In the morning Atreus woke up a very unfamiliar sight. His father laid in bed with a tiny girl cuddled next to him. Kratos had an arm laying across the stranger. It took a second for his brain to catch up with everything that happened last night. That's right, he had a sister. A sister from his father's homeland that once was dead. Somehow now alive. He proceeded to rub the sleep out of his eyes. Atreus wondered if it would be rude to ask how she died. It might be a sensitive subject, but he was curious about it. In fact he had so many questions for the both of them. The boy wasn't sure how much Kratos was willing to tell him and Calliope didn't know their language. So, asking her might be out of the question for a while.
He grunted sitting up as the nippy cabin assaulted his sense. That was always the worst thing in the morning he thought. He quivered as most of the warmth left him. Atreus was tempted to just snuggle up in the furs a bit longer, but his bladder had other ideas. Instead he threw on his boots and fur garb in order to make his way outside to relieve himself. Atreus eased himself out of bed. He made sure to tread lightly so he wouldn't wake up Kratos.
He stumbled out into the frigid snow. A couple of times he tripped over his own feet. The boy was still half asleep, and it was impressive he got this far without falling. He stretched tall until he could hear a nice pop sound from his joints. Atreus did his business on a nearby tree.
The birds were chirping up a storm like normal. He then did his father's normal patrol around the house to look to see if their snares caught anything. Atreus wanted to check something out this morning anyway, and it didn't hurt he might want time with Calliope. He didn't want to get in between any conversations they needed to have. It's not like he could understand them anyway...Maybe he could help with that
He walked into the forest with the snow crunching underneath his boots. The forest's recognizable scent of pine welcomed him; It was a pleasant greeting in the morning. But, he knew better not to let down his guard. Atreus at the moment didn't have his bow with him it slipped his mind after waking he did remember to keep his knife tucked away in his pouch. It was fine for one Draugr, but they've been traveling in large groups as of late. It would be best to avoid those areas till his father awoke.
On the way to check the traps he gathered whatever wild edible vegetables he could. There was a patch of wild onions nearby and Atreus made sure to stuff them into his pockets. Since, he knew they had some parsnips inside from their last outing. It was starting to look like a decent plan for their breakfast if they caught anything. He made sure to gather a bit extra since they have a guest. Though Atreus made sure never to over pick them. His mother often warned him what would happen if they got too greedy. If there were no plants left over then the next generation would not grow. The same applied to any animals they hunted. Never go for the children of the deer or boar, or you would be left starving come next winter.
Upon coming up to the location Atreus noticed right away that a trap definitely had been set off. He rushed over to see his reward. There a rabbit laid on the grass with a tiny rope around its neck. The creature laid there lifeless.
"Yes!" he exclaimed feeling super proud.
Atreus had built the snare himself for the first time. So, it felt super special to him to see such a huge rabbit in its clutches. Plus, the animal would be perfect for breakfast this morning. Atreus untangled his prize with a giant grin on his face. Kratos wasn't one to praise unless Atreus did a real good job. This time around he was sure his father would take notice. It really made him happy thinking about his reaction.
All the other traps remained either empty or needed to be set back up. Quickly, he fixed them before running back to the house. Each step he took had a little pep in it.
Atreus opened the door only to be greeted by Kratos uncharacteristically still asleep. Father was always up before him, so it was a strange sight. The gigantic spartan would have already started the fire, checked the traps, and woken Atreus up by now. Instead, it was sister who was awake. Calliope blinked at Atreus from Kratos's side.
"Uh...morning" He mumbled while shutting the door.
"Καλημέρα αδερφέ"
"Yeah, that. I'm going to start breakfast" Atreus announced heading towards the dining area.
The first step was to start a fire. It would take a few minutes before it would be hot enough to cook anything. So, He threw some logs into the hearth. During this Calliope removed their father's arm and placed it to his side. Curious, she watched her brother start to build a fire. It took Atreus only a couple of strikes with some flint to get the ember he needed. Leaning over the pit he blew on it until smoke started to drift out from the source. It didn't take long for a flame to start going.
It was time to start on breakfast. He really wanted to show his father what he caught, but if he was this tired Atreus thought it would be better to feed him rather than wake him. First the boy made sure to drain the animal of any blood. Then, Atreus begun to skin the rabbit like his mother taught him. His blade careful to remove it's pelt from the flesh. This used to be so hard for me to watch he thought. Now he did it with such ease and focus that he hardly noticed his sister watching him from the dining table. Midway he looked up to see Calliope's face distorted in disgust. She sat at the spot near Mimir with her tongue sticking out at the gorey mess.. She even made a 'blak' sound to get her point across.
"Αυτό φαίνεται τόσο ακατάλληλο! Κακή κουνέλι."
Somethings transcend language Atreus thought. A tiny smirk appeared on his face seeing his sister reacting parallel to his own. Really, it was pretty funny to see they were similar.
"It's not that bad sister. Wanna try?" He asked pointing his knife blunt end towards her
Calliope's was quick to shake her head no. The sight of blood had always made her feel a bit icky. Especially when her father came fresh from battle with the troops. There were a lot of broken noses and bones to mended in their household. It wasn't a sight Calliope enjoyed. Though as a spartan never did she dare to admit it. It would be seen as another weakness…
"Oh, It's not that bad" Atreus teased "look," he began to mimic what his mother did all those years ago.
"See, I'm not gross"
Deadpan Calliope gave her brother a look like he was crazy. She did not understand a word he was saying, but did pick up on the fact he was now puppeteering the rabbit. Her brain tried to wrap around his actions but she was failing to do so.
Atreus snorted out loud seeing the face she had made. Calliope gave Atreus the same look as if she had seen Thor wearing a dress! He started to laugh more as Calliope's face twisted into more confusion. Even Mimir was chucking at this reaction.
"Makin fun of your sister are we? Be careful. I've seen many of siblings regret teasing one another. Often ends in a brawl" Mimir warned
"It's all in good fun Mimir. I'm not trying to be mean. It's better to laugh at the uncomfortable rather than avoid it. Mom taught me that"
"Aye, I guess that's one way to deal with things" Mimir muttered
Calliope stared back and forth at the two. She was pretty sure they were talking about her...It was starting to get frustrating not knowing.
Atreus gave her a sheepish smile before resuming to butcher the rabbit. He then proceed to wash the blood off his hands in a bucket of river water. He placed the vegetables on a clean area on the table. To his surprise Calliope got up from her spot and put her hand out. Atreus blinked trying to understand what she wanted. In frustration the young girl rubbed her temple then pointed at his knife. Atreus gave her the handle of the weapon. In a flash the young spartan girl started to prepare the produces. She was quite proficient at it too.
"Ο πατέρας φρόντισε να μαγειρέψω, αφού η μαμά ήταν κακή σε αυτό" Calliope explained to her brother.
Atreus nodded like he was following the conversation to be polite. However, the only word he understood was the word 'father'. The language barrier was really becoming a nuisance. Mid cut Calliope notice her brothers confusion. She let out a big sigh agreeing with her brother's frustration. This had to be fixed she thought
Calliope pointed to her brother "Atreus" then proceeded to point at herself "Calliope"
"Πατέρας? Father?"she asked pointing at Kratos sleeping form.
"Yes…?" Atreus confirmed.
"Oh! Smart lass is trying to learn our language." Mimir said smiling
Atreus thought for a second. All those questions he couldn't asked his father about his homeland he could get out of his...sister. It was still a weird thing to get a sister overnight Atreus thought. But, it wouldn't hurt to help her practice. Nor would it hurt for him to learn their native tongue.
Calliope held up the knife " Μαχαίρι"
"Knife"
"..Kn'ive?" asked trying to get her mouth to form the right sounds.
"Close, it's Knife"
"K'ive"
"K-n-i-f-e" Atreus said putting emphasis on each letter
"..Knife" Calliope parroted.
"Yeah!" Atreus couldn't help but flash a big smile at her. Calliope grinned back feeling very accomplished getting that one word.
"Knife" She said proudly.
"What's knife in your language?" Atreus asked curious
"Μαχαίρι. Knife"
"Μαχαίρι" Atreus repeated
Calliope looked at her brother in awe. He managed to get the word down in an instant. Atreus made it seem so easy. She felt her cheeks flush. Technically she was older than her brother. She should be catching up faster. Even though mentally and physically she was an eight year old. In the after world there was no reason to age or grow. One just existed.
"Aye,sister, you shouldn't be upset. Atreus here has always had an affinity to language. It's quite a special gift" Mimir mutter from his spot "In fact I'm sure if you give the boy an hour with a troll he'll be striking up a conversation"
Atreus nodded agreeing with the head "It only takes a couple of hearings before I can understand most foreign words. Give me a bit and I'm sure I'll be able to understand you"
Calliope stared at them blankly. Still not understanding a word the two were saying. It seemed both Atreus and Mimir forgot that fact. As soon as Atreus realized he couldn't help but laugh.
"Sorry Calliope" Atreus said while rubbing the back of his head
"Oh brother, must be losing my mind to forget she doesn't have the faintest idea what we've been blabbering about" Mimir muttered
"That isn't good Mimir. You already are only a head. "Atreus chuckled out
"Well, can't disagree with that brother."
Calliope shrugged and laughed too. She assuming they were trying to say something nice. The talking head gave off a very elder tone. The kind of feeling that is wise and deserves respect. A lot like the older women in her previous village. One's that birth very mighty warrior. Though, she doubted the head had any kids. It was only, in fact, a head. As for her brother he seemed to be funny and kind.
It took way less time to get food going with them working as a team. Throughout the rest of the process the two would play a game of picking up an object and having Calliope try and say the word for it. Then in return Atreus would say the greek word for the object. It was fun. Though, Atreus notice that his sister didn't pick up words as quickly as he did. Often asking him to repeat certain words over and over again. Atreus didn't mind. It was kind of nice to be the one teaching for once. So far, the only world Calliope got down was father and knife. It was fitting considering who their father was.
Kratos woke to the sound of laughter. The pleasant noise echoed in his ears. For a moment the fierce warrior laid in bed taking it all in. One he recognized as his son. The other took longer for his groggy mind to untangle. That's right, his daughter had returned. He had suspicions, but the child acted the same. Deep down he wanted to say he knew it was her. But, that wouldn't be true. Many years of manipulation and doubt made him distrust even himself at times. Kratos would need to confirm further it was Calliope. This meant talking about her death and revival. One does not come back from the land of the dead without cunning, strength, or worse...help from the gods. However, the greek pantheon was dead. He ensured that. What complicated things further was with Hades dead a lot of souls were left to wander the earth for eternity. He never considered what could of happened to Elysium. He assumed Zeus would of had a fail safe for that location.
He listened as two languages intermixed. Despite not having direct communication capabilities his children seemed to have figured a way past it. He could hear Mimir on occasion make a comment. Though the majority of the talking came from Atreus and Calliope.
He allowed his presences to be known by clearing his throat. All three people in the kitchen stopped to turn their attention in his direction. Kratos stared back at them before sitting up. He couldn't stay in bed all day. Yet, the pounding in his head begged him to. The warrior's headache from last night had not let up. He swung out of bed with his face looking down. He rubbed his temples hoping to ease the pain.
"Πρωί, πατέρα!"Calliope rang out first.
"Morning father"
Kratos grunted in response. He needed a minute to wake up. The news had wrought havoc on his normal productive self. All these complicated thoughts about confirming Calliope's identity didn't help. He slowly raised up from the covers.
Calliope gasped and corrected herself "Father, πρωί"
This caused Kratos to cock an eyebrow. He eyed the eight year old at the word father. It was surreal hearing her say it the nordic language. He glanced at his son who was grinning ear to ear.
"Father! Κοίτα τι έκανε ο Ατρέας" Calliope ran over to her father, grabbed his hand, and started to drag him over to the dining table. She was practically jumping up and down. 'She still had bundles of energy' Kratos thought as she pulled him along.
"Μου διδάσκει και τη γλώσσα!" the spartan girl explained.
It seemed like Atreus had a busy morning. He had already checked the traps, got breakfast going, and began language lesson with Calliope. Kratos looked down at the proud face of his son. He couldn't deny that is son put forth a lot of effort today.
Kratos started by clearing his throat before saying "..You did well boy"
Calliope watched as Atreus's face brightened even further. Her brother looked away a bit embarrassed to be so excited at such a single gesture in front of a new person. Aterus decided to turn his attention to cleaning up the kitchen area. However, he was radiating positive energy. Calliope thought that his reaction was interesting.
Soon the group each took their place at the table with a bowl of food. This morning Kratos noticed both children were talking a lot more in comparison to last night. Even if it was just linguistics. Only when needed Kratos would correct them on a word.
"Father, what are our plans today?"Atreus inquired after his last spoonful of breakfast.
"We go see the dwarfs"
"Brok and Sindri? Yes!" he exclaimed
Atreus was happy for any excuse to see the pair. They were welcomed company since Father wasn't much of a talker. Mimir was nice to have around, but every so often he wanted to be around someone new.
"Calliope, You will like them!" he said in his best greek. It was still very disjointed. Calliope only gathered she will really love rocks and cinder? But, her brother was hyped. Which rose her own excitement.
"Ο Brok και ο Sindri είναι σιδηρουργοί. Αδερφια." Kratos clarify. Though he was impressed how close Atreus was. It wouldn't take long before he would speak like he was born there.
"We need to fashion protective gear for Calliope. She has no defence. "
Atreus looked at his sister then understood what he's father meant. She was smaller in stature, Calliope still wore that thin material, and she had no weapons. Atreus wasn't even sure father ever trained her. He nodded
"When do we leave?"
"Now" Kratos said while getting up from the table.
Notes:
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Translation:
Καλημέρα αδερφέ
(Good Morning Brother)
Αυτό φαίνεται τόσο ακατάλληλο! Κακή κουνέλι
That's so gross, poor rabbit!
"Ο πατέρας φρόντισε να μαγειρέψω, αφού η μαμά ήταν κακή σε αυτό
(Father taught me how to cook, since mother was so bad at it)
Πατέρας
(Father)
Μαχαίρι
(knife)
Πρωί, πατέρα!
(Father, Goodmorning!)
Father! Κοίτα τι έκανε ο Ατρέας
(Father! Look at what he did)
Μου διδάσκει και τη γλώσσα!
(He's teaching me the language! )
"Ο Brok και ο Sindri είναι σιδηρουργοί. Αδερφια
(Brok and Sindri are blacksmiths. Brothers)