I still have more I want to say, but I ran out of characters. This is the first time that's ever happened. Kudos to you! Anyway (again, I apologize for the length)...
Tel reassuring Ody that he trusts him and apologizing for trying to hit him is very good, but Ody brushing past the apology altogether because an apology for something he never held against Tel in the first place isn't nearly as important as reassuring him that there is no such thing as being "too old" for nightmares and Tel isn't weak or shameful because he has Trauma, they all do and no one here would ever hold that against him. And then Athena chiming in with "yeah, sorry, little wolf, you don't really get to age out of nightmares. Hermes and I are thousands of years old and we still get them--especially now." I love it! That is one of the best responses to the whole "it was *just* a nightmare" comment I've ever heard. Very well done!
And then Hermes taking that as his cue to pop in...perfect way to get him on stage! Tel worrying that there might be a little resentment on Hermes' part since his "immaturity" dragged Athena away from caring for him, only for that line of thought to be abruptly cut off with "it didn't look like it bothered him that much". Because, no??? Silly Tel, Hermes is the *last* person in the pantheon who would ever begrudge a mortal comfort and care, especially if that mortal is one of his descendants. Like, have you heard even half of what he did just to help your father get home to you? I'm fully convinced Ody got his 'I will walk through burning lava for my family and render myself to ash in the process if it meant they would be safe and happy' mentality from Hermes himself.
Tel taking cues from Hermes in learning to set aside his fears and trust his family with emotional vulnerability is a wonderful touch. Tel recognizing that his father Understands, not in the comforting "I know this must suck for you" way but in the deep, intimate personal way. The way that he can only understand because he's been through similar pain, similar fear, and like Tel, still has his own demons to conquer. And yeah, maybe Ody can't fight this for Tel anymore than Tel can fight his for him, but they can still support one another in the waking. They can still love and care and respect one another and be the light for each other in dark places when all other lights go out (LOTR reference!)
Tel wondering how he's supposed to get back to sleep with the nightmare still haunting him...and Ody admits he doesn't know! He doesn't try to come up with some BS about it being "just a dream" or reassure Tel that they'll all still be here when he wakes up (which is sweet and all, but you know, never actually addresses the MC's problem). He just straight up admits he doesn't have a clue. And then Athena admits that *she* doesn't know either, which is even better because it's one thing for Ody--a mortal--to not have figured it out, but the goddess of wisdom? The goddess of wisdom who admitted earlier that she suffers from the same problem and yet even *she* doesn't have an answer? That's when you *know* your problem isn't trivial or childish or unimportant.
And then Hermes coming in clutch with a magic sleep spell (which he probably should not be using until he heals up some more but Ody and Tel need their rest and ya'know, somehow I don't think I could stop the trickster god even if I wanted to so Imma let it slide--this time ;) Ody sees Tel's uncertainty doesn't even consider embarrassing him further by mentioning it (or worse, trying to order him to go along with it). He's just like, ya'know what gramps? I'll take one too, if you're offering. Which yes, because obviously he needs it, but also. Way to lead by example, Ody. A true king. And Athena, surrounded by the people she loves and is loved by best (barring Apollo, Ares, and some of her other siblings from Olympus), thinking about Ody's accusation during their fight and how it may have been true once, but not any more. I can't think of a better ending.
Two thumbs way way up, both for the story and the series in general! This is it. This is how life was for all of them after Epic ended--they forgave each other and came together and helped each other heal from past trauma and hurts both physical and emotional. They're family and they will stay a family til the end of Ody and Tel's days and beyond. I will accept nothing else. Your series is now canon for me and Mr. Rivera-Herrans himself can't tell me otherwise. Thank you for sharing this with us. I will be subscribing immediately for future updates, but please don't feel the need to rush. Take care of yourself (and your schoolwork, I guess. ;) And know that no matter how long it takes, I'll be here...waiting....waiiiiting. Hope you have a great day/night!
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Compass_Rose Tue 10 Jun 2025 07:13PM UTC
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TheGrammarHawk Wed 11 Jun 2025 02:05AM UTC
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