(A/N) Having a bit of trouble characterizing Hector since he should act younger than he did in the movie so bear with me. We got some good interaction in this chapter, and I'm sure we can all guess said mystery woman. Let's see what happens..... Oh and this chapter is also about 150% bigger than the previous two. Enjoy!!!
Lagniappe
Chapter 3: Call On Me, Soldier
Night had fallen and with it came the sweet breezes that often danced through the city in the absence of the sun. The birds and their blithe songs had retired for the day leaving the crickets and cicadas to press their quiet melodies into the ears of those at rest. Wishing to be home and in the company of their families, the city's people had also cleared the streets leaving only a few rogues to wander unhindered by a crowd. However, as the lights in the town slowly extinguished, melting into the growing darkness that accompanies the night, one area remained fully lit battling the moon for supremacy.
The night shift had already relieved the earlier stablehands of their duties allowing the tired, musty men to return home to their wives and children, broken blisters adorning their hands and new callouses splintering from their skin a testament to the day's hard work. Hector longed to be one of those men, yet pity for the filthy horses standing in their itchy, sandy pelts within the paddock and yet unattended kept him staunchly to his task.
Just one more, he decided tethering a scraggly looking gelding and leading him quickly to a grooming block. He would return to the palace after he had managed to clean the sand and dirt from the horse's sorrel coat and tomorrow he would return to finish the rest of the horses, dragging the two culprits of this prank behind him for their share as well. Touching the horse's long fetlock in hopes of raising the large hoof for closer examination, he winced and retracted his hand finding a small burr embedded within the pad of his thumb. He grimaced pulling the assailant quickly from his finger and tossed it aside. A curry seemed to be in order for this horse's legs before he was turned out into pasture, but first he'd deal with the body while he had the necessary tools.
It took him less time than he had supposed it would to brush the grime from the horse's coat leaving the freshly cleaned hair to glimmer lustrously in the dim torchlight provided by the stable. Satisfied, he patted the horse's neck slidding his fingers carefully down the coarse mane to find it tangle-free before leaving in search of small curry with which to pry the burr's from the horse's still knotted fetlocks. A small sound outside the stable struck his attention, just a mild rustle of dirt and rocks.
Dogs, he guessed ambling casually toward the eastern entrance planning on scaring the animals away to keep the horses from panicking at the scent of a potential predator. A single dog couldn't do much damage if any, but a large pack could try to take down a foal should they become bold enough. He sighed lowly to himself turning the corner to where he'd heard the sound only to find the surrounding courtyard barren, not a single source of life inhabiting the area.
The horse in the stable beside him nuzzled his arm nipping lightly at his uncovered arm causing the young prince to turn. Running a hand over the horse's forehead and nose, he smiled.
"Perhaps I've been working longer than I thought," he said watching the curious look in the horse's eyes as it reached to sniff his unoccupied hand. "I'm even starting to hear things."
Suddenly, the horse's ears pricked and it craned its neck upward staring at the wall with an intense look as its nostrils flared taking in the air. A moment passed and the horse relaxed glancing back down at Hector's alert figure and then back at the wall again seemingly less anxious but interested.
"I guess something is out there," he whispered giving the horse's neck one last pat before making his way back out into the stable's courtyard.
The air was warm for an autumn night, the occasional breeze giving little relief to those who passed through it. Hector stood warily surveying the courtyard in the sparce light finding only the tips of a cloak visible from behind the edge of the stable's corner. It remained nearly immobile, only a few threads bobbing with the person's breath as they stood.
"Who's there?" he called out expecting to find a child hiding in the nook.
No one answered and the tips of the cloak did not move from their spot. He took a slow step forward watching as the sound of his movement triggered another slight rustling of the cloak. Horse thief, he thought idly to himself. It was the perfect time for one to strike when there were few grooms to witness the crime much less stop it. But not this time. If there was one thing Hector knew about horse thieves, it was that they were more cowardly than children and just as easily overpowered. With quick, powerful steps, he rushed upon the corner grabbing the cloak fiercly in one hand and spun the person around to stare down into their face.
"What are you doing here?!" he growled loudly shaking the person in his grasp forcefully until he heard them whimper meekly at the treatment.
"I'm sorry," the person ejaculated in a near sob, slender hands reaching to clasp the hand holding her stiffly. "Please, my lord."
He retracted his hand quickly releasing his captive and causing them to fall to their knees on the ground. Hazle eyes stared fearfully up at his face from their place below him, her full, lower lip trembling slightly in shock and fright. Her chestnut hair hung in sudden disarray, shorter strands clinging wettly to her forhead and others swaddling her shoulders and face as she gaped up at him, her terror apparent.
"My lady," he gasped in realization, his earlier actions filling him with guilt at his treatment. He rushed to her side, feeling the tension in her muscles as he gently placed her on her feet looking her over quickly for injuries. "I apologize, I mistook you for someone else. I didn't know."
She cradled herself in her arms looking away from his face and pulling her cloak more closely around her shoulders as though there had been a sudden chill. After a moment, she glanced cautiously at his face noting the regret laying openly in his brown eyes and gave a tentative, small smile; a gesture more to reassure herself more than him that she was indeed fine.
"I'm sorry, I should have answered when you asked who was there," she said softly looking away demurely.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his anxiety shining clearly through his features as he spoke. "I didn't hurt you did I?"
She shook her head, careful to keep her eyes averted and he sighed deeply in relief. He watched a small grin trace her lips at his open display of concern and smiled wryly to himself, glad to merely have caused no harm.
"Why are you here?" he asked quietly watching the smile fade from her mouth at his simple question. A moment passed and she began to wring her hands, a sort of tangible apprehension washing from her aura in waves to Hector's perceptive senses. "Surely you haven't been waiting here all evening?" he asked looking around the courtyard for another person. "Where's your escort?"
Again she didn't answer, opting instead to turn away from him and walk slowly in the opposite direction stopping when she reached the mouth of the stable and fidgetting worriedly, her head turning about to find something they both knew wasn't there.
"My lady," he inquired, his voice soft and cautious. "What happened? We both know it isn't proper for you to be here at night, much less alone and unescorted."
She didn't turn to meet him as he carefully walked forward hoping his advance would not alarm her. Instead she hung her head, watching as her toes clutched and curled in her scandles. Standing almost directly behind her, he waited listening to the dull hum of the wind and the nickering of the horses in the field.
Finally, she whispered, "I'm lost."
He barely heard her, his ears picking up the syllables as a muffled statement before he nodded to himself in understanding. Instead of barraging her with questions like most men would, he merely sighed stepping beside her and waiting until she glanced at his face to continue.
"Would you like some help returning home then, my lady?" he asked, the genuine quality of his voice assuring her of his dependability.
She smiled brightly, her eyes holding his stare for the first time in quiet acknowledgement. "Yes, my lord. Thank you."
He nodded a response, carefully peering through the stable to see the few grooms still working rigorously on their horses and his own yet unfinished horse prancing boredly at the grooming block a few yards away.
"If you would wait just a moment, I'd be glad to escort you myself," he informed her taking her elbow gently and leading her to a stool situated near the horse he was grooming. "I must finish this horse first, and then I'll take you home."
She sat quietly watching him enrapt with interest. He was good with animals, she could tell by his cool manner around them and the confidence with which he moved as he stroked his curry down the horse's cannon bones and through its fetlocks, the muscles in his arms constricting softly beneath his skin. Patience shone clearly in his eyes when the horse occasionally stomped or swatted him mildly with its bristly tail and she admired the skill with which he calmed the animal when its agitation at remaining still grew more apparent. Finally, he seemed satisfied with his work, placing the curry in a bin beside the grooming block and running a brush quickly over each leg. Unknotting the lead rope from the railing, he motioned for her to follow him as he silently led the horse to the far end of the stable where an unoccupied stall awaited him.
"You enjoy their company very much, don't you?" she asked quietly, watching the soft glow in his smile follow each movement the horse made as it was released into the cubicle.
"I do," he readily agreed, rubbing the animal's cheek as it returned to sniff his hair and face invasively.
She smiled as well chucking amiably and reached out a hand to pat its sinewy neck. "It would seem they enjoy yours just as much. I've hardly heard of men with such talents." Her expression suddenly dimmed, a solemn quotient ebbing the jubilance at the corners of her eyes. "I envy you for that, sir."
"What do you mean?" he asked, the confusion in his voice apparent.
She thought a moment staring quietly at her feet, the blush in her cheeks a sure sign of her embarrassment. "Nevermind, I shouldn't have said anything at all. Forgive me."
"I understand if you don't want to tell me," he stated almost vaguely occupying himself with the horse's mane. "Your thoughts are your own. Keep them if you wish."
Startled with his reaction, she couldn't help but throw her head sideways staring openly at his calm profile before quickly relaxing, happy that he would not push her as many men would. "Thank you."
He was a handsome man, she noted, perhaps five years older than herself with rich, brown hair and dark, expressive eyes. His cheeks, chin, and upper lip were moderately cursed with a short beard and his long locks curled softly behind him, pinned by small, golden clips. His many scars and full muscles easily indicated a life in the army as opposed to the more quiet lifestyle of a groom or servant. But why would a soldier spend his day in the stable, she wondered.
"Shall we be off?" he asked extending a hand towards her.
She nodded equitably, placing her smaller hand in his larger, more powerful one feeling his fingers grasp her lower arm almost tenderly as he led her out of the stable and into the deserted Trojan streets.
"Where do you live?" he inquired gruffly trying to decide upon which route to take.
"I'm only visiting, but for the time I'm staying in the women's quarters just outside the palace," she replied feeling out her way timidly in the darkness.
"Are you?" He watched her for some display of falseness, but found none as she looked him resolutely in the eye.
"I am, why?"
He shook his head dismissively staring ahead once more and veering onto a narrower street. "I don't meet many women that stay there apparently. Only the princesses and their cousins. It shocked me that you said that."
"Yes well, they aren't the only ones that are noble women now are they?" she replied teasingly tossing him a mischievious glance. "I've met some rather intriguing women that are neither princesses nor their cousins in my short time there, soldier."
He turned to her, a perplexed expression riling his features. "Soldier?"
She returned the look, innocence shining brightly through her. "I'm sorry, does that insult you? Are you not infact in the army?"
"No, no, it's alright I suppose," he quickly absolved shaking his hand dismissively before him. "I suppose I am a soldier, if you will. I've just never been regarded by the title." He smiled thoughtfully as he watched her. "I actually think it sounds fine, intriguing almost."
"I'm glad," she beamed catching his stare and holding it for a moment before turning away, the intensity of his gaze burning her cheeks.
They walked a few minutes in silence, one thinking to themselves and the other memorizing the path for future reference. A few gales sent the young woman's hair asunder and gradually the rocky path evened slowly transforming itself in a cobbled street, intricately lain and designed. Eventually, Hector decided to pursue her once more, his curiosity yet unsated.
"May I ask your name, my lady?" he requested searching her face for emotion as she hesitated to respond.
"I would rather you not," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes keenly averted.
He furrowed his brow. "Why not?"
She gave him an evasive glance feeling his grip on her lower arm move to her elbow, firm yet supportive and knew that it was an inquiry instead of a demand. "Because, soldier, to give you my name would be to give you my secrets." She cast him a teasing smile. "And I have many secrets."
"Indeed, I can agree with that," he conceded staring straight ahead once more, the ghost of a smile curving the edges of his mouth.
"Do you have a name, soldier?" she asked nudging him impishly with her shoulder as they walked. "Or have you suddenly grown too fond of my calling you 'soldier' that you've forgotten it?"
"Although I have in fact grown quite fond of it," he jested back; "I do indeed have a name."
"And what is it?"
His smile grew a bit wicked and he chuckled quietly in the back of his throat, thankful for the friendly mood. "But my lady, to tell you my name would be to tell you my own secrets."
With a sigh, she resigned herself rolling her eyes at his mocking, but light-hearted gesture. "I can't argue with that now can I?"
"No you can not. But perhaps you will answer a different question for me?"
"What's that?"
"How did you end up at the stables today and what happened to your escort?" he asked, his gaze becoming a bit more forceful and demanding as she tried to look away avoiding the subject.
"I never had an escort," she replied folding her hands together even as he held her elbow and wrung her fingers between them.
She suddenly lurched backward, his sudden stop and grip on her causing her stride to be unbalanced, but he easily supported her even as she began to fall situating her easily back on her feet. It was a masculine move, one that endeared her and frightened her all the same at the propensity of it, but she braved her face in preparation for whatever such a man could offer.
"What were you doing roaming the streets without an escort?" he questioned her firmly, the intensity in his eyes threatening yet entreating in its fullness.
She cast her gaze to her feet, embarrassed by the situation and at being scolded by a complete stranger. "You're hurting my arm," she said stiffly unwilling to let this man hear the slight fear beating quickly in her heart. He immediately released her elbow as though she'd burned him and took a step back still staring heatedly at her downcast face awaiting her answer. "I had an arguement with my brother while we were in the market and in my anger I separated myself from him thinking I would return to the women's quarters at once to avoid him. I didn't know the way back as well as I thought I did obviously. This is my first time in Troy and it is easy to get turned around in the many streets."
He nodded his agreement quietly issuing an apology for his treatment. "Did I hurt you much?" he asked glancing at her arm. "I forget myself sometimes, I don't find myself in the company of women often and tend to act a bit rashly."
She waved off his concern allowing him to take her arm once more, his grip astoundingly gentle as he led her. Leaning into him slightly, a sign of her growing fatigue, she closed her eyes to take in a coming breeze with great appreciation and joy.
"Do you ride often?" he asked her quietly after the tension between them had been fully released, the heat of her shoulder against his side almost scorching in its proximity and yet a welcome display of trust.
"No, not at all. Why do you ask?" She gazed quizzically up at him, her lashes fluttering in vain to keep her fully awake and alert.
He shrugged slightly meeting her gaze for a brief instant before she looked away, the day's events obviously beginning to weigh more heavily on her than before. "You seemed so at ease in the stable that I would have thought you'd spent a great deal of time in one before today. Usually ladies are only permitted in the stable when waiting for a mount."
She laughed softly to herself, a calm sound that fluttered about his ears in small tinkles. "I haven't been in a stable in years. You're right, it isn't proper for a lady to be seen gallivanting through one. I haven't even been on a horse since I was ten, and then it was only when my father or brothers would seat me in front of them as we travelled." She gave a pleasant sigh while she thought. "I do remember I loved it though."
Giving a short nod of understanding, he turned their course advancing up a steep path laden with stairs eventually plateauing into a diaphanous garden. They strolled through the iridescent plants, Hector occassionally stopping to allow her time to examine a particular specimen or smell a dainty flower, before the faint lights of the women's quarters came into view.
"I suppose you can find your way easily from here, my lady," he stated releasing her elbow and looking at her carefully.
She nodded flashing him a nervous smile, keenly avoiding his eyes. "I can, thank you. I appreciate your kindness."
He shrugged, running a hand anxiously through his hair and tousling a few of the strands in the back. "It was nothing, my lady. Any man in my position would have done the same."
Shaking her head emphatically, she reached out a thin, frail hand to squeeze his own thicker one insistantly, her thumb unconsciously grazing his skin almost lovingly. "No, soldier, they wouldn't." She sighed, watching their linked hands in such a thoughtful manner he thought it melancholy. "I've known many men in my life, some strong in mind others strong in body, but none that would lead a strange woman home without giving her demeaning words or harsh treatment. You've been very kind to me, soldier."
She finally raised her gaze meeting his own with a vibrance he had never known a woman to exude, the force of it silencing his protests and leaving him in deliberate awe.
"And for that I thank you," she finished giving his hand one last squeeze before allowing it to swing uselessly back to his side. "All my life I've been a bit cynical of men, only trusting a few of my brothers and hating the thought of men and their summonings completely. However, I don't think I'd mind being called on by such a kind man." She smiled brightly, the edges of her eyes sparkling and alighting for a moment. "Goodnight, soldier. Thank you."
"Goodnight, my lady," he responded, his voice barely more than a breathy whisper.
With a smile still gracing her face, she turned and slowly strolled up the long trail to the women's quarters, a guard easily allowing her entrance with only a few words of passing. And he watched her, the smoothness of her gate and the fluid sway of her hair as she moved mesmerizing in its ethereal vantage. Once she was out of sight, he left for his own room in the higher recesses of the castle where his bed felt oddly cold. And for the first time in his life he realized something so important, so obvious that he had ignored it until the smile of a young lady had abruptly exposed it with painful clarity. For all his glory and all his prestige as the heir of Troy and commander of the world's finest army, he was completely, and utterly alone.
But he didn't want to be.
(A/N) I'm going to try like mad to update before I leave Friday, but that may be a stretch. Expect one for sure a week from Saturday though. It's almost a guaranteed promise.
Special thanks once again to all that reviewed: Psychotic Tanuki, sarahw, hentaistar, Freakazoid, Another Me, Julia, Adania, and shi-sha. It means the world to me that you take the time to review.