( 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

[assent]

Ah... No, that is not it. [ She barely gets slang herself... why is she having to explain this. ] It is a modern slang used to provoke someone, that is all. I heard it on a drama. [ Though she does end up tapping her lip as she considers that. ]

If it is not meant to be a soap opera, why are you talking so strangely?

[ Thank god he did tbh ]

not here

[slushfund]

("come and get some then motherfucker", someone get him a life alert necklace.........)

[heelies]

[Although he has certainly suffered similar remarks from others, in this moment his fury makes wholly disproportionate his annoyance.]

Is it so strange for a man to speak well?

[assent]

[ Achilles slow yo roll bro. ]

"Well"? [ Wait a minute-- ] Is this how people speak where you are from?

[heelies]

[His roll shall never slow!]

Indeed, among the Achaeans I would sound little different from any other worthy man. Such is how I learned to speak in imitation of my father, and Peleus from his father Aeacus before him.

[assent]

[ Apparently not?! But... she's more apologetic now anyway, though also a little confused because she's well read and... nah, can't be, right? Is he sure he just isn't really into plays... is he into roleplay? Is that his jam? ]

I see. Then I apologise again if my questions may have offended you. It is not something I have seen outside of theatre, however.

[heelies]

You have meant no offense, fair maiden, and thus no offense shall I take. If you delight in stories, then perhaps I shall one day recall for you one of the countless tales of the Achaeans. Yet I much prefer to be not the bard who carries upon his lyre the tale of men, but the hero for whom such tales are sung, and thus that day shall not be today.

[assent]

Very well. Some other time I will await for a story from you. I do not understand what is happening here, but... I wish you luck?

[ She really has no idea tbh... just carry on. ]

[heelies]

It is vengeance that I seek, for the sake of my wounded pride - yet let this concern you not. Let men worry about battle instead, for such is our burden to bear. But tell me this, what is the name of this fair maiden who upon me bestows her blessing?

[assent]

Of course. I will step aside for now. [ She'd understand more if she read more of it but it really isn't her business. She's mostly disappointed she can't watch a play ... this place has been brutal. ]

Please excuse my manners however. My name is Sonia Nevermind. It is a pleasure to meet you.

[heelies]

[He has a special talent for disappointing women, so it would seem.]

It is indeed a pleasure to gaze upon so lovely a visage ere I must bloody my spear in single combat. As for me, I am Achilles, son of Peleus who over fertile Phthia rules.

[assent]

[ smh ]

I am uncertain of what that means-- [ why is he talking about fertility here ] --but I am sure you will be fine! Faito!

[ sonia no ]