• 𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐬 •|telemachus|

i: can i ask you a question?

The walls of the place you call home are often the ones you spend the most crying against.

Well, in Anastasia's case that is, the child seemed too reckless at her best; too cautious when she wasn't well. A cycle of evils and wrongdoings and then whatever good she saw to do.

That wasn't a description of her morally - no- sweet as sour grapes on a midsummers' day- she was everything and nothing at once.

A paradox: what she was called. She was good and well and as angelic as troubled children could be.

She lived where all could call 'paradise'. The Kingdom of Solace seemed exactly what it was called- a solace.

It was utopia to the Greeks that resided inside it; a small island near nothing besides a near but far enough land called Ithica.

Anastasia heard of Ithica the first time in a happier period of life. Curled up at her father's - Hector's- feet she sat in the throne room as diplomats and his advisors paced anxiously.

They called for a king who could save their people. Well, Ithica's people, but the kingdoms had strong relations between them but the reliance they had on each other was wonderfully compassionate.

Her father was still young- even now- he sat upon his oak made throne with a head of dark hair; not a single strand of gray amongst the locks.

He frowned and turned to his side- where his wife sat gracefully. Regina was not a outspoken member of the court but when her ariry voice greeted people they listened.

She twirled one of the few gold bracelets adorning her arms- a sign of frustration as her daughter had learnt.

"I suppose we could do something to help. Remind me sir," she gestured to the short advisor who was speaking. He bowed his head gracious at her words. "What exactly are we helping Ithica with?"

The advisor inclined his head and continued "Your highness-"

"Ma'am is fine, sir, it's quite tiring to be hosted on a pedestal all day!" Her mother interrupted causing some laughs to echo in the well lit hall.

He cleared his throat, cheeks tinged with embarrassment "Very well- yo- ma'am. Ithica while a beautiful kingdom and one of our allies had an issue with droughts."

The man continued with his words- "There appears to be the heat affecting this- they have tried prayers and offerings to the Sun God but nothing bad helped."

Anastasia lifted her head of hair as dark as the almonds that she ate in the morning. Tendrils tucked into a woven braid- she looked up at her father with wonder in her sage green eyes.

"Apollo?" A child's voice rang through the room as her bright smile made her father's heart melt at its sight.

"Yes, darling?" Gasps echoed as a man walked through the giant wooden doors that lead to the throne room. Her father stood up and knelt as her mother swiftly bowed along with the rest of the people in the room.

Anastasia ran up to the golden haired god- white chiton and all. He knelt down and lifted her up as she hugged him tightly. He laughed- a musical sound before putting her down and gesturing for them to get up.

"Your most gracious lord I am hon-" Her father spoke but was swiftly interrupted.

"Come on now, Hector, you know this little island of Solace- get it?- is arguably my most favourite place here," Apollo's smile nearly blinding the advisor he walked past. "And you," he grabbed the king's cheeks lightly and squeezed "are my favourite mortal so far."

Hector swatted his hand away- chuckling at the god's antics. "Yes- well we never know when your mood swings 'Pollo!"

The god laughed but stopped as Anastasia's frowning face met his eyes. "I thought I'm your favourite!" The child pouts dramatically.

Apollo hastily corrects himself as he sees green eyes gloss over with tears. "I am  sorry darling- of course you are my favourite mortal- you are," he gestures wildly. "Extraordinary."

The girl smiles cheekily "I got you! You really thought I would cry about that? I am older now!" She declares, laughing at his delight in her happiness.

Apollo nods slightly "Yes, you got me." He looks towards Hector with a small smile- firm but kind.

Her father understands and sends her off to the gardens while have a talk. "I shall go with her," her mother speaks softly. "I think she will have questions."

She leaves her throne and follows her child- kissing her husband on the cheek and bidding her farewells to the rest of the court and Apollo.

She finds her child sitting on a woven mat near a pond. Insects buzz nearby and the smell of sweet fruits is overbearing when topped with the wind. She calls for a maid to bring them nectarines and sits next to her child.

"Mother," Anastasia starts. "Who is the King of Ithica?"

Her mother smiles softly "His name is Odysseus, darling, he has been a comrade of your father since they were boys."

"Is he old?" She asks curiosity creeping up her spine.

Her mother lightly laughed at her question "No, he is as old as your father. I believe he has a son with his wife, Penelope." She frowned, her chocolate eyes concentrated on remembering. "I believe his name is Telemachus. I think you've met him before."

Anastasia looked at the birds flying overhead. "Telemachus..." She repeated softly.

Her mother smiled watching her daughter repeat the name of the boy who would grow to be a man perfect for her green eyed angel.

After all, with Aphrodite as your mother, you do learn a few things about who your own daughter will end up with.