"Well seeing as they already have children together, " Erica replied dryly, leaving off the end.

"Right. Wonderful."Tom said, absolutely glowing with happiness, if happiness was actually annoyance and sarcasm to cope.

"Don't worry, dude, I got your back. They're always picking on me ever since I tipped their canoes in a water race a few years back," Alex smiled, squeezing his shoulder gently before following after Erica.

Erica nodded on the door to the Hephaestus cabin, listening to the distinct kling klang inside. A girl opened the door. "Oh, Scarlet, we've got a new half brother for you. This is Tom. Where's Mikey?"

Tom quietly looked inside from behind them, not keen on introductions.

Tom waved meekly at the large man. "Yeah, that's me."

His eyes lit up in excitement, turning to Tom. "I'll show you how to control that. Name is Mikey, I'll be your cabin leader," He stuck out his hand for a handshake.

Erica and Skyler grinned, watching.

"Alex! A word?" Chiron called across the campground. She turned and sighed. "Alright then, good luck Tom!" She jogged off.

"Ah hello, Erica," Carlos said. "I apologize for that incident earlier."

Alex approached the big house where Chiron and Mr. D we're playing cards. "Take a seat, Alice," Mr. D grumbled. Alex had learned by now not to correct him.

"Greek fire?" Erica grinned, turning into their cabin.

Inside the Hephaestus cabin, the floor was littered with tools, gears of all shapes and sizes, and some pieces of wood. "Watch the floor. It usually gets messy with the projects we make," Mikey apologized, passing the beds that were occupied.

"Unfortunately," Carlos laughed nervously, running a hand through his hair.

Alex sat and they dealt her in. "As you know, there will be a quest given this summer," Chiron started.

"Any recommendations?" Tom asked. Whoever he chose to bunk near might think he was being weird and too friendly for choosing to stay there instead of somewhere else. His luck so far didn't seem to be going in a good direction, so he didn't want to risk it.