Photo by Lorenzo Spoleti on Unsplash 5.1
Odyssea had been sleeping on a bed of leaves behind some bushes after ending up on shore the night before, her clothing reduced to tatters. The sunlight hit her eyes and she realized it was morning. Her stomach rumbled and she felt so fatigued she could barely get up. She just wanted to lie there and sleep forever. When she heard sounds of laughter from nearby, she stood shakily and peered through the underbrush. She spotted three young men kicking a ball to one another. One of them wore a formal toga and seemed to be having trouble playing, since the toga kept getting in the way of his feet. He tripped at one point and the other two- who wore simple chitons- laughed at him. She glanced down at her torn chiton and pulled a strand of seaweed out of her tangled hair. Salt from the water coated her skin. She felt dirty and ashamed, not wanting anyone to see her in this state. She’d even lost her sandals at sea, but thankfully she still had the eye pendant, still secured around her neck and hidden under her clothes. I have to ask for help, she thought. Maybe one of the three strangers would be willing to help her. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the trees, then noticed some laundry hanging between two trees on a rope. Maybe she could sneak over there and take some clothes. Before she could decide, a ball came hurtling in her direction and hit the tree trunk next to her, then bounced and came to a stop a few feet away. “I’ll get it!” one of the boys said. He ran over and stopped short when he saw her. “Excuse me!” she called out, wrapping her arms around herself to cover herself better. “Could you help me please?” The young man recoiled and ran in the other direction, screaming, “There’s a creepy witch in the forest! Run!” The second young man glimpsed her as well, gave a small scream, and went running like a bullet after the first one. They soon disappeared. Odyssea had never seen anyone run so fast before. Do I really look that scary? Odyssea wondered, glancing down at herself. A flash of anger sizzled in her mind and she decided she didn’t care how much skin showed through her tattered chiton or if people were terrified of her. She was going to find help. A wave of dizziness wove through her mind. Time for anger later, she told herself. After I get some food in me. She was famished and dizzy, the weakness making her feel distressed. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes. Was anyone going to help her? She should just give up now and just die here. She figured the third young man would run away as well. The toga guy yelled after his companions to come back, and when they didn’t, he approached the edge of the forest. “Hello?” the young man asked. “Do you need any help?” Odyssea looked up when she heard him address her. He had blond hair and blue eyes, and wore a light orange toga. Maybe she could trust him. He hadn’t scampered away like the other two. “Please help me. I’ve been out at sea for many days and have landed here on this land I don’t know the name of,” Odyssea said. “I know my state seems awful, but I assure you I am not a witch and am only in need of assistance. I was shipwrecked and just last night arrived at these shores. I ask you to help me get some clothing and food.” “Are you injured in any way?” the young man scanned her quickly. “I’m a medic’s apprentice. My name is Nausico. Please let me treat your injuries.” Odyssea’s face reddened and she shook her head. She didn’t want a man to examine her. Especially not one that was around the same age as her. “I’ve taken care of my injury,” she pointed to a leaf she’d wrapped around her upper arm. “Take this,” Nausico took off his toga, leaving him in his chiton. He handed her the cloth and Odyssea wrapped it around herself, feeling relieved. Nausico gave Odyssea a bar of soap so she could bathe in the sea. He stood guard while she washed in privacy. After Odyssea washed the saltwater from her skin and the seaweed out of her hair, she put on the blue chiton that Nausico had given her. Numerous cuts and bruises dotted her arms and legs. The gash on her upper arm had begun to bleed again, and she secured the leaf around it once more. When she emerged from behind the trees, Nausico was astounded at how much better she appeared. “Thank you for your help,” Odyssea said. Nausico laid out the picnic he’d brought and they sat down to eat. Odyssea was ravenous with hunger. “I feel like I haven’t eaten in days,” she said. “Slow down or it will come back up,” Nausico cautioned. “I’ll try,” Odyssea promised. “May I ask your name?” Nausico asked. “I’m Ody,” Odyssea gave her nickname, not wanting to disclose her identity. “Ody, your arm is bleeding. May I bandage it?” Nausico asked. Odyssea nodded and Nausico removed the leaf and examined the injury. “There’s no sign of infection,” he said. He bandaged her upper arm with a soft cloth. “The bleeding will stop soon,” Nausico said. “Apply some pressure on this wound and you’ll be fine.” “Thank you,” Odyssea said. “Ody, shall we ride in my coach?” Nausico said. “I will introduce you to my mother, Queen Alcina, and she will assist you further.” “So you’re a prince,” Odyssea said. “I’m sorry. I guess I should bow and call you Your Highness and all that.” Nausico laughed. “No, I’m not that kind of prince.” “I appreciate your generosity,” Odyssea said. They climbed into the coach and rode to the palace. “What about your friends?” she scanned their surroundings. Nausico smirked. “I have no idea where they went! You gave them quite a scare. I wouldn’t be surprised if rumors start circulating soon about a ghost witch living in the forest.” Odyssea chuckled. “Well, now I know how to frighten people. All I need to do is get shipwrecked, tear my clothes, and toss a bunch of seaweed into my hair!” “I’m glad to see you’re feeling better, Ody,” Nausico smiled at her. The sound of him calling her by her nickname caused her heart to flutter. Odyssea’s cheeks blushed pink and she turned away to gaze at the road ahead. 5.2 When they arrived, Odyssea asked for a peplos to wear over her chiton, wanting to hide as many bruises and scratches as possible from the queen. Nausico introduced Odyssea to Queen Alcina, who invited Odyssea to sit beside her. “Would you stay with us awhile?” Queen Alcina asked. “You can stay at the palace. We’ll set up a room for you and we’ll even have a female medic attend to any injuries you may have incurred.” “I appreciate your hospitality,” Odyssea said. She agreed to stay for a week or two. At least until she figured out what was next in her journey. “We would love to hear the stories of your travels,” Queen Alcina said. “Would you care to enlighten us?” “I’d be glad to,” Odyssea smiled. She started to feel comfortable with these people. Nausico and the queen listened with rapt attention to everything she said, pausing now and then to ask a few questions. “And so that’s why I’m on this quest,” Odyssea said. “To find allies so that the future enemy will not conquer my kingdom. I am Odyssea, Princess of Ithaca. And the heir to the kingdom.” “That is very wise and brave of you, Odyssea,” Queen Alcina said. “Please count us as your allies. In fact, I have a proposition for you. Please come to my suite after dinner.” After the meal was over, Nausico was going to follow but the queen stopped him. “I wish to speak to Odyssea alone,” she said. Nausico felt disappointed but left them, and Odyssea and the queen went to the queen’s suite. Odyssea wondered what the queen wanted to talk to her about. Surely it was to talk about the alliance between their two kingdoms? The queen motioned for Odyssea to join her on the sofa. “I have something important to ask you,” the queen said. “You may take some time to think about it if you wish. It relates to the alliance of our two kingdoms but is not dependent on it. The decision is yours.” “Please tell me what is in your heart,” Odyssea said, her heart thudding. “My son Nausico has recently come of age,” the queen said. “He’s the second-born child, so he won’t be inheriting the title, but I am searching for a spouse for him. I believe he would make a fine husband for you and it would even cement the alliance further. I wish to know your thoughts but I understand if you need some time to think about it.” “Actually, I can answer you right now,” Odyssea said. “First of all, I am flattered that you would choose me for your son. I have one matter that prevents me from accepting this arrangement. You see…before I left Ithaca, my father, King Telemachus, was arranging my marriage. He said that when I returned he would tell me whom I’d be marrying. So I believe he’s arranged my marriage already and made a promise to someone. However, he never divulged the groom’s name to me, so I am uncertain how to proceed with your offer. I will have to speak to my father first and find out what arrangement he’s made. But I haven’t seen him in months and so I don’t have any updates.” “I understand,” Queen Alcina said graciously. “I also wish to know…in case the other arrangement falls through, would you be interested in marrying my dear son Nausico? He would come to live in your kingdom, of course.” “Yes, I would like that,” Odyssea’s cheeks blushed pink. “As long as Nausico feels the same way and wants to proceed.” “Agreed,” the queen said. “I shall be in touch with your father and we will see what arrangement would work best for our two kingdoms.” “Ody, what did my mother wish to talk to you about?” Nausico asked, as they strolled around in the garden. He had asked her there and now Odyssea knew why. “Please,” Nausico said when she was silent. “I’m certain the conversation was about me. Anytime there’s a young woman around- any beautiful and powerful woman- my mother brings up the question of my marriage,” Nausico blushed. “Oh…um…she was asking about whether I knew of any suitors for you to marry. I told her my sister is too young,” Odyssea lied, her cheeks reddening. She didn’t want to tell Nausico the truth, especially since the plan wasn’t set in stone. “Well,” Nausico’s eyes lit up and he took her hand. “I hope my future spouse is just like you. I don’t know whether you’re betrothed or not, but I hope my mother sets me up with someone of your valor and character.” Odyssea blushed. “I’m afraid I am betrothed,” she slowly pulled her hand back, hoping she hadn’t offended him. “The only issue is that my father hasn’t revealed the groom’s name. It will be a surprise on the day of the formal engagement, I suppose.” “I would feel so scared if that happened to me,” Nausico said. “But I’m sure your father has your best interest at heart and he will find someone worthy of you, Ody.” Odyssea blushed a deeper shade of red. It was cute how he continued to call her by her nickname, making her heart beat faster. They sat down on a garden bench. “During my travels, when I was stranded on Calypse’s island, he offered me immortality if I would marry him and stay with him. I pondered on this but I don’t think immortality would suit me. I don’t wish to live forever. I like the fact that life is temporary.” “That’s fascinating,” Nausico said. “I don’t know what I’d do if someone offered me immortality, but I imagine eventually one would tire of living for eternity. Especially on the same island.” “True,” Odyssea said. “I’m the second-born child,” Nausico said. “I don’t stand to inherit the kingdom or title. That will go to my elder sister. And so my mother wishes to find an inheriting princess or queen for me to marry. I would be moving to a new place and the thought fills me with part excitement, since I’ve never left this land, but also part dread, since I wouldn’t be able to see my mother and sister as often as I’d like.” “I understand your situation,” Odyssea said. “That’s always the lot of the children of rulers who aren’t the first-born. I wish you the best of luck and I hope you find someone that you will be happy with.” “I want to know everything about you, Ody,” Nausico said. “Would you like to ride in my coach and I could show you around the kingdom? Meanwhile, you can tell me about your life in Ithaca.” “I’d be glad to,” Odyssea said. 5.3 A few weeks passed and Queen Alcina had received a response from King Telemachus. “Unfortunately, he’s already chosen a groom for you,” Alcina said. “It doesn’t say who it is but I’m sure your father has picked someone right for you. Congratulations! Your father said that as soon as you return home you will be crowned and will meet your future husband.” “Oh,” Odyssea felt disappointed. “And he didn’t say who it is?” “I’m afraid not,” the queen seemed to sense Odyssea’s disappointment. “But, no matter, there are plenty of wonderful people in the world.” A few more weeks went by and one day after Odyssea was resting in her room, a knock came to the door. “Nausico,” Odyssea said after opening the door. She noted the dark look on his face. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “May I come in? Please, I really need someone to talk to,” he stared darkly at the floor. “All right,” Odyssea ushered him in and closed the door. They sat on the sofa by the window. “I wanted to ask if you could talk some sense into my mother,” Nausico said. “She’s a bit- let’s just say- controlling, and she just ruined my day by telling me she’s heard back from a suitor and has betrothed me to a queen who lives far away.” “Oh,” Odyssea didn’t know what to say. “Is she trying to get rid of me?” Nausico’s voice shook with anger. “And the other thing is, this queen is ruthless. I don’t want to marry someone like that.” “You shouldn’t be forced to marry someone you don’t want to,” Odyssea said. “After all, it’s you who will be living with the person, not your mother. So it should be up to you. What does your father think about all this?” “Well, as with many cultures, it’s traditional for the mother to arrange the marriages for her children. So my father is staying out of it. I’m afraid I have no say in the matter,” he put his head down. Odyssea reached out and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. “To tell you the truth, your mother asked me if I would marry you,” she slipped out, her face reddening. “Really?” Nausico looked up. “So what did you say?” “I told her the same thing I told you. That I’m betrothed,” Odyssea said. “What if you weren’t betrothed?” Nausico asked. “Would you consider it?” “I wouldn’t be opposed to it,” Odyssea blushed again, not wanting to give a straight answer. She definitely didn’t want to lead him on in any way. She had to leave Scheria as soon as possible and forget about Nausico. “Where are you off to next?” Nausico asked, after a long silence. “I’m searching for Calypse’s sister,” Odyssea said. “Nothing is set in stone, but I’m thinking of getting a boat and crew and sailing across to the island of the cyclops.” “I don’t want to marry a ruthless queen,” Nausico said. “Won’t you take me with you?” “Your mother will have my head if I take you away,” Odyssea said. “I can’t risk making the queen angry.” “You won’t get in trouble,” Nausico said. “I’ll tell her it was my decision. No one will blame you. Please.” “I don’t know what to say,” Odyssea didn’t like the idea, but she also didn’t want Nausico to be forced into a marriage he didn’t want. “Just talk to her and make up some person you have found for me to marry. Someone that supposedly lives in Ithaca. Let me come with you. I need to get out of this place!” Nausico said frantically. “I’ll tell you what. Come with me to the city tomorrow. We’re going to ask around about getting a crew and boat,” Odyssea said. Nausico smiled widely. “I can’t wait!” he said. He left with a spring in his step and Odyssea realized he thought she had agreed to the whole plan. What had she gotten herself into? That afternoon, Odyssea and Nausico took a coach to the port to search for a boat and a crew. A young man wearing sailor attire waited by the docks, leaning against a tree, as if he were expecting them. While Nausico dealt with the coach and horses, Odyssea approached the young sailor. “Hi Odyssea,” the young man said. “I am the son of a sea captain, and I have found a boat and crew for you.” Odyssea stared at the young man, noticing his enigmatic smile. “Atheno?” she whispered. The young man gave a slight nod and pointed to a group of young women gathered by a familiar boat. “Oh my goodness! Thank you!” Odyssea gave him a quick hug, then ran over to the group. When she turned back around, the sailor was nowhere to be seen. The young women saw her and there was a lot of excitement as Odyssea and her crew were reunited. Eurylocha and Polita hugged her tightly and told her they’d been searching for her. They had returned to Circes’ island and had found it empty, so they decided to scour the lands for her. Nausico shyly stood a little ways away, watching the crew reuniting with Odyssea. “This is my friend Nausico,” Odyssea introduced him to her crew. “He’s a prince and a medic’s apprentice.” “Well, he’s certainly very attractive,” Eurylocha laughed. Nausico’s cheeks turned pink. “We need to prepare for another journey,” Odyssea quickly changed the subject. “We’re going to find Calypse’s sister, Polyphema. And I believe my eye pendant may help us locate her.” 5.4 Polita prepared the maps for their journey to the Cyclops’ island, while Eurylocha and the others procured the supplies. “So you’ve been commanding the ship in my absence?” Odyssea smiled at her friend. “Yes,” Eurylocha said. “But it’s great to have you back. I’ve missed you.” “I thought I would never see you again,” Odyssea said, wiping a tear that had trailed down her cheek. “I cried so much on Circes’ island. I was so depressed. And then I went to the Underworld where I had a mental breakdown. Then I was shipwrecked and ended up in Calypse’s clutches. It took months to get away and now I’m here. And we’re going to free his sister who is being held captive by the cyclops.” “That’s quite the adventure,” Eurylocha said, putting a hand on her shoulder. “I’m so glad you came out in one piece.” She hugged her tightly. “I had come here to find a ship and crew, but imagine my surprise when I saw all of you here! I’m overjoyed!” Odyssea said. “Now, tell me about the handsome lad. Is he someone you’ve taken a fancy to?” Eurylocha winked. Odyssea’s face grew red like a tomato. “Well, I do like him, but I can’t. My father has arranged my marriage already and I agreed to it.” “And he hasn’t told you who the groom will be?” Eurylocha’s eyebrow shot up. Odyssea shook her head. “Well, that’s not very nice,” Eurylocha huffed. “What kind of parent sets up a marriage for their child without letting them know whom they’re marrying?” “My father,” Odyssea said flatly. “But it’s all right. I just want what’s best for my kingdom. So a marriage alliance is the way to go, I guess.” “Do you think you’ll love the person he chooses for you?” Eurylocha asked, concerned. “I don’t know,” Odyssea said. “Perhaps eventually. But it would be so weird marrying a stranger.” She didn’t want to speak negatively of her father, but the fact did bother her greatly. She truly wanted to know her future. She didn’t like all the uncertainty around her upcoming marriage, especially since it was something that her father could have easily revealed. A few days later, everything was ready for the journey. Odyssea and her crew were invited to dine in the palace. The queen raised her goblet to make an announcement. “I wanted to announce that my dear son Nausico has been betrothed to Queen Reveka! The wedding celebrations will be in two weeks’ time.” Odyssea turned to Nausico, who was seated beside her. He paled and stared at his food like he had turned to stone, while others nearby him murmured their congratulations. Once all that died down, and the guests were looking elsewhere, Odyssea reached under the table and clasped his hand, sending comfort to him. Nausico glanced at her and gave a slight nod, but then returned to vacantly staring at his food instead of eating it. As Odyssea packed up and was about to say her good-byes to the queen, Nausico stopped her and pulled her into the library. “I have to talk to you before you leave!” he hissed. He glanced around and saw that they were alone. “Take me with you!” he said. “Nausico, I’m so sorry,” Odyssea placed her hands on his shoulders. “I can’t get between you and your mother. I just can’t do that. This is between you and her. I’m sure if you talk to her, she won’t make you marry that queen.” “You don’t know my mother,” Nausico said, a tear sliding down his face. “She won’t budge! She’s only doing this because Reveka’s kingdom is stronger than ours and she wants an alliance because she’s afraid they might attack us otherwise.” “I’m so deeply sorry, but my kingdom needs this alliance and I can’t go against your mother,” Odyssea said. Nausico took a step back and sighed. “You’re right,” he said after a moment. “I can’t pull you into the politics of my kingdom. It’s not fair to you and your crew.” He turned to leave. “Wait!” Odyssea called. Nausico stopped but didn’t turn around. Odyssea went over to face him. For all her resolve to stay away from him, it all broke down in that moment. “Take this,” she took out a ring with a sapphire stone. “Keep it as a promise. I will return for you and if you still want to marry me, we will have our wish. I will get that ruthless queen to relinquish you.” She placed the ring in Nausico’s hand and he closed his fingers around it. He looked at her and a tear slid down his face. “I will treasure it,” he said. “I will wait for you.” “I haven’t known you very long, but I can tell that I love you,” Odyssea leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. Nausico wrapped his arms around her waist and they leaned against each other for a few moments. “I have to go,” Odyssea caressed his cheek. “But we will meet again.” “I love you too, Ody,” Nausico said. They heard footsteps and Odyssea flew out the door before anyone could see them together.
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