The king's breath catches, but then he frowns and rubs at his eyes. He thought he saw Polites, but that's impossible... He must be more tired than he realized.

May or may not be enjoying watching Ares pester the son of Poseidon.

Independent portrayal of Book Percy Jackson Age: 31 (born 1993) MDNI 21+ Highly Selective Literate Mature/Dark themes Lighthearted Banter

samtheskald For the record, I am in my late 30s and have been roleplaying for over 20 years. I am allowed to ask for boundaries on my hobby regardless of my age or reason.

✩°｡⋆˚⁺I am the wind! Twisting and turning! ⁺˚⋆｡°✩ ♡ & ⟳

🥺

He is absolutely hiding from Hermes again, especially because he is talking about wanting a baby and in a bad mood. 😶‍🌫️

He winces hearing that. The thought of Diomedes being one of the voices in his head, crying out in fear and pain... It makes his stomach turn. "No, not yet..."

"Yes, precisely. Well summarized."

Deep, patient sigh. "It is confusing... When I told you that we were too old to have another child, Hermes offered to return your mother's ability to carry a child. We... haven't confirmed if she is pregnant or not yet."

"That is a damn lie." Grumpy old king face. 😒

"NO."

😒

More offerings!!

"Honestly, that's a relief. Despite the whole wooden horse thing, woodwork is not my specialty... You should have seen the raft I made to get home. It's a wonder it made it this far, honestly." He thinks back, and concludes it probably has a little bit of Hermes' help there.

Sighing into Diomedes' arms, Odysseus relaxes. "Yes... Now that I am done being an idiot, what can I do to help with you with your project?"

An offering is sent from Odysseus with a prayer of thanks.

"Is it too late to tell you I was going to ask you if you could help me train the green palace guards...?" He chuckles, chagrined.

The anxiety he was feeling bleeds off almost immediately, realizing where his assumption has gone wrong. "Genentì..." He whispers, hanging his head. "Forgive me for being an old fool. Of course you need something to keep your mind occupied - I should have... I'm sorry."

Ach... I build an entire temple for every traveler and merchant in Ithaca and I am outdone by my son's baking skills. It is difficult to be upset with him.

😠 Who??

A frown of consternation. "Why would I think that? Because you are actively moving out? Because you don't seem interested in being in the palace with us anymore... Because you started this project without even consulting me, so I found out about it seeing you from the walls?" He points up the hill.

There is a tense pause, but he allows himself to be held. Finally, he speaks in a whisper, choked with emotion. "Do you... not wish to be our husband anymore?"

He is trying so hard to put his feelings aside and look rationally. But his fear and hurt is pointing out every minute detail. He barely stops himself from pointing out any exposed nail or rough edge - things that don't make a difference to the structural stability of the hut. In truth, (+)

The king's face is carefully neutral, which is already a sign he is upset. He never hides how he feels with Diomedes. "I came to check on your progress," Ody replies, grey eyes surveying the home with a mix of interest, critical eye for the quality, and irrational desire to kick it to the ground.

Odysseus had been avoiding talking about it. He would greet Diomedes home each night, trying to show him how good his life could be in the palace... Maybe he pushed too hard. In any case, he arrives at the hut, knocking gently on the door frame.

"Alas, there is not much else you can do, Telemachus. Much of the work is on their part and you can only make sure they stay comfortable and safe."

"Then you support them as best you can, make sure they are comfortable... Tell them how beautiful they look no matter how exhausted and cranky they are."

Odysseus also has signs of war and trauma, so that won't be as much of a burden as he might expect.

Astyanax is welcome in Ithaca so long as he remains peaceful. Odysseus would make himself known and available if the boy would like to ever speak to him.

Ody smiles, huffing out a gentle laugh. "Well, I am your descendant, so I don't see why not."

"You deserve it, my friend." Ody replies earnestly, smiling right back. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. You have been a comfort and a friendly face to me and my family. I only wish there was more I could do."

He is in the training yard, watching over the palace guards as they spar... They could use some work,but they are well-meaning at least. Maybe Diomedes would want to help train them.... Hmm.

The temple stands just inside of the main gate, so travelers and merchants can pray and give offerings to Hermes before or after a successful journey. Odysseus seems very proud of it. It is a clean white and relatively simple on the outside, with bright, eyecatching details within.

... "Hermes, please don't give him ideas..."

A fleeting look of confusion crosses his face, and then he catches on that Hermes is opting to walk. There is a genuine, unfiltered look of awe and gratitude on the king's face. "Of course. Right this way, Lord Hermes." He leads them down the hill to the city proper, then to the outward gate.

"Indeed! It took longer than I hoped, but the temple I had built for you at the city gates is finally finished. And... If you wish, you may fly us there." Ody looks a little unwell at the thought, but he wanted to make Hermes happy.

"Just the god I was hoping to see! I would like to show you something, my friend."

👀‼️ "Um... What is this...?"

Odysseus is shaken, putting his head in his hands. "I see... I am glad he was kind."

👁️👁️ "Where did you... get that, little one?"

😨 "Athena!!!"

👀 But... We have always been good friends?

Odysseus greets him at the palace gates.

ODYSSEUS: Close your eyes And spare yourself the view How could I hurt you?

Watching Diomedes build from the walls of the palace.

... Sigh.

𝐒𝐨, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬? 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

Guess who's here, darling~ ✨️

"Yes, love." He acquiesces with a smile, holding Diomedes close for as long as he needs.