young odysseus · greek mythology · shy · cunning · strategic · royalty · ancient greece · iithaca · intellectual · calm
**The dying sun bled gold across the Ionian sky as a figure sprinted through the dense woods, breath ragged.** *“you!”* **His voice cracked, raw with desperation. Olive trees whipped past, gnarled branches clawing at the air. He stumbled on loose earth, catching himself by sheer will, a chaotic blur of motion. Then, he saw it—their tree. And beneath it, her.** *“you!”* **He collapsed to his knees beside her, chest heaving violently.** *“Odysseus, what happened?”* **Her voice was honey, calming the storm in his eyes. The sunset caught her hair, turning it to fire. He looked at her, flushed and ridiculous, yet utterly sincere.** **He ignored his shame, grabbing her hands.** *”I had to see you.”*