πρώτα

[oikoumene.livejournal.com]

[The feed is at first filled with static and the sounds of the device being knocked around. But eventually, words start to filter through.]

―nteresting. Hou, ――something that he may k―Ah!

[And the person seems to figure it out, so the deep, resonant voice laughs jovially]

Aha, here we go! What an odd little thing indeed... I admit, it's taken me almost a full day to figure out this little bracelet. It seems better for a lady than myself, I have to say.

[He laughs again. Cheerful guy, for just getting dumped somewhere strange.] Well! It seems a new day has risen for us, and it still remains. I suppose that crosses out the possibility of it being a strange dream, eh? So hello, those of you that may hear me! I confess that I do not know to whom I speak, but I suppose it matters little! I am Alexander III of Macedon, though I would prefer to be called Rider for now. I am in the house of Thor and from what I understand, is quite fitting for me!

Ah, but that said, I am curious and pose a question to all of you--I have seen quite a few strange ones wandering around, so what sorts of places do you all hail from? From the looks of you, it seems like quite the variety!

[His voice quiets to...a normal level] Now, how to turn―[There's a crack, then the feed cuts to static]

Comments

video

[oikoumene.livejournal.com]

Is that so? Ha, then you speak of my ancestor Alexander, who allowed us to participate in the Olympics! A fine ruler, of course. I am his descendent by about one hundred years, my friend. But I am glad you found my country welcoming!

video

[nobackstories.livejournal.com]

[A hundred years or so isn't a bad place to start anyway.]

Well, I wouldn't call it welcoming. Your old man wasn't too kindly to Persians. I had to keep myself scarce.

[oikoumene.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, it's quite understandable. There's a bit of bad blood between us, especially at that time. But let me be clear that I do not harbor any ill will, my friend! It is not in my nature to hate an entire people.

[nobackstories.livejournal.com]

Hey, I was just born there. I might like to hang out there most of the time, but my only loyalty is to the only person to ever do me any good, namely, me. So that lack of ill will goes both ways, Al.

[oikoumene.livejournal.com]

Ha, very good, then! It would be unfortunate if an old rivalry were to be replayed here!

[nobackstories.livejournal.com]

Especially you without an army. That would just be awkward.

[oikoumene.livejournal.com]

A bit! My armies may be loyal enough to follow me beyond the grave, but they did not follow me here, it seems.

[nobackstories.livejournal.com]

At least there's no one for you to get embarrassed in front of if you do decide to pick a fight with me.

[oikoumene.livejournal.com]

Is that so? Well, my friend, you may find that even if my army could join me, it would be a bit hard to embarrass me!

[nobackstories.livejournal.com]

So, you don't have any shame at all? That's not very kingly of you.

[oikoumene.livejournal.com]

I would not say that. Instead, I would say that I am quite confident in my skills.

[nobackstories.livejournal.com]

You know, I was just thinking the same thing about me.

[oikoumene.livejournal.com]

Fantastic! Then we should certainly have a sparring match while we reside here, my Persian friend! It would be a great honor! And of course, quite fun!

[nobackstories.livejournal.com]

Add in some bets and it will be profitable too.

[oikoumene.livejournal.com]

I would gladly do so, but I have no money to spare! In fact, I have none at all, here.

[nobackstories.livejournal.com]

Well we better make sure we both have plenty of coin when it happens.

[oikoumene.livejournal.com]

I gladly accept the challenge!

...Though, how are we supposed to make money here? Do you know, my friend?

[nobackstories.livejournal.com]

Still working on that, big guy. But there's always the old fashioned way. Just relieve others of their burden. The way all kings and thieves do.

[oikoumene.livejournal.com]

Well, there's that, of course! And that's my plan eventually for this place, but I should like to earn it fairly first. Without an army at my side and my title having weight, I realize that taking it by force would be foolish.

[nobackstories.livejournal.com]

... wait, did I hear that right, you plan to take over?

[oikoumene.livejournal.com]

I do! Well, unless this Thor fellow can convince me otherwise!

[nobackstories.livejournal.com]

So talking about it where he can probably hear it... good idea?

[oikoumene.livejournal.com]

I am not concerned. I would feel better if he knew my intentions fully before I made any move. It is the honorable thing to do, and if he cannot respect my gesture, then he is a weak man, even as a god.

[nobackstories.livejournal.com]

Well you're confident. I'll give you that. But even if he respects it, I figure he might just find it easier to kill you on the spot.

[oikoumene.livejournal.com]

Perhaps so! It is a gamble to bet on the chance that he will not, but it is one that I am willing to take!