Chapter Text
"Forget it. I just won't go."
Telemachus pulled his door open, placing his branch against the wall, his footsteps heavy, whilst he reached out. His fingertips felt the silken fabric of his bed as he found his seating.
Feeling the dip in the opposite side of his mattress he laid back, as he reached out he could feel the coarse texture of a dog far too old. The hound scooted closer, laying his head beside Telemachus' legs.
"Why won't you?." He heard the echoey voice ring out, suddenly he felt as though he could use a blanket.
"They refuse. And the only way they allow it is if someone accompanies." He gritted his teeth. It made him feel incompetent, a child. That's how they probably viewed him.
"What's the problem with that?." Athena's voice had a curious lift to it as she neared.
He sat up, his hand running up through the rough hair, he never could brush it right. "Because the only man who will venture with me is... Antinous." He spat.
"I see." Athena hummed, he could feel her presence draw near as she sat beside him. ".. allow the dog to come."
"What?!" He shot his head towards Athena. "Absolutely not. I don't trust him."
Athena nodded, her hand came up to place a reassuring pat on his shoulder. "As you have every right to. But this journey is important, Telemachus. You can't miss it."
There was a moment of silence, Telemachus shook his head, his chin pointing downward, the pressure from his nails dug into the palm of his skin nearly drawing blood.
Athena waited for a retort but when he stayed silent she continued. "Besides. Your greatest foe is best when kept close. He guides the others, yes?. They'd be lost without him."
Telemachus sighed as he pondered on her words. "Perhaps.. I still don't think it's smart."
She stood her whispering form gliding through the room. "It's your decision to make. I just hope you won't regret it."
Then warmth returned back to the room, the ticking of clocks replaced by the quiet snores of the dog behind him, and his heart pounding. Out of all the men, why Antinous?.
He groaned as his hand dragged down his face. It was such a foolish thought, for years Antinous had tormented him, beat him down both physically and mentally and now the only chance he had escaping that brute was crushed.
But Athena was right, if Antinous went along Telemachus could not only know what was happening but prevent any plotting.
Surely it wouldn't be that horrible of a trip?.
--
The boat coasted on the lax waters sailing to a far away island. The crew, though small, worked tirelessly to keep everything in order.
Telemachus, however, was barely keeping it together as the boat swayed on the waves. He wanted to vomit as memories flooded back, cold forces pulling him down, the way it filled his lungs, the way his eyes ached. He hadn't even been near the shores since that day.
For once he was glad he couldn't see, he couldn't imagine looking out onto the ocean. Though, if he could, he wouldn't have this fear. Would he?
"I didn't know pups were scared of a little water." He heard that familiar mocking voice, reminding him who was accompanying him.
"Im not--" he groaned, sliding down to sit, feeling the walls of the boat against his back. "Are far away are we from land?."
There was a moment of silence, Telemachus thoughts almost drawing him back to the waves before Antinous piped up.
"Oh we got quite the distance." Telemachus hoped he was just saying that to get under his skin. "So what's terrifying about it?"
Telemachus remained silent which only seemed to invoke Antinous more, he cleared his throat as he clarified. "About the water?."
"I knew what you meant." Telemachus snapped back. The audacity of this man, as if he'd actually share anything with him.
"Then what is it?" He could practically feel the smugness radiating off the nobleman as he leaned in for an answer.
"Thats none of your business." Couldn't Antinous just shut up? Did he have to talk every second.
"There's no need to be so rude. I was simply making conversation." Antinous leaned back with an exegerated sigh making sure Telemachus could hear it.
No. Telemachus wasn't going to give in. He wasn't going to fuel the fire. He was going to ignore him until they were on land again, then he could relax.
"Whats your problem?!" Telemachus finally snapped, reeling his head to where he figured Antinous to be.
He heard the rough laugh of the man beside him and felt his arm brush against his own with a shrug. "Got a lot. But I'm sure you're too up your own ass to listen."
Telemachus scoffed as he sat up straighter. "Up my ass?! You-- ugh- you are the most arrogant man I know, and you say I'm the one up my ass?! Look in a goddamn mirror will you!"
Telemachus bit his tongue when he heard him laugh again, he was entertained by this. But of course, that was his goal, to provoke Telemachus. He huffed, folding his arms and turning away from Antinous.
It's just a couple weeks, a month at the least.. a year at the worst. But either way soon, Antinous would get bored and focus on himself.
But Telemachus wouldn't get peace that day. Antinous hauled him around like some ragdoll, his feet stumbling over one another as he tried to keep up with Antinous' fast pace.
"Where are we even going?!" Telemachus' nerves were on edge, he couldn't tolerate another second of being treated like a sack of flower. "And slow down will you!."
Antinous halted causing Him to trip forward a couple steps, before he found his footing once more.
"I do. Apologize your 'majesty'. But I was only trying to take you where you needed to go." He could practically feel the sarcasm as if it were a physical force.
"There's nowhere to go. We're on a boat!" Telemachus gritted his teeth, his legs hurt and he wanted to sit down. Antinous had not once asked Telemachus what he wanted to do.
No he rather go off and make conversation with the servants. Whilst Telemachus was stuck to his side with nothing to do. Couldn't he have just left him seated before? At least then his legs wouldn't ache.
"You don't say! How'd you figure that one out." Antinous snarled, his foot slowly tapping on the wood.
"Just- I'm tired. I would like to go to bed." Telemachus sighed. He didn't have the energy to fight, not now. Not that he'd even win, especially if it turned physical, and with Antinous that was very likely.
Antinous sighed, his shoulder shrugging down. "Its barely even sundown, Little wolf. Wouldn't you like to eat dinner first?."
Telemachus knew Antinous didn't care for Telemachus' actual needs and was just hungry himself, the pig. "Im not hungry, I'm tired. If you want to go off and eat be my guest, I'll find the room myself."
There was silence before he felt the hand that had been squeezing his wrist all day finally retreat, his arm going limp as he felt Antinous brush past him.
He really left? Telemachus could laugh, but all he could really focus on was the gentle sway of the boat and the ocean waves. He took in a shaky sigh and pushed forward, tapping his foot.
His branch was already stored with everything else, because of course Antinous was supposed to be helping him. But he didn't need Antinous. He didn't need a servant, if nobody was going to help him he'd do it himself.
He nearly fell when he found the stares, but at least he knew he was going the right direction, slowly he descended. The steps were slanted causing his foot to slip a couple times, so by the time he made it to the bottom he was practically crawling down.
He let out a relieved sigh as he realized he was standing on solid ground, taking a second to reorganize himself.
He moved forward and opened the first door he could find, praying that it might be his room. He tapped the ground and when he felt something soft and plush he leaned down feeling the bedding, then slowly rolled over on it, his exhaustion sending waves through him.
Telemachus wrapped himself in a blanket as the temperature seemed to decline, his lips forming into a frown while he closed his eyes, not carrying to take off the fabric that covered them.
"It seems you haven't been treated very kindly." A familiar voice echoed, soft, and sympathetic.
Telemechus slowly sat up when he realized that the cold was not due to the fact they were on a boat. "..ive been.. fine." He grumbled just wanting dreams to overtake him so he might see once again.
"..Perhaps I was wrong in my judgment. Antinous is cruel.. and I was so focused on making you leave I didn't care who might accompany you, and how much harder it might make it. For that I'm sorry." Athena walked over, resting herself beside the prince.
Telemachus couldn't believe it, was he really that tired?, a Goddess apologizing? To him of all people? He wasn't worthy, especially for someone like Athena. "Its fine, really. I get this is important. And if I have to deal with some pig then so be it."
Athena laughed, patting Telemachus on the shoulder. "You're a good man."
It felt good to not be seen as a child, but a man, because that's what he was, wasn't he?. And if a goddess could recognize it then surely it made it true.
"You remind me a lot of him actually." Athena spoke, catching Telemachus' attention. "A friend of mine. You have his spirit."
Silence followed and Telemachus could only feel the urge to ask more. "Who's your friend?." The air around them tensing.
"...I don't know anymore.. the last time I saw him, it ended in a fight." The sound of a ticking clock was all that could be heard, as if the clock itself was in thought. Athena Continued. "But I have this feeling.. and it isn't good. I worry he got himself into more trouble."
He listened to the Wise goddess, his head slowly nodding as his chin tilted down. "Perhaps you should go find him then." He said while he looked up, who was he to try and give advice to a Goddess? The Goddess of wisdom no less?.
"I've.. considered that before.. however I doubt he'd want to see me.." she hummed her voice almost sounding sorrowful. "Besides. You need me now."
"Its not like you've been that much help since I got on the boat.." Telemamchus paused, clearing his throat. "I'm.. I'm so sorry I mean no disrespect.. I just- what I mean to say is, I don't need you to guide me. If your friend is in need of help then you should go find him, not worry about me."
Athena was silent and for a moment Telemachus worried he insulted the Goddess to a point she might punish him, maybe even kill him for his insolence.
But all he heard was a laugh. "I will never fully understand you Mortals." She confessed, ruffling the prince's hair as she stood. "I will check on him, I suppose it's about time. Then I'll return back to you, I promise."
Telemachus was surprised to say the least, he simply sat there not daring to swat her hand away as the fingers messed up the roots of his hair.
"Thank you for listening, Telemachus. Your father would be very proud of how thoughtful you are." Her steps were light as she backed up. "Now sleep. I've kept you up far too late." And with a whispering whisp she disappeared.
Telemachus fell back on the thin mattress, his heart thumping in his chest as he thought upon the encounter.
Despite encouraging the goddess to leave it still tugged on a feeling in his chest. He was now alone, fully alone. He took off the blindfold and laid it on the floor beside his head. But It was fine. He was fine, he could take care of himself.
He let those thoughts be the last as he slowly drifted off to sleep.
-----
Helios kissed the edges of the rose orange waters, his ray painting the sky.
The boat gently rode the waves until it hit the docks, causing a small shockwave. Servants left to tie it down.
"Wake up. We're here." Telemachus felt a hard heavy object hit him in the stomach with a rough impact forcing him to wake up, patting it he realized it was just a bag.
Telemachus grumbled, looking up towards Antinous. "Did you have to throw it at me?." He spoke as he grabbed his blindfold and lifted himself off the floor, sleep still weighing heavy on him.
"Its not like you'd find it anyways." Antinous opened the door, shoving Telemachus in front of him before walking out.
Telemachus struggled as he was pushed forward, trying to still wake up and make sense of the morning while he was just pushed off onto the docks.
Still, it felt nice to finally get off the boat, no more waves or water, just solid ground, until he had to venture back home.
But that wouldn't be for a while. For now they had a long trek ahead, and Antinous was even more eager to get this over with as he grabbed his arm and started on his way.
Telemachus had to struggle the entire way, constantly tripping over his feet. He couldn't even enjoy the walk there like he had wanted.
The noise of the townsfolk caught his attention, slowing him down to listen.
Laughter from children as they ran in the streets, playing with each other. A childhood Telemachus could only ever imagine.
Brief peaks into conversations as they walked by, some fights, some confessions, most mundane and uninteresting.
Overall it seemed like such a lovely city, one Telemachus wanted to explore and see. Connect with the people and hear their stories.
But none of that mattered now, he could daydream about such endeavors later, so with a huff he quickened his pace.
After what felt like forever Antinous steps slowed, either he had finally become tired or they were at the palace of Pylos.
Judging by the change from a dirt path to something more hard, he figured the latter. Though before they had even gotten to the Palace doors the welcoming voice of the King Nestor rang out as his footsteps neared.
"Welcome to Pylos, Travelers, please come in! Sit, eat." His voice was full of glee as he rested a hand on the Prince's shoulder, slowly guiding him up, a stark contrast to the way Antinous had hauled him about.
Though it did disorientate Telemachus for a second, suddenly going from silence and aching legs to quickly being pushed inside by a gleeful man.
The feeling of it all was more welcoming as well, the king talked as if they were old friends, he spoke of his paintings as they walked through the halls, describing them in detail. And not once had he asked about his eyes.
Nestor paused, not in footsteps but in speech. He cleared his throat as he remembered his manners. "Ah, I forgot my introduction. Though, I'm sure you know I am King Nestor. Son of Neleus." He continued. "Tell me, my prince, what is your name?." Nestor asked, his voice echoing in the large halls.
"Telemachus, son of Odyssues." He lowered his head in a slight bow, though it felt a bit awkward doing it as he walked.
"Ah. What a welcome surprise!" The hand moved to pat Telemachus's shoulder as the old king spoke. "And your companion?." He spoke high, hoping the man would answer himself.
And, of course, he did. "Antinous! Son of Eupeithes. It's quite the pleasure to be here, my king." His voice dripped with arrogance and pride as he paused to take a proper bow for the king.
Or at least that's what Telemachus had assumed when the king himself stopped walking and turned to face Antinous, either that or a shake of hands.
"He is my guide." Telemachus was quick to add on, his voice not as cheerful, more of a mock.
"A nobleman taking the role of a servant? You both must be quite close." What was supposed to be humiliating for Antinous only felt embarrassing for Telemachus when the King responded.
"Oh the closest. I would rather be with anyone else on this journey." Before Telemachus could even utter a word that grating voice caught his ears.
He was going to make this as miserable as possible, wasn't he?. Telemachus continued down the halls, already having enough of this and not caring whether the two followed or not, he'd find his way around with or without their help.
Of course they followed, though. Feeling the kings presents as they stood side by side and the heavy footsteps of Antinous behind them.
There was no more talking after that.
The atmosphere seemed to change when they entered the new room, it felt almost bright, the Room overflowing with warmth.
The king departed from Telemachus' side, his footsteps furthering away before the scrape of the chair was heard.
"Please, sit!" Despite the tension just moments ago Nestor's voice continued being warm and welcoming. "Eat and once you've finished we can discuss why you've come."
Antinous rough 'guides' returned again, though this time it seemed he actually took it seriously, perhaps it was because of the watching eyes of the king. Nevertheless Telemachus took the seat that was given to him, Antinous sitting beside him.
Nestor spared no time going on about the war and what he endeavored on his way home, along with other stories. The man seemed to love to talk.
Telemachus vaguely paid attention to Nestor's Tales, he knew he should give more attention, it was the least he could do. However he couldn't.
He simply tried to find his plate, though found it empty. He would starve tonight it seemed as nobody had taken note and it wasn't like Antinous would care.
He was already tired of this journey and it had just begun. Why had he even come here again? Because he had to find out news about his father? But why would that matter anymore? If he was alive he should be home by now.
It's his fault that he's on this trip, his fault he's stuck with a man who could care less whether he lives or dies.
He grinded his teeth together. It wasn't fair, it just wasn't fair. Why did he have to deal with everything? Why couldn't his mother just remarry already? Why did he have to put in all this work if he himself wasn't even going to be respected!.
"Peisistratus! You're late!" The voice of the King that he had tuned out suddenly snapped him back.
That name, it was familiar. He briefly remembered his mother saying it.
"I'm sorry, I got a bit caught up." A young man Telemachus presumed, around his age, by the sound of his voice.
"Oh I didn't know we had guests!" His voice had a soft curiosity to it and Telemachus suddenly wanted to know everything about him.
"Yes indeed!. They were waiting for you, my son." The king's voice retorted, though he did not sound angry.
The other chair beside Telemachus scraped and he could feel the presence of the man sitting beside him. "Hello! I'm sure you can figure who I am." He laughed.
Telemachus attention was brought behind him due to a low groan coming from Antinous, he ignored it. Instead focusing on the other man and introductions. "Aha- yes. Peisistratus, correct?. I'm Telemachus, prince of Ithaca and son to Odyssues." Was that too long for an introduction? Should he had just said his name? It wasn't like Peisistratus was being that formal.
It didn't matter though when he heard the cool voice return. "Oh! I've heard so much about you from Helen, she comes and visits from time to time"
Ah so thats why he knew the name, his mother must have written letters about him and in return Helen wrote of the children she was connected with, to what degree he didn't know.
"You have nothing on your plate." He could practically feel the frown, before he could explain he heard the click of the plate as it was lifted and food was placed on top, softly tapping as it was returned in front of him.
"You didn't have to-" Telemachus started.
"If the servants won't do their job, then it becomes my job as host." Peisistratus quickly reassured, turning to his own plate.
"What a suck up." Antinous grumbled only loud enough for Telemachus to hear, perhaps he was looking for validation but all he got was a frown from the prince.
After enjoying the dinner laid out for them and the tales of the King, finally Nestor sat back from his seat. Addressing Telemachus as he spoke. "Now, young prince. Tell us why you've ventured so far with little sight to my kingdom." His voice was gentle as he coaxed Telemachus to speak.
Telemachus cleared his throat, placing down his own utensils as he turned his chin. "Well, my king, I've grown tired of waiting for news about my father and decided to seek it out myself. I need to know whether he lives or not." He kept his speech formal, though still felt wrong as he half lied.
There was an awkward silence that made Telemachus shift in his seat, were they going to laugh him away?.
"I see. You're noble for wanting to learn more and even more so to figure it out yourself." The king sighed. "I know little about your father's health, last I saw and heard from him was the war.".
Telemachus wasn't too disappointed, what was he to expect? He'd be lucky if he got any answers. "I understand. I plan to venture to Sparta, hopefully they can tell me."
"Sparta? Yes. I suppose they would know more. Well since I cannot help you with information, what I can do is offer my home for the night and a chariot to ride to Sparta." The king mused
Telemachus was taken back by the hospitality of it all, he figured it'd be a lot nicer then back in Ithaca but this was all a lot, he just sat in his seat stunned.
"I could come along, help where I can! I know Sparta enough to be a sort of.. guide!" The sweet voice of Peisistratus joined.
Antinous scoffed, finally butting in. "No worries, kid. He's already got a guide." He seemed annoyed.
Telemachus turned his head towards Antinous, why would he even care? Antinous didn't want to be here, let alone do his one job. "He's fine to tag along, I'll need the help." He didn't bother adding an insult, he wouldnt want to make himself look bad in a foreign land.
Nestor intervened, his joyful voice made Teleamchus realize how similar the king and his son sounded. "I think that's wonderful! Well then. It's settled, Peisistratus, my son. Can you show them to their rooms?."
"Of course!" Peisistratus stood.
Telemachus noticed how soft his hand was when it grabbed his own, helping him stand and leading him away from the table.
"It's nice to have guests my own age! Usually its just business." Peisistratus seemed to get his friendliness from his father as he spoke.
He intently listened as Peisistratus spoke while they neared the Chambers, he talked a lot to. But it was a lot more fun to listen to him rather then the king.
"I hope I can be of great help." Peisistratus' voice wavered only slightly when they neared the chamber.
Peisistratus opened the door for Telemachus guiding him inside. Telemachus turned towards Peisistratus with a smile. "You've already been so helpful, thank you."
He felt the hands leave his arm and the creaking as the door closed. He sighed, taking in the nice quiet of it all, his muscles relaxed as he just stood there.
It was then he realized he never thanked the King.
---
The Dinner was as boring as the kings rambling, the decor was fine, fancier than Ithaca but still plain.
Antinous decided to simply focus on his food and that's when the prissy prince came in to ruin it all, he had smooth skin, long curls. Definitely had the presence of a prince.
It made Antinous roll his eyes, it always annoyed him when he saw more feminine men. Men were supposed to be men, not whatever that was.
It annoyed him further when Peisistratus started talking with Telemachus, he didn't know why it bothered him so much but it felt like an invasion.
Then he dared to ask to join?. Who does this fool think he is?. He could ruin the plans he had if he wasn't careful too.
But he couldn't stop it, so he just slumped behind the two as they were shown their chambers. The entire way there Peisistratus didn't stop talking.
About this, that and the other, Antinous would've thought he was telling his whole life story if he hadn't already tuned him out.
He watched as Telemachus disappeared behind the door, now alone with the other more annoying prince.
Oh how he wished he was back in Ithaca, nobody would question if he were to go missing. Perhaps he would start a war but that wasn't his concern.
"And this is uh- your room." Peisistratus' voice lacked that cheerfulness it once filled moments before. Refusing to look at Antinous.
He clicked his tongue looking at the door in front of him. "Aren't you gonna open it for me?." He smirked.
Peisistratus sighed, looking up with a foe smile as he opened the door. "Goodnight." And with an easy spin Peisistratus walked the other way.
Antinous watched him leave, his smile immediately fading. If it was Telemachus he would have snapped back with some clever quip, and decided to be immensely stubborn. That was always the fun of it.
He groaned, another reason to hate this weird ass prince. And he was going to have to deal with him longer.
Antinous flopped onto the bed, folding his arms behind his head.
That infuriating smile, he was sure if he was to punch Peisistratus he'd cry unlike Telemachus.
Telemachus would actually fight back with a smile, determined to not be beaten down. And despite his messy moves he wouldn't stop until he made his point clear.
The wolf had a spirit that Antinous constantly wanted to push, wanted to hear and see.
And that smile, wild, he was sure that if Telemachus had eyes they'd spark with a fire.
And even still despite that fire Antinous would find him in the gardens playing music, or talking to the servants as if they were equals.
Traits Antinous would usually be disgusted by he always liked to see on Telemachus. It fit him so nicely. Making Antinous want to know everything-
He caught his mind from wandering further, biting his tongue to bring him back to reality, it was then he remembered there was another reason he didn't want to come on this journey. Specifically with Telemachus.