Hours later, it was time for the bonfire. Sam had caught Eirene the moment she had walked out of the big house and had questioned her till no end. But Eirene had told her nothing about Dennis, and just mentioned the parts where she over indulged on ambrosia.

"Wow, really? And you're still alive?" Sam had taken her arm and hooked it around Eirene's own, sending warm tingling through her. A friend, Eirene thought softly. A real friend.

Sam had talked up a storm, telling her of how everyone had actually been very worried about her, with the scare of Matthew and all people thought there might a curse or something on the camp. Eirene assured her that she was fine, that Annabeth had said it was just a delayed shock. She then asked about how Matthew was, knowing it was all Sam really wanted to talk about.

"Oh he's fine now," She beamed. "April patched him up perfectly. She's an Apollo camper."

"That's good. Did they ever figure out what injured him?" Even though she was nervous for the answer, she made sure it didn't show in her face. She hadn't meant to hurt Matthew, he had just startled her and she'd reacted instinctively.

"They said that judging from the way it was shot, it was someone with the same archery skills as one of the hunters of Artemis. Some are speculating that it was them, since they do have preregistered dislike for Matthew."

Eirene had read and learned a lot about the hunters of Artemis when she was on the run, mainly because she had always admired them and dreamed to become one of them. They were elegant, immortal, and a family. They could fight and kill like no one else, and she wanted the safety of mind. She didn't mind swearing off boys or love, it was something she assumed would never come her way, especially with her curse. What person could she love, that she could not kiss?

She had heard that they seemed to naturally have a grudge against the male gender once they accepted the pledge. But she had never thought it was strong enough for people to think they'd openly attack one they didn't like. Was it not a shame, and did they not feel insulted at the accusation?

"I imagine that they don't like that, being accused."

Sam shook her head, her ponytail swaying as she readjusting her quiver. "They certainly aren't. They said it was a great dishonor and insult to Artemis for us to assume that, and that they were going on a silent strike until we apologized. But I'm not going to, they hurt someone and they should admit it."

Eirene cringed. "Please don't say that, I really do think you should. In fact, I think I will."

"No, Rinnie! Why should you?"

"Samantha, you're fourteen, not eight. Not giving people childish nicknames." A female's voice chimed. Both girls turned around to see Heather walking towards them, her hair falling from its bun and tumbling around her face. She was carrying a bow and was covered in sweat from all the fighting she'd been doing but didn't look flustered in anyway.

"I was just testing it out…No?" She looked up at Eirene, who smiled apologetically. She didn't want to upset Sam, but she'd rather be called Eirene than 'Rinnie'.

"But I agree with Eirene, I think we should all apologize. Athena and Artemis happen to be good friends, and I'm good friends with the hunters. It's ridiculous for us to think they would disgrace their goddess like that."

Sam rolled her eyes. "You only want to kiss up to them so they'll let you join their little clique."

Heather's form went rigid, and she brought her hand to her temple. "Please do not call the hunter's of Artemis a 'clique' or the goddess herself might come down and strike you. And despite my advocating for women's rights, I really don't want to become a hunter. The terms are too harsh, and I don't want to live forever. There is only misery in immortality."

"There is misery without immortality." Eirene snapped despite herself. She looked down to her feet in embarrassment when she saw their expression. "Sorry," she whispered. Heather glanced at her curiously, and then put her attention back on Sam.

"They hunter's didn't do it, I'm sure of it. And it would do you well to apologize to them, Samantha. Now come along, we'll be late for the bonfire."

Sam looked behind Heather, confused. "Where's Damien?"

Heather's eyebrow twitched. "How should I know? His whereabouts are none of my concern." She stomped forward quickly and assuredly without the girls, leaving them to follow behind.

"So tell me, what's this bonfire?"

"It's just like a big feast. We eat, we sing, and we laugh around a lit bonfire that changes colour and height depending on how the mood is around it. It's very fun really, and sometimes Chiron announces quests and who will be going on a quest." Sam told her.

Eirene remembered the conversation she had had with the centaur earlier, and Clarisse's threat looming over her head. "Tell me, Heather," She raised her voice so the girl could hear her. "What exactly does a quest consist of?"

"It usually consists of three people. Anything more is a bad number, whenever a group of four or five has gone, only three have returned."

"Why?"

Heather stopped and turned around. "Three is a lucky number, a safe number for the gods. It's always a golden trio, Eirene. Never a group."

"Okay…" She understood, but it still didn't sit right with her. On a quest to find Dennis, she'd want as many people as she could to find him. It was basically a manhunt. "But what about other things, like a deadline? Is there ever a deadline? Are you given weapons?"

Sam stopped walking and once again, Heather turned around to give Eirene a curious look. "Has Chiron assigned you a quest, child of Hermes?"

She stuttered, wondering if it was right to tell anyone. Clarisse would surely tell all her cabin mates, the news would've reached the entire camp by tomorrow. So she decided to tell them the truth. "Yes, yes he has."

Immediately, Sam went doe-eyed. She looked at Eirene with nothing but admiration, while Heather glared at her with admiration and envy. "In that case, yes, you are given weapons. And yes, most times there is a deadline. But it depends on the quest."

"You're so lucky you've gotten a quest on just your first day! But…isn't it a bit strange? Campers who have been here for years have yet to get a quest, but you Eirene; you've only been here for a day and managed to be assigned one." There was question in Sam's voice; she wanted Eirene to tell her what the quest was about. But she wasn't sure she could tell Sam the details, it seemed much more private than just the idea of a quest.

Heather agreed with Sam, but knew it was useless to press for an answer. She would find out soon enough. "Chiron will announce the quest at bonfire; it's almost six-thirty so we have to get going."

The girl continued their walk towards the dining pavilion, Heather giving Eirene more information on quests.

"They are extremely difficult; most times campers come back with permanent scars, or don't come back at all: it's the real world at there, monsters and all, and unfortunately most are not prepared for a life without Chiron coaching them on or the children of Apollo healing their—"

She stopped suddenly, her walking cut off. She was staring at a figure ahead, two figures, which seemed to be leaning against a tree. One figure had pixie short blonde hair, while the other had neck-length black hair, and although they weren't kissing it looked like they were about to. Heather's fist clenched and she lunged at Sam's quiver, taking several arrows and positioning them in her bow.

The blonde figure inched slightly forward, and Heather shot at her.

Author's note: A small number of you may be a bit confused, and yes I did re-upload the chapter today, so what you may have read before my re-upload on Saturday was a mistake in order. Please Comment and review? I'd love if you review/comment, also please share!