@sangerosu : affection isn’t always the easiest to express for the god of war . . . for his children, however, he would push through it. instead of the casual arm rub that he gives enyalios upon meeting him, father war wraps his son in a warm embrace, one hand on little war’s back and the other at the back of his head. ❝ welcome back, son. how did the underworld treat you ? ❞
enyalios was always content to receive whatever tenderness his father had to offer. even the most simple touch, such as when he adjusted his grip or his posture during one of the many hours of their constant training, filled him with so much love. he was prepared for a touch just as fleeting when he dismounted his chariot and handed the reigns to one of the nearby attendants, his smile forever betraying how delighted he always was to be in his father’s presence.
the full embrace brought his world to a temporary halt. for a moment, he stood silent and motionless, then eagerly encircled his arms around his father’s chest and splayed his hands between his strong shoulder blades. welcome back. a soft chuckle escaped him as he nestled his head on his shoulder — he didn’t intend to leave father war’s arms until he pulled away first. ❝ very well, father. prince zagreus took me to elysium again to introduce me to the shade patroclus. and then i visited thyxia in asphodel and we went to . . . ❞ little war, of course, could recount his adventures for hours. the warmth of war, after all, would always be his home.