Half-Blood Hill

[Camp, here’s Reyna and she seems to be in much better spirits than when you last saw her over Iris Message. She’s even GASP smiling… and is that a Santa hat on her head? Please, please, please don’t ask… You really might regret it.]

Jason and I figured… with Saturnalia approaching… That we should decorate around camp.

[Guess who is also grinning and looking pretty pleased with himself. That’s right, Jason is right there too. He has on a pair of reindeer antlers of course, complete with jingle bells. We’ll try not to read too much into their choice of headgear and what it might say about them. Anyway, he looks about as relaxed as he’s ever looked. Although, observant people may notice that he is sitting closer to Reyna that usual. Hmm.]

For those of you who don’t know, Saturnalia was--IS--really big for Romans. It was a huge feast in the old days, but obviously over the years New Rome adopted more of the modern Christmas traditions...but the feasting part remains pretty unchanged.

[His eyes get a little distant, as if he’s reliving some memories.]

We’d put lights on everything, even the bunkers and fountains. We’d find the biggest tree we could to decorate, and on December 17 we’d all exchange gifts among the legion after the feast.

[He trails off, lost in memory and regret for a moment, but he forces himself out of it, shaking his head. Unseen on the Iris Message, he gives Reyna’s hand a squeeze.]

Anyway...we’d really like some help to try to get something similar up before December 17.

[When Jason explained Saturnalia, Reyna cast her gaze down, staring at her hands. He trailed off and Reyna picked up, turning her gaze back up to the message, a much softer smile on her lips..]

And we’d like to invite everyone to participate, no matter the pantheon.

[Using the water down by the lake to transmit their message, Reyna and Jason are sitting within view, with all the formality as though this were a Senate meeting. Her two dogs are sitting on either side of them. Reyna’s the first to speak up, voice even.]

Attention Romans of the Twelfth Legion, those of you currently assembled in Camp Half Blood. As your Praetors, we have an important announcement.

[Jason nods, picking up where Reyna left off.]

Reyna has informed me what has been going on while I’ve been gone. I know you all have been working hard, but we both agree that it’s time we start trying to get back to the ways of Rome. We can’t be a proper Legion if we don’t continue to train as one. I know that we’re still missing a lot from the different cohorts, but that just makes it even more important that we preserve what we have.

[He lets that sink in before continuing.]

Reyna and I have decided and spoken with Chiron about this and we have been given approval to go ahead and continue Legionnaire training starting immediately.

[Reyna picks up from there.]

It is in our best interests to keep Roman traditions alive. Therefore, this is mandatory training for all Romans as it was back at Camp Jupiter. We aren’t without mercy, however, and will start it off at one morning training session a day.

[She falters a moment before starting on the next.]

Greeks, Norse and magicians are welcome to observe or to attempt to participate in our training if they’d care to. This, however, is not required or even expected and will be treated as a pleasant surprise.

[Jason looks pleased that Reyna has agreed to let others join them. He then continues.]

We can discuss more of the details first thing tomorrow morning. Romans are to assemble at the beach two hours before breakfast. I’d suggest getting there on time because we will have extra training with Reyna if you are late or sleep in.

[He pauses and looks thoughtful before turning to Reyna.]

I think that’s about it, what do you think? Anything to add?

[Reyna very nearly laughs at the final addition, but manages a straight face and shakes her head.]

Any questions may be directed at Jason or myself, otherwise we will see you at training tomorrow, Romans.