The Athenian Gazette Local News Political The first ship arrived from Persia today, and anticipation and nerves were high as the soldiers climbed out of their ships. They climbed out of the ship into the light, illuminating their skin. Each was poorly dressed and dragged their armor in thick sacks behind them, which tugged at their bodies. With a look of exhaustion across their faces, the only thing lifting their spirits and leaving their mind behind was looking up and seeing their family in front of them. No matter how sore or broken each soldier seemed, there was an undying sense of pride. The first off the ship was Adonis. A fearless warrior built like an ox and one of the strongest in his group. Each man after him was built nearly as strong, but Adonis, a spectacle to many, was godlike. On a bright sunny day like this, all the men were covered in dust and ash and something that looks to be blood, none of these could cover their beauty. One by one each soldier stepped onto their homeland, only to be tackled to the ground by their loved ones. They wept and cried out in joy and excitement. It is moments like those that make my love for this city grow beyond belief. The importance of family here is overwhelming. These warriors sent to Persia left ten years ago to battle the Persian Empire and save our home. Emotions run high and will be rising in these next few days.
Men coming home being loved like gods. These families have been waiting for ten long, strenuous years for their loved ones to return home. Children have been born and grown from their infant years, never having laid eyes on their fathers or brothers. Boys have grown to men and girls to women in the absence of their family members. With all these factors coming into play, the anticipation of waiting for your family member to come out of the lower levels of the ship, or to be told by a returning soldier that they lost their life in battle, is overwhelming. The expression of the family’s faces could break your heart. Even though these families are sad and are grieving, they are all proud of their son, father, or brother that lost their lives in the most honorable way possible. As Spartan women have said, “Come back with your shield or on it.�