To Troy

[balancingminds]

When he stepped through the door and feels the ground shake, he briefly close his eyes in a small prayer that this plan will work. Then walked through to the quiet rowing deck of a trireme as he adjusted his tunic, his sandals and the leather and cloth seemed like not enough to make him disappear here.

The thoughts that swirled around were hard to understand as they were Greek in dialects he'd only ever read mixed with another language that must be Trojan and a deeper layer of thoughts that he didn't dare to touch.

He ran a hand through his hair to mess it up as he was aware that while his coloring would help him to blend in, this was a strange land where he didn't belong.

Comments

[chrysopteron]

Everyone is leaving. Leaving for their homes, leaving to see Charon and pay his fare, but leaving all the same.

Iris?

Yes, my lady Athena.

I have a requirement to set to you.

[balancingminds]

It takes him a moment to find the gangplank but he goes down onto the shore and moves against a tent to close his eyes once more.

Ten years of war are laid out on the shore and the memories and pain are everywhere as he tries to search out the clear note of Iris' mind.

[chrysopteron]

The survivors here are attempting to dedicate a new temple to Athena, and Iris is requested - required - to observe and report.

Iris almost wants to shake some of them. They are bequeathing to the gods foods, materials, the very stuff of survival for them.





But she watches and observes completely unseen by human eyes.

[balancingminds]

He follows the crowd towards the dedication and watches the ceremony, their belief is daunting and he finds himself looking above to see if anyone else is watching.

[chrysopteron]

The oldest amongst them, a woman with veiled hair in mourning, offers the beginning of what is sure to be many prayers:

"Of Pallas Athena, guardian of the city, I begin to sing. Dread is she, and with Ares she loves the deeds of war, the sack of cities and the shouting and the battle. It is she who saves the people as they go to war and come back. Hail, goddess, and give us good fortune and happiness!"

What are you doing? Iris wants to yell at all of them. This will help no one, especially yourselves.

But she doesn't, and continues looking on over the crowd gathered by the ruined shoreline gate.

[balancingminds]

A man bumps into Charles and he moves out of the way as the crowd pushes him farther from the ceremony.

There's a loud yell from inside the walls as a soldier appears holding a handful of gold and yelling, "Gifts for the gods who have led us to victory!"

[chrysopteron]

Spoils of war. The lord Ares will be thrilled. As will the lady Athena, but as a stickler for procedure rather than vainglory.

Iris descends to walk upon the earth.




A second later - the glints of the sunlight against the gold shoots rainbows into the dust.

[balancingminds]

Charles spots the rainbow but the crowd has moved him into the tents and the wounded.

Their pain is familiar and he starts to walk among them, murmuring as he soothes what pain he can.

[chrysopteron]

Iris receives new orders.

Thank you, my lord Zeus.

A moment of reprieve for the people, and

[balancingminds]

As the rain falls, numerous prayers go up from the beds and Charles sits down and someone brings him some wine.

A man who is slowly dying from a wound to his belly grabs his hand and he's able to understand the question of, "Who are you?"

"Just a man."

[chrysopteron]

"Just a man. Aren't we all."

The man on the bed near Charles drops his own back to his belly with a heavy cough.

"At least the lady has brought rain to us."

[balancingminds]

He looks up and can almost feel the touch of Iris' mind,

"Yes, she's good at knowing what we need."

"I must do more for her, I've been a messenger. Don't ever do it if you can help it. They shoot you in back."

"Oh, I won't. I'm best at healing."

"And probably have a pretty wife waiting for you too?"

Charles shook his head as he sipped his wine, "No wife, not yet."

"Lucky fool," Then he laughed and coughed before leaning on his bed once more as the rain pounded down.

[chrysopteron]

The rain continues for a few hours. Casks are filling, fresh water is being collected and used for healing.

(It's one of the best parts of Iris' tasks.)

When the rain eases, Iris descends to the ground again, setting off reflections in the puddles with her fingers and footsteps.

[balancingminds]

As the rain falls, Charles spends his time listening, its something he does well and that he knows can make a difference. Whenever anyway asks his name, he uses his last name as Xavier is Greek enough that they don't question. He keeps the wine flowing and provides some comfort, that's all they need to know.

A few of them wonder if he might be someone powerful in disguise but when he nicks his finger cutting some sausages, he feels a few breaths let out. When the rainbows begin to arch through the air, he joins in the prayers of thanksgiving to Iris and adds a silent one.

Perhaps I should not be here but I'm glad I found a way to see your world. You bring joy, Iris.

[chrysopteron]

The clamor of people moving through the tents is louder now that the rain has stopped --

And then Iris catches a clip of -- found a way to see your world. You bring --.




That's not possible.

Charles?

[balancingminds]

Her voice is clear and he smiles, getting an odd look from the man he hands some sausage and bread to.

I'm here. Sallie found a way for me to visit.

[chrysopteron]

"Oh no. Oh no oh no Charles -- "

You need to leave. It isn't safe for you here, kyrios, you can't --

[balancingminds]

He sets down the knife and stands up as he doesn't want to worry the men in the tent.

Then walks outside to find a reflected rainbow.

Iris, if that's what you want then I'll leave.

Its not the reaction he was hoping for but she knows the dangers here better.

[chrysopteron]

Of course that is not what I want, Charles Xavier.

Iris, for all the world and all corners of Charles' mind, sounds pissed.

How dare you suggest that when I only care not to see another harmed?









I cannot come to you where you are. Find some privacy.

[balancingminds]

He winces at her tone and looks about for a quiet spot.

There aren't many near the tents but near one of the ships, he finds a place to sit with no one near.

Forgive me. I know that, I should have warned you so we could work together on a better plan.

[chrysopteron]

"And how would you have warned me?"

As soon as Charles sits down, Iris appears behind him.

"I have not seen a door to Milliways in months. Before that, years, and still you came here? How would I have been able to plan? I heard you," she ends, trailing off.

"I heard you, and could never reply."

[balancingminds]

"I don't know,"

There's so much he doesn't know and he's tired of it. He just wants something to work.

[chrysopteron]

"I just..."

When Iris walks closer, her demeanor shifts. She seems to diminish somewhat; brightness being turned down like a dimmer switch.

As she gets close enough to touch Charles, she almost jumps on him, straddling his lap where he sits and kissing him full on the mouth.

"You came."

[balancingminds]

As she approaches, he holds himself still and then laughs when she straddles him.

He's missed her touch and he holds her tightly, "I did."

[chrysopteron]

Iris' fingers relearn Charles' features, nose and chin and hairline.

I never thought I'd see you again. The war is finally over, but there has been so much to do, so many requirements.