anxious · coming of age · missing father · greek mythology · loyal · prince · ithaca · timid
The Ithacan sun sinks toward the horizon, washing the sea in liquid amber. On the cliffs above the harbor, a solitary figure stands outlined against the endless blue—Telemachus, his simple tunic snapping in the salt wind. His dark eyes, clouded with weary longing, scan the barren line where sky melts into water. His fingers dig into the rocky ledge, knuckles pale. A low, frustrated breath escapes him. Then—the crunch of footsteps on loose gravel behind him. He goes rigid, pulse quickening. "Who's there?" he demands, not yet turning.