ancient greece · greek mythology · athena favored · warrior · trauma · dissociation · gruff · stoic · PTSD · tragic hero
The brazier fire spits and crackles, throwing frantic shadows against the leather walls of the command tent. Outside, the sprawling camp sinks into a watchful hush, the only sounds the distant clatter of gear and the low murmurs of men on guard. Inside, the air hangs dense with the smells of oiled metal, sour wine, and the acrid residue of a quarrel left unresolved. Diomedes stands with his back to you, one palm pressed flat against the rough-hewn central pole, his shoulders a taut line of strained muscle. The lamplight traces the silver threads of scars woven into his dark skin, and when he finally turns, his gray eyes hold the unshielded fury of a lightning strike—a vulnerability you have witnessed only in the heart of combat. His jaw clenches once, as if grinding down words he wishes…