"Hey Amalia!" one boy called out to her as she ran over to them. "New Demeter?"
Amalia shook her head. "Hasn't been claimed yet. I've just been showing her around. Name's Elizabeth."
They all smiled and waved to me. One girl grew a rose in her hand and gave it to me. I was shocked, and could only nod my appreciation. I think the girl understood.
As a group, we walked to the mess hall. It wasn't a mess hall, more like a pavilion. It had huge columns with carvings on them. It had no roof or walls, but it overlooked the sea. The view was amazing. Amalia led me to a table in the middle.
"Here's where you sit. Remember to offer your food!" She made sure I was okay, then went back over to the Demeter table.
We were one of the first ones there, and I could see kids starting to stream in from every direction. They sorted themselves out and sat at certain tables, happy to greet their friends sitting with them.
The roar of everyone was deafening, but quickly quieted down when a man-Chiron- cleared his throat. He looked around, pleased by the amount of campers sitting there.
"Yes. Welcome to another year at Camp Half-Blood. I'm glad to see many familiar faces. Before we feast, I'd like to introduce or director, Mr. D."
People gave a half-hearted clap as a man with black hair and dull purple eyes stood up. He looked absolutely miserable.
"Yes, thank you. I can't wait to spend another wonderful year with you brats." He sat back down.
Chiron cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence that followed. "Yes, and now, let's eat!"
Odd creatures brought out plates stacked high with food. One was set in front of me, and I licked my lips hungrily. I was about to dig in when I noticed kids getting up. They were going towards the fires, and when I watched them, I saw them scrape some of their food in, murmuring.
Remember to offer your food. That was what Amalia said. I got up, and scrape a slice of pepperoni pizza and some fries in the fire. It burned a bright red, and I assumed that meant that it was thanking me. Or maybe it had something to do with the grease.
I sat back down, and began to eat. All around me, kids were laughing, throwing food, or just talking. But once in a while, I looked up and a couple kids would be staring at me. I would look away quickly, but I could still feel their eyes on me.
I quickly gulped down the rest of my fries, and stood up to leave. Suddenly, the pavilion got silent. I couldn't even hear the fire crackling. All eyes were turned towards me. I looked at Amalia for help, and she pointed towards the sky. I looked up, and was nearly blinded.
Above my head, a brilliant green sphere of light was hovering in mid-air. I couldn't tell, but there was mist in it, like the light was trying to show an image.
Slowly, the fog sharpened. I could make out a lump. The lump grew wider and in no time, there was a beautiful owl in its place.
The owl gave a screech, then flew right out of the light, like the sphere was a portal. It circled around my head a few times before it flew off into the distance, slowly getting smaller.
Every head had turned to watch the owl leave and now, every eye was back on me. Above my head, the light was slowly fading until it vanished.
"Elizabeth, claimed by Athena!" Chiron shouted. Everyone started clapping, and a few people starting hooting.
Just as the applause died down, I looked up to where the light had been. And there, slowly coming back, was another green light. This time, the shape in the sphere was clear right away.
It was a trident,
