Q&A: Someone asked if I'll be writing through the Trojan War. Yes, though that will be in a separate sequel. This fic will take place during the first ten years of their marriage, and then I'll end it and start the sequel, which will take place during the Trojan War. However, since the DVD doesn't come out until sometime in October, and I want to make sure I have all the lines correct, the sequel (which has yet to be named) probably won't start until I have my hands on the DVD (and watch it about a hundred times J )

And someone asked how I manage to update every day, well I set aside time for writing. Now that I'm out of school I have a lot more time for writing and as for writer's block, let's see. I had a bad case of writer's block for the last chapter (Ch. 8) where I started writing and I was like "This seriously stinks." So deleted it and started afresh. And that's my best chapter so far. I think best at night, so if I have a really bad case then I'll go to bed and usually that's when the ideas start to flow. It's very peaceful at night, whereas during the day it's like my brain can get stuck. Anyways, so yah that's pretty much what I do. And if I'm REALLY having a bad time and those things don't help, I'll go back and read the reviews. Since people comment on what they like and what they didn't, that usually starts the ideas flowing as to how I could write in a popular scene.

Again, thank you all for your reviews and support, I'm having a great time writing this fic. And as you see in the paragraph above, those reviews can REALLY help when I've hit a dead end. You guys are great readers!

…

Time had flown by and before she knew it, Andromache was standing on a stool having her wedding gown hemmed by Maira, with Hecuba and Briseis looking on critically. The main bodice had already been sewn together; just a few final touches were needed. In a short seven days Andromache would don the dress for the final time, her wedding day.

"Perhaps a few more beads in the veil," Briseis suggested.

"As long as I don't have to wear it while they're being sewn on," Andromache said crossly. She shifted her weight then quickly froze as Maira pointedly jabbed her with a pin.

"I'm almost done," Maira said, her mouth full of pins.

Hecuba nodded, "You're right, Briseis, just a tad bit more around the edges. It looks a bit plain."

A maidservant standing nearby made a note and Hecuba continued.

"Should the train be a bit longer?" She walked around Andromache and Briseis followed.

"No, I like it the way it is," Briseis said.

"I think it's perfect," Andromache interjected, hoping she wouldn't have to stand for another hemming.

"Alright then, we'll leave it as it is," Hecuba replied.

"Done!" Maira announced, standing up. She helped Andromache out of the gown who then quickly threw on a light dress, enjoying the freedom of being able to move again.

"Are we done?" Andromache asked.

Hecuba nodded, giving instructions to the maidservant. Andromache and Briseis slipped out together, walking leisurely through the quarters.

"What should I buy Hector for a wedding present?" Andromache asked her.

"Hmm, it would help if we knew what he was getting you. Because if his gift is simple, you don't want to embarrass him by getting something extravagant, but on the other hand, if his gift is extravagant you don't want to seem cheap."

"That's my problem," Andromache said miserably. "And I don't know what he would like."

"He likes horses," Briseis answered.

"I know, but he has everything he needs. And he doesn't need another horse, besides, I think he'd prefer to pick out his own."

"I'll take you to the market place, we can look for something there," Briseis suggested. "Maybe you'll see something that will take your fancy."

"Do we need a guard?" Andromache asked her.

"No, it's daylight and we'll be together. Just don't tell anyone," Briseis said mischievously.

The two of them set out, meeting no one on their way through the citadel and soon they were traveling the streets of Troy, Briseis leading the way.

"You're in luck, today the merchant sailors came in to sell their goods," Briseis informed her. "I heard some of the servant girls talking about it. You'll have more choices than you normally would."

"It would help if I knew what he was getting me," Andromache sighed.

"Why don't I try to find out?" Briseis suggested. "I'd be very subtle."

"You can try," Andromache said doubtfully. "I don't think Hector will fall for it, though."

"Here we are," Briseis announced, leading them into a square swarming with people. Andromache's eyes grew wide, there were merchants from all parts of the world here. Women haggled over prices while sellers either shook their heads or nodded. Children darted through the crowd, some of them grabbing at money purses as they fled. Slaves carried great baskets filled with their masters' purchases and men gathered in small groups, talking while their wives bought tomorrow's dinner. Briseis grabbed Andromache's hand to prevent her from being lost in the crowd and the two girls slowly made their way around the different stands.

"Pearls from Asia!" one merchant called out. "Such lovely pearls belong on a lovely neck, no?" He said, winking at Andromache. She smiled but shook her head.

"Perfume from the Orient!" another cried. "Guaranteed to dazzle your husbands," he suggested, giving the girls sly looks. They shook their heads, continuing on their way.

Delicate fabrics, made from the finest weavers. Hector has clothes, Andromache thought, passing the stand. Chickens for dinner. The look on his face would be priceless, but no. Hourglasses, medallions, goats. No, no, and no. Servants for sale, strong men to carry heavy burdens and women clothed in fine fabrics, looking suggestively at the passing men. Most definitely no.

An hour later they still hadn't made any progress and Andromache was forced to admit their search had been in vain.

"I didn't see anything good, did you?" Briseis asked glumly.

Andromache shook her head. "And our wedding is in seven days!"

"Perhaps you could make him something," Briseis suggested.

"I can weave well, but not in seven days. Besides, it has to be special! We need to find out what he's getting me."

"I'll talk to him," Briseis promised. "And I'll be so subtle he won't suspect a thing."

…

"Hector!" Briseis cried, spotting him after dinner, heading towards the gardens.

"Briseis," he replied warmly, pausing so she could catch up with him. "I was just about to go for a stroll, care to join me?"

"I would love to."

They walked in silence as Briseis tried to think of what to say. Subtlety is the key.

"Are you looking forward to it?"

"Looking forward to what?" Hector asked, confused.

"Your wedding!" she exclaimed. "In just seven- soon to be six- short days, you'll be a husband."

"Oh, yes of course," Hector shrugged. "I admit, I would be more comfortable if Andromache and I had had more to time get to know each other, but we are familiar enough so there will be no awkwardness."

"Well, you still have a week to get to know her," Briseis suggested.

"True," Hector replied. "But I haven't seen much of her lately, she's been busy with the wedding preparations."

Briseis scrambled for something to head the conversation in the right direction. "Are you all set for the wedding?"

Hector gave her a strange look, "I suppose so. There isn't much for me to do, besides don a nice outfit and show up. I'm not the one that has to design and make a gown."

"But are you ready," Briseis pressed, staring directly into his eyes.

Hector stared back, a total bewildered look on his face. "Ready for what?"

"You know." Briseis lowered her voice and gave him a look. "Once the wedding celebrations end and the two of you are alone, there's something the bride and groom always do."

Hector stared at her, shocked. "Briseis!"

"What?" Briseis asked, slightly taken aback at his reaction. Then it registered. "No! Not that!" she almost screeched hysterically. "The wedding gifts!"

"Oh!" Hector gasped out, a relieved look on his face.

"By the gods, Hector, I wasn't- I mean, I didn't- that's disgusting!" she she gasped out, a horrified look on her face. Hector couldn't reply, he was too busy laughing. She hit him.

"Stop!" she cried, her face bright red with a virgin's innocence. "You're terrible and cruel to be laughing at me right now. You know the bride and groom always exchange gifts after the celebration!"

Hector shook his head, still gasping for air. "I'm sorry," he finally managed, barely able to still his mirth. "And yes, I am prepared," he finally answered.

Forget subtlety, Briseis thought bitterly. "What did you get her?" she asked bluntly.

Hector shook his head, a smile still on his face. "As if I'd tell you."

"But I need to know!" Briseis wailed.

"Why?" he asked, a teasing smile on his face.

"Because-" she tried to think of a reason. I can't inform him his betrothed hasn't bought him a present yet. "I need to make sure Andromache didn't get you the same thing."

Hector gave her an odd look, but replied, "If she did it is no matter."

Briseis thought quickly, trying to figure out what it could be. Perfume? No, men don't wear perfume. Nor jewelry. Perhaps clothing. No, Hector wouldn't know what she likes. "But she is very upset thinking that she might've gotten you the same gift."

"Well, tell her I don't mind," Hector replied.

"But she does!"

"Well, everyone goes through life disliking things. Right now it's her turn to be displeased," Hector shrugged. It made no difference to him whether she'd gotten him the same gift.

"You're impossible," Briseis snapped, then stormed off. Not only had her mission been a complete failure, she'd made herself look like a complete idiot at the same time. "Don't speak to me," she snapped as she reached the women's quarters and stormed through the social room. "I'm going to bed." Andromache and Cassandra stared at her retreating figure, bewildered. Then Andromache spoke.

"Ah, she didn't figure out what Hector's getting me," she said. "I told her he wouldn't fall for any tricks."

Cassandra shrugged, then went back to her sewing. "Well, when Briseis takes an idea into her head, she's very upset if she doesn't meet her goal."

"Still doesn't solve the problem of what to get him, though," Andromache mused. "What would you get him? He's your brother, you know him well."

Cassandra set down her needle, a thoughtful look on her face. "It has to be something special, a wedding gift is only given once." She pondered thoughtfully, then shook her head. "I don't know."

Andromache sighed, giving into despair. "It's hopeless," she said, groaning. "I think I shall yell at him for being so difficult."

…

Five days later, she still hadn't figured anything. Briseis had been quickly coaxed out of her bad mood- which no one knew the real reason for- and had once again offered her services to Andromache.

"We'll go down to the market again and pick anything we think he'll like," she said determined.

So they set off again, this time with Cassandra accompanying them as well. Dusk was falling, so the girls walked quickly, hoping to catch the merchants before they put away their items. Briseis led them down a side street, hoping to get there quicker, when they heard of a shout of "Have a care!" and turned just in time to see a horse charging for them at breakneck speed. The three girls threw themselves out of the way, just in time as the horse charged past them and around the next corner.

A man came shouting after it and Briseis had to force herself not to cringe. The man was dirty and smelled of wine, and his teeth were rotting. His eyes held a cruel look in them and in his hand he held a whip. Briseis pitied the poor horse; in the few seconds she'd seen him she'd noticed scars on his flanks and he'd run with a limp.

"Cursed beast," he muttered, stopping to look at the girls. "Didn't hurt you, did she?"

Briseis shook her head, not liking the leering look he was casting towards them. She wished she'd brought a veil, but it was too late now.

"I'll give you ten silver coins for her," Andromache spoke out.

The man cast a shocked glance towards her, then paused, greedily rubbing his hands. "I'll take it," he said. "This is a done deal, you take her as she is, you understand?"

Andromache gave him a cold glare and nodded. "I am aware of the condition that horse is in, do not think you're about to rob me."

She gave the coins to the man and strode off in the direction of the horse. Briseis and Cassandra stood there stunned for a moment, then ran off.

"Andromache!" Briseis hissed when she caught up to her, "Did you see what that horse looked like?"

Andromache nodded, not slowing her pace.

"What could you possibly want with her?" Briseis asked, flabbergasted.

"She's my wedding present to Hector," Andromache replied calmly.

Briseis tripped over her own feet from the shock, but quickly regained her balance and hurried after Andromache. "Wait!" she gasped out, pulling Andromache to a stop. "You're not serious."

"Yes, she is," Cassandra put in suddenly. "And it's brilliant."

Briseis stared at both of them as if they'd lost their minds. "She's ugly, there are scars all over her, she's limping, and she's half starved. Don't mistake me, I feel bad for the poor thing, but to give her as a wedding present?! It's insane!"

"No it's not, it's perfect," Andromache replied. "You've seen Hector with horses, he's happier with them than anywhere else in the world. He has horses, many of them, but he doesn't have a project. Healing her is something he'd enjoy more than anything in the world."

"She's right," Cassandra added her voice. "For Hector, it's perfect."

Briseis still thought it was slightly insane, but she could see their point. Hector's skill with horses was undisputed, he hadn't met a horse yet that he couldn't tame.

"How will we catch her without Hector's help?" Briseis asked doubtfully.

"Cassandra, you go back to the stables and have a trusted servant prepare a stall in an isolated area. Very isolated area. Briseis, here are some coins, run to the marketplace and buy as many apples and carrots as you can. I'll try to find the horse and corner it. Then we'll coax it into the stables," Andromache said, proud of herself for her master plan.

"That'll take all the carrots in the marketplace," Briseis grumbled, but dutifully grabbed the rest of Andromache's coins and ran off. Cassandra paused to hand her cloak to Andromache, she'd been the only one who'd thought to bring one.

"You're alone in the city, and darkness is falling. Veil yourself and don't take any risks. A horse isn't worth it, even if it is a wedding present," Cassandra warned her. Andromache nodded and Cassandra took off, hurrying back towards the royal stables.

Andromache set off in the direction the horse had gone, following the mess it had left behind. Overturned tables and spilled barrels littered the street and Andromache hurried past, hoping to catch the filly before she went too far. Eventually she came to a place where the street branched, and no signs were visible. Asking for help, a kind lady told her she'd seen a mare sprint off on the left street, towards the hills. Andromache took off running, knowing that as soon as darkness fell completely it would be near impossible to find the horse. She checked the sun- it was halfway hidden behind the hills. She had maybe fifteen minutes of light left.

May the gods help me, she prayed, jogging slowly. She was straining her ears, hoping to catch a whinny so as to get a hint as to where the filly had gone. Only the sounds of people getting ready for dark met her ears and she sighed with frustration. Inquiry produced no results, no one had seen a filly run past, so Andromache turned around and retraced her steps. Suddenly, she noticed a small side street she hadn't seen before. Crossing her fingers, she crept cautiously down it. It turned suddenly and she followed, coming up short when she came face-to-face with the horse. Her ears were laid back, the white of her eyes was showing, and Andromache froze. The alley was small, if the horse decided to charge Andromache had no place to go.

"Shhh," she said softly, holding her hands out in front of her, palms up, and backing away slowly. She came back out onto the main street, hoping Briseis would be able to find her.

A lifetime later- though in reality it was only a half hour- Briseis appeared, her face red, her hair mussed, and a huge basket of apples and carrots in her arms. "Did you find her?" she asked breathlessly.

Andromache nodded, grabbed a handful of apples, and led Briseis down the alleyway. "Hand me the basket," she commanded softly. "And slowly walk back to the palace. Order the people to clear the streets, if they question tell them a wild horse is coming through and you're not responsible for the injuries it will inflict upon them." Briseis obeyed and scampered off, and Andromache started humming a song, to let the horse know she was approaching.

She turned the corner, keeping her eyes down, and set an apple on the ground about ten yards away from the horse. She backed up a few feet and repeated this action until she'd made a path all the way around the corner. Pausing, she listened. She heard the horse hesitantly stepping forward, then heard a crunch as it ate the apple. She breathed a prayer of thanks to the gods and continued her actions. Slowly but surely, she left the alleyway and turned in the direction of the citadel, dropping apples and carrots every few feet. She was hoping that Briseis had convinced everyone to leave the streets, any loud noise and the horse would bolt again.

The journey was slow but steady. The filly always stayed at least thirty feet from Andromache, who never even glanced back to see if she was following. She just listened, always being satisfied that the horse was following her.

Roughly halfway back to the citadel, Briseis returned. Andromache put a finger to her lips in warning, and Briseis nodded.

"We must try to hurry, we are two maidens out during dark with no protection," she whispered. She took the basket from Andromache to give her a break and the two were able to pick up the pace. "Cassandra has the stall all prepared," Briseis said softly. "It's in a separate building, one that's not used for anything else so the filly will be alone and undisturbed. I don't think it will be a problem getting her into it. Once she's in she may wander at will, but she'll eventually go into the stall, it's the only one with food and bedding."

Andromache smiled at Cassandra's attention to details. The two worked in silence and within an hour they'd reached the stables. The carrots had all been used up and there were only a few more apples. The stable workers were nowhere in sight, Cassandra must have ordered them to leave. Andromache placed the apples leading right into the small barn and Briseis poured a bucket of oats from the apple trail into the stall. The two girls quickly fled and hid behind a nearby building, crossing their fingers. The filly wandered in, still following the trail and Andromache heard Briseis gasp behind her.

The horse had walked under the light of a torch and they were finally able to get a good look at her. Her body was muddy and rough, with scars over her sides. Her bones contrasted sharply with her coat, and she was favoring her right foreleg. Her tail was so tangled with knots and burs that Andromache knew it would have to be cut, and her mane didn't look much better. A gash on her left flank had just barely stopped bleeding, and Andromache hoped it wouldn't get infected. By the condition of her body one would think that she was an old horse, but her size told another story. She can be no more than a few years old, Andromache thought, horrified at the treatment she'd gotten.

The filly followed the trail, stopping at the entrance to the barn and cautiously looking around. Andromache barely breathed, praying with all her might. After what seemed like a lifetime, the filly walked in, munching on the oats and following them right into her stall, where she gave a small sigh and wearily lay down, closing her eyes and going to sleep almost immediately. Only then did the girls come out of their hiding spot, shutting the gate of the small pen that encircled the barn. From the opposite end Cassandra came, leading one of the stable workers.

He bowed to the ladies, then nervously spoke. "Lady Cassandra has told me your idea. I must say, it is a good one, my lady," he said, addressing Andromache. "There isn't a better horseman than our Prince Hector. Anyways, about the filly, I saw what she looks like, and there isn't any way I'll be able to get close to her. But that barn isn't used by anyone anymore; it's a bit rundown but still perfectly dry and warm. What I can do is go in to the opposite end tomorrow and make up a new stall for her. Then when hers gets dirty she can just go into the other one. When she does that I'll go in, clean the first stall, and get it ready for when the second one gets dirty. The pen around the barn will allow her to roam in the sun if she so wishes and no one will bother her. No one comes around this area any more, all the horses are stabled down a ways. When you show her to Prince Hector, he'll be able to fix her up, don't you worry about that."

"Thank you," Andromache said warmly, knowing she could trust him not to reveal their secret. "I'll pay your for her food, of course."

He shook his head. "She's a royal filly staying in the royal stables, I can just use the feed that's ordered for the rest of the horses. There's plenty of it and due to the sheer amount of horses we have here, no one will notice a thing."

"Alright then," Andromache said. "Two nights from now, have the torches lit so I can show her to Hector."

He nodded and left, and the three girls slowly walked up to the citadel.

"Here's your cloak back." Andromache handed it back to Cassandra, who smiled.

"Hector will love her," she said softly, not wishing anyone to hear them. "He couldn't have bought a better present himself."

Andromache smiled happily and nodded, knowing it was true. "Well, now all that remains is for me to marry him."

Briseis sighed, "In just two short days you'll be leaving the quarters. I must say, we'll miss you. It won't be as fun anymore."

"I'll come visit," Andromache protested. "I'm just moving to another area of the palace."

"And of course she'll come stay with us when she fights with Hector," Cassandra said, perfectly serious but with a twinkle in her eye.

Andromache agreed, "I most certainly will come visit when I'm upset with him."

"Mother used to do that," Cassandra informed her. "Before I was born, of course, but the maids would tell us about it."

"Apparently it's a tradition," Briseis put in, laughing. "All the women who quarrel with their husbands come stay in the women's quarters to get away from them. And the husbands can't come to retrieve them, since they're men they're forbidden entrance and they can't send any guards in."

Andromache laughed and linked arms with the two of them. The three girls walked back to the women's quarters, happily chatting about everything under the sun. Those who saw them smiled but the girls were oblivious to the scrutiny. When they finally parted to their own rooms it was only a few hours before sunrise but they weren't planning on sleeping long. They'd made plans for Andromache's last day as a free maiden and they were anxious to start the day. As Andromache lay down for a few short hour's rest, she smiled happily, thinking back to her mother's parting speech.

"I want you to live your life in Troy so that when your time on this world is up, you feel your heart breaking all over again."

Drifting off to sleep, she murmured softly, "Don't worry, Mother, my heart will break."

She'd fallen in love with Troy, just like she'd promised.