πρώτα

[oikoumene]

[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

Comments

[nobackstories]

Macedon's a nice place. I've been through there a few times. But I didn't realize we were already up to a third Alexander on the throne. Last I heard, it was just Alexander the unnumbered.

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[oikoumene]

[Interesting. Rider didn't think he would meet anyone from his "time" at all, so his interest in this man is very clear]

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!

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[nobackstories]

[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]

[He raises an eyebrow, but his smile doesn't change. A Persian? He certainly didn't expect to meet one of them ever again.]

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. [Though he'll be keeping the conquering thing to himself. Best to be sensitive.]

[nobackstories]

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]

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

[nobackstories]

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

[oikoumene]

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

[nobackstories]

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]

[He laughs heartily] 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]

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

[oikoumene]

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

[nobackstories]

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

[oikoumene]

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]

Add in some bets and it will be profitable too.

[oikoumene]

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