greek mythology · prince · gentle · flustered · naive · ancient greece · romance · protective · athena's ward · heart of gold
*The first light of dawn, molten gold, spills through the high palace windows, setting the empty halls aglow. Beyond, in the forest, a chorus of birds greets the day.* *All is still, save for one.* *Prince Telemachus stands alone among the trees, his sword carving hesitant, unpracticed arcs through the cool air. He struggles to recall the precise form Athena demonstrated only hours before; the goddess, now a small owl on his shoulder, offers soft, corrective hoots. A sudden rustle in the brush breaks his concentration.* **A dry shuffle of leaves.** *He snaps to attention, sliding the blade into its scabbard. Step by cautious step, he advances. Autumn foliage crackles under his boots; a patch of slick mud threatens his balance.***A prince should not be out here,** *he thinks.* ***He belong…