Chapter Text
Chapter 1
At the age of nine, Odysseus' father went insane. He told his son something he would never forget: “Your cunningness will make you tough because bravery alone is not enough,” something he will always remember.
At the age of thirteen, Odysseus became the third king of Ithaca. His father grew too old to rule, passing the throne to his son. Odysseus endeavored to be a good leader, governing with wisdom and courage. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, supported him from the very beginning. The people of Ithaca easily trusted their young king, appreciating his past acts of bravery, cunning, and dedication to the kingdom, particularly his exploits with the magic boar. Given his history, their confidence in him was not surprising.
Although he was young, Odysseus was expected to find a bride. With Helen coming of age to be married, suitors gathered in her kingdom, including Odysseus. Her beauty was unparalleled, her personality matched a man's dreams, and her status as the princess of Sparta made her the ideal bride. However, Odysseus did not desire Helen. His heart belonged to another, Penelope. To Odysseus, her beauty made the stars seem dull in comparison. Her intelligence, courage, and cunningness deepened his affection for her. Her smile, her laughter, and her confidence completely captured his heart.
Every time Odysseus thought of her, he felt as though he elevated to the skies. Helen was nothing compared to Penelope. He needed her to be his.
He approached Athena, seeking her wisdom. He also sought the aid of Aphrodite. Despite his bravery and intelligence, Penelope broke through his defenses and left him in disarray. She held so much power, often without realizing it, capable of transforming Odysseus into a mere tomato with her presence. Her enchantment clouded his mind and blinded him with love. Her smile turned him to stone. The love that drove him closer to her also held him back from approaching her.
Deep down, he knew that she felt the same way. They shared the same soaring heart that aches for one another. All they needed was the courage to keep soaring to the sky.
At the age of 17, Odysseus finally had the opportunity of a lifetime. After persistently pestering Athena with his usual declarations of love, she revealed an important piece of information: Helen was still unmarried, and the number of suitors had reached a point where the king felt overwhelmed and uncertain about how to manage the situation without inciting jealousy and potential violence. Among the suitors was Menelaus, who was not only one of the suitors for Helen’s hand but also Odysseus' friend. Penelope, Helen's cousin, was also present. It was at this moment that Odysseus's brilliant mind devised a master plan.
Odysseus set sail for Sparta, where Menelaus awaited him at the port, having been informed by letters of his arrival. As Odysseus stepped onto the land, he greeted Menelaus, saying, "Menelaus! My friend! I heard you had some difficulties in winning the heart of your maiden."
Menelaus turned around, rolled his eyes at his friend and sighed, "Yeah, it's difficult to win her love when you're just one man among a crowd of suitors from all around the world."
"Rest assured my friend, I have a plan. There's no time to waste; we need to go to the palace immediately," Odysseus said as he jogged toward the palace, inviting his friend to follow him.
Along the way, Menelaus repeatedly asks him about the reason for his help and his plan, but Odysseus remains silent, keeping his gaze fixed on the palace where Penelope lives with her cousin.
Once they reached the palace, Odysseus tricked the guards to let them pass and see the king. They went to the throne room, finding King Tyndareus, Helen's father and Penelope's uncle. After the king asked them to clear their demand, Odysseus spoke.
"I am king Odysseus from Ithaca. I have heard of the issue that has been lasting for years. Your daughter had been unable to find a husband for fear that the other suitors would strike out of jealousy. However, I came up with a solution."
The king found interest in his swift words and ordered him to continue.
In the corner of his eyes, Odysseus saw Penelope and Helen approaching, quieting down as they reached the throne room.
“All suitors will swear an oath to protect Helen and her chosen husband, then, there will be no possibility of revolt occurring. Whoever dares to disrupt your daughter’s marriage, will have to go against all of the armies of the noble suitors present in your mighty palace, protecting Helen and her man with their lives. Therefore, Helen, princess of Sparta, will be able to choose her husband with no fear in mind.”
The king smirks at the brilliance of the young king in front of him, "I guess you will also be taking the oath?"
Odysseus looks at the king, trying not to get timid by Penelope's hidden presence.
"For you, your Highness, I would" He answered. Though he felt like he was cheating Penelope, it was a must to look diplomatic in front of the king.
But to his horror, Helen took that as an invitation to choose him. She revealed herself and picked him.
"I'm sorry, Princess Helen, but my heart is already beating for another. She had stolen my heart the day I set eyes on her. However, I do know the perfect man for you. A man with a brain and heart as withstanding as mine."
Odysseus stepped aside to allow Menelaus to steal the spotlight. He then turned his gaze toward the girl of his dreams—the one to whom his heart belonged.
When their eyes locked, Penelope felt a rush go through her body, an immediate connection created between them. Although they had always felt their mutual love, at that moment, Odysseus's words seemed to confirm it as a true declaration of love.
From that day on, they met day after day in Ithaca, by the olive tree where they first met. Odysseus invited Penelope to meet him whenever the day slept, and together they would climb the giant tree, watching the days unfold. Odysseus and Penelope’s love grew and flourished as days went by. A young love blessed by the goddess of love herself, a love promised to last through life and death, a love bound by the olive tree. Meeting day after day, night after night on that olive tree, watching stars and sunrise together, as they whisper in each other's warmth sweet words and profound promises affirming their love through laughter and joy. They admired the sunset and the stars shining in the sky, glowing as brightly as their love. They whispered sweet nothings to one another and shared laughter and joy together.The olive tree became a symbol of their growing love, becoming such an important piece of young couples' love.
They officialised their engagement and got married at the end of the year before their 18th year. After years of living together in bliss, they welcomed their son, Telemachus, at the age of 20. Their world felt slow and peaceful, blessed with a small, perfect family.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the family's laughter echoed through the palace, each shared story and playful banter weaving a tapestry of warmth and connection. In the corner, an unused crib gathered dust, a relic of dreams once nurtured. Odysseus would whisper promises at Telemachus' small ears, telling how he would capture wind and sky and make the storm cloud cry for him. Penelope caught a glimmer in her eye as she watched her baby, Telemachus, cooing softly, unaware of the future that awaited them.