( 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

[kikoku]

[Law sighs and rubs at his face, just as much to give himself a moment to parse Achilles's speech as out of irritation.]

I don't care how strong he is or whatever it is you're fighting over. I don't even care if you fight him, do whatever you want.

[He points an accusatory finger at the feed.]
What I'm telling you is to wait. Let us deal with this mission first, and then settle your little grudge match when we're back in Oska. If you really feel this strongly about it then I'm sure neither of your feelings are going to change on the matter in that length of time.

[Because regardless of what they accomplish, they surely aren't going to be on this planet much longer, one way or another. He does note not to mention Olivia in the future though. Because sure, ok, be that way.]

sorry for the wait!

[heelies]

Wise you are, wave-taming Law, to let this duel unfold as it must - none shall deter me from this course, just as a stream in winter's spate cannot be restrained when it rushes forth to fill the fertile plains. Yet you are mistaken if you think I shall wait even a day more to redress this wrong. How tired I grow of endlessly speaking to the same argument! Must I forever push my point as Sisyphus is consigned to the fruitless toil of pushing the boulder up to the crest of that hellish hill? Speak, therefore, only when you have more favorable counsel to offer.

np np

[kikoku]

I- I'm pretty sure I told you to stop calling me that. If I didn't then I'm doing so now.
[Just.... starting with that, because it's the easiest. There's a pause where he's working out how to refute Achilles' point but after a long moment he comes to a decision.]

Fine, do whatever the hell you want. Just try not to get killed. You arguably bring some useful skills to the table on our team.

[heelies]

[He certainly did tell him so before, but Achilles did not listen then, nor shall he listen now. Sorry Law, you must bear this epithet...]

The son of Peleus shall not die so easily. If fortune does so favor me that I shall emerge from battle with breath still upon my lips, then I know not what crew shall benefit from my gifts - for I see not why I ought to lend myself to those who would spurn me.

[kikoku]

[He's not even a navigator!!! He doesn't tame waves. He can't even swim. Please pick a better one. Law is silent for a long moment but then just sighs deeply.]

... Because deep down you're a good person. [He's not sure he truly believes it himself but... He trusts Olivia enough to believe in her judgement.] I can't see you being willing to let innocent people due to your inaction, just because maybe they scorned your pride or whatever.