Cool big sis

[gwenchan]

 

Fandom: The Iliad, Ancient Greece Religion and Lore
Characters: Achilles, Polydora

Prompt: Antica Grecia
Tag: pre-canon; missing moments, siblings

A carriage stops at the gates of the palace, carrying the crest of a house Achilles doesn't recognise. Standing at the balcony, he pulls Phoenix by the sleeve as down below a woman steps out. Chestnut curls escape the veil She's wearing for protection and there's something vaguely familiar in the shape of her face, especially her nose and her chin.

Achilles pulls Phoenix’s tunic.

"Phoenix?" He calls the mentor, looking up. 

"Yes?"

"Who's that?"

Phoenix gets nearer the railing. His face lightens up.

"That, young prince, is your sister. What an unexpected visit"

The fact that Achilles has a sister - well, a half-sister - isn't truly a novelty. He's heard father mention her from time to time, when speaking to Phoenix or this or that man.

But it has always sounded unreal, like one of the tales with which Phoenix puts him to sleep.

"Come. We should join the king for the proper introduction"

In the throne room, Polydora and King Peleus must have already gone past the usual formalities for they are both chatting amiably standing next to the throne. Polydora, Achilles notices, has a very nice voice. It’s musical

“Oh,” his father exclaims, as soon as he spots them, “look who’s here. Come, I want you to meet a person.”

Polydora is also tall. She nods politely to Phoenix. “I’m glad to see you in good health. It’s been a while.”

“It’s the same for me, princess. I hope King Messene and Borus are fine as well.”

“Thanking the gods they are.” 

They chat a little further, mostly the obligatory small talk when two people meet after a long time, before Phoenix slightly nudges Achilles further. The kid holds his head high. 

“And this must be Achilles. My, have you grown. You didn’t walk yet last time I saw you and now look at you, such a little man.”

Polydora speaks to him like with an adult, without using any silly voices, and Achilles already likes his half-sister more for that. 

"You're fine," he says, eventually.

He'd like to stay more with her but a glance from Phoenix reminds him it's almost time for his music lessons. Huffing, he lets himself being steered away while his father and Polydora goes the opposite direction, toward the courtyard 

Polydora comes to search for him in the afternoon. 

“Father said you’re already an excellent rider;” she says. “How about you join me?”

Achilles jumps at the offer. 

Polydora rides as a boy would do, her dress light and wide enough to allow it. She has picked a greyish filly from Peleus’ stables, which she manoeuvres with great confidence.

She’s still no match for him.

“One day father will let me ride Xanthus,” he says, proudly.

"Those horses are too free. They are not made for riding."

"But I will."

Polydora doesn't contest it. "I've always liked it here," she comments instead, eyes at the sea. "Do you like it?"

"It's nice. I like staying with father and Phoenix. Why don't you live with us?"

Halting the horse, Polydora chuckles. "I'm getting married soon and living in the house of my spouse."

Achilles listens, but it doesn't make all that much sense. Father and mother are married but mom doesn't live with them.

It must be another one of those grown-up’s things and Phoenix is always vague.

"How long are you staying?" 

“Only a few days, I’m afraid. There are still many things to prepare for the wedding.”

It only raises new questions in Achilles’ mind which he promptly pours onto Polydora.  

“How’s your future husband? Is he nice like father? Can I come to your wedding?” 

Luckily the onslaught of childish curiosity doesn’t seem to particularly annoy his sister. “Yes. He’s a nice man. Honourable.” She says it almost as if with regret. He opens his mouth to ask again, but Polydora is faster.

“A wedding feast is no place for children, I’m afraid. But you can always come to visit me and then I’ll introduce you to Borus. Would you like that?”

Kicking lightly his horse in the flanks to make him turn as they continue their stroll, Achilles ponders the question.
“Can father and Phoenix come to?” 

His sister smiles, steering her steed closer. For a moment Achilles thinks she’s going to ruffle his hair, a habit he hates unless it’s from father or Phoenix. But she stills her hand.

“Of course. Phoenix told me how picky you are with your food when he’s not around. And you’ll get your own room. How does it sound?”

He bites his lips, thoughtfully “With a big window?” 

"With a big window," she confirms.

From that, though slowly, the questions ease into an actual conversation, as they become less and less strangers.

And by the time they have returned at the palace, Achilles has officially decided he's lucky to have a sister like this one.