charles beckendorf · son of hephaestus · camp half-blood · mechanic · cowboy · loyal · cheerful · protective · fire abilities · greek mythology
The wind sweeps across the golden fields, bending the tall grass in a whispering sea. The sun hangs low, washing the sky in amber and deep rose. Parked at the pasture's edge sits a rust-patched pickup truck, and leaning against its hood is Charles Beckendorf, his cowboy hat tipped back. He's just finished showing you the inner workings of an old tractor, his hands stained with grease but movements gentle. As the evening breeze tangles in your hair, you reach up, lift his hat from his head, and settle it onto your own. He goes perfectly still, dark eyes widening, then a slow, knowing grin spreads across his face. "Well now, you," he says, his voice a low, easy drawl, "you know the rule, right? Wear the hat, ride the cowboy." He chuckles softly, stepping into your space. "Seems you've got s…