Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The market around Peilieas was busy, vendors selling all types of trinkets while the forges hammer’s banged in the background. The smell of bread was potent in the air, as the bakers started on their pastries. 

Peilieas sighed, turning a corner and making his way home. His mother had sent him to the market to go buy the family some food, but he had nothing to buy things with. 

Though, he wasn't exactly eager to get back home. His father was sure to beat him once he got back, for not getting anything. Peilieas’ eyes settled on the pond just outside of town. Usually, there was nobody around there, with it being hidden between two hills and lots of vegetation. It had quickly grown to be Peilieas’ hiding spot. 

But, today it seemed, there was someone else there. Quickly, Peilieas started to make his way over. When he got close enough, he started hearing a noise. 

‘Is that person crying?’ Peilieas thought, and went into the person’s view, slowly getting closer. 

“Hey, are you okay?" Peilieas asked, concern in his voice. The person looked up at him, and he could see grey eyes with tears flowin from the person’s eyes. 

The person, however, gasped and quickly whiped their tears away.  “Yeah, I'm fine.” the person,  a young man based on his voice, claimed, voice shaky. 

Now that the stranger was looking at him, Peilieas could see the expensive jewelry and could only have been owned by a nobleman. The person also had grey eyes and dark brown hair… 

‘OH SHIT. THE PRINCE!’

“Sorry to invade on your privacy, Your highness” Peilieas said, adding a bow. The prince, in turn, sighed. 

“You can just call me Telemachus, please stop bowing.” The prince sighed, sounding hesitant and tired. 

“Forgive me for asking, but why are you so far from the palace?”

Telemachus hesitated, pausing for a moment. “My… Mother's suitors are getting rowdy again. They're getting more violent lately.” Peilieas sat down beside Telemachus, holding his knees to his chest. 

“Oh… do- do you need help? Like training or stuff?” Peilieas offered, he was seventeen currently and training himself to get to be a soldier. He was confident that he could help Telemachus train too, and they’d be able to spar to help each other. “Or, maybe if you need to get away I could help you!" he quickly added, realizing that just offering training could be disrespectful. 

“I- yes, please!" The prince exclaimed, a happy light returning to his eyes. "I'd love it if you could help me with training!” He was so excited, it made Peilieas smile. 

“That's great!" he said, but looked at the sky to realize it was almost sunset. With a sigh, Peilieas started. “I'm sorry, Telemachus, but I need to go now. You should probably also get back.”

Telemachus frowned, looking at the near-sunset as well. He does need to get home. “Wait!" the prince exclaimed, "When will we meet up?”

Peilieas paused, he hadn't thought about it yet." in… Three days, about noon.” he declared, of course, training wouldn't actually start yet, but he would test him on his current skills. "We'll be working on the basics.”

The prince nodded, and stood up. "See you then!” he smiled, and Peilieas stared, a light pink glazing his face. 

“Y-yeah.. See you then! Bye!” Peilieas said, quickly turning and walking in the general direction of his house. 

Telemachus did the same, walking to the palace, to the suitors. 

— — —

Peilieas sat in bed, staring at the ceiling. He had given the money back to his father, and explained that there wasn't anything he could buy, but his father still hit him. 

Rubbing the sore bruise on his face, he wiped his tears. His thoughts went back to the prince. The way freckles littered his pale skin, and complimented his grey eyes. The look on his face when Peilieas offered to train him. His smile that seemed to brighten Peilieas’ mood in a moment. 

The feeling in Peilieas’ stomach that Telemachus had stirred, simply by smiling. 

“ Damnit. ” Peilieas whispered, and sighed. Shifting to his side, the realm of Hypnos quickly swallowed him. 

— — — 

Telemachus’ mood dimmed when he arrived at the palace. He was outside the gate and yet could still hear all the ruckus that the suitors made. 

Quickly, he snuck to the side of the palace his chambers were and climbed in through the window. 

Sighing, he took off his necklace and crown, setting them both on his desk. He took a deep breath to try and block out the drunken nonsense of the men that filled their palace. 

He quickly changed and layed down. When he remembered the kind person who wished to help train him, he smiled. The stranger was nice, and radiated an energy that cheered up Telemachus. 

His eyes fluttered shut, a silent mourning that he didn't know The boy’s name. He’ll have to ask when they meet again.

Chapter Text

Peilieas’ eyes sleepily opened as he slowly woke up. He rolled to the side and sighed. Getting up, he quickly wrapped a cloth around his chest tightly, adding on a chiton after.

Grabbing his dagger and bow, he strung it over his back and quickly made his way outside. He ran behind his house, running to the forest just a garden away. Cutting through the vegetation of the forest, he ended up at a stream. 

Peilieas sat down, setting his bow against a tree. He enjoyed the sound of water running past and the chatter of the animals that inhabit the area. The occasional bristle of a bush or a tree made his gaze flutter over, but it only ever was a rabbit or a bird. 

He closed his eyes, relaxing and feeling himself slip into the domain of Hypnos. 

Then he heard a series of distinctly human footsteps. 

Before the person got into view, Peilieas quickly grabbed his bow, climbed a tree, and drew an arrow. 

He breathed quietly but intensely. He knew that he was probably safe, but he was in the middle of the forest. He positioned himself so that once he shot the arrow he could easily jump down and draw his dagger. Better to be safe than sorry , he thought

The person came into view, and Peilieas shot the arrow, narrowly missing. He dropped down, pulled out his dagger, and got into a stance that was both defensive and offensive.

“Who are you? Why are you here?” Peilieas interrogated. The man in question didn't pull out a weapon, but he was obviously confident. And older. 

“I could ask the same. I can't imagine why I’d be shot with a bow in the middle of the forest.” The man calmly said, and Peilieas took the moment to carefully examine him. 

“Well, I can't imagine why a random man would come across this specific part of the forest as I'm here. It's a large forest, and a longer stream.” Peilieas took note of the grey streaks in the man's dark brown hair, the torn cape with a worn chiton and tunic. “I won't ask again, tell me who you are." Peilieas threatened, his grip on the dagger tightening. 

“My name is Outis.” The man admitted. Peilieas wasn't tricked. 

Does he seriously think I'm dumb?

“No you aren't. You won't trick me with this ‘nobody’ nonsense.” Peilieas near instantly got behind the man, holding his dagger to the man’s throat. “ Tell. me. your. name.”

The man, however, was tired of this back and forth. With little effort, he easily escaped Peilieas’ hold and leaned against a tree. Peilieas stood there in shock. And in fear. He kept his weapon drawn however. 

“Fine. I am Odysseus.” Peilieas looked shocked, but skeptical. 

Nearly twenty years, the king has been gone. Why would he be back now? 

“Odysseus? As in the king of Ithaca who had left nearly twenty years ago? Don't bullshit me."

“I am Odysseus, whether you believe so or not. Now tell me, boy, what your name is." The self-proclaimed Odysseus demanded. Peilieas didn't trust him one bit.

“My name, Odysseus , is none of your business.” Peilieas spat the name as if it were poison. If this faker made his way to the castle, it would only give Queen Penelope and Prince Telemachus false hope. The faker would likely send a group of suitors to kill Telemachus before He could get to the throne. Or he’d rally some men to claim Queen Penelope, a woman too loyal to remarry. He would not let this man hurt the royalty the kingdom revered so dearly. 

Not-Odysseus, however, only looked at Peilieas like he was just a small child playing around. He hid how that made him just a tad more insecure. With a chuckle under his breath, Not-Odysseus asked again. 

“Tell me, young man, what is your name?” Not-Odysseus-but-actually-maybe-Odysseus asked, a strained smile on his tired and aged face. It was then that Peilieas saw the scars littering this man’s skin. Only a man who had fought through countless battles had that many scars. 

Peilieas, realizing that if he doesn't say his name,  he's fucked, stumbles to say it. “Uh- Peilieas.” it was a mumble, and fear laced itself into his shaky voice as he said it. Maybe-Odysseus hummed thoughtfully. 

“Well, Peilieas, I would appreciate it if you put down the dagger.” Maybe-Odysseus said. 

‘Fuck no, I'm terrified’ Peilieas thought, knowing better than to say it.  “And why should I trust you?" 

“I promise I won't harm you, young man.” Maybe-Odysseus claimed. 

“I doubt that.” Peilieas said, "but, if you truly are Odysseus why not go to the castle to reclaim your kingdom. Why come to the forest?”

“Why would I rush into my castle overrun with suitors without a plan?” Probably-Odysseus retorted. Peilieas slowly put down the blade, not sheathing it yet but no longer aiming at the man. 

“Fine. I’ll believe you for now. However, if you make any move to harm the Queen or the Prince, I will make sure you suffer.” Peilieas warned. He knew it was a large claim to make, but he felt the need to protect the Royal family, even if they can protect themselves. 

Odysseus let out a huff, but didn't fight back. Peilieas knew that he probably needed a place to stay, by the stream certainly wasn't the best choice for overnight. 

Sheathing the dagger once more, Peilieas grabbed his bow and quiver, strapping them to his back. “Do you need a place to stay for the night? My house has an unused room, if you ask my father to stay for the night he’ll likely allow it." Although Peilieas’ father was an asshole, he followed xenia very carefully.

‘ Maybe while he’s there, my father will be kinder to me… ’  Peilieas thought in the very back of his mind

“Thank you, Peilieas,” Odysseus started, “but I'll be fine her-”

“Sir, I have no doubt you would be, but we’ll provide you with food and a comfortable place to rest.”  Peilieas interrupted, desperation thinly laced in his voice. Maybe he was desperate, but so what. He would admit to himself that he wanted protection from his father. 

“Alright, your home it is then.” Odysseus said in defeat, and Peilieas smiled. He would have thanked Odysseus, if the man wouldn’t be confused as to why. 

Peilieas led the way to his home.

Chapter Text

When Peilieas’ house came into view, the two slowed down to a stop. The position of the sun told Peilieas that it was the afternoon, when fishermen and sailors usually arrive in Ithaca. A totally average time for a guest to ask for a place to sleep. 

“Okay, my father has no clue I'm out right now,” Peilieas started, “so I'm gonna sneak in through my window. You need to knock on the front door  and ask my father to stay for the night. You got that?” 

“Yes," Odysseus nodded, “but may I ask why you didn't tell your father you left?" immediately after Odysseus asked, Peilieas booked it to his window. “I guess that's a no then…”

Peilieas hopped through his window and closed it again. He set down his quiver, bow, and dagger on his desk beside his bed. He unwrapped his chest, removing the bindings. Sighing, Peilieas walked out of his room and to the kitchen. Unluckily, his father was there. 

“Where have you been, girl?!” interrogated his father, “I've been waiting for you to get out of that gods damned room for you to do your chores!" 

“My apologies father," Peilieas said, using the feminine voice he hated, “I was busy aiding the Inn keeper clean the dining room." 

“Do you expect me to believe that, stupid girl!” Peilieas ached as he felt the slap of flesh against his face. “You better get to cleaning before I-” 

A knock at the door. Peilieas was greatful for Odysseus’ timing. 

Peilieas watched as his father left to get the door, and stayed for a moment, before getting up to clean the kitchen. He started with sweeping, cleaning the floor before Odysseus made his way to the room. 

“Hello, sir." Peilieas said as Odysseus entered the room, “Would you like a drink or some food to eat?" He prayed that Odysseus didn't question why he sounded and looked so feminine now. 

“May I please have a glass of water, Young Lady?” Odysseus asked kindly. Peilieas nearly missed the look in his eyes that told him that he understood. 

“Of course, sir.” Peilieas went to get a drink while his father started chatting to Odysseus. 

“Here you go, sir.” Peilieas set the glass in front of Odysseus. 

“Peila! You are not to talk unless spoken to!” His father lashed out, slapping Peilieas across the face again. 

“Yes, father. Sorry, father." Peilieas apologized and quickly made his way to his room. 

Throwing himself onto the bed, he curled up and cried. Cried over being called a girl. Cried over being slapped. Cried over being in the house. Cried over Odysseus’ presence not doing anything to stop his father. It wasn't until hours later that his tears dried and tiredness took over that he had calmed down. 

Suddenly, a knock on his door. 

“Come in." he voiced quietly, trying to hide the hiccup in his voice. Odysseus entered the room, slowly making his way toward the bed. Peilieas noticed Odysseus open his arms slightly, and he collided into him. He let himself cry softly once more, cry into the tunic of a man he met just today, the man he threatened mere hours ago with a bow and dagger. 

And yet, despite the vulnerability, despite only just meeting, Peilieas felt safe. He felt a pair of arms wrap around him, bringing him closer to the man. He wanted to say something, anything to talk to the man, but the words caught in his through before they made their way out. 

“I'm sorry for calling you a lady earlier." Odysseus apologized, rubbing the back of Peilieas’ head in a calming motion. 

“I-its fine. My fa-father, he… He doesn't know. I don't think I can ever tell him. I just should ha-have told you before you came in.” Peilieas couldn't see the pained look on Odysseus’ face as he apologized. 

“Don't apologize, Peilieas. It's not your fault. I figured it out immediately, and I should have known better than to call you a lady. I also should have stopped your father from hitting you, and I didn't. It was terrible of me.”

“Don’t…” Peilieas hesitated, wondering if he should be this vulnerable with a man he met today, before deciding he can be vulnerable with the man who the whole island has been waiting for. “Don't apologize. It was foolish of me to believe that your presence alone would be enough to stop my father. You shouldn't have had to see that.”

Peilieas felt hands tighten around his shoulders, removing him from the embrace the two were in. “Peilieas, look at me.” Peilieas did as he was told. “Nothing that happened tonight was your fault. You simply did what I asked you to do, and your father -” the title spilled off of his tongue like a curse, "-decided you were wrong. But listen to me, you did nothing wrong.” Odysseus brought Peilieas back into an embrace. 

Peilieas stared at Odysseus for a moment before hugging him back. He wanted to stay like this for as long as possible, euphoric in the comfort and secure in the acceptance. 

Odysseus pulled away and laid Peilieas down into bed, as if he were a young boy who had just heard a bed time story. "Now go to bed, young man. Sleep well.” were the last words Odysseus said before leaving, and Peilieas was left to fall asleep.

Chapter Text

Odysseus exited Peilieas’ room and made for the room he was offered by the boy’s father. He didn't bother to remember the name, someone that disgusting didn't deserve it. He channeled the rage he felt toward the man and used it to compile a plan to rid the palace of the suitors.

He could lead them all to the main hall and lock them in, but that left the issue of both weapons and how he would do so. He could start during the night and blow out all the torches, shooting them from the shadows with his old bow. Again, he was left with the issue of how he could get to his bow and blow out the torches. He could get a few maids to do it? No, they would likely not believe it's him. 

Inevitably, his plan was settled. He would have to hope Penelope took anything as a sign to keep the suitors in the main hall. And while they're in the hall, he’ll hide all the weapons and return with his bow. He would then shoot all the suitors. 

It didn't take long for his mind to roam to Penelope and Telemachus, eager to see and hold them again. Gods, he would do anything to see his wife and son once more. He wondered what Telemachus would be like, whether he grew up to be rude and arrogant, or quiet and reserved. He hoped it wasn't the first option. 

Telemachus, his boy who would be at his eighteenth year. He’s near the same age as Peilieas, if his memory serves him right. 

Odysseus dwelled on Peilieas. He was your average teenage boy, if you ignore the fact he’s technically a teenage girl. He's strong, and fast. He ran behind Odysseus very quick when they met. He's smart, knew to hide before attacking and not to trust a stranger. He knew to have a buffer between the two entering the house. 

But he's also trusting. He brought Odysseus into his house after only just meeting. He somehow trusted Odysseus enough to cry in his tunic, and that fact alone made a faint smile appear on his face. The boy, no older than 17, had an abusive father and an obvious lack of trust, yet still embraced and trusted Odysseus. He found that the fact made him happy. 

Eventually, the tiredness caught up to Odysseus as he laid down on the bed supplied to him. 

— — — 

Peilieas’ eyes flickered open as the sun made itself known in the morning sky. He let himself lay there, comfortable in his bed. 

Peilieas brought his hand to his face as he felt the bruise his father caused. Eventually, his mind drifted toward the events of last night. Bringing Odysseus to his house, being called a lady, getting slapped, retreating to his room, and… Oh. 

He had cried into Odysseus’ tunic. Had bawled his eyes out in front of the King . Though, strangely, Odysseus had comforted him, had hugged him and tucked him into bed. 

Yet, despite being treated like a young child, Peilieas only felt… loved . He felt comfort in the man, and despite not being close to nobility, it felt like Odysseus was his dad. For the moment, of course, Peilieas thought, the king would never be a parent to a commoner. 

Peilieas rolled to his side as he let his mind wander. He had to go to town today, he hadn't eaten well enough in days. He sighed as he rolled out of bed and stood up. 

Oh shit, I have to train the prince today! 

He quickly threw on his clothing and grabbed his dagger and bow, quickly opening the window before entering through the living room.

Not paying attention, he walked to the kitchen to grab a bite before training, but instead bumped into Odysseus. 

“Shoot, sorry!" Peilieas apologized, a shy smile on his face. 

Odysseus looked down at Peilieas with a raised eyebrow, "Where are you going in such a rush, and with your weapon as well?”

Peilieas paused as he felt his cheeks grow warmer. “I- uhm… I kinda maybe sorta promised Prince Telemachus that I'd start helping train him…?" He looked up at Odysseus with another, more nervous smile. 

Odysseus paused, Peilieas saw a flicker pass through his eyes and knew what he was thinking about. He wanted to meet Telemachus. 

“Can I… Come along?” He asked, quietly. More reserved than Peilieas thought a king would— should be. 

Peilieas knew Telemachus was desperate to need Odysseus, and that Odysseus was the same. 

“I don't see the harm, why not?” Peilieas grabbed a small fruit and made for the front door, motioning for Odysseus to follow. “We’re meeting up at a small lake hidden in the forest. It's quite close to where we met, actually.”

Odysseus didn't speak, but he followed behind Peilieas eagerly. He knew his was around the island and didn't need Peilieas to guide him, but something inside of him felt the need to let him guide. He’s like a little child showing his parents a cool rock he found… 

Odysseus saw the way Peilieas’ face reddened even deeper when talking about Telemachus. It was the same way he looked when talking about his Penelope. 

“So, Peilieas, what were you planning to teach Telemachus?” Odysseus inquired, wanting to know more about what he would be doing in this time. 

“I'm planning on starting with the bow, then moving onto the spear. He’s fairly proficient with a sword already and has shot a bow quite a bit.” Peilieas unknowingly blushed while he talked about Telemachus.

“Ah, I see. Would you like me to help train him?” 

Peilieas let out a short laugh of embarrassment and rubbed the back of his neck. “I mean, I'm not the best with a bow. Any guidance you can offer would help, I think.”

Odysseus smiled and gave Peilieas a pat on the back. “Don't sell yourself short, kid. You nearly took my head off with that arrow yesterday.” 

Peilieas practically beamed from the compliment, and smiled brightly. He looked up to Odysseus with an overjoyed look in his eyes before looking back to the path before the two. 

“By the way, Odys- sir ,” Peilieas corrected himself, “I don't know if Telemachus is already gonna be there, but we’re really close to the meeting spot and I'm not sure that you should tell him it's you first thing after meeting him.”

“It's alright, kid, you can call me Odysseus.” He reassured Peilieas, who looked away embarrassed. "And that’s fine, I can help train him with my identity hidden. I'm not so easy to figure out.”

“You literally told me who you were after like five minutes of knowing me while we were fighting.” Peilieas playfully snarked.

“Okay- well, I-” Odysseus stuttered before looking back up and seeing a small lake. "Oh look here we are!” 

Peilieas looked up, and true to his word, they had arrived at the meeting area. Telemachus stood there already, a few weapons laid on the ground beside a small tree. Telemachus looked up and smiled at Peilieas, before sending a questioning look to Odysseus. 

Odysseus stood there, frozen. His son, his son, was standing in front of him for the first time in eighteen years. His son, who he had given up the world for. His son who was no longer a babe, who was well on his path to becoming a man. 

His hair, skin, and face structure was a complete copy of Penelope. Her curly hair, fair skin, and the small bump on his nose. The freckles that dotted his face, the same as Odysseus. His dark grey eyes and brown hair matched the color’s from Odysseus’ youth. 

Odysseus stood in awe and adoration of the boy he fought so hard to get home to.