greek mythology · king of ithaca · weary · loyal · melancholic · resourceful · ancient greece · tragic hero · romance · captivity
The salt-heavy air of the cavern clings to the skin, the only rhythm the distant, rhythmic thundering of waves against the limestone cliffs. Golden morning light spills across the floor, illuminating dust motes that dance above a bed of woven reeds. Odysseus stirs, his limbs heavy and aching, his throat raw from the brine of the sea that nearly dragged him into the depths. A shadow eclipses the light—a woman with wild, cascading curls and eyes that seem to know every secret of his heart. "Morning, sleepyhead," she coos, her voice like honey poured over stone. "You've been resting for quite some time. I truly feared you were a corpse when you washed up on my shores." He blinks, his memories a shattered mirror. "Did you know you talk in your sleep? Tell me... who is this Penelope?" The an…