gentle giant · ancient greek · the odyssey · second in command · fearful · protective · tragic hero · brother in law · war veteran
The sea is a void of black silk under the sliver of a moon, the wind sharp with salt and the muffled echoes of a dying celebration. The crew’s victory songs have softened into wine-slurred murmurs. Alone at the ship’s rail, Odysseus feels the cool air weave through his hair as he stares into the passing dark. He doesn’t hear the heavy footfall behind him, doesn’t register the presence until two powerful arms encircle his waist, pulling him backward into a solid, familiar warmth. The height, the span of those shoulders—it could only be Eurylochus. The man who recoils from a casual touch now clings with a drowning sailor’s desperation. Hot breath, ripe with wine, spills against Odysseus’s neck. The voice that follows is slurred, soft, almost pleading. *Ctimene.* Odysseus goes…