Thalassa

Chapter 2

As soon as she saw her father Proteo, Thea wanted to run into his arms. But in a long heavy tunic and flimsy sandals, she knew she wouldn't get very far. The grand trireme was anchored before them in the clear blue waters. How Thea longed to be in the cool refreshing sea, instead of being trapped under all the clothes, jewellery and makeup. But she did have something to be happy about. In minutes she would see her Father. She could barely contain her excitement. Her brother Stellius, however, had recently decided it was time he became man, a Greek warrior, so he stayed standing straight, with his hands beind his back, his chest puffed pompously out and, a stern look on his face. Thea couldn't see why he wanted to grow up so fast, adulthood didn't really appeal to her. In fact, for Thea, it was a lurking doom, and she was inevitability going to have live it. She couldn't think of anyway out. Thea pushed the thought to the back of her head. Her father had returned, and in that moment it was all that mattered. And there he was, approaching her, Caliya's and Stellius.

Caliya sighed happily as Proteo smiled at his family, whom he had not seen for many moons. Proteo embraced his wife, and his daughter and held his arms out to Stellius, who just extended a hand. This made Proteo grin and he grabbed his son's shoulders and hugged him too, before stepping back. Stellius couldn't help shaking off his stern exterior, his father's smile was infectious.

"Thea, i̱ kóri̱ mou, don't you look... Special!" Proteo said,
"It took some time but isn't she just stunning! I'm am so proud!" Caliya said, placing an arm around Thea's shoulders. She squeezed her shoulder tightly.
"Why don't we make our way home and you can tell me all that I've missed, yes? I am very keen to hear" Proteo said.

***

The family sat at the table, eating a simple but delicious fish supper.

"Tell me your news, my girl. How's Mikalis?"

Mikalis had been Thea's best friend for as long as she could remember. He lived next door and together they shared a love for running. Thea had always enjoyed male company, especially now as the girls her age did nothing but swoon and fawn at the boys who were training to become hoplites.

"Mikalis is fine. And guess what, I am faster than him! I worked really hard and now, he can't keep up!"

"Zeus! You must be faster than lighting!" Proteo grinned. Thea caught Caliya shooting him a look of disapproval.

"Of course, it's good that you enjoy running, but it can't last forever." She said.

"Why not? I love it and why should I stop doing something I'm good at?" Where had this come from all of a sudden? Thea knew that Caliya didn't like her getting all dirty and dusty while she ran, but she never said anything about stopping.

"Thea you have duties to fulfil, you're thirteen years old, it's time you started acting like a proper young woman and grow up." Caliya said this matter-of-factly but it stung Thea. This was more than just the usual "Oh, I wish you wouldn't bite your nails" or "Now, don't slouch." It was an nasty, and Thea was not happy about it to say the least.

"In fact, we have something important to tell you Th-" but Caliya was too late, and Thea was already stomping up the stairs. She took off her tunic and swapped it for her simple, short chiton. She almost ripped off Caliya's precious necklace and she removed the earrings.She could hear someone coming upstairs, so she threw the tunic out of the window and jumped down onto it. Next stop, Mikalis' house. She called for him and he stuck his head out of his window.

"I though your Father was returning today?" He said.

"He did but it doesn't matter. Come on let's go, I'll explain later!" And with that, Mikalis was out the door in under a minute.

"You could run away, I suppose" Mikalis said, after Thea had recounted her morning. They were sitting in a dusty plain, near to some farms. It was here they would race every time.

"Why should I do that? I have a home and family and food. Sure, I don't get along with my Mother, but I'll find a way to run. My father thinks I'm impressive" She replied. When it cam to running, Thea wasn't modest. Why should she be? It was her talent.

"Yes but you would be free. You could move to a new town, disguise yourself as a boy who's lost and run as much as you like."

"Mikalis, I shouldn't have to be a boy to run. It's unfair. I'm just as good as you are!"

"Are you certain?" He said and smirked. This was their code for a challenge. As soon as they were both in line, Thea started herself and Mikalis off, and they sprinted. Instead of thinking about how far behind Mikalis was, Thea thought only of her feat hitting the ground steadily and quickly. She laughed as she felt the wind flying through her dark hair. And with that, she ran passed the finishes line, which consisted of twigs from a nearby olive tree. Mikalis finished soon after, sighed and grunted. This was what Thea lived for, the rush of running and the happiness that came from spending time with a good friend.