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Piraeus
Jan 17, 2008 4:04:54 GMT -5
Post by Daphne on Jan 17, 2008 4:04:54 GMT -5
Piraeus (Πειραιεύς) is a city in the periphery of Attica, 9 kilometer to the south-west of Athens. It was a big harbour, the main trading place in Greece one might think. Piraeus has been inhabited since the 26th century BC. The name Piraeus roughly means the place over the passage. In very early antiquity Piraeus was a rocky island (the settlement of Munychia - the present Kastella) connected to the mainland by a low-lying stretch of land that was flooded with sea water most of the year and was used as a salt field whenever it dried up. Consequently it was called the "Halipedon" (salt field) and its muddy soil made it a tricky passage. The area was increasingly silted and flooding ceased, and by early classical times the land passage was made safe. It was then, in the late 6th century BC when the peninsula was first fortified by Hippias, that Piraeus assumed its importance as a deep water harbour, and the older, shallow Phaleron harbour fell into gradual disuse.
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A ship laid ready in Piraeus, the sea men loaded it with food for the long travel to Rome and with all other needed things. Soon they finished it, ready for the long sea voyage. Only ten more passengers were missing: The Queen of Athens, Stratos, and eight further guards and servants for Daphne.
Daphne was on her way from Athens to Piraeus in a carriage, accompanied by her husband still. She was a little nervous, after all she never had travelled so far in her life. It was a long, and most of all dangerous journey, pirates could appear all along their way. On the other hand, the thought of seeing her cousins, Lucius and Felicita, again made her cheer up.
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Stratos
Junior Member
Messenger of Athens
Posts: 72
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Piraeus
Jan 17, 2008 11:29:56 GMT -5
Post by Stratos on Jan 17, 2008 11:29:56 GMT -5
Ready Stratos stood at bay beside his queen, as ordered he were to go along side her on the travel that was planned. To Rome they were heading, thought the king himself would stay behind in Athens as things he had to take care of. The ship stood ready at the harbor of Piraeus, he along with the queen and some servants was to travel together but afraid most of them seemed as danger could appear on roads ahead. Hopefully everything would turn out well, at least Stratos would protect the woman he loved in no matter what. Long had his feelings been strong for Daphne, as her beauty and kindness had captured him like a spell.
In his armor he stood waiting on the queen to arrive with her king, the ship was being filled with cargo and things needed for the journey to come, although nervous Stratos were not. The wind was strong and it seemed it surely would give them a quick journey, even skies of danger could slowly be seen in the far distance. Many peoples went back and forth as lots happened at Athens harbor the days of trade, often ships from Egypt and Thrace came at shore with goods for market and more. The Athenians were a rich people and more richer they seemed to come, as greater things could be seen ashore. Animals as Lions, crocodiles, horses and more could be seen in cages as brought upon land they were. The people who worked at the harbor, were still busy even the queen were to leave. With baskets of food and other items they carried it threw the streets, as also stores, taverns and room for more could be seen along the coast.
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Piraeus
Jan 17, 2008 12:07:53 GMT -5
Post by Alcander on Jan 17, 2008 12:07:53 GMT -5
As the queen of Athens were to leave along with others to Rome, the king himself had offered an escort for her and him to the harbor. The ship was getting ready as people went a board and cargo along, many things was needed for the trip to be set as a long journey it would be for them all. Alcander would not go with them, cause other things in their land were to be taken care of. With his queen gone, he would need to rule it alone but safe and so he would try to do. From the city Athens to Piraeus the escort and brought them safe across the land, which walls they had built protected their road. When they finally arrived, the queen were allowed forward but still Alcander himself stayed alone thinking in distance as he saw his wife approached the ship. It made him sad to see his wife about to leave, he would miss her a lot though would do everything to make her return safe and quick. With her gone everything would be up for him to decide, much was to be taken care of though Daphnes wisdom would not be along him.
In rush the people of the harbor seemed busy, as many things were happening in each and every moment of the day. Ships could be seen in distance while the sun rose behind the sea, it was a great sight though sad as well. He did not wish his wife to leave, but knew it would be best for her to do. Relatives they had in Rome, specially her and it would be good for Daphne to meet some of her old family members again. After a short moment in silence as watching, he went over to where his wife stood and took her hands in his. She was everything to him, and he loved her dearly. "You ready my love, ready to leave your husband alone?"He spoke and asked, wondering what she though and felt in the moment they stood there.
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Piraeus
Jan 18, 2008 9:02:34 GMT -5
Post by Daphne on Jan 18, 2008 9:02:34 GMT -5
Daphne was wearing a light green dress, with golden embroideries. She did not carry any too worthful jewelries with her on this journey, to prevent a too high price to pay if pirates of other thieves would robb them. however, dresses she didn't want to spare with, after all it was a joyful event to meet her coursins after such a long time. Also, she intended to impress the romans with their greek culture, and with their splendour, a little bit at least. Maybe they would be easier willing to agree to their proposal of alliance in war as also in trade and friendship.
She was sitting in the carriage, holding a little basket with their things, while her servants had all the other items she wished to carry with her on the ship. "Oh, Alcander, I'm sorry. I did not want to leave you here alone. Although I can't await to reach Rome, I have to admit." She spoke smiling when they finally arrived at Piraeus. She got out of the Carriage finally, and walked towards the ship that was prepared for them. She would miss Alcander, of course, but all the events which were to happen now made her feel too excited to think about her missing him in this long time. At least Stratos would keep her in company, he was a good friend for her.
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Piraeus
Jan 18, 2008 12:42:33 GMT -5
Post by Alcander on Jan 18, 2008 12:42:33 GMT -5
"Yes I know, but don't worry. I will manage and I will rule the kingdom well even your gone, however I will miss your advices."Alcander said kindly, smiling in return as gentle he held her hands in his were they stood close the ship. Many people rushed back and forth past them as they stood among them, with food and items they went by. Either they went with it for their ships, or for the market ashore. However a great income it was to the kingdom of Athens as much came in from other lands were trade now were open with, it pleased the royals to see it thought were both sad and excited about the journey Daphne were to set out upon.
Long had Daphne new friends of Rome, however never had she got the time to visit them as busy she had been with her land and husband. Now as a treaty between Athens and Rome were to take place, it would be good for her to visit them as close relationship to her family she have had in the past of old. With a slight sigh the king looked down at the ground before him, though turned his gaze soon upon his wife as close he held her hands in his."I wish you a good journey my love, must you return safe and come with news that we wishes to hear. Do not let other trick you, Romans is said to be untruthful so be on guard when your there. However tell your cousins greetings from me, and that I look forward to the day we someday meet."Alcander answered his wife, glad they had friends in other countries thought mostly felt bad by sending his wife away.
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Piraeus
Jan 18, 2008 13:14:04 GMT -5
Post by Daphne on Jan 18, 2008 13:14:04 GMT -5
"I do not worry. Of course you will be fine, even without me. Athens hardly had a better king than you, my love." Daphne assured Alcander. They were walking towards the ship and came closer and closer, it was a huge ship, but it had to stand strong against many threats of nature during the long sea voyage. Normal greek ship were built a little lighter, for they sailed along the coastside mostly, not across the dangerous blue sea. The sailors were almost finished with loading it with cargo, and the servants of Stratos and Daphne climbed up the steep wooden blank on top of the ship.
"I will miss you, Alcander." She spoke, turning to her husband. "I will take care of the Romans, all will be well. After all, I have stratos with me." She told him reassuringly, she was sure all will go well in Rome, she really looked forward to it.
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Piraeus
Jan 18, 2008 15:09:23 GMT -5
Post by Alcander on Jan 18, 2008 15:09:23 GMT -5
Calm and steady Alcander stood by his wife as she spoke kind in answer about her leaving, he felt sad but did not show it as strong Athenians normally were. However different then Spartans they were, as more feelings the Athenians showed then them. He would miss his wife for sure, but would stay strong as the kingdom needed him and his thoughts of wisdom. He loved his wife, but often said it not as unusual it were for some Greeks. Curious he glanced upon Daphne as she spoke finish and went on board the ship close by, she were lovely were she stood with the wind blowing against her thought the words she said comforted him. She would be in safe hands, specially with their friend Stratos to watch over her. If she trusted him, he also did as great friends they all three were with each other.
Her dress was blowing along the wind as it went across them with a soft touch, however ready the ship were to leave and as soon the orders were given, people hurried on board. With a worried gaze Alcander watched his queen with love, wondering if the trip would go well though had prayed to the gods that they should give her a safe journey. With a slight wave he greeted her farewell, but kept his looks upon her as the ship were to leave.
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Piraeus
Jan 18, 2008 15:23:11 GMT -5
Post by Daphne on Jan 18, 2008 15:23:11 GMT -5
Daphne hated to say farewell to the man she so deeply loved, especially to look forward to not seeing him for such a long period of time. She looked up to his deep beautiful eyes and just needed to say good bye to him in a more personal way, even although they were in public, she did not care. She came forward and hugged him firmly before kissing his lips deeply. His beard tickled and pierced her own skin, but she was used to it, and she loved him even more for this, the roughness.
At last she broke the kiss, and she said "I already miss you now. I cannot await to come back to Athens again, being happy with you." she told him, stroking his cheek with one hand before she turned. The ship awaited her, ready to leave. She went up the steep blank and on top of the ship she turned, looking back. She kissed the palm of her hand and threw an imaginable kiss towards Alcander. Then she turned to go downstairs to deeper levels of the ship to stay safe during the voyage.
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Piraeus
Jan 18, 2008 17:35:40 GMT -5
Post by Alcander on Jan 18, 2008 17:35:40 GMT -5
(well let us just end this thread now shall we, its finished now it seems )
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Piraeus
Mar 7, 2008 12:05:41 GMT -5
Post by Daphne on Mar 7, 2008 12:05:41 GMT -5
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After wars in each, Rome and Athens, after captivity and being rescued and now after a long sea voyage, Daphne, the Queen of Athens, returned home finally. She had regained all her strength, and now was standing on the deck of the ship, holding on to a rope while looking out to the coast of Attica, moving closer and closer. The tower of Piraeus already could be seen, the ship was heading to the harbour, where hopefully Alcander was awaiting her. She so longed to see him finally again, after so much had happened, so much he did not even know yet. A messenger had been sent to him, informing Alcander about the war in Rome, however Daphen was not sure if he also mentioned her captivity, or anything more. She rather doubted it.
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Piraeus
Mar 7, 2008 14:31:10 GMT -5
Post by Alcander on Mar 7, 2008 14:31:10 GMT -5
As the news reached Alcander about his wife returning home, he quickly got dressed properly and went with his escort to meet her at the harbor she would arrive. With many guards following, they sonly lined up to keep the people away from interfering as they also loved their queen great much. In the distance as far the eye could see, the sight of her ship who appeared were shown. From the place the ships would stop, the street was cleared as the guards would protect the road to where Alcander waited on her. On top of the highest stairs to the gate who lead to Athens he waited, together with the most trusted body guards at his sides.
Long had it been since he ever had seen her, he just wondered if still everything were alright or if things had changed. He only hoped for the best, even a lot he knew probably had happened. Athens had been in war since she left, thought the victory quickly was achieved since afraid the enemy was of strong Greeks. As he stood watching, wishing her ship to soon arrive the shores he as well prayed that she had not forgotten his looks and their love. Every day since they parted, he had been thinking about her every day even in battle. The wind swiftly waved threw the wind as close to the sea they all were stationed, but nice it felt even the smell of fish was easily felt. Since the queen were to arrive the shores with the 600 other ships that carried warriors from Illyria, the other ships had to anchor a bit outside so the others could be let in. Families who had waited for their husbands, sons, brothers, uncles, cousins and more gladly watched, hoping that everything had gone well. Alcander were nerves, thought quickly got calm when Daphne were seen on the front of her ship.
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Piraeus
Mar 10, 2008 15:22:01 GMT -5
Post by Daphne on Mar 10, 2008 15:22:01 GMT -5
At last, the ship arrived at the port and came to a halt. A wooden plank was laid so that Daphne could easier leave the ship while others would begin to unload it. The queen easily could spot her husband in the crowd awaiting them, and she moved towards him swiftly. She wondered, how he would greet her, what he knew of what happened in the last few weeks, and what she still needed to tell him. Also, she was nervous. Not everything what happened on her journey she wanted to tell him. Especially, that she had fallen in love with another man, although of course Alcander thought that the love he shared with Daphne was unique. It was a very delicate situation. At last, she stood in front of him.
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Piraeus
Mar 11, 2008 14:25:44 GMT -5
Post by Alcander on Mar 11, 2008 14:25:44 GMT -5
When Daphne the queen of Athens stepped ashore, a sight of beauty met the people. Long had they all waited for her to return, but Alcander the most as he so dearly loved her. The dress she wore clearly showed who she was, many who knew her already believed that her wisdom and beauty were given to her by the gods. With a smile the king watched her approach, but went to meet her on the half way from where he stood. Curiously the people around watched, even the guards that protected them. When the couple finally met, they hugged and kissed each other with passion and love. Since the day she left, Alcander had thought about her ever since, even in the heat of battle. However now as they both were close, it felt strange after so many months of being apart. Slowly he leaned away after the kiss, but kept his for head against her. With careful moves he took her hands in his, still keeping eye contact as he spoke."Welcome home, my love. The people and I, have been waiting you."
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Piraeus
Mar 16, 2008 15:43:09 GMT -5
Post by Daphne on Mar 16, 2008 15:43:09 GMT -5
Daphne kissed back Alcander before even greeting, although she instantly began to feel guilty. She wondered, if it was her duty to tell Alcander about her feelings for Stratos, what had happened between them, or if she should leave it be. As well, she wondered how he would react, how he would treat her anyways after getting to know what had happened to her in Rome, or better to say in Etrusca.
"Alcander, you cannot imagine how happy I am to be back at least. So much had happened, but here in Athens as well I heard. You have been at war?" She asked him, distracting their subject a little from herself and her stories to tell, but to him, to Athens.
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Piraeus
Mar 17, 2008 12:50:03 GMT -5
Post by Alcander on Mar 17, 2008 12:50:03 GMT -5
"Yes we have, while you were away we Athenians decided to help Egypt against Persia."Alcander spoke, glad to have his wife back home as so long they had been separated. She was beautiful, but something about her had changed. Curiously he watched her, thought offered to link their arms together so they could retire. A lot they both had to tell, as much had happened to them both. At the moment they turned to walk, the people around decided to watch their own men that had arrived. With a smile, Alcander lead Daphne over to the horses they were to ride. Thought before they mounted them, he continued speaking."At least we didn't need to go far, as the Persians offered us more land to stop the attack. Anyway, tell me. What have happened?"He said as he helped her into the horse, carefully lifting her with the beautiful dress she had on. From the view he watched, she looked pretty. Shortly after, he himself mounted his horse. Watching her as he slowly started to move forward, waiting for her respond to what he had said.
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