Let's just get this over with

So, losing to Truth or Dare with the Trickster kids was never fun. They always figured something way too embarrassing or humiliating. Or they just made you take responsibility for their pranks. Losing to the kids of Somnus however was even worse, let me tell you. They would do anything to get some more sleep. So of course I found myself ready to show the newbies around. Stupid son of Somnus and stupid game night. His sister isn't even worth dating, she literally fell asleep on me.

With a huff, I crossed my left leg over my right as I leaned against the central entrance to the Coliseum and glanced around with obvious boredom, the enormous building in the center of New Rome the best reference point for new kids. Its towering height and colossal size made it stand out no matter where you were, which is why it was frequently used to help the campers orientate in case they got lost. Where in the name of Pluto are they?

Visiting New Rome was not a prospect which filled Karla with much joy, she distrusted them since they were once an enemy to Camp Half-blood. It was difficult for her to put such feelings aside, to let the past be purely the past. In the end, she had been made to go, much to her disgust however. But, she would not give voice to her unwillingness to be here or for her concerns about safety. Such thoughts might be considered a weakness and Karla could not allow for anyone to see her as weak or cowardly.
New Rome was like a Roman city pulled right out of the pages of history, though Karla disliked the decoration and neatness of it's lay out. No wonder Rome fell all those years ago, poor designing in it's defences, though to be honest there were few places Karla would not judge to be vulnerable to one attack or another. The daughter of Athena was a master of the art of siege craft, thus to her eyes there were no impregnable bastions or structures. Sooner or later the attacker would gain entrance.

Karla dismissed such thoughts from her mind, there was little logic behind thinking about defending or besieging New Rome in the present. After all, they were allies if not friends. Yet, her trust would not come easily or readily, though Karla in truth rarely placed her trust in anyone, Greek or otherwise.
She probably would not admit to enjoying herself as she explored New Rome, partly lost, partly studying it with the tactical eye, imagining various strategic scenarios, running through possible ideas for defending certain areas or seizing them in battle. The architecture of the Romans was impressive as it had no doubt been in the time of the Empire, that was something even the likes of her would admit to, maybe.

Something drew her towards the Coliseum in the end, the large structure visible from a great distance. A stadium in the right hands presented a ready made fortress after all. The small demigod wandered towards the towering structure, a studious gleam in her light blue eyes. Karla begrudgingly wore a Camp Jupiter purple t-shirt with blue demin shorts and black leggings with white trainers. Her long ginger hair was tied into a simply ponytail and hidden under a purple Camp Jupiter baseball cap. They had been gifts given before the start of the trip here, so she wore them out of courtesy.

I looked down at my watch, huffing as I saw they were 10 minutes late. I almost hate late people more than I hate this stupid dare. Glancing up, I noticed a clearly lost girl, obviously younger than me, aimlessly wondering around. Camp Jupiter shirt. Check. Camp Jupiter hat. Check. Lost look of confusion aimed at the territory around them. Check. Looks like we got our newbie, guys!

"Hey, you!"I called out as I pushed myself off the wall I was leaning on and started walking towards her. "I'm your tour guide or whatever. Come on, I'll show you around before you go get settled in. It can be a lot to take in but don't worry, it's going to feel like second home in a few weeks."I repeated the memorized monologue with a voice void of any emotion. "If you'd just follow me, I'll show you around the most important places you need to remember for your stay here. This, for starters, is an exact replica of the ancient roman Coliseum. Its astonishing size and its clever placement in the middle of New Rome makes it the most important mark, kind of like a compass. You get lost, you search for this, clear?"I explained in the same tone, not even bothering to turn and look at her as I made my way towards the large building. Should I add more to the history or not?

The coliseum was after all an impressive structure, superbly built as with the majority of Roman Architecture. It may of been an interestingly place to visit, to sit and watch whatever spectacles Romans watched in such an arena now. It could hardly be the likes of football or rugby now. A sudden male voice rudely interrupted her thoughts with a shout of Hey, you. Usually such a thing could only signify trouble, Karla turned to see the demigod responsible for the yell walking towards her. Karla listened as he explained that he happened to be her tour guide, though felt somewhat perplexed when he started saying that she should settle in.
Currently the Daughter of Athena possessed no plans to settle in Camp Jupiter. Yet before she could begin to explain he swept on and moved off. Romans, she thought to herself and suppressing the desire to sigh, the short red headed girl followed him. She would explain it to him later.

"Great, she's also a mute"I muttered and shook my head with a huff, heading off towards the New Rome University. "So, this is our newest addition: The New Rome University. Available to both Greeks and Romans, it offers the ability for quality education in a safe environment. It has a huge variety of classes that you can check out once you get done with your time in the Legion. It's library is open to campers - I think - and most professors are available for advising and tutoring. They're all old campers so they get the hectic program. You seem quite young to go yet but it's good to know."I shrugged and finally turned to face her. "Got it?"

She nodded as he explained the university of Rome, Karla's interest perked up at the mention of a safe environment. Though she may not of trusted the Romans just yet, it struck a cord with her. It was Karla's life long dream to live a life of peace, rather than war. As a demigod, she had to fight so she did, but in her heart she longed for peace, for calm and tranquillity. Yet, no one knew of this, for Karla came off as a taciturn girl who specialised in the arts of siege craft. Nothing more.
"I understand..." She said as she glanced around her environment, trying to take everything in. "I don't believe I will be serving in the legion." Karla began calmly. "I'm not from around here." She flashed him a kind smile, the type of smile that may of caught the attention of some. Karla, despite her personality quirks, looked cute.

I gave the shorter girl my charning half-smile half-smirk as I looked her over while she talked. Well, she ain't that young. Nice built. Pretty face. It's been a while since I went out with a ginger. "Oh, yes, everyone says that at first. They all think they'll be better off back at their homes. Just give it some time, little girl, you just need to adjust to the new data and the whole being a demigod thing. Although I must admit you were pretty late to get claimed, but the Legion will welcome you with open arms. Have you figured out your Cohort yet?"

For a second a look of offence flashed over Karla's face when he addressed her as little girl. Sure, she may of been on the short side of tiny but still... The cheek of it. She resisted the urge to give into her fiery temper and slap him, but she suspected such an act would land her and later Camp Half-blood in a lot of trouble.
She shook her head at him. "That won't be necessary I am not part of the legion." Karla tried to explain to him again. "I'm from Camp Half-blood, I'm Karla, daughter of Athena." Though anyone looking at her style of dress would not of suspected such, she looked like a Camp Jupiter kid more.

"Oh."I exclaimed, surprise evident in my voice as I looked her up and down, finally noticing the signs. Strong physique, obviously trained body, defensive stance. Yup, she was a trained warrior. "I'm sorry, I misunderstood. You look every part of a new legionnaire and you seem like someone who would put in the work to best represent Camp Jupiter. I should have known about the Athena thing though. There's something about your very beautiful eyes that screams knowledge and power."I offered with a flirtatious smile. "I am Adam, legacy of Mars. Pleased to meet you, Karla."

"It is quite alright." At the very least it meant that she might be able to infiltrate Camp Jupiter should it ever be required of her, though Karla hated such sneaky and under hand tactics. Except those used in siege warfare.
Karla cheeks grew warm as he mentioned her beautiful eyes. "Charmed." She said quietly to him. She wondered if he might still be her tour guide and decided to ask. "Are you still being the tour guide? Or will I need to find another handsome Roman to provide me with a tour?" Karla thought, two could play at this game.

I raised an eyebrow and grinned at her discreet comment. Not bad, little girl, not bad at all. "I'd be a fool to let such a beautiful young lady walk alone around this camp and I am certainly not trusting anyone else with you. Tell me, Karla, is there any specific places you want me to take you? I've been here long enough to know this camp better than the palm of my hand."I offered, my grin turning into a playful smirk as I tried to openly flirt with her. Why wouldn't I, after all? It wasn't something to be ashamed of, she was truly quite beautiful.

This was just another game after all right? A battle of wits and words, nothing serious could be meant by it. Were all Romans males determined to attempt to flatter her? Or were they hoping she might lower her guard? She was after all, unarmed and thus vulnerable to attack. Thought the child of Athena was a mean fighter, even without a weapon in her hands.
She shrugged her shoulders at him. "Well since you are such a charmer perhaps you can take me to the most beautiful spot in New Rome?" Karla responded, adding a sly grin. This was after all her first visit here. Everything would be new, if a little Roman instead of Greek.

I could picture gears turning inside her head, the look in her eyes one of a challenge. "I have a few ideas. Although any place can be beautiful as long as you are in it. We could go visit the Bacchus' Garden if you'd like, it's especially magnificent this time of the year. I can't think of any other place that could possibly match your beauty, although I doubt even the most beautiful roses would."I added, my voice slow and pleasant, enjoying every single moment of conversation with the younger Greek, every little twitch in her eyes, every little movement of her lips, every little hair blowing in the wind. What can I say, I'm an observant man when it comes to beautiful things.

Her cheeks flushed with warm colour, he evidently was no novice when it came to using words. Maybe not all Romans were bad? Yet, it would take more than one handsome Roman to convince Karla that she could trust them. "Thank you and sure we can go there and..." She paused for effect. "Compare if you would like?" The short red head waited for him to lead them in the direction of these gardens, as Karla had no real clue in what direction they might be located in.

I chuckled as a charming blush covered her cheeks, making look more adorable and less like a strict warrior. "Of course, although I do insist there is no comparison between you."I winked at her playfully as I started walking towards the edge of New Rome and the famous gardens. "So, please tell me, Karla the Greek, how come you decided to come visit Camp Jupiter?"

"Naturally." Karla responded with a smile. She followed him to the edge of New Rome and these believed to be gorgeous gardens. She fell silent for a bit at his next question, Karla debated whether to reveal the truth or to make up a lie. In the end she decided to go on the truth. "I was made to in order to better understand the Romans." The daughter of Athena said. "Apparently there is still some mistrust between us Greeks and you Romans." A thin smile crossed her lips, Karla herself kept her own opinion on Romans to herself.

"That is true indeed. A sad fact but a fact nonetheless. All I can hope for is that you're not one of those who doubt out loyalty and, if you are, that I can change your mind. You seem like a brilliant lady, Karla, I'm sure you can judge on your own and realize we're nothing but friendly towards you."I explained with a pleasant smile, wishing to make her feel at ease. "If there is anything I can do to help you out during your stay at our camp then please, let me know."I added, wishing to see her smile an honest smile instead of the one used currently to cover her possibly troubled thoughts.

Karla did not trust the Romans, she was in fact one of the several demigods made to come here. If she had her way, the daughter of Athena would never of been here. "Perhaps you are only being friendly to catch me and the rest of the Greeks off guard?" She countered with calmly. "Maybe that is why they sent a handsome Roman, to keep me distracted or try to divide me loyalty?" Karla Shannon argued, choosing to enter a debate with him slash flirting match.
Nothing wrong with such words after all right? "Well now that you mention it I would not mind a weapon and to test what it is like to move in Legionnaire armour." A pause where she shot him a teasing look. "Maybe it is half as good as Greek Hoplite?"

"I would never dare do that to you, beautiful little girl. I give you my word, however much that counts, my loyalties lie with the common good and that is both our camps' well-being."I replied, hand placed on my chest in a gesture of honesty. "I could try and find you some armor and a weapon of choice, if that is your wish."I laughed at her odd request, shaking my head in disbelief. "Would you prefer we go to the Field of Mars? It does seem more your style. We could check out weapons and armors and everything."

Karla did not trust him, but then again Karla did not trust anyone, not even her half brothers and sisters. "Maybe." Her instincts told her not to trust him, but maybe that was her instinctive knowledge of battle strategy? After all be being cautious around everyone, it prevented betrayals.
"It is." Katy said. "It would be a good way to see if you Romans know how to fight." The daughter of Athena winked at him. "Maybe if you fight as good as you look I might have found myself a challenging foe to duel." She waited for him to lead her on to the field of mars. "Do you think you can beat me then hey? Or shall we declare myself the victor now?"

I smirked at her obvious attempt at flirting back, Well done, little girl, I dare admit I didn't think you had it in you. "I don't know if I'm as good of a fighter as you are, we will just have to see now, won't we?"I teased her, choosing to omit the fact that my dad was the god of war. "Well then, off the fields of Mars we go!"I laughed, bowing my head and motioning for her to go first in a supposedly gentlemanly move.

"That we will." She said with a thin smile, Karla moved forward turning around to look at him. "Are all Romans this friendly?" The child of Athena was normally not this talkative, but being silent in her current situation in New Rome would do precious good.