Work Text:
I started to notice my sister before my head was on. She was always a large, looming presence. Keeping the sun from bleaching my wood before it could be finished. Assuring me in creaking whispers that the builders couldn’t hear that I’d be safe and strong and that soon I’d be finished. She comforted me as they drove nails in to form my neck, my maw, my eyes.
And then I could finally see her. Majestic and beautiful, ornate carvings worthy of Poseidon’s grace. I wanted her. Willed the builders to wheel my closer to no avail. Loved her in a way my makers would not, could not approve of. I’ve heard the way they speak of their brothers, echoing inside me a sentimental but desireless sort of care. My own feelings couldn’t be farther from that.
Truly, what I longed for most was to crash into my sister’s welcoming flank and have the builders remake us as one, melded being. Her supports holding up my planks. Our mouths, half and half, permanently touching. Constant, constant, constant.
Cruel fate would not allow me such decadence.
The builders invited a new group, ‘soldiers’. They climbed inside of my sister with weapons in hand. Carted her off to a place called ‘Troy’. Stole my life, my love, my sister. And what could I do but wallow in dismay? But creak so loudly the builders came at me with oil and saws to attempt repair? One cannot repair a broken heart, not even one hidden inside a wooden beast.
I was never filled with soldiers. My body was carved in the same ornate way my sister had been. The same patterns, same divots. It offered only bitter solace, knowing I am made in her image.
The ‘soldiers’ are not brought to me. ‘Priests’, clad in flowing robes, pull me slowly to the shore. My wheels and hooves soak in the saltwater as they pray and dance, then I am cast into the sea- a gift to Posiedon.
Perhaps one day the waves will carry me to her, sitting at the bottom of the ocean. Perhaps our waterlogged bodies will have the chance to intertwine amongst the sand and seaweed. I hope the Gods allow such mercy for me.