Adam laughed at the comment. âYeah, thatâs true. We could head there now, if you like? We have to start training together sometime anyway.â
The idea of working with someone while at the training grounds was both enticing and daunting. He had no doubt of his own abilities, and had had sparring partners in the past. But he knew that archery was his strongest fighting style and that while he could hold his own at hand-to-hand combat, Stavros would likely be better at that.
And with three more years of experience, Adam had to admit he felt a little nervous. They may be partners but they knew nothing of each other.
âSix years? âŚwow.â Standing up, he began heading back towards the campus and the training yard. âThatâsâŚa long time. And the way you talk about him I guess you donât talk to your dad much either?â He huffed, glancing down at his feet as he walked. âI never knew mine soâŚâ
Ah, family. Those thoughts always led to frustration, anger, sadnessâŚbut Stavros had asked so Adam felt a obligated to answer.
âUh, my dad, ErosâŚhe loves his wife Psyche. Like, completely, irrevocably loves her. The only reason Iâm here is because, for a half century before I was born, the two got into a terrible fight. I donât know what itâs about, only my mom does, and truthfully she only knows a little of the story.â
Sighing, Adam stopped walking outside the training grounds and turned towards Stavros. He never liked talking about what had led to his birth. But something told him that if he didnât tell his partner, who would he tell? So he continued.
âThey essentially separated. For a long, long time. And Eros was heartbroken. He drifted through life, finding no joy anywhere in it. Then he met my motherâŚshe was free-spirited and kind, and apparently reminded him so much of Psyche. She listened to his story, offered a shoulder when he was at his lowest, and in the end my mom told him that it was alright if he truly loved Psyche, that they could have just the one night together. She asked for nothing in return and understood that he was grieving. That in reality he still loved his wife and while he considered my mom a friend, what they had was more comfort and understanding than loveâŚâ
He frowned. âSo they had their one night. And, with my momâs encouragement, Eros went to speak to Psyche a little while afterwards and they patched things up. Of course by then I was already conceived, so it was hard on the two gods, but my mom insisted she had never wanted anything from ErosâŚno strings or commitmentsâŚso I was born regardless.â
When his booted feet reached the door to the training yard, Adam stopped and turned toward his partner with a self-depreciating smile. âSo yeah, I guess you could say that I donât really get along with my parents. I donât know my father and I donât approve of half the things my mother does. But if you donât mind that I essentially just dumped my entire history on you, weâre here and Iâd love to take out some of my frustration on the practice dummies.â
âSure, why not?â Stavros replied. He knew that their training should begin sooner or later so why not start it today? Knowing that both of them have different fighting styles he though it would be best to go hand-to-hand, though Adam was better at ranged combat.
âYea, Iâve been here for a while and came here at a young age as well,â Stavros replied âI havenât visited him for about five years and all I know is that he moved somewhere and never told me why.â
As they began walking towards the training yard, Adam was telling his story. Stavros kept thinking about how Adam would be able to tell about his parents to someone he barely knew.
When he finished Stavros kept quiet for a few seconds and then replied with âThank you for telling me. I know it isnât easy telling someone especially if you just met.â
Finally reaching the training yard Stavros turned to Adam and said,
âWell what are we waiting for?â
