Playing the Game

Oliver Reeds. Thirty one years old. First mate. Man of strategy. Odysseus. "He knew how to say many false things that were like true sayings."-Homer

[oliver-reeds]

{ GREEK WEEK }

alicethewise

It had been a long time since he had wanted to face the water again, but the moment to leave had come. His journey lay ahead of him, he knew, and he and his crew must face the days of turmoil ahead. They were almost ready to set sail, his men making the last few adjustments to the ship before they set sail from the island in which they had encountered the goddess Circe. Odysseus watched on from the shore’s edge, then, eyes narrowed on the horizon. He would not have noticed the appearance of another goddess, had it not been for the shift in the air, that sense of power that all gods, especially Athena, seemed to have about them. He turns his head, slowly, to meet her eyes, small smile appearing, though it is weary. “Wise one, Athena, your presence is an honour, as always.” He says with a bow of his head, before his gaze shifts back to his men. “We set sail at sun rise. To the West. Yet, no matter where we go it shall be treacherous. Poseidon will not easily forget the... incident with his son.” Odysseus swallows, still cursing himself for his own big headedness. 

[oliver-reeds]

{ GREEK WEEK }

[oliver-reeds]

Calypso woke to wooden planks crashing against the rocks. She crept outside to find a man laying motionless on the beach. She was sure he was dead by the look of his wounds but she found he was alive, breathing shallowly. “Now who are you?” She muttered before bringing him inside. When the man woke up Calypso was looking down on him where he lay on her bed, tending to his wounds. “Stay still,” she said, “you’re badly injured.”

Part of him was surprised when he had the strength to open his eyes, though it was numbly, and his vision was blurred as if squinting through fog. In the first moments of semi-consciousness, he did not sense anything was wrong. He believed the war he had left behind was a mere dream, that he was home, now, in his kingdom. Yet, this room was not his, he realised with a sudden jolt. Where was he? He returned to alertness with a sudden jolt upwards, that caused the cuts and bruises of his body to amplify their pain, the wince escaping him without his consent. With heavy breaths, Odysseus looked around him like a wild animal, panic rising in his chest. Desperation. Had he rested for mere moments, just to find himself in danger again?

Her voice reaches him, and with some concentration he manages to focus upon her. The light hair, the kind face. For a second it calms him, he does as she says. He lies still, not moving a muscle, merely watching her. Yet, goodness is not something he is used to anymore, something he refuses to believe. This must be a trap, it had to be. “Who... Who are you?” He demands, voice harsher than he intended, desperation and fatigue intertwined within it.

[oliver-reeds]

{ GREEK WEEK }

[oliver-reeds]

Amphitrite was annoyed at Poseidon. He’d been in a terrible mood the past few weeks and she was tired of it going on. As much as she loved her husband, he was a child at times, and wanted people to know if he was upset or not. This storm was evidence of that. He was being petulant and she wasn’t in the best of moods either, having encountered one of his mistresses earlier. They loved each other, yes, but, as with his brother and other relatives, it was not always in their nature to stay monogamous. While she was not the vengeful type, certainly not at the caliber that Hera was, anyway, Amphitrite made her displeasure known in different, more subtle ways. Like aiding someone Poseidon was trying to hurt. As he was with Odysseus. She’d been watching the man’s journey home through numerous trials and storms and the latest one had her rolling her eyes.

She decided to help him and his crew, gaining no pleasure and watching the sea consume them that day. As the storm raged, Amphitrite made the decision to see if he was truly worthy of her aide before giving it (though she was certain anyone who’d caused her husband this much ire certainly was). In the midst of the waves splashing overboard and causing the ship to be pushed and pulled to and fro, she boarded the ship, sitting on the edge as she watched them descend into chaos.  She knew the moment Odysseus saw her and gave him a kind smile, the storm doing nothing to phase her. Amphitrite was used to her husband’s tantrums. “You are speaking coherently, even in the midst of this storm. I would venture to say you have not gone mad.” She tilted her head, waving a hand at his questions. “It matters not who I am, what is your name, sailor.” Though she knew, Amphi was curious to see if he could remain calm under pressure, if he was worth saving.

“Either you speak the truth, or you are a mere figment of my imagination. Which certainly hints at insanity.” He would have grinned, had it not been for the sudden ocean wave which reached over the ship’s deck, the water that soaked both him and his crew. He’s reminded of where he is, of the situation, and leaves her question for a moment’s pause as he attempts to bellow out to what is left of his men over the crashes of the sea. “East! We make for the East! Only land can save us now.” He cried out with a grimace, teeth gritted as he once again attempted to change the ship’s course, away from the danger. Such a thing was easier said than done.

“Odysseus.” He manages to blur out between another swaying of the ship, smile wide and filled with some form of maddened humour. What could he say, he had always liked a challenge. And dealings with the gods had never failed to provide him with that, even if they had been much more trouble than he had ever bargained for. He really should not have blinded that bloody cyclops. “And, I suppose with your sudden appearance you are here to watch the show? It shall certainly be entertaining.”

[oliver-reeds]

{ GREEK WEEK }

claranereida

Odysseus had half thought his feet would never meet solid ground again. He had never thought he’d be so overjoyed as to feel soaked sand beneath his fingers, the lapping of waves at his body and not the overwhelming sensation of near-drowning. His ship was a wreck now, pieces of the vessel floating about in the ocean. Odysseus knew he would be much the same, had it not been for his stroke of luck upon finding himself washed upon the shore line. He was weary, body battered and worn. So exhausted was he, that he merely lay on the ground for some time, both overjoyed that he was still breathing and too injured to care to move just then. It was due to this that he did not notice the presence of another, nor even sense life anywhere else about him. His time of vigilance had worn thin, instead he allowed his eyes to close.

[oliver-reeds]

{ GREEK WEEK }

[oliver-reeds]

The grin was nice, sweet even and she couldn’t help but want to watch out for him, which was entirely ridiculous because she knew herself well enough to know that she wasn’t even reliable enough to do that sort of thing, not when she wasn’t even sure how she would feel when she woke up. “Good,” she said with a nod. At his bow, she waved a hand carelessly as if to say none of it mattered. She didn’t care much for respect or honors right now. “No, don’t apologize. Please,” she said with a soft smile. “I rather liked your blunt honesty.”

“Good, indeed.” When she waves off his bow, he cannot help but raise an eyebrow in surprise. Most tales he heard of gods and goddesses suggested they had a tendency to be vain, yet this did not seem quite so with the one before him. He quickly straightens himself up, a small smile appearing. “You did? Well, then, that is oddly refreshing. I think most find my honesty irritating.” He chuckles to himself with a shake of his head, before his attention is returned to her. “May I ask what brings you to the mortal realm at such grievous times?”

[oliver-reeds]

{ GREEK WEEK }

[oliver-reeds]

“It’s about time.” Pasithea still wasn’t sure why she decided to walk among the mortals, but the want to rebel was too strong. In reality she knew she shouldn’t cause any mischief, but with her impending wedding she felt it her right to ignore her mother and Zeus orders not to meddle. “Yes of course, those poor men. So what now oh valiant hero?”

Odysseus glanced up at the girl with a weary smile. “I could not agree with you more.” The fighting had lasted too long, had taken too many lives. Yet, it was over now. The man had decided not dwell on the dark side of it, just yet. That would come when he was home again, when he was safe to truly think once more. He grins when she addresses him as a ‘hero’, however. He supposed he could become used to such a title. “Now, is the time for returning home. Back to where I belong, I suppose.” He nods his head, then looks over the woman before him. “I do hope this war did not place its treacherous hold upon your life. I know too many have been damaged in the fighting, whether they were a part of it or not.”

[oliver-reeds]

{ GREEK WEEK }

[oliver-reeds]

She had taken no side in the war, had pretended for the most part that bloodshed was not happening, and so wasn’t sure why she had decided to visit what was left of Troy now that it was all over. Still, Odysseus was a face that was familiar, if not for his deeds in Troy for the wisdom he was already renowned to hold and so she paid him some mind when he spoke. She nodded as his statement both times, noticing the shift from exhaustion to joy. “You should make haste to go home,” she said softly, knowing what a comfort home and loved ones could be.

Odysseus ran a hand over his face, trying to rid himself of some of the dirt when he heard the voice. Taking the armoury at his arms off, hopefully for the last time, he grins at the ground, nodding his head swiftly. “You may rest assured I need no persuasion in doing just that. Home is the first destination I intend to reach from here.” Only then does he look up, and realise it is a goddess with whom he speaks. He had learnt long ago, with his few dealings with the gods, that respect should always be shown. So, he bows his head before her. “My apologies, my lady, I did not know who I was addressing. It seems war has exhausted my senses for the moment.”

[oliver-reeds]

{ GREEK WEEK }

heart-of--the-sea

His crew lost, his body tired - if Odysseus had ever thought that the Trojan War had been hard, the mere journey home had long since proven him otherwise. Yet, with the water still and the night sky above him, for the first time in what felt like years the man attempted to shut his eyes for a moment of rest. However, rest would not come. It was just when sleep had taken hold of him that the first waves began, and in mere moments the seas had stirred to form a storm. It was too quick, too out of the blue; the storm, he knew, must be another gift from Poseidon. Odysseus awoke when the first spray of water hit him, running to the helm of his beaten excuse for a ship, hands clasping at the wooden wheel in an attempt to gain some control. It was dark, land almost impossible to spot, should he accidentally collide with some rocks that would be his end. Could his ship, or even he, possibly survive another storm? His thoughts are with his wife and son, would he truly not see them again?

The moment of distraction and the sudden rise of another wave sent the man sprawling backwards, back slamming against the harsh body of the ship. There was the taste of sea water, bitter in his mouth. And, when he blinked, he was certain he saw a figure - a woman. Gods, had he hit his head? He straightened up quickly, grasping onto a piece of rope that hung from the mast in order to stay upright, watching her with disbelief. “Who- Who are you? I’ve gone mad, haven’t I?”

[jackdonaghy]

[catrionadelarue-blog]

[Greek Week]

Clytemnestra left the pub giggling wildly. She just had a great night. Not only did she manage to have a great time with her friends but she also managed to stay out of any fights. Her raw fighting spirit had a hard time being controlled though so when the opportunity presented itself, she was more than happy to oblige. That is how her knuckles had still ended up being a bloody mess as she took a swig of the bottle she held in her other hand. Clytmenestra had felt herself being followed the last few streets and eventually decided to confront the person. She whipped around, her long golden hair spun around her like a whip. “Yes? Can I help you?” She snapped.

[oliver-reeds]

Odysseus was not a king in this land, and in some ways the lack of responsibility was a blessing. It allowed him to blend in, as it did now, with the rest of his crew in the pub, to think only of the ale in his hands and the jokes in the air. Yet, when he spotted the blonde leaving alone, he had excused himself from his party. He had not intended to follow her, merely ensure she was alright, but he thought that passing through the shadows behind would at least allow him to know she returned home safely - had he seen the blood on her knuckles, he would realise she was not a lady in need of protection. Yet, he knows he is caught out when he hears a voice in his direction, and with a smirk the man leaves the shadows with two arms held up in mercy. “My lady, I really do know how this looks. But, you may trust that I am merely trying to ensure your safety.”

[oliver-reeds]

{ GREEK WEEK }

“It is over.” Odysseus spoke the words he had wanted to speak for so long, with the exhaustion clear in his voice. Yet, despite all those who had been lost and all the blood that had been shed, his mind was fixed only upon the thoughts of home. To his wife, and to his son - back to where he belonged. “It is over.”  He repeats, but this time there is a grin upon the face made dirty by the battlefield, his tired eyes alight with a new found joy.

[oliver-reeds]

looks like a cinnamon roll, but could actually kill you: Ana, Damon, Alissa, Percival, Imogen, Oberon, Tasmin, Maia, Estella, Bellamy, Christopher, Oliver, Tobias, Elizabeth, Colette, Penelope, Lisabetta, Eric

looks like a cinnamon roll and actually is a cinnamon roll: Elias, Millicent, Phoebe, Alexander, Clara, Evelyn, Hadrian, Hanna, Carina, Aurora, Beverly, Helena, Elysa, Rose, Leticia, Adrian, Thierry

looks like they could kill you, but is actually a cinnamon roll: Atticus, Emilie, Tristan, Merek, Nimue, Pascal, Godric, Briar, Natalie, Sloane, Nathaniel, Antony, Gideon

looks like they could kill you and could actually kill you: Larenzo, Pamela, Catriona, Kieron, Piotr, Bernedette, Reina, Arthur, Caelan, Mareena, Alice, Freya, Levi, Mona

[oliver-reeds]

Her eyes lit up at his compliment. “I hope so because I was not planning on giving him away, any time soon or ever.” Helena replied as her eyes were focused on the bird. At his raised eyebrow and smirk, she let out a giggle. “Oliver! Such compliments should be saved for the fairest of all. I am sure that there are more woman who are far more beautiful and wiser than I am.” She replied, selflessly. Her forehead creased out of frustration. “It is not, it is probably the most sought after treasure. I just do not like it when others treat me like I am too young.” She replied at his comment. “You are too kind.” Her face lit up when he told her that she would most likely see it soon. “Really? Oh, I can not wait! What an excitement! I hope so, there is so much I would like to see and visit.” Helena said with a sigh. “That is all I can ask for. I agree, especially if they are filled with kind men as yourself. That is also good to hear. Are you enjoying being back in Valencia?” She didn’t reply when he talked about the restlessness in the country.

He chuckles. “I am very glad to hear that.” He glances at her curiously, a half smile reaching his lips. “You must certainly not see yourself as the rest of the world do, Helena. There is certainly wisdom and beauty within you.” He remarks, though he listens carefully as she speaks, resting a hand on her shoulder to try and be of some comfort. “I suppose it is best to think of it as your youth giving you the upper hand. If people underestimate you because of it, then you shall always be in the strongest position should the time ever come.” He laughs once more in response to her excitement. “And see it you shall. Besides, I am certain once you are wed your husband shall accompany you to all these places, too.” He nods his head. “It is nice to be back home, yes. Though I have been more busy than usual with my duties.” He notes how she does not respond to his last comment, and decides to let the matter drop. Clearly, it is a sensitive topic.

[oliver-reeds]

Catriona threw a wink over her shoulder. “Always, such a handsome face should always be a favourite.” She replied, with a grin. Technically she was working now but only as a supervisor. Anna had hired a new girl and she had to make sure that she was serving everyone just right and could handle the bar work. Of course Oliver was a lot more interesting to look at but she could definitely multi-task. As smooth as silk, she slipped in the chair across of him and crossed her legs gracefully. Her sharp, blue eyes focused on him. “Indeed it does and I have had to miss this face for the longest of times.” Cat replied, her ruby red lips pulled into a pout but with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I’ve survived but it was a lot less fun without you, sweetheart.” A sigh escaped her lips. “The city is in turmoil. A lot has changed, I’m afraid you’ll find that this isn’t the Valencia you knew before.” Seeing his eyes light up when he spoke about her brought her back to the reality of now. Her signature cat-like grin spread across her lips as she moved closer to him. “Perhaps indeed. Maybe I would like to get to know you better too.” Catriona spoke as she moved more next to him, nothing in appropriate - just nice and close. “Oh Oliver, you definitely know how to flatter a girl. I am happy to hear such things, that is exactly what I hope that others see in me.” She said. A blonde beauty with brains. “I can imagine. There must be a lot going on in the castle, the King giving you orders like that. Going to France isn’t a trip for the faint-hearted.”

Oliver can’t help his chuckle. “You are too kind to me.” He observed her with his usual charming smile as she sat before him, bringing his drink to his lips once more before setting it to the table. “It is alright, the seas always bring mehome. Besides, I have a feeling I shall not be leaving Albion for a while any time soon.” He grins at her, leaning back on his chair. “I’d expect nothing less from you, Cat. Besides, I have a feeling you know how to find yourself fun without my help.” He smirks a little as she leans closer, raising an eyebrow. “There is not much to learn of me, my dear, I am an open book. I’m certain you see right through me.” He smiles at her. “Not flattery, only the truth. Anyone with half a brain should see those things in you.” He tilts his head, before shrugging a shoulder. “France is not so bad. It is a place of beauty. I imagine you would like it there.”

[oliver-reeds]

“A friend of Cat you say?” she repeated curiously before breaking into a wide smile. “Well, a friend of any of my girls is a friend of mine. I think Cat is busy at the moment, you are welcome to wait for her here if you like.”

“Yes, my lady. Catriona and I have known one another for some time now.” He smiles at her words. “I am glad to hear that. And I thank you for your hospitality. You are Antonia, correct? I have heard many things about you. Though many spoke of your beauty, I had not known of your generosity, too.” He says with a charming grin, before nodding his head to her. “My name is Oliver Reeds, my lady. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

[oliver-reeds]

If your character was a Disney character who would they be and why?

I had to think about this for a while, but the character I think is most alike to Oliver is Hans from Frozen. Although their upbringings may be the complete opposite - what with Hans being a prince, and Oliver of the lower class - they both have the same ambition and determination. Oliver is unafraid to do whatever it takes to climb his way through the ranks of the navy, to gain the respect and power he had always dreamed of, just as Hans is willing to do anything to become a king. Both are manipulative, willing to play with the emotions of others to gain what they want, and unafraid of the consequences - that is, at least, until they get caught. Oliver and Hans both have the same charming demeanour, an ability to woo the ladies, and a sense of leadership if the occasion calls for it.

[the-beautiful-antonia]

“It’s not considered polite to sneak up on women, you know.” She turned around with an amused smile, greeting the intruder with kindness instead of annoyance. 

[oliver-reeds]

“Sneaking? Me? Why, my lady, I would not dream of it. I am nothing if not a gentleman.” The man spoke with a grin, glancing briefly about the room before his gaze focused back onto her. “I was merely seeking my friend Catriona is all, I thought I may have found her here. Perhaps not.”