( 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]

There, that is much improved — now we might have some semblance of a proper conversation.

Indeed, the moon-ruling goddesses of this land seem strange to me, but then it is not for man to question the deathless gods too closely. Even the seers who interpret bird signs cannot know all that Zeus almighty holds in his heart. Yet I shall honor these three sister goddesses even as I continue to offer libations to the far-seeing gods who upon Mount Olympus dwell. The honors they desire, after all, are so pleasing to give.

[If you know what he means.]

Although I cannot help but be amused when I call to mind stories of how the gods whom the war-loving Achaeans honor have been so offended by such acts offered upon their altars.

sorry for the delay!

[courtmagic]

Those gods, I think, took themselves far too seriously. There's a proper place, sure, but is it such an unforgivable sin, especially when done in the gods' name?

[he knows what Achilles means without him even implying.]

At least in this place, the goddesses know that pleasure and joy is equally important to a faithful life, not merely being solemn and upright. It's a nice change from other doctrines.

no worries!

[heelies]

Surely even a fool can understand why the maiden goddess Athena was offended when before her sacred alter, wave-ruling Poseidon lay with Medusa as is the way between man and woman. So it was that Medusa, once a beautiful maiden herself, was reduced to a hideous monster. If the deathless gods regard themselves too seriously, in your estimation, then it is because they have the power to do that which pleases them.

As such, it is unwise to insult the gods, even those who watch over lands that lie far from here. Yet, we can agree that pleasure and piety make life rich in equal measure.