Alexander "I know how to people" the Great (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
towards_okeanos) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
aefenglom2020-03-10 12:57 am
towards_okeanos) wrote in aefenglom2020-03-10 12:57 am
video | un: conquerorking
Name: Archer, Iskandar Date: 9th of Maurer Format: video |
[The video feed starts with half of the picture obscured by some large, red shape and half showing Archer sitting at the table, a large stack of papers with what is most likely sketches of new designs in front of him. The red shape turns out to be Iskandar adjusting the position of the watch AFTER starting the transmission…He seems to be happy how he set it up and only then he joins Archer. Behind them is the familiar interior of Inkchanted.]
Hello and well met! We of the Inkchanted staff feel it’s important to announce, though we do it with deep regret, that on Full Moons and the day after that, our marvellous establishment would remain closed.
[Archer cuts in, his eyes looking more reptilian than usual, pupils turned to thin slits. It’s not as noticeable, but his eyes have a subtle golden glow. He’s smirking that irritating smirk of his, and his tone carries his usual veneer of sarcasm]
It is a necessity due to previously unforeseen circumstances. I advise our customers to avoid booking their sessions during the future Full Moons as well. Those who’ve been already booked for these days will have a priority while choosing a more fitting date.
Yes, yes. Exactly! [That’s Iskandar again. An observant eye will surely notice he’s looking a little worried even if he’s sporting his usual wide grin.] We sincerely apologize to all of our wonderful customers for that inconvenience and invite you to come back on the 11th of Maurer in the usual opening hours. We remain open for all question pertaining to the usual Inkchanted business or the current announcement.
[Having said that Iskandar raises with intention of ending the transmission but his fiddling with the watch doesn’t bring the desired effect. So, quite unintentionally it shows Archer, his eyes flashing golden for a moment .]
Are we done here?
[Iskandar dismisses him with an impatient wave.]
Yes, yes, go.
[Archer stands up swiftly, nods politely at his companion and leaves, choosing the door that leads to the session room and closing it firmly behind himself. There’s a quiet murmur of voices that is cut by a sudden sound of the window being opened, surprised yell, followed by laughter fading into the distance. (For all that know him, both sound unmistakenly like Cú.)]
Ho? Why is this light here still blinki… Malaka!
[That’s where the transmission truly ends.]
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It might have been indeed so. This is a big city. I am Iskandar.
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[Wait. Wait a second. Her eyes widen slightly.]
...you would not happen to be also known as Iskandar the great, would you?
[Nah nah nah this can't be happening]
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Indeed I was. Though that title was more often used with my Greek name: Alexander.
I'm using the Persian one here solely due to personal preference.
[His grin grows even wider. A marvellous coincidence.]
Do tell, have you perhaps heard of me before?
[Few did in this city. He could count the lot of them on one hand.]
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I see. That does make sense. But...yes, I've heard of you. Undefeated in battle, and the creator of one of the largest empires known to the Western world. Your military tactics are still taught in the modern day-and you're known for establishing Alexandria.
Technically, more then one city, but the one in modern day Egypt is the most famous.
[She held up a finger.]
But I'd like to ask you a question as well. Does the phrase 'noble phantasm' mean anything to you?
private; text.
What you really wanted to ask is Am I a Servant? Or more precisely: was I?
I believe such discussions are best held on more private channels or even better, in person.
[He smiles.]
I am always glad to hear my deeds were remembered. Even more glad to hear my city has survived and thrives. It was always my favourite one.
[He always loved Egypt and her people. The land of Kemet. They first recognized him for who he was.]
private;
And ask perhaps if there's a way I could make up for my impolite behavior.
[A beat, and:]
I've never been to Alexandria but...I've seen photographs in books. It's quite beautiful.
Re: private;
[He was many things to many people. A leader. A king. A living god. A legend. A Heroic Spirit. Each title he carried with pride.]
I wish I could have seen at least those photographs. It was no more than a vision when I had to leave. Not even the walls were finished.
[He never had the chance to see its construction finished.]
Do you know how much time has passed between your times and mine?
Permaprivate
[And in the modern times as a leader...what would he been like? She doesn't know. His masters must have despaired, as his nature couldn't be denied.
Too bad she never saw. It would have been hilarious to watch.]
If I would have liked to show you. I have only received clothes, and not many. That wouldn't help you. Perhaps...if you're so lucky, there's a witch who's seen, and can show you.
[Or a fae. But she doubts a fae could.]
I'd say...two thousand years or so? It was 2004 when I was taken from earth.
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Is it? I have no heart for cowards and those that oppose me deserve their chance to know who has beaten them.
[Or, in that one case, who they have bested. He'd never say no to a worthy opponent.]
Perhaps. [Is it melancholy that she hears there? Perhaps.] It fills my heart with joy to hear that my city has thrived for so long and continued to thrive even in your times. Thank you for sharing this with me.
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[It would be lovely to see the city. Alexandria. It would be nice to go somewhere, just to see it. Heck, she'd go with him, since it'd be funny to watch him gawk and squawk at the locals.]
You're welcome. Perhaps...no, I can't make any promises. But I'm sure there's others that can speak of your city.
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[That question had to come. He's predictable like that.]
If they indeed do I'd most happy to hear that. For now, I am content to know that it prospers.
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[Predictable, but she has no idea what he'll do next. Offer to train her? Nah.]
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You can almost never go wrong with a short sword. What it lacks in reach it more than makes up in speed. True, it does require more time and effort to acquire enough skill to use it efficiently than say a bow or a javelin but then it's useful in so many more combat situations.
[Never the one to pass the occasion to talk about weapons.]
If you ever find yourself in need of a sparring partner, I'll be glad to offer myself.
[He's always curious of other fighters. Mages turned warriors are even more interesting.]
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I could use a sparring partner though, for armed and unarmed combat. Even more if you're willing to teach. I've been doing drills for months now.
give Caren a battle axe initiative starts now
Train you? [Iskandar blinks. Odd as it may sound, scarcely anyone has asked him for that before.] Why yes, I am! It would be a pleasure!
Caren with all the axes, all the time
[She hummed in thought. It would be something more like what a Beserker would use right? But here...it would make more sense then not.]
I'll consider it. In the meantime-let's try to arrange training or sparring sessions, shall we?
yusss ...!
As for place...
[He thinks for a moment. There's really only one place they can go in the city and to venture outside the Bright Wall would be too dangerous.]
The barracks should be fine. I'm sure we can find or borrow the equipment from someone there if you decided to try your hand with an axe.
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[Unless it's certain someones, wink wonk. But really, she's thoughtful as she considers his idea.]
I'm not sure there would be someone there with axes, but the barracks sound like a good location. If worse comes to worse-I could always invest in one.
We could go axe shopping together, if you're interested.
[Or not, they're strangers, it's cool.]
wrap here but transfer to a new thread with axe shopping and/or sparring?
[Quit that strangers nonsense! Nobody asking to go axe shopping with him will ever be treated as a stranger. That practically makes them best friends on the spot.]
I happen to know not one but two excellent smiths. [Is he bragging? Of course, he's bragging.]
The weapon made by one of them I've personally seen to perform splendidly in combat so I can vouch for the quality of craftsmanship.
sure, sounds great!
[Axe buddies? Sure why not. She stifles a snicker at his bragging over smiths but...it does catch her interest.]
And since you know these smiths...perhaps we can look at our schedules, and contact each other via the Watch later, see when we can get an appointment that suits all of us?