|
|
Post by Dibella Valientia on Mar 10, 2008 17:58:13 GMT -5
Dibella, who planned to get he Hades out of Carthage, was, unfortunately, stuck. The ship she had used to get here was just put into the Carthage navy and now she had no way home for at least a few days, until the next Greek ship arrived. Since her last run in the guards, she had no wish to do anything that would offend them in the slightest. She decided, that for her own safety, to rent a room in a local tavern and wait until the next ship arrived. The room wasn't much, just a bed, a table and a chair that is missing a leg. The only good thing about that room is that it was dirt cheap, which was good for her since she didn't have a lot of money with her or at least the money the Carthaginians wouldn't accept.
But, for now, Dibella was sitting at the docks, staring out at the ocean. Most people were leaving her alone, although she did get the occasional stare from a passer by. Then, she would get a sailor that tried to come on to her, but she would threaten to chop of what made them a man and that made them think twice about coming over to her. Her dark hair was loose and moving in the warm, salty breeze. She could here the waves hit the docks as she looked out over the clear, blue ocean. The sky above her had some clouds, but was still clear. All in all, it was a good day, to say the least.
|
|
|
|
Post by Alcaeus Destono on Mar 10, 2008 18:56:19 GMT -5
Alcaeus who had realized Dibella after she had been taken prison, allowed her now to walk freely inside the city. Although news of her deeds still was reported to him in whatever she did, ever since she left the palace spies had been set on her. Just to make sure that she was not a spy, even he believed she was a normal lady on visit. She could not travel back home yet, as no ship she had to travel by. She was a great woman, but feared by many men who tried to catch her. That she clearly showed when the men first took her in captivity, whatever they tried to hold her calm with she was dangerous to be close by.
Early the morning as the sun just had gone up, Alcaeus decided to see her. He believed she was a beautiful woman, which as well had made him interested from the first sight he saw her. Together with the escort of servants and guards he traveled through the streets, but always people bowed in respect as he passed. After some time he arrived the great harbor, filled with many different people and ships that always was on the move. However right in front there she sat, looking up at the sky, waiting for a ship able to carry her home."Hello there."He spoke calmly, waiting for her to react before speaking any more. A woman as beautiful as she should never be alone in a city like Carthage, it was dangerous he believed but had decided to give her a safe place to stay. In return he could get the chance to know her better, and maybe change her thoughts about him.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dibella Valientia on Mar 10, 2008 19:40:38 GMT -5
Dibella, who was sitting by herself, enjoying the sunlight, was surprised when a shadow went over her. She heard a voice behind her and she knew exactly who it was. She stood up gracefully and turned around to face Alcaeus. "Hello again, Alcaeus." Dibella said softly as she looked at him. She was curious as to why he went out after her, but she had a pretty good idea. She knew his type, he probably had alot of concubines holed up somewhere in his palace. Although she didn't approve of that way of life, she wasn't going to judge him on that. From what she could tell, he treated people kindly, but even the most king of people have two faces. One in public and the other in private.
After a few moments of silence, she smiled slightly. "I hope I am not going to be sent to prison again. Of course, your guards were kind enough to give me my own cell." Dibella said with a small laugh. "But, on a more serious note, why did you come after me? I thought that you thought that I was a spy from Rome." Dibella said, looking at him. She was sure now that he knew that she was in fact from Corinth and not Rome. She would never be like them, since she disliked the way the Roman Empire was expanding, by force. She knew that they were fighting Carthage, which was probably a reason why his guards thought that she was a spy.
|
|
|
|
Post by Alcaeus Destono on Mar 11, 2008 18:34:33 GMT -5
"No, I have never believed you to be a spy from Rome. My men thought so, but I know that Romans would never risk in sending a such beautiful woman like yourself to spy on us."Alcaeus answered with a smile, but watched her curiously as he believed she was beautiful. A worthy woman she was to be in his harem, but doubted she would like to become another concubine of his. To answer her question about why he was there, he simply answered."Actually I have come to offer you a room, if you would like."He suggested, but did not know what she would answer. If she accepted then she at least would not need to wait outside anymore, but inside where a messenger could tell whenever a ship arrived. Although it as well would be good for the king, as more often he would be able to see her.
She was an interesting woman which he would like to get to know, thought he was a kind man and would not easily cause other trouble without a good reason. By the time she had stayed in Carthage, he had quickly figured she was from Greece. The ship she had arrived with had reported it, but now as the ship was gone and another would not arrive before some days, she would have to stay some place. Alcaeus could also easily provide money if she stayed in the palace, even it all had to be payed back in one way or another.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dibella Valientia on Mar 11, 2008 20:01:04 GMT -5
"Did Rome ever have beautiful women?" Dibella said with a small grin on her face. She was obviously making fun of them, since she was not particularly fond of them. She watched him as the salty, warm sea air blew against her dark hair and white dress, which was common among Greek women. "A room would be nice. I already had one, but I am beginning to worry about staying there now." Dibella said, with a smile on her face. She had already caught the owner watching her sleep and she had a instinct that he would try to do something to her if she stayed there another night, so it probably would be best to go to the palace. At least she would be safe there.
Perhaps Dibella was wrong about Alcaeus. She thought that he wouldn't care about her, but he clearly was worried about her safety. She wondered if his intentions were good or if he had other plans. She glanced around at the guards and servants for a moment before her eyes went back to the king in front of her. "I guess you can lead the way. Although I already know how to get there because of our last encounter." Dibella said, a warm smile on her face.
|
|
|
|
Post by Alcaeus Destono on Mar 13, 2008 13:17:32 GMT -5
After what she said, Alcaeus smiled in return. He liked what she said about the Romans, as he too did not like them. However he was glad she at least accepted his offer, with her in his palace he would be more then once be able to see her. She would be given a room for herself, which would make her comfortable as she waited for the ship to arrive. However as he wanted her to stay longer, he could command the ship to be delayed. Hopefully he would be able to make them both get closer, as he greatly admired her. The dress she had on was quite an amazing, which matched her beauty perfectly. Although if she wanted different cloths, he would give it to her as a gift. As often when he found a woman he liked, it was normal for him to hand over a present she would appreciate. The smile and look she always gave him, made his feelings move like a burning fire.
As they were to leave, he gentle nodded to what she earlier had to say, but replied in answer."Alright, come with me then."He said with a smile, but turned to the escort he had arrived with, hoping she would follow. With a curious look he watched after her, thinking every move she took was both elegant and pretty. Inside the wagon that could be carried by slaves they were to sit, which he stood waiting close by and wanted her to enter first.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dibella Valientia on Mar 13, 2008 22:17:45 GMT -5
Dibella watched Alcaeus look at her. She felt butterflies in her stomach for a moment as her brown eyes watched him. When he said to come with him, she smiled and got into the wagon first, looking back at him as he got in. She didn't know what to say at first, so she stayed silent. Her dark brown hair moved in the soft breeze as she looked ahead of her. She knew her father was going to be worried about her, since she has been gone from Corinth for awhile. She was sure her mother would understand why she was so late, but her father couldn't stand losing his only daughter in another country. But, she didn't have to worry to much about her safety, since she felt safe near the King of Carthage himself.
Dibella turned her head to look at him, a warm and gentle smile on her face. "So, tell me a little bit about Carthage. This is my first visit here and I can't help but ask. From the looks of it, your nation looks rich." Dibella said, a smile on her face. Since the buildings around her were made elegantly and most of the guards and people were dressed well, she could only assume that they were a rich nation. She wondered how they made so much money, but she had a guess that since Carthage was near a shore, the money was mostly from trade.
|
|
|
|
Post by Alcaeus Destono on Mar 14, 2008 18:15:21 GMT -5
With a smile Alcaeus entered the wagon and sat beside Dibella, glad that she would come along but wondered what she thought of him. He just hoped that he did not offend her in any way, as curious he watched how elegant she sat. Making her to live in the palace on a room that he offered was something he looked forward to, probably with his charm he could make her like him as a true lover. As she looked outside while the escort carried them through the street, he listened to what she said and answered kindly in return."Well what can I say, Carthage truly is a rich country. Mostly thats cause of our ships, we who have the best fleet in all the world has as well a large income with trade by sea. We control the sea and land all the way from Egypt to New Carthage, Sicily is ours as well. However our nation started by a queen named Dido, who lived in Tyre but traveled to discover new land. She built this city and a line of royals followed, including myself. Since our expertise on water, we have always won against any attack from sea. Although in war with Rome we have ended, as they always wish to control our property."Alcaeus said, hoping it explained what she needed to hear even more he would like to know more of her story.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dibella Valientia on Mar 14, 2008 22:12:04 GMT -5
Dibella nodded as she listened to him. She had read somewhere in Corinth about Queen Dido and the legend of Aeneas. He supposedly went to Carthage, before founding the city of Rome. In her culture, they called her Elissa. She had read that when Aeneas left Carthage, she cursed him and his decedents. She said their would be endless hate between the two nations. But what made the story more tragic was that she killed herself, since she was so heartbroken. "Yes, I have read in our libraries about Dido. A tragic story." Dibella said softly as she looked at him for a few moments.
Dibella could tell by the way he was looking at her that he wanted to hear about her story. "I am from Corinth. We have a very large navy, but not as large as yours. My father and mother are rulers there at the moment. I have had an assassination attempt on my life, but I was able to fight him off. My life has pretty much been uneventful as of now." Dibella said with a smile on her face as she looked at him. "I know you must be worried about the war with Rome, but I am sure the children of Dido will destroy the sons of Aeneas." Dibella said, her eyes going to his.
|
|
|
|
Post by Alcaeus Destono on Mar 15, 2008 5:01:37 GMT -5
"Yes, lets hope so. At the moment the Romans are attacking with full force, with help from Celts. Hopefully we Carthaginian will manage with our strength and skills in battle."Alcaeus said and smiled back in return, thinking it was interesting when she told her father and mother was royal back in Greece. That meant she was a princess, a important lady of Corinth. It surely was a pleasant thought, thinking that a royal as beautiful as she would live in his palace. Hopefully he would be able to trick her into something he liked doing, although respected she would be."So your a royal then?"He asked curiously, wondering if the things she said was true. Although it seemed it was, at least she had cloths and a beauty like a royal.
"Why did anyone want to assassinate you?"Alcaeus asked on, interested in why someone would like to kill a pretty woman like her. The way she acted and spoke impressed him greatly, but so did her elegance in the moves she made. Still as they sat inside the wagon carried by men, they sonly arrived the palace stars which they stopped close by.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dibella Valientia on Mar 15, 2008 22:14:28 GMT -5
Dibella nodded as she listened to his question. "I suppose I am. Of course, I do not have that much power, if you actually think about it." Dibella said. She never thought that she was royal, but just a servant of the common people. She was a fair person, beileving that no one was inferior to herself or another person. Of course, that is not the way of Spartan thinking, but she was not Spartan. She was Corinthian. Just because her country was in the Spartan alliance, that did not make her Spartan so she doesn't have to think like one.
"Well, I speak for the common people when the Spartans come together in Corinth. I guess I had made an enemy that I didn't know about and they hired someone to kill me. My guess that it was no one from the city of Sparta, since they would just come up to me and flat out kill me." Dibella said with a smile on her face. When she saw that they arrived at the palace, she gracefully got out of the wagon and she waited for Alcaeus to show her to her room.
|
|
|
|
Post by Alcaeus Destono on Mar 20, 2008 7:04:02 GMT -5
"Well gladly the assassin didn't manage to kill you then, would be a pity if a such beautiful woman like you would pass away so tragically."Alcaues answered, thought stepped out of the wagon as he were to find her a room to stay in. With a gentle nod he offered to link their arms together, giving a signal that time was ready for them to walk. Up the stairs they went and inside the palace, were all the guards and servants stood and walked around. It was a great sight that met them, when all the glamor met them in the throne hall of the king. "So tell me, how is Greece? Is the stories we hear true, that 300 of yours are able to kill thousands?"Alcaeus asked curiously, wondering if the rumors were true.
As soon that was said, they both stopped outside the room she was given. Although did not enter, while an answer the king waited from her. Hopefully she would enjoy the stay in his palace, even many concubines, servants, nobles and guards he had. The room was close to the harem room, although troubles it hopefully would not cause. He just hoped she would like him, as he liked her.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dibella Valientia on Mar 20, 2008 22:55:44 GMT -5
Dibella smiled as she linked her arm with his and she walked inside the palace. She looked around at all the glamorous things that were in the throne-room. It was an obvious sign of Carthage's wealth and power. She noticed a lot of servants and women walking about. She knew that a king of Alcaeus's power must have had a lot of concubines. Of course, she had nothing against it, but in Greece they didn't have anything like that. In Spartan culture, a women was encouraged to get together with another man, to make more Spartan men. She was unsure on what the Athenians did, but she was sure that it is very different.
When Dibella heard his question, she waited until they were outside her room to answer. "Yes, the story is true. 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas went to Thermopylae, to stop the Persian invasion of Greece. For two days, Leonidas and his men held out between two narrow cliff faces known as the Hot Gates. On the third day, they were betrayed. A man told the Persians of a goat path that led around the Hot Gates. The Persians killed all 300 of the men, but not before they lost over 20,000 of their own men. It is said that Leonidas threw his spear at Xerxes, but it is unknown that it was to kill Xerxes or to prove that Xerxes was no god, since that is what he referred to himself as." Dibella said as she looked at Alcaeus. "I guess this is my room." Dibella said, a smile on her face as she looked at him.
|
|
|
|
Post by Alcaeus Destono on Apr 13, 2008 12:41:41 GMT -5
"Interesting, you Spartans surely are brave. And yes this is your room, I hope you like it."Alcaeus answered with a smile, glad to have a woman like her at his side but even more happy to have her on visit. She was an magnificent lady who surely knew how to dress, the way she looked at him made him feel good as lot he loved females that made his desire grow. With a gentle push he opened the door for her to enter, inside was a large bed along many other nice decorations suited for a woman like her. Hopefully she would enjoy her stay at his, as long it would be until the ship from Greece came to take her home. The view she got from her room, was a great sight as far the eye could see.
"Now, is there anything you would like? anything to eat perhaps?"He kept on asking, wondering what she now wanted to do. He hoped she at least would like some more of his company, as really interested he were to get to know her better. Perhaps with time he could manage to make her become one of his concubines, after all she was pretty and a royal lady fitting his need. As a servant went past right outside the hall, he quickly ordered the maid to bring some new cloths for Dibella to wear. Mostly cause he wanted to see her in cloths he wished to see, which could please him whenever he looked at her. Still as she were a princess, she would be treated with respect during her stay.
|
|
