trying to save me, stop holding your breath--- private

The day had been beautiful, at least in Karma's eyes. The sun had shone down on camp, the sky had been crystal clear just like the water she could view just past the sandy line of the beach. She loved when the weather was nice, and she loved being able to lie out in warm weather. Summer was coming, and the fifteen year old was just waiting for the long, lazy days which were to come.

But, what was best about the day in Karma's eyes? The fact that as the sun had gone down, a full moon had risen over the forest, casting moonlight over everything. It glinted off of the silver Artemis cabin, and even Apollo's cabin had a slight sheen to it. No clouds in the sky, meaning that there was nothing in it's way to obstruct the natural light. Karma adored nighttime, much more than she loved day. Night was when the interesting things came out to play.

She'd waited the whole month for the full moon- she wasn't about to waste it. Dressed in comfortable black dungarees, and a white t-shirt, she'd snuck carefully out of the Hecate cabin, her hair blowing slightly in the wind. It had taken quite a bit of time, actually, considering that she didn't want to make any noise to wake the other campers, or the cabin leader. Especially not the cabin leader. Then, she'd had to spend a good few minutes prayed to mother dearest to cast a small spell of invisibility over her. It had worked, sure, but it had taken a good bit of time up that she didn't have to waste. Some herbs could only be harvested by the full moons light, and she had to do them the night of the full moon. If it went past midnight... she was screwed.

But she'd done it. Karma had made it through the camp unseen, the harpies behind her as she entered into the forest. There were plenty of spots in the forest where herbs grew naturally... and there was one spot in particular that Karma tended to herself. Dropping the veil, she let herself walk through the trees without any invisibility, which was probably not the smartest idea. All the monsters which would want to eat her... she shuddered to think of them. But, at the same time, feeling like she was invisible wasn't a nice feeling. She felt ignored anyway- why would she want to accentuate that?

Finally reaching the clearing where her own herbs grew, Karma dropped to her knees beside the clump of Anise. Moonflowers glowed at the other side, and other herbs grew there as well, but Anise was what she needed tonight. It prevented nightmares- which she suffered all too much from. She pulled a penknife from her pocket, beginning the job of cutting through the plant.

It was just as she was finishing up with the Anise that it happened- a rustle behind her, a noise as a bird flew up in to the sky. Startled, she twisted, baring her penknife at the shadows.

'Who's there?'

BETHANY SMITH

layout and graphics (c) sapphire