Love is a very common theme. Given the complex relationship between Achilles and Briseis in the original myth, fanfictions often explore different aspects of their love, whether it's a forbidden love or a love that overcomes obstacles.
One common theme is the struggle for possession. Both Achilles and Briseis might feel possessive of each other, and jealousy arises when they perceive threats to their relationship. For instance, if another character shows romantic interest in either of them.
Love and loyalty are very common themes. Their relationship as mates often involves a deep love for each other and unwavering loyalty in the face of various challenges.
One common theme is power dynamics. Achilles was a powerful warrior and Briseis was a captive. How they navigated this power difference is often explored in fanfics. Also, the theme of loyalty, both to each other and to their respective causes. For example, Achilles' loyalty to his own values and Briseis' loyalty to her people in some cases. And of course, there is the overarching theme of their relationship, which could be love, respect or a combination of different emotions.
Achilles might start as a brash and self - centered warrior. But the forced marriage would force him to consider someone else's feelings. He'd become more empathetic. Briseis, on the other hand, could begin as a frightened and resentful woman. As she gets to know Achilles better, she'd gain confidence and start to assert herself. For example, she might influence Achilles' decisions regarding war and peace.
There could be a new level of intimacy in their relationship. Not just physical intimacy, but an emotional closeness as they are about to become parents. They would share their hopes and fears for the future. For instance, they might talk about what kind of life they want their child to have, whether it's a life away from war or a life where the child is trained to be a great warrior like Achilles. This would deepen their bond and make their relationship more complex and multi - faceted.
One possible aspect of this fanfiction could be the exploration of Achilles' heroic nature. His act of saving Briseis might be seen as not just a physical rescue but also a moral one. In the original context, Briseis was often at the mercy of the power struggles among the Greek heroes. In this fanfiction, Achilles might be portrayed as defying the norms of his society or the commands of his superiors to save her. This could show his independent spirit and his sense of justice.
Well, a simple version of this fanfiction could be that their marriage is a happy and harmonious one. They support each other in all aspects. Achilles might go to Briseis for advice before battles, and she would be his source of comfort when he returns.
The fanfiction could also explore their cultural differences within the marriage. Achilles, being a great warrior, has his own set of values, while Briseis, coming from a different background, has hers. They would need to learn to understand and accept each other's beliefs and ways of life to make their marriage work.
The fanfiction could involve a prophecy related to the unborn child. The prophecy might state that the child will either bring great peace or great destruction. This would put a lot of pressure on Achilles and Briseis. They would have to decide how to handle this knowledge. Do they try to hide the child's existence? Or do they raise the child to be a force for good? Achilles might also become more protective than ever, leading to some tense moments with his comrades who don't fully understand his newfound intensity.
One possible plot could be that the child grows up in the shadow of their famous parents. They might struggle with the expectations placed on them due to their parents' heroic and tragic story. For example, they could be trained in combat like Achilles, but also inherit Briseis' kindness and compassion, which would create an internal conflict as they try to find their own identity in a world that only sees them as the child of two legends.