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

[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.

[qea_filopatwr]

She shall be greatly pleased to accept a proper escort. She has been told of places in the city that may offer assistance to the newly arrived. This Welcome Center is such a place? And it shall provide her with housing and food?

[mortemscintilla]

The pleasure's mine, Miss.

[ He smiles at her, schooling his expression into something kind and careful. Privately he thinks it's remarkable she's operating the Network device, and has already absorbed most of the rudimentary information about the City. But that remarkability is a reason to keep a wary eye on her. ]

That's right. For as long as it takes until you're settled and employed. [ Then, seemingly abashed, ] I, um, understand the latter isn't something a lady of your station does. But if nothing else, it should get you used to how the City operates.

[qea_filopatwr]

[ Experience has taught her to be very careful of who she chooses to trust, but circumstances have made her grateful for any kindness that might be offered. And this particular offer has the advantage of coming from someone who seems to understand what she is. ]

If she may know your name, then she will also be pleased to consider you one of her first acquaintances in this strange city. And she will gladly meet you and accept your guidance, if in return you will agree to assist her in gaining a greater understanding of the science and sorcery of this place.

[mortemscintilla]

[ Trust, to Hei's profession and mindset, is what sticking your chin out is to boxing. He's never extended it to others without the benefit of a contingency plan. Blackmail and betrayal are, after all, synonymous with espionage. That said, there's very little agenda behind his helping this newcomer, beyond a blanket curiosity. ]

It's Li Shenshung, Miss. Nice to meet you. [ The name is an alias, and as contrived as the polite keirei bow he sketches -- a leftover from his years of operating in Tokyo. Yet it fits the circumstances in an ironic way. ] I'd be happy to offer any assistance. Are you, um, aware of where you are at the moment? Most newcomers tend to arrive at the Fountain.

[qea_filopatwr]

Li Shenshung, you may address me as Cleopatra. We are to be friends, after all, are we not?

Yes, I am not so far from this Fountain. I did not care to wander with no knowledge of my surroundings, but it seemed best to observe as much as might be immediately learned. I shall meet you there.