Primus pilus
Magister Australis
A Messalios "a bit put out" is dangerous enough....
But a Messalios "looking fierce" might strike terror in the hearts of the enemy.
-
Sign up or login, and you'll have full access to opportunities of forum.
Soon ...
- Thread starter messaline
- Start date
But a Messalios "looking fierce" might strike terror in the hearts of the enemy.
Right ladies and gentlemen back to the story, which shall involve an appearance by a young lady called Iphigenia and a town called Aulis...those familiar with the famous play...no spoilers
The Port of Aulis was filled with ships. A forest of masts spread out from the docks to the waters of the roadsteads and the beaches spreading out from Aulis. Yet conspicuously not spreading were the sails. Banners drooped on their flag staffs and men drooped with boredom or contented themselves with wine or whores.
“Oh look I am an even better hunter than Artemis, oh great one Agamemnon, saying that where the Goddess could bloody well hear you in her own sacred woodlands,” Menelaus was walking up one of the beaches raging at his brother the High King.
“I assure you my Lord King that the matter is well in hand, the Goddess will be appeased,” Replied Calchas, Agamemnon’s chief augur.
“It had better bloody well be,” Snarled Menelaus, “That arse weasel Paris has his mitts on my Helen’s tits, I bet the slobbering dog is mauling them right now, it is an outrage and a slight to our family Agamemnon, if people don’t take us seriously then how long do you think your reign as High King will last?”
View attachment 451428
Agamemnon murmured something unintelligible as he shambled up the beach his head hanging down like an old man, aged and beaten.
“There, did you see that?” Achilles seemed oblivious to the mood around him, “Half way to Euboea.” He was amusing himself by throwing stones into the sea, pitching each one further than the last. The Myrmidons sent up a weak cheer.
“Not even a third the way old man,” Teased Patroclus.
“Humph I make you my cup bearer and you act like my clown,” Sniffed Achilles, “Look I’ll show you.” He picked up another pebble and rocked his arm back for the throw.
“Such manly arms my King,” Said the lilting young female voice and Messalios who had been doodling rude pictures on the sand looked up sharply.
“Why it is little Iffy, I haven’t seen you since you were a little girl, you’ve grown tits!” Achilles held his arm up as the princess recently sprung into womanhood dangled from it and squealed delightedly.
View attachment 451429
“It’s Iphigenia silly and we’re to be married,” She told him proudly.
“My Lady Clytemnestra is this true?” Asked Achilles.
“Indeed it is my Lord Achilles, I shall soon have gained a son in addition to my young Orestes,” The proud red headed woman smiled.
“Well we should go at once to Agamemnon, he went this way,” Achilles strode off, “Come along Messalios, you can be a bridesmaid and Patroclus you can be my second.”
“Wonderful,” Muttered Messalios a bit put out without quite being sure why. Patroclus just went bright red and then hurried after the growing marriage party.
Messalios dawdled along not really with the party but not entirely wishing to disobey Achilles and not be a part of the festivities. She thus a little late to the happy reunion between father and wife and daughter, she was further held up when Calchas came barrelling the other way.
“Out of my way, I have to make a big announcement to the army,” Calchas declared.
“Achilles and Iphigenia’s marriage, yes I know,” Replied Messalios stepping aside.
“The only thing that girl is marrying is a sacred knife,” Said the Priest cryptically hurrying away. Messalios stared after him a moment, did he mean Iphigenia was to become a Priestess? Maybe of Artemis as the rumour seemed to be the High King had offended the Goddess.
“You cannot do that!” Achilles was exploding with outrage by the time Messalios arrived.
“Out of the question, she is your own daughter,” Snapped Clytemnestra.
“Why, father, why?” Sobbed Iphigenia.
View attachment 451430
“Marriage off?” Murmured Messalios to Patroclus and slipped in among them.
“And then some,” He replied in a daze.
“I am putting a stop to this at once,” Achilles thundered, “Patroclus, Messalios with me.”
“Achilles be reasonable,” Agamemnon put out a restraining hand.
“You’ll see how reasonable I am in this face of this outrage,” Achilles shrugged off the hand, striding away.
“How can you do this to me?” Wept Iphigenia.
“How can you do this to her?” Wailed Clytemnestra.
“You had better not back out now,” Growled Menelaus.
Achilles had broken into a run and it was all that his companions could to keep up, Messalios was puffing when they returned to the camp of the Myrmidons and Patroclus did not look any better.
“Fetch your armour men,” Achilles commanded, “We have a young princess to save!”
“Now, now, my Lord Achilles, I have explained matters to your men,” Calchas came oiling up.
“Sorry Sire but it is the will of the Goddess,” Said one of the Myrmidons.
View attachment 451431
“But I am your King,” Achilles looked grief stricken.
“And Artemis is a Goddess, how can you ask mortal men to go up against that? Would you curse them and their families?” Calchas oozed.
“Sorry boss, we’re with you but not this,” Men looked at the ground shame faced and hardened warriors wept.
“No matter, Messalios, Patroclus you are with me?” Asked Achilles.
“Always my lo….King,” Patroclus stammered.
“Of course, I am an Amazon, never will I not fight for an innocent girl against her corrupt patriarch,” Messalios declared hotly.
Achilles’s lips moved as he replayed that statement in his head a couple of times, “I think that is a yes?”
“Of course,” Messalios looked fierce.
View attachment 451432
“Then we shall fight, I am an army in myself, let all Greece tremble for its three greatest warriors rage on the side of justice and the Furies guide our arms,” Achilles roared.
“My Lord King,” Calchas protested, “You cannot do this, all of Greece hangs in the balance.” Somewhere at the edges of everyone’s sight shades were gathering and the hungry bloodlust of gods and daemons roiled the air.
Ah, Achilles is a true gentleman, but perhaps just a weeny bit too sensitive to wailing women? It's his one weakness....
RacingRodent
Consul
I fear those Achilles serve may have the reverse issue.
RacingRodent
Consul
The old Crux group had a member called Iphigenia at Aulis at one point. I think she posted an interesting (to me) story which I may still have somewhere . . . .
As to the literary Iphigenia, was she, or wasn't she? We don't know for sure. This one seems to be heading for a clearer resolution, ably assisted by RR's splendid imagination and chivalry.
(yes I did use RR and chivalry in the same sentence!)
Clytemnestra. Sorry, but the name has always struck me as sounding like an unfortunate female health problem
I'm in that kind of mood tonight.
As to the literary Iphigenia, was she, or wasn't she? We don't know for sure. This one seems to be heading for a clearer resolution, ably assisted by RR's splendid imagination and chivalry.
(yes I did use RR and chivalry in the same sentence!)
Clytemnestra. Sorry, but the name has always struck me as sounding like an unfortunate female health problem
I'm in that kind of mood tonight.
RacingRodent
Consul
Calchas had given up pleading and fled to warn his lord and master the High King Agamemnon by the time the trio emerged from Achilles tent attired for war. Girt with helm and corslet and greaves, wearing swords belted about their waists and carrying spear and shield there was no doubting their martial intent.
When Achilles reached the compound that Agamemnon had taken for his own they found twenty of the High King’s Royal Guard drawn up in battle array.
“Halt and state your business you who come before the High King of All Greece armed as for war,” Came the cry and the soldiers raised shields and levelled spears, an attitude that would have come across as more martial if they had not all taken a step back at the same instant.
“I am Achilles, King of Thessaly, Lord of the Myrmidons and Champion of All Greece and I demand that Agamemnon release his daughter Iphigenia to me or face me in mortal combat before the Gods,” Achilles bellowed, “If he does not come out himself, I and my friends will kill any of you lot that does not run away fast enough for a warm up.” He added conversationally, the gathered hoplites took another step back.
“Stop,” Came a trembling female voice, “Please stop, Lord King,” Iphigenia emerged from the compound that normally housed some minor Aulisian dignitary, “I am resolved to do my Father the High King’s bidding, I would rather be a martyr for Greece than some prey served up on the altar.”
“But Lady Iphigenia, I and my companions are sworn to protect you,” Protested Achilles.
“And turn the sands red with Greek blood, how the Trojans and their pirate prince Paris would laugh my Lord,” Iphigenia still looked like she was an instant from tears but she was resolute, “You will honour me and my sacrifice by making savage revenge on Troy so never again will they dare to raise sword against the women of Greece.”
“Yes Lady Iphigenia,” Achilles bowed his head.
“And you,” Iphigenia looked sternly at Patroclus.
“Yes Lady Iphigenia.”
“And especially you,” Iphigenia looked at Messalios.
“Yes Lady Iphigenia,” Messalios wanted to wipe tears from her eyes but her helmet got in the way.
Iphigenia leaned in close to her ear, “And look after my Achilles for me,” She whispered.
“I promise,” Said Messalios fiercely.
“Excellent, there is peace in the camp,” Agamemnon now emerged, he was garbed in his ceremonial robes as a priest of the Olympian Gods rather than a warrior, he skirted around Achilles without coming too close.
“You shameless scoundrel, you braggart, you robber, you rapist, I’ll scratch out your eyes, no I’ll cut off your balls and make you watch, then I’ll scratch out your eyes,” Clytemnestra was being held by Odysseus and Menelaus but only barely.
“Erm, you there, Aegisthus take my wife home to Sparta, she’ll need comforting, see to it,” Agamemnon ordered one of his royal cousins who picked the Queen up, put her over a shoulder and carted her off.
“Well let’s get on with this,” Menelaus growled impatiently. Agamemnon shot him a dirty look.
“King Odysseus if you will escort my daughter, I think it best my noble brother remain, yes remain, here,” The glare bestowed on Menelaus made the point this was not simply a suggestion. Menelaus sulked but waited behind.
The party made their way up to the headland where many of the army had gathered in sight of the Altar to Artemis. Achilles and his aides were girt for war, Odysseus and Agamemnon wore the ceremonial raiment of priests and Iphigenia was clad in the white robes of a virgin.
“See one and all the gift you give your Goddess, see one and all the prize surrendered forever to mighty Artemis Goddess of the Hunt and Lady of the Wild,” Iphigenia shed her gown so that it fell in a silken puddle to the floor. The army gave a sigh and sigh they might. From midnight hair in long locks upon her head to the tight curls of further midnight between her legs Iphigenia was ripe with the promise of unclaimed womanhood. A taut white belly was topped by nubile breasts that heaved with each emotional breath. Slender well-turned arms and legs were complemented by a smooth skinned back and buttocks shaped like and upside down heart.
“My Lord High King, the knife,” Calchas arose from behind the altar like a serpent, “My Lord Mene…My Lord King the ropes,” He presented the golden cords to Odysseus who swiftly bound Iphigenia to the altar and then held her head so a throat was exposed.
“Oh mighty Artemis, Queen of Beasts, Goddess of the Hunt and Lady of all natural things, please accept this offering, forgive us our trespasses and look kindly upon our endeavours.” Agamemnon called and then brought the knife down slicing across that slender neck.
When Achilles reached the compound that Agamemnon had taken for his own they found twenty of the High King’s Royal Guard drawn up in battle array.
“Halt and state your business you who come before the High King of All Greece armed as for war,” Came the cry and the soldiers raised shields and levelled spears, an attitude that would have come across as more martial if they had not all taken a step back at the same instant.
“I am Achilles, King of Thessaly, Lord of the Myrmidons and Champion of All Greece and I demand that Agamemnon release his daughter Iphigenia to me or face me in mortal combat before the Gods,” Achilles bellowed, “If he does not come out himself, I and my friends will kill any of you lot that does not run away fast enough for a warm up.” He added conversationally, the gathered hoplites took another step back.
“Stop,” Came a trembling female voice, “Please stop, Lord King,” Iphigenia emerged from the compound that normally housed some minor Aulisian dignitary, “I am resolved to do my Father the High King’s bidding, I would rather be a martyr for Greece than some prey served up on the altar.”
“But Lady Iphigenia, I and my companions are sworn to protect you,” Protested Achilles.
“And turn the sands red with Greek blood, how the Trojans and their pirate prince Paris would laugh my Lord,” Iphigenia still looked like she was an instant from tears but she was resolute, “You will honour me and my sacrifice by making savage revenge on Troy so never again will they dare to raise sword against the women of Greece.”
“Yes Lady Iphigenia,” Achilles bowed his head.
“And you,” Iphigenia looked sternly at Patroclus.
“Yes Lady Iphigenia.”
“And especially you,” Iphigenia looked at Messalios.
“Yes Lady Iphigenia,” Messalios wanted to wipe tears from her eyes but her helmet got in the way.
Iphigenia leaned in close to her ear, “And look after my Achilles for me,” She whispered.
“I promise,” Said Messalios fiercely.
“Excellent, there is peace in the camp,” Agamemnon now emerged, he was garbed in his ceremonial robes as a priest of the Olympian Gods rather than a warrior, he skirted around Achilles without coming too close.
“You shameless scoundrel, you braggart, you robber, you rapist, I’ll scratch out your eyes, no I’ll cut off your balls and make you watch, then I’ll scratch out your eyes,” Clytemnestra was being held by Odysseus and Menelaus but only barely.
“Erm, you there, Aegisthus take my wife home to Sparta, she’ll need comforting, see to it,” Agamemnon ordered one of his royal cousins who picked the Queen up, put her over a shoulder and carted her off.
“Well let’s get on with this,” Menelaus growled impatiently. Agamemnon shot him a dirty look.
“King Odysseus if you will escort my daughter, I think it best my noble brother remain, yes remain, here,” The glare bestowed on Menelaus made the point this was not simply a suggestion. Menelaus sulked but waited behind.
The party made their way up to the headland where many of the army had gathered in sight of the Altar to Artemis. Achilles and his aides were girt for war, Odysseus and Agamemnon wore the ceremonial raiment of priests and Iphigenia was clad in the white robes of a virgin.
“See one and all the gift you give your Goddess, see one and all the prize surrendered forever to mighty Artemis Goddess of the Hunt and Lady of the Wild,” Iphigenia shed her gown so that it fell in a silken puddle to the floor. The army gave a sigh and sigh they might. From midnight hair in long locks upon her head to the tight curls of further midnight between her legs Iphigenia was ripe with the promise of unclaimed womanhood. A taut white belly was topped by nubile breasts that heaved with each emotional breath. Slender well-turned arms and legs were complemented by a smooth skinned back and buttocks shaped like and upside down heart.
“My Lord High King, the knife,” Calchas arose from behind the altar like a serpent, “My Lord Mene…My Lord King the ropes,” He presented the golden cords to Odysseus who swiftly bound Iphigenia to the altar and then held her head so a throat was exposed.
“Oh mighty Artemis, Queen of Beasts, Goddess of the Hunt and Lady of all natural things, please accept this offering, forgive us our trespasses and look kindly upon our endeavours.” Agamemnon called and then brought the knife down slicing across that slender neck.
Last edited:
Clytemnestra's revenge?Clytemnestra. Sorry, but the name has always struck me as sounding like an unfortunate female health problem
(but that should be a male problem
)
Primus pilus
Magister Australis
From midnight hair in long locks upon her head .......... ripe with the promise of unclaimed womanhood. A taut white belly was topped by nubile breasts that heaved with each emotional breath. Slender well-turned arms and legs were complemented by a smooth skinned back and buttocks shaped like and upside down heart.
How Messalios must struggle between desire for Iphigenia herself and the princess' order to look after Achilles.
Sigh.
And yet, is it Artemis who demands this, or the hubris of man?
Yes, PP, and will that inner struggle manifest in outward conflict?
messaline
Crucified Amazon
RacingRodent
Consul
Bronze...it is stronger than the iron grades they had at this time and they do not yet know how to do steel.
But I like your point
Primus pilus
Magister Australis
Bronze...it is stronger than the iron grades they had at this time and they do not yet know how to do steel.
But I like your point
Though bronze will never do to Pp what a warrior wearing a few bits of leather held together by rivets will
Last edited:
According to Hesiod, Works and Days, the heroes of Troy and Thebes lived in an age between Bronze and Iron:Bronze...it is stronger than the iron grades they had at this time and they do not yet know how to do steel.
But I like your point
- Bronze Age – Men of the Bronze Age were hardened and tough, as war was their purpose and passion. Zeus created these humans out of the ash tree. Their armor was forged of bronze, as were their homes, and tools. The men of this Age were undone by their own violent ways and left no named spirits; instead, they dwell in the "dank house of Hades". This Age came to an end with the flood of Deucalion.
- Heroic Age – The Heroic Age is the one age that does not correspond with any metal. It is also the only age that improves upon the age it follows. It was the heroes of this Age who fought at Thebes and Troy. This race of humans died and went to Elysium.
- Iron Age – Hesiod finds himself in the Iron Age. During this age humans live an existence of toil and misery. Children dishonor their parents, brother fights with brother and the social contract between guest and host (xenia) is forgotten. During this age might makes right, and bad men use lies to be thought good. At the height of this age, humans no longer feel shame or indignation at wrongdoing; babies will be born with gray hair and the gods will have completely forsaken humanity: "there will be no help against evil."
RacingRodent
Consul
Messalios awoke with the gentle sound of canvas ruffling in the wind. She lay there a moment, under the tent improvised from a sail from one or other of the beached ships that were laying over on an island cove for the night, it was then that she first noticed the wetness. She sat up and held her hands before her face, they were black and suddenly it dawned on her she could hear none of the others breathing, she went to scream and…
Messalios jerked awake, the sound of canvas bouncing against the light gusts of wind competed with the loud snores of men glad to rest from another hard day under the lash of sun and spray. Messalios furtively checked her hands but apart from a little sweat they were dry. Disturbed by her dreams she crawled out of the tent and went to make water behind some sand dunes.
When she was done cleaning herself Messalios was starting back when a voice asked, “Are you sad, Messalios?”
“Who the hell?” Messalios snarled angrily and went to draw her knife on whomever would interrupt her private functions.
“Are you sad, Messalios?” Asked a girl’s voice and giggled.
“Iphigenia?” Asked Messalios? She thought she saw movement out of the corner of her eye, “Iphigenia?”
“You don’t need to be sad, Messalios,” Came the reply as clearly as the wind in the shoreline tress that Messalios now stood amongst.
“Iphigenia, where are you?” Messalios peered around in the gloom, “Why can’t I see you, if this a dream I’ll be so angry.”
“No dream dear Messalios,” Said Iphigenia, “Follow me,” A flash of distinct white ran in front of Messalios and this time she was sure she did see. She ran in pursuit stumbling over tree roots and batting aside low branches.
“Iphigenia slow down,” Messalios was growing horse, the white dress disappearing ahead of her, “Please slow down.” Messalios gasping for air plunged to her knees in a clearing, she looked up to see a white tailed doe regarding her, “Oh no.” Messalios wept.
“Oh dear, not the deer, over here,” Came a melodious voice that resonated on many levels like a choir of bells were ringing just on the edge of ear shot. Messalios looked over and saw a pool. Waving at her from the pool was a young dark haired women who looked somewhat familiar, besides the familiar women was another with golden skin, amber hair and Messalios blinked at the glow something that looked like a bright star in her hair.
“Messalios come join us,” Unmistakeable now Iphigenia danced in delight splashing water over her companion. Who waved amusedly at the spray. Quite literally just waved and the water cascaded away from her leaving her upper half dry where it had been beaded with droplets, Messalios tore her eyes away from the proudly rearing bosoms and turned her gaze back to Iphigenia who was equally naked and equally hard for a wound up Messalios to regard dispassionately, her sight drinking in those ripe young breasts, that taut belly, that unblemished throat.
“But Iphigenia you are dead,” Gasped Messalios.
“Nothing that a few favours for my Uncle Hades could not fix,” Said the woman besides Iphigenia rising up, literally, one moment she was basking in the water the next standing on its surface as if it were solid ground, “Oh right, mortal rules,” She sank gracefully into the pool, “For an intelligent girl you are being awfully slow tonight, come join us, I am Artemis.”
“Do come join us Messalios, let me scrub your back, it’ll make you feel a lot better,” Iphigenia said clapping her hands.
“But a g-g-g-Goddess,” Messalios stammered, still she took a few tentative steps forwards.
“We have not got all night,” Artemis crooked a finger and Messalios found herself splashing into the water quite naked. Then Iphigenia caught and kissed her neck and her ear and the side of her face and then her lips.
“Just one night Messalios and then Artemis must carry me away but one night so you can remember not to be sad,” Iphigenia kissed Messalios deeply and then both women were reaching for each other.
Messalios jerked awake, the sound of canvas bouncing against the light gusts of wind competed with the loud snores of men glad to rest from another hard day under the lash of sun and spray. Messalios furtively checked her hands but apart from a little sweat they were dry. Disturbed by her dreams she crawled out of the tent and went to make water behind some sand dunes.
When she was done cleaning herself Messalios was starting back when a voice asked, “Are you sad, Messalios?”
“Who the hell?” Messalios snarled angrily and went to draw her knife on whomever would interrupt her private functions.
“Are you sad, Messalios?” Asked a girl’s voice and giggled.
“Iphigenia?” Asked Messalios? She thought she saw movement out of the corner of her eye, “Iphigenia?”
“You don’t need to be sad, Messalios,” Came the reply as clearly as the wind in the shoreline tress that Messalios now stood amongst.
“Iphigenia, where are you?” Messalios peered around in the gloom, “Why can’t I see you, if this a dream I’ll be so angry.”
“No dream dear Messalios,” Said Iphigenia, “Follow me,” A flash of distinct white ran in front of Messalios and this time she was sure she did see. She ran in pursuit stumbling over tree roots and batting aside low branches.
“Iphigenia slow down,” Messalios was growing horse, the white dress disappearing ahead of her, “Please slow down.” Messalios gasping for air plunged to her knees in a clearing, she looked up to see a white tailed doe regarding her, “Oh no.” Messalios wept.
“Oh dear, not the deer, over here,” Came a melodious voice that resonated on many levels like a choir of bells were ringing just on the edge of ear shot. Messalios looked over and saw a pool. Waving at her from the pool was a young dark haired women who looked somewhat familiar, besides the familiar women was another with golden skin, amber hair and Messalios blinked at the glow something that looked like a bright star in her hair.
“Messalios come join us,” Unmistakeable now Iphigenia danced in delight splashing water over her companion. Who waved amusedly at the spray. Quite literally just waved and the water cascaded away from her leaving her upper half dry where it had been beaded with droplets, Messalios tore her eyes away from the proudly rearing bosoms and turned her gaze back to Iphigenia who was equally naked and equally hard for a wound up Messalios to regard dispassionately, her sight drinking in those ripe young breasts, that taut belly, that unblemished throat.
“But Iphigenia you are dead,” Gasped Messalios.
“Nothing that a few favours for my Uncle Hades could not fix,” Said the woman besides Iphigenia rising up, literally, one moment she was basking in the water the next standing on its surface as if it were solid ground, “Oh right, mortal rules,” She sank gracefully into the pool, “For an intelligent girl you are being awfully slow tonight, come join us, I am Artemis.”
“Do come join us Messalios, let me scrub your back, it’ll make you feel a lot better,” Iphigenia said clapping her hands.
“But a g-g-g-Goddess,” Messalios stammered, still she took a few tentative steps forwards.
“We have not got all night,” Artemis crooked a finger and Messalios found herself splashing into the water quite naked. Then Iphigenia caught and kissed her neck and her ear and the side of her face and then her lips.
“Just one night Messalios and then Artemis must carry me away but one night so you can remember not to be sad,” Iphigenia kissed Messalios deeply and then both women were reaching for each other.
Moved, so I am....moved to tears....
What a beautiful piece of work.
Well done to both of you!
