slowly been studying the differences between the Greek and Roman fighting styles. It's the Mars in her blood that picks up on these things. It's nice, actually, to feel like she's gained some respect. Not that anyone ever looked down on her at Camp Jupiter but she had been somewhat of a troublesome girl when she first joined the Legion -- despite her letters of recommendation.

There are some things, however, that don't change -- like her mischievous streak and silly plans to keep the camp's spirits light in times of duress.

Unsurprisingly, Heather wants to avoid getting literal cabin fever so she's still out and about - somewhat better dressed after shopping in the city for a short, asymmetrical black coat warmer than a leather jacket. She happily lands near the stables after taking her favorite pegasus, Moneypenny, out for a ride, her hair hardly mussed despite the wind. ]

Hey, girl, good job! Can't have the both of us restless, right?

[ The Roman army is a foot army, but Heather had ridden Moneypenny during the Red Room mission and decided then to continue practicing and flying with her just in case. Feel free to offer any tips or company or ask her questions if you see her. ]

Comments

[swayer]

Like in the James Bond movie? [ audrey tilts her head and grins, offering, ] I'm Audrey Horne. [ as she climbs through the fence, ducking under one of the rails and crossing over to heather and moneypenny. she stands there, not bothering to keep her distance, staring at the steed, either awed or impressed or both.

probably both. ]

I've never seen one before.

[excusing]

Cool. [ From the getgo, Heather immediately likes this retro look this girl is rocking and it shows by the way her grin widens as she and the horse approach her. Personal space is no big deal for Heather. She's the one invading it most of the time. ]

They didn't have as many in New Rome. The Legion's a foot army so only special people in high positions get horses. Obviously I had to see what it was like here.

[swayer]

I hear normal horses are just the norm in Washington. [ one day she'll get used to the geography here. one day. right now, she's got what she wants (which, honestly, is typical). she reaches out gently to touch moneypenny's mane. ]

She yours?

[excusing]

That's what I hear too, though I don't think they have a big demigod outlet there save for the Amazons. [ That's a funny story.

The pegasus, clearly taking after her rider, enjoys the new attention, nudging her snout forward for a few more pets. ] She's not mine officially, but we're bros. Like, we've flown a bunch of times. And I didn't feel like I was gonna die.

[swayer]

That the normal reaction? [ audrey arches an eyebrow at heather before turning her attention back to the pegasus, allowing her a few more pets. because why not. ]

Death seems a little extreme.

[excusing]

[ Heather raises her eyebrows right back because she doesn't really want to admit her own nervousness with heights. She's supposed to be fearless or something like that. ]

I'm not used to riding a horse, like, that's not what I was trained to do, before.

[swayer]

[ a pause. it's okay, she can relate. ]

I never was, either. Trained in horseback riding. We had the money, but - [ but her father spent more time being ben horne and buying horses for laura palmer instead. ] sometimes things get in the way.

[excusing]

[ That sounds like a story and Heather is nosy but they've only just met. Her inquisitive expression gives it all away but she somehow quells the series of questions rising. ]

Like discovering you're a demigod, right? Yeah, I don't know how it'd be if I grew up not knowing my, uh, family history. Roman through and through. Which is, like, so weird considering that when I was kid I had the most un Roman lifestyle.

[swayer]

Something like that.

[ audrey steps back, a slight trace of bitterness on her face. it had only been a matter of days before that she'd heard about the extent of what had happened back home. she crosses her arms. ]

But I think most of us can say we grew up with other things besides olives to eat and tunics to wear.

[excusing]

And those funny sandals. So bad for flat-footed people.

[ She leans against her steed, focusing her attentions on Moneypenny for a moment longer. ]

There are some people who actually grew up in New Rome. I mean, I like it here a lot, but back there, like. They had shops and places to go when you weren't training. That's all gone.

[swayer]

Demolished? [ her mouth quirks, a curious expression. ] I'm not exactly up on the history of the place.

[excusing]

No one's filled you in? The reason why all the Romans are here are 'cause Gaea set her baddies on us at New Rome and Camp Jupiter. [ She rubs the back of her neck. ] I don't remember much of it. Don't think anyone else does, really. But it was bad.

[swayer]

I guess I know the true story of Mother Earth, and all that, [ audrey says with a tiny twitch of a smirk. ] Still learning the ropes. It's a lot to take in, when you didn't grow up here. [ is that too much sympathy in her voice? does she need to dial it back? ] I'm sorry for anything you lost.

[ aka, tell me everything and also let me ride your horse. ]

[excusing]

Yeah, got a lot to figure out.

[ She'd be happy to point Audrey in the direction of the other pegasi waiting in the stables. Unless she just wants to ride Heather's horse specifically. Then she'll consider.

And she falls silent, surprisingly thoughtful. And confused. Why was everything still foggy? ]

How's everything else working out for you since you got here?

[swayer]

[ well, it'd just be more convenient. moneypenny is already out and everything, and audrey's seen her. and taken a liking to her. just saying. she reaches out to pet her again, taking a moment before considering the question. ]

It's quieter than I thought. Everybody made everything seem so urgent.

[excusing]

It's not really something I normally say. But. Yeah, the last time it was quiet, something happened and a bunch of people leaving to go home got kidnapped. Calm before another storm or something.

[ Heather gathers the reins and holds them out to Audrey. ] Do you wanna walk her?

[swayer]

Kidnapped? [ oh, damn, so this place does get shaken up, from time to time. she tries not to look too fascinated. ] You got 'em back, right?

[ she tilts her head before plucking the reins from heather. ] Just around?