Thank you all for your reviews and help. I found the Troy script, though it's a little off, and your quotes, Firien, helped bunches. Thank you all so much!

Ok, this story isn't exactly correct to the real story of Helen. Because of the way they portrayed her in the movie, I had to change a few things. So this isn't completely accurate. But anyways, I hope you all enjoy!

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            My return to Sparta was not marked by any great celebration. My father smiled at me and told me he was happy I was safe, then turned to Polydora and promptly quizzed her to make sure my honor had no been touched. When he was positive I was still a maiden, he sent the both of us off to rest.

            I suppose that if I had to give a time where I grew up, it would be during the following years. My father grew disinterested in ruling Sparta anymore, but he had no sons. He therefore called for Agamemnon's aid, who promptly sent his younger brother to take control of the city. I was taken to a small fortress nearby, my maidens and I, where I spent the next few years of my life in relative seclusion. That is where I truly grew up, I would say.

            Father and his wife- a woman who was not my mother- stayed in their quarters. I was given free reign of the fortress, though at all times behind the walls. Few knew of my existence there, but I liked being unknown. All my life I'd been easily recognized, here I could veil myself and the soldiers- if they didn't see my face- knew not of my identity. It was here that I learned to become a lady. I learned to control servants, oversee the kitchens, and prepare for guests.

            If I had to pick a time where I was truly happiest, it would be in that small fortress. It was in the middle of a great forest, so plant life was abundant. The garden was overgrown with roses and flowers, and I would spend hours alone there. I had no playmate, but it made no difference. I'd never had a playmate my entire life, so I didn't know that I was missing out. My handmaidens kept me company, but they were never playmates.

            Shortly after my sixteenth birthday, my father sent for me. It was here that he dispassionately informed me that I would be marrying Menelaus. The alliance was a good one, in all respects, and it would keep our family in the ruling house of Sparta. I suppose it should not have surprised me, but it did. He informed me that Agamemnon and Clytemnestra were coming for the celebration, but that he and his wife would not attend. It made no difference to me, but I looked forward to seeing my sister. I had no seen her in nine years.

            She arrived a few weeks later, ready to escort me back to Sparta. It was wonderful to see her again, but as much as I wished to deny it, she'd changed. Her eyes no longer held that youthful sparkle, though the kindness was still there. Her beauty was still great and her looks young, but her eyes showed that she'd seen much. But she smiled and kissed me, and told me I looked more beautiful than ever.

            The next day we set off to return to Sparta. My maids accompanied me, along with an entourage of servants carrying the bridal gifts and my own personal items. Clytemnestra and I followed the soldiers on horseback, who led the way.

            "Have you seen him?" I asked her.

            "Menelaus? Of course, he has visited Agamemnon often."

            "Tell me what he's like."

            "He is strong and brave, an excellent fighter," she began, but I shook my head.

            "No, I wish to know of the man I'm marrying."

            She did not answer and I caught her gaze. "Clytemnestra, what is it like to be married?"

            She shook her head. "Ah, Helen, you've grown older since I last saw you."

            I smiled. "I've no illusions, if that's what you refer to. I've seen enough in my lifetime to know."

            "Well, then, I will tell you of him. He's over twenty years older than you, and his hair is beginning to gray. He is no match for you in looks."

            "That is nothing new," I said softly. I was not bragging, but I'd heard it my whole life and I knew it to be true.

            She laughed softly. "I suppose it isn't." Then her eyes grew serious and she looked at me. "Helen, I only wish to spare you pain in telling you this," she began.

            "I know," I answered.

            "He is frivolous and selfish, and he cares nothing for others. In many respects he is like his brother."

            I smiled sadly. "I'm sorry."

            "Do not pity me, I never entertained illusions of marriage. One glimpse of my husband cured me of any I might have had. But no matter, back to Menelaus. He will treat you fairly as long as you do not cross him. Do not defy him, for if you do no one will be able to protect you. Do not question him or argue with him. Brook anything he says with silence, no matter his words."

            I should have felt dismayed at the picture she was setting before me, but I knew it to be true. Somehow, I'd always known it. Even as a girl I never imagined marriage to be a blissful state of love, though most children do. I had just never entertained such fancies.

            "Helen, that is the kind of man your husband is. Now, as advice from a wife of many years, do not quarrel with others over his lusts."

            "What do you mean?"

            "You are to be his wife, therefore he will come in contact with your handmaidens."

            I cast a glance back at all of them, pure, untouched maidens. She saw my glance and nodded. "That is what I mean. Not one of my women has escaped my husband's caresses. And I want to warn you- they are the only friends you have in this world. Helen, he will not love you."

            "I know," I answered quietly. "Do not fear; I do not need him to love me."

            She shook her head. "You deserve it, though. I'm sorry I did not love you more."

            "Clytemnestra, you are the only person who ever has loved me. You've nothing to regret."

            "Oh, but I do. I should have loved you more, but I knew I would have to leave you one day. I hoped that if you weren't very close to me, that you would stay innocent."

            "Am I not innocent?" I asked, smiling.

            "Not so much as others think. You are too old for your age, Helen. You were made to be. And you shouldn't have been made to be, everyone deserves a childhood."

            "It can't be helped now."

            "Poor Helen," she said softly. "The most beautiful woman in the world, and yet the most unloved."

            "We are a pitiful bunch," I said, smiling at her. "Two beautiful sisters marrying two ugly brothers. We deserved better."

            She nodded in agreement. "The gods blessed us in some ways and cursed us in others."

            "I would gladly trade my beauty for happiness, though. Women envy me, but they shouldn't. Never mind though, tell me something. Are you happy?"

            "At times," she answered. "And I offer you a bit of hope. Bare children. Bare many children. For they will be your salvation."

            "How so?"

            "They will love you," she replied. "They are innocent and pure, and their faces will light up when you stretch out your arms to them."

            I smiled, picturing the babies I'd seen. It was easy to believe her words. She reached over and squeezed my hand, comforting me.

"I'm glad you're attending my wedding," I said, smiling at her gratefully.

            "It's my honor, Helen," she answered softly. "You deserve much more than that, but that is all I am able to give you."

            Sparta came into view and we were silent the rest of the trip. It looked the same as it did on the day I left it, just a few years ago. But it felt different, and I knew it was. A stranger now ruled it, a man I'd never met. But I would meet him far too soon for my liking.