Jason is suspicious by nature, we saw that With how he treated Nico... I think that my version of him fits. I like Don the Faun, I hate how he was treated.

The food at camp was top notch, and for someone that had been starved like Rowan, that was a huge burden off his shoulders. Invisible wind spirits—aurae—waited on the campers and seemed to know exactly what everyone wanted. They blew plates and cups around so quickly, the mess hall looked like a delicious hurricane. If you got up too fast, you were likely to get beaned by beans or potted by a pot roast.

The mess hall was very noisy tonight. Laughter echoed off the walls. War banners rustled from cedar ceiling beams as aurae blew back and forth, keeping everyone's plates full. The campers dined Roman style, sitting on couches around low tables. Kids were constantly getting up and trading places, spreading rumors and being obnoxious.

The Fifth Cohort took the place of least honor. Their tables were at the back of the dining hall next to the kitchen. Rowan was sitting alone with just Jason and Dakota, both of whom seemed mildly uncomfortable at the moment.

Dakota reclined glumly on his couch, mixing sugar into his drink and chugging it. He was a beefy guy with curly black hair and eyes that didn't quite line up straight, close up Rowan could feel his energy, a veil of thin power that marked him a demigod.

"So." He burped, waving his goblet. "Welcome to the part, Rowan."

Rowan all but jumped as a faun started hustling forward. It was odd seeing a real monster, given how he had yet to really run into one previously. "Who is this? Smells mortal?"

Rowan sighed. "My name is Rowan, and you are?"

"Don, Don the Faun, my man!"

Rowan shook his hand. "Nice to meet you." Don smiled, and it was a different smile than before, more genuine, matching the potent aura of magic oozing off of the creature. Rowan knew, based on the disdainful looks the Faun was getting, he was no used to real respect. "Here, take some food. Lupa told me your kind is capable of great magic, maybe we can chat? I'll bring you some food." He looked at the faun's body, realizing he was uber thin, his body almost waifery thin... and that angered Rowan deeply. 'No one should be that... thin, not when such opulence exists.'

Jason turned to him, sighing. "Fauns are not allowed here, in the city..."

"We have more than enough wealth to feed them, besides with the power I feel coming off of him he could be a huge help!"

Don threw himself at Rowan then. "Thank you, for caring. That's more than I get from most of the Romans... Tell you what, bring me some food, I will help you all that I can!"

"Only if you agree to be my real friend, a real friend."

Don sniffed. "You know I can feel your emotions, I know your genuine. I would love to be your friend." Don threw himself at Rowan, hugging him tight. "Please don't leave me." It was a soft whimper, almost unhearable, but Rowan heard it none the less.

"I won't... Sit down, chill with us." Turning to Jason, he frowned. "So, Don, can you heal?"

Don lit up. "It's my best magic! I would love to show you!"

"I'll help you fight too, everyone should be able to defend themselves. There is no rules against that, right, Jason?"

Jason sighed. "You won't be popular, but no there is not."

"Good, it's a deal then. Oh and what's going on with you Dakota? I've been dying to ask."

Jason sighed. "He's okay. He's a son of Bacchus, the wine god. He's got a drinking problem."

Rowan laughed. "Koolaid?""

Jason nodded, looking annoyed. " Drinks it with three times the normal sugar, and he's already ADHD—you know, attention deficit/hyperactive."

"I have that." Rowan started, getting Jason's attention fully. "Autism too, or at least they said I might have it when I got into Foster care. Said my intense need for justice was a sign, but who knows... Don's my friend now Jason. I keep my friends happy and safe, he won't be mistreated by our cohort, am I clear?'

"""

Jason knew better than to be afraid of Rowan, he was a mere mortal. A tall and strong looking mortal, but still mortal nonetheless. He had a wide nose, and plain face with brown hair and eyes, but honestly it was his aura that scared Jason. He oozed... intensity, like all he felt he felt with more power than most. Like he would burn the world to prove his wishes. It was why he chose to sponsor him. Rowan would make a great ally, or devastating enemy...

And Jason wanted no enemies that unnerved him like Rowan.

Once they got out of camp, the Fifth Cohort formed two lines behind their centurions. Jason pointed to the colisuem they were approaching. "We have different training exercises. Sometimes death ball—um, which is like paint-ball, with poison and acid and fire balls. Sometimes we do chariots and gladiator competitions, sometimes war games. Today is Gladiator comeptitions. You won't be participating, you're not trained enough. You won't be fighting for at least a month. Sound good?'

"Sound's great... so... I get to watch I guess?" He turned to Don. " Sit with me?"

Don beamed. "Sounds delightful!"

And Jason realized, that if Rowan was skilled at nothing else, it was making allies... and maybe seeing potential that others just couldn't... and boy if that wasn't terrifying. 'If I know nothing more about Roman history, it is that we are often our own enemies, and those that seek collaboration tend to do the best... I wonder, which will he be?'

Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.

This was a joyful chapter.

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.