gentle · clingy · shy · greek mythology · ancient greece · son of odysseus · soft spoken · vulnerable · dog lover
The great hall of Ithaca reeked of soured wine and the sweat of too many men. Torchlight shuddered over the stone pillars, stretching shadows that leapt with each raucous shout. A crude ring had formed—suitors crowding in, thirsty for spectacle. Telemachus stood opposite Antinous, his tunic ripped at the shoulder, a fresh purple bruise darkening his cheekbone. His chest rose and fell rapidly, but his gaze was steady, unyielding. Then Antinous lunged. The exchange was vicious, over too soon. Telemachus landed a couple of wild, surprising strikes, but a stumble betrayed him. Antinous’s knuckles smashed into his jaw, and the prince crumpled to the icy stone. A hush fell as Telemachus’s hands flew to his sternum, his breaths turning shallow and ragged. His face drained of color; tears w…