A ship back to Athens

[Daphne]

The ship with which the Queen of Athens had arrived at Rome was now prepared to leave again. Daphne had been brought aboard into her cabin, all men and servants who had survived the Etruscan attack a couple of weeks ago could not wait to set sails into the direction of Athens again. As an alliance between Athens and Rome has been made, sealed not by a contract but by a war for a common cause, missing sailors and soldiers were replaced by Romans to protect Daphne. The cargo now was being fixed to the ship's walls, the sails were lifted and the anchor weidhed.

Inside, Daphne was lying on her bed. It had been a few days now since Stratos had freed her and since the medics began their treatment on her, and she already had gained colour in her face and more strength, but yet she was not fully healed. Most of the time, she felt tired, exhausted, just wishing to sleep. And now that she was on the ship home, she as well wished Stratos to be at her side. She could not give him the love he wished for, as a lover, but she loved him like a dear friend and needed him. So also now, she sent a servant to lead him to her room. Since her rescue she felt safe only at his presence, even although she wished for Alcander to be at her side now. Alcander and Stratos, these two were the most important people in her life, she needed them both she had figured at the time of her captivity.

[Stratos]

Along with the ship who was to bring the queen of Athens safe home, was also the 600 ships with 60 000 men that earlier had fought against Illyria. They all were to protect her from danger, in case any would appear again. With the anchor lifted and the sails ready to be carried with the wind, they sonly started to travel. Even the wind blew, the men paddled to get the ships faster home. Heavily armed the ships was, but only to secure the person they cared for the most. Their queen Daphne was said to be the most beautiful woman in all the world, as well one the wisest and a daughter of the goddess Athena herself.

Stratos who was the loyal guardian and friend of the queen, blamed himself for what had happened to her. However as he stood on board the ship, he curiously looked ahead to see what could happen on the travel they now went on. His armor shined in the bright light of the sun, making noises in every moment he made with his moves. The wind blew heavy threw his hair, but gentle it flew back wards as worried he thought about his beloved queen. Long ago, from the moment he first had served her in service, he had been in love with her. Every day was her there for her, but now as she had got raped and kidnapped he felt guilty. As in deep thoughts he was, he unnoticed that someone called for him to come. When he first discovered, he turned and quickly went to figure what it was. Daphne was calling for him to come, which he agreed.

Gentle and proud he approached, together with the guards who showed the way. As they arrived her chamber below deck, they were left alone to talk. Deeply Stratos bowed, but in respect spoke as sadness filled his heart. "You called for me, my lady? I am at your service, what may I do for you?"He said, wondering still how she felt. Before she ever had got kidnapped, she had said no to be with him. He knew she was married, thought his feelings for her were strong. He only wanted to be with her, but knew her heart belonged to another. Being close to her again, made him feel strange thought hoped she was not angry at him.

[Daphne]

Daphne was lying in her bed, for she still was too weak to be able to stand. She was gaining strength, a medic checked on her from time to time and was satisfyed with her progress in healing. However, it seemed only her body healed, not her soul which constantly was reminded of the horrible past days which she had spent in captivity. Whenever her stomach ached, she was reminded of the child which she had been with only some weeks ago. It pained her deeply to know that she never would get to know him or her, it was killing her from inside out. Therefor, Daphne had called for Stratos to accompany her, as a friend would if another is in need. She needed to be distracted, hear news or simply talk to Stratos.

In a comfortable, violet dress she lay in bed beneath a blanket to stay warm while light food and drinks to strengthen her stood not far away, so that she could reach them easily while staying in bed. She looked up when Stratos entered, with a little weary look, but smiling. "Stratos, thank you that you came." She invited him to sit down, at the edge of her bed. She trusted him and knew he would not do anything wrong in this situation, he was a dearly beloved friend. "Tell me, is there anything new? Do you know if any messenger has been sent to Alcander to inform him of our return?"

[Stratos]

As Stratos was told to sit beside her on the edge of the bed, he with a smile returned to look at his queen. Having her close again was comforting, but horrible he felt in how she had been treated in captivity. If he only had protected her instead of leaving, then nothing would have happened in first place. Curiously he looked at her, wondering what she now thought but glad that she at least could speak. When she spoke, he listened carefully but still sat in respect as a lot he cared for her."A messenger have been sent to your husband yes, he know that your coming and will be waiting you. However may I ask how you now feel? are you any better?"He asked.

Her illness at least seemed to had proved better then last time he found her in the dungeon, thought still difficulties she had to move. A child she had lost, which pained her terrible even he hoped soon her mourning times would be over. With kindness and love, he took her hand as she so peacefully laid in her bed. With taking her hand in his, he hoped she would not mind since deeply he loved her thought knew she more liked her husband Alcander.

[Daphne]

Daphne smiled lightly at the thought of her husband, that soon she would be in his arms in safety again. She wondered what exactly the messengers would tell him although, if he would know at her arrival that she had lost their child. Or if he only would know about her and Felicita’s captivity. She would hate to have to tell him himself, too painfull it would be for both of them.

However, she now returned to Stratos. She smiled up to him lightly, even although her thoughts were dark, and she spoke „I feel a little better, thank you. Just a little tired.“ She spoke. Somehow she knew that Stratos was blaming himself for what happened, she wanted him to get rid of such feelings, however she did not know how, what to say. So, for the moment, she continued to look at him.

[Stratos]

Stratos who sat close to his queen watched in joy as he always loved being close to her, never had he seen any more beautiful woman then she. The queen of Athens surely was a goddess, specially in the way she acted and how pretty she looked. In return to the voice she spoke, he listened curiously but smiled in return. Careful he took her hand in his, glad that he could be at her service. Slowly he moved closer as they both watched each other into the eyes, thought no words was spoken. Like before, the moment between them was tense and full of romance, but still she belonged to her husband and king Alcander. However still had he lingered after another chance to kiss her, maybe this was the time, thought did not wish to get heart broken again. He tried deeply to think of something to say, even his mind only was fixed on her and the moment.

As silent it was around them, only waves of the sea could be heard. The eyes of Daphne showed clearly her soul, he could see she was in love with her husband but still her feelings felt strange around Stratos, as if she was in love with them both. Before he ever deared to move closer, he figured something to say."I can imagen your tired my queen, you have been threw a lot. However I am glad I can be here for you, as you know how I feel."Stratos answered with a smile.

[Daphne]

After him speaking, it now was Daphne's turn to desperately seek for words to reply. She was looking at him, seriously, with only a light smile on her lips. Stratos was right, she was tired, more than ever before, but still she wanted to stay with him in this moment. She was not wasting one thought on her husband at home in this moment, but only about her and Stratos, about how much he must care for her to be with her now, knowing that she just could not love him back just right now, and on the other hand not taking any advantage of her.

She told herself that she simply loved him like a friend would love a friend, but nothing more. He was there for her in this dark hour, when no one else was available and she felt so miserable, and in some way, this alone brought the two of them even a little closer. At last, she spoke "Yes, I am, but that does not matter. Right now there is nothing else I want than getting different thoughts, so let us speak of something else." She said.

[Stratos]

"Yes, of course."He answered with a smile, touching her cheek gently with his hand as deeply he looked into her eyes. Stratos was glad he could be there for her and that she wanted him to stay there, although still worried about how she felt after the deeds that had happened to her. Always if she ever needed him, he would be there for her. Thought it depressed him that he was not there to protect her when kidnapped she got in the first place, the love he kept for her ruined him totally when she said nothing could be between them. However now as they were close again, he had problems to resist. Her beauty was like a spell for him, thought calm he still tried to stay. More and more he leaned closer, until their nose almost touch as their voice of whisper went fluently threw the air."I am glad to be at your side again, my lady. Is there any special topic you would like to speak about?"He spoke and asked, wondering what she had in mind even the desire in both seemed to grew.

Her sadness was clearly seen in her face, but with friends and love she could forget all that had happened. Hopefully with Stratos beside her and Alcander who waited on her to return home would comfort her enough, now as she were free again a whole life stood before her. After the words Stratos spoke, both of them turned silent for a long moment. More deep into each other eyes they looked, curious in each other as the air got filled with love around them. Daphne were like a goddess for him, cause wise and beautiful she was in every way. With them both being close, it felt as Eros had wounded them by his arrow of love. Suddenly Stratos took the chance on kissing her, thought hoped she would not get upset again and push him away. Although this time she was different, with their conversation from before she now seemed more soft then ever and more willing to be near him. He just hoped she would return the kiss he now gave, if not then embarrassed he felt.

[Daphne]

When Stratos kissed her, Daphne ended up even more confused and in a mix of the most different feelings than before. At first, she did not return the kiss at all. She stared at Stratos' face, which was so close to hers. It felt so wrong for her, for she only was used to kiss her husband, Alcander. However, at the same time it felt so sweet and warm. It made her eyes shut, before she opened her mouth a little and granted him entry, returning the kiss. For her, it was a completely new sensation being kissed and kissing back another man, whom she had thought like a friend before. She knew out of a feeling deep down within her that what they were doing was right, and banned all thoughts about Alcander from her head.

[Stratos]

When Daphne suddenly returned the kiss, it was totally unexpected. The wishes Stratos had kept to himself for so long now came true, she truly had grown stronger feelings for him since the moment he told he was in love with her. With deep passion and desire they both made out wildly, which Stratos loved entirely. As Daphne closed her eyes to enjoy it, he himself did as well and kept on. It seemed as all her thoughts about Alcander were no more, the only thing both of them could think about was them self and the moment. With every move and desire they enjoyed each others kiss, trying to make it last forever. Her beauty was a great sight, but kissing and being close was even better. Alcander was lucky to have such a woman as wife, thought now as she betrayed him by being with Stratos everything would change. Now she would not only love one person, but instead two as he would be her secret lover if more of what happened would continue.

As close they both sat and made out, he slowly leaned over her so they both could lay down and go on. From the moment they both held each other in the hands and after the kissing had started between them, he carefully moved his hands across her body. From her arms up to her cheeks, as well down to her chest and legs. She was within his grasp and as she accepted his touches, he kept on until a sign would appear that she loved it. The dress she had on showed how royal she was and how important she was for Greece, however great it showed her beauty and from the first sight Stratos had gone in love. The moment as she now agreed to be with him, he could not stop smiling as the kisses went on and the touches got more enjoyable.

[Daphne]

Daphne had blended out any thoughts which could remind her that what she was doing could be wrong. All to the contrary, she almost was surprised how much she enjoyed kissing Stratos, a strange feeling rushed through her that she had not felt before. She had thought that Alcander was the great love of her life up to now, but probably after this day, it all would change. After this day, she probably wouldn't see Stratos as a good friend anymore, but as more. The weight of love in her shifted and would soon mix up her feelings.

However, in this situation she did not think about the future or past, but about the now and yet. It was new to her, and yet she had the feeling that whatever she did, it was the right thing. She kissed Stratos, slowly she moved her arms and wrapped them around his neck and shoulders, and she shifted a little to make space for Stratos to lie beside her. Her eyes were closed, enjoying each moment of it.

[Stratos]

Stratos was overwhelmed by happiness as Daphne his true love laid close to him, always had he wished to be with her like a lover but impossible it had been before. Now as he kissed her and she returned them with greater passion, it felt like a dream. Careful his hands moved across her body, touching it with soft and love as incredible she seemed to love it. The desire in them both grew large, while moans and heavy breathing could be heard from both. After many times of kissing, the tongue which they had started to go deeper inside one another's mouth. It was a rough moment, but as well full of romance. Slightly as Stratos went on kissing down her neck, he sonly began to remove her dress from her shoulders. With soft moves he rolled on top of her, kissing her greatly as his hands touched chest and leg.

Stratos could not believe what happened, the queen which he so long had served was now in his reach. In a long time he had been secretly in love, never again would he need to hide it from her. Although many risks lingered in what they did, if ever her husband that was king would figure then dangerous it would be. However if they were to continue the affairs, then in deep secrecy everything had to be kept. No one would be allowed to know, even the king of Athens had many spies. At least Daphne now finally loved Stratos, as he so long had loved her. It was like a spell had been casted on them both, to be together but in the hidden. She was beautiful and everything she did he loved, the look of her eyes and the movements her body made were enough to make him feel good. His heart was hers, he just hoped her heart was his.

[Daphne]

(Maybe we should skip a little? To the scene in Piraeus? As we know how this scene now will continue.)

It was not that Daphne now suddenly discovered her feelings for Stratos, as if they had been buried deep inside and she had not sensed them at all. On the contrary, she had felt that there was something between them, something unexplainable but strong. However, she had thought it was friendship, nothing more, that tied them together, that made Stratos wish to be near her, and that he had mistaken this friendship for love.

Now, Daphne knew it better. She suddenly found herself deeply in love and in need for him, far stronger than she ever had been with Alcander. She somehow realised that although she loved Alcander, it was nothing more than the love for a brother, for the best friend. Stratos now had awoken her innermost feelings, secrets and needs. It was her destiny to love him, to wish to be with him, even althought she probably never really would be able to show her feelings openly.

[Stratos]

Stratos was extremely happy when Daphne returned the feelings he kept for her, it was like a dream when it all happened but great it felt. The beauty of the Athenian queen truly were great, never before had he been with a woman like her. Deeply he kissed her, with passion and love which he so much had kept for her since the moment they met. Slowly he moved across her body, touching her with every delight and smoothness he could give. It felt wonderful, but more he wanted as close they now finally were. With Daphne below him, he slowly started to move after both got undressed. The door was closed and no one where allowed to enter, without permission.

"I love you."Stratos spoke whispering, as he kept on kissing her down the neck and further down. His hands slowly moving across her chests, down the body until a curtain point was reached. It felt good as it felt warm, however he only hoped it was alright. He knew it was wrong to sleep with the queen of Athens, thought his desire could not resist anymore.

(Yes well, we could stop soon..maybe continue a little more?)

[Daphne]

(Well, I think we should stop it and concentrate on the scenes in the presence back in Athens.)