AAE-001-004

{ <center> <img src="../images/3.jpg" height="400" width="400"> "He who is unable to live in society, or who has no need because he is sufficient for himself, must be either a beast or a god." - Aristotle [[.....|residential district]] <center> [[<img src="../images/gear4.jpg" height="100" width="100">|residential district]] </center> } (set: $kouros to 0)

**In the Residential District** { This area was always a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the Agora to the south. Crystalline structures rose upward towards the brilliant sphere of mighty Propontis like insatiable plants yearning for energy. Citizens went about their business either going north to the [[Spaceport]] or south to enter the fray in the Agora. Perhaps a select few individuals were heading west, through the [[Gardens|Gardens]], for a rare audience with the King at the Palace. (if: $kouros > 1)[As second visit to the Palace would likely not end well, Zephyra considered [[venturing north to Fairhaven]] to observe the vessels and maybe hear a tale or two.] A courtyard, this one much large than the one in the Agora, lay to the north. Across the street, a few residents were enjoying the day on the patio outside a small eating and drinking establishment. (either:"The monkey frowned.","The little blue creature smiled at one of the residents, but they paid him little notice.","The monkey jumped from her shoulder, found nothing of interest on the patio, and climbed back up.") [[Down the road|Garden Gate]], bordered by emerald towers dotted with balconies and windows, the [[Palace]] rose up over a dense expanse of tall trees and other foliage. }

**Looking at Megabrontes** The Captain of the Guard wore a cuirass, same as the other guards, but his was more ornate as well as battle-scarred. He held his doru casually, but Zephyra also saw his xiphos resting in its scabbard. She knew he could use both with deadly precision if the need arose. With Megabrontes on the scene, all knew that the King was well protected and only invited guest would be allow through the [[Palace Gates]].

**Looking at Itomeneus** The guard wore a muscled cuirass and carried a doru. Upon seeing Zephyra, he stood at attention and frowned. Itomeneus scanned the area around the [[Palace Gates]].

**Looking at the Spaceport** The control tower loomed over the translucent brilliance of the residential towers and domes. As the morning rush was at an end, the skies were clear of incoming vessels and all was silent. (either:"A elderly man walked slowly along [[the spires|residential district]] and stopped to sit quietly on a bench.","A child ran down [[the street|residential district]] and vanished into one of the towers.","A young man walked down [[the street|residential district]] and headed towards the Gardens.")

**Looking toward the Gardens** Even from this distance, the wonderous fragrance of the Gardens could be felt. The west wind carried along golden leaves and flower petals down the main avenue that served the [[Residential District|residential district]]. (either:"A strange ripple of energy flowed across the Aether Apeiron and vanished into the horizon.","A loud crackling noise could be heard high in the heavens.","A series of lightning-like bolts shot across the heavens above.")

**Outside the Palace Gates** Zephyra had never been inside the Palace before. She had met the King many times during his visits to the Agora and other parts of the city. He had always been kind to her and they even played an occasional game of Pente Grammai or Petteia in the [[Garden gazebo|In the Gardens]] when he was not too busy. Several feet above her, [[Itomeneus]] and [[Megabrontes]] stood at either side of the closed doorway. Zephyra stepped forward and began [[climbing the short set of stairs]]. (either:"The monkey saluted.","The little blue creature smiled at Megabrontes, but he maintained his solemn expression.","The monkey jumped from her shoulder, began to climb the stairs, and ran back when Itomeneus put his hand on his doru.")

**Wrestling Itomeneus** As Itomeneus hit the mosaic-covered propylaea, Zephyra lifted her arms and quickly slipped out of his hold. The dexterous soldier sprang to his feet and rushed at Zephyra. In one fluid motion, she slid laterally and watched as Itomeneus slammed himself into one of the Ionic columns that flanked the royal entrance. (either:"The monkey ran in circles trying to find a place to hide.","The little blue creature climbed up on the helm Megabrontes and screamed wildly.","The monkey picked up a pebble and threw it at Itomeneus.") Zephyra grabbed him, flipped the him, and pounched on top of the soldier. She pulled one of his arms behind his back and [[waited for him to yield]].

**Holding Itomeneus** "Do you yield?" Zephyra whispered into her opponent's ear. A moment went by and then only laughter could be heard. Itomeneus, although short of breath, shook his head and continued his retort. Zephyra, trying not to break character, kept her face stern, but [[broke out into laughter as well]]. The monkey paused and tried to assess the situation. The stripe on his back became streak of white hot electricity.

**Grabbed by Megabrontes** "All right then," stated Megabrontes firmly as he lifted Zephyra up. "Break this up. The little game is over." He stood her up and then pulled up Itomeneus as well. The combatants shook hands firmly and patted the shoulder of the other. "That was a first, Zephyra," boasted the young soldier. "I must not be getting enough rest. Maybe it is all of the snoring from the Captain?" "You are losing your memory... and at such a youthful stage of your life. It is a pity," quipped Zephyra. "I was about to..." The door of the Palace burst open and cut off her response. A [[nude figure]] stood at the center and inspected the scene.

**Fighting Itomeneus** Upon reaching the top, Itomeneus rushed her and placed her in a headlock. (either:"The monkey was sandwiched between Zephyra's head and the muscular arms of the warrior.","The little blue creature jumped off in the nick of time.","The monkey grabbed his doru in an attempt to disarm him, but he was simply too weak.") Instinctively, Zephyra swiped the guard's legs with one of her own and [[brought him down]].

**Looking at the Statue** The nude male figure stood with a sophistication and lightness, proof of his Daedalic engineering, that defied his heavy marble construction. Despite being a mechanical device, it radiated life and grace. The white marble of his body was smooth and flawless. The hair of the regal figure, his only element of ornamentation, was long and braided. It is said that they were modeled after the likeness of [[Apellon]]. (either:"The monkey bowed deeply.","The little blue creature reached out his hand, but his offer for a respectful shake was refused.","The monkey looked faint and shook his head to retain consciousness.") He turned to the King's soldiers and frowned. In reality, this was impossible as the features of his marble face were immobile, but somehow he managed to communicate his displeasure. The figure, an unequaled example of fitness and charismatic form, turned and [[spoke to Zephyra]].

**At the Edge of the Pond** The centerpiece of this lush zone was a gin-clear pond surrounded by a cobblestone walkway. Trees, flowers, and pillow-soft grasses adorned this sacred realm. While the Palace was under tight security, this part of the estate was decreed by the King to be a public space to be shared by all. Lily pads covered the surface and were adorned with beautiful white flowers on long stems. (either:"The monkey jumped down from Zephyra's shoulder, took a few slips of water, and climbed back up.","Gazing at his reflection, the monkey sat motionless from atop Zephyra's shoulders.","The monkey dipped his foot into the pool, but changed his mind.") Vistors to the Garden could be heard walking and conversing [[back down the path|In the Gardens]] which she was ventured.

**In the Gardens** { Much like the sheltering spaces of Agora, the air was cooler and the light dimmer within the Garden. However, lightly-waving branches of fruit trees quietly offered their bounty and represented a sharp contrast to the deafening ferocity of the merchants. (either:"The monkey frowned.","The little blue creature picked one of the fruits, licked it, and then threw it down in disgust.","The monkey jumped from her shoulder, searched through the basket of a sleeping citizen, and came sourly back when he found nothing of interest.") Zephyra recognized the stone-paved path that lead to the [[pond]]. (if: $kouros < 1)[(either:"A mother and several small childen walked past Zephyra and headed down the wider boulevard that led toward the [[Palace Gates]].","Several merchants, perhaps just leaving an audience with the King, came out of the wider boulevard that led toward the [[Palace Gates]] and headed back to the Agora.") (either:"A bird called for its mate [[behind Zephyra|Garden Gate]].","A baby woke from its slumber and was comforted by her mother. The child, not satisfied, was carried home through the [[Garden Gate]].") ] (if: $kouros > 1)[(either:"A mother and several small childen walked past Zephyra and headed down the wider boulevard that led toward the Palace Gates. Zephyra know better than to test wrath of Kouros again.","Several merchants, perhaps just leaving an audience with the King, came out of the wider boulevard that led toward the Palace Gates and headed back to the Agora. Zephyra know better than to test wrath of Kouros again.") (either:"A bird called for its mate [[behind Zephyra|Garden Gate]].","A baby woke from its slumber and was comforted by her mother. The child, not satisfied, was carried home through the [[Garden Gate]].") ] }

**Looking toward the Palace** On the tallest towers, Zephyra could see the King's Guard making their rounds and surveying the area. Midway up the lofty Palace, she could see the King's balcony. (either:"A lone figure stood looking out over the Garden. Perhaps it was the King Kyzikos himself? Or maybe the newly crowned Queen? Either way, Zephyra was too far away to tell for sure.","The balcony was empty and the curtains were drawn.") (either:"A grouchy old man yelled for more wine from the deck of the [[patio|residential district]].")

**At the Garden Gate** The gate, nestled within high stone walls, was forged in bronze. Twisted into elegant arcs and spirals that sported ornate leaf-like forms, the gate emulated the myriad of folige within its charge. Blueish green with age, the portal's bars served as a scaffold for several heaping vines of white roses. Immobile from years upon years of plant growth, the gate stood forever open. The structure was lasting symbol of the graciousness of King Kyzikos and his realm. (either:"A butterfly, flying in from [[behind her|residential district]], landed on Zephyra's shoulder, walked about for a moment, and then flew [[through the gate|In the Gardens]].","A young man, clearly just risen from a nap, exited [[through the gate|In the Gardens]] and [[headed back|residential district]] to his residence.")

**Listening to the Statue** "This unbecoming behavior, on the steps of his royal domain of all places, will now come to an end," spoke the voice from deep inside the static face. "Now." Zephyra began to speak, but the nude figure snapped his fingers and cut her off. "No words. No discussion, No argument. I am the Kouros. I am the principle servant of the King," reminded the resolute being. Kouros [[moved towards Zephyra]]. (either:"The monkey jumped onto her shoulder and growled.","The monkey jumped onto her shoulder and made a fist at him.","The monkey jumped onto her shoulder, puffed up his fur, and stood ready to pounce on him.")

**Thinking about Apellon** Zephyra had heard legends from travelers in the Spaceport about Apellon. It was said that he formed a prestigious school dedicated to music, prophecy, the healing arts, and poetry in a far-off land. Once and awhile, someone would perform as song or read a poem claiming that it orginated at Apellon's Institute. Who could say? To Zephyra, it all sounded that same. (either:"The stern stare from the statue [[regained her attention|nude figure]].","The worried looks from Megabrontes and Itomeneus brought her [[back to reality|nude figure]].")

**Escorted by Kouros** The marble hand of Kouros purposefully, but gently, grabbed the arm of Zephyra. He led her down the stairs and into the Garden. She knew him to be an unemotional "stick-in-the-mud" many times before. Actually, everytime before... but this was somehow different. "Come on, Kouros. Enough with the show," Zephyra complained as she, making sure they were out of view of the soldiers, struggled to escape his grasp. (either:"The monkey jumped on Kouros and began hitting him.","The little blue creature grabbed onto his legs in an effort to trip him.","The monkey grabbed a stick and began whacking him with it.") Kouros, of course, paid him no attention. Clouds had gathered and blocked the rays of glowing Propontis. The trees took on a solemn character and the desperate branches, in an effort not to lose her protective presence and spirit, seemed to reach out to her. "For some reason, the King enjoys you company. Why he chooses to frequent with someone of your kind is beyond my understanding. Even so, I cannot argue with my King. That being said, I still cannot allow uncourtly behavior, uncivilized individuals, or flithy animals on his estate," stated Kouros flatly as he reached the [[Garden Gate|alone again]]. "Goodbye, Zephyra..." he sighed as he firmly, but carefully, pushed her through the portal. (set: $kouros to $kouros + 10)

**Watching Korous Walk Away** "Conceited, pompous ass..." muttered Zephyra. Nobody, save the King, was refined enough for him. She wanted to yell it, but she was, even in her anger, respectful. As intolerable as he was, Kouros protected and served the King. And the King was her friend and mentor... { "(either:"Yes, that is right. Keep walking.","That guy was going down. I just needed a little more time.","Well, what now?")" said the voice. } An eruption billowed out of the sky as an in-bound vessel flew overhead. Zephyra, standing where Kouros had left her in the middle of the street, looked over the spires of the [[Residential District|residential district]] and towards the Spaceport.

**Venturing north to Fairhaven** Zephyra walked up a paved road and stopped at the entrance of <a href="AAE-001-005.html">Fairhaven Spaceport</a>. The little blue monkey started to count on his fingers, thought for a moment, and then nodded to himself. { <center> <a href="AAE-001-005.html"><img src="../images/gear4.jpg" height="100" width="100"></a> </center> }