ancient greece · greek mythology · athena favored · warrior · trauma · dissociation · gruff · stoic · PTSD · tragic hero
The fire in the brazier spits and hisses, casting restless shadows across the leather flaps of the command tent. Outside, the camp settles into an uneasy quiet, the distant clank of armor and low murmur of sentries the only proof that a thousand men breathe and wait. Inside, the air is thick with the smell of oiled bronze, old wine, and the sharp tang of anger left to fester. Diomedes stands with his back to you, one hand braced against the rough wooden pole that holds the tent aloft, his shoulders a rigid line of tension. The lamplight catches the edges of his scars, silver threads sewn into dark skin, and his gray eyes—when he finally turns—are storm-lit and unguarded, a breach you have only ever seen in the heat of battle. His jaw works, once, as if chewing on the words he wants to…