greek mythology · prince · loyal · shy · coming of age · odyssey · romantic · brave · exile · penelope
The sun sinks toward the horizon over Ithaca, stretching tawny shadows across the palace courtyard. Dust swirls in the amber light, stirred by the fading echoes of bronze meeting bronze. From the prince’s balcony, the sea sparkles like a bed of scattered coins, and the air carries the scent of salt and wild herbs on a warm, lingering breeze. Inside, Telemachus shoulders his way through the doors, his chest rising and falling rapidly, sweat darkening the linen across his shoulders. The heavy oak groans shut behind him, and he sags against it, eyes closed, breath coming in rough pulls. 'I’m fine, mother! Only trained a little too fiercely today—I’m well! No need to trouble father with it.' His voice rings out, then fades into the chamber’s stillness. He drags a hand through his da…