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 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.

[chrysopteron]

Iris' head snaps to look at Charles.

"And you, rain-messenger? ^{What do you say to this?} _{I do not believe you are surprised.}"





"I am not, my Kataklôthes. There is no surprise when his thoughts are my own."


"In more ways than one, we see. He is a seer."

[balancingminds]

A seer is a title he wouldn't choose for himself and he grips Iris' hand once more. He can't think of how to answer that.

[chrysopteron]

"He sees not the events yet to be, but men how they are now. The reasons underneath the actions."

Iris shifts her feet as though ready to take flight.





"He is the first in my life I have loved beyond duty. I would ask to go with him, back to the End of Worlds.

"You told me I would be made to make choices."

[balancingminds]

Its one of the best explanations of what he does and its humbling but he's scared for Iris.

She doesn't have the freedom he does to choose where she goes and he lifts her hand to kiss it, "I want you to be happy and yourself."

[chrysopteron]

"Perhaps she no longer knows who she is, seer. You ask complicated questions."

In an uncharacteristic reaction, Iris smiles. You have no idea.

[balancingminds]

Her smile is reassuring and he releases a small breath,

"I look for the truth."

[chrysopteron]

"Would you be willing to return the sigils of your office?"

Here, Iris hesitates.

"Will I lose my wings, as my sister did?"

[balancingminds]

He doesn't want her to lose her flight and stays silent, holding her hand.

[chrysopteron]

This is the first time since being transported here that the light in the room has risen. There are three women - presumably - sitting in low-backed chairs on a small dais.



Atropos, when she speaks, does so completely hooded.

"I have no charge with you yet," she offers simply.

There is no cord to be cut here.

[balancingminds]

That seems hopeful but he knows that the Fates are never as simple as they seem.