𝐆𝐎𝐃𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 ᵉ*ᵗᵐ

22 ┃ 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐬

━ ⭑─⭒━

━ ⭒─⭑━

The next day, you found yourself walking down to the palace halls, yawning softly. You were dressed for an outing, draped in a comfortable shawl and a light cloak to ward off the morning chill. Instead of your usual satchel, you carried a basket with blankets stuffed inside, prepared for a day outside the palace walls.

Earlier that morning, while delivering breakfast to Queen Penelope, she had paused and turned to you with a task. She asked if you could head into town to retrieve something special for King Odysseus after you finished your chores.

She explained that she had his old bow tightened and had two metal arrows created to go with it, entrusting you with the errand since Erythia, the old nurse, was busy and not available at the moment.

You had nodded, understanding the importance of the task, and agreed to handle it with the care she expected.

Now, you were currently standing at the gates, waiting for the guards to open them when you heard your name called. Turning, you saw Callias jogging over, coming to a stop panting slightly before standing upright, a playful pout forming on his lips.

"Did someone forget that the two of us were supposed to hang out after finishing our morning duties?" he asked, his tone light but carrying a hint of mock accusation.

You sighed, feeling a twinge of guilt as you'd hoped to have finished this task before Callias came looking for you. "I'm sorry," you apologized, shifting the basket on your arm to a more comfortable position. "Queen Penelope asked me to head into town to pick up something special for King Odysseus."

Callias' form relaxed slightly at the mention of Penelope. "The Queen?" he sniffed, his expression softening. "I suppose that's an important errand."

He then sighed, throwing his head back with a theatrical groan as he kicked a stray pebble along the ground, muttering about how he guessed he could go bother Kieran and the others instead.

On a whim, driven by a mix of wanting his company and not wanting to head into town alone, you offered, "You could... come with me if you'd like."

His face brightened instantly, the previous disappointment vanishing as if it had never been. "Really? I mean, if you're sure I wouldn't be intruding..."

"It's just picking up a bow and some arrows," you reassured him with a smile. "I'd enjoy the company."

With a grin now splitting his face, Callias quickly adjusted his stance, his previous sulk forgotten. "Well, when you put it like that, how could I refuse an adventure with Ithaca's finest handmaiden?"