Sometimes, late at night, I would sneak to Connor's room. I would wait until I was sure Achilles was asleep before braving the venture down the hall. Even though I wanted to, I never stayed the entire night. Mostly I would lay in Connor's bed next to him for an hour or two before returning to my own. It made Connor nervous when I did this, but he never sent me away.

The first few nights, we sat up talking in the low candle light. It was never about anything important, only trivial chit chat about things we had in common. There wasn't much, to be honest. We were completely different people. But each of us was fine with the fact that we shared so few interests. We were getting to know each other and finding that we liked what we were learning. Connor told me some about his past, I told him some about mine. We focused mostly on the happier parts of our childhood. There weren't many for either of us.

With so little to discuss, the conversations inevitably dwindled and we would spend more and more time on physical affection. That would range anywhere from holding hands while we gazed at each other in perfect quiet to heated make out sessions. Connor was tentative at first, stopping when things got too intense. That eventually ended and we did go all the way. It wasn't all that great. It was over quickly and we were both unsure how to act once the deed was done.

I studied him intently as we sat in awkward silence afterwards, looking for any sign of regret at the decision. Connor noticed my stare and gave me an abashed grin. It was sweet and genuine. It made me want to say something reassuring, so I said the only thing I could think at the time.

"I love you."

Connor stared at me in silence until my face became hot with the realization of what I'd just told him. I started to take it back, to pretend I hadn't meant it. I was afraid he would respond negatively. I was scared he didn't feel the same and things would be over between us. Before I could open my mouth, Connor spoke.

"I love you, too."

I looked back at him, feeling a deep relief and elation at his statement. I didn't know how to express my happiness, so I giggled. I know it must have sounded silly and lame, but it was all I could do. I was in love with someone who was in love with me. It was the greatest moment of my life.

Connor smiled. "I have wanted to say that for a while," he whispered.

"Why didn't you?" I asked.

He shrugged nervously. "I was afraid," he said. "That you didn't not feel the same way."

"I've loved you for a long time," I told him.

"Oh," he returned. He let out a breathy chuckled. "I am glad."

I was smiling like an idiot, I know. Connor didn't seem to think that, though. He smiled at me in return and held my hand adoringly.

We sat there for a while longer, whispering our new sentiments of affection for each other, then I went to bed, sure that I was the happiest person on earth.

I slept long and hard. I woke up and went about my daily chores in a good mood. I didn't see Achilles or Connor anywhere in the house as I worked. When I finished cooking breakfast, I went outside to gather water. I noticed Achilles standing nearby, in front of the graves of his wife and son. I approached him and he glanced over his shoulder at me.

"Hey, Pops," I greeted. Calling Achilles that had started as a joke, but he hadn't seemed to mind it. It had stuck after a while and I always referred to him by it now.

"Faith," he returned in an emotional tone.

I guessed the day held some significance in his former life. But I didn't ask what. I felt he deserved his privacy. If he wanted me to know, he would tell me. But Achilles didn't speak. I stood next to him in silence, staring at the headstones.

After a while, Achilles began to walk back to the manor. I walked with him.

"Connor tells me your skills with a bow are improving," he stated.

I shrugged. "He's a pretty good teacher."

Achilles looked at me. His gaze was searching and critical. It made me wonder if he knew that teaching was not all Connor did with me. I pursed my lips together and looked at the ground.

"He believes you have potential," Achilles said. "I wouldn't mind witnessing it for myself. I think a demonstration should be arranged."

I nodded. "Okay," I said. "But I'm not really that good. Not like Connor is."

Achilles stopped and turned to me. "Don't judge your skill by his, Faith. You are still a beginner. It would take many years to reach that level of expertise."

I found his confidence in my abilities reassuring. Achilles was not one to compliment achievements. Not to the person in questions face, at any rate. He bragged about Connor, but only when Connor wasn't around to hear it. To his apprentice, Achilles only ever cautioned more practice.

I grinned at him. "Do you want me to show you now?"

"After breakfast," Achilles told me. "And I think Connor should be present."

That caught me off guard and I frowned. Achilles only smiled and walked back to the house.

I stood still for a moment, watching him walk away. Achilles never did anything unintentionally. If he wanted Connor there for the exercise, there was a reason. I wasn't sure what it could be. His reasons plagued me all through breakfast.

As I gathered my bow to prepare for the demonstration, I realized that I hadn't seen Connor since last night. The thought of seeing him again after what we'd done made me equal parts nervous and excited. I wasn't sure how I should behave in front of him now. Especially with Achilles around. I attempted to avoid smiling at him as I walked outside to where he and Achilles were standing. I could tell by Connor's stance he was trying to fake the same disinterest with me.

Achilles sat on a large rock and put his cane across his knees. "Let's begin," he said.

"What do you want me to shoot at?" I asked.

The old man gave me an expression of exasperated disappointment. I saw Connor shake his head just noticeably at me. I gathered this was part of the test. And so far I was not doing well.

"Fine," I stated. I scanned the horizon, picked a target and readied my bow. I aimed for a few breaths and fired. The arrow struck close to the center of the elm I was aiming at. Achilles watched nonchalantly.

"Continue," he said.

The lack of specified targets made me hesitate. Yet, I did as he said. Each of my arrows hit close to the mark I was aiming for. When my quiver was empty, I turned to look at Achilles.

"You still need more practice," he said. "You delay far too long and the distance you can accomplish is lacking."

"I am still a novice," I reminded him.

Achilles nodded. "But after two months, I expected better."

I huffed in indignation as Achilles stood up.

"When you go for your lesson today," he said, speaking to Connor and me both, "I suggest focusing more on work than fun."

His words gave me an agitated shyness. I only stared at Achilles as Connor looked away with a scarlet face. The old man looked at each of us and shook his head.

"Neither of you is half as clever as you believe yourselves to be. Though, I don't condone your actions, I can't stop them. But I expect nothing to change. Your progress will not suffer," he said to Connor. The young man nodded. Achilles looked back at me. "I expect better results next time."

"Okay," I said.

As the old man walked back to the house, I exchanged a glance with my boyfriend. His expression was apologetic. I grinned at him. Connor gave me a faintly noticeable smile, then went back to his training.