AAE-001-003

{ <center> <img src="../images/2.jpg" height="400" width="400"> "Youth is the best time to be rich, and the best time to be poor." - Euripides [[.....|archway]] <center> [[<img src="../images/gear3.jpg" height="100" width="100">|archway]] </center> }

**At the Archway** Standing on the smooth boards, Zephyra could hear the bustle of the few who remained on the Dock behind her. The [[wooden archway]], which led to [[the inner City|Edge of the Agora]] towered in front of her.

**Thinking about Phortegos** Phortegos was a frequent visitor to Kyzikos. Her centuries spent journeying from planet to moon to asteroid to spaceport and back produced a magical gleam in her disposition. Despite her old age, Phortegos was energetic and enthusiastic. Without mother or father to guide her, the young Zephyra saw the elderly [[starfarer]] was one of her main supports. Her [[merchant tent]] was always well-organized and filled with strange wonders.

**On the Edge of the Agora** Zephyra stepped through the archway and into the marketplace. The vast space was a whirling mass of sellers, buyers, things, creatures, and the ever-present flash of currency. Zephyra, as if caught within the sweeping wave of a hurricane's edge, fought hard to get her bearings. Beyond the Agora, she could see the rising gleam of the [[Residential District]]. (either:"A small craft flew overhead and pushed towards the [[Spaceport]] beyond the crystal spires.","Low on fuel with engines failing, a large vessel flew over the crowd and knocked over one of the flag poles that bordered the enclosure. Without looking back, it pushed on towards the [[Spaceport]] beyond the Residential Distict.") Without warning, Zephyra was [[pushed counterclockwise]] around the center of the Agora by the motion of the crowd.

**Standing next to the Fountain** The center of [[Agora|Heart of the Agora]], like the eye of a hurricane, was peaceful and relatively quiet. Several citizens sat along the low-walled edge of a large fountain. At the center of the pool, four stone creatures spouted water from their mouths. Each pointing in one of the four cardinal directions, the [[marble bulls]] stood proud amd gazed upward to [[Aether Apeiron]].

**Looking at the Residential District** Closer to the crystal spires than she was earlier in the morning, Zephyra could see activity within them. (either:"A family was having a bountiful lunch on their lush balcony"). The [[Agora|Edge of the Agora]], supported by the Fishing District, the Farming District, and trade via the Spaceport, provided for the City.

**Looking towards the Spaceport** (either:"A rectangular box-like vessel","A sleek vessel","Bloated and fat, a rounded craft") (either:"opened its flaps, as it passed low over the [[Agora|Edge of the Agora]] to slow its speed.","cast a shadow over Zephyra and the [[Agora|Edge of the Agora]] as it landed.") Zephyra wondered what goods it might be carrying. Local products surely, but perhaps also luxuries from far-off places. Maybe (either:"a perfumes and lotions from Aphros?","luxurious dresses and shoes from the House of Hora?","hunting and athletic gear from Potnia Theron Sport?","fine wines from Diwonuso Vineyards?") (either:"Some of the elders even say that once a vessel from Herma Aetherlines, carrying passengers of strange dress and accent, landed here long ago. So few remember it that seems the stuff of fantasy.","So rarely do such products appear, many say such crafters are long dead. A product of a lost place and a forgotten time.")

**Looking towards the Gardens** Towering over the tents and awnings of the [[Agora|Edge of the Agora]], Zephyra gazed upon the lush ornamental and fruit trees within the distant Gardens of Kyzikos. (either:"A small flock of birds flew in some the east and landed on the strong leafy limbs","A large hawk took flight and headed north","The strong leafy limbs waved gently in the mid-day breeze").

**Looking at the Archway** Zephyra gazed at the wooden archway. In the dim light of the early morning hours, she had only made out its form. In the harsh light of midday, the detail in the craftsmanship could be appreciated. The arch was formed by the handcrafted forms of two massive eels, one on each side, intersecting at the top. Their intertwining necks, supporting the expressionless heads of the beasts, hovered high above the scene. Fish, like those sold at the merchant stalls, were carved playfully throughout. (either:"A young boy, pushing Zephyra off balance for a moment, vanished through the [[the portal|archway]]").

**Trapped in the Current** Zephyra, having been overboard before, knew better than to fight such a current. She relaxed and let herself get picked up by the flow. She saw a familiar booth, ahead and to the right, in the distance. Zephyra began taking side steps towards the center as the crowd pushed her forward. As Zephyra approached, she reconfirmed the booth marked the entry to one of the main pathways which lead to the center of the market. She waited patiently until she was pressed up against a baby Camelopardalis. The streaming crowd, like raging river waters around a boulder, started flowing out towards the outer rim. With nimble elegance, she rolled under the beast and [[slid to the right|Outer Zephyrus Lane]].

**Among the Merchants of Zephyrus Lane** This western lane, one of the four cardinal paths through the Agora, was bordered by merchant tents and wagons. The hot beams of Propontis were blocked by colorful awnings, tapestry, fabrics, and streamers. The air was cool and the light was dim. The amora of seasoned meats roused her insides, yet the lull of incense calmed the nerves. Far off [[down the passage|Inner Zephyrus Lane]], light could be seen. The traffic among the merchant booths was not as chaotic and forceful as on the outer edge. From among the several visitors in the area, (either:"a pottery merchant picked her out and called to Zephyra to offer her a [[black-figure kylix]].") (either:" An Agoranomos walked by inspecting the booths and keeping the peace.")

**Looking at the Marble Bulls** As Zephyra's gazed moved down the muscular forms, she marveled as their lower half was in the form of a serpent. She had seen this fountain many time in the past and always wondered about the origin of these strange creatures. Clearly the artistic creation of some drunken lunatic, she thought. King Kyzikos however did speak to her of them once. He had told her what they were called, but she could not remember the name at the moment. (either:"A child, running through the [[fountain]], splashed water onto her face as he rushed by and disappeared into the crowd.")

**Looking at the Black-figure Kylix** The drinking cup was well-crafted and was painted to show two scenes. One side depicted a hero preparing for battle by reaching out for his sword and bow. The other showed the hero relaxing and drinking wine. A [[satyr]], ready to provide more refreshment on command, stood alongside the warrior. Two large eyes, also painted onto the vessel, stared back at Zephyra. She stood motionless, almost hypnotized for a moment, until (either:" an Agoranomos stopped to inspect the booth and continued down [[Outer Zephyrus Lane]]").

**Thinking about Satyrs** Half-man and half-goat, these creatures were said to be expert musicians and dancers. But, "said" was the optimal word. These beasts, like the many others that lived on the sides of pottery, were mythical. If they did exist, Zephyra lamented, the beasts resided far from here and she would never see them. (either:" An Agoranomos, inspecting the booths and keeping the peace, walked by Zephyra and down [[Outer Zephyrus Lane]]").

**Among the Merchants of Zephyrus Lane** This section of the lane, given its proximy to the open space at the center of the Agora, was brighter and more airy than the section of [[Zephyrus Lane to the west|Outer Zephyrus Lane]]. (either:"A produce merchant called to Zephyra to offer her a small basket of almonds.") Through a [[stone archway|Heart of the Agora]] to the east, Zephyra could glimpse a paved courtyard, bathed in bright sunlight, with a great fountain at the center.

**In the Heart of the Agora** Propontis shone unobstructed onto the brick-paved courtyard. At its center, a large [[fountain]] gushed sparking life-giving waters. Zephyra, seeing the familar green awning of a black and white striped, considered [[making her way to the little vendor|merchant tent]] sitting inside. Several merchants at the entrance to Zephyrus Lane called frantically to Zephyra to entice her [[back to their booths|Inner Zephyrus Lane]].

**Looking up into Aether Apeiron** Rising up like a pale ghost of an ancient Titan within the mid-day glow of Aether Apeiron, Arctonnesus slowly ascended over the horizon. The massive cloud-covered planet was cloaked in mystery. Some said that a small plantetoid, resting deep under the protective blanket, did indeed exist. Others said it was nothing except layers of gas upon more layers of gas. Either way, no vessel dared dive below the pillows of vapor. No craft that did, so it was reported, ever returned. (either:"A small boy, playing in the [[fountain]], pushed Zephyra as he ran past.","A small girl, playing in the [[fountain]], splashed Zephyra as he ran past.")

**Outside the Merchant Tent** A steady stream of sweet-smelling vapor streamed out of the tent. So thick was the smoke, Zephyra could barely see the little [[yellow inhabitant]] inside. On the table under the awning, Zephyra could see many strange devices, bottles of unknown liquids, little wooden boxes filled with glowing stones, and, at the far end, a [[small cage]] sat alone.

**Looking at Phortegos** (either:"[[Phortegos]] used a few of her nine tentacles to organize the goods on display at her [[booth|merchant tent]].","The brightly glowing ball of mighty Propontis, finding its way through a hole in the canopy of her [[tent|merchant tent]], glistened upon the smooth yellow skin of the [[ancient merchant|Phortegos]].") The sound of rolling dice drifted in from the other side of the fountain. Zephyra glanced in that direction, but Phortegos frowned at her. "Make an honest living, Zephyra. Do not get mixed up with him" cautioned the hardworking merchant.

**Looking inside the Cage** The locked cage contained a [[small monkey]] covered in [[soft bluish-grey fur|bluish fur]]. The pathetic creature sat, with its head down, contemplating the ground. From what Zephyra could see, its bright-eyed face was expressionless. Zephyra reached into her sachel and [[offered it a wedge of fruit]] that was leftover from her breakfast.

**Looking at the Fur** The fur was short and well-groomed. A [[long white stripe]] of fur started from the top of its head, ran down the back, and all of the way to the tip of its tail. Now that she was closer to the creature, she could detect the fragrance of a distinct spice. "What was it?" she mused.

**Feeding the Monkey** Zephyra looked at the monkey and smiled. The little beast looked up, smelled the fruit, and frowned. Phortegos the Trader looked very puzzled and then said, "This is a strange and wonderful creature. The price is very high indeed. I was thinking about something in the range of perhaps 100 to 500 hemiobol. Actually, I am not sure what to make for it. As such, I am confused why anyone would even desire such a thing. Regardless, my dearest, I could let you have it for 50 hemiobol." Zephyra consider [[buying the beast outright]] or [[moving on]] through one of the other major lanes of the Agora.

**Looking at the Stripe** While the stripe on the monkey's back was purest, Zephyra noticed the faint multi-lane highways of black electronic pulses racing across it. The pulses appeared to be in the form of [[binary code]]. More than a little startled, Zephyra took a step back and away from [[the beast|small monkey]].

**Trying to read the Binary Code** The code was an incomprehensible series of ones and zeros. While not the strangest thing that Zephyra was ever heard about, the [[creature|small monkey]] was the strangest thing Zephyra had ever seen.

**Tales of Distant Lands** Zephyra had never ventured in Aether Apeiron, but she knew enough that Phortegos' must certainly have the capability to travel between the Propontis System and its nearby neighbors. That was seemingly without question. [[Phortegos]], however, had told her stories of long ago trips to distant lands. Systems and worlds so far away that it boggled the imagination. Her centuries spent journeying, if one is to believe her far-fetched tales, from planet to moon to asteroid to spaceport and back produced a magical gleam in her disposition. Zephyra never grew tired of her tales, despite how improbable they were, of the splendors of Athens, the volatile conditions of Thera, the industry of Rhodes, the mystical knowledge of Crete, or the other lands beyond the Hellespont Wormhole.

**Looking at the Monkey** The little creature sat in the corner of the [[cage|small cage]]. He (either:"scratched his head and looked around.","counted on his fingers and then nodded to himself.","drew mathematical equations in the air and then shook his head."). After a few moments, he returned to his original state of sulking immobility.

**Considering the Creature** Zephyra eyed her coin pouch and considered [[handing over the sum]]. The merge amount of coinage that it contained had to last her. While skilled at fishing, she never new what the future could hold. Some days the catch was plentiful and other days meager. She looked at the beast and it looked back at her. Its eyes, like bright blue sapphires, gazed back into hers. It tilted its head slightly to the right and wrinkled its nose. A mother and child, clearly of high position and wealth, came up to the booth. The youth shook the cage, poked at the monkey, and demand to have it. The mother began reaching into her purse. Zephyra thought about [[moving on]] and letting the child have the play thing. What need would she have of the beast anyway?

**Walking toward Boreas Lane** Zephyra shook her head and thanked Phortegos for the generous offer. The yellow elder looked disappointed, but slowly waved as the youth made her way north. As Zephyra neared the stone archway that lead to the main lane at the north end of the Agora, a tingling sensation took root behind both of her ears and moved to encompass her forehead as well. A light humming sound softly, but with intent, could be heard as well. Zephyra looked around to see if anyone else could her the [[steadily increasing sound]]. Everyone else was going about there business however. In fact, some of the folks stopped to see why she was just standing there and staring at them.

**Buying the Creature** Zephyra, without hesitation, opened her coin pouch and gave Phortegos the required sum. The yellow-skinned merchant placed a [[key]] on the table and went back to smoking her pipe. The key vanished in a the fume, but rays of Propontis reflected upon it and gave away its position. The brat cried and demanded to have the creature. The mother, clearly exasperated, pulled him along into Eurus lane, but not before he gave Zephyra a parting kick to her lower leg.

**The Sound, the Silence, and the Voice** The sound rose to a deafening pitch and Zephyra doubled-over and fell to the ground. Several citizens ran over to her and tried to assist her. Just as they were about to call for aid, Zephyra rose to her feet on her own strength. The deafening hum had stopped and now there was only silence. As all movement and haggling in the area around Zephyra had ceased, only the steady flow of water could be heard. But then there was [[the voice...]]

**The Voice** It was a voice, but not a voice. As it was not coming from her ears, it was more like a sensation because it was literally in her head. The voice said, "For the Apeiron's sake, do not leave me to a life of pain and torment with this brat... I am a Theran Blue Monkey! Do you hear me? A Theran Blue Monkey. We belong in the courts of Kings... not the playpens of infants." Zephyra looked back towards [[Phortegos' tent|Looking back]].

**Taking the Key** Zephyra looked at the key and the creature rose to a standing position. She [[opened the door]] of the cage.

**Looking back toward the Tent** Peering through the now bustling crowd, Zephyra tried to see back to the tent. A mother and child, clearly of high position and wealth, were standing at the booth. The youth shook the cage, poked at the monkey, and demanded to have it. The mother seemed to be haggling with the merchant. Maybe Zephyra had a [[second chance]]...

**Opening the Door** As the door opened, the little creature recoiled back from her. Zephyra sensed his fear. Once it was the fear of the spoiled child, but now it was fear of the unknown. It was the fear of her. Zephyra called to Phortegos and tossed her the key. "Hey, hey, just wait a minute. I am generous and, with you, more so. Perhaps to a fault. Either way, a deal is a deal, Zephyra. The beast is yours." cautioned the seasoned trader. "I know." said Zephyra. "It's just we will not be needing any cages." With that, Zephyra made a quick hand gesture and the monkey [[jumped up onto her shoulder]].

**Holding the Creature** The beast wrapped its tail around Zephyra's neck tightly and grabbed onto her ears. Try as she might, there was no way that she was going release his hold. This suited her fine. Zephyra was not at all sure what use this creature would be to her, but at least she now had a companion. { "Thank you, my Parthenos," said a little voice and they both made their way through Boreus lane, past the frenzy of merchants, and into the <a href="AAE-001-004.html">Residental District</a>. <center> <a href="AAE-001-004.html"><img src="../images/gear3.jpg" height="100" width="100"></a> </center> }

**Purchasing the Monkey** Over the cries of the youngster and rattling of the cage, the well-adorned mother was negotiating the price for the creature. "I swear if I get my hands on you, you will pay dearly!" screamed the voice in her head. Zephyra hoped the beast was speaking to the child. Phortegos, seeing Zephyra approach, stated firmly that a down payment had already been made. In contrived suprise, she exclaimed, "Oh, Maiden. You have returned.. with the rest of your payment, I hope. My offer was firm and unyielding." Phortegos gave a little frown at the end for extra emphasis. Zephyra extended out her hand and the ancient merchant, like a cobra, snatched the coins in a single lightning strike. The yellow-skinned merchant placed a [[key]] on the table and went back to smoking her pipe. The key vanished in the fume, but rays of Propontis reflected upon it and gave away its position. The brat cried and demanded to have the creature. The mother, clearly exasperated, pulled him along into Eurus lane, but not before he gave Zephyra a parting kick to her lower leg.