Quoted By:
“Would it not be appropriate to converse in Zeus’ Hellenika? Not all present are learned in the words of the Tyrians.” Palamedes apologizes to you – seated this closely to him, you get a good glimpse of his eyes, green – and with the gold-flecks of divine ancestry rimming his pupils. You’re not sure how you missed it previously, when you spoke with him in the library of Mycenae, but perhaps it’s because his gold-flecks are arranged differently than your own, which are scattered across your irises.
Dorippe politely asks you of your name and family, and you request the same – although the brief story she tells is the one already known to you, that three decades past, she was purchased by Anios. She does not specify her common origins, and you don’t wish to embarrass her by asking.
Instead, you inquire about the Lesser Delia – and Dorippe is delighted to explain:
“Ah, it is a wonderful time – feasting, poetry and music, dancing, archery and then, of course – the footrace! Such competitions glorify Apollo – Anios is always trying to entice his father to reveal himself openly through such things. The Athenians are wonderful guests, always so prompt in the delivery of the Hyperborean gifts for the Altar. I am told that they have kept the tradition ever since Theseus made his way to this sacred island.” Your heart sinks a bit at the description of these events – you have no special talent for any of these, and you doubt that the laurel wreath of victory will be yours to wear with Teukros and Odysseus among your party. Still, competition itself is manful and the striving itself can be rewarding enough, even if you have no hope of success. As to the reference to the Hyperborean gifts, you aren’t quite what is meant by this - it's not part of any legend about Theseus that you've ever heard.
There is a natural lull in the conversation, and you can take a moment to direct a further conversational topic:
>Ask Dorippe about what were she was speaking about with Palamedes?
>Ask Dorippe about whether the Athenians have arrived, and what of King Menestheus? What did she mean by Hyperborean gifts?
>Ask Dorippe about the augury of Anios – how does he conduct this? Under what circumstances will Anios attempt to determine the portents of the future? How would a person request such a service from Anios?
>Ask Palamedes about his time on the Ship of Spartans – you’re eager to know whether Odysseus has been chipping away at Menelaus' resolve for the war.
>Ask Pollux about whether he’s participated in the Lesser Delia before, and if so, what strategies he might recommend for victory?
>Something else?
