family, but she hadn’t heard them in years; not since her Nanna died. Nana had raised her after the loss of both of her parents. “Because if these people think that the large, ostentatious ruins up there are yours and that this man is you, then they really must have screwed a great deal up.”
“The victors always write history,” he said looking at her. “History should be ignored for the most part. Especially anything pertaining to when the Gods reigned. Mythology texts,” he lifted a hand and tipped it back and forth. “So-so on the accuracy. The lineages are mostly right; a little off here and there, but even we can’t say for sure, at least not a hundred percent. Since our deeds and misdeeds were mostly miswritten, I’d ignore those too. What do you want to know and I’ll tell you my version of it?”
“I have no idea,” Ava admitted honestly. “Did you really father as many children as the myths claim? And why do they only refer to you as the God of War when you are more than that?” she asked with a frown. “That’s a question I’ve always wanted to ask.”
“Right,” he gave her an odd look. Then he seemed to shake it off. “Never had kids, but because of Zeus and a few other promiscuous Gods, we all got a bad rap. I may have been around for, well, forever really, but I was always careful with anyone I chose to be with. As to the other,” he tipped his head. “Think of it like a songwriter. They are usually only known for their biggest, best-selling hit; the one that got stuck in everyone’s head. They write other songs, perform other songs, but they are always recognized for that one. Same thing with the Gods. We got labeled by our biggest, baddest works.”
“I understand,” she said with a nod. “And I suppose that war is one of those things that will always stick with a person isn’t it?” She should get out of there; she really should, but she found herself wanting to spend more time with this man; this God. “I’m sure that this happens a lot, but do you maybe want to get a coffee?”
He blinked at her, “Actually; you may not believe this, but that’s the first time anyone’s ever asked me out for coffee. I know you’re uneasy with me so if you’re just asking to be nice, don’t. But if you truly mean it,” he nodded slowly. “I’d like to; very much.”
“I truly mean it.” She was blushing. “I’ve never asked anyone for coffee either, but,” she shrugged. “I just- I guess I-” she was mumbling. “I don’t want to let this moment go. Weird, I know, but there it is.”
“Well then,” he stepped back and gave a small sweeping bow. “After you, m’lady. Lead on to wherever we’re to go.” Straightening he smiled slightly as he waited for her to move ahead of him. “Or would you rather I not be at your back?”
“I don’t mind if you’re at my back. If I recall correctly, you are one of those men that would rather kill from the front so that you can watch your foe die. Or am I wrong?” Ava teased as she exited the small temple.
“Not sure I should answer that. You already seem a little wary of me, and I don’t wish to give you more cause for concern.” He was following, two steps to her side and slightly behind. He was looking around, watching everything. Then he put on a pair of dark sunglasses and locked his hands behind his back.
She shrugged, “I’m not delusional enough to possibly think that you couldn’t kill me if you wanted to. I really hope that you will decide that you don’t want me dead.” But then again, she knew what and who he truly was, so why wouldn’t he want her dead? She was, after all, a liability.
“You are not a liability,” he said, in a casual comment sort of way. “Even if you were to run over to that group of students and proclaim me Ares, God of War, not one of them would believe you. You are unique amongst your kind, Ava. Besides, I could erase all of their memories even if they did believe you. And