Unfortunately I don't own 300. But you have to admit a movie with scantily dressed men is worthy of writing about ;-)

300 part six

The sound of marching, trumpets blaring and roars filled with malice choked the air with its hatred. The Spartans were readying themselves. Some of the soldiers began to prepare themselves mentally in a variety of ways. Winona watched as some talked quietly amongst them while others were on their own and a few even mocking themselves and the oncoming army. She turned her eyes to their King. Braced among the oncoming twilight, his silhouette screaming defiance, leadership and strength. He stood alone, like a wolf poised towards his prey, stalking it like a mere rabbit.

She knew that the enemy feared him. And they were right to. Winona had watched him train with some of the other men. He was fearsome, awesome and majestic. To be truthful, she felt very out of place. After all, what was a woman doing in a camp of men readying themselves to do brutal battle? She picked her way amongst some of the men training to stand at the base of the rocky incline. Gripping her father's knife tightly, she began to say prayers to all the Gods, hoping that they would be able to scare the invading force away from the Spartan land.

"Don't worry, Kitten, we won't let them anywhere near you," Stellios whispered in her ear. She jumped, startled before turning to look at him, blushing.

"You scared me," she murmured, the dust that the men worked up sticking to her throat.

"Sorry, Hell Cat." He grinned then let his face fall, giving him the expression of sobriety. "Stay hidden," he warned, "And if they break through, for the gods, don't do anything to bring attention to you." He kissed her cheek softly before heading towards the Captain. Winona sighed, her heart clenching. She wouldn't be able to stand it if her new friends perished in battle, but Wynona knew the truth behind Stellios' words.

A gentle touch on her shoulder turned her attention to Dilios. "I hope you have some knowledge in healing, they need it when this battle is through." His soft melodious voice calmed her nerves slightly as she nodded.

"As long as I have clean hot water and enough material to make bandages, I'll be of some use." He nodded and smiled at her.

"A Spartan man lives for battle, for a glorious death. We are one step towards our dream. We know that if we fail, then Sparta falls. Our deaths will mean that it is one extra day that Sparta still stands." Winona felt touched by those words and she began to truly understand why they went to battle. It amused her slightly to think that they were comforting her, even though she wasn't going into battle. Giving him a smile she nodded. As he began to leave, Dilios pressed a blade into her hand.

"I know that you have your father's blade, but it is better to have an extra. One to be found and one to use later." Squeezing her hand, he made his way towards Stellios and the opening of the Hot Gates. She looked around to see if she could find Astinos and was pleased to see that he was making his way over to her.

"Stay safe, Astinos," Winona said quietly, kissing his cheek. "And yes, I know, stay hidden." He chuckled softly and pulled her into a soft hug. "That was for both our benefit. You do tend to inspire a feeling of protectiveness. Stay safe." He repeated her words and followed the rest of the men towards the opening.

Her gaze was once again drawn towards the King. She watched as he made his way off the outcropping and towards the front of the men. Sliding into a shallow dark cave, Winona listened to his motivating words, taking in the comfort of their confident tone and the convinced cries of the men.

I am enjoying writing about the oncoming battle. Just a little warning, I know that the original battle only lasted a few days, but I'm going to draw it out for a few weeks. That's the good thing about Fan fiction; you don't have to go completely cannon.