Odysseus x Penelope oneshots

Together in Silence

Within the Kingdom of Ithaca, in the dimly bedchambers of the King and Queen, Penelope paced restlessly. In the corner of the room stood her loom, a half-finished tapestry draped over it, a testament to the long years of waiting. The room, adorned with rich tapestries and ornate furnishings, felt empty without her husband. Every night for the past 20 years, she lain awake, longing for Odysseus' return, her heart aching with unyielding hope. 

The flickering light of a single oil lamp cast long shadows across the room. Penelope paused by the window, looking out at the calm sea, a stark contrast to the storm that raged within inside her. She clutched a small, worn piece of fabric-Telemachus' baby blanket-against her chest, a tangible connection to her absent husband and the son who grew up without him.

"Will you ever return?" Penelope whispered to the night. Her voice, soft and laden with sorrow, seemed to vanish into the silence. 

Just then, a rustle of movement caught her attention. she turned, heart leaping in her chest, and there he was-Odysseus, standing in the doorway. His presence was almost ghostly, as if he had stepped out of a dream. His face, weathered by years of battle and hardship, softened as their eyes met. 

"Odysseus?" Penelope breathed, hardly daring to believe her eyes. She took a tentative step forward, then another, until she was running into his arms.

"Penelope," Odysseus murmured, his voice a  mix of relief and exhaustion. He wrapped his arms around his wife, pulling her close, as if he feared she might disappear. 

They stood there, holding each other tightly, the world outside forgotten. Penelope buried her face in Odysseus' chest, inhaling the familiar scent of him, feeling the solid warmth of his body against her's. She had dreamed of this very moment, prayed to the gods for it, and  it was real. 

"You've come back to me," she said, her voice trembling with emotions.

Odysseus pressed his lips to her hair, his eyes closed as he savoured the sensation of being home. "I swore I would return."

Penelope pulled back slightly to look at him, he hands gently tracing the lines of his face. "You've changed," she whispered, seeing the pain and wisdom etched into his features. "But you're still the man I love." 

"And you," Odysseus replied, cupping her face in his hands, "are as beautiful as the day I left. I've missed you more than words can say."

Tears glistened in Penelope's eyes as she leaned into his touch. "Tell me everything." she urged. "Tell me what you've seen, what you've endured." 

Odysseus sighed, a deep, weary sound. "there is much to tell, and some of it is dark and painful. But right now, all I want is to hold you , to feel your warmth and know that this is real."

Penelope nodded, understanding the need for silence, for simply being together after so long apart. She led him to their bed, where they sat side by side, hands entwined. The night was quiet except for the soft song of the ocean.

"Telemachus has grown," Penelope said softly. "He looks so much like you. He asks about you everyday." 

"I can't wait to see him," Odysseus replied, a smile touching his lips. "To tell him stories and to be the father he deserves." 

They sat in silence for awhile, content in each other's presence. Penelope rested her head Odysseus' shoulder, feeling his heart beat beneath cheek. The world outside might still be full of danger, but in  this moment, within the sanctuary of their love, they found peace.