Play@YSDC

Scaevola's Villa- southeast of Rome, Italia
Late evening- March 14, 44 BC

The serving girl ushered Artemis into the study, lighting a candle on the writing desk so they could see. Everything was as he had left it, including the busts of Akhenaten and Nefertiti, the idols, the wax masks, and the shelves lined with papyrus scrolls. It was these last that she led him to first, having noted his interest. "These scrolls are on a wide variety of subjects," she said. "The papyrus comes from Egypt, of course, and many of them were in fact written there. Can you read Egyptian writing?"

Artemis followed along enjoying the visit and the company. When they arrived in the library, he spent some time taking in all of the items from Egypt - a land that to him was more myth than reality suddenly becoming the latter.

"These scrolls are on a wide variety of subjects," she said. "The papyrus comes from Egypt, of course, and many of them were in fact written there. Can you read Egyptian writing?"

Artemis turned his attention to the pleasant voice and sight of the servant asking him about the scrolls. He smiled and shook his head no. "Sadly, no I don't much about Egypt, it's traditions and religions. Though of late I keep hearing and learning more and more about a land that to me was a land of myth and story. Wasn't there a story about human headed lion? "

The servant smiled. "There are stories of men with the heads of lions," she said, "and of other beasts besides: jackals, bulls, birds, cats, crocodiles, and even hippos. It is a common tale in Egypt."

"So are these creatures gods in the religion, or are they just decoration?" Artemis looked and pointed at the idols and the masks. He kept looking over the various components of the room trying to find something that might stick out in his mind.

"There are some Egyptian gods that take the form of a man with the head of an animal," said the serving girl. "Thoth has the head of an ibis, Anubis the head of a jackal, and Bubastis the head of a cat, for instance. There are also lesser beings that have similar forms, but are more the size of men. They are the children of the gods."

As his eyes scanned the idols, Artemis recognized the images of Thoth and Anubis among them. The masks bore human faces, no doubt those of the Senator's ancestors, as was common in Roman homes. They did bear a resemblance to his countenance.

'Senator and his family it seems," Artemis pointed at the masks. "Does he entertain often? Seems like Lady Caelia was his only guest for the festivals of the day. Artemis turned and smiled broadly at the servant.

"Oh forgive me, I am Artemis, and you are ?"

"I am called Akana, sir," she said, meeting his gaze. "Yes, those are the Senator's ancestors. While Lady Caelia is his only guest tonight, he does often have other guests. However, he wished to devote his full attention to her, so he did not invite any others."

"Akana, my pleasure," Artemis smiled and nodded at her. "Now, I wonder if you could help me understad the various statues that are in the villa? Are there others that are prized by the Senator?"

"Oh, yes," said Akana, excitement in her voice. "You have no doubt seen the mighty Sphinx on your way into the villa, of course. The Senator also has a large idol of Thoth in the exedra, but we cannot go in there to see it while the initiation is in progress. That one too is precious to him. The Sphinx protects his house, and Thoth watches over all."

"So have you always been here in the Senator's villa?" Artemis asked as he moved towards the doorway. "How can the Sphinx protect the Villa? It's simply just stone, impressive, but simply stone. Maybe there are other things to see amongst the halls and rooms?"

"The Sphinx is more than it appears," said Akana with an enigmatic smile. "You are here as a guest. If you were not...I have not always been here. I was born in Egypt. The Senator bought me a few years ago and brought me here to serve him. There is more to see, yes. Follow me, please." She headed towards the door into the atrium, glancing back over her shoulder and beckoning Aretmis to follow.

Artemis smiled and followed quickly along. "Akana, the Sphinx is just a carving, nothing more. Egypt, I can not even believe that I am talking with such a lovely resident of that land, but doing so in the surroundings that only highlight the beauty of that far off land."

"Thank you, sir," said Akana, blushing a little as she led Artemis through the atrium. "You are most kind. Would you like to see one of the bedrooms?"

Akana nodded. "Then we shall save that for last," she said. "This fountain is fed by a nearby spring. It provides fresh water for all here." She next pointed out two alcoves on either side. "Those are where guests wait to be greeted. Would the kitchen be of any interest to you?"

"Akana, I am a retired soldier, and have never been anything like this," Artemis waived his hands about. "I also own a small inn and if I could learn a dish that I could say was from Egypt, well that would almost be the high point of this visit."

He smiled at her and then continued to look about.

"Very good," said Akana, leading Artemis into a large room in the corner of the house. The fire in the hearth was out at this late hour, though it would surely be lit as dawn approached to prepare breakfast. Still, that was several hours away. The night was relatively young. The cucina had a long table for preparing meals, which was also where the servants took their own meals. There were various pots, pans, and utensils throughout the room. An opening led to a pantry where plenty of food and ingredients were stored, and off of it was a room from which cold emanated. Akana showed him that it contained blocks of ice that were slowly melting and large quantities of meat and other perishables. "The ice is brought in at great expense," she explained, "but it keeps the food cold until it is time to be cooked. Do you know how to cook, Artemis?"

Akana smiled. "I shall show you how the Egyptians prepare meat, then," she said, as she lit the hearth, "and then you shall eat it and be pleased. Would you like mutton?"

"Now, that is a true delight, I would love that. Mutton would be fine, and I can watch how you make it and hopefully remember." Artemis' smiled a wide grin and stood ready to help as Akana began to make her selections.

"Excellent," said Akana picking out a choice cut of mutton from the ice room and selecting some small jars from the pantry. "Sheep are the same, whether in Egypt or Rome. The secret is in the spices."

"Spices...what would you need to use? Can I even find such things?" Artemis' voice carried a level of fascination. "Have you lived here in the Villa long? "

"A few years, as I said," replied Akana. "I'm sure you can find anything you need while you're in Rome. Many Egyptian foodstuffs are imported here, including spices. Half of what you eat in Rome is probably from Egypt, and you never even knew it. The best things will be expensive, of course. Let's see...in addition to salt and pepper, we'll need cumin and coriander. Fortunately, the Senator keeps his kitchen well stocked with Egyptian spices." She finished picking out the spice jars and returned to the hearth, where the fire was now roaring.

Artemis watched and smelled the spices that Akana picked out for the meat. "salt, pepper, cumin and coriander," he whispered aloud a couple of times ensuring that he could remember what he would try to buy in the market before he left Rome for home. He smiled at Akana as he watched what she did.

"Hopefully, I can remember this. It's been an amazing day, having met the Queen, Caesar and now two Senators. Truly an amazing day for a simple soldier."

"You are most fortunate indeed to have met my Queen and Caesar both," said Akana as she sprinkled spices on the meat while it cooked. "Had Senator Scaevola not purchased me, I doubt I ever would have met any esteemed personages. Now I live in luxury. You mentioned two Senators. I know you have met my master, but which other Senator did you meet today?"

"Ironically, someone for who I served and in effect was one of my masters in the Army. Senator Germanicus, very nice to this old veteran and offered to help with a petition my community has regarding being named an official colonial town of the Republic. I am suppose to meet him tomorrow after the festivities, I think that is what his servant said." Artemis smiled and watched how the spices were handled and then used.

"Ah, yes," said Akana. "He and my master are rivals, but they both love and serve the Republic." She noticed Artemis's attention to her cooking. "It is best not to overdo the spices. Often, just a hint will suffice."

"Rivals, I thought that the Senate was much more friendly than I am learning it actually is." Artemis shook his head in bewilderment. "Well, the games and celebrations may be a happy time that brings everyone together. With the way my luck has been, I might even get to meet Caesar."

Artemis laughed.

"I thought you said you had already met him," said Akana. "Still, you may see him again at the games tomorrow. My master says the famous ex-gladiator Aricus Callidus Gladio will fight in them. I am sure Caesar will be in attendance, as he will not want to miss that. As for the Senate, politics can be complicated. Senator Scaevola says that friends can become enemies overnight, and enemies can become friends. He and Senator Germanicus are rivals, yes, but they are friendly rivals, and they work together for the sake of Rome even if they sometimes take opposite sides in a debate."

"I suspect that the situation with Caesar will have all of Rome choosing sides. But he has always ensured that the veterans and the legions are fed." Artemis started to smell the spice and b the meat. His mouth watered and his face showed his anticipation.

"will you be going to the celebrations tomorrow Ankara? An old vet lime me could always use a guide. He grinned and winked at the woman.

"I shall be accompanying the Senator to the games, yes," said Akana as she finished cooking the mutton. Then she took a large knife and expertly sliced it, serving it on two plates, one for each of them. It smelled delicious. "It is done."

Artemis looked at the plate of the spiced mutton and took a deep smell of the delicious scent. He took a slice in his fingers and tasted the roasted meat. The spices and the meat were amazing, something of the likes he had never before had. His face lit up in delight and when he finished the first piece, licking his fingers clean, he smiled at Akana. "Now that is a true wonder of Egypt. This is the best mutton I have ever had. What a delightful surprise. Akana, thank you so much for showing me your secret in making this?"

"You are most welcome," said Akana, between bites of her own portion. The mutton was indeed the most delicious that Artemis had ever tasted. Akana put out the fire in the hearth and cleaned up after the meal.

"Well Akana, I am truly grateful for the sharing of that remarkable dish, I believe I will be haunting the spice merchants for thsoe ingredients. I wonder if we should see if the Lady Caelia is finished? Or is there more that I should see?" Artemis said with a full smile.

"I doubt she'll be done quite yet," said Akana. "You are most welcome. I can tell you which spice merchants are the best ones, where the Senator gets these spices. I will warn you, though, spices can get very expensive. A Senator can afford them regularly, but it would be more difficult for a soldier. Still, if you are good at haggling, you may get a better price. Come, there is still more you have not seen." Having finished cleaning, she led the way back out into the atrium.

"Well even if I could purchase a small amount and save it for special occassions, an Egyptian feast would be a memorable way for our community to celebrate. Any help you can provide, would be more than appreciated, Akana. Now, lead on as this truly has been an evening of discovery." Artemis followed her marveling at all of the delights of the evening.

"Seek out Oba the spice merchant in the marketplace in the Forum," suggested Akana as they entered the atrium. "His spices are not as high in quality as the ones you tasted tonight, but they are still better than what you're used to, and more affordable than the ones we stock here. Now, you still have not seen any of the bedrooms yet. I have saved the best for last."

"Well then, let me not keep us from the best part of the tour." Artemis smiled as he followed after Akana.

OOC,[b]Artemis[/b] is moving to the thread linked below:

The Doctor Is Out