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“Wait, you’ve never been to a festival before?”
Athena shrugged. “I never need to. I’m quite content with watching from afar.”
Odysseus groaned, flopping over her lap like a dramatic cat, his arm covering his eyes. He has definitely grown taller, yet he’s still so small compared to everyone else. “I know you’re all work and no play Thena, but really? Aren’t you even a bit curious?”
“I don’t see much of a point. I can hear their worship from afar. There’s no need for me to be down there with them for the most part. Isn’t that good enough?”
Odysseus suddenly froze, a wide and mischievous smile making its way to his face. Oh dear…
He looked up at her, wide honey coloured eyes staring up at her with faux innocence. “Maybe think like that because you’ve never been to one with another person. Knowing you and your serious self? You’d just grumble yourself away from all the fun.”
“Are you saying I need company for something to be fun?”
“Of course! The more the merrier!” he shouted, suddenly jumping up. For a seventeen year old king, he surely had an abundance of energy. “Come on Athena…come with me” he pleaded. “Just this once, I promise you you’ll like it.”
“And what if I don’t?”
“I’ll…” he trailed off, his brain trying to think of something suitable as an exchange. “I’ll learn how to weave!”
Athena raised her eyebrow. She’s been trying to get Odysseus interested in crafting considering her own domain. However, the Ithacan king had always looked disinterested, saying that he wasn’t the artistic type. From what she’s seen, his skills definitely laid closer to Apollo’s with music. The closest thing to her domain is his woodworking. But…she was hoping for something even closer.
She’ll be damned if she lets her champion have more in common with that overexposed lightbulb.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m positive!”
Athena thought for a moment before saying. “Alright then, lead the way.”
Odysseus cheered, reaching his hand out at her expectantly. Athena changed her form so that it would look more human, a taller and older woman with curly brown hair and a simple outfit. She then reached out and let Odysseus grab it.
“I promise you won’t regret it!”
He then dragged her out of the castle and into the busy streets.
Athena looked around, surprised at how warm the area felt. Now warm as in the temperature was hot or anything. No, this was a different kind of warmth.
She looked around and saw children giggling and laughing as they ran down the streets, shining eyes bright with excitement as they inspected the stalls for toys. Young couples had their arms wrapped around each other, murmuring softly with each other. Various men, women, and children were walking around with interest, looking to see if there was something that would catch their eye.
Decorations themselves weren’t scarce. Plenty of bright colours of paint on the stone paths that would be hard to clean up but something that they still did anyways. Bright banners hung overhead, traders sitting on colourful carpets littering the streets with alluring displays.
“Athena, look” he said cheerfully as he approached one of the stalls. Laid out were various pieces of jewelry, each looking quite nice for a mortal creation. “I know Ctimene and mother would love these” he said, reaching out to inspect them.
“Are you going to get something for them?”
“Definitely.” He then turned around to look at the vendor, smiling as he started to ask questions. Athena let Odysseus’s chatter wash over her as she looked around even more.
The festival was definitely lively, that much she can say. It’s not very big considering the size of the kingdom itself, but they more than made it up for it with energy. There was a loud band going on somewhere, their music loud enough to reach the end of the street.
“Athena, can you come see this?” Odysseus suddenly spoke to her, waving his hand to signal for her to come to where he was. She complied, leaning over to see what Odysseus was pointing at. There on display were a few precious gemstones that glittered and shined underneath the candlelight. “Which one do you think is the nicest?”
Athena narrowed her grey eyes at the display, looking at Odysseus once more. “Why are you asking me? I’m not the goddess of precious stones.”
“But you are the goddess of craft. You definitely should have an eye for beauty.”
“I can’t say you’re wrong,” she replied, a small smile on her face before turning back to look at the display. Her gaze scanned the various shapes and colours of each stone, taking it all in. “Maybe those two?”
“Ooooooh! They look nice” he said gleefully as he examined them further. “Might have to find some with amethyst for Ctimene and one green jasper for mother.” Odysseus then blinked for a moment before looking up at her. “Actually, come to think of it. I don’t know what kind of gemstone you like.”
“Well…I’ve been quite fond of amber lately.”
“Really? I didn’t expect that” he replied as he pulled her over to the side so that they weren’t loitering around in front of the trader.
Athena raised her eyebrow, “why is that?”
Odysseus shrugged. “I don’t know, the colour is too bright for you? I would’ve expected you to like something like hematite.”
“Is it because I get associated with grey?” she asked, her tone in slight disbelief. “Or is it because you think I’m too boring for colour?”
“ Hey ” Odysseus held his hands up, “I didn’t say any of that. It’s just that you keep showing up in barely any other colour than bronze and grey. What’s a man supposed to think?”
“A man is supposed to be critical and think that there could be other factors other than ‘I like the colour’ at play here. Especially this man-” she said as she flicked his forehead, causing him to let out a small yelp. “Didn’t I teach you better?”
“You assume I listen to everything you say.”
Athena snorted. “I don’t. Because I know if you did, you wouldn’t get into half the trouble you get into on a daily basis.”
“Oh come on , where’s the fun in that?”
“You almost set your cloak on fire.”
“One time-”
“And completely covered the kitchen in dough that took the servants days to wash off-”
“A minor accident-”
“And had a few potential high profile traders run off because you set the bees on them-”
“They had it coming-”
“And almost sent an entire kingdom into ruin because you couldn’t help but rob one of the nobles because they were mean to you-”
“Okay, it was a small kingdom. How was I supposed to know that they were a part of a multigenerational corruption scheme within the court? And honestly, you make it sound like I get into shenanigans everyday.”
Athena sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. “...that was all in the past two weeks.”
Odysseus froze, blinking rapidly as if he was trying to reset something in his brain . “You’re kidding-”
“Why would I lie, the truth is already insane enough.”
“Huh…time sure flies by.”
She could feel her eye twitch. “I’m not surprised it flies by. Everyday with you already feels like I’m dealing with a hundred of my father’s bulls that are hopped up on drugs. And I’m a goddess .”
Odysseus looked up at her and a small grin formed on his face, one that was full of glee. “Come on Thena, you act as if you didn’t enjoy any of that.”
“I don’t enjoy the amount of hypothetical gray hairs you give me.”
“That’s not an outright no~” he said in a singsong voice, grinning wildly. Amber eyes shining under the light with unrestrained glee . “Come on Thena, you can’t lie to me. I know you had fun seeing the trick that accidentally set my cloak on fire.”
“...it was a smart trick” she admitted reluctantly.
“And that dough, it ended up with me finally perfecting my bread. Didn’t you say that experimentation is important?”
“Are you seriously-”
“And the bees. I know those traders pissed you off too. Don’t lie. I saw your grin when I set it their way.”
“So the only time you pay attention to me is during shenanigans?”
“Of course not! Just most of it” he replied cheekily. “And the corruption thing, don’t think I didn’t know why you actually decided to stay and help me. I know you were curious about the mystery too.”
Athena raised an eyebrow at his entire reply. “Are you using those observation and debating skills I taught you against me?”
“Of course. After all, I need proof that I have been listening. I just deliberately chose the opposite!”
“You’re a menace to society, you know that?”
“And yet you still choose to take me under your wing anyways. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t being subtle in those first few moments.”
Oh she absolutely remembered that. The way he grinned, wide and teasing when he tricked her. The way he laughed cockily, all sense of respect was thrown completely out the window despite knowing she was a goddess.
It was fascinating .
“So? What are you saying?”
“I’m just saying, you can’t throw oil into a fire and complain when it burns your house down.”
“Do you think I’m making you worse ?”
“Think? Absolutely not. I know it.”
Athena raised her eyebrow, feeling a small smile appear on her face. “Sassing your goddess? That’s a dangerous move, Odysseus. I could always vaporize you.”
Odysseus opened his arms wide, a cocky grin on his face, head tilted to the side. “And yet I’m still standing. Says more about you than about me. Am I right, Sentimental Goddess?”
This child-
“Does not mean you’re completely out of the splash zone, Foolish Student. Any other person would use the knowledge I give them for good.”
“I am using it for good. Making you smile is always a good thing!”
Damnit…
Athena couldn’t help but soften at that, his earnest tone. The fact that she knew he was saying that wasn’t because she’s his goddess but because she constituted as his friend…
Kid was always bound to be bundles of trouble.
She wouldn’t have him any other way.
“Flattery won’t get you anywhere” she replied, trying to deflect.
Odysseus smiled at her, less teasing and more soft. Most likely mirroring her own. “Looks like it already did.”
He was always able to see through you.
Too smart for his own good sometimes.
“You are absolutely terrible, you know that? Like a thorn on my side.”
Odysseus gasped dramatically, putting a hand over his chest. It was moves like this that reminded her of his great grandfather sometimes, that rat bastard. While she could see the family resemblance, she refused to acknowledge that her student shares the same blood with that sentient pillow stuffing. At least he had more class.
“I’m hurt that you’re calling me a thorn! That implies I’m hurting you!”
“Fine, fine. You’re a mushroom then. An invasive mushroom to the tree that is my life.”
“That’s more like it!”
That caused Athena to stare at him, confused. She said the first comparison that came to mind, not expecting him to sound so enthusiastic about it. “Really? You’re happy at being called a mushroom?”
“Absolutely!”
“Why?”
“Mushrooms, they might look insignificant but they have roots that run deep. The top layer of the mushroom itself might get plucked or die, but the roots…the roots stay buried underneath. You taught me that, remember?”
…I did. She had completely forgotten that she did share about that as part of his life lessons.
He then stepped in front of her, pointing at her face with a bright smile. “This means that you, my dear goddess, subconsciously think that I am someone that’s going to stick in your brain forever, even when I’m gone!” he cried out, looking proud of himself. “Am I right or am I right?”
“...you’re going to have such a huge ego, it would be a marvel if you could fit through doors.”
“Too late for that! No takesies backsies now. What you said has been chiseled into my brain forever. I'm so going to bring up this moment every time you complain about me.”
“I’m not surprised. Only someone who's losing would use sentiment as a viable weapon in a war of words.”
“Nope! Can’t fool me with your ‘wise goddess’ shtick. You’re just salty I found a one hit KO against you.”
Definitely too smart for his own good.
“Are you going to keep standing there and arguing with me or are you actually going to go and show me what’s so fun about a festival? Because right now, I’m definitely thinking about what kind of weaving project I should start you with.”
“Oh shi-” Odysseus hissed, eyes widening. “I completely forgot about that!”
He then looked around, clearly trying to see what else was there for him to show her. If Athena was honest, she was definitely having more fun than expected. Definitely exceeded her expectations, as per usual. She would definitely concede to this little bet…
Later.
She liked to see him sweat a little. As a treat for all the sass she’s been dealing with since day one.
Odysseus was suddenly fixed on an ensemble that was playing music, filling the air with a lively and upbeat atmosphere.
“Can you dance?”
“What?”
Odysseus looked at her with the biggest mischievous grin. One that was usually reserved for some monumentally stupid idea.
“Because we’re doing it now!” he shouted as he grabbed her hand and pulled her.
“Odysseus!” she shouted as she got yanked by the overeager teen.
The young king pulled her over to the ensemble, his eyes shining with delight as they got nearer. As soon as they got close, the band noticed that the King was coming to them and stopped playing, smiling as they bowed.
“Your majesty! It’s an honour to have you here.”
“Thank you kindly,” he said, smiling. “If it’s not too rude of me to ask, may I borrow your lyre?”
The members all looked at each other in shock, definitely not expecting this sort of request from him. “Of course! I would be honoured to lend you my lyre” the bard said, handing over a wonderfully crafted lyre.
“Thank you!” he said cheerfully before giving it a few experimental tucks. After he tested out the instrument, he began to play.
…how does he know this?
This song, while it’s only the instrumentals, is a song from the future. One that he shouldn’t have known. But here Odysseus is, playing it in the current era.
Before Athena even had time to contemplate it even further, Odysseus pulled her again, a bright smile on his face. “Come on, dance with me!” he shouted as he started to twirl around while playing, jumping and skipping in a circle.
Athena blinked, for once not knowing what she should do. Odysseus saw that and rolled his eyes, stopping his playing to reach out to her. “Come on, no need to be shy. Just follow my steps.”
And Athena, despite being the goddess of wisdom and thus should’ve known better and tell him that she doesn’t follow a mortal.
She followed him.
It started off as careful steps first, trying to perfectly mimic his strange footwork. But then Odysseus elbowed her and said “no need to be perfect, you just need to have fun!”
Fun huh?
She might not be very familiar with fun. But she is familiar with getting enjoyment out of her activities.
Maybe if I-
She took a deep breath and started to dance and jump along with the music, trying to embody that familiar light feeling. The feeling of finishing a particularly challenging weave. The feeling of pulling off a successful maneuver.
The feeling of being around Odysseus.
“There you go!” he grinned, incredibly bright. Brighter than Apollo and Lord Helios combined.
The music picked up and before Athena knew it, the rest of the ensemble was playing along to Odysseus’s tune. Not only that, some of the citizens had joined in, dancing and twirling just like their king, bright smiles on their faces.
Cheers and laughter can be heard in the air, the sound of joy making themselves known to her.
Oh…
“You see now? This is the point of joining events with the people. Not just for worship, but to be together. To celebrate the fact that life is still giving us a chance to smile. Even sour goddesses” he finished, a twinkle in his eyes.
“I see…”
“Now come on! Keep on moving, we still have all night!”
Maybe this isn’t so bad after all…
Athena couldn’t help but chuckle slightly as she carried the tired king on her back. After dancing and playing music for most of the night, Odysseus had dragged her around the vendors for more things like food and trinkets. The young king jumping around from one trader to another with the energy of an overeager puppy.
It took a while for him to tire out.
She had turned back to her goddess form and opted to turn them both invisible so as to not scare anyone. She could teleport but…
This position reminded her of their earlier days. The days where Odysseus was even smaller than he was now, even more constantly eager. Unburdened by the responsibilities of a king. When his eyes shone even brighter, barely any eye bags under his eyes.
The weight of loneliness hasn’t settled in.
For all of his grins and jokes, she could see how he’s changed. The stress of politics always looming over him. His fear in his eyes that indicated that he was terrified of being wrong. That restless energy that screamed anxiety. His smiles getting less genuine and more sleek, a mask to hide his emotions. His frantic and twitchy moods when he was overwhelmed and trying to find a solution…
“We there yet?” he mumbled, words slurring together.
“A bit more.”
An answering hum as Odysseus buried his face in her neck, “alright…”
Although some things do stay the same.
Looking down to where Odysseus hooked his arms around her neck, he could see the small bag filled with things he bought hanging over his elbow. She was about to look back at the road again when something caught her eye.
One of Odysseus’s hands is closed into a fist.
Curious, she shifted his weight so that she could hold him with one arm, the other reaching over to gently pry his fingers apart.
“Odysseus…what is this?”
She was looking at a silver necklace. It was cute, with an owl shaped pendant on it. On its belly was a round amber stone, shiny and bright.
“You said you were fond of amber, right?” he said, voice still sleepy.
“Oh…”
She held the necklace in her hand, staring at it. A swell of emotions, both familiar and unfamiliar passed through her. A flash of memory. Of another smile and a kind laugh. A different face, yet the same brightness that rivaled the suns and moons. A pang of pain shot through her heart.
They’re too similar sometimes…
“Thank you. I’ll keep it with me.”
She could feel him smile at that before muttering. “Although…I still think amber is a random stone for you to get attached to. I’d guess lapis or something.”
Athena let out a small chuckle at that. “It’s not so random if you know where to look.”
How can she not grow fond of the gem when she has seen the brightest ambers known to mankind? Ones that outshine every other stone.
Especially since they always looked up at her with affection.