A/N: Oh, I just thought of how fun this next chapter would be, after reading a few reviews, it just hit me...lol also Paris & Helen...
Donna Lynn: yeah i know! i'm still on my toes! lol :)
Disclaimer: yet again, I don't own anything but Atreis, and ummm, I'm making no moola. :)Chapter 4 – Breathtaking / Meeting from hell
A shield would be a waste of time, if this was going to be done right, he needed to be light on his feet, swift and undetected. With his armor covering his chest, and his sword at his side, he darted from his hut and headed into the cove in which water smashed into on a daily basis.
"Achilles!" Patroclus yelled for his cousin's attention, but Achilles kept running while giving a few last words.
"STAY HERE! DO NOT MENTION THAT I'VE LEFT!" Those where the last words Patroclus thought of the entire night. Achilles ran off into the cove which was covered in a dark glow. Of course Eudorus would find out, it wasn't hard to imagine it. But Patroclus knew he must honor Achilles wishes. Holding his tongue, he walked back towards the lights of flaming logs which Greeks burned into the early mornings. This night, Patroclus stayed in Achilles hut, warding off any suspicious soldiers.
In the breeze everything felt free, birds could float into a distance, and people could understand their freedom by the single touch of the mysterious invisible stroke.
For the first time, Atreis truly began to feel like herself. Something awakened in her bold mind. Her bruise also started to fade, though the mark was visible. She was given fresh clothing, and she bathed today so now her hair danced in the breeze. The dirty blonde strands looked beautiful in the night's radiance, her cheeks had sheen and she actually smiled when she looked about the view she was given. It over saw the streets of Troy, and lead out beyond their walls where dozens of Troy's guards waited with powerful and deadly arrows.
The dress, it was breathe taking as she saw it placed on the bed after her bathing. It was a light blue, Troy's colors, she ignored it, and in need of something clean she wore it. The dress was made of silk, it had a strapless top, (though what seemed like straps draped over her biceps), which hugged from her chest to her hips. A small rope covered in silver tied about her waist, and free-flowing fabric drifted over her legs. She felt like a queen in the middle of war. A Greek woman given all of Troy's luxuries. Fingers laced together, her eyes never drifted from the Trojan streets. Their city lights gave a luminous tint that ruptured into the country side.
Something stopped her calm and satisfied moment. Lifting up the fabric over her thighs she stepped onto the ledge with a swift turn and she collected the sword she'd hidden on the roof. Holding it still, she looked into the corner of darkness. Something sparked in her mind; someone is lingering in her room.
"Come out," She muttered in a low whisper. "Ac--" Atreis spun dropping the sword her voice went to scream until the gigantic palm rested over her mouth.
"Shhhh!" Atreis eyes bulged open and her hands gripped the wrists of the one shushing her. "Calm yourself. No need to make a stir within these gates." He removed his palm and she saw his face.
"Achilles!" Atreis whispered before hugging her brother deeply. He latched his arms over her. He finally was able to breathe and could think of more important issues than Atreis.
"What happened? And why are you in here?" Achilles stepped back, all he saw was her gash and a gorgeous gown.
"I'm sure we can go over explanations later."
"So your alright then?" Atreis nodded as Achilles placed his hand over his hips, and a small smirk appeared. Atreis gazed at her brother, the strong, powerful and undefeated Achilles. She was feeling safe again.
"Yes, how many guards did you kill?"
"Not enough, now, shall I bring you back, or are you staying here for a better reason? Have they harmed you, other than with a view and some fruit?" Achilles gave a chuckle; she was fine other than her face. She looked better than she did on the beaches.
"I'm fine, and no harm has come to me. Hector looks after me."
"Hector?" A sharp reply bounced from Achilles, but Atreis nodded in confidence.
"Yes, no one else is allow to 'deal with me', well I'm, learning a lot of useful things if you care too--"
Achilles eyes shot to the door as it began to shuffle open. Atreis lifted up her arms and shoved Achilles; she knew he'd kill whoever entered.
"I'm fine, now leave! I shall return with information, I swear too it!" Atreis whispered as Achilles shook his head at her then at the sword on the ground. Atreis face became brutal while pointing towards the ledge. She mouthed the words 'go now' forcing Achilles with no choice. He replied quickly.
"This isn't over! I will retrieve you!"
"Atreis," Hector approached her, she turned around to him, her face still and eyes questioning. His mind faded in a heartbeat, Atreis seemed different to his eyes this night.
"Something you need Hector?" The attitude had returned to over shadowing her beauty yet again. If she could shut her damn mouth every man in the Aegean would ask for her hand.
"Can you do me a favor?" Hector spoke to her as though they'd become friends. Sure, they'd taken a walk in the gardens in the middle of the afternoon, but it was only to meet Priam.
"What now?" Atreis asked as Hector held out is palm. Atreis stared at it, refusing to touch it as though it was a monster planning to consume her. Raising and eyebrow at his tattered palm, he ignored her and grabbed her hand.
Meanwhile --
"PATROCLUS!" Odysseus entered Achilles' hut allowing the leather strips to flap from his forcing hand.
"Odysseus is there a reason you barged in?" Achilles snapped at his friend, King Odysseus. His face seemed as though he was lost. Achilles raised an eyebrow as Brises stayed asleep in his bed.
"But, you--"
"Right, thank you for your time Odysseus, but you may leave now. Anything you're stuttering to say can wait for the morning." Achilles rolled over, his bare chest relaxing next to Brises skin. He'd known what Odysseus was barging in for, to see if he was here and where Achilles had gone. Little did he know that Achilles was also the top runner in the entire Aegean.
"What did he want?" Brises turned her face to Achilles; he pulled her close and kissed her forehead.
"Nothing my dear, rest now."
Meanwhile (again, lol) --
"You like the dress, yes?" Hector asked while escorting Atreis in the empty hallway. Atreis' eyes roamed as she spoke.
"Yes, I adore it actually. You have some taste Prince of Troy." Atreis knew those last three words would nip at a Hector. He gripped her hand and pulled her violently close to him, stopping there progress down the hall. It was to a boiling point, her sharp remarks made him furious and now he'd announce it.
"Stop calling me that. You've been here for days, and you call me that when you're angry. Frankly you've had everything here that those dusty shores can't give you. Now stop being such a child and act like the adult that's hiding in that dress!" Hectors fierce and aggressive tone rolled into her mind. His face was tilted to look deep into her eyes, his eyes showing he was fed up. She placed her palms on his burly chest in an attempt to get some space, but his arms locked her in. Atreis could feel his fingers move onto the swell of her back, she held her breath.
Something came over her and she wasn't able to holler at him, run, or attack for a quick escape. And along with her ever changing mood, his changed as well. A stern stare still showed, but his hold became engaging as her firm hold faded to sweet and emotional.
Atreis' breath became noticeably heavy, and now Hector was able to hear it. His mind wrestled its self, a flash of Andromache and Astyanax entered his minding unwillingly. Atreis felt his pressure give away. But he leaned over as though a kiss would appear, but Hector pulled away allowing the moment to dissolve."Follow me."
"You're kidding me." Atreis said to Hector in a breathless voice, full of her personality. He wanted to face her, but he walked into a large circular room, in the middle sat a burning pit. Atreis speeded up to catch Hector stride, but something stopped her, and she followed behind him, keeping her distance. They passed the pit and down another hall. They both decided at the moment to ignore and avoid the attraction.
Atreis held the flowing fabric in her hand as her curly hair bundled behind her neck. She noticed Hector stop, and rotate his view. He pushed a heavy door open with ease.
"This way Atreis," Hector called, she rolled her eyes, she's not some lap dog here too understand and pursue commands! He stepped in a horribly lit room, and she saw two bodies sitting with their backs to Hector and herself. She crossed her arms as curiosity came over her. She licked her lips and looked at Hector who held out his arm pointing to the seat across from the other two. Atreis allowed the door to shut and passed Hector mouth the words 'What are you doing?' before standing in front of what she suppose was her seat. The two stood up.
"Another joke, Hector you're hilarious." Atreis turned to the warrior and obviously sounded completely unhappy with the situation.
"Atreis, please," Hector pleaded with Atreis in a low voice. She stood stern, her arms locked together, no smile appeared. "This is Paris, and Helen." Atreis stood as the two nodded and sat back down, they seemed awkward as Helen kept returning glances at Paris as if he knew something she didn't. Atreis hated this woman; she was willing to start a war over something as insignificant as love. Hector sat next to Atreis' seat, on her back he gripped the robe from about her waist and made her sit down. She eyed him, then back at the other two, a fire blaring between them.
"I wish to know a few things about Menelaus. Do you know him?" Helen whispered in an extremely feminine voice, Atreis blinked with an annoyed tone. Hector noticed how Atreis' attitude became ridged and furious; his worry over her actions was easily noticeable. All awhile Paris cradled Helens hand as if she was a breakable charm.
"Of course I know him, he whined to Agamemnon and that is why I'm here in Troy." A cold chill dripped down Helens back as the words left Atreis' mouth as though it was a dagger aiming for her death.
"What has he said? Anything that's useful." Helen requested. Atreis shook her head in a pathetic fashion while exhaling.
"You wish for me to inform you of how angry your husband is? Furious! His claim is to kill you both with his bare hands. I think he wants to watch you draw you last breath before you die, Helen." The sneering words where almost something Atreis enjoyed revealing. She was completely annoyed by Helen; she gave comfort knowing Helen wouldn't be able to sleep tonight.
"Watch your words!" Paris stood up and yelled at Atreis. Hector lowered a hand at Paris, signally for him to sit back down and stay composed.
"You asked the questions and I gave you answers. Don't contradict me young Prince. I know Menelaus; I've seen his fury and your little affair has sparked the greatest war of our time! What you wish me to help cover up everything." Atreis voice was cold and heartless. Hector viewed this side of her once before in the temple, and it was all a cover. "Fine, if you wish for me to pretend Menelaus isn't upset, and he didn't haul the biggest army the Aegean has ever seen across too Troy's beaches. Alright then, dear Helen, he is far from upset. He's completely happy that his wife ran off with a Trojan."
"YOU!"
"That's enough! Paris what did I tell you!?" Hector shouted at his brother as Paris stood with a sword towards Atreis. Hector drew a deep breath and placed his hand on the blade to lower it. Helen held her breath in silence. Atreis closed her eyes. Then stood and turned to Hector, her voice returned to some what of before, in the hallway when they got so close.
"Can I leave now?" Atreis asked him, while placing out her hand. He had no choice, she asked in such a calm tone, and it seemed as though something was upsetting her, a side to her which he'd never seen before.
Helen in her brash moves reached for Paris, making him drop the weapon and kiss her softly. Hector placed his hand over Atreis to lead her off. He stepped through the doorway first. But Atreis stood in the doorway, and halted. She gaped over to the couple and shook her head.
"Thousands of men will die so you two can be together? Do you have any idea what you have caused? Be glad you have someone now Helen, due to you many women will be without husbands or brothers for years too come." Atreis closed her eyes as Hector waited next to her.
"Happy?" Hector asked as they walked into the hall, her little ending speech was different, it wasn't an argument, but an actually adult comment without sneering or hissing involved.
"Not even if the gods wanted me to be."
A/N: man, this chapter had to have been my favorite to write! I took me about 3 hours, 4 sodas and one phone call. I enjoyed it! Omg, hope you all like it! More to come...lol