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
A/N: Sorry I took so long; blame it on college. I will never do it again! In fact, I will have time to update weekly now. Sweet! Check back on Thursdays!
P.S. Meeting Orlando changed my perspective on life for the better! ;)
Ch. 8: War Intensified
Gazing out past the impregnable brick walls of Troy, Daphnea watched the current battle unfold. However, she was not fazed by its occurrence; battles happened daily ever since the Greek fighter Achilles exuded some newfound strength. She hoped and prayed that his new power did not have anything to do with her friend Briseis. Sighing in dismay, Daphnea went back inside to her quarters, about to wash up and go downstairs for the morning meal.
As Nea entered the dining hall, she noticed that Hector was missing from his usual seat adjacent to King Priam. Of course, she realized, he must be out leading the troops. Thankfully the younger Prince of Troy had no such duties. Paris rose and gave her the usual morning hug before she sat down next to him. The usual clatter of silverware on the china plates lulled the priestess into a calmness that was rarely felt in Troy during these dark times. But then one of the servants burst through the double doors, tears falling from her wrinkled face.
"Please, good King, grant me one days leave for the sake of my wounded husband!" The elderly servant fell to the floor with a cry. Touched by her brave words, the King stood up and approached the woman.
"You have served me well for all these years, Eudora." He patted her on the back, helped her stand, and told her, "I am truly sorry that your husband was hurt, even if he was fighting for Troy's freedom." Priam was beaming at the woman, but Daphnea recognized the guilt in his eyes when he realized that her husband was wounded fighting for the cause of his kingdom. "You shall be free of all burdens that were yours and your husband's responsibilities, - for the entire summer."
"But your highness," the woman servant protested in disbelief.
"I insist!" decreed the aged King. His kind green eyes scanned the room until they rested on his youngest son. "In fact, I have just the people to carry out your old jobs." Priam quickly cleared his throat and proclaimed to the ancient servant, "Paris will do it. Yes..." he contemplatively stroked his beard. "It is high time he learn to accept some responsibility around here. Paris will perform your husband's former occupation. I assure you," he promised, "his proficiencies in the archery department prove him to be more than a competent teacher to train our new recruits." He took a deep breath, "Now..." he moved to kiss her wrinkled brow, "I release you; go forth and take care of your husband."
"Thank you!" she stammered. "I've always heard of your kindness and now I've been lucky enough to experience it. You truly are Troy's wisest ruler." She bowed lightly, then and rushed out of the dining hall.
The royal family resumed eating as if there had been no interruption, but Daphnea noticed that Priam seemed more subdued than usual. While the crow's feet adjacent to both pickle-green eyes were clearly visible on his wizened, smiling face when the elderly servant made her departure, there were no indications of his happiness during the remainder of the meal.
Paris leaned over to her and whispered, "I am sorry, Nea, but I am afraid we will have to post-pone our riding outing." Sighing with annoyance, the Prince continued, "My father did not exactly consult me when he assigned me to train the new archers."
"Oh, do not worry. I shall not hold it against you...much!" she assured him. "You cannot avoid this responsibility, being Prince and all." He grinned at her, grateful she wasn't angry. "But do not think I will forget about your promise." She lightly squeezed his arm in reassurance; "I still want to go riding with you."
"I shall not forget," he promised, his dark eyes boring into hers. Carefully averting her eyes from his highly hypnotizing gaze, Daphnea took one last swig of pomegranate juice.
"Daph-nee-a, might I have a word with you?" She whirled around to see the King standing behind her, his hand grasping the chair's back for support. Not wanting to leave Paris, but realizing the authority of Priam's command, Nea wordlessly followed him out of the dining hall.
(Five minutes later)
"Of course, your majesty!," exclaimed Nea. "I shall be more than happy to assume the job as a nuresmaid while your servant has the month off. Ever since the war began, I've felt that I should contribute to the Trojan effort in some way. Even if my task takes place outside my original duties as a priestess."
"Thank you for your kindness and understanding, oh lovely one." Priam formally kissed both of her cheeks while Daphnea contemplated the seriousness of her assignment. She watched the monarch slowly glide towards the grand doors, as if he was effortlessly sashaying across the clouds surrounding Mt. Olympus itself.
"Wait. Daphnea, there is something else I must tell you."
"What is it, your highness?" She watched, befuddled as a tiny smile appeared on the King's cracked, thin lips.
"My son thanks you for your kindness as well." He winked at her and disappeared from sight. Nea groaned in frustration. She didn't appreciate Priam's last remark. Oh, it was friendly enough, but she understood its less than honorable implications.
"Why does everyone believe I'm bedding Paris!" she whispered to herself. "Can they see me as nothing other than a playmate or object that belongs to their Prince?"
"I will talk to him; I shall set everyone straight." She gasped in surprise and elation as she felt two strong hands begin to massage her shoulders. "They will all know the kind, pure nature of their guest, a former priestess who served her God without regret."
"Paris! I – I didn't hear you sneak up behind me."
"Of course you didn't." He smirked at her, and Daphnea began to feel quite weak in the knees. "I only let my presence be known when I wish it to be."
"Ahh, Paris, you don't have to do that." He abruptly quit massaging her shoulders. Missing the relaxing contact, Nea cried, "No, don't stop! I mean, please continue." Her cheeks flamed as she heard him chuckle at her sudden outburst. She quickly recovered. "I was referring to your remark about your father, how it's not necessary for you to clarify my position to him. It doesn't really matter," she told him, her voice barely audible lest the servants were eavesdropping. He resumed his deliberate, tender ministrations.
"Yes I do. Your well-being does matter. At least, it matters to me." She quickly changed the subject, as she didn't like the direction their conversation was heading.
"I can't believe I just agreed to care for five of the royal children this morning!
Five, Paris! At least baby Astyanax isn't among them; I'd feel terrible if something happened to the Heir of Troy's only son!"
"And if something did happen, Hector would surely kill you," Paris confirmed in jest.
"Only if Andromache didn't find me first."
"Very true," he agreed.
"Oh, what am I to do?" Nea wailed. "How in Zeus' name shall I entertain all of them at once? They are of different ages..."
"I know exactly what you can do." He whispered his idea to her. Nea's eyes widened and she gave him a smile of relief.
"That's perfect! Thank you, Paris – what would I do without you?"
"No, dear Nea. I believe the question is, what would I do without you?" She deflected his compliment carefully. "I really must go and prepare the children for their outing."
"Nea, are we officially friends now?"
"Why yes, I do believe we are," she stated. "Why? What else would we be?"
"I don't know," he said in truth. "Then as a friend, may I ask for a hug?" She nodded without second thought. According to Nea, the embrace was all too brief. She could've stayed blissfully blanketed in the warmth that was Paris until the world came to an end. But end the hug did, as did all of the many things that were good in Nea's world.
"I shall see you at high noon, then?" Paris asked.
I'll be there," she promised. "I'll be waiting for you; waiting with the children, waiting at the gate to the archery field."
End. Ch. 8
Review Please! (Hi Meredith and Jenny!) Thanks guys...I love all of you!