Despite having joined the horde around the same time, he and I didn't meet until we had each already been in the horde for roughly four years. My first impression of him was not the best. I had spent my time as a hordesman thus far doing my best to go as unnoticed as I could despite the attention that was naturally drawn by my choice of weapon. He was cocky, impossibly tall, lean and broad-shouldered, and had the sort of looks that had started fights between hordesmen on numerous occasions, as well as having quickly risen to the rank of one of the Chieftain's guardsmen. Given his notoriety and my preference for my own lack thereof, his attentions were among the last of things I could've possibly desired.

"A female axe-wielder. That's a sight you don't see everyday," he said, noting the heavy weapon which had drawn his attention as he walked past.

"Being a male spear-wielder you're something of an oddity yourself," I replied, keeping my eyes trained on the axe blade I was sharpening, hoping my portrayed lack of interest in conversing with him would encourage him to be on his way.

"Ah. So you know who I am, then," he said, moving to look at me properly.

I sagged, realizing I wouldn't be escaping this particular interaction anytime soon, then straightened enough to look him in the eye. "The only name I can think of that would cause this much of a stir is Appollyon," I said, gesturing to the poorly concealed whispers and glances that were being cast in our direction by those in the surrounding area.

He raised a curious eyebrow. "You seem decidedly unimpressed."

I shrugged. "The only thing I'm impressed by is the fact that you haven't been deemed a liability and kicked out of the horde. Otherwise, I'd much prefer to be left to my maintenance than to continue this exchange of ours." I resumed running my whetstone over my blade.

"Even if you're the rare sort of woman who hasn't fallen over herself looking on my face, you can't possibly be that irritated by my presence," he said doing little to stop the self-satisfied smirk playing across his face as he basked in the stares being cast in our direction.

"I absolutely can," I countered, pausing my work yet again, "You're disturbing my peace."

He squatted down, placing his face directly in my line of sight so I couldn't avoid his gaze. "Well, you are completely correct. I am indeed Lord Narciss's favorite guardsman, which I'm sure you understand means your peace for the next week at least has been ruined simply because everyone that can see us right now knows that you somehow drew my attention. With that in mind, I have a suggestion."

"Which would be what, exactly?"

"Fight me."

"You just met me, and you're suggesting we have a duel.  You haven't even asked my name."

"That I am. And since I'm challenging you, per tradition, you get to pick the weapon.  I can find out your name after the duel."

I rolled my eyes. "I don't see exactly how much of a difference it makes considering there's only two options to choose from if we're having a proper duel."

"Are you declining, then?"

I stood and brushed the dust from my pants. "I didn't say that. As you pointed out, the fact that this conversation is even happening means I'll be getting stared at and gossiped over for at least a week, and my preference for the axe was already making that difficult to avoid even without your approaching me."

"Excellent. I'll give you an hour to consider which weapon you prefer. In the meantime I'll be waiting by the central fire." With that, he winked at me and wandered off, leaving me to bury my face in my hands while I questioned every decision I'd made that might have somehow led me to this juncture.