( video ) un: achilles

[heelies]

[As when storm-bruised clouds cast their dark pall over the sky, a harbinger of the torrent and tempest to come, so appears the countenance of Peleus' son. He is harnessed in the glorious armor that lame-foot Hephaestus did forge for him, and upon his head fiercely glints the golden helmet which once served as a beacon to the Myrmidons and all of the vast host of war-loving Argives. Like the thunder that is hurled by almighty Zeus who bears the aegis, his voice roars out over the network.]

Koltira, you whose heart is blackened with vile hatred! Hear now the son of Peleus, Achilles, best of all the Achaeans - I whose pride was rent by your blade when you did raise arms without first issuing a proper challenge as is honorable between warriors. I demand that you meet me in single combat, that I may avenge myself and slake my spear upon your blood. Meet me then to the east of the town ere the sun touches the far horizon, where it settles for the night into the couch of the desert - unless the worm of cowardice burrows deep within your breast to weaken your fighting spirit!

It is for this reason that I give my challenge in this public forum, that others may bear witness and hold you accountable to this duel. What say you, Koltira? Recoil not from the bloodshed you so take pleasure in! Long has my anger rankled in my breast, and long has my pride festered without salve potent enough to soothe it, for the cure lies only in victory by dint of my spear. Thus, today I wait no more!

[In the colloquialisms of the locals: This town ain't big enough for the both of us.]

Comments

video, un: latrodectus

[expatriates]

Really?

[ The kind of expression caught between chagrin and 'should I get popcorn' is all over her face. Protect Koltira 2kalways but also ... ]

[heelies]

For what reason do you doubt the keen edge of my intentions? The man who boasts before battle but flees once flies the first spear has no more honor than an ass that endlessly brays but says nothing at all.

[expatriates]

Believe me, you don't want to start this.

[heelies]

What know you of my wishes? If you presume this challenge to be born of ignorance, then you do insult me: it is precisely because I have learned the terrible strength of Koltira's blade and godcraft that I must challenge him to single combat.

[expatriates]

Warning you about Koltira's power after what happened would be a waste of breath.

[ beat. ]

I'm warning you about his friends.

[heelies]

I have no quarrel with any but Koltira, but if his companions too should raise weapons against me, then I shall answer in kind. Still, this matter concerns none but Koltira and myself, and thus I see not why any should be so intent upon interfering.

[expatriates]

That's not how barfights work anymore. You can't challenge people to a good old fashioned duel and expect terms to be met.

[heelies]

Then they would do well to learn once more the ways of their fathers' fathers who walked before them.

[expatriates]

Welcome to the twenty-first century. The only people still following the rules are those too stupid to figure out they don't have to.

[heelies]

[The numbers mean nothing to him, for three thousand years ago no such common calendar existed. He understands only that he is out of place here among this crew.]

And for what am I beholden to the watered down customs of latter ages of men? If you think me a fool for honoring the ways of my noble father, impertinent as you are, then there is naught I shall do to change your mind.

[expatriates]

If you think the customs of modern-aged men are bad, you'll get a real kick out of the women. [ which is to say, she takes passive exception to being called impertinent for trying to keep him from getting himself killed on koltira's sword. but that, as achilles has pointed out, won't necessarily come as persuasive. bickering rarely is.

she tries another approach, ] He hasn't been himself lately. I don't know what happened, but there's every possibility that Koltira wasn't the one in control at the time. That isn't his fault.

[heelies]

[He is, in a peculiar turn of events, friends with Ramir. Well does he know the idiosyncrasies of the modern woman...]

Was he robbed of his wits too when so many moons ago he warned me that should we ever again cross paths, he would purpose to kill me? No, such murderous intentions cannot be blamed on his madness. No matter if his wits are scattered or wholly intact - he wishes death upon my head all the same.

[expatriates]

Usually, when you know someone like that is trying to kill you, the smart choice is to run the other way.

[heelies]

To run from battle is cowardly. I shall not bring disgrace upon myself in such a manner after I have issued this public challenge.

[expatriates]

Better to be a coward than dead.