Disclaimer: The characters are taken from Homer's Iliad, and also from the
awesome movie Troy! Warner Brothers did an excellent job with all of the
characters. I have added my own creation, Daphnea, for this story.
Paris/OC, Achilles/Briseis
Author's note: No Helen here! Not that I don't like her character, I do and I have another fic in the works about her, but how can Daphnea get Paris with the supposedly most beautiful woman in the world hanging around?! Brad Pitt Fans: Achilles is coming in chapter 5, I promise!!! Too bad you have to wait until I return from France. I leave on Monday and won't be coming back until June 18. So don't check back for chappie 5 until at least June 19. I'm planning on writing some fic on the LONG plane ride just for you guys!!
A BIG Thanks to: XxDiesel31Xx, Nevasaiel, aLL aMeRIcAn gIRl 50, ChristaTurner, yuhi-thedoerofevildeeds, Nequi, bree08, Grace, Elle, Preciousbabyblue, Plastic Perfect, Larrikin, Audrey-ray, Tropicalstar91, Dark-Bitch, Soccer-Bitch, Picklegal, LowRyderBabe69, Helen Of Sparta, Mrs. M, Lili, baphomet, some unknown girl, and Mandy
Bonus Points: Oh, an anyone who recognizes Daphnea's "ancient tune" (title and artist) will be my hero. Take a guess when you review. Hint: It is NOT that current.
Ch 4: Hopes and Fears
Daphnea was weaving her way through the bustling marketplace, her arms weighted down from her many purchaces. Her ornate black and gold dress fluttered in the harsh Trojan wind as she contentedly sang an ancient tune. "Is this love, or am I dreaming? Is this the love that I've been searching for?" Heading towards the fruit vendor, she didn't notice a beggar shuffling in her direction. They collided and Daphnea's newly bought provisions scattered across the dusty ground.
"Oops, I'm so sorry!" exclaimed Daphnea as she knelt down to help up the beggar. "I must not have been watching where I was going, my head's been in the clouds lately." Daphnea recognized the disheveled woman almost immediately. "Alexandra?"
"Oh my lady, please forgive me," murmured the former priestess.
"No harm done," Daphnea told her with a smile. "The food is replaceable."
"No, I meant to apologize about how horribly my friends and I had treated you when we were children living in the palace, and how I let that treatment endure when we were both serving Apollo. I was incredibly jealous of your close friendship with the prince. And then as we grew older, of your effortless kindness and wisdom that you bestowed upon those who sought your advice as a priestess." Alexandra hung her head in shame, and Daphnea's mouth fell open in shock.
"You were envious of me?! But why?" Alexandra sighed with remorse.
"Where do I start? Obviously I wanted your innocence and beauty, as well as your unwavering faith in the Gods."
"Alexandra, you are completely mistaken, I've had my doubts about the Gods' existence when my life had taken turns for the worse," Daphnea informed her.
"You have always radiated with effortless goodness, which must've influenced your husband so much that he changed his old ways!" Daphnea shrugged modestly. Alexandra continued, wanting to tell her more. She blurted, "I've fallen victim to the bottle, and abused my access as a priestess to the sacred wine. Now I'm addicted to the foul drink." Daphnea's forehead wrinkled into a sympathetic frown.
"Oh you poor dear," she comforted the girl, laying a hand on her shoulder. Alexandra continued telling her sad tale, ending with, "Soon my riches that I'd inherited were gone, and here I am today, living on the streets." She looked down at her feet, shamefaced.
"Alexandra, do not despair. Do you still have family?" Alexandra affirmed, "Yes, my aunt and uncle, but..."
"Then go back home and stay with them while you figure out how to start over."
"But I can't pay for ..." Alexandra trailed off.
"Yes you can." After rummaging in her bag, Daphnea produced some money and handed it to her former adversary.
"But my lady, I could never accept this, I'm not worthy," she protested.
"Please take it and return home; I know your family will help you." Alexandra bent down and kissed the hem of her royal robes in gratitude.
"I won't ever forget your kindness you have shown me this day." The former beggar took off running, still clutching the money.
"That was very generous of you, my love." Slowly turning around, Daphnea found herself face to face with her husband.
"Oh hello dear! This is a surprise, what are you doing here?"
"I couldn't bear being away from you." Daphnea put her hands on her hips, recognizing a teasing remark when she heard one.
"Uh-huh. So what's the real reason you came all the way to the marketplace?" He beamed at her, causing Daphnea's heart to flutter erratically.
"Our house is finished!! And it looks stunning, if I do say so myself."
"Really?!" she squealed with excitement as he pulled her in for a quick hug. "I can't believe you're actually excited about this," she told him. "What have I done to make you not want to live in the palace?"
He whispered, "You've done plenty, by helping me to realize that we don't need all of that to be happy. That we should live independently." Holding her hand, Daphnea's husband led her down the road until they reached their new humble home not too far from the grandiose palace.
"My Prince, we just put on the finishing touches this morn. I hope you are satisfied with the final product."
"Satisfied, are you kidding? Our house looks excellent!" Then he remembered his wife. "Oh, pardon me. Jason, this is my lovely wife Daphnea. Nea, this is Jason, our architect, who grew up with my father." She made the sign of formal greeting and he returned it.
"So this is the young maiden who ensnared the youngest Prince of Troy." He looked at she questioningly, his eyes twinkling, illuminating his otherwise grizzled face. "How ever did you manage it, I never thought he would settle down!" Daphnea blushed and looked back at Paris, slightly embarrassed. He cleared his throat uncomfortably and invited the architect to dinner.
"I'd love to join you, but maybe some other time. You kids have fun tonight," he winked at Paris who in turn put his arm around his wife protectively as the architect retreated. As soon as he was out of sight, Paris scooped up Daphnea in his arms and carried her across the newly built threshold. After he gently set her down, Daphnea's stomach began to growl.
"How about some dinner?" she asked him.
"Sounds good to me," he agreed. "The bedroom is this way."
"Paris!" she groaned in mock annoyance. "Can you think of nothing else, we just got here!"
"I'm afraid not. Ever since they moved in our bed," he said in a husky voice, "I've wanted to take you, there in that room." He motioned to a door at the end of the hallway, and turned back to her. "Now, does that sound so bad?"
"Well, no," she considered, smirking. Before he could say anything else, she darted down the hall, into the bedroom, and dove under the covers after removing her sandals. Paris followed suit, bolting the wooden door behind him with a loud 'clunk'. Daphnea's breath caught in her throat as she saw the raw emotions of love and lust in her husband's eyes. She could tell that he had every intention of having his way with her this night. He slid under the blankets and began tenderly massaging the back of her neck. Daphnea sighed contentedly, loving every waking moment spent with him, her Paris. He leant over to kiss her, and she felt Paris' warm breath on her face. Paris' lips grazed hers, but Daphnea pulled away, reluctantly denying herself of inevitable pleasure.
"Do you smell something burning?" she asked. He looked at her disappointedly, and gave her a convincing puppy dug look.
"What?" he said, quite dazed, trying to pull her back down to him.
"Paris, I'm serious. Let me go, I'll be right back."
Daphnea quickly exited their bedroom and she heard him give a groan of frustration. A smoky scent assaulted her nose, and she rushed towards the front door, trying to locate its source. Daphnea yanked open the door, and was greeted by a horrifying blaze. The city was burning! Smoke billowed in through the wide-open door, and invading soldiers tossed a flaming torch at right at her. Daphnea ducked, and it sailed past her, igniting a plant inside her home.
"Look, a woman. Come here, my pretty, we'll take care of you!" The soldiers laughed as she visibly shook in fear. One lunged for her, and Daphnea leapt back inside, slamming the door behind her. "Apollo help us," she thought. "Troy is burning, Paris and I need to get out!" The smoke had thickened, making it impossible for Daphnea to see. She began crawling in the direction that she thought was the bedroom.
"Nea! Where are you?" she heard Paris' frantic yells, coming from the left of her.
"I'm here, Paris!" She screamed, desperately trying to get to him.
"Help me, the bed's on fire!" Daphnea heard her husband's fearful cries, and forced herself to keep moving. She reached the bedroom door at last, and tried to open it. Alas, it was still locked!
"Nea, I can't hardly breathe," choked out Paris, on the other side.
"Unlock the door!" she screamed. When she received no answered, she banged on the door with her fists.
"No!! Paris, don't give up! Paris!" she sobbed, feeling the smoke begin to close in on her.
"Nea! Nea, wake up." Someone was shaking her. Daphnea opened her eyes and found herself looking at a very alarmed Briseis. She let out a sigh of relief; she was safe in the temple of the Sun God. "You were shouting, something about my cousin?"
Daphnea sat up quickly, her neck and back was cool with sweat. "It was a horrifying nightmare!" she gasped, feeling her heart thudding. "There was a terrible fire, Paris was trapped, and I couldn't rescue him fast enough." The frantic sensations still lingered, and she hugged Briseis for comfort.
"Don't worry, Daphnea, we are quite safe here."
"Yes, but Troy was being invaded! It was all so real!"
"Most dreams do seem real. Now, come on, it is time for morning prayer."
The young acolytes pulled on their white robes and joined the rest of the temple staff for worship. As they uttered the familiar chants, Daphnea's thoughts gradually returned to normal. During the prayer asking for continued peace between Troy and other countries, Daphnea joined in wholeheartedly. "May the rays of Apollo continue to protect our beloved city from it's enemies." The high priest then gave the sign that worship was over. Briseis and Daphnea made their way into the kitchen for a simple morning meal of bread and fruit. They noticed Alexandra was surrounded by her usual group of gossiping priestesses at the other table, and heard snatched of the conversation that suspiciously sounded like 'Paris' and 'bed'.
"Ignore them," said Briseis resolutely, and Daphnea tried to obey.
After breakfast, Daphnea began her absolute favorite duty as a priestess. Which was to offer counsel to the townspeople of Troy. Striding out onto the temple steps, she was approached by a pretty young woman holding an offering of grain.
"My daughter, what is it that you seek?" Daphnea stepped into her role as a priestess, urging her voice to sound authoritative, and her words convincing.
"Priestess of Apollo," began the woman nervously, "I need your advice. You see, I've just found out that I am pregnant."
"Congratulations on this blessed event." Daphnea kept her voice low and even.
"Thank you," said the woman softly. "But it will not be blessed. You see, I am unmarried, and to have a baby out of wedlock would bring shame upon my family. What can I do prevent my child from being called a bastard?"
"Do you still know the father?"
"Yes milady. We have been lovers. He just hasn't wanted to commit to me, but I am certain of his love and devotion. He is often away, fighting in battles overseas." Daphnea thought hard, how could she thwart this unfavorable scenario? She decided to use the information freely given to her, to solve this dilemma.
"Did you know that sometimes, the servants of Apollo are granted the gift of foresight?"
"Of course. Do you see something in store for my child?" asked the soon to be mother anxiously.
Daphnea knew that her occupation allowed her to take liberties, and if she had to fib in order to improve someone's life, she would do so.
"I see him becoming a great warrior, and defending Troy for many years to come. But only if he grows up knowing his father, who can show him the finer points of swordsmanship."
"So you think I should marry my lover?"
"Yes, and if he won't agree, just inform him of his child's glorious future," Daphnea said regally.
"Oh thank you!" The young woman began to weep quietly. "Now I can enjoy my child's birth, knowing that his father will be around to support us." Daphnea smiled at her, almost wistfully.
"I do what I can to assuage people's fears."
"Priestess, you have given me a much needed sense of calm. I must get back to my home now. Give your God my thanks."
"I will," promised Daphnea as she longingly watched the woman descend the steps and make the long trek across the beach back to the city.
Throughout the day, Daphnea collected many gifts for Apollo as she helped the people of Troy with their problems and concerns. She knew Briseis was doing the same. Stopping only for the midday meal, Daphnea was exhausted by the time the Sun God took his respite beyond the horizon. The acolytes ate their dinner quietly, and joined the high priest in the main chamber for evening prayer. Sweet, musky incense filled the air as the servants of Apollo sung hymns of praise, and hope for a plentiful harvest. Daphnea tried to stay focused on the elaborate ceremony, but found her mind drifting to the younger son of King Priam.
Luckily for her, the worship service ended early. The priestesses carried the grain that they received during the day into the spacious storeroom, and they were finished with their duties. Briseis practically dragged her best friend back to her chambers. As she shut the door behind them, Briseis blurted, "I know there was more to that dream than you told me. Out with it." Daphnea shared all that she could recall, about Alexandra's fate, and being married to Paris.
Briseis teased her friend, "Now who is having the lusty fantasies?"
"Very funny," snapped Daphnea. She asked a bit more subdued, "So what do you think? About my dream?"
"It seems to me that this dream is full of your deepest hopes and desires."
"That I want Alexandra to become a beggar?"
"Well, maybe not that part," she giggled. "You hope that you would react in such a generous manner if you were ever faced with helping that whore, and it played out like that in your dream. And you obviously wish to change Paris into a man that you could happily marry."
"But what about the fire at the end?" Briseis frowned.
"Now that bothers me. Excuse me if I don't interpret it as your eternal love burning for my cousin." Daphnea gave a small snort, and Briseis realized that her last remark wasn't that amusing. "Sorry. I don't understand that part, why would your dream suddenly turn into a nightmare."
Daphnea interjected, "Briseis have you ever thought about having children?"
"What? Nea, where did THAT come from?"
"Oh, I don't know. I was helping a young woman who was pregnant today, and it hit me. As long as we are priestesses, we can never bring life into this world."
"You are correct. But isn't that why we signed on in the first place? To be free from the trials of men, and motherhood?"
"Well yes, but sometimes I can help feel like something is missing in my life."
"I think about it too. But, I wouldn't want to give up this job unless I found someone who I thought would be the perfect father of my children."
"I feel the same way." They smiled at each other, sharing that bond of thinking that only best friends and sisters could. Daphnea and Briseis continued to go about their acolyte duties that week, which never seemed to differ from those of the week before. Their only time for enjoyment was when Briseis would continue to tell her best friend of the mysterious golden-haired warrior who plagued her dreams each night. The two priestesses had sunk into a dull routine, and they longed for it to be broken. They got their wish the next morning. "Dong! Dong! Dong!" The tolling of the great bell of Troy awakened Briseis with a start. She raced to the window, and her view of the beach confirmed the already sickening dread that was growing in the pit of her stomach. Daphnea hurried into her best friend's room, the terrible news escaping her soft lips. "Troy is under attack!!"
End Chapter 4
See you guys in about 2 weeks!! Since I'm going to (gasp) Paris!!! I know this chappie didn't do much to move the plot along, but I am a dream FIEND and I wanted you to see what the priestesses do everyday. The plot will unfold in the next few chapters. Oh, I'm sorry about the cliffie, Mandy who has read my PotC stuff can tell you that I do that a lot.
Author's note: No Helen here! Not that I don't like her character, I do and I have another fic in the works about her, but how can Daphnea get Paris with the supposedly most beautiful woman in the world hanging around?! Brad Pitt Fans: Achilles is coming in chapter 5, I promise!!! Too bad you have to wait until I return from France. I leave on Monday and won't be coming back until June 18. So don't check back for chappie 5 until at least June 19. I'm planning on writing some fic on the LONG plane ride just for you guys!!
A BIG Thanks to: XxDiesel31Xx, Nevasaiel, aLL aMeRIcAn gIRl 50, ChristaTurner, yuhi-thedoerofevildeeds, Nequi, bree08, Grace, Elle, Preciousbabyblue, Plastic Perfect, Larrikin, Audrey-ray, Tropicalstar91, Dark-Bitch, Soccer-Bitch, Picklegal, LowRyderBabe69, Helen Of Sparta, Mrs. M, Lili, baphomet, some unknown girl, and Mandy
Bonus Points: Oh, an anyone who recognizes Daphnea's "ancient tune" (title and artist) will be my hero. Take a guess when you review. Hint: It is NOT that current.
Ch 4: Hopes and Fears
Daphnea was weaving her way through the bustling marketplace, her arms weighted down from her many purchaces. Her ornate black and gold dress fluttered in the harsh Trojan wind as she contentedly sang an ancient tune. "Is this love, or am I dreaming? Is this the love that I've been searching for?" Heading towards the fruit vendor, she didn't notice a beggar shuffling in her direction. They collided and Daphnea's newly bought provisions scattered across the dusty ground.
"Oops, I'm so sorry!" exclaimed Daphnea as she knelt down to help up the beggar. "I must not have been watching where I was going, my head's been in the clouds lately." Daphnea recognized the disheveled woman almost immediately. "Alexandra?"
"Oh my lady, please forgive me," murmured the former priestess.
"No harm done," Daphnea told her with a smile. "The food is replaceable."
"No, I meant to apologize about how horribly my friends and I had treated you when we were children living in the palace, and how I let that treatment endure when we were both serving Apollo. I was incredibly jealous of your close friendship with the prince. And then as we grew older, of your effortless kindness and wisdom that you bestowed upon those who sought your advice as a priestess." Alexandra hung her head in shame, and Daphnea's mouth fell open in shock.
"You were envious of me?! But why?" Alexandra sighed with remorse.
"Where do I start? Obviously I wanted your innocence and beauty, as well as your unwavering faith in the Gods."
"Alexandra, you are completely mistaken, I've had my doubts about the Gods' existence when my life had taken turns for the worse," Daphnea informed her.
"You have always radiated with effortless goodness, which must've influenced your husband so much that he changed his old ways!" Daphnea shrugged modestly. Alexandra continued, wanting to tell her more. She blurted, "I've fallen victim to the bottle, and abused my access as a priestess to the sacred wine. Now I'm addicted to the foul drink." Daphnea's forehead wrinkled into a sympathetic frown.
"Oh you poor dear," she comforted the girl, laying a hand on her shoulder. Alexandra continued telling her sad tale, ending with, "Soon my riches that I'd inherited were gone, and here I am today, living on the streets." She looked down at her feet, shamefaced.
"Alexandra, do not despair. Do you still have family?" Alexandra affirmed, "Yes, my aunt and uncle, but..."
"Then go back home and stay with them while you figure out how to start over."
"But I can't pay for ..." Alexandra trailed off.
"Yes you can." After rummaging in her bag, Daphnea produced some money and handed it to her former adversary.
"But my lady, I could never accept this, I'm not worthy," she protested.
"Please take it and return home; I know your family will help you." Alexandra bent down and kissed the hem of her royal robes in gratitude.
"I won't ever forget your kindness you have shown me this day." The former beggar took off running, still clutching the money.
"That was very generous of you, my love." Slowly turning around, Daphnea found herself face to face with her husband.
"Oh hello dear! This is a surprise, what are you doing here?"
"I couldn't bear being away from you." Daphnea put her hands on her hips, recognizing a teasing remark when she heard one.
"Uh-huh. So what's the real reason you came all the way to the marketplace?" He beamed at her, causing Daphnea's heart to flutter erratically.
"Our house is finished!! And it looks stunning, if I do say so myself."
"Really?!" she squealed with excitement as he pulled her in for a quick hug. "I can't believe you're actually excited about this," she told him. "What have I done to make you not want to live in the palace?"
He whispered, "You've done plenty, by helping me to realize that we don't need all of that to be happy. That we should live independently." Holding her hand, Daphnea's husband led her down the road until they reached their new humble home not too far from the grandiose palace.
"My Prince, we just put on the finishing touches this morn. I hope you are satisfied with the final product."
"Satisfied, are you kidding? Our house looks excellent!" Then he remembered his wife. "Oh, pardon me. Jason, this is my lovely wife Daphnea. Nea, this is Jason, our architect, who grew up with my father." She made the sign of formal greeting and he returned it.
"So this is the young maiden who ensnared the youngest Prince of Troy." He looked at she questioningly, his eyes twinkling, illuminating his otherwise grizzled face. "How ever did you manage it, I never thought he would settle down!" Daphnea blushed and looked back at Paris, slightly embarrassed. He cleared his throat uncomfortably and invited the architect to dinner.
"I'd love to join you, but maybe some other time. You kids have fun tonight," he winked at Paris who in turn put his arm around his wife protectively as the architect retreated. As soon as he was out of sight, Paris scooped up Daphnea in his arms and carried her across the newly built threshold. After he gently set her down, Daphnea's stomach began to growl.
"How about some dinner?" she asked him.
"Sounds good to me," he agreed. "The bedroom is this way."
"Paris!" she groaned in mock annoyance. "Can you think of nothing else, we just got here!"
"I'm afraid not. Ever since they moved in our bed," he said in a husky voice, "I've wanted to take you, there in that room." He motioned to a door at the end of the hallway, and turned back to her. "Now, does that sound so bad?"
"Well, no," she considered, smirking. Before he could say anything else, she darted down the hall, into the bedroom, and dove under the covers after removing her sandals. Paris followed suit, bolting the wooden door behind him with a loud 'clunk'. Daphnea's breath caught in her throat as she saw the raw emotions of love and lust in her husband's eyes. She could tell that he had every intention of having his way with her this night. He slid under the blankets and began tenderly massaging the back of her neck. Daphnea sighed contentedly, loving every waking moment spent with him, her Paris. He leant over to kiss her, and she felt Paris' warm breath on her face. Paris' lips grazed hers, but Daphnea pulled away, reluctantly denying herself of inevitable pleasure.
"Do you smell something burning?" she asked. He looked at her disappointedly, and gave her a convincing puppy dug look.
"What?" he said, quite dazed, trying to pull her back down to him.
"Paris, I'm serious. Let me go, I'll be right back."
Daphnea quickly exited their bedroom and she heard him give a groan of frustration. A smoky scent assaulted her nose, and she rushed towards the front door, trying to locate its source. Daphnea yanked open the door, and was greeted by a horrifying blaze. The city was burning! Smoke billowed in through the wide-open door, and invading soldiers tossed a flaming torch at right at her. Daphnea ducked, and it sailed past her, igniting a plant inside her home.
"Look, a woman. Come here, my pretty, we'll take care of you!" The soldiers laughed as she visibly shook in fear. One lunged for her, and Daphnea leapt back inside, slamming the door behind her. "Apollo help us," she thought. "Troy is burning, Paris and I need to get out!" The smoke had thickened, making it impossible for Daphnea to see. She began crawling in the direction that she thought was the bedroom.
"Nea! Where are you?" she heard Paris' frantic yells, coming from the left of her.
"I'm here, Paris!" She screamed, desperately trying to get to him.
"Help me, the bed's on fire!" Daphnea heard her husband's fearful cries, and forced herself to keep moving. She reached the bedroom door at last, and tried to open it. Alas, it was still locked!
"Nea, I can't hardly breathe," choked out Paris, on the other side.
"Unlock the door!" she screamed. When she received no answered, she banged on the door with her fists.
"No!! Paris, don't give up! Paris!" she sobbed, feeling the smoke begin to close in on her.
"Nea! Nea, wake up." Someone was shaking her. Daphnea opened her eyes and found herself looking at a very alarmed Briseis. She let out a sigh of relief; she was safe in the temple of the Sun God. "You were shouting, something about my cousin?"
Daphnea sat up quickly, her neck and back was cool with sweat. "It was a horrifying nightmare!" she gasped, feeling her heart thudding. "There was a terrible fire, Paris was trapped, and I couldn't rescue him fast enough." The frantic sensations still lingered, and she hugged Briseis for comfort.
"Don't worry, Daphnea, we are quite safe here."
"Yes, but Troy was being invaded! It was all so real!"
"Most dreams do seem real. Now, come on, it is time for morning prayer."
The young acolytes pulled on their white robes and joined the rest of the temple staff for worship. As they uttered the familiar chants, Daphnea's thoughts gradually returned to normal. During the prayer asking for continued peace between Troy and other countries, Daphnea joined in wholeheartedly. "May the rays of Apollo continue to protect our beloved city from it's enemies." The high priest then gave the sign that worship was over. Briseis and Daphnea made their way into the kitchen for a simple morning meal of bread and fruit. They noticed Alexandra was surrounded by her usual group of gossiping priestesses at the other table, and heard snatched of the conversation that suspiciously sounded like 'Paris' and 'bed'.
"Ignore them," said Briseis resolutely, and Daphnea tried to obey.
After breakfast, Daphnea began her absolute favorite duty as a priestess. Which was to offer counsel to the townspeople of Troy. Striding out onto the temple steps, she was approached by a pretty young woman holding an offering of grain.
"My daughter, what is it that you seek?" Daphnea stepped into her role as a priestess, urging her voice to sound authoritative, and her words convincing.
"Priestess of Apollo," began the woman nervously, "I need your advice. You see, I've just found out that I am pregnant."
"Congratulations on this blessed event." Daphnea kept her voice low and even.
"Thank you," said the woman softly. "But it will not be blessed. You see, I am unmarried, and to have a baby out of wedlock would bring shame upon my family. What can I do prevent my child from being called a bastard?"
"Do you still know the father?"
"Yes milady. We have been lovers. He just hasn't wanted to commit to me, but I am certain of his love and devotion. He is often away, fighting in battles overseas." Daphnea thought hard, how could she thwart this unfavorable scenario? She decided to use the information freely given to her, to solve this dilemma.
"Did you know that sometimes, the servants of Apollo are granted the gift of foresight?"
"Of course. Do you see something in store for my child?" asked the soon to be mother anxiously.
Daphnea knew that her occupation allowed her to take liberties, and if she had to fib in order to improve someone's life, she would do so.
"I see him becoming a great warrior, and defending Troy for many years to come. But only if he grows up knowing his father, who can show him the finer points of swordsmanship."
"So you think I should marry my lover?"
"Yes, and if he won't agree, just inform him of his child's glorious future," Daphnea said regally.
"Oh thank you!" The young woman began to weep quietly. "Now I can enjoy my child's birth, knowing that his father will be around to support us." Daphnea smiled at her, almost wistfully.
"I do what I can to assuage people's fears."
"Priestess, you have given me a much needed sense of calm. I must get back to my home now. Give your God my thanks."
"I will," promised Daphnea as she longingly watched the woman descend the steps and make the long trek across the beach back to the city.
Throughout the day, Daphnea collected many gifts for Apollo as she helped the people of Troy with their problems and concerns. She knew Briseis was doing the same. Stopping only for the midday meal, Daphnea was exhausted by the time the Sun God took his respite beyond the horizon. The acolytes ate their dinner quietly, and joined the high priest in the main chamber for evening prayer. Sweet, musky incense filled the air as the servants of Apollo sung hymns of praise, and hope for a plentiful harvest. Daphnea tried to stay focused on the elaborate ceremony, but found her mind drifting to the younger son of King Priam.
Luckily for her, the worship service ended early. The priestesses carried the grain that they received during the day into the spacious storeroom, and they were finished with their duties. Briseis practically dragged her best friend back to her chambers. As she shut the door behind them, Briseis blurted, "I know there was more to that dream than you told me. Out with it." Daphnea shared all that she could recall, about Alexandra's fate, and being married to Paris.
Briseis teased her friend, "Now who is having the lusty fantasies?"
"Very funny," snapped Daphnea. She asked a bit more subdued, "So what do you think? About my dream?"
"It seems to me that this dream is full of your deepest hopes and desires."
"That I want Alexandra to become a beggar?"
"Well, maybe not that part," she giggled. "You hope that you would react in such a generous manner if you were ever faced with helping that whore, and it played out like that in your dream. And you obviously wish to change Paris into a man that you could happily marry."
"But what about the fire at the end?" Briseis frowned.
"Now that bothers me. Excuse me if I don't interpret it as your eternal love burning for my cousin." Daphnea gave a small snort, and Briseis realized that her last remark wasn't that amusing. "Sorry. I don't understand that part, why would your dream suddenly turn into a nightmare."
Daphnea interjected, "Briseis have you ever thought about having children?"
"What? Nea, where did THAT come from?"
"Oh, I don't know. I was helping a young woman who was pregnant today, and it hit me. As long as we are priestesses, we can never bring life into this world."
"You are correct. But isn't that why we signed on in the first place? To be free from the trials of men, and motherhood?"
"Well yes, but sometimes I can help feel like something is missing in my life."
"I think about it too. But, I wouldn't want to give up this job unless I found someone who I thought would be the perfect father of my children."
"I feel the same way." They smiled at each other, sharing that bond of thinking that only best friends and sisters could. Daphnea and Briseis continued to go about their acolyte duties that week, which never seemed to differ from those of the week before. Their only time for enjoyment was when Briseis would continue to tell her best friend of the mysterious golden-haired warrior who plagued her dreams each night. The two priestesses had sunk into a dull routine, and they longed for it to be broken. They got their wish the next morning. "Dong! Dong! Dong!" The tolling of the great bell of Troy awakened Briseis with a start. She raced to the window, and her view of the beach confirmed the already sickening dread that was growing in the pit of her stomach. Daphnea hurried into her best friend's room, the terrible news escaping her soft lips. "Troy is under attack!!"
End Chapter 4
See you guys in about 2 weeks!! Since I'm going to (gasp) Paris!!! I know this chappie didn't do much to move the plot along, but I am a dream FIEND and I wanted you to see what the priestesses do everyday. The plot will unfold in the next few chapters. Oh, I'm sorry about the cliffie, Mandy who has read my PotC stuff can tell you that I do that a lot.