( 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

[heelies]

Haise, son of Sasaki - you too would try to deter me from the path that restores the honor that was wrongfully robbed from me? Even you, who have heard of my legend and thus must know how brightly burns my rage and pride both - you would dismiss this matter as inconsequential in the face of these our present trials? Long have I nursed my injured pride while the wild-eyed Qorral suffer one calamity after another, but no more shall I wait. How ever can I be at peace while this wound goes unaddressed, lacking balm and bandages both?

Moreover, you have seen - surely, you have seen - how he flaunts fast-dancing Olivia by his side, she who I once claimed for my wife. He does this while still my heart grieves for her loss. Such an insult as this cannot go unanswered!

[ex_adept136]

I don't object to the course of action, for the reason you've cited. It's something that, keeping your background in mind, is to be expected. Anything regarding Olivia is her business, but from my perspective, I don't believe her presence to be anything but the support of a friend.

[Haise knows little of Koltira, but that broadcast didn't look at all like that to him. As to the rest...he doesn't comment]

My only concern is that the timing may not be ideal, and I wouldn't want either of you to be put at risk when the matter should be limited to parties concerned.

[Granted his own cultural background stresses unity and teamwork and is far less concerned with individual achievement, despite the CCG rewarding the latter. He's got some medals of distinction himself, not that he particularly wanted them]

surprise 2/2

[ex_adept136]

[Also upon reflection, since his epithet has endured...]

...Incidentally, my name was given to me after I'd lost my memory [And his amnesiac status is something he's already outed elsewhere, so he's able to say this, albeit stiffly] so I'm afraid it wasn't my father's name. I'm sorry I didn't say something earlier, but it's a sensitive matter.

[That is, not having any memories]

[heelies]

[For Haise's reasoning on Olivia's involvement with Koltira, he scoffs loudly but allows the young man to finish nonetheless.]

No matter the nature of their companionship, it chaps my breast to see one so dear at the side of one so vile to me - surely you can understand such pain! Or are you not a man?

It is true that you speak out of concern rather than scorn, as so many among this crew have shown me, but at present I need not your concern, but only your support in this matter that I cannot set aside. Speak not against this course, therefore, for already my mind is decided. The siege that the cursed Deemers have long laid against this city has now slowed and all but stopped while we cut down their ranks and capture their men and women alike. For what must I continue to wait while this quarrel goes unsettled?

Tell me too what title I may give you, if Sasaki is not the name of your father. I have meant you no offense, but I know not what else to call you, for such is the way of the Achaeans, to address a man by recalling his worthy father.

[ex_adept136]

I'm afraid my culture varies in our expectations of men. Where I come from, it's important to consider the collective good, rather than stand out, as it's seen as obtrusive. As such, the objective is to avoid conflict with co-workers whenever possible...but I'm aware that's not everyone's way.

[He does think it a good idea, however, to mention these differences in what's expected of men, lest the wrong person misunderstand and get insulted]

I worry that the cessation of activity from the Deemers may be the calm before the storm. I'd not presume to tell you about warfare, but my experience leaves me suspicious of the way things have quieted down, even with our efforts taken into account. While I hope to be wrong, I'm not relaxing just yet.

Determining what I might be called would be a challenge, though if it helps, I view Special Class Arima as my father. He's the one who trained me.

[heelies]

[He nods, for it makes perfect sense in his mind: after all, he views Chiron as a second father for all that the centaur had taught him.]

Very well, then - the son of Arima, Haise. If already you accept that your goals match not mine, and your priorities dictate not what I shall do, then what need is there for this debate? As I have declared before, so shall I say once more: I cannot wait any longer to redress this wrong done unto me. The war cry howls within my heart, and my spear thirsts for blood. Should more worm-cursed Deemers pour down from the mountains with weapons raised, then these too I shall slay if I must - so long as I face Koltira in single combat, I care not a splinter what should happen.

[ex_adept136]

[Privately, he's pleased by the suggestion that he is in some respect Arima's son. He'd regarded the man as a father for quite some time, but while it was casually joked about that his superiors were like his parents, Haise has never assumed that his sentiments are shared.

Still, there's no harm in this case, is there?

It seems there's no more to be said, save for one thing]

If they do attack, and you have the chance, let the rest of us know. There's no reason to have them interrupt you, right?

[Haise knows that Achilles' anger is a terribly reckless thing, but this seems the best he can do to mitigate unnecessary injury and risk. The duel involves Koltira, but not the Deemers. In such a case, it shouldn't be a problem if others handle those opponents should they surface.

He can hope, anyway]