( video )

[heelies]

[The video feed begins on a close view of a face, revealing a stern set of eyes and a curve of nose but little more. Then the picture shakes as a new perspective is gained. The man who comes into view posesses a princely bearing and wears well the mantle of importance. His voice belongs to one who is accustomed to being listened to.]

I am told that this is the way that men call others to counsel in this land, and so as strange as it seems to me to address those whom I see not, I shall follow the local custom. I am Achilles, son of Peleus — Peleus who rules the fertile plains of Phthia, and who claims for his own worthy father Aeacus, judge of the House of Hades. New as I am to this land, which is farther from my dear native land than even the windy plains of Ilios, I bear many questions, but the first in my heart is this.

What deathless gods watch over the city of Lunatia? I have seen no temples built to honor Zeus who bears the aegis, nor bright-eyed Athena, nor Phoebus Apollo. Where are the priests who aid in the rituals of sacrifice, the seers who interpret the will of the gods in bird-signs? Surely, a city so rich as this, with precious silver trimming its houses, and all manner of riches I have never before seen — surely its people have the benison of the gods. Yet I see no practices that would suggest such reverence. Tell me, therefore, the ways to honor these gods who to me are so mysterious.

Comments

[heelies]

True it is that the gods speak through the dreams that visit us in slumber, and sometimes these dreams reveal truths, and sometimes they are naught but lies. However, never have I heard of a pestilence that might be carried upon the soft mists of dreams!

[hagrides]

Consider yourself fortunate. The kingdom that earned her wrath and garnered her plague has been brought to ruin.

[heelies]

So it is when one of the deathless gods is slighted. Is there no way to supplicate this Radiance?

[hagrides]

Not in the slightest. She holds grudges longer than a kingdom's rise and fall. Even another god would have no power to sway her.

[heelies]

Even the gods cannot rage forever! Although, perhaps the same cannot be said of goddesses, it is said that ox-eyed Hera's love for grudges is equal to her love for her husband. It was with such rage blackening her heart that she tormented glorious Heracles, son of Zeus by a mortal woman's womb — she robbed him of his wits so that he would slay his own wife and babes, and restored him only once the terrible act was done. The bards tell many tales of her unflagging fury for the sons sprung from the passions of her most royal husband.

[hagrides]

Yes, that sounds like my dear sister. Except I'm not certain she's capable of loving anyone.

[Bitter? Bitter.]

[heelies]

She is your sister, then, this goddess whom you call the Radiance? Even immortals are not free from the strife that spreads among kinsfolk.

[hagrides]

She is, or was. Dream and nightmare were one, long ago.

[Their relationship is not nearly so cordial now. Killing your sibling once will do that.]

[heelies]

Indeed, as shadow cannot be without the light that casts it. Yet it seems best to me that mortal man stays out of matters among the deathless.

[hagrides]

And yet how frequently are mortals dragged into divine affairs against their will. Seen as mere collateral damage, if the gods think of them at all.

[He's not fond of many other gods.]