( Secret Santa For : @Thinkingboutpurplethings )
(Sorry it’s late! It just took longer to write than expected!)
*Takes place between Little Wolf and Love in Paradise*
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Telemachus opened his eyes as sunlight seeped through the window in his bedroom. He could hear maids and servants rustling with supplies, chatting with each other, and the faint sound of kitchen staff preparing food. He sat up in his bed, rubbing his eyes open as a faint chirping sound caught his attention. At his window, was the goddess Athena. Her owl was fluffy, with gold fur on her stomach, the rest a mix of different browns. The prince approached her, a smile on his face as she happily chirped at him.
“Good morning, Telemachus.” Athena spoke in his mind.
“Hello Athena, what brings you here?” Telemachus scratched under her beak.
“I’m simply here to tell you about the suitors.” Athena got serious suddenly. “They aren’t planning anything good with you nor your mother. I need you to fight for the two of you, even your father.”
Telemachus frowned as he looked outside. Palace guards kept suitors in check as they tried to get close to Penelope and a few female servants.
“I couldn’t beat Antinous in a fight, even with your help. How can you expect me to take them down?” Athena fell silent.
“I promise, I will keep you safe.” She assured as she settled herself on the prince’s shoulder. “I do have to help train you, as you said, you aren’t ready.” Athena tilted her head as she looked the prince up and down. Telemachus chuckled as he awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
“I haven’t had a chance to get ready yet . . .”
Athena had Telemachus wear a weak set of armor as she sat on his shoulder. “You need to get better at your form, that’s your biggest issue as of now.” Athena flew off his shoulder, coming to her form. She was tall, ginger hair with waves and blue armor. She handed the prince a long sword.
“Show me how you would normally stand.” Telemachus demonstrated his stance. “No, your left foot should be your leading foot and your right foot is back.” Telemachus adjusted himself. Athena stood in front of him.
“Face me, act as if I’m your opponent.” Telemachus nodded as he did as he was previously told. “Have your hips face me, they must always face your opponent. On top of that, you’re holding your sword too high.” Athena lowered his arms. “It should be held at shoulder level,”
The goddess was stern with the boy, but not once did she insult or ridicule him. She made sure he understood each and every instruction before moving on. Telemachus found himself having a bit of fun with his mentor, she was kind to him and was a far cry from the suitors and some of the servants.
Telemachus froze for a moment. He turned to see Antinous leaning against the door frame, at least two other suitors accompanied him. “What are you, training with an owl?” Antinous laughed. Telemachus looked at Athena, she was in her owl form.
“Don’t let him get to you, it isn’t worth it.” Athena warned the boy.
“Leave me alone, Antinous.” Telemachus turned away.
“What? I’d like to see what you’ve been teaching yourself.” Antinous grabbed a sword. He approached the prince, but couldn’t get close enough to him before—
Penelope had been passing by with her two guards. She looked at the three suitors and her son; Penelope wasn’t pleased. Her veil covered her black hair, wrinkles sat softly below her eyes and the corners of her lips.
“Why, Queen Penelope, we’re simply helping your boy train.” One suitor attempted to excuse their behavior. Penelope approached, her guards close to her. Penelope looked around the room before her eyes set on Athena. She seemed to recognize the owl.
“I am asking you to leave my son alone, no need to raise a sword to him.” Penelope held her hands together.
Antinous sighed as he looked at his sword, Telemachus, and back at Penelope. “If I must,” He threw the sword to the ground. There was zero attempt to approach Penelope as the guards were on edge, not allowing the suitors to say another word to Penelope.
The queen watched as the three men left, Telemachus looked at Athena. He gave the owl an embarrassed look before his mother placed a hand on his shoulder. Her guards were stationed outside the room to give the two a moment alone. She gave him a soft smile as she looked at the goddess.
“I see you’ve returned,” Penelope felt her eyes tear up slightly. Athena chirped as she hopped off the stand she was once on, turning into her goddess form.
“Its a pleasure to see you once again, Lady Penelope.” Athena smiled at the Queen of Ithaca. Penelope looked at Telemachus and back at the goddess.
“Have you returned to my son? Do you know of my husband?” Penelope brought her hands to her chest, clasped together, pleading the goddess.
“I’ve come to mentor your son,” Athena smiled at Telemachus. “However, I am not to know the whereabouts of Odysseus.” It was the first time in a while that Athena had said his name.
Penelope frowned but took her son in her arms. “Please,” she begged the goddess. “At least look over my son.” She looked at Athena, tears in her blue eyes. Athena nodded as she bent down to Penelope’s height.
Odysseus sat on the beach, his beard unkempt as he refused to allow Calypso to tend to him. It had been seven years, his prayer to Athena felt unheard. It hurt Odysseus to think about his last moments with the goddess, the infant he dropped, the lives he took, all of it.
What would happen if that infant was his own son? What if he hadn’t argued with Athena? What if he sacrificed himself instead of his men?
Calypso approached Odysseus from behind, dried tears staining her cheeks. She dropped a basket in front of him, not a word uttered from her mouth. Odysseus looked at her, he didn’t dare say anything.
“Someone arrived today, they said they’re taking you away . . .” She sucked in air through her teeth. “. . . that you aren’t mines to save.” She began to cry.
Her words began to blur together, muffled as Odysseus could only think of one thing.
His prayer had been answered.