minetta

ao3 account

oneshots

master

duty calls

hold her down part 1

hold her down part 2

hold her down part 3

the wedding part 1 

the wedding part 2 

the wedding part 3

odysseus’s speech

open arms part 1

olive tree

headcanons

telemachus

penelope gives birth

bro is talking to a squirrel !

-

Synoikein (living together)

Hand in hand, the young newlyweds walked down the palace corridor to their bedchamber where they would spend their first night as husband and wife. 

Penelope felt the heat rise in her cheeks as Odysseus led her neared the entryway to the room. 

“My love,” Odysseus faced Penelope, her hand still in his grasp. “In this room awaits our marriage bed. You may recognize it. It is my gift to you. A gift to consolidate our relationship. To make us whole. I love you, Penelope.”

Odysseus opened the door to their bedchamber. In it sat a large bed, carved from the wood of a sprawling olive tree that grew in the middle of the room. The walls seemed to form around it. Penelope observed it, awestruck by its intricate beauty and detail. 

“I built this for you, my love. It is a symbol of our love. May it grow as strong as this olive tree,” Odysseus said to his bride.

“The tree I met you under,” Penelope finally said, and gave a soft smile to her husband. Her hand traced the fine wood carvings. 

“Yes! Yes, Penelope. That is exactly it.” Tears started to well up in Odysseus’s eyes. “I told you you’d recognize it.”

Penelope grabbed onto Odysseus’s hand again, and pulled him on the bed where they sat next to each other.

Finally married.

Finally alone.

Penelope leaned into Odysseus, and gave him a passionate kiss. Her hands crept up his arms and shoulders. 

“Mm,” Odysseus managed to let out. His hands gently wrapped around Penelope’s waist. Their lips parted for a moment.

They both gave a warm smile to each other, one that read, “I can’t believe this is happening!”

Wanting more, Odysseus lowered Penelope to rest on top of their wedding bed, where he was now on top of her, gently brushing her long dark hair out of her face. He pressed his lips to hers. 

Penelope let out a small gasp. 

“Are you okay, my darling?” Odysseus asked her. “Am I going too fast?”

“Um … it’s just a lot. In no way does that mean that I don’t love you,” Penelope said, embarrassed.

“Why would I ever think that of you, Penelope? I understand, my love. I am nervous, too. I have never done anything like this before, to be honest.” Odysseus said as he moved himself off of her. He now laid beside her, softly combing his hand through her hair.

“You haven’t?” Penelope mused.

“No. I wanted to save all of my affection for the person I marry. And that person is you, my sweet Penelope. How smart and beautiful you are.” Odysseus looked at his wife with loving eyes. 

“I feel the same way, Odysseus,” Penelope replied, and rubbed her thumb across his cheek. “I am sorry, though. I intend on consummating our marriage soon.”

Her husband looked at her, confused. “Why do you apologize, love?”

“Because I know that it is tradition that a husband and wife consummate their marriage on their wedding night.”

“Some traditions can be broken, my dear Penelope. That does not mean our love is broken. Quite the opposite, I think. It takes love and courage to stand up against tradition. I will respect you in whatever choice you make,” Odysseus said to her. “If you are not comfortable with consummation at this time, I understand wholly, and I respect your decision wholly. We can still show love to each other, by sharing this wedding bed, by exchanging meaningful conversation. Love does not have to be just physical, darling. I will love you no matter what. In our vows to Lady Hera, not just an hour ago, we exchanged that exact promise to each other.”

Penelope was enthralled by Odysseus’s words. Oh, how he had a way with them. Every time he spoke, it made her fall deeper in love with him, if that was even possible.

“I have nothing to say but thank you, my love,” was all Penelope was able to say. The tears welling up in her eyes suggested otherwise.

“Of course, Penelope. I am only being an honest man.”

“And how I love you for that,” she responded, and planted a kiss to Odysseus’s forehead.

“And how I love you for how gorgeous you look,” he pecked her lips. “And how kind you are …” another tender kiss. “And how intelligent you are. “I am glad I get to spend my life with you. I hope that, whenever you think of me, you think of the time that we are spending now, in our sacred bed, under the branches of this great tree that we met under. I want our marriage to be full of sweet moments such as this.”

“This is Aeton from Crete. He used to be king once. He is the same age as your master, but the suffering makes him look older. See that our guest gets a proper place to sleep. And wash his feet,” the queen said to me. She was shaken. I knew that look. Something else was going on. But I did as I was instructed. 

“Yes, your majesty,” I bowed my head to her and she left me alone with the guest.

“Please, sit down” I said to him, and he sat in a chair in front of the washing basin to put his worn feet in.

He looked up at me. In his eyes, I could see years lived, miles traveled. I wondered just what might have brought him stepping into my queen’s fair palace. 

“Let me,” I said to him and unlaced his sandals, caked in mud and dust. He placed his feet in the basin, and I poured a hydria of warm water over them, washing off the impurities as I was instructed by Queen Penelope.

“Thank you,” the man rasped, not making eye contact.

I began to massage a damp cloth over the soles of his feet and ankles. 

“You know,” I started. “You remind me of the master I once lost. Same looks, same voice…”

“I know,” he looked into my eyes. “I have been told before.”

“I really do hope he is well,” I responded to him. 

I started washing his legs.

“He could be anywhere, oh how I miss him…” I said. “An old beggar, in a palace such as this…” 

Then my washing cloth reached his thigh. 

A fading red scar, stretching from his lower left thigh to his waist.

That clever boy who went boar hunting with his friends. 

I looked at him with wide eyes. I could hardly speak.

“...My master? Master Odysseu–”

He clapped his worn hand over my mouth before I could get another word out. 

“Say nothing! Do not betray me,” he hissed. “If you did, I would have no mercy, even for you.”

At this point, my lips began to quiver. 

The cunning boy I thought I lost so many years ago was returned to me, a stronger man. 

He carefully removed his hand from my mouth. “You will remain quiet?”

I nodded.

He sighed, letting his guard down a bit. “How good it is to see you, Eurycleia,” he whispered to me. His hands cupped my cheeks that were still wet from tears. 

An old woman, my shaky hands tugged on the hem of his tunic, still in disbelief. “And you, Master Odysseus,” I managed to say.

modern au

“Good morning, your majesties.”

“Melantho,” Odysseus mumbled.

“Yes, your majesty?” Melantho said as she made her way to the large glass windows of the royal bedchamber.

“Leave the window curtains closed, please?” Odysseus instructed as the maid nodded and left the room.

He sank back into his warm bed where his wife laid there with a peaceful look washed over her face. 

“What was that about, love? Don’t you have to get up for the day?” Penelope said as she snuggled closer to her husband.

“Today’s duties can wait, love. I want to lay here with you.”

“You are aware I have things to attend to as queen, hm? We don’t live in ancient times, Odysseus,” Penelope retorted softly.

Odysseus ignored her and drifted back to sleep. Penelope giggled and followed suit, resting her head on her husband’s shoulder. 

– – –

After 30 more minutes of rest, Melantho returned and coaxed the comfortable pair out of their bed. 

“May I offer you any tea, your majesties?” She asked the couple. 

“No thank you, we are fine,” Penelope said to her maid. “Is Telemachus awake yet?”

“Yes,” Melantho replied as she opened the curtains, letting the morning sun illuminate the bedroom. “Eurycleia is preparing him for the day. I will let you two get ready,” Melantho said with a nod and left the room once more.

Penelope quickly put on a white jumper and navy blue slacks. Her face required little makeup, so she would highlight her look with red lipstick and golden stud earrings, a wedding gift from Odysseus. 

“Help me with this, love?” Odysseus asked as he buttoned up his chambray shirt. 

Penelope always buttoned the top and made sure the collar was folded just so. Odysseus liked the way her smooth hands danced around his neck. 

“There,” Penelope said to her husband once she finished. “Perfect.” She placed a kiss on his lips. 

Although they had been a couple for just over a year, Odysseus and Penelope’s relationship had become synonymous with what the media called a “power couple.” At first, they liked the attention, but now it had become an obstacle. 

The two had grown up in the spotlight as royalty, but once the announcement of a Spartan marrying a “humble Ithacan” caught the attention of the entire land of Greece, the paparazzi was practically glued to the palace. And when the couple left the palace, the cameras would follow.

They had kept Telemachus’s existence a secret. For his own safety and for their own sanity. 

– – –

“Ah!” Odysseus stopped Penelope as she was about to exit the room. “Are you missing something, dear?”

He held out their wedding rings in his hand.

“Oh my gods. Yes, let me be married today.” Penelope giggled as she slipped the ring on her finger.

“What is a king without his queen?” Odysseus added, and placed his ring on as well.

Once the couple left their room, Penelope’s advisor, Cora, waited for her in the hall and bowed at the couple’s presence. 

“Your majesty,” Cora faced Penelope. “A car is waiting for you outside. Remember today you have a philanthropy event at the local homeless shelter. Please follow me. We should get there a bit early in order to–”

Penelope held up her hand to stop Cora. “I understand. May I say farewell to my husband, first?” She gave a cunning grin to Odysseus who smirked back at her.

“Yes! Of course. I do apologize, your majesty.”

“Thank you, Cora,” Odysseus said to the timid advisor. He then faced his wife and gave her a tender kiss.

Power couple, Cora thought to herself.

“I will see you later, Penelope. Tell the people at the shelter I wish them well,” Odysseus said, cupping his wife’s cheeks with his hands. 

“I will,” Penelope replied and started walking towards the courtyard where the car was waiting.

Cora gave Odysseus a bow and trailed behind the queen.  

– – –

Odysseus was in his study, answering emails and slowly sipping on his morning tea. 

There was a knock on the door.

“Come in?” Odysseus called.

The door opened to reveal a footman and two other men. 

“Your majesty, King Agamamnon of Mycenae and King Menelaus of Sparta,” the footman bowed and left the study to the three men.

“My brothers!” Odysseus said with a smile. “How good it is to see you both!” 

However, Agamemnon and Menelaus did not match Odysseus’s excitement. Rather, they seemed somber. 

The two kings took a seat on the couch across from Odysseus’s desk. 

“Is something wrong?” Odysseus questioned.

After a brief silence, Agamemnon spoke up. 

“There has been a recent . . . incident in Sparta.” He faced Menelaus.

cw: SA

Penelope laid there in a mess of sweat and tears, in silence, unable to move. She was weak from all of the pain that was viciously thrust upon her body all at once. 

With her eyes closed, she let out a scream. 

A scream for mercy.

A scream for help.

A cry out for Odysseus.

“AGGGHHHHHH!!!!!” Penelope shouted. “MY ODYSSEUS! MY HUSBAND! I NEED YOU!”

“I am right here, love,” a calming voice said to her. Like a warm woolen blanket on a stormy night. 

Security. 

Penelope jolted from her resting position. She opened her eyes to see she was still in her wedding bed, but Odysseus laid next to her with tired eyes. 

“Why are you looking at me that way, wife?”

Night terrors. They had come so often.

Penelope could feel her heart racing. “Oh, my gods. It’s you,” she said through tears. 

Odysseus gently grabbed her hand and gave it a tender kiss. “Come here, my darling,” he said, and pulled his wife into his warm embrace. 

Penelope laid her head on Odysseus’s chest as her tears subsided. 

“Wh-where is he?” Penelope asked Odysseus.

“Who?” 

“Antinuous,” Penelope shuddered as she said the name. A name with no good intent.

“He is gone, my dear. He has been gone for weeks. Was it the same dream again?”

Had it really been that long?

“It was worse than before. He tried to–” She started, but broke down again at the thought of him.

“Shhh. You don’t need to tell me. Don’t let yourself relive the painful memories,” Odysseus cooed. “I am sorry I could not be there for you during my absence. It still gives me grief. But I am here for you now. I will never let you go, Penelope. I will stay by your side. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. These terrors of the past may come, but we will fight them together. Anything that comes in your way, I will be here to protect you.”

cw: SA

Eurymachus grabbed the bow and tried to string it once more. “Oh, gods. The queen was right. This is a challenge,” he strained as he put all of his weight into it. He let out a gruff sigh. “I give up. Who else wants to try?”

He looked around the courtyard at all the suitors. They had all been trying to string the bow for hours. 

All of a sudden, a beggar wandered toward them. He smelled of farm animals and sweat. What was he doing here? The suitors wondered. 

Eurymachus let out a howl of laughter. “You?! This has to be a prank.” He turned to the leader of the group of men. “Hey, Antinuous, how about we give this idiot a fair chance?” The suitors couldn’t control their laughter.

Antinous let out a chuckle and nodded. The bow was then handed to the beggar. All eyes were on him.

Like a jester performing for the royal court. 

The beggar tried and tried, but his weakness failed him. The suitors heard him mumble curses to the gods under his breath, but that only made them laugh harder. 

Tears started pouring from the lowly beggar’s eyes as the mob of suitors jeered at him.

“You really thought you had a chance, scum?”

“Go back to the streets where you came from!”

“You’re only making a fool of yourself!”

Eventually, the beggar dropped the bow and string in defeat. Two of the strongest suitors picked him up and threw him out of the courtyard, ensuring that he wouldn't come back to retaliate. 

“Well, gentlemen,” Antinuous announced to the group. “Is it finally my turn?!”

The group of men hysterically yelled and cheered on their leader.

With ease, Antinous strung the bow. He lined up his shot …..

WHOOSH!

The arrow had made its way through the 12 axe heads. 

“YEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!! AHHHH YESSS!!!! MY GODS!!!! I HAVE DONE IT!!!!” Antinous yelled at the top of his lungs. His voice seemed to shake the palace walls surrounding him. He flexed his muscles and put a fist towards the sky in celebration.

“Go to her!” Eurymachus clapped his leader’s shoulders. “Claim your title. Rule over her.”

“... and that weakling she calls a son,” Antinous added. The suitors laughed in agreement. 

“I have hungered for this moment. And I am oh so starving,” Antinuous called as he exited the courtyard and made his way to Penelope’s chambers.

– – –

Penelope was sitting at her weaving loom when she heard a knock at the door behind her. 

“Come in,” she said, her focus still on her shroud. She heard the door open and footsteps come towards her.

“Before you take any step closer, or let our eyes connect, I’d like to tell the story of my husband. I’d like to pay him one last respect–” Penelope started. 

“There is no need to talk, my wife,” a deep, husky voice came from behind her, making every hair on the back of Penelope’s neck stand up. 

She’d lost.

This was not her husband. 

Her own challenge had failed her.

Large hands tightly grabbed her shoulders and spun her around to face the man, giving a sinister grin, face dripping with sweat. 

He threw Penelope onto her sacred wedding bed. Penelope screamed for him to leave her alone, but he didn’t budge. 

Tears blurred Penelope’s vision as the large shadow loomed over her.

Climbing on top of the helpless woman, the shadow spoke, “I’ve been waiting for this moment. For the perfect time to strike.” His hands pinned down her hands as he violently slipped into her. 

Hysterically aroused, he took everything he could from Penelope. All that she was saving for a man she knew many years ago. A man she truly loved. But that man never came. 

Instead, Penelope’s nightmares turned into reality. She was a puppet on strings, and her strings were being pulled in the darkest of ways.

“All of me wants to be next to you,” Odysseus whispered to his wife. He gently grabbed her waist and pulled her close under the sheets of their sacred wedding bed.

“Mm,” was all Penelope responded with, and gave her husband a passionate kiss. “I love you Odysseus. I am so glad you’re with me.” 

“Not yet, my dear. But I am close,” Odysseus murmured under his breath.

CRACKA-BOOM! 

Penelope was jolted awake by the loudest clap of lightning she had ever heard. And there she was again, alone in her bed, made temporarily satisfied and confused by her own dream. 

Gusts of wind blew her bedchamber window shutters open, and the spray of rain started to dampen the bedsheets. She could hear the seas outside raging, seeming to yell curses on her beloved island.

... Could it be?

Eurycleia, her maid, rushed into the room to lock the shutters closed again. She quickly placed a rag on the floor to soak up all of the rain that had gotten through. 

“I do apologize, my queen,” Eurycleia bowed to Penelope, still sitting upright in her bed, shaken and confused. “In all my years in Ithaca, I have never seen a storm like this. My, someone must have angered Poseidon.”

Penelope stayed frozen, lost in her own thoughts. 

... Could it be? Some kind of sign? 

A sign of her husband?

“My queen? Are you alright?” Eurycleia repeated. 

CRACKA-BOOM! Another flash of lightning. 

“Oh!” Penelope said. “Um .... yes. Thank you.”

Eurycleia bowed her head to Penelope and started to leave the room.

“Oh! Actually ... ” Penelope started. Eurycleia turned around to her.

“Yes, my queen?”

Penelope let out an exahale. “Tomorrow. You know what to do. Exactly like I told you.”

Eurycleia gave a small nod to the queen. “He will be there,” she said, and swiftly left the bedchambers. 

“My world is about to change,” Penelope said, and drifted back to sleep, eager to awaken the next morning. 

– – –

One woman getting the attention of 108 rowdy men was not easy. The suitors all said they wanted Penelope more than anything, but never payed any attention to her. They never respected her. She was queen, after all. None of that mattered now, though. This was her one shot to get them to listen. 

Penelope took a deep breath and walked into the main hall where the suitors were.

She placed herself on the dais and loudly cleared her throat. 

“Ahem!?”

No response. Obviously, none of the suitors heard her. She looked around the hall. All of the men were drinking and laughing, shoving each other and yelling, as if the palace was some sort of permanent symposium. 

All of the men, except one. 

A beggar of sorts, it seemed, had wandered his way into her palace. He stood in the corner with arms crossed, hidden under a dark cloak. He was observing the madness that was happening before him. 

... Could it be? 

It had come to this. 

Deep breaths ....

“HEY!” Penelope shouted. 

Silence. A few snickers escaped some of the suitors mouths. 

Men. What children, Penelope thought.

“I will make this quick,” she said to the crowd of men. “Whoever can string my husband’s old bow and shoot through 12 axe heads cleanly can be my husband. Be the new king of Ithaca. Please, try your hand,” Penelope gestured toward the palace courtyard, where the axe heads were set up and Odysseus’s hunting bow was waiting, just as she instructed Eurycleia the night before. 

Like a heard of angry cattle, the men made their way to the courtyard to prove their strength and win Penelope’s hand. 

All of the men, except one. 

“Beggar, please, come here,” she called to him. He slowly walked towards Penelope and bowed.

“Yes, my queen?” the beggar said to her.

“Who are you?” Penelope asked.

“I am nobody, my queen. A lowly beggar,” he spoke to her. 

Penelope caught a glint in his eye. “And, may I ask, beggar, where you hail from?”

“Crete, my queen.” 

Liar.

“Ah, welcome to Ithaca, then. I am sorry my husband, the great King Odysseus, could not be here to greet you as well.”

The beggar flinched. He quickly looked toward the courtyard where the suitors were struggling to string the bow. “Where is your husband, may I ask?”

Standing in front of his wife.

“No one knows. Most think he got lost at sea, then was taken by Hades. It’s horrible, really.” Penelope said to the beggar.

The beggar’s eyes were still focused on the suitors attempts to string the bow. 

“May I try my hand at the challenge, my queen?” he asked Penelope. 

“Yes.”

Penelope hid a smile. Inside, she was the happiest she had ever been. 

Her dear Odysseus, in front of her. 

“Any advice for me? I am an old man. I am not the athlete like the men I see out there,” the beggar asked.

Penelope gave a long exhale. 

String your bow like you always have.

Don’t mind the axes, shoot at the threat.

I believe in you.

“Let the arrow fly when you know when your aim is true,” Penelope told the beggar.

Because I’d rather die than grow old without the best of you.

“Thank you, my queen,” the beggar bowed and made his way to the courtyard.

Gamilia dexiosi (wedding feast)

As night quickly fell, Odysseus led Penelope to the royal dining hall, where all of their family was waiting. As they entered, the guests clapped and cheered.

Two tables were set: one for the men, and one for the women. Odysseus and Penelope split to their respective tables. Servants gave the guests terracotta bowls filled with fish, figs, beans, breads and olives. Other servants held amphoras to make sure all the guest’s cups were never short of wine. 

The feast began when the bride and groom sat down. 

Penelope noticed that Odysseus was busy talking with her father and his brother-in-law, Eurylochus. Every now and then Odysseus would make eye contact with her, both knowing that they would be an official couple in a few short hours. 

“So,” Ctimene, who sat next to Penelope, chimed. “How are you liking Ithaca so far? I am aware it isn’t the grand kingdom of Sparta like you are used to.”

“Oh, no!” Penelope said as she took a sip of her wine. “It is amazing. How nice it is to have an ocean view, to enjoy the sea breezes every day. Everyone has been pleasant.”

“I suppose you are right. I traveled here from the island of Same. The Ionian is all I know,” Ctimene said to Penelope. “But, I am ecstatic that I now finally have a sister-in-law! Odysseus is enamored by you, Penelope. You are all my brother thinks about, truly,” she said, and took a bite of bread. 

Penelope felt a smile creep across her lips. “I am honored to join the kingdom of Ithaca.”

Ctimene squeezed Penelope’s hand. “What an amazing queen you will make. I am so happy for you, dear.”

“Thank you.”

Anakalypteria (the removal of the veil)

After hours of eating and drinking, dusk was rapidly approaching over the kingdom of Ithaca. A voice called throughout the dining hall to the wedding party.

“A moment, if you please,” Laertes stood up. “As our feast is coming to a close, the moment of anakalypteria is approaching.” He faced his son who sat beside him. “Odysseus, my boy, I am so proud of you, and so proud of the great man and king you have become.” He then placed a hand on Odysseus’s shoulder. “You have found a suitable queen for Ithaca … Penelope,” he then faced the woman’s table, where the bride sat with curious eyes. “I am honored that you will join our family. Please, take care of Odysseus, and he shall take care of you. Promise to love each other and respect each other. Provide us with a child to ensure that Ithaca’s roots will grow deep. Congratulations, my dear.”

“Thank you, sir,” Penelope quietly said. 

Laertes raised his cup. “May the gods bless this happy couple, and bless Ithaca! Na zisete!”

The wedding party all raised their cups in return. “Na zisete!” All cups of wine were quickly made empty.

Odysseus got up from his seat and made his way to Penelope.

“Are you ready, my love?” He asked her. Penelope nodded and took Odysseus’s hand. He led her to the center of the hall, where all eyes were intently watching the happy couple. 

With their fingers intertwined, Odysseus and Penelope gazed into each other’s eyes. They stood facing each other, feeling each other’s breath on their skin. In unison, they closed their eyes and chanted a prayer to the goddess of marriage.

“Lady Hera, hear our prayer. Queen of Olympus, protector of marriage, of the joining of hearts and the creation of bonds, of the building of home and the finding of family, whose presence honors any wedding day, whose favor graces any marriage, we pray to you and grant to us a joyous union, a love to last, a harmonious home. We ask your blessing on our household. May it be a place of happiness and affection. We ask your blessing on our marriage bed. May it be a place of joy and pleasure. May we grow old together, merry and content. May our words be sweet, and our love be strong. Lady Hera, we ask for your blessing.” 

The couple opened their eyes. The hall remained silent, as if Penelope and Odysseus were the only ones in the room. 

Odysseus, shaking, holding back tears, gently pulled back his bride’s veil. Penelope’s lips started to quiver as their faces grew closer together. 

“My love,” Odysseus managed to whisper, and sealed their marriage with a passionate kiss. 

Cheers erupted from the wedding party as Penelope and Odysseus stood, now in each other’s arms, still in a deep kiss. Their lips parted, but their foreheads still touched. Rose petals were tossed in the air as celebration. 

“My darling husband,” Penelope giggled, in shock that she was now with Odysseus, united as one.

“My darling wife,” Odysseus repeated, and pressed his lips to Penelope’s once more.

Periboea and Icarius ran up to their daughter and engulfed her in a hug. Odysseus saw Laertes give an approving nod to his son from across the room, as if saying “You’ve done well.”

As the Spartans parted, they gently nudged Penelope towards Odysseus again. “Go,” they said to their daughter. “Make Sparta proud. Make Ithaca proud.”

“I-” Penelope started.

“She will,” Odysseus said and grabbed his wife’s hand. “I know she will.” He placed a kiss on Penelope’s forehead. Penelope felt the heat rising in her cheeks. 

Was she dreaming? She couldn’t be. It was all better than a dream.

“My friends,” Odysseus raised his voice so the guests could hear. “Thank you for joining us on such a happy night. Thank you for the well wishes and good company.  It has been a busy day, so it is time for my wife and I to retreat to our chambers.” 

Engysis (marriage contract)   

“Prince Icarius,” Odysseus called as he followed the Spartan prince down a corridor of his grand palace. 

“Hm?” Prince Icarius responded and faced Odysseus. “What do you need from me, Ithacus?”

“... Your daughter’s hand,” Odysseus said with a grin. Prince Icarius looked confused.

“I thought you were here for Lady Helen, are you not?”

“I was … but your Penelope has captured my heart far more. Day by day, I am more captivated by her sheer beauty and cleverness, my lord. Lady Penelope is like a light that has brightened my life, and I never want that light to go out. I would be more than humbled to call her my wife, and I know that the people of Ithaca would rejoice that we would finally have a queen again. One to rule alongside me until my end days. My prince, I love your daughter more than anything I have known. I would be honored to call her mine. Prince Icarius of Sparta, please give me your blessing.”

Odysseus always had a way with words. 

Prince Icarius let out a long sigh. After a few moments of silence, he extended his hand to Odysseus, and Odysseus gladly took his hand and firmly shook it. 

“Thank you, my lord,” Odysseus said, trying to hold back tears, to not embarrass himself in front of his future father in-law. 

Prince Icarius’s hand let go of Odysseus’s grasp. “Take care of my Penelope. Protect her. She shall make you a worthy heir for your kingdom. This unity shall strengthen the alliance between Sparta and Ithaca.”

Odysseus couldn’t stop smiling.

“Come, follow me to the sitting room. The conversation can continue there.” Prince Icarius walked down the corridor to a large room with benches. Odysseus followed.

Proaulia (transition from child to bride)

Penelope sat in the dining room along with her mother, enjoying one last meal together in Sparta before her family made their way to Ithaca for Odysseus and Penelope’s wedding. 

“Oh, I am so nervous,” Penelope said to her mother as she took the last few bites of her favorite meal: roasted goose and legumes. 

“My love, you will be fine. Odysseus is a fine man. You said so yourself,” Periboea said to her daughter as she stroked her thick black hair. “Your father and I will be at the festivities, my dear. It’s normal for girls to be nervous before they join their husband. But, as a royal of Sparta, it is customary for you to join a man who can strengthen the ties of our kingdoms. Your marriage will do just that, I am sure.” 

“I know it will, mother,” Penelope said with a weak smile. 

“What a beautiful bride you will be. Are you ready for proteleia?” Periboea asked.

Penelope let out an exhale and nodded.

“Okay, I will grab your father and we will begin. I am so proud of you, my Penelope,” Periboea said and cupped Penelope’s cheeks in her hands. 

Proteleia (the bride’s nuptial sacrifice to the gods)

Penelope made her way to her palace’s shrine to Lady Artemis. Candles illuminated the intricately carved statue of the goddess, and all of Penelope’s dolls and childhood clothes were placed in front of the shrine as a dedication. 

“Penelope?” her mother and father walked up behind her as she observed the shrine. “Sit,” they said to her.

Penelope kneeled down in front of the shrine. She could feel her mother’s hands pressed on her head. 

She knew what was coming. 

Prince Icaruis kneeled down next to Penelope with a pair of shears and a small box in hand. 

He gave a small nod to his wife, and both started chanting prayers to Artemis. 

As they chanted, Icarius cut strands of Penelope’s baby hair from her forehead and placed them in the small box, then placed it alongside the other items, a sacrifice of Penelope’s childhood to the gods. 

Finally, at the end of the ceremony, Periboea placed a linen veil over her daughter’s face. 

Penelope knew that once Odysseus lifted the veil from her face the next night, she would be his.

Gamos (the wedding day)

As soon as the Spartan ship reached Ithacan soil, Penelope and Periboea were whisked off to a guest house, where a handful of slave girls were waiting to begin the bride’s wedding day process. 

First, Penelope was instructed to take a nuptial bath. It was unlike anything she had seen. It was almost like a ritual. Slave girls changed Penelope out of her chiton, undergarments and carefully removed her veil. Sacred, purified water from a loutrophoros was poured into a large bathing basin. 

Periboea stood, watching from a corner, as the servants guided her daughter into the water-filled basin and began to massage her skin with rose oil-soaked cloths. Lavish bottles of creams and ointments were rubbed on Penelope’s shoulders and then poured into the basin. As much as Penelope felt uncomfortable, she knew that it was necessary for a bride to be purified for her groom.

After a while, Periboea and the slave girls left the room and let the bride relax in her bath. 

Penelope felt the warm water calmly moving around her, the oils setting on her skin, the sun from the nearby window shining on her face. Ocean waves crashing and seagulls could be heard outside. 

She felt a calmness wash over her and closed her eyes. There Penelope laid, fully exposed in the basin, in her purest form, at peace, gathering herself for the most important moment in her life. 

“I am Penelope of Ithaca,” she softly said to herself, and smiled. 

Soon after, a slave girl, Melantho, came back in to help Penelope out of the basin and into a fresh set of clothes. Melantho pinned Penelope’s hair up into a braid, and new bracelets and necklaces were placed on her body.

“A gift from King Odysseus,” Melantho said as she adorned Penelope with fine jewelry. 

Lastly, she placed her veil back over Penelope’s head.

“My lady, an escort will be here shortly to bring you to the temple. The king will be waiting for you there.” Melantho said, and left Penelope alone once again.

“Finally,” Penelope thought to herself. She could hardly wait to see Odysseus. They hadn’t seen each other since he left Sparta a few months ago. She longed for him. Her husband.

Euchomai (prayers of a fruitful marriage)

After a short while, a man appeared in the doorway.

“My lady? I am Philoetlus, and I will be your escort to the temple. If you will follow me, please.”

Penelope followed Philoetlus a short distance to the temple. 

“King Odysseus is waiting for you inside. It is a pleasure meeting you, Lady Penelope. Please do not hesitate if you need anything.”

Penelope smiled warmly. 

“Thank you, Philoetlus,” she said, and made her way to the temple’s grand entrance. 

And there he was, handsome as ever.

Odysseus held his arm out to her, signaling to come join him before the shrine. 

Penelope made her way to him and took his hand. They both looked into each other’s eyes for a while, enjoying the intimacy. Odysseus broke the silence. 

“My love. You look gorgeous,” he said to Penelope.

Penelope could feel heat rising in her cheeks. “Thank you, my Odysseus. And thank you for the fine jewelry. It is stunning.”

“It’s nothing compared to your beauty, love,” he spoke softly, and placed a tender kiss on her cheek. “I am the luckiest man alive that I get to spend my life with you. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

“Nor could I,” Penelope breathed, and turned her attention to the large shrine to Athena in front of them, not letting go of Odysseus’s hand. “Now, let us give our prayers to the gods, that our marriage will be fruitful.”

Odysseus nodded and prayed aloud. 

“Lady Athena, hear our prayers. Ensure that Penelope and I’s marriage be one of unconditional love and friendship, one of respect and wellbeing,” Odysseus said to the statue of Athena.

“I will,” a voice said. Penelope jumped at the sound, but Odysseus was quick to calm her.

“It is okay, my dear,” he said to Penelope. “Lady Athena hears us.”

Just then, an owl flew through the window and landed on top of the shrine.

“I hear you,” said the owl.

“... Lady Athena,” Penelope whispered, and bowed her head. Odysseus bowed his head as well.

- his face looks just like his dad’s, but he has black hair like his mom

- when he his young, penelope weaves a tapestry of odysseus for him, and he hangs it in his room. he looks at it all the time, idolizing it like his father is some sort of divine figure 

- when he was a toddler, he constantly asked penelope to “tell a story about father”

- “tell the story about the olive tree again!”

- penelope always obliges with a smile, but it hurts her that her son doesn’t have a father figure

- argos sleeps in telemachus’s room, and acts as his companion and protector 

- telemachus (and argos) will spy on the suitors throughout the day, planning an attack, but they always get pushed out by the suitors if caught or chicken out before anything can happen 

- he has major social anxiety because of these confrontations, they are all he’s known

- he finds refuge in talking with penelope and letting her hold him, even as a teenager and twenty-something

- in his free time, he likes to take walks to the nearby palaestra, where he practices wrestling and archery

- he also likes to wake up before sunrise to swim in the ionian sea 

(after he arrives home)

My fellow countrymen, it is with great joy that I stand before you today, for after so many long and difficult years, I have finally returned home to Ithaca.

My journey has been one of incredible trials and tribulations. I have faced fierce monsters, treacherous seas, and cunning enemies, but through it all, I have remained steadfast in my determination to return to my beloved homeland.

As I stand here before you, I am humbled by the overwhelming emotions that course through my heart. To see my home, my beloved son and wife and my people once again fills me with a sense of pride and gratitude that I cannot begin to describe.

But, my fellow Ithacans, let us not forget the sacrifices that were made during my long absence. Many of our brothers have been lost, and many more have suffered under the tyranny of those who sought to take advantage of the throne in my absence.

It is my duty, as your king and your brother, to restore justice and order to our land, and to ensure that those who have wronged us are brought to account for their actions.

Yet, let us also not forget the blessings that we have been given. For I have returned with a wealth of knowledge and experience that I will use to guide and protect our great kingdom in the years to come.

My dear countrymen, let us unite together in celebration of our homecoming, and in determination to build a brighter future for this island. Let us honor those who have fallen, and let us celebrate those who have persevered. Let us continue to strive for greatness and never forget the power of ruthlessness.

May the gods above bless us, and bless Ithaca!

“Irene, come. The meal starts at sundown. We mustn't be late.”

“My gods, mother, they haven’t seen us since before the war. I was only a baby then! What, with father’s passing overseas …” Irene said as she strapped on her cleanest pair of sandals.

“Don’t you say that! You know how close your father and the king were. They grew up together,” Chrysanthe, Irene’s mother said as she rubbed her arms with rose water. “Remember? Like I told you when you were little, the only reason your father went to Troy is because King Odysseus would fight with the Acheans as well. Your father hated war, but would follow his friend anywhere. The royal family of Ithaca invited us over for supper, so be grateful, or I swear on the Styx…”

– – –

“Oh my, I am so nervous. Mother, does my hair look all right?” Irene asked as the two made their way up to the front doors of the palace. 

Chrysanthe placed a reassuring hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Yes, my dear. You look beautiful. Why, if your father could have seen what a woman you have become. The gods have blessed you with such beauty …” she said as she gave Irene a kiss on the cheek. 

“Psshh … I don’t know–”

“I hear King Odysseus’s boy has grown into a fine young man now. You are both the same age, 20! What a darling couple you two would make–” Chrysanthe started.

“Mother! I am not going to marry–”

The palace doors opened.

“Your royal highness,” Chrysanthe and Irene said in unison and bowed their heads.

“Hello, I am very glad you could make it,” Telemachus said with a smile as he pulled open the thick wooden doors. “Ladies, please, follow me. My mother and father are eager to see you.”

Irene and Chrysanthe followed Telemachus down the entry hall into a sitting room, adorned with tapestries and urns of all sizes. 

“Please, make yourselves comfortable. Let me go fetch my parents. They have been inseparable ever since my father arrived from his journey,” Telemachus chuckled softly, and disappeared into another room.

The mother and daughter sat down on a bench and waited for the prince to return with the king and queen.

“Did you see how the prince looked at you? Cupid’s arrow has struck him, I am sure of it,” Chrysanthe gave her daughter a sly grin.

“I doubt it. He is only doing his job,” Irene retorted.

“And part of a prince’s job is to find a suitable wife. What, we are acquainted with the family, you have a fair chance, my dear. He really does look just like the king, but with–”

“The queen’s hair, you have told me many times before, mother.”

A silence fell over the two.

“I’ve never had a chance to see King Odysseus, since he was away for most of my life,” Irene said to her mother.

“I know, my sweet.”

Irene finally felt vulnerable. 

“I am scared, mother. I’ve never done anything like this. I am going to make a fool of myself in front of the king and queen. I’ll bring disgrace upon my father’s name! I am really not sure how I was in the presence of Prince Telemachus without vomiting all over my chiton and sandals. My gods … I’m so nervous.”

Chrysanthe held her daughter’s hand. 

“It will be OK, my dear. Did I tell you what your father used to say when I got nervous and closed off? Do you remember?”

“No. I don’t.”

Even though she traveled a lot, it always took Penelope some time to get used to new surroundings. 

She and her cousins had been in Ithaca for a few days now, as Helen scouted out her suitors. It seemed every man in Greece would take her hand in marriage if given the chance, Penelope thought. 

And so, as Ithaca had a potential candidate for Helen, the Spartans made their way to the small island kingdom. 

Penelope took no part in it. She merely exchanged pleasantries at the beginning and watched from afar as men tried to woo her cousin. She almost found it comical, how much of an act the suitors would put on for Helen. 

So when Penelope grew tired of the nonsense, she would wander around the palace grounds, looking out to the Ionian Sea, dreaming that she was back in Sparta, where her beloved tapestry loom was. 

She sat for a while, thinking to herself, as she often did, under a great olive tree that grew near the edge of the palace grounds. 

“Hello. Am I disturbing you, my lady?” a voice said behind her.

She turned around to see a handsome young man, about her age. 

“Huh? Oh … oh, no. Not at all. Just … thinking, I suppose,” she stood up to get a better look at him.

Brown eyes that sparkled in the sun connected with hers. He nervously tucked his dark wavy hair behind his ear, revealing an intricate braid that weaved through the side of his head. His arms and shoulders were that of an archer’s, strong and stoic. He wore a simple white linen tunic, stitched with dark blue around the hem. On his wrist was a golden cuff, graced by an owl, a sign of Lady Athena. 

She was lost in his presence. 

The young man cleared his throat. “My lady?”

Penelope fixed her attention back to his eyes. “Yes? My apologies. I seem to get a bit lost in my own thoughts.”

He huffed a small laugh. “I just said that I do the same. If I’m not to be talking, then I am thinking. My father, the great king Laertes, hates it but I am quite fond of it. There is so much a person can say, but an infinite possibility of what one can think.”

“Oh! My apologies, your majesty,” Penelope hesitated. “I had no idea you were–”

“It’s truly fine, my lady. There is no need,” he smiled.

A silence washed over the two. The young man stepped closer to Penelope, who was now leaning under the great olive tree. He broke the silence.

“You know, I come to this tree every day. Ever since I was a small boy. I remember watching the gardener plant it, and look what it has become,” he looked up at the massive tree, admiring its sprawling branches and leaves, small olive sprouts scattered throughout. “It’s beautiful, no?” he asked Penelope.

“It is. Very,” Penelope agreed. But not as beautiful as you, she thought as she looked at the young man again. 

Little did she know, he felt the same way about her. His father invited the “beautiful Helen” of Sparta, as so many have called her, to their kingdom, to hopefully arrange a marriage between Helen and his son. But ever since he laid eyes on Penelope, Helen was out of the question. 

“May I kiss you, my lady?” he asked Penelope.

Penelope’s heart fluttered. She could feel her cheeks turning bright red.

“What? I –” before she could answer, the young man pressed tender lips to Penelope’s supple cheek. 

“Please forgive me, my lady,” he apologized, looking away.

“No. Don’t be sorry,” Penelope paused. “I liked it. Very much.”

He looked back at her and gave an embarrassed smile. 

Another silence. 

He sat down at the trunk of the tree and Penelope followed suit.  

“What is your name, your majesty?” Penelope asked, curiosity running across her face.

“I am Odysseus of Ithaca.”

“Oh! My gods. My cousin is –”

“Helen of Sparta. You must be Lady Penelope,” Odysseus said with a grin.

“Yes,” Penelope huffed a laugh. How did you know?”

“Helen talks about you,” Odysseus replied.

“She does? All good things, I hope,” Penelope smirked. 

“Of course. All good things. I remember you from when we first met a few days ago.”

“Oh?”

“I do. How could I forget? You look gorgeous, Penelope,” he said.

My, what a man, Penelope thought.

“And Helen is …” she questioned.

“I’m not thinking about Helen,” Odysseus said and took Penelope’s hand. “I am thinking about you.”

“And I you.” 

They both sat in silence for a while, enjoying the view from the shade of the tree. Boats from all over, docking and leaving from the small port below the rocky cliffs from which the palace grounds sat.

“So what will you tell Helen?” Penelope finally asked Odysseus.

“The truth. I want to be with you, Penelope. For the rest of my days.”

Penelope gasped. A new feeling crawled inside of her, one she never felt before. It was one of desire and passion, a feeling that Odysseus was experiencing as well. 

Two young kids in love.

“I am afraid I must go now, Penelope. My father will start to question my whereabouts,” Odysseus said as he stood up. Inside, he wished that he could stay under the olive tree, where he was happiest. But princely duties demanded otherwise.

Penelope stood up alongside him. “I understand,” she said with a soft smile.

Odysseus reached to his side, pulled a red peony from the ground and tucked it behind Penelope’s ear. 

“I hope to see you here tomorrow, Lady Penelope. I really did enjoy our time together,” Odysseus smiled at her.

- a small group is gathered around penelope (eurycliea and other midwives)

- penelope lays on a wooden daybed, propped up with pillows

- a warm, damp cloth is laid over her abdomen, scented with olive and rosehip oil

- beads of sweat appear on her upper lip, neck, and forehead, so eurycliea ties penelope’s long, dark hair into a braid

- “breathe, my queen” a midwife instructs her, “like this” and gives her a pattern to follow to hopefully regulate her body movements

- another midwife massages her hand on penelope’s belly, (in theory) helping to push the infant out

- “lady penelope, it is time to push!”

- penelope feels a wave of pressure over her, then a sharp pain

- she lets out an uncontrolled wail

- “oh! my gods! hear me! give me the strength to bring this child into the world! oh lady demeter! lady hera! give me your blessings!”

- eurycliea tightly holds her hand and acts as her physical comfort, as ancient greek custom forbids the husband to be in the room while the wife gives birth

- the two midwives kneel at the foot of the daybed, constantly checking on penelope’s progress, ready and waiting with a swaddling cloth and shears

- meanwhile, in the palace courtyard, odysseus kneels to the ground, praying begging to the gods for security over his wife and unborn child

- “o demeter, goddess of new births, hear my prayer. give my wife strength and comfort to produce an heir and loving child. lady athena, i pray that you give our child courage and wisdom throughout their days. lord zeus, god of gods, bless our growing family that the kingdom of ithaca would grow with it. mighty eros, ensure penelope and i’s love and trust would only deepen as our family grows deep roots into this blessed island and kingdom—“

- eurycliea finally interrupts him after hours of him nervously waiting

- “my king, there is someone you should meet”

- odysseus makes his way to penelope’s chambers, and sees penelope out of breath, lying in a pool of blood and assumes the worst

- “my love?” he manages to choke out

- penelope gives him a weak smile and glances at the other end of the room, where their newborn son is swaddled in white linen, quietly sleeping in the arms of his wet nurse

- odysseus silently cries, overjoyed that he is now a father

- he kneels before penelope, who still lies in her day bed, exhausted

- “i am so proud of you, my sweet penelope. what a beautiful mother you will be, and what a beautiful wife you are”

- he brushes her hair stuck to her face from sweat, and gives her a tender kiss on the lips

- she leans in closer, deepening their passion

- “what an amazing father you will be, my odysseus. i love you so much”

- “i have waited for this day for so long, my dear. i prayed that this moment would come to fruition”

- “the gods are on our side, odysseus”

- odysseus nods and gives her another kiss and squeeze of the hand

- “rest, my queen. i will see you in the morning. i love you and our son more than anything”

- “telemachus” penelope says

- “hm?”

- “that is our son. telemachus. there is no battle here”