/AN/ Went back and reread chapter 2... really didn't like it so here ya go! Chapter two new and improved!

(Hey that rhymed!)

Chapter 2

The men happily obliged to enter Thalia's home and sup with her.

After a few awkward seconds Odysseus broke the quiet.

"This meal is amazing, your husband must be very happy here."

Thalia shook her head. "Husband, I have naught."

"So you live up here, alone?" The soldier looked a little unnerved. It was one thing hearing the rumors of this rouge woman;Who lived alone, and fought like a man. But, it was odd having the rumors confirmed.

"Yes,but it was not my choice. My sister thought I would be safer here."

That caught all of their attention.

Achilles scoffed."Safe? From the skills you show, I doubt any one would cross you."

Thalia looked down at her hands. "I was running from something I couldn't fight, or outwit."

Patrocleus tilted his head in confusion, "Then who were you running from?"

"Greece, any and all of it. The picture perfect place you believe in, is just another corrupt society eager to fall like the others before it." Thalia's voice was bitter.

"We don't all believe in it." Achilles said sarcastic.

Thalia raised a curious eyebrow but, said nothing.

Achilles continued to talk.
"Come, now what harm could Greece have done you?"

"For starters it forced my father to leave me when I was very young. And soon after my mother took ill. We had become dirt poor by the time I was thirteen and-"

Thalia shook her head, "You need not be burdened by my past sorrows. Nary a man would cross me now."

"Come now child, what sorrows could you possible have had?" Odysseus knew he had misspoken the second the words left his mouth.

"Child? Hm, that is something I haven't been called in a long time. Tell me now before I lose my patience, why are you really here?" Thalia's swift mood change left Odysseus momentarily searching his brain for the answer.

"There is a war. You are needed to fight it." The still confused Odysseus sentences were choppy, as if being forced through his brain and out of his mouth.

"Why? Your king has ensnared the great warrior Achilles. I doubt he needs my services."

Achilles stood up and walked out the front door with the parting words, "I need not have a woman insult me."

Patrocleus stood abruptly, "I apologize for my cousins actions. I'll go talk to him."

Thalia's attention turned to Odysseus.

"Agamemnon needs a fighting power he can count on. And Achilles cannot be controlled, he is unleashed."

"So? Who is to say I can be controlled? I am as unpredictable as the wind."

"Is that so? You are but a woman. Any man with enough power or leverage can control you."

"And that is where you are wrong."

Thalia stood and glared down at the man, unaware of Patrocleus's return.

"Your words offend me soldier. How do you think a womman is powerless? I might not have much faith in the gods but obviously you do, so you must realize they are more Female gods, than Male."

Odesseus, outworldy chuckled. "I've known women like you. They've died fighting for rights they will never obtain. You and the rest of your kind are mearly a subspecies, that Zeus gifted to us. The dominant species"

Patrocleus put his hand on the other man's shoulder. "I think, you've said enough. You seam to have forgotten your self, that you are in the presance of a lady who has abilities equal to my cousin."

Thalia smiled, she was beginging to respect this boy. But she wasn't ready to let this go, and went to draw her sword.

There was a shimmer of movement in the air, while her sister materialized.

"Sister! Stop before you make a mistake." The translucent girl put a wavering hand on Thalia's shoulder.

"Would it really be a mistake? It's only one life." Thalia spoke under her breath trying to hide her words.

Her sister took her hand soothingly.

"Yes, and you of all people should know how much one life is worth."

She shook her head, "Take your sword. Your actions are your own." The brunette girl proceeded to disappear.

Patrocleus then ventured a question, "Who is that woman?"

Thalia laughed at the boy's spellbound expression. "That 'woman' is my little sister."

"Well, she is most beautiful... What is her name?"

I half smiled, "Her name is a secret that I cannot tell you."

Achilles quietly walked back into the room, and spoke directly to Odesseus, who was still upset from the erlier altercation.

"Friend, perhapse it would be wise for you to go out side for a bit. I wish to speak to the lady alone."

Patrocleus escorted Odesseus out, leaving the two alone.

After a few seconds Thalia chose to break the silance.

"I cannot believe that boy, is only your cousin. I assumed by apperance and action that, you where brothers."

Achilles's mouth twitched for a split second into what looked like a smile. "His parents died when he was a young. I took him under my wing. I'm verry proud of him."

Thalia smiled, "You should be. I've only ever known one person his age that was equally driven, passionate, and determined."

"And I assume this other person, is your sister?" Achille's waited for the other blonde's reaction.

Thalia cast her eyes downward, and took a minute to choose her words.
"Yes, it would be my sister. Is this, what you wanted to talk about?"

The warrior nodded. "I'm merely curious about your past. I prefer to know who I'm fighting with. So, when they fall in battle I'm able to say who they where."

Thalia's voice grew tired. "I cannot afford to fall. No matter how I'd die, I wouldn't be in the Elaysian Fields. I'd abandon my sister."

Achilles wait for her to continue.

"My sister is on her third life. She's trying for the Isles of the Blessed. My father forced Hades to let her keep the memories from all of her lives."

"Who is your father to grant such a gift?" Achilles was getting closer to finding out her source of power.

"I don't know, but the god Ares, is part of my bloodline." The woman bit her lip.

Achilles pressed forward, "So you believe in the gods?"

"I'm prepared to belive in whatever I have to believe in, to get out alive." Thalia sounded weary.

Achilles looked the warrior girl over, "You look exhausted. Perhaps my friends and I should leave, come back tomorrow."

Thalia shook hear head, "Nonsense, it is late there are spare rooms down the left hall. You and your friends may stay there for the night."

"I beg your pardon, but I must take my leave. Goodnight." And with that Thalia stood and walked to her room, letting Achilles and Friends to fend for themselves in the large manor.