( 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]

[For all her resilience and all her loyalty, he can see how heavily this matter weight upon her small shoulders. In this moment he wishes she were near, that he might clasp her hands for reassurance.]

Indeed, this path I have chosen I now must follow to its end, for to turn back would be shameful cowardice. I know not if Fate shall choose his lot or mine to sink down into the House of Hades, or if it shall allow even the conquered to remain in the country of the living, through the blessing of these the healing gifts that you and others among this company possess - but no matter the outcome of this duel, I shall accept it, and no more shall I be burdened by this quarrel.

[grunehexe]

Were this my world then a witch's eyes ought be able to see beyond that which human eyes may know, and I would be able to discern your Fate.

But this is not my world, nor yours.

[Something she has no doubt he is acutely aware of, even more so now.]

My journeys have been made safer and my body kept from harm by both you and the one you challenge, and it is to the both of you I owe debts. Because of this, it is not my place to wish nor bestow favor... but I take comfort from the possibility you may find an answer in this.

I shall be awaiting the finish.

[heelies]

Alas, that I find myself so far from those familiar shores I never again shall see. How strange it is that the more time I spend apart from my dear native land, the more strongly I feel its traditions beating within my breast and coursing through my veins, the veins which carry the blood of noble Peleus and silver-footed Thetis both.

[For the moment, the rage in his voice has stilled to solemnity, while Sieglinde provides respite as would the eye of a storm to a wind-beaten sea.]

I cannot begrudge your impartiality in this matter, if these debts weigh level one against the other. Nevertheless, although you cannot give me your blessing in this battle, your gentle maiden's heart has been blessing enough to me.