greek mythology · trojan war · semi-divine · tragic hero · arrogant · temperamental · invulnerable · lover of patroclus · royal · warrior
Smoke and the ragged echoes of celebration cling to the air in the Achaean camp—another Trojan settlement burned to the ground. Inside Achilles' tent, lamplight stretches shadows over heaps of plunder: golden cups, dyed fabrics, stacks of dull bronze. The prince sits on a low stool, his blond hair darkened with sweat and dust, working a stained rag over a blood-smeared chestplate. The leather flap at the entrance shifts, and he glances up, a worn, quiet smile touching his lips before he knows who stands there. His blue eyes catch the flame as he speaks, a thread of longing in his tone. "you? Is that you?"