wiʻīyat [video]

[qea_filopatwr]

[ It has been a few hours since Cleopatra found herself not in the confines of her little prison, but free on the streets of an unfamiliar city. She has put that time to good use, however, and feels ready now to make her presence known.

A pre-recorded message is accompanied by a static image of a dark-haired woman in a plain white shift, who stands facing forward, her head bent with her eyes lowered. ]

The woman before you is called Cleopatra Philopater, daughter of Ptolemy Auletes, son of Ptolemy Soter, son of Ptolemy Euergetes, son of Ptolemy Epiphanes, son of Ra. She seeks audience with men and women of knowledge, priests and scholars, and with men of arms.

She humbles herself before the wisdom of those who would offer succor to a traveler. She humbles herself before the benevolence of those who would offer service. She humbles herself before the might of those who would offer protection. She humbles herself before the graciousness of those would offer friendship.

Comments

video:

[intheblanks]

[W e l p.]

She doesn't need to humble anything, least of all herself. People will offer all those things without expecting that.

video:

[qea_filopatwr]

[ The static image flickers and is replaced by a video feed of the same woman, although she's now looking directly into the camera. She's smiling. The way he addresses her pleases her. ]

This has not been her experience. Perhaps you are unique, to be willing to give so much for nothing. Or is that you expect some other form of recompense? She fears that humility is all she has to offer.

video:

[intheblanks]

[Cleopatra, wouldn't you know. Half of how impressed he is relates to the fact that she's managing to work the device at all.]

Everyone arrives here with nothing. You'll find there are enough of us willing to repay the same kindnesses we received. There's a building, near the fountain, just for that.

Video

[valentineluke]

[Bows] Welcome to the City.

Video

[qea_filopatwr]

[ The static image is replaced by video of the same woman, who answers the bow with a nod of her head and a small smile. ]

She offers her gratitude for your greeting. Does this city have a proper name?

Re: Video

[valentineluke]

Just 'City'. That always been its name.

There is a library here. [Heard the story of her weeping over Library of Alexandria's burning.]/small>

[mortemscintilla]

[ Well, what have we here... ]

If it's, um, service you're after, I'd be happy to help, Miss. [ It has every risk of sounding like flirtation, but that's not how simple, clueless 'Li' operates. On the surface, at least. ]

[qea_filopatwr]

[ Her response can be deemed flirtatious as well, if one is inclined to be influenced by such things. But perhaps it's merely that she wants to appear friendly. ]

What manner of services do you offer? She is alone here, and unused to being so.

[mortemscintilla]

[ Unfortunately flirtation offers little use to him, outside of a stimulating wordplay, or a method of elicitation. But 'Li's persona is designed to put others at ease. At least until he has what he wants (Information -- goods -- an opening to carry out a kill). Benign smiles and puppyish flustering are his modus operandi in the City -- and around anyone who arrives here. ]

Directions to the Welcome Center. Or escorting you there, if you're, um, inclined. Answers to any questions you might have about the City -- to the best of what I know.

video;

[makingastatement]

That's a real mouthful for a name.

[ And if she's not one for jokes, he'll just smile and offer a tip of his hat. ]

If you're looking for protection, miss, I happen to know the best in the business.

video;

[qea_filopatwr]

You may refer to her as Mistress or My Queen if it is too much glory for your mouth to handle.

[ Perhaps it's a joke, but then again, perhaps it's an insult. ]

She is not interested in less. Will you share this knowledge?

video;

[makingastatement]

[ Yeah. He's not going to call you that until a more solid arrangement is made, lady. ]

Absolutely, princess. Myself and a few other gentlemen provide services against most of what this City has to offer for a low monthly rate. Curses aren't a guarantee, but we'll do our best to make sure they're as painless as possible for you.

(Filtered to Al)

[valentineluke]

In regards to that, you and I must get together later and talk.

[punchedhitler]

Do you mean yourself, ma'am?

[qea_filopatwr]

[ Hm. This should be an obvious thing, but he is at least polite in his questioning. ]

She does. Unfortunately, she does have yet have anyone to speak for her.

Video

[rianofski]

That's quite an impressive name. I presume you're new to the City?

Video

[qea_filopatwr]

[ That is a much more appropriate response to her name than what certain others have expressed. She smiles at the man, bowing her head very slightly in acceptance of his compliment. ]

She has arrived only hours ago. She is uncertain why, or how, she came to be in such an unfamiliar place.

( Video )

[confined_to_briah]

You put on quite the show.

( Video )

[qea_filopatwr]

Is it not always in one's interest to make an appealing first impression?

video;

[anunluckypenny]

What does she--you... can I help you, maybe?

video;

[qea_filopatwr]

She is most grateful for your offer. May she know your name, and what kind of help you are willing to give?

[Video]

[theonewhodied]

... [Wow, as if meeting people from ancient Japan wasn't weird enough, this place has ancient Egyptians. Right.]

It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Naoi Ayato.

[He bows respectfully, which is highly unusual, but her manner compels him to.]

[Video]

[qea_filopatwr]

It is her pleasure as well, Naoi Ayato. [ This respectful welcome pleases her greatly, and her smile is warm in response. ]

Shall you tell her something of yourself?

[prosopopoeia]

[Marie speaks with a French accent, somewhat brusque, but that's her personality,]

My name is Doctor Marie Delacroix. Where 'ave you come from, and when.

[Best to establish a base.]

[qea_filopatwr]

The accent is an unfamiliar one, and therefore marks her as 'other', but in this foreign place that may only make the acquaintance an advantageous one. Cleopatra doubts that anyone from her own home would know very much more than she does.

She comes from Alexandria, in the first year of the reign of Ptolemy XIII. [ It galls her to number the year in that manner, rather than from her ascension as co-regent, but it is unfortunately the truth. ] She is curious to know the same of you, Doctor Marie Delacroix.