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

[punchedhitler]

Apologies, ma'am, it's just where I come from, ladies don't usually talk about themselves in the third person.

[qea_filopatwr]

Nor do they where she comes from. It is a formality observed when she wishes to present herself according to the proper etiquette. She will not adhere so strictly to protocol once appropriate introductions have been made.

[punchedhitler]

I'm Steve Rogers. It's my pleasure to meet you.

[qea_filopatwr]

Such an unusual name. You may call me Cleopatra. It is my pleasure as well.

[punchedhitler]

Really? It's sort of a typical name, I thought. But either way, Miss Cleopatra - I'm in charge of the police force here.

[qea_filopatwr]

Perhaps it is, where you come from. You are...Gaulish?

[ Ah, someone she should indeed become familiar with. ]

Then it is my great luck to make your acquaintance, and I am myself in need of soldiers.

[punchedhitler]

American.

[Buuuut a pause]

What do you need soldiers for?

[qea_filopatwr]

I am unfamiliar with 'American'. Amer? Americ? Where is it?

For protection, of course.

[punchedhitler]

America. Across the ocean from Europe? Westward.

Is someone threatening you?

[qea_filopatwr]

Ah, of course. I have never met anyone who has traveled such a vast distance. [ Because of course, even here, Egypt is the center of civilization. It doesn't occur to her to even imagine the world in any other configuration. ]

Does the Queen of America travel alone, with no soldiers and no servants?

[punchedhitler]

America's a democracy, ma'am. We don't have a queen, we have a president.

[qea_filopatwr]

How very Roman of you. I shall ask, then, whether your president travels alone, with no soldiers and no servants. I am entirely alone in this place, Steve Rogers. How will I assure my safety, if I have not even a single guard?

[punchedhitler]

You can probably hire one, if you want.

[qea_filopatwr]

I fear I have very little to offer in return for such services. But...

[ She bends down and removes a gold anklet in the shape of a snake. ] Perhaps this may suffice as payment?

[punchedhitler]

I think for some people that will do, but why don't I ask around and find someone for you?

[qea_filopatwr]

I would be greatly in your debt, Steve Rogers. How shall I know when you have accomplished this task?

[punchedhitler]

I'll contact you. Over the Network.

[qea_filopatwr]

[ She frowns. How cold and impersonal. Surely he could at least send a messenger in the flesh. ]

I fear I understand very little about how this...Network is to be used. You cannot come to me in person, instead?

[punchedhitler]

I can indeed.