15 years-
I am Theseus, son of Aithra and Aigeus, or so my grandfather Pittheus tells me. My mother will say nothing of my birth. I was born here in Troizen, once a great city, a hub of activity ruled by great kings. Alas, our rulership has fallen into decline but my grandfather holds tight to the day when I leave Troizen to reunite with my father Aigeus.
It is on those nights when we speak of my leaving, that my mother rushes from the coolness of the hall, her eyes filled with tears. In many ways, I wish to strangle my grandfather for his lack of concern for her. But that is the way of the owrld. I do so love her. Yet she is but a vassel for my life and she recognizes, herself, that she existed to sacrifice her body to bring me into this world.
Soon though, it will be time to go. But by some odd twist of fate, it is my mother whom Aigeus gave the power of my departure. Only she knows where I may find my father's tribute. He said nothing to Pittheus. I am almost a man now, yet it will be for her to determine my readiness to receive the materials of my birthright! My father's sword and sandals. These are the 'gifts for men' and would prove my paternity when I arrive at the house of my father. Those words have been repeated to me from before my memory.
"These are the gifts of men," my mother ever reminds me. But I am nearly a man and soon she'll have to let me go to my manhood.
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