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]

[ 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.