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

[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.

[balancingminds]

He shifts into her touch as it makes him realize how much he's been missing it. There are moments when he and Erik touch but they're small and complicated.

War never seems to truly end. I remember that from when I was growing up. All the scars and time, how no one was untouched.

[chrysopteron]

What is left here is making sure that the reconstructed temples are to the satisfaction of Olympus.

Something Iris doesn't seem too thrilled with, on the whole.

I will be happy to see my duties here end.

[balancingminds]

It doesn't sound like a fulfilling duty and he hugs her, rubbing her back.

Do you know where you'll go from here?

[chrysopteron]

That is the question.




And Iris doesn't give Charles a response for a long while.

And then, a memory: "He will require you to make choices."

[balancingminds]

The memory is daunting, that the Fates know of him and he rests his head on her shoulder. He doesn't know what to say or do.

[chrysopteron]

Iris does. For once.

Will you take me back with you?

[balancingminds]

Yes, I have a Security badge, we just need a door that we can open.

It feels good that there's something he can do for her.

[chrysopteron]

Iris nods, wordless.

But then day changes to night.

And they're no longer sitting near the outskirts of Troy. They're standing, in a dimly-lit room Charles has never seen before.

Iris grips Charles' hand. Stay behind me, kyrios.

[balancingminds]

He didn't even feel the shift and squeezes her hand as he looks around to try and understand where they are.

[chrysopteron]

"^{Welcome, Iris Chrysopteron.}"

"And the new stranger to the land of the Greeks. Welcome to you."

"_{But you should not be here. We will take care of this.}"

[balancingminds]

"How?"

He does his best to keep his voice steady since he feels young and small.

Oddly he's reminded of the first time he went to New York City and how the press of all the minds deafened him. Now though its the age and power of the Fates.

[chrysopteron]

"Any way we please. It is an easy thing for us."

Iris finally opens her mouth to speak, and the crone with a spindle in her hands raises a finger for silence.


"We do not fault you, rain-messenger. Do not fear."

[balancingminds]

"I came here because I love her and miss her. I wished to be with her for any moments we could have,"

It doesn't feel like enough but its the truth and he knows how to speak the truth.