Friend of Apollo

Thanks for the reviews! This story is going through a long process and I've been currently having a huge writer's block even when things are just getting good. I'm kind of a perfectionist, so just please, try and bare with me…lol. I want you guys to have a good time while reading so I'll try as best as I can to make good chapters. Hope you enjoy this one!

Chapter 10: Friends

Crowds of civilians cheered as we made our way up to the palace. I could not believe this. It seems like yesterday where I was watching this movie and at this part Carol and I were laughing our asses off at how the people were cheering for their death. Now that I see it actually happening, it's just really is depressing. The guilt I hold is beyond the unthinkable and I try to hold back the tears in my eyes as I smile, or at least try to.

I sniffle and am suddenly brought back to the years of my childhood, where everyone was either disappointed or hurt by my actions. I lived an angst-filled life as a child. Endless days of being cooped up in my room, staring at the ceiling, while AC/DC poured through my speakers and if I wasn't doing that, I was writing about my whole life in my diary I got from Dave. Dave, Carol and I were the same kids. When we weren't together, we did the same things and probably thought about the same things. Soon, we started sneaking out and used our extroverted ways to cover up our deep, intellectual selves. However, when we were together that's when we would really talk about stuff. I think those were the only times we had 'real' fun.

Now, I'm brought back to the disappointment of everyone and Carol and Dave weren't even there to help or support me. I wish I was with them or they were here with me. Of course, I wouldn't want them to suffer with me, but somehow, I always knew I'd be safe and have a happy ending if I was with them. For once, I was right. Even if the ending turned out bad on my end, it would turn upside down all because they were just there.

Soon, we made it to the top and I let Paris and Hector go first. I nervously started to twiddle with hem my dress; the one I wore when I first came here. I decided to change for the occasion, although if I could, I would have died it black. This was like a funeral just waiting to happen. The introducing of Helen happened and Priam was quite surprised, but welcomed her in the family. Andromache and Hector were reunited, Briseis came cheerfully into the room and hugged both of her cousins and then it was my turn. I took a deep breath and walked up to Priam.

Tears started to dwell into my eyes, "I'm sorry. I really tried, but-"

He silenced me and brought his hand up to my cheek and rubbed it softly, "I understand. I did not expect anything from you, but to at least try and you did well. I should be the one to say sorry. I did not mean to put so much pressure on you. Please, there is no need for you to shed your tears."

"I'm sorry. I just- it just brings up memories. Don'tworry though; you didn't put any pressure on me." I wiped my cheeks and gave a small smile.

"We'll sort this all later. Come, let's get you settled. You had a long journey. You must be exhausted." He ushered all of us to a large hall and a servant came to escort me to my room. Later, at dusk, we would celebrate. I was still wondering what there was to celebrate. Of course, our return, but our arrival was ruined right when Helen stepped foot on Troy's sands. Harsh, I know, but it's true.

As I was about to take a seat on the bed, I heard a knock on my door. I stood and went to answer it, "Hello Hector. Shouldn't you be with your wife?"

Suddenly, he stepped aside and I was confronted with the woman herself. She looked gorgeous, and the little bundle of joy in her arms made my eyes soften. The site of all three of them together made me smile.

"Oh, hi. You must be Andromache. Hector spoke much about you." I shook her hand.

"Good talk, I hope." She smirked at Hector and he gave an uneasy smile.

I laughed, "Of course. Oh, and who is this little fella?" I asked, as the little one started playing with the lacing on my dress. I held his hand and he giggled.

"This is our son, Astyanax." Her child beamed up at her with an expression of admiration and I started to wonder if I ever did that with my mother, or if I would bear any children who would do that to me.

"Well, I think I'm going to get a snack and a quick nap. I'm exhausted." I yawned.

"Good. You haven't slept all day on the ship." Hector recollected from our voyage.

"That's because you were snoring rather loudly." I joked and Andromache shared a laugh with me.

"Well, we hope you get a good rest. If you need to talk, I'm always here. Just come by the garden." Andromache put forward her proposal.

"Thanks. I'd like to take you up on that offer……a lot." I accepted and we all proceeded to doing our tasks for the day. I went the other way to the kitchen. I think that's where it was.

"Excuse me," I tapped a girl on the shoulder. As the woman whipped around I discovered that it was Briseis.

"Yes?"

"I was wondering you could give me directions to the kitchen," I asked, embarrassingly.

She smiled, "Sure. I was just heading there. Come, follow me."

"I'm Briseis by the way." She said.

"I'm Ariel."

"Oh yes, I've heard of you….. on the short note Paris left me." She tensed up.

As soon as she said that, I began to get slightly uneasy. "I don't want to make you any more uncomfortable than you already are because believe me, I am to." Pausing, we both chuckled, "But what exactly did he say?"

"He basically said that you did what he did to every women he ever bedded. He didn't say it in those words, but you catch my drift." She sighed.

"I broke his heart?" he inquired and she nodded. "Do you believe him?"

"No, not really," we both laughed guiltily as she continued; "I don't really believe he knows what love is. I shouldn't speak of such things when I am completely oblivious to it myself, but if he loved you, he would understand any decision you had to make. You were thinking what was best for him. You had no choice."

"Thank-you! Finally, someone who's seeing my side of the story." I found myself content with her answer. I didn't think anyone understood me, but I was wrong. Actually, I think I was around Briseis age. Yes, I have two female friends already. I'm making progress.

"So, aren't you a priestess?" I questioned casually.

"Yes, and I'm quite proud of it." She turned left and I followed her.

"Do you have any regrets? I mean, I don't know if you're allowed to answer that, but if you're thinking about it, than the Gods already know. Believe me, I know." I explained.

"Really? Priam told me you had a strong connection with them. Can you really talk to Apollo?" She seemed highly interested.

"Yes, we have our little conversations here and there, but he's not like a long time friend………Did I just sound as crazy as I think I did?" I asked, and we both laughed.

"Well, when you say it as casual like that, it makes people wonder." We giggled.

She groaned, "But, going back to what you asked before, yes I do have regrets. I'll never be able to fall in love. When you become a priestess you have to devote yourself fully to the Gods and in doing so, that means I have to take a vow of celibacy; no intimate relations."

"Oh my lord." I gaped. She chortled at my expression of shock. People always tend to do that.

"The men in here must be disappointed." I complimented.

"Oh, you're just saying that." She blushed.

"Any woman who does that disappoints at least one man. There's always a special soul mate in your life. That's what I believe anyway." I reasoned.

She smiled, "You believe that?"

"Of course…… I'm still searching though." I winked at her and we made it into the kitchen. By then, the party was already starting.

"It looks like we're on time. Nice dress by the way." She commented, "I haven't seen anything quite like it before."

"You can have it if you want." I offered.

"No way… I mean, who would I even wear it for?"

"You don't have to wear it for anyone. Just show it off, or show yourself off." I nudged her and she looked quite surprised. "What?"

"Nothing. It's just that I didn't expect you to say something like that." She flushed.

I smirked. "Another thing: All women have at least one time to shine and if they haven't had a time, they should make time for it. Don't look so frightened, it doesn't mean you act like a slut. It gives you an indescribable feeling of power,I guess. You'll see what I mean. Come on, princess."

For the whole night, I actually let loose and have fun. I think I just gained a close friend and confidant. Briseis was funny, caring and had class. I can honestly say that I actually expected to find an enemy in Briseis because of her closeness to Paris. After all, they are cousins. Also, as I sat beside Andromache at dinner that night, she became like a sort of older sister to me. She started to point out men for me and I was flustered with embarrassment, but it was all fun.

I would have never guessed that I would find any friends in the palace, but now that I have, I'm going to stick it out with them till the end. I know Briseis will go to Achilles, but the way she spoke about not wanting to break the vows she promised so sacredly, made me think that maybe I could stop her. Maybe, if I went with her to the temple everyday to try and save her,I could put a stop to all this.I could prevent Patroclus from going into battle and in doing so, Hector would not die. But, I know if that happened, the outcome of the war and the result may change…….. drastically. What if Achilles really does leave back to Larisa? What if-

Oh, I just can't think about this anymore! It's getting to my head and I certainly can't stand it any longer. It's so confusing. I don't know, maybe Apollo is right. I think I should sit this one out. I just hope that by doing so, I am not betraying Troy or my friends.

I hope you like it! It didn't take me long to make this chapter up and I find it to be a little shorter than the rest of the chapters……. Except for I think the seventh one. That was a freaking small chapter. Anyway, reviews are much appreciated and I'm happy that I'm still managing to keep you guys interested. Again, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and give me some feedback so I know if I am doing okay. You guys rock!

SoHaPPy