A/N: Exams start on Monday and last all week, so I do not think I will be updating during that time, so here's a quickie. It might sound a bit patriotic but that's ok. Trust me, they will meet, soon. In the mean time, keep reviewing!

They made it.

After all those weeks of travelling, with the weak and old, and the young and excited, they were finally there. The last few days had been fair on them, the gods blessing them with a few more days of the summer heat, perhaps it was meant to be this way, for them to see their land in a much beautiful perspective.

Most people were wet and muddy so no one took particular notice of Briseis'ruined clothing the night after her journey. And after that there'd been one sunny day after another, so their morale was reasonably high, considering their situation. To her surprise, Briseis had also found it easier to smile with the others and went about her daily tasks with a bounce in her steps. It was a grand feeling, the feeling of accomplishment. They had come far.

There were no words to describe the location. It was simply too magical. At least now, anyhow, who knew what winter would bring. But living within the castle walls all her life, Briseis had never seen so much wilderness. Over the last weeks she had not enjoyed the outdoors, simply because she had been mourning and also because the weather was horrible. But she felt a deep moment of peace when she first laid her eyes upon the land. It was almost as if something tight in her had finally unwounded itself, and with it she accepted a sense of gratifying release.

The river was somewhere off to their right, just over a few hills. Directly in front of them were mountains, the same ones that they had headed to, except they somehow looked much larger and more majestic in appearance now that she had a chance to gaze upon it up close. To their left was trees, dense forests far more mysterious than the ones that they had just emerged from, although if one did not come from here it was still quite easy to get lost in them.

There were meadows, fields of flowers. It was just amazing that they still bloomed, so lately into the fall. But there they were. There were fruit trees too, their branches laden with the harvest, sending drifts of pleasant scents across the grass. All around her were breathtaking beauty. She was not going to leave here, not if she could help it. She was connected.

Even Helen felt better upon their arrival at their destination. Her sickness had receded somewhat and she was relieved. Now she could enjoy the fresh air again, without the anxiety and headaches aroused by the cold, clean air. She felt a burst of confidence, maybe they could reestablish their lives here. She reached up and touched the coral necklace that Paris had given her a long time ago. He would want her to be happy.

The night fell, but the forest was as busy as ever. Achilles sat on a fallen tree and watched the sunset, lost deeply in his thoughts. He recalled a much different setting when the sun was over the sea. When he closed his eyes he could almost hear the wavespounding onthe beach. He could hear it too, when he was holding Briseis in his arms, back in his tent. Those were happy days. Now he wasn't sure if he would ever have those happy days again.

The sun finally disappeared behind the mountains. Achilles stirred, feeling as though he had just woken up from a long sleep. He stood up slowly and streched, the blood rushing through his body. He had sat as still as a statue for the last couple of hours. He had to eat, so he picked up his arrows and went hunting.

A few hours later had him sitting by a small fire that he had built. He held his hands over it, feeling the pleasant warmth envelope his arms.Despite the false sense of heat in the daytime, the nights were still chilly. It was completely dark now and the stars twinkled in the clear sky. The air was crisp and dry. He inhaled deeply. A moon showed its face behind a wisp of clouds. It was almost a full moon, he noted.

"My people! We will begin building tomorrow," a cheer went through the crowd, Andormache smiled as she glanced upon the eager faces, "The later we wait the sooner Winter is going to come. We must take full advantage of the warmer climates we've been blessed with and prepare for the winter." She paused. Every last one of the three dozen faces held their complete attention on her, respect in their eyes. So this was how it felt to be entirely in charge, Andromache thought.

"I want the women and children, as well as our elders," she smiled at a little girl who clapped her hands, "to be gathering what herbs and fruits they can to dry and preserve them, a few others to hunt, and the rest will begin cutting down wood." Another cheer went through the small crowd. It was evident that they admired her deeply, and more importantly, trusted her.

"I congratulate everyone of you, for the bravery you have shown on our way here. And I thank you all for helping each other. We will make it through this crisis. How can we not? We are Trojans!" She raised up a fist and the people cheered louder than ever.

Andromache felt joy cursing through her for the first time since Hector's death. She could do this. She silently thanked her husband and picked up the sword lying at her feet. Holding it up she declared, "As long as we stay together, as long as this sword stays in the hands of a Trojan, we have a future!" The crowd bursted into cheers once more.

Helen wiped a tear from her eyes, having recalled the familiar quote. Briseis had a brilliant smile on her face, her eyes shining. As Andromache looked around at every single one of her people, she felt her own eyes moisten.

"For Troy!" She raised the blade.

"For Troy!" echoed the Trojans. The stars smiled down at them. They were gods' people. They would not fail.