( 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

The true winner

[grunehexe]

[Its not like she can say such a thing is impossible, considering the way ALASTAIR recruits... but-]

And your sire?

[tolight]

My father is Chrom, the Exalt of Ylisse. [ There's a note of pride in her voice, reserved specifically for when talking about her #1 idol. ]

[grunehexe]

He is some... religious leader?

[working off Exalt here]

[tolight]

The leader of the country.

The Exalt bloodline is chosen by Naga, the Divine Dragon — who is worshiped by many in the country.

[grunehexe]

That means you are... a princess, of sorts, yes? Which would make your mother... a queen?

[tolight]

That is correct.

... Mother was a kind, and gentle queen. [ Note the past tense, but anyway — ] However, the Olivia you are familiar with has not experienced this, so to speak.

[grunehexe]

[Act cool, Sieglinde. Time travel, alternate timelines... nothing irregular here, you are a seasoned witch, this is totally. normal.]

I see... so Olivia, in her future, marries the Exalt, and births you, in your past. Most peculiar, most peculiar...

[Wait-]

And you... made Olivia aware of this?

[tolight]

It was not me, but she is aware, yes.

She addressed me as her daughter at my arrival — I believe she gained the knowledge at beforehand, though the circumstances surrounding it were... beyond my understanding, unfortunately.

[grunehexe]

I see... this potential explains... something I had been wondering for.

[If Olivia knew she was fated to marry another, and bear this daughter...]

Well, perhaps it is fortuitous we ought meet, no matter the trying circumstance. Olivia as she is now is the foremost of my disciples.

[tolight]

[ Daughter and a son, but that's just details. ]

Potential?

[ But there are more pressing matters, such as — ] Oh!

It's an honor. [ Her expression warms considerably, even hinting at a smile. ] Thank you for caring for her, when I could not.

[grunehexe]

[Yes, yes, let us focus on something else until she ascertains that theory...]

Likewise. It was no trouble at all, she is a most gracious woman with an earnest heart for healing.

[tolight]

Have you been teaching her the healing arts? [ Suddenly, between the Green Witch and Olivia's new, powerful skills, this makes a lot more sense. ]

[grunehexe]

That I have, yes. Since our mission in Chantes she has been under my tutorship. It has been many moons, now.

[tolight]

Chantes... [ Another piece of information about Olivia she's managed to learn — she lets the answer sink in, and around the same time she realizes...

Koltira and Achilles. Fighting. Her attempt to keep any third parties from injury away. Right. Quickly, her expression sobers. ] It's been a pleasure to speak to you — but I believe our skills will be needed... elsewhere, at the moment.

[ Or at least, soon. She's preparing for the worst. ] I will speak to you in person shortly, Sieglinde.

[grunehexe]

[Sadly... Lucina is right. Sieglinde steels her expression, giving only a firm nod.]

My familiar and I will join you shortly.