"Hector?"
The voice runs cool over the stones of the courtyard, rustling the tree branches along with the night air. The man standing alone in the courtyard turns his head slightly, the torches casting long shadows over his face, but even in the low light you could make out his fine features. He's tall with dark locks that stray about his face, a straight nose, full lips and dark eyes reflecting his sorrow in the light. He lets out a slow sigh before turning to face the direction the voice came from.
"Paris, you should be with Helen, not out here, especially at this time." Paris crosses the courtyard in a few strides and is beside his brother, his beauty even more haunting in the dim light. He stands nearly as tall as Hector with the same stature, curly dark hair falling into his laughing, chocolate eyes and his blue tunic flapping lightly in the wind.
"Why brother, I did not know you cared so much." He replies mockingly, his childish air striking some chord deep in Hectors heart.
"You know I would do anything for you Paris. I would fight all the gods on Olympus if you asked me to." The truth in his words causing Paris to look at him intently before leaning closer and gripping his shoulder.
"You are fighting this war for me brother, I could never ask for more. You risk your life because I was too selfish to think of anyone but myself. This war is a burden that should be mine to carry not yours. That is why tomorrow I will challenge Menelaus to a fight for Helen, the winner can have her and no more blood must be shed."
"That is bold of you Paris, but Agamemnon did not just come here for his brother's wife, even if you defeat Menelaus this war will not end. Not till Agamemnon is dead or Troy has burned to the ground."
"Do not speak in such a way! I must try, if nothing else I must try to defend my country. And if I die tomorrow I will do so at your feet like I promised when we were boys after I stole father's horse. Remember?"
A small smile appeared on Hector's lips, "How could I forget, you came to me sobbing and when I asked you what was the matter you asked if I loved you and if I would protect you against any enemy."
"And you said, 'of course, you are my favorite prince and favorite brother I would do anything for you.' But then I told you about the horse and I thought you would skin me right there!"
Both laughed at the memory, savoring the precious moment that came so rarely in these troubled times. As they stood in the silence, Paris slipped his hand into his brothers bigger one. Hector held tight to his younger brothers hand, letting his thumb trace circles on the soft flesh, a comfort thing between them that remained from their childhood.
"I understand your need to fight Paris, but if I lose you tomorrow I'm afraid my world would become much darker."
"You will never lose me brother, for I will always be here," Paris placed his hand on his heart, "Forever and ever until we meet again by the river Styx."
Hector smiled again this time a full one. He knew that even if they lost this war and all was gone, he would still have people who cared and that's what made this war worth fighting.
