Spirits Forged in Fire

Its another shortie, but this is all I could manage to complete before going to bed. Will write more tomorrow!
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep up the reviews!
meg


When he came upon her, she was sitting on the side of a fountain, twirling her hand absentmindedly across the delicate surface of the water. From a distance, she was the same woman, but as Achilles moved closer, he realized that she had become even more beautiful in the time they had been apart. The war had aged her, and the her youthful face had become that of a woman's. Her movements had become more graceful, while even the simple tilt of her head was gentle and refined. As he moved to speak, so as not to startle her, he was cursed with the sudden absence of words, so he just stood there and continued to watch her.

Briseis leaned her head back to bask in the sun, feeling its healing rays wash over her face. She felt a different kind of warmth run over her though, and she knew he was there. She stood, and very slowly turned to face the great Achilles. As he started towards her, Briseis saw him as if for the first time. Blonde hair framed his angular face like the mane of a lion, and the piercing blue gaze of his eyes matched the ferocity of his spirit. Toned muscles rippled under his arms, and the veins of his arms stood out and he balled his hands in to nervous fists. His powerful legs carried him closer in long, stealthy strides, as his feet struck the ground in a way that made no noise. He was every inch a hunter, but Briseis saw nothing in his face that could ever cause her fear or alarm. She could tell by the tight line of his lips that he was holding something in, and it shimmered just under the surface of his cooly composed emotions. As he came within arms length of her though, something snapped and his controled facade cracked. Unwilling to poison the moment with regrets and apologies, Briseis placed her finger over his lips for a moment, before replacing it with her own lips. For a moment, the kiss was sorrowful, mourning for the time that they had already lost. Soon it smoldered though, and then sparked into one of mutual need, and desperation. She clung to him as all of her fears, all of her doubts poured into him, and his into her. With a kiss, they said much of what needed to be said. Salty tears slid down her face as Achilles kissed her soundly. When her knees went weak and threatened to crumble under her intense want, his protective arms kept her from falling. The couple sank to sit on the side of the fountain, their embrace never loosening. Her hand came up to cup the side of his face, as he brushed stray curls from her tearful face.

"So you are really here." She whispered, in almost disbelief.

"The stories everyone else is telling are indeed true; the gods do favor me. They must, for they have brought me back to you." Achilles said, his cocky nature slowly returning. Briseis beamed at him, and stood up, taking his hand in hers.

"Come with me" she said, eyes sparkling. "I wish to tend to you." Achilles obeyed. and followed the former priestess into the halls of the once mighty palace. She led him down a long hallway and down some steps before they reached their destination. She sat him down on a bench near the bed, and then moved to the other side of the room to gather a cloth and some clean water. After he had drunk his fill, she poured the rest of the pitcher into a shallow bowl, and used the cloth to soak some of it off. With the wet cloth, she began cleanin the sea salt and the dust from his arms and face. Achilles eyes drifted shut, savoring the feel of her gentle hands on his weary body. He complied when she removed his tunic, and he stood before her in only the waist cloth. Suddenly shy, Briseis cast her eyes downward, the cloth still in her hand as she paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. Achilles, aware of her hesitance, reached down and took her hand in his, placing it and the cloth directly onto his smooth chest. As she began to clean him there, Briseis became aware of the pounding of his heart as her touches became less tentative.

"Briseis" He whispered, his voice raspy with want and need. The cloth in her hand was released to fall to the ground as her hand lifted to his shoulder, to pull him close to her for a searing kiss that stole her breath away.

"I cant wait any longer, Achilles" She said, her mouth near his ear. Achilles shut his eyes tightly, and inhaled the familiar scent of her hair. His hands clutched at her back for a moment before he moved to pick her up.

As he lay her on the bed, their eyes met for a moment, and the last clear thought he had fled from his mind.