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The middle of the week was usually pretty rough on sales, and today was no different. Callidora sat on a rickety stool and leaned forward with her elbows resting on the back of her market stand. A sigh of boredom huffed from her lips, blowing wisps of golden hair away from her forehead. It felt like she’d been sitting here for three days straight without a single patron, though judging by the position of the sun, it had only been a couple hours. Either way, she thought she’d go mad if she didn’t get a customer soon. There were only so many bottles she could polish, clouds she could watch, and cracks in the street that she could count. She was tempted to just pack it in for the day and head back to the tavern since she didn’t seem to be having much luck.
The recent declaration of war didn’t help her sales, either. Where once satisfied customers had cheerfully greeted her by name, now they looked at the Greek widow with suspicion, like she was a spy sent to root them out. With the resentful looks and leery murmurs, she was almost starting to wish that were the case. At least then, there’d be a reason for it.
As if life stranded in Egypt wasn’t hard enough without others adding to it. It had been nothing but trial after trial since she and Skylla had pulled into the port of Cairo, and now, as they started to head into the winter months and her profits were declining, she was beginning to reconsider plying her trades elsewhere. She usually had moderate success at the Grand Souk on the weekends, but during the week, her take was becoming more and more barren. Something had to give soon.
At least I still have my head, Callidora reminded herself as her thoughts threatened to travel down the road of self-pity. If the Pharaoh hadn’t intervened when he did, that would very well not be the case. Things could be much, much worse. Or they could simply not exist at all. Everything will work out eventually. It always does.
Thus bolstered, she sat a little straighter in her stool, verdant gaze wandering down the nearly abandoned pathway. There was hardly another soul to be seen beyond a few other merchants lingering nearby. Finally, however, she saw a man round the corner and start walking in her direction, an Egyptian man who looked vaguely familiar, his features slowly clarifying into view.
She was certain she’d seen him pass by the stall several times before, thinking he must live nearby to come around so often. Waving her hand in the air to catch his attention, Callidora plastered a smile over her face and got to her feet, coming around to the other side of the stand to hawk her wares. If he’d come by before and never stopped, chances were he wasn’t interested in what she had to sell, but she had to at least try. She couldn’t let such an opportunity be wasted, especially with the pickings so slim.
“Good afternoon, sir!” Her Coptic was accented but clear, having become more and more passable in the tongue as her time spent in Cairo wore on. “A beautiful day, isn’t it, even if it’s still a bit warm.” Summers in Colchis had been hot enough, but in Egypt, summer seemed to wear on for far longer in the year. “Perhaps a midday glass of wine to keep the heat at bay? I’ve got a few Grecian imports, if you’re interested. But only a few, so they’re bound to sell soon if you don’t grab one now!”
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The middle of the week was usually pretty rough on sales, and today was no different. Callidora sat on a rickety stool and leaned forward with her elbows resting on the back of her market stand. A sigh of boredom huffed from her lips, blowing wisps of golden hair away from her forehead. It felt like she’d been sitting here for three days straight without a single patron, though judging by the position of the sun, it had only been a couple hours. Either way, she thought she’d go mad if she didn’t get a customer soon. There were only so many bottles she could polish, clouds she could watch, and cracks in the street that she could count. She was tempted to just pack it in for the day and head back to the tavern since she didn’t seem to be having much luck.
The recent declaration of war didn’t help her sales, either. Where once satisfied customers had cheerfully greeted her by name, now they looked at the Greek widow with suspicion, like she was a spy sent to root them out. With the resentful looks and leery murmurs, she was almost starting to wish that were the case. At least then, there’d be a reason for it.
As if life stranded in Egypt wasn’t hard enough without others adding to it. It had been nothing but trial after trial since she and Skylla had pulled into the port of Cairo, and now, as they started to head into the winter months and her profits were declining, she was beginning to reconsider plying her trades elsewhere. She usually had moderate success at the Grand Souk on the weekends, but during the week, her take was becoming more and more barren. Something had to give soon.
At least I still have my head, Callidora reminded herself as her thoughts threatened to travel down the road of self-pity. If the Pharaoh hadn’t intervened when he did, that would very well not be the case. Things could be much, much worse. Or they could simply not exist at all. Everything will work out eventually. It always does.
Thus bolstered, she sat a little straighter in her stool, verdant gaze wandering down the nearly abandoned pathway. There was hardly another soul to be seen beyond a few other merchants lingering nearby. Finally, however, she saw a man round the corner and start walking in her direction, an Egyptian man who looked vaguely familiar, his features slowly clarifying into view.
She was certain she’d seen him pass by the stall several times before, thinking he must live nearby to come around so often. Waving her hand in the air to catch his attention, Callidora plastered a smile over her face and got to her feet, coming around to the other side of the stand to hawk her wares. If he’d come by before and never stopped, chances were he wasn’t interested in what she had to sell, but she had to at least try. She couldn’t let such an opportunity be wasted, especially with the pickings so slim.
“Good afternoon, sir!” Her Coptic was accented but clear, having become more and more passable in the tongue as her time spent in Cairo wore on. “A beautiful day, isn’t it, even if it’s still a bit warm.” Summers in Colchis had been hot enough, but in Egypt, summer seemed to wear on for far longer in the year. “Perhaps a midday glass of wine to keep the heat at bay? I’ve got a few Grecian imports, if you’re interested. But only a few, so they’re bound to sell soon if you don’t grab one now!”
The middle of the week was usually pretty rough on sales, and today was no different. Callidora sat on a rickety stool and leaned forward with her elbows resting on the back of her market stand. A sigh of boredom huffed from her lips, blowing wisps of golden hair away from her forehead. It felt like she’d been sitting here for three days straight without a single patron, though judging by the position of the sun, it had only been a couple hours. Either way, she thought she’d go mad if she didn’t get a customer soon. There were only so many bottles she could polish, clouds she could watch, and cracks in the street that she could count. She was tempted to just pack it in for the day and head back to the tavern since she didn’t seem to be having much luck.
The recent declaration of war didn’t help her sales, either. Where once satisfied customers had cheerfully greeted her by name, now they looked at the Greek widow with suspicion, like she was a spy sent to root them out. With the resentful looks and leery murmurs, she was almost starting to wish that were the case. At least then, there’d be a reason for it.
As if life stranded in Egypt wasn’t hard enough without others adding to it. It had been nothing but trial after trial since she and Skylla had pulled into the port of Cairo, and now, as they started to head into the winter months and her profits were declining, she was beginning to reconsider plying her trades elsewhere. She usually had moderate success at the Grand Souk on the weekends, but during the week, her take was becoming more and more barren. Something had to give soon.
At least I still have my head, Callidora reminded herself as her thoughts threatened to travel down the road of self-pity. If the Pharaoh hadn’t intervened when he did, that would very well not be the case. Things could be much, much worse. Or they could simply not exist at all. Everything will work out eventually. It always does.
Thus bolstered, she sat a little straighter in her stool, verdant gaze wandering down the nearly abandoned pathway. There was hardly another soul to be seen beyond a few other merchants lingering nearby. Finally, however, she saw a man round the corner and start walking in her direction, an Egyptian man who looked vaguely familiar, his features slowly clarifying into view.
She was certain she’d seen him pass by the stall several times before, thinking he must live nearby to come around so often. Waving her hand in the air to catch his attention, Callidora plastered a smile over her face and got to her feet, coming around to the other side of the stand to hawk her wares. If he’d come by before and never stopped, chances were he wasn’t interested in what she had to sell, but she had to at least try. She couldn’t let such an opportunity be wasted, especially with the pickings so slim.
“Good afternoon, sir!” Her Coptic was accented but clear, having become more and more passable in the tongue as her time spent in Cairo wore on. “A beautiful day, isn’t it, even if it’s still a bit warm.” Summers in Colchis had been hot enough, but in Egypt, summer seemed to wear on for far longer in the year. “Perhaps a midday glass of wine to keep the heat at bay? I’ve got a few Grecian imports, if you’re interested. But only a few, so they’re bound to sell soon if you don’t grab one now!”
Zoser was tired, and not for any particularly exciting reason either. Some minor repairs continued to be made at his home following this year's flood. Some years he was spared, but there was some further support that needed to be placed beneath his house for the time being. Some nights he could cautiously weave past the the scaffolding and supports while they shored up the erosion from beneath his home, but sometimes the disorganization of it all could drive him nearly mad.
It was just as easy to stay the night in the Archives, like before.
The only issue with such a thing is that whenever he had bouts like this and stayed in the Archives in a small chamber past the oldest archives, he found himself engrossed in reading from scrolls that had not been touched in decades, or burying himself in some other kind of work that stemmed from fascination instead of necessity.
The result: self-inflicted exhaustion.
Making his way back from speaking with the workers about the potential timeframe, he was satisfied with the results and made his way through the merchants corridor in search of a small, afternoon meal...or perhaps, even an indulgent beverage or stop through the brothel district to pass the time. He felt quite overexposed to the Archives for now, so a diversion would be nice.
His eyes flicked up and blinked a bit as he noted the wave, brows flicking upward in interest and intrigue as he saw the pale skin and golden hair summoning him. Despite his Egyptian heritage and the well-known beauty of Egyptian women, something stirred within him every time he saw a Grecian woman. Her smile was infectious and he found his own smile curling upward, deeply creasing the tired lines beneath his eyes as he did so.
"Good Afternoon to you as well," he murmured, his voice tired and slightly lower than his usual clipping tone, but no less friendly. He hummed a small laugh at the small talk of weather, but his interest was piqued as she mentioned Greek imported wine, and it showed in his face.
Zoser loved Grecian wines.
For years, he had a connection with Hei Sheifa and their merchant connections to keep him rather lightly stocked with Greek varietals. At the mention of it, Zoser's mind ticked away as he tried to recollect how many bottles he had remaining. That number would become precious few if the war with Greece lasted a long time.
"Yes, I would like that," Zoser started, glancing one way and then the other as he looked over the bottles. Some of the markings were familiar to him. Taengea being the main province to produce wine, though there were the rare few varietals from Athenia, usually cheaper for their quality and proximity during his time there, but still...he often held a bottle for nostalgia's sake.
As he waited for her to pour his glass, he found his eyes watching her movements, and they lingered on her skin for quite some time. How had her skin remained so porcelain smooth beneath Ra's sweltering gaze? It was milkwhite in a way that reminded him of the Priestesses of Aphrodite...which led to further thoughts that he quickly brushed away as soon as the glass had been poured.
"A Condos? Do you have others as well?"
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Zoser was tired, and not for any particularly exciting reason either. Some minor repairs continued to be made at his home following this year's flood. Some years he was spared, but there was some further support that needed to be placed beneath his house for the time being. Some nights he could cautiously weave past the the scaffolding and supports while they shored up the erosion from beneath his home, but sometimes the disorganization of it all could drive him nearly mad.
It was just as easy to stay the night in the Archives, like before.
The only issue with such a thing is that whenever he had bouts like this and stayed in the Archives in a small chamber past the oldest archives, he found himself engrossed in reading from scrolls that had not been touched in decades, or burying himself in some other kind of work that stemmed from fascination instead of necessity.
The result: self-inflicted exhaustion.
Making his way back from speaking with the workers about the potential timeframe, he was satisfied with the results and made his way through the merchants corridor in search of a small, afternoon meal...or perhaps, even an indulgent beverage or stop through the brothel district to pass the time. He felt quite overexposed to the Archives for now, so a diversion would be nice.
His eyes flicked up and blinked a bit as he noted the wave, brows flicking upward in interest and intrigue as he saw the pale skin and golden hair summoning him. Despite his Egyptian heritage and the well-known beauty of Egyptian women, something stirred within him every time he saw a Grecian woman. Her smile was infectious and he found his own smile curling upward, deeply creasing the tired lines beneath his eyes as he did so.
"Good Afternoon to you as well," he murmured, his voice tired and slightly lower than his usual clipping tone, but no less friendly. He hummed a small laugh at the small talk of weather, but his interest was piqued as she mentioned Greek imported wine, and it showed in his face.
Zoser loved Grecian wines.
For years, he had a connection with Hei Sheifa and their merchant connections to keep him rather lightly stocked with Greek varietals. At the mention of it, Zoser's mind ticked away as he tried to recollect how many bottles he had remaining. That number would become precious few if the war with Greece lasted a long time.
"Yes, I would like that," Zoser started, glancing one way and then the other as he looked over the bottles. Some of the markings were familiar to him. Taengea being the main province to produce wine, though there were the rare few varietals from Athenia, usually cheaper for their quality and proximity during his time there, but still...he often held a bottle for nostalgia's sake.
As he waited for her to pour his glass, he found his eyes watching her movements, and they lingered on her skin for quite some time. How had her skin remained so porcelain smooth beneath Ra's sweltering gaze? It was milkwhite in a way that reminded him of the Priestesses of Aphrodite...which led to further thoughts that he quickly brushed away as soon as the glass had been poured.
"A Condos? Do you have others as well?"
Zoser was tired, and not for any particularly exciting reason either. Some minor repairs continued to be made at his home following this year's flood. Some years he was spared, but there was some further support that needed to be placed beneath his house for the time being. Some nights he could cautiously weave past the the scaffolding and supports while they shored up the erosion from beneath his home, but sometimes the disorganization of it all could drive him nearly mad.
It was just as easy to stay the night in the Archives, like before.
The only issue with such a thing is that whenever he had bouts like this and stayed in the Archives in a small chamber past the oldest archives, he found himself engrossed in reading from scrolls that had not been touched in decades, or burying himself in some other kind of work that stemmed from fascination instead of necessity.
The result: self-inflicted exhaustion.
Making his way back from speaking with the workers about the potential timeframe, he was satisfied with the results and made his way through the merchants corridor in search of a small, afternoon meal...or perhaps, even an indulgent beverage or stop through the brothel district to pass the time. He felt quite overexposed to the Archives for now, so a diversion would be nice.
His eyes flicked up and blinked a bit as he noted the wave, brows flicking upward in interest and intrigue as he saw the pale skin and golden hair summoning him. Despite his Egyptian heritage and the well-known beauty of Egyptian women, something stirred within him every time he saw a Grecian woman. Her smile was infectious and he found his own smile curling upward, deeply creasing the tired lines beneath his eyes as he did so.
"Good Afternoon to you as well," he murmured, his voice tired and slightly lower than his usual clipping tone, but no less friendly. He hummed a small laugh at the small talk of weather, but his interest was piqued as she mentioned Greek imported wine, and it showed in his face.
Zoser loved Grecian wines.
For years, he had a connection with Hei Sheifa and their merchant connections to keep him rather lightly stocked with Greek varietals. At the mention of it, Zoser's mind ticked away as he tried to recollect how many bottles he had remaining. That number would become precious few if the war with Greece lasted a long time.
"Yes, I would like that," Zoser started, glancing one way and then the other as he looked over the bottles. Some of the markings were familiar to him. Taengea being the main province to produce wine, though there were the rare few varietals from Athenia, usually cheaper for their quality and proximity during his time there, but still...he often held a bottle for nostalgia's sake.
As he waited for her to pour his glass, he found his eyes watching her movements, and they lingered on her skin for quite some time. How had her skin remained so porcelain smooth beneath Ra's sweltering gaze? It was milkwhite in a way that reminded him of the Priestesses of Aphrodite...which led to further thoughts that he quickly brushed away as soon as the glass had been poured.
"A Condos? Do you have others as well?"
Callidora’s face lit up at the man’s acceptance of her offer, a broad—and this time genuine—smile tugging at her mouth. Selecting a moderately-priced Taengean red that had been recently popular among her scarce clientele, she poured out a couple swallows into a glass, keenly aware of the appreciative looks he was casting her way. It had been a long time since she’d cared about the eyes of a man on her, but she did have to admit this man in particular exuded a certain charm, even if she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. The fact that he was not being outright lascivious either worked in his favor, and for that reason, she found herself basking in the subtle attention rather than recoiling from it.
Turning toward her potential customer, the merchant’s smile deepened a little before she handed the glass over. “Here you are,” she said and leaned back to watch his reaction to the vintage. “Imported from Melis, aged ten years. This one’s been my best seller of the selection I’ve been able to acquire. And yes, a Condos. You know your wines, eh? Most of my customers here wouldn’t know the difference.”
When he asked if she had others, she nodded cheerfully and slipped behind the stand to rifle through a couple boxes she had underneath. Pulling out two more bottles, she came back around and held them out for his inspection. “This white here is an import from Epirus. Semi-sweet, aged three years with a somewhat floral aftertaste.” Setting that one down, she showed him the other. “Another red, this time from Doralis. Drier than the first and not quite as rich, but I think it has a nicer aftertaste.” She nodded to the first glass she’d given him. “Once you finish that, I’ll be happy to give you a taste of either. Or both. It’s been a slow day, I’m in no rush.”
Her own gaze surreptitiously took him in while he tasted the wine, noting the well-kept appearance of his hair and clothing. The fabrics were not quite rich enough for him to be a noble, but he wasn’t hurting for money, either. A fellow merchant, perhaps? A tavern owner? Maybe some sort of ledger man?
“I’m Callidora,” she introduced herself, grabbing a glass of her own so she could take a few sips of the first wine. She understood why it was popular; it was also one of her personal favorites. And what was the point of peddling wine if she couldn’t occasionally sample her wares? It wasn’t like any of her product was moving very quickly anyway. She might as well get some enjoyment out of it too. “Do you live around here? Work nearby? I could swear I’ve seen you walk past before.”
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Callidora’s face lit up at the man’s acceptance of her offer, a broad—and this time genuine—smile tugging at her mouth. Selecting a moderately-priced Taengean red that had been recently popular among her scarce clientele, she poured out a couple swallows into a glass, keenly aware of the appreciative looks he was casting her way. It had been a long time since she’d cared about the eyes of a man on her, but she did have to admit this man in particular exuded a certain charm, even if she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. The fact that he was not being outright lascivious either worked in his favor, and for that reason, she found herself basking in the subtle attention rather than recoiling from it.
Turning toward her potential customer, the merchant’s smile deepened a little before she handed the glass over. “Here you are,” she said and leaned back to watch his reaction to the vintage. “Imported from Melis, aged ten years. This one’s been my best seller of the selection I’ve been able to acquire. And yes, a Condos. You know your wines, eh? Most of my customers here wouldn’t know the difference.”
When he asked if she had others, she nodded cheerfully and slipped behind the stand to rifle through a couple boxes she had underneath. Pulling out two more bottles, she came back around and held them out for his inspection. “This white here is an import from Epirus. Semi-sweet, aged three years with a somewhat floral aftertaste.” Setting that one down, she showed him the other. “Another red, this time from Doralis. Drier than the first and not quite as rich, but I think it has a nicer aftertaste.” She nodded to the first glass she’d given him. “Once you finish that, I’ll be happy to give you a taste of either. Or both. It’s been a slow day, I’m in no rush.”
Her own gaze surreptitiously took him in while he tasted the wine, noting the well-kept appearance of his hair and clothing. The fabrics were not quite rich enough for him to be a noble, but he wasn’t hurting for money, either. A fellow merchant, perhaps? A tavern owner? Maybe some sort of ledger man?
“I’m Callidora,” she introduced herself, grabbing a glass of her own so she could take a few sips of the first wine. She understood why it was popular; it was also one of her personal favorites. And what was the point of peddling wine if she couldn’t occasionally sample her wares? It wasn’t like any of her product was moving very quickly anyway. She might as well get some enjoyment out of it too. “Do you live around here? Work nearby? I could swear I’ve seen you walk past before.”
Callidora’s face lit up at the man’s acceptance of her offer, a broad—and this time genuine—smile tugging at her mouth. Selecting a moderately-priced Taengean red that had been recently popular among her scarce clientele, she poured out a couple swallows into a glass, keenly aware of the appreciative looks he was casting her way. It had been a long time since she’d cared about the eyes of a man on her, but she did have to admit this man in particular exuded a certain charm, even if she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. The fact that he was not being outright lascivious either worked in his favor, and for that reason, she found herself basking in the subtle attention rather than recoiling from it.
Turning toward her potential customer, the merchant’s smile deepened a little before she handed the glass over. “Here you are,” she said and leaned back to watch his reaction to the vintage. “Imported from Melis, aged ten years. This one’s been my best seller of the selection I’ve been able to acquire. And yes, a Condos. You know your wines, eh? Most of my customers here wouldn’t know the difference.”
When he asked if she had others, she nodded cheerfully and slipped behind the stand to rifle through a couple boxes she had underneath. Pulling out two more bottles, she came back around and held them out for his inspection. “This white here is an import from Epirus. Semi-sweet, aged three years with a somewhat floral aftertaste.” Setting that one down, she showed him the other. “Another red, this time from Doralis. Drier than the first and not quite as rich, but I think it has a nicer aftertaste.” She nodded to the first glass she’d given him. “Once you finish that, I’ll be happy to give you a taste of either. Or both. It’s been a slow day, I’m in no rush.”
Her own gaze surreptitiously took him in while he tasted the wine, noting the well-kept appearance of his hair and clothing. The fabrics were not quite rich enough for him to be a noble, but he wasn’t hurting for money, either. A fellow merchant, perhaps? A tavern owner? Maybe some sort of ledger man?
“I’m Callidora,” she introduced herself, grabbing a glass of her own so she could take a few sips of the first wine. She understood why it was popular; it was also one of her personal favorites. And what was the point of peddling wine if she couldn’t occasionally sample her wares? It wasn’t like any of her product was moving very quickly anyway. She might as well get some enjoyment out of it too. “Do you live around here? Work nearby? I could swear I’ve seen you walk past before.”
As the golden-haired Grecian placed the first sampling before him, a cat-like curl of his lip crinkled the curve beneath his eyes that traced along towards his temples in fine arcs. There was something graceful about the way she moved to pour the wine, cautious and confident, knowing her trade well. Merchants were a breed that were fascinating and almost awe-inspiring to him, as his life could not be further from the showy displays that they used to lure in their customers.
Lifting the offered glass from the table and offering a slight tip of it to her in thanks, Zoser lifted it to his lips, eyes closing a moment to savor the sensation of the wine prickling across the top of his tongue, taking with it all the moisture it had with it. See, that was what Egyptians did not like so much about Grecian wines - they tended to be dry or tart, vaporizing from the tastebuds in an instant. Soon, it became almost a ghost of the flavor of before, morphing and changing like smoke over a fire. No, most Egyptians like the thick almost supple and heavy flow of mead or ales that were produced from the heavy grains along the Nile, adding honey and fruit to sweeten it...and deepen the effects. Most of the ales felt like a meal in a chalice, which as a whole began to feel unappealing in its own way.
No, the way the wine dissolved and tightened the roof of his mouth was a sensation he enjoyed very much. It helped to pace and regulate his enjoyment, so as never to fall into the sloppy mess that many who overindulged fell upon.
"You can always tell, you know," he replied in a sigh, opening his eyes to meet hers, "If you know what to look for." No sooner had he spoken did she offer a few other varietals, his eyes watching her keenly with an impressed smile on his lips, rolling them together to savor the last few dregs of wine.
Her offerings were interesting - still all Taengean, not Athenian - but he smiled and nodded in interest as she mentioned the darker varieties. Those had always been his preference and usually were the sort he kept in his stores.
"I will only sample them if you join me," he offered, raising his brows and tilting his head slightly as he offered the suggestion. Happy to see that she took the glass and poured her own sample, he watched as she poured the other two into awaiting glasses as she introduced herself.
"Callidora," he mused, tasting her name much like the wine before them, a soft laugh following. "A beautiful name." Tilting his head in a seated bow then raising his glass to her again, he offered his own name, "Zoser."
Her next question resulted in raised brows and another soft, breathy laugh.
"I do, in a small home by the river. I am a scribe within the Evening Star Palace. This is the most direct route between here," he added, gesturing towards the river where his damaged home sat, "and there." His gesture continued along the road before them towards the Palace as it sat grand and gleaming past the rooftops. He brought his eyes to hers as he took another sip of the wine, watching her take one as well.
"It is my error entirely for not having paused here before this moment. My nose was probably pressed into a scroll." He teased his own nature and then drained the second of the wines. The effects were mild but the flavors were excellent. Preferring the reds, he set into the third glass rather quickly, inhaling the fragrance and already knowing this would be his favorite. The hum the followed the sip merely confirmed it. For this glass, he would take his time.
"How does it fare?" Zoser started, his voice lower as he slipped into almost completely unaccented Greek, "Your business since the Pharaoh's news?"
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As the golden-haired Grecian placed the first sampling before him, a cat-like curl of his lip crinkled the curve beneath his eyes that traced along towards his temples in fine arcs. There was something graceful about the way she moved to pour the wine, cautious and confident, knowing her trade well. Merchants were a breed that were fascinating and almost awe-inspiring to him, as his life could not be further from the showy displays that they used to lure in their customers.
Lifting the offered glass from the table and offering a slight tip of it to her in thanks, Zoser lifted it to his lips, eyes closing a moment to savor the sensation of the wine prickling across the top of his tongue, taking with it all the moisture it had with it. See, that was what Egyptians did not like so much about Grecian wines - they tended to be dry or tart, vaporizing from the tastebuds in an instant. Soon, it became almost a ghost of the flavor of before, morphing and changing like smoke over a fire. No, most Egyptians like the thick almost supple and heavy flow of mead or ales that were produced from the heavy grains along the Nile, adding honey and fruit to sweeten it...and deepen the effects. Most of the ales felt like a meal in a chalice, which as a whole began to feel unappealing in its own way.
No, the way the wine dissolved and tightened the roof of his mouth was a sensation he enjoyed very much. It helped to pace and regulate his enjoyment, so as never to fall into the sloppy mess that many who overindulged fell upon.
"You can always tell, you know," he replied in a sigh, opening his eyes to meet hers, "If you know what to look for." No sooner had he spoken did she offer a few other varietals, his eyes watching her keenly with an impressed smile on his lips, rolling them together to savor the last few dregs of wine.
Her offerings were interesting - still all Taengean, not Athenian - but he smiled and nodded in interest as she mentioned the darker varieties. Those had always been his preference and usually were the sort he kept in his stores.
"I will only sample them if you join me," he offered, raising his brows and tilting his head slightly as he offered the suggestion. Happy to see that she took the glass and poured her own sample, he watched as she poured the other two into awaiting glasses as she introduced herself.
"Callidora," he mused, tasting her name much like the wine before them, a soft laugh following. "A beautiful name." Tilting his head in a seated bow then raising his glass to her again, he offered his own name, "Zoser."
Her next question resulted in raised brows and another soft, breathy laugh.
"I do, in a small home by the river. I am a scribe within the Evening Star Palace. This is the most direct route between here," he added, gesturing towards the river where his damaged home sat, "and there." His gesture continued along the road before them towards the Palace as it sat grand and gleaming past the rooftops. He brought his eyes to hers as he took another sip of the wine, watching her take one as well.
"It is my error entirely for not having paused here before this moment. My nose was probably pressed into a scroll." He teased his own nature and then drained the second of the wines. The effects were mild but the flavors were excellent. Preferring the reds, he set into the third glass rather quickly, inhaling the fragrance and already knowing this would be his favorite. The hum the followed the sip merely confirmed it. For this glass, he would take his time.
"How does it fare?" Zoser started, his voice lower as he slipped into almost completely unaccented Greek, "Your business since the Pharaoh's news?"
As the golden-haired Grecian placed the first sampling before him, a cat-like curl of his lip crinkled the curve beneath his eyes that traced along towards his temples in fine arcs. There was something graceful about the way she moved to pour the wine, cautious and confident, knowing her trade well. Merchants were a breed that were fascinating and almost awe-inspiring to him, as his life could not be further from the showy displays that they used to lure in their customers.
Lifting the offered glass from the table and offering a slight tip of it to her in thanks, Zoser lifted it to his lips, eyes closing a moment to savor the sensation of the wine prickling across the top of his tongue, taking with it all the moisture it had with it. See, that was what Egyptians did not like so much about Grecian wines - they tended to be dry or tart, vaporizing from the tastebuds in an instant. Soon, it became almost a ghost of the flavor of before, morphing and changing like smoke over a fire. No, most Egyptians like the thick almost supple and heavy flow of mead or ales that were produced from the heavy grains along the Nile, adding honey and fruit to sweeten it...and deepen the effects. Most of the ales felt like a meal in a chalice, which as a whole began to feel unappealing in its own way.
No, the way the wine dissolved and tightened the roof of his mouth was a sensation he enjoyed very much. It helped to pace and regulate his enjoyment, so as never to fall into the sloppy mess that many who overindulged fell upon.
"You can always tell, you know," he replied in a sigh, opening his eyes to meet hers, "If you know what to look for." No sooner had he spoken did she offer a few other varietals, his eyes watching her keenly with an impressed smile on his lips, rolling them together to savor the last few dregs of wine.
Her offerings were interesting - still all Taengean, not Athenian - but he smiled and nodded in interest as she mentioned the darker varieties. Those had always been his preference and usually were the sort he kept in his stores.
"I will only sample them if you join me," he offered, raising his brows and tilting his head slightly as he offered the suggestion. Happy to see that she took the glass and poured her own sample, he watched as she poured the other two into awaiting glasses as she introduced herself.
"Callidora," he mused, tasting her name much like the wine before them, a soft laugh following. "A beautiful name." Tilting his head in a seated bow then raising his glass to her again, he offered his own name, "Zoser."
Her next question resulted in raised brows and another soft, breathy laugh.
"I do, in a small home by the river. I am a scribe within the Evening Star Palace. This is the most direct route between here," he added, gesturing towards the river where his damaged home sat, "and there." His gesture continued along the road before them towards the Palace as it sat grand and gleaming past the rooftops. He brought his eyes to hers as he took another sip of the wine, watching her take one as well.
"It is my error entirely for not having paused here before this moment. My nose was probably pressed into a scroll." He teased his own nature and then drained the second of the wines. The effects were mild but the flavors were excellent. Preferring the reds, he set into the third glass rather quickly, inhaling the fragrance and already knowing this would be his favorite. The hum the followed the sip merely confirmed it. For this glass, he would take his time.
"How does it fare?" Zoser started, his voice lower as he slipped into almost completely unaccented Greek, "Your business since the Pharaoh's news?"
“A pleasure to meet you, Zoser,” Dora responded to his introduction with a smile, carefully turning the unusual name over on her tongue. Unusual, yes, but it had a pleasant ring to it, and it was much easier to pronounce than many of the other Coptic names she’d come across. She immediately decided she liked it and him with his pleasant demeanor and infectious smile.
He worked in the Palace, did he? Her look turned a little more contemplative, gaze narrowing as she took him in. How much access would a scribe have to say a… physician, perhaps? It had been weeks since she’d even caught a glimpse of Skylla, and this prolonged separation from her lover was tearing her apart. Stranded in Egypt was not an ideal situation as it was, but being stranded from the only person she really knew or cared about… it was nigh unbearable. Was it possible he knew her? Would he be able to pass along a message if she gave him one?
No. Better not to risk it. She had no way of knowing this man’s intentions, and Skylla was a secret best left just that. A secret. They were both in enough danger without bringing some unknown component into the mixture.
Wide-eyed with unexpected delight when Zoser switched over to speaking Greek, Callidora couldn’t stop the smile that spread over her face, even though the question he asked hardly warranted such a reaction. She nearly forgot about Skylla in the wake of such an unexpected revelation, looking at him with a new light in her features. To hear her native tongue spoken so flawlessly in a foreign land, and a hostile one at that, hit her with a pang of homesickness so strong, it nearly stole her breath. Briefly placing her hand on her chest to still the flutter it concealed, she sighed deeply.
“Not good, if we’re being honest,” she answered in kind, happily switching to her own tongue and shaking her head. “Business was hard enough before the announcement; turns out most red-blooded Egyptian men don’t want to buy Greek goods from a woman on her own. The women were a little easier, but now…” She sighed again, idly swirling the liquid in her glass before taking another sip. “Whereas many were simply indifferent before, they’re outright hostile now. I’ve been spit at, my stall’s been vandalized, I’ve been accused of being a spy…” She rolled her eyes and finished off the last of her wine before pouring herself another glass. What did it matter? It wasn’t like it was flying off the shelves anyway.
“I keep hoping it will die down, but it only seems to be getting worse. Vandalism I can take, but last week, a bunch of little bastards came and smashed half the bottles of wine I had on display. I can’t afford to lose the money, not when business is already so tight.” Abruptly realizing how much she was spilling to this complete stranger, she bit her lip with a self-deprecating smile. “I’m sorry, I’m sure you didn’t come to hear me wax on about my own personal woes. Hardly the best sales strategy, I’ll admit.” Laughing, she added, “Maybe it’s not the war that’s killing my business, after all.”
Steering the conversation back toward her wares, Callidora gestured to the glass in Zoser’s hand. “So, what do you think? Interested in a case?” She winked, a twinkle in her verdant eye. “Maybe even two?”
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“A pleasure to meet you, Zoser,” Dora responded to his introduction with a smile, carefully turning the unusual name over on her tongue. Unusual, yes, but it had a pleasant ring to it, and it was much easier to pronounce than many of the other Coptic names she’d come across. She immediately decided she liked it and him with his pleasant demeanor and infectious smile.
He worked in the Palace, did he? Her look turned a little more contemplative, gaze narrowing as she took him in. How much access would a scribe have to say a… physician, perhaps? It had been weeks since she’d even caught a glimpse of Skylla, and this prolonged separation from her lover was tearing her apart. Stranded in Egypt was not an ideal situation as it was, but being stranded from the only person she really knew or cared about… it was nigh unbearable. Was it possible he knew her? Would he be able to pass along a message if she gave him one?
No. Better not to risk it. She had no way of knowing this man’s intentions, and Skylla was a secret best left just that. A secret. They were both in enough danger without bringing some unknown component into the mixture.
Wide-eyed with unexpected delight when Zoser switched over to speaking Greek, Callidora couldn’t stop the smile that spread over her face, even though the question he asked hardly warranted such a reaction. She nearly forgot about Skylla in the wake of such an unexpected revelation, looking at him with a new light in her features. To hear her native tongue spoken so flawlessly in a foreign land, and a hostile one at that, hit her with a pang of homesickness so strong, it nearly stole her breath. Briefly placing her hand on her chest to still the flutter it concealed, she sighed deeply.
“Not good, if we’re being honest,” she answered in kind, happily switching to her own tongue and shaking her head. “Business was hard enough before the announcement; turns out most red-blooded Egyptian men don’t want to buy Greek goods from a woman on her own. The women were a little easier, but now…” She sighed again, idly swirling the liquid in her glass before taking another sip. “Whereas many were simply indifferent before, they’re outright hostile now. I’ve been spit at, my stall’s been vandalized, I’ve been accused of being a spy…” She rolled her eyes and finished off the last of her wine before pouring herself another glass. What did it matter? It wasn’t like it was flying off the shelves anyway.
“I keep hoping it will die down, but it only seems to be getting worse. Vandalism I can take, but last week, a bunch of little bastards came and smashed half the bottles of wine I had on display. I can’t afford to lose the money, not when business is already so tight.” Abruptly realizing how much she was spilling to this complete stranger, she bit her lip with a self-deprecating smile. “I’m sorry, I’m sure you didn’t come to hear me wax on about my own personal woes. Hardly the best sales strategy, I’ll admit.” Laughing, she added, “Maybe it’s not the war that’s killing my business, after all.”
Steering the conversation back toward her wares, Callidora gestured to the glass in Zoser’s hand. “So, what do you think? Interested in a case?” She winked, a twinkle in her verdant eye. “Maybe even two?”
“A pleasure to meet you, Zoser,” Dora responded to his introduction with a smile, carefully turning the unusual name over on her tongue. Unusual, yes, but it had a pleasant ring to it, and it was much easier to pronounce than many of the other Coptic names she’d come across. She immediately decided she liked it and him with his pleasant demeanor and infectious smile.
He worked in the Palace, did he? Her look turned a little more contemplative, gaze narrowing as she took him in. How much access would a scribe have to say a… physician, perhaps? It had been weeks since she’d even caught a glimpse of Skylla, and this prolonged separation from her lover was tearing her apart. Stranded in Egypt was not an ideal situation as it was, but being stranded from the only person she really knew or cared about… it was nigh unbearable. Was it possible he knew her? Would he be able to pass along a message if she gave him one?
No. Better not to risk it. She had no way of knowing this man’s intentions, and Skylla was a secret best left just that. A secret. They were both in enough danger without bringing some unknown component into the mixture.
Wide-eyed with unexpected delight when Zoser switched over to speaking Greek, Callidora couldn’t stop the smile that spread over her face, even though the question he asked hardly warranted such a reaction. She nearly forgot about Skylla in the wake of such an unexpected revelation, looking at him with a new light in her features. To hear her native tongue spoken so flawlessly in a foreign land, and a hostile one at that, hit her with a pang of homesickness so strong, it nearly stole her breath. Briefly placing her hand on her chest to still the flutter it concealed, she sighed deeply.
“Not good, if we’re being honest,” she answered in kind, happily switching to her own tongue and shaking her head. “Business was hard enough before the announcement; turns out most red-blooded Egyptian men don’t want to buy Greek goods from a woman on her own. The women were a little easier, but now…” She sighed again, idly swirling the liquid in her glass before taking another sip. “Whereas many were simply indifferent before, they’re outright hostile now. I’ve been spit at, my stall’s been vandalized, I’ve been accused of being a spy…” She rolled her eyes and finished off the last of her wine before pouring herself another glass. What did it matter? It wasn’t like it was flying off the shelves anyway.
“I keep hoping it will die down, but it only seems to be getting worse. Vandalism I can take, but last week, a bunch of little bastards came and smashed half the bottles of wine I had on display. I can’t afford to lose the money, not when business is already so tight.” Abruptly realizing how much she was spilling to this complete stranger, she bit her lip with a self-deprecating smile. “I’m sorry, I’m sure you didn’t come to hear me wax on about my own personal woes. Hardly the best sales strategy, I’ll admit.” Laughing, she added, “Maybe it’s not the war that’s killing my business, after all.”
Steering the conversation back toward her wares, Callidora gestured to the glass in Zoser’s hand. “So, what do you think? Interested in a case?” She winked, a twinkle in her verdant eye. “Maybe even two?”
Zoser sipped on his wine as the woman launched happily into Greek, the language sounding like gorgeous music to his ears, like a long forgotten song that ran through his mind constantly. On top of it, she was the epitome of Grecian beauty to him, with her golden hair and rosebud lips, with eyes crystal clear and round. Her skin seemed to glow even in the shade - how had she managed to stay so pale here?
He found that he had become distracted drinking in the site of her that the rim of the glass had been resting against his lip for just a touch too long. Clearing his throat as she mentioned the vandalism to her stall, he readjusted his expression and took a sip, shaking his head disdainfully. It was not the time for his pleasured smile to linger on his lips.
"No, no, that is dreadful," he offered, brows furrowing at the thought of her plight. Then again, he knew that there was not much to be done as far as the prejudices, but as far as retribution for the damages, he offered, "There are some good men within the guard who I can talk to to find the culprits. It is a crime after all." He took a sip, looking at her over the rim. It was a bit of a brag, but he could truly have someone assist her. "Despite a war impending, there is no need for merchants, like yourself, to suffer."
Halfway through a sip of the wine, she asked if he favored it, and with a mouthful, he hummed pleasantly and nodded, setting the nearly empty glass down on the wood again.
"I do, in fact. I tend to favor Athenian varietals. Odd, I know, but we all have our flaws," he teased, smiling and laughing slightly, "I would be glad to take a case...or two." A slight twinkle sparked in his eye as he raised a brow to her a bit, "Perhaps you could deliver it as well. Have you ever been to the Evening Star Palace?"
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Zoser sipped on his wine as the woman launched happily into Greek, the language sounding like gorgeous music to his ears, like a long forgotten song that ran through his mind constantly. On top of it, she was the epitome of Grecian beauty to him, with her golden hair and rosebud lips, with eyes crystal clear and round. Her skin seemed to glow even in the shade - how had she managed to stay so pale here?
He found that he had become distracted drinking in the site of her that the rim of the glass had been resting against his lip for just a touch too long. Clearing his throat as she mentioned the vandalism to her stall, he readjusted his expression and took a sip, shaking his head disdainfully. It was not the time for his pleasured smile to linger on his lips.
"No, no, that is dreadful," he offered, brows furrowing at the thought of her plight. Then again, he knew that there was not much to be done as far as the prejudices, but as far as retribution for the damages, he offered, "There are some good men within the guard who I can talk to to find the culprits. It is a crime after all." He took a sip, looking at her over the rim. It was a bit of a brag, but he could truly have someone assist her. "Despite a war impending, there is no need for merchants, like yourself, to suffer."
Halfway through a sip of the wine, she asked if he favored it, and with a mouthful, he hummed pleasantly and nodded, setting the nearly empty glass down on the wood again.
"I do, in fact. I tend to favor Athenian varietals. Odd, I know, but we all have our flaws," he teased, smiling and laughing slightly, "I would be glad to take a case...or two." A slight twinkle sparked in his eye as he raised a brow to her a bit, "Perhaps you could deliver it as well. Have you ever been to the Evening Star Palace?"
Zoser sipped on his wine as the woman launched happily into Greek, the language sounding like gorgeous music to his ears, like a long forgotten song that ran through his mind constantly. On top of it, she was the epitome of Grecian beauty to him, with her golden hair and rosebud lips, with eyes crystal clear and round. Her skin seemed to glow even in the shade - how had she managed to stay so pale here?
He found that he had become distracted drinking in the site of her that the rim of the glass had been resting against his lip for just a touch too long. Clearing his throat as she mentioned the vandalism to her stall, he readjusted his expression and took a sip, shaking his head disdainfully. It was not the time for his pleasured smile to linger on his lips.
"No, no, that is dreadful," he offered, brows furrowing at the thought of her plight. Then again, he knew that there was not much to be done as far as the prejudices, but as far as retribution for the damages, he offered, "There are some good men within the guard who I can talk to to find the culprits. It is a crime after all." He took a sip, looking at her over the rim. It was a bit of a brag, but he could truly have someone assist her. "Despite a war impending, there is no need for merchants, like yourself, to suffer."
Halfway through a sip of the wine, she asked if he favored it, and with a mouthful, he hummed pleasantly and nodded, setting the nearly empty glass down on the wood again.
"I do, in fact. I tend to favor Athenian varietals. Odd, I know, but we all have our flaws," he teased, smiling and laughing slightly, "I would be glad to take a case...or two." A slight twinkle sparked in his eye as he raised a brow to her a bit, "Perhaps you could deliver it as well. Have you ever been to the Evening Star Palace?"
Callidora hid a smile at the way Zoser’s eyes lingered on her, bringing her glass to her lips and taking a swallow. Though she’d never admit it, it felt nice to have someone look at her with admiration rather than disdain—even if her heart was still held in sway by another. And besides, from a purely economic point of view, it was good for her business when the men were attracted to her. It certainly made it easier to sell.
“I am touched by your offer, really,” she replied to his assertion that he could talk to members of the city guard about her destroyed inventory. And she was—it wasn’t often that anyone around here rushed to her defense. “But they were just little street urchins. I’d rather not get the authorities involved, especially when my position here is so precarious, as it is. I don’t want them thinking I’m some sort of threat.”Or risk having any of them recognize me, she continued silently, hearkening back to the night she and Skylla had been dragged off to the Palace dungeons. She had no doubt the men who took them down there would recognize her immediately, and that was about the last thing she wanted. One brush with the law here had been enough.
Reaching out, she gently patted his arm, letting her touch linger perhaps a moment longer than it needed to. “But thank you, Zoser. I do very much appreciate it.”
Letting her smile show when the Egyptian man mentioned his preference for Athenian wines, Dora’s face softened. “I, too, have a tender spot for such vintages,” she replied warmly, even if there was a touch of melancholy to her tone. “My late husband was born in Attia. Unfortunately, I lost his contacts there when I lost him. I’m very lucky to have the connections in Taengea that I still maintain.”
When he mentioned her delivering the wine to him personally, she tilted her head to the side with a mischievous glimmer in her eye. Was he flirting with her, after all? Zoser was a comely man, she had to admit, especially for an Egyptian. The fact that he spoke Greek so well also worked in his favor; the merchant’s command of Coptic got better by the day, but it was always so much easier to communicate in her mother tongue. But to meet him in the Palace… what if she saw the Pharaoh? Or those same guards she had worried about earlier? Or… Skylla?
There was a certain appeal to it for that very reason. Of course, she couldn’t approach her lover, not without drawing undue attention upon them both, but to be able to lay eyes on her, at least for a moment… Dora released a wistful sigh. What were even the chances she’d see any of them? The Evening Star Palace was very large, and she doubted any of the people she was worried about lingered much around where the scribe set up shop.
Have you ever been to the Evening Star Palace?
“No,” she lied smoothly, shaking her head. Only in a cage beneath.“But I’d have to be blind not to know where it is.” Another smile stole across her lips, looking at him thoughtfully. It was risky to go, she knew, but it was a risk she was willing to take. Besides, it’d be nice to see the upper floor of one of Egypt’s grandest structures. She wouldn’t really complain about the chance to see this rather enchanting man again, either. “I’d be happy to make a delivery. When would you like me to bring it by?”
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Callidora hid a smile at the way Zoser’s eyes lingered on her, bringing her glass to her lips and taking a swallow. Though she’d never admit it, it felt nice to have someone look at her with admiration rather than disdain—even if her heart was still held in sway by another. And besides, from a purely economic point of view, it was good for her business when the men were attracted to her. It certainly made it easier to sell.
“I am touched by your offer, really,” she replied to his assertion that he could talk to members of the city guard about her destroyed inventory. And she was—it wasn’t often that anyone around here rushed to her defense. “But they were just little street urchins. I’d rather not get the authorities involved, especially when my position here is so precarious, as it is. I don’t want them thinking I’m some sort of threat.”Or risk having any of them recognize me, she continued silently, hearkening back to the night she and Skylla had been dragged off to the Palace dungeons. She had no doubt the men who took them down there would recognize her immediately, and that was about the last thing she wanted. One brush with the law here had been enough.
Reaching out, she gently patted his arm, letting her touch linger perhaps a moment longer than it needed to. “But thank you, Zoser. I do very much appreciate it.”
Letting her smile show when the Egyptian man mentioned his preference for Athenian wines, Dora’s face softened. “I, too, have a tender spot for such vintages,” she replied warmly, even if there was a touch of melancholy to her tone. “My late husband was born in Attia. Unfortunately, I lost his contacts there when I lost him. I’m very lucky to have the connections in Taengea that I still maintain.”
When he mentioned her delivering the wine to him personally, she tilted her head to the side with a mischievous glimmer in her eye. Was he flirting with her, after all? Zoser was a comely man, she had to admit, especially for an Egyptian. The fact that he spoke Greek so well also worked in his favor; the merchant’s command of Coptic got better by the day, but it was always so much easier to communicate in her mother tongue. But to meet him in the Palace… what if she saw the Pharaoh? Or those same guards she had worried about earlier? Or… Skylla?
There was a certain appeal to it for that very reason. Of course, she couldn’t approach her lover, not without drawing undue attention upon them both, but to be able to lay eyes on her, at least for a moment… Dora released a wistful sigh. What were even the chances she’d see any of them? The Evening Star Palace was very large, and she doubted any of the people she was worried about lingered much around where the scribe set up shop.
Have you ever been to the Evening Star Palace?
“No,” she lied smoothly, shaking her head. Only in a cage beneath.“But I’d have to be blind not to know where it is.” Another smile stole across her lips, looking at him thoughtfully. It was risky to go, she knew, but it was a risk she was willing to take. Besides, it’d be nice to see the upper floor of one of Egypt’s grandest structures. She wouldn’t really complain about the chance to see this rather enchanting man again, either. “I’d be happy to make a delivery. When would you like me to bring it by?”
Callidora hid a smile at the way Zoser’s eyes lingered on her, bringing her glass to her lips and taking a swallow. Though she’d never admit it, it felt nice to have someone look at her with admiration rather than disdain—even if her heart was still held in sway by another. And besides, from a purely economic point of view, it was good for her business when the men were attracted to her. It certainly made it easier to sell.
“I am touched by your offer, really,” she replied to his assertion that he could talk to members of the city guard about her destroyed inventory. And she was—it wasn’t often that anyone around here rushed to her defense. “But they were just little street urchins. I’d rather not get the authorities involved, especially when my position here is so precarious, as it is. I don’t want them thinking I’m some sort of threat.”Or risk having any of them recognize me, she continued silently, hearkening back to the night she and Skylla had been dragged off to the Palace dungeons. She had no doubt the men who took them down there would recognize her immediately, and that was about the last thing she wanted. One brush with the law here had been enough.
Reaching out, she gently patted his arm, letting her touch linger perhaps a moment longer than it needed to. “But thank you, Zoser. I do very much appreciate it.”
Letting her smile show when the Egyptian man mentioned his preference for Athenian wines, Dora’s face softened. “I, too, have a tender spot for such vintages,” she replied warmly, even if there was a touch of melancholy to her tone. “My late husband was born in Attia. Unfortunately, I lost his contacts there when I lost him. I’m very lucky to have the connections in Taengea that I still maintain.”
When he mentioned her delivering the wine to him personally, she tilted her head to the side with a mischievous glimmer in her eye. Was he flirting with her, after all? Zoser was a comely man, she had to admit, especially for an Egyptian. The fact that he spoke Greek so well also worked in his favor; the merchant’s command of Coptic got better by the day, but it was always so much easier to communicate in her mother tongue. But to meet him in the Palace… what if she saw the Pharaoh? Or those same guards she had worried about earlier? Or… Skylla?
There was a certain appeal to it for that very reason. Of course, she couldn’t approach her lover, not without drawing undue attention upon them both, but to be able to lay eyes on her, at least for a moment… Dora released a wistful sigh. What were even the chances she’d see any of them? The Evening Star Palace was very large, and she doubted any of the people she was worried about lingered much around where the scribe set up shop.
Have you ever been to the Evening Star Palace?
“No,” she lied smoothly, shaking her head. Only in a cage beneath.“But I’d have to be blind not to know where it is.” Another smile stole across her lips, looking at him thoughtfully. It was risky to go, she knew, but it was a risk she was willing to take. Besides, it’d be nice to see the upper floor of one of Egypt’s grandest structures. She wouldn’t really complain about the chance to see this rather enchanting man again, either. “I’d be happy to make a delivery. When would you like me to bring it by?”
Gods, it was wonderful to have his eyes set upon a Grecian beauty again. It was likely something he missed the most about his time in Athenia, watching the way the women dressed to display just enough of their milkwhite skin to entice him. Unlike the usual shades of tan and brown of Egyptian eyes, Greeks had eyes that seemed to span an impossible range of shades. Their hair as well.
He did his best not to ogle her like the aging voyeur he suspected he was becoming, but the slight lilt that the wine gave to his mind was not helping. As she politely declined the offer, Zoser offered a small shrug, barely lifting the glass to his lips again before stating, "The offer still stands, should you ever need it."
Her confession of her husband's passing had Zoser making a visual but quiet show of consolation - a downturn of his expression, an exhaled sound of sympathy, as he set his glass down a moment.
"How dreadful to suffer the loss of a loved one so," he consoled, genuine but also taking advantage of the brief moment to speak in a way that could hinge doors open, ever so slightly in his favor, "While I do not have much in the way of family, no wife or children, I consider it a sad blessing in a way, in that I have not had to suffer such a loss." There, just a little bit of information that she could do with as she wished.
"You are alone in here in Cairo?" he asked, his curiosity further piqued, sipping the wine and mentally calculating how to keep the last few dregs in his glass enough to make further conversation. It did not seem like it would maintain much longer, though.
Settling to buy two cases before it became some sort of contraband in the near future, he laughed lightly at her words.
"It is hard to miss, isn't it? When you deliver it, I would be glad to let you see the sights. It is a marvel of construction. Shall we say, two days from now? Midday? I will gladly forgo my midday meal to walk with you. Perhaps we could find a meal together afterward."
Catching himself with his words, his eyes narrowed with a mischievous glint. This could go well, or it could be seen as too forward. But, regardless, the thought of this beauty on his arm, floating through the Palace gardens, was one that enticed him too much to miss the opportunity.
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Gods, it was wonderful to have his eyes set upon a Grecian beauty again. It was likely something he missed the most about his time in Athenia, watching the way the women dressed to display just enough of their milkwhite skin to entice him. Unlike the usual shades of tan and brown of Egyptian eyes, Greeks had eyes that seemed to span an impossible range of shades. Their hair as well.
He did his best not to ogle her like the aging voyeur he suspected he was becoming, but the slight lilt that the wine gave to his mind was not helping. As she politely declined the offer, Zoser offered a small shrug, barely lifting the glass to his lips again before stating, "The offer still stands, should you ever need it."
Her confession of her husband's passing had Zoser making a visual but quiet show of consolation - a downturn of his expression, an exhaled sound of sympathy, as he set his glass down a moment.
"How dreadful to suffer the loss of a loved one so," he consoled, genuine but also taking advantage of the brief moment to speak in a way that could hinge doors open, ever so slightly in his favor, "While I do not have much in the way of family, no wife or children, I consider it a sad blessing in a way, in that I have not had to suffer such a loss." There, just a little bit of information that she could do with as she wished.
"You are alone in here in Cairo?" he asked, his curiosity further piqued, sipping the wine and mentally calculating how to keep the last few dregs in his glass enough to make further conversation. It did not seem like it would maintain much longer, though.
Settling to buy two cases before it became some sort of contraband in the near future, he laughed lightly at her words.
"It is hard to miss, isn't it? When you deliver it, I would be glad to let you see the sights. It is a marvel of construction. Shall we say, two days from now? Midday? I will gladly forgo my midday meal to walk with you. Perhaps we could find a meal together afterward."
Catching himself with his words, his eyes narrowed with a mischievous glint. This could go well, or it could be seen as too forward. But, regardless, the thought of this beauty on his arm, floating through the Palace gardens, was one that enticed him too much to miss the opportunity.
Gods, it was wonderful to have his eyes set upon a Grecian beauty again. It was likely something he missed the most about his time in Athenia, watching the way the women dressed to display just enough of their milkwhite skin to entice him. Unlike the usual shades of tan and brown of Egyptian eyes, Greeks had eyes that seemed to span an impossible range of shades. Their hair as well.
He did his best not to ogle her like the aging voyeur he suspected he was becoming, but the slight lilt that the wine gave to his mind was not helping. As she politely declined the offer, Zoser offered a small shrug, barely lifting the glass to his lips again before stating, "The offer still stands, should you ever need it."
Her confession of her husband's passing had Zoser making a visual but quiet show of consolation - a downturn of his expression, an exhaled sound of sympathy, as he set his glass down a moment.
"How dreadful to suffer the loss of a loved one so," he consoled, genuine but also taking advantage of the brief moment to speak in a way that could hinge doors open, ever so slightly in his favor, "While I do not have much in the way of family, no wife or children, I consider it a sad blessing in a way, in that I have not had to suffer such a loss." There, just a little bit of information that she could do with as she wished.
"You are alone in here in Cairo?" he asked, his curiosity further piqued, sipping the wine and mentally calculating how to keep the last few dregs in his glass enough to make further conversation. It did not seem like it would maintain much longer, though.
Settling to buy two cases before it became some sort of contraband in the near future, he laughed lightly at her words.
"It is hard to miss, isn't it? When you deliver it, I would be glad to let you see the sights. It is a marvel of construction. Shall we say, two days from now? Midday? I will gladly forgo my midday meal to walk with you. Perhaps we could find a meal together afterward."
Catching himself with his words, his eyes narrowed with a mischievous glint. This could go well, or it could be seen as too forward. But, regardless, the thought of this beauty on his arm, floating through the Palace gardens, was one that enticed him too much to miss the opportunity.
Zoser’s comment about his own lack of family was about as subtle as a thrown brick, but truthfully, Callidora didn’t mind. Enough time had elapsed since Demetrius’s passing that the mere mention of the subject did not make her heart constrict like it used to. While he would always hold a special place in her heart, and she would never stop missing him, she had finally accepted it was all right to move on.
Of course, she had already moved on with another, but fate wasn’t exactly kind. Circumstances prevented her from being with the one she had moved on with, so what was to stop her from a little harmless flirting now and then? This man was the first to show her any real kindness in days, and if she could actually keep a loyal customer…
Dora smiled, a tinge of sorrow still remaining in her expression. “It is indeed a kindness to have never lost a spouse, but I would never change it, despite the loss. Demetrius filled my life with a rich joy that nothing else has ever brought me. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.” No truer words had ever passed her lips; her husband was the light of her life before he passed, and she couldn’t imagine finding love with anyone else like had with him. She adored Skylla, loved her even, but Skylla was no Demetrius.
You are alone here in Cairo?
Coughing to stifle a laugh, a rueful smile spread over her lips. Truly, he was making no attempt to hide his intentions. “Not… alone, precisely,” she answered with a bit of hesitation. She couldn’t exactly tell him the truth, but she didn’t want to outright lie, either. He seemed nice enough, but one could never really know someone in the first meeting. “But, sadly, I have become separated from my companion I arrived with. I have not seen her in weeks.” The why of that separation would remain unsaid, purposely vague in her speech. It was a subject she did not even begin to know how to broach, so she quickly moved on.
“So, on that note, yes. I’d be delighted to bring the wine to you in two days.”
Her smile turned more genuine as she nodded, a light flush coloring her cheeks when he offered to share a meal with her after the delivery. While it unnerved her to think of freely roaming the Palace—gods knew who she might run into—she relished the thought of seeing Zoser again. He was quick-witted and charming, a far cry from so many of the boorish individuals she’d had the misfortune to encounter since her arrival.
“And a meal sounds lovely, as well,” she replied, a bit shier than her wont. Even if making such plans felt somehow disloyal to Skylla, she was already looking forward to it. Surely there was nothing wrong with making a new friend, however handsome said friend happened to be? She doubted her lover would begrudge her that.
Grinning, Dora added with a wink, “I’m sure you know better than I where all the best spots are. I’ll surrender myself to the mercy of your judgment. Just this once, anyway.”
Draining the last of her wine, she set the glass down before turning to face him more fully. “Two days, then?”
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Zoser’s comment about his own lack of family was about as subtle as a thrown brick, but truthfully, Callidora didn’t mind. Enough time had elapsed since Demetrius’s passing that the mere mention of the subject did not make her heart constrict like it used to. While he would always hold a special place in her heart, and she would never stop missing him, she had finally accepted it was all right to move on.
Of course, she had already moved on with another, but fate wasn’t exactly kind. Circumstances prevented her from being with the one she had moved on with, so what was to stop her from a little harmless flirting now and then? This man was the first to show her any real kindness in days, and if she could actually keep a loyal customer…
Dora smiled, a tinge of sorrow still remaining in her expression. “It is indeed a kindness to have never lost a spouse, but I would never change it, despite the loss. Demetrius filled my life with a rich joy that nothing else has ever brought me. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.” No truer words had ever passed her lips; her husband was the light of her life before he passed, and she couldn’t imagine finding love with anyone else like had with him. She adored Skylla, loved her even, but Skylla was no Demetrius.
You are alone here in Cairo?
Coughing to stifle a laugh, a rueful smile spread over her lips. Truly, he was making no attempt to hide his intentions. “Not… alone, precisely,” she answered with a bit of hesitation. She couldn’t exactly tell him the truth, but she didn’t want to outright lie, either. He seemed nice enough, but one could never really know someone in the first meeting. “But, sadly, I have become separated from my companion I arrived with. I have not seen her in weeks.” The why of that separation would remain unsaid, purposely vague in her speech. It was a subject she did not even begin to know how to broach, so she quickly moved on.
“So, on that note, yes. I’d be delighted to bring the wine to you in two days.”
Her smile turned more genuine as she nodded, a light flush coloring her cheeks when he offered to share a meal with her after the delivery. While it unnerved her to think of freely roaming the Palace—gods knew who she might run into—she relished the thought of seeing Zoser again. He was quick-witted and charming, a far cry from so many of the boorish individuals she’d had the misfortune to encounter since her arrival.
“And a meal sounds lovely, as well,” she replied, a bit shier than her wont. Even if making such plans felt somehow disloyal to Skylla, she was already looking forward to it. Surely there was nothing wrong with making a new friend, however handsome said friend happened to be? She doubted her lover would begrudge her that.
Grinning, Dora added with a wink, “I’m sure you know better than I where all the best spots are. I’ll surrender myself to the mercy of your judgment. Just this once, anyway.”
Draining the last of her wine, she set the glass down before turning to face him more fully. “Two days, then?”
Zoser’s comment about his own lack of family was about as subtle as a thrown brick, but truthfully, Callidora didn’t mind. Enough time had elapsed since Demetrius’s passing that the mere mention of the subject did not make her heart constrict like it used to. While he would always hold a special place in her heart, and she would never stop missing him, she had finally accepted it was all right to move on.
Of course, she had already moved on with another, but fate wasn’t exactly kind. Circumstances prevented her from being with the one she had moved on with, so what was to stop her from a little harmless flirting now and then? This man was the first to show her any real kindness in days, and if she could actually keep a loyal customer…
Dora smiled, a tinge of sorrow still remaining in her expression. “It is indeed a kindness to have never lost a spouse, but I would never change it, despite the loss. Demetrius filled my life with a rich joy that nothing else has ever brought me. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.” No truer words had ever passed her lips; her husband was the light of her life before he passed, and she couldn’t imagine finding love with anyone else like had with him. She adored Skylla, loved her even, but Skylla was no Demetrius.
You are alone here in Cairo?
Coughing to stifle a laugh, a rueful smile spread over her lips. Truly, he was making no attempt to hide his intentions. “Not… alone, precisely,” she answered with a bit of hesitation. She couldn’t exactly tell him the truth, but she didn’t want to outright lie, either. He seemed nice enough, but one could never really know someone in the first meeting. “But, sadly, I have become separated from my companion I arrived with. I have not seen her in weeks.” The why of that separation would remain unsaid, purposely vague in her speech. It was a subject she did not even begin to know how to broach, so she quickly moved on.
“So, on that note, yes. I’d be delighted to bring the wine to you in two days.”
Her smile turned more genuine as she nodded, a light flush coloring her cheeks when he offered to share a meal with her after the delivery. While it unnerved her to think of freely roaming the Palace—gods knew who she might run into—she relished the thought of seeing Zoser again. He was quick-witted and charming, a far cry from so many of the boorish individuals she’d had the misfortune to encounter since her arrival.
“And a meal sounds lovely, as well,” she replied, a bit shier than her wont. Even if making such plans felt somehow disloyal to Skylla, she was already looking forward to it. Surely there was nothing wrong with making a new friend, however handsome said friend happened to be? She doubted her lover would begrudge her that.
Grinning, Dora added with a wink, “I’m sure you know better than I where all the best spots are. I’ll surrender myself to the mercy of your judgment. Just this once, anyway.”
Draining the last of her wine, she set the glass down before turning to face him more fully. “Two days, then?”
This was a game he had not had the time to play, lately. His tasks were many and the effort put into seeking out such a pursuit was simply not worth it most days. Besides, this use of his charms either worked temporarily then waned immediately after, or fell flat. Now, with his position, propositioning outright was not something he made a habit of anymore. Rumors burned like bushfires and so far, he had been very good at remaining uncharred.
At her words, Zoser nodded and drained the last few drops of his glass as he laid out the age old quote from some unknown scholar in a dusty text hidden in the archives. He placed the glass down on the bar and slid it across to her. "That is a beautiful approach to such a thing."
Zoser pulled a slight face at the young woman noting her companion as missing, knowing that Cairo could be a dangerous place and it was not unknown for slave merchants to snatch unsuspecting foreigners to trade on the black markets. Zoser stilled his tongue to keep from placing such a thought aloud but offered a concerned hum for her.
Then, it was back to business.
The delivery was agreed to, and with a near victorious flash of a smile, so was the meal. At her embellished words, Zoser let out a low, humored laugh.
"Ah, 'surrender to the mercy of my judgement'," he mused aloud, grinning devilishly for a moment before shaking his head, shaking away anything that could make her regret her choice. "Very well, then. I will do my best to impress, 'just this once."
Reaching into his coinpurse, he took out the amount for the crates and enough to cover any delivery, placing the slightlly-too-large amount of payment into her hand and letting his linger a moment.
"Two days," he repeated and confirmed, "I look forward to it."
With that, he returned her wink with one of his own and kept his eyes on her, glancing over his shoulder as he walked away until he rounded a corner, and the woman was out of sight.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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This was a game he had not had the time to play, lately. His tasks were many and the effort put into seeking out such a pursuit was simply not worth it most days. Besides, this use of his charms either worked temporarily then waned immediately after, or fell flat. Now, with his position, propositioning outright was not something he made a habit of anymore. Rumors burned like bushfires and so far, he had been very good at remaining uncharred.
At her words, Zoser nodded and drained the last few drops of his glass as he laid out the age old quote from some unknown scholar in a dusty text hidden in the archives. He placed the glass down on the bar and slid it across to her. "That is a beautiful approach to such a thing."
Zoser pulled a slight face at the young woman noting her companion as missing, knowing that Cairo could be a dangerous place and it was not unknown for slave merchants to snatch unsuspecting foreigners to trade on the black markets. Zoser stilled his tongue to keep from placing such a thought aloud but offered a concerned hum for her.
Then, it was back to business.
The delivery was agreed to, and with a near victorious flash of a smile, so was the meal. At her embellished words, Zoser let out a low, humored laugh.
"Ah, 'surrender to the mercy of my judgement'," he mused aloud, grinning devilishly for a moment before shaking his head, shaking away anything that could make her regret her choice. "Very well, then. I will do my best to impress, 'just this once."
Reaching into his coinpurse, he took out the amount for the crates and enough to cover any delivery, placing the slightlly-too-large amount of payment into her hand and letting his linger a moment.
"Two days," he repeated and confirmed, "I look forward to it."
With that, he returned her wink with one of his own and kept his eyes on her, glancing over his shoulder as he walked away until he rounded a corner, and the woman was out of sight.
This was a game he had not had the time to play, lately. His tasks were many and the effort put into seeking out such a pursuit was simply not worth it most days. Besides, this use of his charms either worked temporarily then waned immediately after, or fell flat. Now, with his position, propositioning outright was not something he made a habit of anymore. Rumors burned like bushfires and so far, he had been very good at remaining uncharred.
At her words, Zoser nodded and drained the last few drops of his glass as he laid out the age old quote from some unknown scholar in a dusty text hidden in the archives. He placed the glass down on the bar and slid it across to her. "That is a beautiful approach to such a thing."
Zoser pulled a slight face at the young woman noting her companion as missing, knowing that Cairo could be a dangerous place and it was not unknown for slave merchants to snatch unsuspecting foreigners to trade on the black markets. Zoser stilled his tongue to keep from placing such a thought aloud but offered a concerned hum for her.
Then, it was back to business.
The delivery was agreed to, and with a near victorious flash of a smile, so was the meal. At her embellished words, Zoser let out a low, humored laugh.
"Ah, 'surrender to the mercy of my judgement'," he mused aloud, grinning devilishly for a moment before shaking his head, shaking away anything that could make her regret her choice. "Very well, then. I will do my best to impress, 'just this once."
Reaching into his coinpurse, he took out the amount for the crates and enough to cover any delivery, placing the slightlly-too-large amount of payment into her hand and letting his linger a moment.
"Two days," he repeated and confirmed, "I look forward to it."
With that, he returned her wink with one of his own and kept his eyes on her, glancing over his shoulder as he walked away until he rounded a corner, and the woman was out of sight.