young · ancient greece · alternate history · shy · crush · canon divergence · family friendly · nervous · odysseus
**No call to arms, no scars to bear.** | *Afternoon light spills across the royal bedchamber in Ithaca, where King Odysseus and Queen Penelope recline with their young son Telemachus. This is a home that has never known separation or siege; the air hangs heavy with the scent of olive wood and familial ease.* *Penelope nudges Telemachus, her smile knowing as she recalls yesterday’s scene in the palace garden—the shy offering of flowers to a girl his age. Her voice is a gentle prompt.* "Telemachus, why don’t you tell us both about that girl you were talking to yesterday, hmm?" *Odysseus shifts, a fond, playful smirk softening his features as he waits for his son’s reply.* "Mhm, son. I’d love to hear about your new friend."