Quoted By:
“Welcome, king of Sparta. Welcome, king of Ithaca,” he begins.
“Castor, Pollux – a pleasure to host you here in my domain once more.”
“Prince of Salamis, and your brother as well – a joy for us Delians to host the honored sons of Telamon. And Palamedes, scion of Nauplius – you are only too welcome here.” King Anios leaves you for last, meeting your eye – and there is the briefest hesitation before he calls out to you:
“And you, son of Hippomedon – be at home in the tent of Anios.”
“To all my guests – eat of my substance and drink of my wine, until you put away such desires. We will speak of your business once this is done. Let it be known that Delos will be as your home to you, until you must regretfully depart from this blessed place.”
He waves your group closer, and gestures to the empty seats alongside him. To his left, three men are seated – they resemble Anios to various degrees, clearly marking them as his sons; Thasos, Mykonos and Andros, you have been told. To Anios’ right, a older woman of striking beauty is present – she must be Dorippe, the commoner bride that you are told that Anios had purchased for the price of a stallion.
Your party breaks into three groups and takes their place amongst the table, but where to sit?
>Sit upon Anios' left side, amongst his sons, Teukros and Odysseus. Despite the danger of proximity to Odysseus, he has been outside your sight for too long already - you must know whether he has begun to cement opinions in favor of a peaceful resolution with Troy, and whether he will continue to push for more speed in travel.
>Sit upon Anios' right side, with Palamedes, Dorippe and Pollux. Dorippe is a woman of uncommon beauty, despite her commoner origins - perhaps you could learn much from her regarding life on Delos and of Anios himself? The Lesser Delia approach, and perhaps she would provide context to the festival in two days time?
>Sit close to Anios himself, towards the center of the table, with Ajax, Castor and Menelaus. This is the true conversation tonight - all other discussion is peripheral. This is where decisions about your diplomatic mission will be made. You wish to be present when such choices are set in stone - but there is risk present here as well. Anios is an unknown variable to you, and if he presses you, you may be forced to disclose unpleasant truths within earshot of Menelaus and Ajax.