Meeting of Fate (Rome and Ancient Greece only)

"Oh a lot of men with differing opinions," came the General's indulgent reply, "But much better without a monarchy - we have control on how our country is run."

General Flaminius* took a sip of his wine, before continuing. "I'm sure you would be able to understand when there are conflicting views, and the back door politicing until finally a resolution is reached."

Rome felt amused - Flaminius was making Rome sound slow to react when in fact it was the opposite. Nor did Flaminius mention anything about dictatorships.

He listened as Flaminius painted a rather ideal picture of Rome, giving it a hint of victim status - only going to war when it had to, in order to protect itself or helping allies.

There was a reason why this man had been chosen... he told the truth but was able to omit as well.

___________________________________________

I just chose a name. I tried looking it up but I failed.

"I see," Daedalus replied.

Helena didn't say anything when the general talked to the Roman equal. She didn't find it necessary to reply. And truthfully, she didn't want to talk to the Romans. She was still remaining silent when a hand was laid on her shoulder.

"Helena, are you alright? You're very quiet today," Daedalus said, looked at her with a bit of concern.

Helena looked at the dark-haired man and smiled.

"Sorry, I'm just thinking about stuff," she responded.

"Ok, if you say so," Daedalus replied, a hint of a smile on his face and removed his hand from Helena's shoulder.

While she didn't want to say anything, Helena knew she'd have to make conversation sometime along the ride.

"There are some sea ports about half an hour's ride from the town. Would you like to see the area there?" the Graecian woman asked.

Flaminius smiled, "That sounds wonderful. We would love to see your country."

Romolus silently agreed, the better to scope things out.
The better to see different parts of the woman he was entirely smitten with.

"Follow me," Helena said, and she and Daedalus led the Romans out of town towards the sea.

When they arrived, Helena took in a deep breath of the salty air that was being brought into the land by the wind. It made her feel relaxed a bit more. The port that resided alongside Greece was bustling with ships and people around the docks there. Traders, merchants, and fisherman were all busy, trying to load or unloaad their products, or even selling the merchandise hey had.

"This is the main area for importing and exporting goods. What do you think of it?"

Rome loved the ocean.

Well.

Love and hate.

Right now he was loving it though, after making a pact with Neptune so to say... taking in a breath he allowed his mind to rest for a moment, before noting how things were placed and how Greece liked to organize her resources.

Hearing her question, he found himself blurting before thinking, "It's beautiful."

"Thank you for saying so. It's a rather nice area, though there are some other places that are equally nice," Helena replied with a small smile.

"You mean like that one area where I first met you?" Daedalus asked with a grin.

"Yep," Helena replied with a chuckle.

Listening in to their conversation, Rome was curious. ..
Where would she have met the humans?
How was her life like... how did she become to be the woman she was?

It was strange... usually he didn't give a crap about that type of stuff.

"Oh? Where did you two meet then?"

Helena gave Rome a secret smile.

"It's a place I like to go to when I'm not busy and I need to relax. The location, however, is between me, myself, and I... and General Daedalus, of course."

He raised an eyebrow, "Ooooh? This sounds intriguing..." giving her a smile he then added, "But I'm sure if I were to try to find out, you would cut my face hm?"

"No, she'd probably cut out your eyes, so you wouldn't be able to find it again," Daedalus replied.

"But since you are guests here, the most I'll do is reprimand you or punch you," Helena said with a shrug. "That's how I am. Though, I would need a more justified reason to cut out his eyes."

"I guess I'll have to be careful not to be caught when spying on you in the baths then hm?" joked Rome.

The type of response which caused Flaminius to interfere, his face apologetic, "Which of course we won't be doing, as we are valued guests here."

"Good, cause I know when I'm being watched and I don't feel like having to throw a dagger and it stick out from his chest. After all, I'd get into some serious trouble myself," Helena said with a sheepish chuckle.

"I like a girl with fight," Rome found himself amusedly saying, enjoying the banter.

Flaminius looked as if he wanted to kick Rome.

He's really looking for a reason to get his ass kicked by me, Helena thought. She was about to reply when Daedalus repsonded for her.

"Trust me, you don't want to fight Helena unless you have a death wish."

Helena looked at her friend and grinned.

"Yeah, one of your soldiers should know that. He done healing yet?"

"Yeah, but he's still off duty. And he has to work in the servants quarters for another week," Daedalus replied, chuckling.

"Good, cause he got what he deserved."

"That he did."

The two Greeks grinned at each other before Helena looked at the Romans and asked, "Would you like me to take you all towards the sea. There's a good expansion of sand for the horses to walk on down there."

"That sounds great," Flaminius interjected before the nation could make a further cock up of things.

Amused by the fluster of his superior, Rome simply nodded.
Beating up soldiers? This territory was well worth looking into - would help to fend off unwanted barbarians.

"Alright. Let's go," Helena said and led the Romans towards the shore, Daedalus traveling beside her.

When they arrived, Helena looked back over towards the guests.

"It's rather nice along the shoreline. I know when some of the kids come around ehre to play, they find some pretty cool stuff. And from the shore, you can actually get a glimpse of the town."

Helena gestured towards land, and in fact, a small amount of buildings could be seen from afar.

"Whaao! You're totally right!" Rome enthused, looking around at the views and noting the key locations, but acting as if it was just the usual admiration. "What type of stuff do you find here?"

"Actually, every so often, they've found small pieces of glass jewelry that comes from Egypt. How it got into the water, I'm not sure, but it pleases the little ones. They also sometimes find some crystals along this beach, as well," Helena replied. "Though the occasionally gem or precious metal has been found every so often, but it's pretty rare."

"Oooh!" feeling like a little kid Rome looked down at the beach excitedly as if hoping to find something. Nothing really caught his eye though. "Egypt..." He knew of the place but had never been there. Too busy surviving to take a pleasure cruise. "Ah well sometimes it's nice to have civilized neighbours send over small gifts right?"

Helena shrugged.

"They probably lost it from cargo when storms came around. But still, it pleased the kids."

Soon, Helena noticed how high the sun was. It was going to be lunchtime by the time they got back.

"Let's head back to the palace. Lunch should be ready by the time we arrive."

Daedalus agreed with a nod and gestured to the Romans to follow him and Helena as they rode off back towards the palace.

He wondered what would be brought out for lunch. Seafood perhaps? Fresh?
He was enjoying this meeting of the minds more and more, and was feeling sad it was only for two weeks.

Two weeks to get to know the lady he had fallen in love with... two weeks where the likelihood of him bedding her were close to nil.

Silently he rode with them, mind more on her than on food.

When they were back on the palace, King Philip V was waiting for them. He smiled at his advisor, general, and of course, his guests.

"Welcome back. Lunch is preppared and waiting for us."

He then walked off and Helena gestured with a hand for the Romans to follow her and Daedalus.

Lunch was held in the palace's dining area and held a fair amount of food. Cooked fish with oil and herbs was set out, as well as some sliced salami and ham. Fruits, fresh and dried, cheeses, bread, and olives were in bowls and on platters, waiting to be dug into. Wine, beer, and water were today's beverages.

"Please sit and enjoy the food. Tell me, good sirs, how was the tour?" Philip V asked.

Eyeing the bounty laid out, Rome felt his tummy rumble.

Hearing the question put, Flaminius smiled his diplomatic smile, as he said, "It was a wonderful tour. Your country is so beautiful, and your people so kind."

Yeah also very informative, Rome privately thought. Instead he enjoyed some of the cheese savouring the taste. So delicious!! His mind deviated from the conversation as he thoroughly tucked into the food.

Philip V smiled.

"I'm glad to hear that. Later on tonight, the army plans on having a type of contest to see who's good at different types of games and sports. You must join us."

Helena said nothing. She merely nibbled on her bread as the king talked. She decided to see how the Romans would react to the games and how they performed in them later on that night.

"That sounds like fun!" Flaminius replied, "I'm sure a few soldiers of ours would like to participate. Friendly games are always interesting to watch."

Eating some fruit, Rome wondered if he should participate.. perhaps he shouldn't show off too much. Best to let the Greeks think they were weaker than they were... surprise was always a useful tool.