Vænus

Sure lets see umm I like the headcanon that some people think she might have been a blacksmith because of her name, "copper protectress". My reason for hc her as Phoenician comes from that Wikipedia paragraph identifying her as the protector of Bronze Age metalworking technology. Since the Bronze Age is often associated with Asia and the Near East, I think it fits her. I like to imagine that she was very independent and wanted new opportunities, which is how she ended up at Arcesius court. I picture Arcesius being fascinated by her skills, promoting her and giving her special treatment. Meanwhile, the servants and court gossip behind her back because shes a foreigner, commoner, a woman and clearly talented, so they spread rumors that she only succeeds because shes sleeping with the king. Chalcomedusa is indignant about these accusations, but also finds them a bit funny. She cant believe people think they are together, as if the king would ever fall for someone like her. So Arcesius gets friendzoned at first, and Chalcomedusa is completely oblivious to his feelings. When Arcesius finally confesses, shes shocked and hesitant. She never considered that he could love someone like her, shes not a typical woman for her time, shes a foreigner, a commoner, and possibly a bit older than him. I imagine that she is past the usual age for marriage by those times. She also doesnt want to prove the rumors right, doesnt want to give up her work as a blacksmith, and has no idea how to be a proper queen. On top of that, shes confused about her own feelings and goes through a sort of "I wont say Im in love" crisis. I really like the idea that Arcesius is willing to wait for her, both for her to sort out her feelings and to decide whether she wants to become queen. They kind of remind me of Erika and Dominick from Barbie The Princess and the Pauper. Their mutual relationship develops slowly, they get to know each other more and eventually fall deeply in love. When Chalcomedusa finally feels ready, she becomes queen. Their relationship would definitely be seen as scandalous, especially considering how foreigners were treated. I also imagine Chalcomedusa feeling guilty for having children later in life, worrying that she might not be very fertile and could end Arcesius line. She might think he shouldnt have waited for her and could have married a younger Greek princess instead. But Arcesius sees that as nonsense he loves her exactly as she is. On the other hand, Arcesius might feel guilty too, thinking she might not want to be tied to someone "cursed" with having only one son. But Chalcomedusa doesnt mind at all, shes fine with having just one son, so the guilt was lifted from her. I imagine they were able to meet Odysseus when he was a child or teenager, but that they died around his adulthood. I also like the idea that Odysseus inherited Chalcomedusa pride, and that she taught him about her culture and her craft. Even as queen, she never stopped being a blacksmith, and while she never fully got used to having servants and found learning royal etiquette difficult, she became a deeply loved queen who proved everyone wrong.