The day was boiling hot, as usual, and Odysseus was finding it difficult to settle down for the day. The camp he and his small posse had set up was fine, and the river just a few paces away was a great way to refill their canteens and give their horses a break, but by the gods was it impossible to enjoy.  There were far too many dangers in the west, and Odysseus thought that Penelope’s death had been the worst of it all. But it had been nearly ten years since her departure, and it seemed she had been his good luck charm.

Not only had the bounty for the day gone wrong, but Telemachus had gotten shot by the rogue hunter. So, with the son of his departed wife currently in recovery, Odysseus was on a jaded, steep edge. He couldn’t be bothered to relax as he helped his men set up their bedrolls, nor could he relax as he took a stroll by the river as Eurylochus had suggested.

Pulling off his hat, Odysseus let out a heavy sigh. He stopped right in front of the river, bending down into a crouch as he stuck his hands into it. Just the simple act of the running water eased some of the pressure in his mind.

Cupping the cool liquid in his hands, Odysseus splashed it over his face, allowing the droplets to run down his tired and worn cheeks. He barely noticed the presence of another person beside him, and only opened his eyes when he heard a soft glug from the water.

Looking over, he was met with your side profile, and he slowly drifted his gaze down to see you filling up your own canteen. The heat was getting to him; he just found you quite attractive, more than usual.

“You’re quiet.” Odysseus remarked, trying to mask the obvious shock at your sudden presence and to silence the noise in his mind.