#but back to ares and athena. it's just so. this is a war and they are gods of war. we Gotta meet them (pls pls pls pls pls pls pls)

[mer-acle]

Snippet: Silent Wars

Pt. 1

"Alright, we'll get our bags in and then probably get take-out, I don't feel like cooking. You had dinner already?" Again, that slightly too long pause, like she had to pause to think. His sister. Pausing to think. "No," she murmured. "Not yet." "Okay." He motioned Aphrodite to come to the other room with him, worry settling in his stomach like a rock. Something was definitely wrong here. “It’s not just me, right?” he asked her in a low voice after they had closed the door. “She is super off…” “Maybe she’s sick?” Aphrodite didn’t sound certain. Ares frowned. “She’s not… like this when she’s sick. She kinda powers through extra hard… she’d rather suffer for a week than rest for a day, you know? This… this is so weird. I’ve never seen her this- this out of it.” “She’s not drunk though.” It was more of a statement than a question. Aphrodite could imagine many things, but Athena being drunk was not one of them. Ares shook his head. “No, definitely not. I really don’t know… I mean, it is cold in here, but it’s not freezing… Like. She can’t have hypothermia or something.” Aphrodite let her gaze wander to the door as if she could look beyond it and see Athena. She frowned. “Hang on. Does Athena leave the dishes in the rack after they’re dry?” Ares looked at her, confused. “Wha- No, never. She always cleans up immediately. She doesn't like things out of order.” “There were two plates in the rack just now,” Aphrodite said. “I think- I’m not 100% on it but I think they’re the ones I washed up before we left… I had put them in the very back…” Ares shook his head. “Aph, it’s been a week… Athena would have put those away before she made food, she always-” He broke off. Aphrodite looked at him, expression serious. Ares shook his head. “No, there’s another explanation for this.” Before Aphrodite could reply, a dull thud from the other room made them both start. Ares didn’t hesitate for a second before he pushed open the door.

surely nothing bad is going on at all...

Pt. 3

[lixbf]

i recently started another hades 2 playthrough and idk if im just delusional but im just becoming more and more convinced that youll be able to meet ~certain~ gods once youre getting closer to a ~certain~ place

[hellesponts]

The Hellespont Twins moodboard.

[yanderedrabbles]

Yandere Greek Champion x Priestess Reader - NonCon

He was chosen by the Gods to slaughter, to strike down all who stand against him. Your city has fallen at last and he has come to claim his prize.

Yandere! Champion with his bronze armour and his scars, sunlight reflecting off him in battle likes he's Ares himself.

Yandere! Champion who cares for nothing but his own glory. He'll step over the bodies of his own men if it meant victory.

Yandere! Champion who's chosen as the head of the delegation sent to your city. The offer is simple - swear fealty to the Greeks, open the city gates and hand over your Champion to be executed.

Yandere! Champion who rides right up to the city walls, even when his fellow warriors stay far out of arrow range. Does he not care for his own life, you wonder, or does he simply think himself immortal?

Yandere! Champion who barely even tries to be diplomatic. Who seems to think war is a foregone conclusion.

When your prince refuses him, Yandere! Champion looks up at the royalty and clergy on the wall above him - the greatest and most powerful of the city - and he spits.

"I will take this city and crush your walls under my heels."

Yandere! Champion who catches your eye and holds it. You, just a minor Priestess of Athena, have somehow attracted his attention.

Yandere! Champion who smiles a slow, terrible smile and you wonder what God whispered carnage in his cradle.

Yandere! Champion who blows you a mocking kiss, even though your robes show your dedication to the virgin goddess.

Yandere! Champion who is true to his promise. His soldiers throw themselves at your gates until the bodies on both sides are piled higher than your head.

Yandere! Champion who cuts down your prince in battle. Who beheads him with one clean sweep and as you watch it happen, you realise he is no mere mortal.

He truly is the God of War's Champion.

Yandere! Champion who doesn't even cheer when the city falls to him. Who simply steps over the shattered gates and heads toward the temple of Athena, his xiphos dripping blood behind him.

Yandere! Champion who finds you just as you're about to run. You're the last to leave the temple. Your love for your goddess outweighed your fear but the clash of swords and plumes of smoke finally broke you.

You're on the broad stairs that lead to the temple when you see him, standing at the bottom and looking up at you. His cloak and the crest on his helmet are a deep scarlet and he looks like a spill of blood on the marble stairs.

Yandere! Champion who takes a step forward for each one you take back. Your hands are trembling and he notices it, relishes it.

Yandere! Champion who smiles at you again. His helmet covers most of his face so all you can see is gleaming bronze and bloodstained teeth.

"Little virgin priestess. Your goddess has abandoned you."

Yandere! Champion who finally reaches the top of the stairs and now that you're on even ground, you realise how he towers over you.

Yandere! Champion whose strides are much longer than yours and he gets closer with each halting step you take away.

"Why else would your city fall? You have been forsaken."

His blade twitches in his hand and it makes you jump. His eyes are on you - a colour so deep they look black. Hungry enough to devour you, devour the city, swallow the whole damn world.

For the first time, you feel afraid in your Goddess's temple.

Yandere! Champion who finally stops. His sword is still streaked with blood and it shines an awful red. His eyes dip from your face to your chest to your thighs. And nothing in his gaze seems noble or honourable at all.

"Run, priestess. Run to your Goddess and maybe she can save you."

You run.

You run through the temple, marble pillars blurring in your vision. The altar, the statues.... Surely no harm can come to you in the temple of Athena? Surely the War Goddess can protect one of her own?

Yandere! Champion who catches you at the base of her statue. Who grabs your hair and forces you to the ground.

Yandere! Champion who digs his knee into your back, one hand in your hair and the other gripping his sword. He's going to kill you, you think. Slit your throat and spill your blood on holy ground.

But he doesn't kill you. No, what he does is far worse.

Yandere! Champion who casts his sword aside and presses himself against your back, his weight trapping you under him.

Yandere! Champion who drags your chiton up your thighs, his breath growing ragged with want. Fingers digging into your flesh like he wants to sink hooks into you.

Yandere! Champion who was promised a prize.

Yandere! Champion who has levelled cities in the name of his God. Who's burnt temples to the ground. Who has forsaken his humanity for glory.

Yandere! Champion who was promised a prize and who demanded Athena's most beautiful priestess.

Yandere! Champion who trails kisses across your jaw and neck and shoulders. Whose lips leave blood behind.

Yandere! Champion who doesn't care to prepare you. Who lines his cock up with your cunt and sheaths himself inside you with one brutal thrust.

Yandere! Champion who pulls your hair so hard you arch your back. Whose weight on you makes his breastplate dig into your shoulder blades. Whose grunts echo in your ears.

Yandere! Champion who thrusts and thrusts and mercilessly keeps going.

Yandere! Champion who fucks you in the temple of the Virgin Goddess. Who desecrates Athena's temple and priestess both. And yet the candles keep burning, the fountains still flow clear.

The pain burns through your stomach like fire. And still you reach for her, for your Goddess.

Yandere! Champion who grabs your outstretched hand and forces it to the floor, who intertwines his fingers with yours in a terrible parody of intimacy.

You plead with her, your voice rough with panic and grief. But the statue's eyes are nothing more than sculpted marble.

Yandere! Champion who finally has his prize, after years of carnage and searching. And who will never let you go.

Yandere! Champion who cums inside of you, his voice rasping in your ear.

"Your goddess has abandoned you, little priestess. And I am all that remains."

And in the awful silence of the temple, with a killer's hands on your skin, you realise what it means to hate the Gods.

[sarnai4]

Au. Before the Trojan war when Ares and Ody are asked to try to get along.

(Ares and Ody are sitting awkwardly across from each other.)

Ody: So, Athena asked us to try finding what we have in common.

Ares: We both want this to end. Done. (Stands up)

Ody: Yeah, but I don't think that's what she meant....uh, I love Penelope and you love Aphrodite.

Ares: That's true. (Sits back down) Aphrodite's amazing.

Ody (with a goofy grin): Penelope just has the brightest laugh.

Ares (head in hand): Aphrodite's so smart and pretty.

(Hours later, they're kicking their feet in the air while on their stomachs)

Ody (gleefully): And then this one time, Penelope made this little snort sound!

Ares (gasping): You're kidding! Aphrodite does that too! It's adorable!

Ody: I know right!

(Penelope and Aphrodite are about to enter the room. Athena stops them.)

Athena: Don't do in there. You'll be a distraction.

Penelope (confused): There's so much giggling in that room. We wanted to see what was going on.

Athena:...bonding.

Aphrodite: Between who?

Athena (directing them both away from the room): You wouldn't believe me if I told you.

[irefy]

My favorite parts of the Iliad now that I’ve finished it for the first time:

Odysseus running around beating people with a scepter (and the amount of joy he got from it)

Agamemnon prematurely mourning Menelaus, who is standing right next to him.

Zeus telling Ares he hates him the most of all his children. God damn. He really did just say that to his face didn’t he.

Diomedes being a force of nature on the battlefield

Diomedes being a force of nature on the battlefield and everyone still treating him like he’s their annoying little brother who they unfortunately sometimes have to kind of listen to.

Diomedes.

“What are you talking about?” I laughed out loud multiple times because of this line. I don’t know what it is, but every single time it’s said I just imagine the most baffled/annoyed expression and tone of voice on whoever was saying it and I just. Lose it every time.

Helen being extremely passive aggressive the entire time she’s on the page. Seriously love her.

Helen believing her brothers didn’t come to war because they were ashamed of her, not knowing they have been dead for some time. It hurts and I love it.

Odysseus and Diomedes being sent on a spy mission and deciding that, after getting information from the Trojan spy, they are going to go to their camp and steal some horses. (And a chariot. And some armor, I think???) Utter chaos. They did not have to do this. This was A Choice.

Them coming back after stealing said horses and NOT A SINGLE PERSON QUESTIONS IT. IMPLYING THIS IS A NORMAL THING FOR THEM. AND THEY JUST,,,,,REGULARLY DO SHIT LIKE THIS.

Athena helping them.

The Trojans being annoyed with Paris

Nestor kicking Diomedes awake, who is, for some fucking reason, sleeping on the ground (?????)

Nestor.

Nestor going on long winded rants about His Day and his exploits. And everyone just kinda has to sit and listen to him talk.

Poseidon causing an earthquake so extreme Hades worried he was going to expose the underworld.

Artemis calling Apollo a baby for not wanting to fight Poseidon

Apollo ignoring her entirely. Peak sibling energy.

Achilles calling Patroclus’ ghost “true heart.” I know what you are.

Athena helping Diomedes in the funeral games.

Athena getting so mad Apollo made Diomedes drop his whip during said games she sabotaged Eumelus and made Diomedes’ horses run faster.

Antilochus threatening his horses into running faster.

This working.

Odysseus and Ajax wrestling and being so evenly matched that everyone gets tired of watching.

When they get up for round three Achilles telling them to “put not eachother further to such cruel suffering.”

The idea that Achilles was so sick of watching them that he compares it to actively being in pain.

Odysseus praying to Athena for help when he’s loosing the footrace.

Athena actually helping him.

Athena sabotaging Ajax and making him slip and fall face first into dung.

Ajax saying Athena hovers over Odysseus like his mother. Everyone finds this hilarious. Odysseus does not disagree.

Diomedes continually aiming at Ajax’s neck while fighting for a sword and armor. They are stopped by the rest of the Achaeans in fear for Ajax’s safety.

Yea, I’m convinced the Iliad is a comagedy. A comedic tragedy. A tragic comedy?

[antinousletmehit]

Apollo and his lover got into an argument which he regrets deeply but reader is very mad at him and won't forgive him easily.The whole Olympus tries to get them together because they're fed up with Apollo's sad love poets and songs.

୨୧┇Apollo x reader

────୨ৎ──── ────୨ৎ──── ───

The great halls of Olympus were rarely silent. Gods bickered, muses sang, and the sound of nectar filled goblets clinking together echoed endlessly. But this particular week had been… different. It wasn’t the usual chorus of divine rivalry that filled the air. Instead, a melancholic voice, rich and golden, reverberated through the celestial mount, dragging everyone down with its relentless woe.

Apollo was heartbroken.

He sat on the steps of his golden temple, his lyre in hand, his head bowed as he sang yet another mournful ballad about his lover. She had refused to speak to him after a bitter argument, one involving—according to Hermes, who’d gleefully eavesdropped—a misunderstanding about Apollo’s ego and her need for space.

“I burn brighter than the sun itself,

But her light I cannot see.

Oh, cruel fates, to steal her love,

And leave her silence haunting me…”

“By the Styx, someone make him stop!” Hera groaned, massaging her temples as Apollo’s lament drifted into the great hall. “He’s been singing that same verse for three days straight.”

“And it’s getting worse,” Ares grumbled, leaning against his spear. “I’m this close to starting a war just to drown him out.”

Hestia, ever the voice of reason, frowned. “We can’t let him continue like this. He’s hurting.”

“And we’re suffering,” Poseidon interrupted, shaking his trident for emphasis. “Even my sea nymphs are complaining about hearing his sobs through the waves. My ocean, for gods’ sake.”

“Alright, everyone,” Athena said, standing up and raising a hand to silence the growing complaints. “Apollo’s our brother. He needs help. Instead of whining, let’s figure out how to fix this.”

“Fix it?” Hermes snorted, lounging on the armrest of her throne. “Good luck. The only thing that will shut him up is making up with his lover, and she won’t even look at him.”

Zeus, seated at the head of the hall, finally spoke. “Then we’ll have to make her listen.”

All eyes turned to him, surprise flickering across their faces. It wasn’t often that the King of the Gods intervened in romantic squabbles, but it was clear that even Zeus couldn’t endure another hour of Apollo’s sob songs.

“Who agrees?” Zeus asked, raising a commanding brow. One by one, every god and goddess in the room nodded. For once in their immortal lives, Olympus was united.

———-

The plan was set into motion that very evening. Each god took on a task, pooling their talents to create an elaborate display of apology that Apollo could deliver to his lover.

Aphrodite crafted a wreath of the finest roses, their petals shimmering like rubies under the starlight. “No mortal or immortal can resist the charm of my flowers,” she said smugly, twirling one between her fingers. Hephaestus forged a delicate necklace of golden threads, inlaid with tiny opals that shimmered with every color of the sky. Hermes wrote a letter, overflowing with poetic charm, and tucked it into a golden envelope. “This will sweep her off her feet,” he said, grinning. “No offense to Apollo, but I’ve got more flair for words.”

Even Dionysus contributed, brewing a wine so sweet and rich that a single sip could soothe the angriest heart. “Pair it with the necklace, and she’ll be wrapped around his finger,” he joked, handing the flask to Hera. Meanwhile, Athena and Artemis tried to coax Apollo into proper behavior. Artemis, his twin sister, stood before him with her arms crossed. “You’re embarrassing yourself,” she said bluntly. “If you want her back, stop singing about how miserable you are and do something about it.”

Apollo looked up from his lyre, his face streaked with golden tears. “But what if she doesn’t forgive me? What if I’ve lost her forever?” Athena placed a hand on his shoulder. “She loves you, Apollo. That doesn’t vanish overnight. But love requires effort, not just poetry. Show her you’re willing.”

For the first time in days, Apollo nodded, determination flickering in his sun bright eyes.

The following day, Apollo, armed with the gifts and a newfound resolve, approached his lover’s dwelling. The other gods watched from afar, peering through enchanted pools and reflective clouds, each silently praying their efforts would end the wailing. Apollo took a deep breath and knocked on the door. When she opened it, her expression was guarded, her gaze flicking to the bouquet, the necklace, and the letter clutched in his trembling hands.

“What do you want, Apollo?” she asked, her voice cool.

“I want to say I’m sorry,” he began, his voice steady but thick with emotion. “I let my pride get in the way, and I hurt you. I’ve spent days singing about how much I miss you, but Athena reminded me that words mean nothing without action. So I’m here.”

She studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, slowly, she stepped aside, gesturing for him to come in. Back in the halls of Olympus, the gods watched as Apollo disappeared inside her home.

“Do you think it worked?” Hermes asked.

Artemis smirked, her arms crossed. “If it didn’t, he’ll be back here wailing in an hour.”

But the hour passed, and there was no wailing. Then another hour. And another.

At last, Zeus leaned back in his throne, a satisfied grin on his face. “Finally.”

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, peace returned to Olympus. And while they’d never admit it, the gods secretly congratulated themselves on the success of their rare, united effort.

[mimiyapshard]

Warrior Penelope stuff cause I've been listening to too many EPIC genderbent covers, and I wanted to give my take on it (also cuz I kinda want to draw it one day)

- Ares as Penelope's patron, absolutely! But Ares didn't have a huge cult in Sparta, although he wasn't hated. So my lore take version thing is that ATHENA wanted to be Penelope's patron (she had already an eye on Ody kinda) but Ares saw his chance, got to it first and became attached to Penelope without wanting to admit it, also because she saw the good and useful in him. Athena still watches over Penelope (especially after her and Ares platonically break up, which she finds really stupid) and is the one who does her best to protect Ithaca while she's gone. She's by Ody's side while he misses his wife and is mostly the reason why the Suitors hadn't taken over yet.

- To get Ares to realize his mistake, Athena tricks him into helping Telemachus defeat Antinous in Little Wolf because free bloodshed, only to end up sensitized by Telemachus because holy shit, my friend's son is here almost dying to this ASSHOLE who thinks he's so much stronger than MY friend the queen and even me like who tf does he think he is. Athena makes Ares fucking rational for once. And maybe even Aphrodite, as well, gets some damn sense in his mind like "they love each other like you and I and my girl is doing her best to get home you're going to apologize rn"

- ctimene holds a claymore double her height with no problems

- penelope is more "cold ruthless" than Odysseus, in a way that she's still poised (until the end or when she's really brought to her knees which is disturbing) while doing merciless stuff. She's emotionless a lot more (just on the surface)

- Ares was the one to give Penelope the idea of going to war instead of Odysseus, for obvious reasons. And Pen is really a mastermind among the Greeks ofc

- Ares and Pen fought in their My Goodbye version because she "held back her power while her friends got devoured" "she didn't even fight Polyphemus, didn't even TRY to kill him" "hid behind her wits to get things done". Because when fighting Polyphemus, she knew that if she tried to kill Polyphemus while he was asleep, they'd be stuck in that cave forever (like in the real Odyssey). And knew that fighting while her friends got killed would slow them down and probably get more people dead. And when they ran away, she didn't go back to kill the Cyclops even if she could've because of yes, mercy, but also because she would've awakened all the other Cyclops and sailing away was faster, better. Ares deemed this cowardice. Crazy thing, since one of the most important things to him is courage.

- Ares overstimates Penelope's power. Like, yes, she's exceptional, but still HUMAN. With her limits. He hasn't dealt with a human personally in years so he doesn't understand this, so his expectations are ridiculously high, which ends up breaking Penelope.

- During 600 strike, Penelope can actually breathe underwater and not hold her breath for such a long time and be fine because she's half naiad (yes, they are fresh water nymphs but still). Also this may make her even stronger around water (to a certain degree, she's still very mortal)

- calypso is pansexual

this is already a lot, ill add more when i think about it lol (also if i realize any of these ideas don't make sense)(check reblogs for more)

[somereaderinblue]

Warrior!Penelope God Games

After writing Odysseus's Challenge, I was still on a creative high & decided to do this too. NOTE: The swaps between gods were taken from @too-much-flynnolium’s art.

[ARES]

Mother, God Queen, rarely do I ask for favours

Now, I'm kneeling on your floor

With hopes to save a friendship

With one who's a prisoner far from home

Penelope

[HERA]

Divine intervention, so that is your wish?

To untie apprehensions that were placed on that Greek?

You are braving such dangers for a girl full of shame

But if she's worth the risk of going under

Why not make it a game?

Convince each of them that she ought to be released

And I'll release her

[ARES]

Who's them?

[HERA]

Artemis! Hestia!

Dionysus! Athena!

Demeter! Or me

What do you say?

[ARTEMIS]

Sure.

[HESTIA]

Very well.

[DIONYSUS]

Hic!

[ATHENA]

Alright.

[DEMETER]

Interesting.

[ARES]

Bring it.

[ARTEMIS]

You all know I'm a fan of nature and all

So with so many sirens gone

I think Penny's in the wrong

[ARES]

They had planned to do their worst

All she did was reimburse them

Now they'll tread with caution first

To live another day and sing even more verse!

[ARTEMIS]

Good point, release her.

[HESTIA]

Trust is not wasted, it’s forged

Why should I give her my support?

She turned her back on her cohort

[ARES]

Did you forget they failed to listen?

She was betrayed and now imprisoned

But if you make the right decision

She can still have a future with those who miss her!

[HESTIA]

Fine, release her.

[DIONYSUS]

Your little high and mighty Penelope

Claims to love another, but keeps him chained to a broken heart

[ARES]

She was busy fighting

[DIONYSUS]

More like busy spiting the cyclops

Let her feel the pain that the others feel and rot

[ARES]

Wait!

You must reconsider this!

[ATHENA]

Really now, Ares, no new tricks?

[ARES]

Athena!

[ATHENA]

What kind of so-called fighter holds back her power

Just lets her friends get devoured?

She couldn’t fight Scylla, but didn’t even try to outwit her

Hides with naught but a sword to get the job done

Tries to handle things upfront

Dim-witted and weak like her son

[ARES]

Hold your tongue now, her son's my friend!

And tell that drunkard that all kinds of hurts can mend

You want more mind games? Then set her free

To get back to her homestead, she'll make everyone’s brains bleed!

[ATHENA & DIONYSUS]

Then release her.

[DEMETER]

So many talents, so many tales

Give me one good reason why yours should prevail

[ARES]

She's got the hands of a weaver!

[DEMETER]

Dig deeper

[ARES]

She's pretty skilled with words!

[DEMETER]

You can do better than that!

[ARES]

She's very sassy…?

[DEMETER]

Eh

[ARES]

Never once does she give up on her child.

[DEMETER]

Release her.

[ARES]

I’ve played your game and won! Release her.

[HERA]

You dare to defy me? To give me more shame?

No one beats me, no one wins my game!

Marriage, bring her through the wringer

Show her I'm the judgement call

The one who makes the final call!

.

.

.

.

[ATHENA]

Is he dead?

.

.

.

Penelope had told Ares that for mothers, childbirth in itself was a difficult battle and the parenthood that came after a race with no finish line in sight. Personally, Ares would’ve likened it to war. If family had truly been something as linear as a race then surely Hermes would be on their father’s throne by now.

She placed her spawn in his arms. Said spawn miraculously didn’t squirm or squall against his battle-hardened muscles and cold gauntlets. 

“His name is Telemachus.” Far from battle. The irony wasn’t lost on anyone. Then again, considering how eerily squishy the infant was, perhaps the name was fitting.

Ares blinked as tiny fingers gripped his, the pudgy digits unable to full wrap around it. Yet, the grip was strong. No, it was simply alive. He’s bathed in blood so often that he’s forgotten even the tiniest of hearts can still beat.

“Telemachus.”  Penelope and Odysseus smiled. Smiled at him, smiled because of him. They were happy. He was happy.

.

.

.

[ARES]

Let her go…..please

Let her go……

[bluemantics]

Keith, as a son of Ares, always felt conflicted. When he, Shiro, and Matt first ran through Camp Half-Blood's borders, he was devastated as he watched Shiro turn into a fucking pine tree. Here was his adoptive brother, the only role model he’d ever had, and Shiro's all-powerful father could only "save" his life by turning him into a plant. He deserved better.

It made Keith a spiteful camper for the first few weeks he stayed in the Hermes cabin. So spiteful, in fact, that he took out five Apollo kids in the first half hour of capture the flag. As he stood there in that godsdamned forest and panted over the groaning forms of his fellow campers, a fiery boar appeared above his head.

Matt congratulated him, while Ares cabin immediately staked their claim with aggressive back thumps. Matt had already been claimed the day after they’d entered camp as a son of Athena.

“War bros!” Matt cheered, forcibly fist bumping Keith, who wasn’t nearly as excited about that association.

Despite all the distractions that camp had to offer, Keith could never truly leave behind that orphanage he and Shiro had grown up in. He couldn’t forget the firm, guiding hand on his shoulder or the warm grey eyes that crackled uniquely in certain lights when he did something good. Shiro had made him want to be a better person, even after all the hardships they'd endured.

Keith didn’t care about being good anymore, though. He just wanted his brother back. And to do that, he’d need the attention of Zeus himself.

From what Keith heard, that could only be obtained by true heroes who were worthy of the gods’ blessing. Heroes completed quests.

Keith needed a quest.

Allura, however, had other plans. The graceful centaur explained that the oracle informed her of a special demigod who would be chosen to lead Keith’s quest.

Unfortunately, Keith Kogane was known for being a loner at camp. Even his cabinmates discovered that it was practically impossible to work as a team with Keith, who despite being powerful, often charged recklessly into exercises without much care for those around him (or himself).

To say Keith wasn’t thrilled at his quest being dependent on another person was… well, an understatement. It only got worse when he first laid eyes on the gangly, injured demigod who had allegedly defeated a Minotaur before even setting foot in Camp. Keith stared down at the sleeping boy with an expression of pure disdain, unemotional. The boy stirred and blinked his eyes half open.

“You drool when you sleep,” Keith flatly intoned. The boy just smiled, still barely conscious.

“You have a mullet.”

And with that rousing statement, he passed out again and started to snore. Keith wrinkled his nose. If this guy was actually who his hopes were riding on, he was incredibly fucked.

Shoutout to @tamaytsuki whose PJO AU reminded me of this ficlet I had stored in the depths of my old writing! Their PJO AU has such good vibes

I alsooooo have a part 2 to this

[bloodyshadow1]

diomedes' existence in the iliad/trojan war is so funny. He's this killing machine who is second only to Achilles in the whole war, who is on his side. He basically carries the Greeks so hard in the beginning of the Iliad that the Trojans are more afraid of him than Achilles who has been sitting things out.

and everyone treats him like shit in almost every book he appears in. His first real appearance in the Iliad is Agamemnon basically walking up to him and calling him a bitch because he isn't as good of a warrior as his father.

The next book, after, thanks to Athena's help, he kills Pandarus who wounded him, beat Aeneas (the hero of the Aeneid and one of the strongest Trojans), stabbed Aphrodite the goddess, charged Apollo and then leaves the battle field as per her instructions when Ares arrives on the field. After all that, Athena goes to him and calls him a little bitch and coward who isn't as good as his father. which he reminds her that she told him not to challenge any more gods. Then with Athena's help he stabs Ares forcing the god of war to retreat.

Then after a day, during the night, Nestor just kicks him awake in the middle of the night because the leaders of the greeks want to send someone on a night raid and Nestor calls him lazy. Note that Nestor gently woke up Odysseus moments later, but he freaking kicked Diomedes awake and calls him lazy. Then he sends him on an errand to wake up and fetch the other leaders because he's younger. Also should be stated, earlier that day Diomedes ran back when the Trojans were pushing their army back to their camps to save Nestor risking his life when the other Greek leaders fled. And Nestor just kicks him away that night.

Diomedes is a scary man but he is treated as the annoying little kid instead of one of the two greeks who are carrying their army. even worse, he's the new employee that keeps the store going. The managers won't promote him or treat him with respect because then they'd lose their golden egg. after 10 years they're still treating him like shit. It's like someone slapping the terminator in the face and telling him to mop the floor, and he does it. Other than Athena, he could easily kill these fuckers and they yell at him and call him a little bitch. It's just really funny when you think about it

[triptuckers]

switching teams - percy jackson

Request: yes! "Hi there! Could I request an enemies to lovers! trope, where the reader is part of the ares halfgods." Pairing:  Percy Jackson x ares!reader Summary:  percy should know better than to try and fight an ares kid Warnings:  a lot of swearing lol, fighting, mentions of blood & injuries Word count:  1.9K A/N: can't wait to see more of dior as clarisse in the show she's such a good actress. thanks for your request, enjoy!

ever since percy got to camp a couple of years ago he's had it out for you. you don't know why, but naturally you decided to respond with the same energy.

he wants to test the ares kid's patience? fine by you.

for some reason he's always arguing with you and you're all to happy to argue back. somehow he knew exactly which buttons to press, how to get on your nerves.

there's always tension between the two of you, which reaches a high during war games like capture the flag. this time is no different.

you're part of team red, following clarisse's lead. percy is on the blue team.

not that it matters, your team is unbeatable. you're proud of your cabin for coming up with the best strategies. you and clarisse always draw up new battle plans, surprising the blue team whenever they think they cracked your plan.

and today you're going to win again. you know it.

you've been walking through your part of the forest, getting rid of any kids of the blue team you run into.

after a while, you think they've all said to each other to avoid certain parts of the wood, given that you don't see anyone for a while.

then you hear talking in the distance. smiling, you grip your sword tighter and creep closer to them.

'let's move, c'mon, these are y/n's parts of the woods.' says one of the kids. you recognise him as someone from the hermes cabin.

'right about that.' you say, jumping over a fallen log and blocking their path.

all three kids widen their eyes and you quickly count their weapons and cabins. two from the hermes cabin and one from athena. a combined total of three swords and a spear. you'll need to take out the athena kid first, they might be able to analyse your fighting style if you're not fast enough.

'I told you!' says one of the hermes kids as you charge them.

you were right, you can tell by the way the athena kid's eyes follow your movements they're trying to analyse your moves. but you catch them off guard and give them a hard shove after kicking one of their legs to the ground.

you make quick work of the hermes kids just in time for your team to run past, carrying the blue flag. you grin at sherman when he runs past with the flag.

'you know what to do!' he says with a wink.

you nod and take off. you're the best sprinter and best swordsman of your cabin.

the plan was simple. once your team got the flag, they would run through your favorite parts of the woods. you would hear them, join them and then run ahead of them, getting rid of any blue team kids in your way and clearing the path for your team.

so that's exactly what you do.

you run to the river, getting rid of any blue team kids you see.

when you see the river in the distance you can't help but to feel a sense of pride. you won again.

but before you can reach the river, something hard knocks you on your back.

before you can get up, someone appears above you, pointing his sword at you and smiling. it's percy. this fucking kid.

you lash out with your sword but percy is quick to block your blow.

'got ya!' he says.

'no you don't.' you say.

he may be pointing a sword at you, but you're not defenceless. with one swift motion, you kick percy's legs, sending him to the ground.

you're quicker, rolling over and pinning his hands to his side. there's no room for him to kick you with his legs.

percy's fighting to get his sword but this time you're stronger. this time, you smile.

'you need to be quicker.' you say. 'and you need to understand we will always win capture the flag.'

'we can still win.' percy argues.

'no, you can't.' you say. 'you're the strongest swordsman on your team. and I've got you pinned to the ground.

'so you admit I'm a stronger swordsman than you!' says percy.

'I said on your team.' you say.

you look up when you hear people cheering in the distance. your team has reached the river, with the blue flag.

'looks like we win again.' you say.

percy looks annoyed. 'get off me, the game is over.'

'say please.'

'fuck off.'

'say please and I'll get up.'

percy rolls his eyes and sighs. 'please, y/n, will you get off me?'

'because you asked nicely.' you say, pushing up off the ground, making sure to accidentally put your weight on percy's legs.

without looking at him again, you take off to celebrate the win with your team.

the next time you're playing capture the flag is three weeks later. you're excited to keep your winning streak going.

just as you've finished putting on your armour and checking all of your weapons, you see percy putting on a chest plate with a red mark on it.

'hey!' you say, getting his attention. 'you're not on our team.'

'yes I am.' he says. 'I already talked it over with clarisse.

'no the fuck you didn't.' you say.

'y/n!'

you look over your shoulder and see clarisse looking at you. she's your best friend, you always train together and she's a great team captain. but this?

'he's on our team.' she says.

'why?'

'because you two are the best swordsmen at camp. it's the logical choice for capture the flag. work together.'

'I will not-'

'not up for discussion. he's on our team, deal with it.'

you turn to percy, walking up to him and giving him a look of pure malice. 'just because you're on our team does not mean I won't hesitate to fight you.' you say.

'no maiming. no killing. especially not your own team members. those are the rules.' says percy.

'I don't care.' you say. 'don't get in my way.'

you hear percy mumble 'fucking ares kids' as you walk away to get into position before the game starts.

as soon as the starting signal sounds, you head to your favorite spot in the woods. there were always some blue kids who thought they could get lucky, but they always run into you.

you're waiting there, your eyes on the path, when you suddenly hear footsteps behind you.

you're just in time to turn around and block the other person's blow.

'you!' you say as you recognise the eyes looking into yours.

'me.' says percy.

'I'm on your fucking team you idiot!'

'I recall you saying it didn't matter.'

'piss off!'

'no.'

percy takes on a fighting stance. he better be fucking kidding. he wants to fight? fine. you can give him that.

'I want to teach you how to become better.' he says.

'at what?'

'sword fighting.'

that's it. it's one thing to attack you from behind. another to tell you he wants to teach you how to be better.

percy knows it's bad fucking luck to claim he's better at fighting than an ares kid. but you've got a tell, and it will get you killed some day.

'you have a tell. let me teach you how to avoid it.'

the nerve he has.

with two quick strides you're in front of him, bringing your sword down on him with all of your strength.

percy blocks it, but his arms are straining underneath the weight of your blow. you really are good.

he swings his sword to your left side but you jump aside and aim the next blow at his legs. he jumps over your sword and kicks you out of the way.

you spin around and attempt to drive your sword through the exposed part of his arm. percy gets out of the way, but only barely.

'you're using your father's strength to guide you.' he says, grunting in between blows of your swords hitting each other.

you don't respond, choosing to save your strength and focus on trying to hit him.

'you're faster than me. you could win.' he says.

fuck him. you are going to win. how dare he question you like this? how dare he question your fighting skills?

you take a step forward, ready to end this fight. but percy kicks your leg out of the way and pushes you, sending you backward.

'you step before you strike.' says percy. 'with your right foot.'

what the fuck?

'I have to give it to you, it took me a while to realise it.'

'been watching me, have you?'

you start to circle him, looking for an opening to strike.

'yes. now start avoiding the step before you strike.'

'I don't need a poseidon kid to teach me how to fight. you're doing this to distract me.'

'is it so hard to believe I actually want to help you? clarisse is right, we'd make a good team. you're almost as good as I am.'

'I can never be a team with someone who insults me to my face.'

'right. never claim to be a better fighter than an ares kid. noted.'

you race forward and strike percy, hoping he doesn't expect it.

he does. he easily blocks your attack.

you're furious. no one is better than you. certainly not percy.

you let your rage take over, going in for another attack, subconsciously taking one step before striking. percy kicks your foot.

you're breathing heavily. he wants to teach you? fine. you keep your footing in place as you strike, catching him off guard.

percy is too surprised and is too late to block your blow. you slice through his upper arm. it's not a very deep cut but it still bleeds. you smile as you see the blood start to slowly trickle down his arm.

you strike again, but only nearly hitting him. you can teach him as well. for instance, his weak point is his legs. you sweep them out from under him. percy falls to the ground as you point your sword to him.

'you're beaten.' you say.

'and you listened to me.' he says.

you hate to admit it, but he did have a point. once you focused on not taking a step before striking, you were able to beat him.

you reach out with your other hand.

percy is eyeing your hand suspiciously.

'I'm pulling you up.' you say. 'the fight is over. I won. I'm not striking an unarmed, beaten opponent.'

percy takes your hand and allows you to pull him to his feet.

'thought you didn't like me.' he says.

'I never said that. you annoy me. but ares kids respect good fighters. you're a good swordsman. and you were right. I have a tell.' you say.

'did you just admit to liking me?' says percy, smiling.

'I also said you're annoying.'

'but you like me.'

'doesn't make you less annoying. now come on, we have a flag to capture.'

the two of you take off to rejoin your team. during the fight, something had changed between the two of you. if percy could point out a flaw you didn't know you had, you're curious to see what else he knows about you that you don't know about yourself.

maybe it's a good thing he convinced clarisse to let him join your team.

A/N: If you want to request something, make sure to read my house rulesHere’s the list of characters I write for. Everything that I have written can be found on my masterlist. Please don’t repost my work, as I spend much time and effort on it!! Thank you for reading! Much love, Marit/Max

[anniflamma]

So God Games got me going back to your original God Games animatics (because the deliveries on the music are different and I was having fun comparing the two), and one thing I did find interesting was the (hilarious) bit with a dove intercepting Aphrodite flashing the camera. Given Athena's very awkward reaction to Hera in your livestream animatic for God Games and the fact it's pretty easy to make a case for asexual Athena from myth, was that kind of an intentional choice of Aphrodite just kinda throwing her sexuality out there because she knows it's uncomfortable for Athena but Aphrodite is all about it?

Also, your animatics really getting into the sacred animal imagery has had me researching this stuff on my own time between Snake Ares and so on, and it's funny learning the literal zoo of sacred animals the Olympians tend to be associated with. Aphrodite with like, three types of birds, rabbits, dolphins, fish, bees, butterflies... Ares: For the love of- PICK ONE. Aphrodite: <with an armful of like eight different animals> But they're all my special precious fluffies! O_O

When I did that animatic with Aphrodite, my take was that Aphrodite's nakedness was meant to throw off Athena, but at the same time, Athena didn’t care about it. That’s why I didn’t include any reaction of Athena getting flustered or anything similar when Aphrodite was flashing. It’s a mix of Athena being ace as hell but also very determined to win the game.

About Aphrodite's animals, when I did my research, I asked myself why Aphrodite’s and even Eros' sacred animals were rabbits. Then I realized it’s because those animals have a ton of offspring, which makes sense for deities of sex and reproduction to be associated with them. But I still haven't figured out why snakes are related to war... and maybe medicine.

[l-egionaire]

My Warrior!Penelope AU: Telemachus

Since Odysseus is home and I don't see the thing with the suitors happening in my version of the au, what ends up going on with Telemachus? Well, with his father being slowly poisoned by treacherous servants, I imagine him taking over as man of the house. His father is becoming so weak and sickly that he starts taking on more and more of his responsibilities, meeting with court, talking with the townspeople, performing diplomatic and so on. It's hard, and stressful. Not only do the more senior members of his father's court look at him like a child trying to play king, but he also has to constantly check in on and try to take care of his ailing father and secretly fearing that he'll lose another parent. It's hard on him and he feels like he doesn't have anyone to help....until one day, while trying to argue a trade negotiation, the members of court around him seem to freeze.

"Wha-whats going on?

"That'd be me."

He turns to see Athena standing next to his chair.

"What's happening? Is time....frozen?"

"Nope. I just sped up your thoughts. Gave you a little extra time to think."

"Whoa....cool!"

Athen chuckles.

"Lets have a little chat..."

Soon, Athena is there acting as both his friend and advisor, teaching him about diplomacy, treaties, negotiation, and politics, as well as training him in the art of battle, now that her warrior of the mind was....unwell. However, she offered him other aid as well. She explained her suspicions about his father being poisoned and suggested Telemachus cook his meals in secret to test it. Sure enough, once he stops eating the food given by the servants, he begins to slowly recover.

Under Telemachus's watch, Ithaca and Odysseus grow stronger. But still his council doubts his abilities, during one meeting even getting into a fiercesome shouting match with him over a deal he made to ask another kingdom for help protecting them with so many of their soldiers gone. It gets to the point that they're shouting him down, and he's about ready to rip his hair out...when once again, time slows down around him. But this felt different than Athena's quick thought. Hers seemed to fill the air with a calm, cooling aura that made his thoughts flow smoother. This was hot, humid and filled his mind with searing rage.

"Are you just going to let them talk to you like that all day?"

He looks to his side, in the opposite spot to where Athena would usually appear, and saw a tall, muscular figure in full armor and blood red cape.

Telemachus's eyes widened.

"Ares...."

The war god looked down at him with blazing red eyes.

"You are the leader. ACT like it. Don't allow them to simply push you around like this."

Telemachus then turned back to his council. He grit his teeth and, as time returned back to its usual pace, slammed both fists against the meeting table.

"ENOUGH! While I understand your concerns, this is MY decision! And I won't have you questioning it!"

That made them quiet down and Telemachus could swear he heard low, rumbling laughter.

After the meeting, Ares appears to him in his room, Athena also there glaring at him.

"Why are you here?"

"To assist the young prince, of course."

"I'm ALREADY helping him!"

"Can a king not have more than one counsel? Can a warrior not have more than one master? Besides, I certainly was more help today than you were."

Athena growls and raises her spear but Telemachus steps between them.

"No! He's right. I think....I think he can help me. In a different way then you, I mean."

Athen grimaces while Ares give her a smug smile.

"Ugh...Fine..."

And from that day, Telemachus splits his time between being trained by the two gods. Athena teaches him battle strategies and techniques, Ares gives him physical training and Exercise. Athena teaches him about reading treaties and Ares takes him to hunt and skin a boar. Athena trains him in the buisness of diplomacy and bridge building and Ares coaches him on the basics of war and battle. Strangely, while both gods talk poorly of the other, it's not uncommon for one of them to watch while he trains with the other.

One day, both watch from a balcony as he works with a spear against a training dummy.

"......He's a good lad.....he'll grow strong. Grow well."

"Yes, I'm sure he will......and I have to imagine he'd grow better with his MOTHER."

"........."

"Ares, it's been TWENTY YEARS. WHERE is Penlope?

".......She......she accured the wrath of two of the gods. And Father, saw fit to...to punish her...."

"What? Punish her how?"

"Well, first he.....he.....you know how father is with women...."

Athena's eyes widen.

". Oh, Odysseus is going to KILL him."

"Father is king of the gods."

"And Odysseus will still find a way to, for putting his hands on his wife."

Ares can't help letting out a chuckle.

"What did he do after that?"

"He....saw fit to banish her to the Land of the Giants."

"The Land of-She could be KILLED! Ares, why haven't you DONE something!? Why haven't you talked to him or tried to help her!?

"YOU THINK I WOULDN'T IF I COULD!? It is because of my blessing alone that Dionysus and Father did not SLAY her! It's the sole reason she still lives! I told her the same. And she.....she asked me to watch over the boy. Make sure HE stays safe."

".....There really isn't ANYTHING you can do?"

"You KNOW how our father is Athena. Besides, this punishment comes from Apollo. His favored son. And I'm.....I'm not......he won't listen to me."

"....But he might listen to US."

Ares looks at her.

"....You really think it would change anything?:

"I think it woud at least show we're serious. We NEVER agree on anything.

"...Why would you help me?"

"Because Telemachus needs his mother, and Odysseus needs his wife back. And i promised them both that if I could, I would do everything in my power to bring her back to them.

"....Very well sister."

[fangirlingpuggle]

Very silly Epic AU/fic prompt idea where after god games while Odysseus is on way home since Athena recovering other gods decide to check in on Penelope and Telemachus, cue them seeing suitors plotting and Hera going 'Fuck no' (Also Ares because Penelope was one of his favorites and there is going to be so much murder)

They aren't allowed to do anything major because of divine intervention rules, and laws of hospitality mean they can't just murder everyone.

So they start in small ways stopping suitors, Aphrodite making a good number fall in love with others and they nope out of the contest for Penelope's hand. She has far to much fun and gets very creative with the matchmaking (she has full on conspiracy board as she makes all the new ships)

Ares waiting until any suitors leave place so he can kill them without breaking any rules, multiple servants think they've hallucinated when seeing the god of war dragging multiple bodies away from the palace.

Hera is chilling with Penelope, she's disguised as a servant but Penelope sees right through her and she's not making much effort to disguise form the olympian of equivalent of wearing fake glasses and a mustache .

Hephaestus making Telemachus and Penelope new weapons and armor just in case.

Ares is open day away from chasing suitors out with a broom when Odysseus finally gets back. All the gods are watching eating popcorn Ares is totally cheering.

(He shows up alter and tell Odysseus that he now approves of him, he sulked before because Penelope married Athena champion he thought she could do better but she loved him, he now very mcuh approves also wants to co mentor Telemachus Athena does not approve)

[antinousletmehit]

Paring: Telemachus x Fem!reader

Notes: FIRST PERSON ISNT STAYING, my friend wrote this part. “we love you Alana!!” The crowd cheers but anyways next chapter is reader with her brother antinous,

THIS IS PART ONE —-> https://www.tumblr.com/antinousletmehit/771362289992466432/pairing-telemachus-x-femreader-note-the-name

Update: part 3 is out! -> https://www.tumblr.com/antinousletmehit/771492309105868800/this-is-part-3

────୨ৎ──── ────୨ৎ──── ───

My footsteps pounded against the ground. Stupid y/n. Stupid, stupid y/n. She can never just keep her hands and mouth to herself. Y/n was almost as insufferable as her brother. Sometimes I couldn’t even figure out who was worse. Everything about her was so calculated and precise that it aggravated me. Every movement, every word, every glance. Her elegance could kill a man alone. Y/n constantly stands tall, her chiton gracefully wrapped around her athletic frame. Her tan skin that looked like it was kissed by Helios himself. Her wavy hair loosely tied up. Even the strands that fell out of it look completely planned. Her eyes that portrayed warmth and innocence. A complete fraud. Y/n looked like she should be one of the goddesses in the paintings that lined the walls of the palaces.

She’s infuriating.

My hands meet the heavy door of the library and it swings open with a creak. The smell of books and scrolls hits my nose. I can’t help but take a deep breath in. Silence. How relieving. The only sound that could be heard was the shuffle of my own feet. I made my way over to my favorite desk. It was marbled and stretched across the open window. When I sat down I would look at the Kingdom of Ithaca. My father’s kingdom. It felt solemn sitting here sometimes. I always wondered what he would be like. Would he sit next to me and tell me the stories of his battles? Would he tell me our history and about our family? Or would he tell me to “man up” and “stop being such a bitch” like Antinous does? Mother always told me it would be the first option. She always reminded me that my father was nothing like those awful suitors.

I settle down in my seat, shifting around to get comfortable. I run my fingers over the grainy scroll, feeling every crease and wrinkle. I unroll the scroll, carefully laying it out in front of me. The delicate handwriting was almost too much to read. I trace my fingers over it, so carefully as if it might disintegrate beneath my touch.

Athena

The Goddess of Wisdom, War, and Reason

Born out of Zeus’s forehead, which was completely disgusting but I would never say that out loud because it’s extremely disrespectful, she became known as the Goddess of Wisdom. Her goal in life is to create the greatest warrior. While her brother Ares, was the physical embodiment of war, Athena was focused on the mental state of war. Tactics and calculated attacks. My mother told me that Athena favours our family. Maybe one day Athena would turn me into the greatest warrior. Her warrior of the mind

She would teach me how to finally fight back against the suitors. Attack each and everyone one until 108 became 1. I would find Antinous in the large open corridor. Both of our swords drawn and gleaming. Y/n with her smug face, leaning against a pillar. Antinous would charge first, but I would dodge and you can hear metal against metal as our swords collide. He would pull away in shock. Of course, Antinous isn’t easy to kill so we would go back and forth for a while. He would give some smart remark and when he’s off guard, I thrust my sword into his abdomen and watch him stand there in shock.

As Antinous fell to the ground, I would slowly watch the smirk fall off of y/n’s face. I would pull the sword from his body as he slowly bled out. I’d point it towards Y/n.

“This is your warning.” I’d tell her. She’d get on a boat and I’d never see her obnoxiously gorgeous face ever again.

˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

Telemachus wandered through the halls of the palace, occasionally spinning around as he walked. It had become one of the prince’s favorite habits. There wasn’t much to do. He investigated every nook and cranny of his home, while avoiding the suitors as much as he could. He roamed up the empty staircases draped with wool rugs. He was on his way to see his mother, Penelope. The queen of Ithaca. Penelope was one of the young prince’s only friends. Telemachus told his mother everything. Nothing was unshared between them. They were all the other had left.

The young prince reached one of the upper floors of the palaces. Telemachus glanced around, making sure that no one was around. Against the wall, was a statue of Athena with her sword and shield on top of a block of marble. The plaque read, “The Goddess Athena”. Telemachus slowly reached forward and pushed the plaque in, as if he was using it as a handle. With all his might, he pushed the statue to the side, revealing a dark hidden passageway.

These passageways were only known by Penelope and Telemachus themselves. They littered the inside walls of the palace. It was the only way they could see each other without being harassed by the suitors. Telemachus got onto his knees and crawled into the medium sized passageway. He slightly turned around and grabbed the handle of the statue, pulling it back into its place. The damp air immediately reached his nose and he couldn’t help but breathe it in. It had become oddly comforting. The boy ignored the torches lining the walls. He had roamed these tunnels so many times that he had them memorized.

He crawled through the passage, the rough stone against his knees starting to hurt. After about a minute, Telemachus reached the larger part of the passage. He finally pushed off of the ground and got onto his feet once again. He rubbed the rubble off of his tunic and sighed. The prince began walking and ran his fingers along the stone, the rough texture rubbing against his fingers.

When Telemachus reached his destination, he got onto his knees once again. There was a trap door, almost unnoticeable, but not to him. He gave the door a hard push and it opened with a creak. Telemachus crawled out and heard his favorite familiar voice.

“My son.”

The prince turned and saw his mother smiling at him. Penelope was sitting by her window, weaving in her favorite chair. It had always been her favorite habit. The only word to describe Penelope was royal. Her brunette hair was pulled up into a bun. She was wearing her usual white chiton. Her arms were adorned in her golden bracelets.

“Mother.” Telemachus smiled, taking his usual position on the floor next to Penelope. He usually sat there for hours, while his mother calmly weaved. Her presence always calmed him.

“Are the suitors giving you trouble?” She quietly said. Telemachus wishes it was just the suitors.

“Not exactly.” The prince sighed.

“Is it the girl? I believe her name was Y/n?” Penelope glances up at Telemachus and sees a slightly pouting expression on his face.

“Yeah..y/n.” He mumbled.

“What happened this time?”

The boy sighed once again, laying his head on his mother’s lap. Penelope’s fingers found the boy’s hair and she idly rummaged through the thick brown locks.

“All they do is humiliate me, Mother. Y/n has made it her life's mission to torment me no matter where I go. She calls me a woman.”

“And what did you say back to her?”

“Nothing.”

Telemachus could never find the confidence to say anything back. He just stood there. His pride being stripped out from underneath him was a whole new level of unsettledness he could barely describe, even to his mother.

“They’re trying to get under your skin,” Penelope’s voice rang out through the now quiet room, “You must not let them.”

Telemachus looked up at her, “But how?” His voice had a ring of hopelessness to it. All his mother did was smile at him.

Her hand gently found his chin and she tipped his head up to meet her eyes, “My son..keep your head high. You have a wonderful head on your shoulders..use it.”

A faint smile tugged at Telemachus’s lips as he looked at his mother. Penelope had such kind eyes. The golden flakes outside of her irises and her smile reached the creases of her eyes. She rested her hands on the apple of his cheeks, her fingers warm against his skin.

“Oh Telemachus..you look just like your father.”

Telemachus’s smile slightly faltered. He glanced over to his mother’s bed. The velvet canopy draped over the top of the luxurious king size bed. The cream colored sheets that laid upon the mattress. His mother’s side was disheveled. The pillow moved to the side from where she was most likely holding it. The sheets pushed aside due to her rustling in her sleep the night before. The prince’s sight then moved to the other side. The comforter was crisp and sharply folded. Not a wrinkle could be found. The pillow was perfectly straightened. As if it was waiting for Odyssesus to return.

Telemachus swallowed the lump in his throat as he glanced back at his mother. Penelope had the same teary eyed stare.

“He would be so proud of you.”

All the young prince could bring himself to do was nod. He wished his father was here. To give him advice and tell him what to do. To fight for him like all of the stories he had heard so many times that they were imprinted in his brain.

Penelope’s voice broke his train of thought, “Just like I, he would tell you to stand tall. To not let them get to you. They are trying to break you. Show them that they can’t.”

His mother’s words circled his thoughts. Show the suitors and Y/n that he was unbreakable. That he would defend his mother and honor. The boy’s head laid back upon his mother’s lap. He reached for her hand and he interlocked their fingers, his rough ones meeting her soft ones.

“I won’t disappoint you mother.”