Of Greece and Of Troy Chapter 1: Of Peace, a troy fanfic

All she'd seen was the inside of those walls. Now, things will change drastically because of her simple request. [AU, with real characters not of the movie

Here's the first part of my rewrite. I'm sorry to all who liked it, but I decided that I could do a better writing job on it than I was…and it was getting difficult to write. Starts before the movie (that's all the setting your getting for now!). This took me a while to write 'cause I got stuck at one point, but I've figured it out. Now, read and enjoy! For now, I'll try to keep the chapter titles consistent, but I can't make any promises yet.

Of Greece and Of Troy

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Chapter 1 – Of Peace

"If we make peace with Sparta, we will be aligning ourselves well," Priam addressed the congregation.

"Father, even then, it won't stop Agamemnon from trying to destroy us. We enter a treaty with Sparta and we put ourselves in a position of difficulty," Hector chided.

Paris remained silent, observing all that went on; Helenus, a year or two younger than Paris, ran through possible scenarios in his mind to agree with Hector; Cassandra, Helenus' twin sister, sat quietly, since speaking would not be a pleasant idea for her standing at the moment. The congregation was roaring with voices and opinions.

"And what are these positions?" Archeptolemus asked Hector coolly.

"If we are in treaty with Sparta, Agamemnon will see us as an easy target. He'll use Menelaus to convince us it is safe, then make us bow to his will or slaughter us all. That is one of his many options to conquer us."

The congregation was at a dull roar, everyone discussing who had the better plan, Priam or his son. Finally, Priam quieted the congregation.

"Hector has spoken his piece, but I have not heard from the rest of my children. Paris?"

Paris looked as if he had been placed at the slaughter and quickly pondered this matter. "Father," he began, "I shall follow whatever is decided."

"So you do not believe that it is right to make treaty or do you disagree with your brother?" Archeptolemus fired.

"Helenus?" Priam asked, cutting off Paris from answering.

Helenus looked at Priam and then the congregation. "I believe that either plan is well thought, but also has its flaws."

"How is that?" Archeptolemus questioned.

"If we do not make peace with Sparta, it is even more of a reason for Greece to attack us and force us into their alliance. If we do, we put ourselves in a place of danger. Agamemnon will take this as bowing to him and believe we will fight for him when he calls for. Either way, we cause ourselves pain."

Cassandra began to muse as the congregation erupted again from Helenus' speech; her brother was always so eloquent and knew how to not cause too much of an uproar amongst people. On the other hand, she was already disliked, at best, by some present in the congregation just because she was female; then, she could rarely present her thoughts without them being challenged or causing a fuss amongst the members of the congregation. Priam, once again, hushed the room.

"Cassandra?" he called.

"All have made a good point," she stated, "of how this will cause us much grief no matter what action we take. I believe that it is wrong to make peace with Sparta."

Everyone began to shout and object.

"Let her explain," Priam announced calmly.

Once the room was quiet again, she explained herself. "We cannot let Agamemnon believe we are under his control; if one person controls the entire world, it is a foolish choice because he will fall even harder. If he believes we give him our allegiance, then we are forced to fight for him or battle him and all of the Greek nations. While we have prowess, Troy cannot handle the tactics of all the nations of Greece at once. It is better to let this battle come from not making peace and upsetting him, because by then he will have not conquered every Greek nation."

Under their breath, some uttered their wishes that the princess would not be a part of these meetings. Priam looked to the crowd.

"Glaucus," Priam commanded, the man rising. "You have fought for Troy before; you should have some idea of what is best for her."

"If we make peace with Sparta, we protect the city from a large assault."

"So you believe we should make peace?" Hector queried.

"It is the best choice for Troy."

The hushed voices grew louder, until Priam called their attention back again.

"It is settled. We shall seek to make peace with Sparta," Priam announced. "Within a week, I shall send my sons to enact this treaty."

Many members of the congregation looked very pleased as everyone parted. Archeptolemus shot Cassandra a look of displeasure and smug as he left. Slowly, and disappointed, Hector, Paris, Helenus, and Cassandra rose and left, ashamed with the final decision.

A few nights later, Cassandra sought out Hector after dusk. The two stood on a terrace overlooking the city, talking of the treaty.

"It is a decision that will destroy us," Hector remarked to his beloved and trusted sister.

"When do you leave?" Cassandra asked, her chin resting in her hand, her elbow on the wall.

"In two days. Why do you ask?"

She took a deep breath. "I wish to go."

"To Sparta?" Hector said in a confused tone. His sister nodded. "Why would you want to do that?"

"I want to know what we are forcing ourselves into, see somewhere new…"

"Somewhere that is not Troy?"

Cassandra lifted her elbow off the wall and stood, facing him. "You know that all I've seen is inside these walls and small areas of our land. Let me come."

"Cassandra…"

"Hector, please. If you have a woman with you, they will be less likely to kill all of the men who go."

Hector pondered her point. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes."

"You must not speak as you do to the congregation. Here, they are aware that you will speak your mind, but in Sparta, it could cause death for us all."

Cassandra nodded. "I will follow your commands."

"You will be allowed to roam the city and outside of it, but not far; this could keep you from speaking out of turn."

"Of course." She bowed her head.

"Lastly…I want you to be careful. Men in Sparta will not know or treat you like a princess of Troy." He kissed his sister's head. "Will you be ready in two days?"

"I will."

Hector smiled at his sister.

After days in Sparta, Hector, Helenus, Paris, Menelaus and his men were still working at a peace treaty; from what Cassandra had deduced after sitting in for two days, it would take at least a week longer. This day, she had decided to see Sparta; cloak in hand, she had gone to a far edge of it, looking at what all the merchants had to offer. For her route back to the palace, she was going to stay near the coastline, following it and viewing the Aegean. Unfortunately for her, she did not know the land as well as she thought and many others had decided to as well. Condemning herself, she slowly made her way through the crowded streets; many people bumped into others, apologized and went along their way. Cassandra made sure to try not to run into anyone; after a near avoidance of hitting someone, she looked at the ground, only to be bumped into by someone of tall stature, knocking the cloak from her hands. Both bent down to pick it up.

"I apologize," Cassandra muttered, reaching for the cloak.

"The fault is mine," a young man countered, beating her to the cloak.

"I was not watching where I was going…"

"I should have been paying more attention…" his last words slid off quietly as the two faced the other.

He knew at first that she was beautiful; how else could he describe her? Her dark blonde hair flowed in soft waves, beyond her shoulders; her green eyes twinkled sweetly; her fair skin shimmered in the sun; her build, while shorter than he was by at least seven inches, was rather thin; her pale blue dress flowed at her feet, the thin straps revealing her tanned shoulders. Likewise, Cassandra was in awe of the young man. He was most certainly taller than she and more muscular and had spent a lot of time in the sun; his dark blonde, almost brown, hair fell straight to his chin; his blue eyes seemed to pierce her soul, seeing her innermost thoughts; his black tunic blew in the wind.

"It was my fault," she insisted as he handed her the cloak.

"As I was saying before…"

"Before what?"

He paused, deciding against all rules to say it. "I should have been paying more attention for beautiful ladies who are out and about."

Cassandra turned her head towards the ground, trying to hide the blush that painted her cheeks. He smiled at her shy nature and how quick she was to blush.

"To apologize for my impudence, I would enjoy your company along the shore this evening, around dusk…that is, if your family…or husband allows."

Cassandra's blush immediately became a flush. (A/N: Look! I'm a poet and I didn't even know it! Oh snap, I'm on fire!) "I…I am not wed," she replied softly.

"Then, with that out of the way," he smiled, "would you care to join me this evening?"

She raised her head and smiled sweetly. "I would be delighted."

"I am Patroclus."

"Cassandra."

"I look forward to this evening…" he kissed her hand, and savored the last word he uttered, "…Cassandra."

Cassandra bowed politely. "As do I, Patroclus."

The two parted, going their separate ways again, both glancing back again and again until the other was far from sight. Patroclus; to her, the name sounded of a thousand nymphs voices ringing through the sky, praising whichever goddess they pleased. Her sweet name remained on his tongue and in his throat, like honey; in fact, the very name made his mind race and his heart pound. Patroclus did not know how he would make it to that evening, containing his sheer joy.

Patroclus left his room, going for the horses. Thetis spotted him, while stringing a necklace of shells, and smiled.

"And where might you be off to?" she asked.

Patroclus paused. "The beach."

"A girl?" Thetis mused, never looking up from the necklace.

Patroclus nodded. Once again, Thetis's face was filled with joy; she rose and went to Patroclus.

"Bring her this," she took his hand in hers, placed the newly finished necklace, and wrapped his fingers around it.

"Please, do not tell Achilles."

"What business has he in your affairs?"

Patroclus watched the woman for a moment, stunned. Thetis smiled.

"He will not find out. Now, go, before you are too late."

Patroclus nodded, departed from the home and continued to the Spartan beach.

Cassandra had replaced her pale blue dress with identical white one, gold accents scattered on it. She gently hooked part of her hair back, small pieces falling forward into her face; she looked into the mirror, making sure every last detail was up to par. During this ritual, Helenus entered the room silently; he smirked.

"Since when did you dress so finely for an evening meal?" he laughed.

Cassandra turned around, glanced at her brother, and returned to her previous activities. "I will not be at the meal."

"What might you be doing, instead?"

"I will be along the beach."

"What for?"

"I wish to see it at sunset." Cassandra looked at him. "Is that a crime?"

"I suppose not…" Helenus muttered.

Cassandra smiled, kissed her brother on the cheek, and left the room, making her way through the palace. Carefully and with caution, she left the garden gates and went for the beach.

Patroclus waited patiently on the beach; he sat, looking at the horizon, where the sun was about to set. Next to him was a small basket, containing food (since this was the hour in which everyone ate); in his hand, he held the necklace. He constantly scanned the surroundings, looking for a familiar sight; soon, that sight appeared. Cassandra came down the beach, towards him. Patroclus jumped up.

"You came," he said strongly.

Cassandra smiled. "Did you believe I would not?"

Patroclus got a slightly guilty look upon his face.

"Then you were not alone."

He smiled at her and the two continued to where the basket was, and proceeded to wade in the ocean.

"You are not of Sparta, are you?" Patroclus asked boldly.

Cassandra looked at him. "How would you know this?"

"I have spent a few days in Sparta, and some before that, but I have noticed that you do not seem like any of the women here."

Cassandra continued to look at him, as if he were finding out her secret.

"You are not like the women here. Where are you from?"

She took a deep breath. "Troy; my home is in Troy."

Patroclus nodded. "Then, you are here with the princes, are you not?"

This time, it was Cassandra's turn to nod.

"Any relation?" he joked.

"They are my brothers."

Patroclus's eyes went wide for a moment. He was spending time with the Princess of Troy, it's only female heir?

"And what about you?" Cassandra asked. "You do not seem at all like the men of Sparta."

"Phthia."

"The home of the legendary Achilles, is it not?" Cassandra remarked, halfway joking.

"My cousin," he said quietly.

Silence ensued between them again. The cousin of Achilles, the greatest warrior the world has ever known, and a princess, known for her benevolence and speaking her mind; a Greek and a Trojan. The two could not bring their minds around it, making the silence longer. Cassandra kept her eyes on the horizon, as if it would bring some unknown miracle. Finally, Patroclus broke the silence.

"I am much honored to have been graced with your presence this evening, Princess."

He felt guilty. He had thought she was just another person like himself, one that he could obtain and love forever; but a princess? That was far beyond his reach at all costs. Patroclus turned around, heading for their things; he kneeled and began to pack his things. Cassandra turned away from the sunset and looked at him. She came out of the water and dropped to her knees next to him, hoping to gain the favor of his eyes.

"I know what it is that you think," she spoke calmly.

"I had not an idea you were a princess…"

"And I that you were the cousin of the mighty Achilles; should we let this opportunity go only because of who we are?" Patroclus looked at her quizzically. "At the time, my family is in the household of Menelaus making a peace treaty. They have not moved very far from the first day we arrived. There is at least another week here, in Sparta. What is to keep us from continuing to see each other?"

"Your Highness…"

"Cassandra, please…"

"Cassandra, you are a princess. I am nothing more than a warrior."

"What is that to the world? Political power, social status matters not at all to me. All that matters to my mind and heart is finding someone that looks beyond what is in front of his eyes and sees the inner beauty…someone to love for eternity…whether they are a prince or nothing more than a warrior."

Patroclus paused, pondering over what she spoke. "A week, you say?"

Cassandra's face lit with a smile. "At the very least."

"Perhaps we shall continue to see each other."

Okay, so there's chapter one. I would normally say "Flames to that stupid horse that I hate with a passion", but I guess I'll accept criticism flames. If they're just saying the story sucks and it should be deleted, well, we all know what I'll do with those. (evil smirk) But please review; criticism welcome.