XII. Polyxena of Troy

Troilus and I were racing through the woods on horseback, rejoicing in the freedom of being outside the walls. It is a feeling that we have not enjoyed in a very, very long time, a feeling we now must relish in secret. We were going to visit the well and a temple of Apollo nearby – sacred ground, exempt from the destruction of war. The wind blew back my hair and knotted the curls together, but I didn't care. It felt so good to be out in the open for once.

As our horses slowed to a trot, we suddenly heard the sound of another horse galloping towards us. A Greek warrior rode right past us, red plumed helmet and gold armor flashing. His horse kicked up a cloud of dust as the warrior reached over and grabbed Troilus by the hair. Troilus was unhorsed, but he wriggled away and began dodging through the trees and undergrowth, away from the trail. I watched, wide-eyed, and then spurred my horse to flee, fast. My hiccuping sobs were lost in the thundering of my horse's hooves and the howling wind in my ears.

After breathlessly crashing through countless branches, I slowed. Where could Troilus be? Where would he run for shelter… The temple! Apollo has always favored him.

I leave my horse behind to run towards the temple on foot. I wrench open the door, just in time to witness the warrior separate my brother's head from his mutilated body.


Author's notes: Hey guys! As Cassandra previously predicted, the happy fluff has ended. Just in time for the holidays!

On a more serious note, I decided to stick with the standard myth for Troilus - there's a prophecy that states that should Troilus live to adulthood, Troy will not fall. Athena therefore encourages Achilles to seek him out and murder him, which he does, but since this murder was committed in a temple, this act of sacrilege contributes to Achilles' own death. Goody goody.

So, apologies to fans of Troilus and Cressida, and more apologies for the dark humor (I'm in a really weird mood today).