poly_chromatic | wiʻīyat [video]

Entry tags:

rome - cleopatra

wiʻīyat [video]

[ 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.

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They are, seemingly, their own special version of gods. They're not, at the very least, like any other "gods" I've ever heard of. I doubt highly that they fit into any particular religious system except their own.

Then she does see what use they would have with her, if she is not one of their followers. Foreign gods should not be exercising such power over those who as gods themselves.

If they operated on that system, then they also would have avoided abducting those of us who believe in no gods at all. Unfortunately, they were neither so discriminating nor so kind.

Do these gods have temples and priests? She will speak with them, and perhaps they will understand their error.

Not precisely, although you may request to speak with them via the same device you're using to speak to me. They make deals, although they won't make a deal to allow you to go home.

That remains to be seen. Perhaps they have been approached in the correct manner, appeased with the proper sacrifices and ceremonies.

You seem to have a great deal of knowledge. She would know more of you, so that she may continue to benefit from your generosity.

You're certainly welcome to approach them in whatever way you see fit. Perhaps you'll have more luck than the rest of us.

[He seriously doubts it, but she can try.]

I apologize for not introducing myself before. I'm Andrew Ryan.

It surely cannot hurt to make the effort.

It is her pleasure. You may call her Cleopatra - she has been told that her formal introduction was perhaps too intimidating. What manner of man are you, Andrew Ryan?

Effort certainly never hurts, I agree.

Intimidating is in the eye of the beholder, I suppose. I found it to be an unusual, yet somehow charming introduction. As for what manner of man I am?

[The slightest of smiles.]

A businessman. An entrepreneur.

[ An excellent response, and one that salves some of her displeasure at the less than celebratory welcome she's received. As a reward of sorts, she switches to a less formal manner of speech. ]

There are times when intimidation can be useful, but I find that my present situation would be better served by charm.

[ Her smile is brighter. How nice to be meeting such useful people. ]

A fortunate sort of man to meet, then. May I ask what kind of business?

My training lies mainly in electrical engineering, but I'm primarily an industrialist these days. Sadly, running a city leaves very little time to do much else.

[A pause.]

Not this city, of course.

[ Some of what he says means nothing to her, but she understands well what it means to run a city. A governor of some kind, then. One with an interest in the engineering of a place, and not simply the politics of ruling it. ]

But despite the time one must put into it, ruling does offer its rewards. I think, that you and I may share an understanding of how bereft one feels when one is so abruptly torn from one's home.

With a name like that, I suppose you'd almost have to be a ruler of some sort.

[A very brief smile.]

I prefer not to see it as 'ruling' so much as... 'managing,' but yes, it has some rewards.

[ The smile only falters a very little bit at the failure to recognize her name for who it marks her, but it is understandable, she supposes. It is such a foreign place, not like any she has ever encountered. ]

Of all Egypt, in fact. But perhaps it a kingdom you are unfamiliar with. I understand it to be very far away from this City.

Your modesty does you great service. I shall call it so, if it will please you. 'Managing.' But as you cannot do such things here, to what do you apply your skills now?

[Oh, he recognizes the name, he just doesn't think it likely that the Cleopatra would show up here. Until she mentions Egypt, of course.]

Impressive. I'm familiar with your... kingdom, though I imagine that by my time, it's very different than during yours.

[Now he's starting to think she might be someone he's read about in the history books.]

I manage other things. I've invested in a number of up and coming businesses in the City.

Explain, please, what you mean by your 'time', and why you expect Egypt to be so very different?

[ It's...not precisely a request, although she is diplomatic enough to phrase it as one. ]

You are doing well for yourself, then. I am pleased to find that there are men of ambition in this place.

It was the year 1959 the last time I checked. Somehow, I have the feeling that you're from far before that, and wouldn't recognize much of the world as it is now.

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wiʻīyat [video]

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