RP
The air around Prota was filled with the sounds of a festival. Indeed, it was a festival for him. He was glad his people were happy, and was grateful to see the looks of jubliation on their faces. This is what it means to RULE, he thought. To be happy, to have your people be happy. That was the greatest gift of all, better than all the drachma in the world. He was even more glad that other Athenians had been creative enough to rise to the halls of the Megalis, and that the great burden of government had been spread around a little. Darkly, he remembered the debate that had been raging for days over how settling parties would be controlled in the future. Now was a time of celebration, however, not one of contemplation.
He walked through the streets of his city, followed by his wife Adelpha and their 13 year old son, Ainos. They did not walk as royals, though. No, they walked as tavern owners. They did this often, to gauge the mood of the citizenry. But today they did it only to join in the celebration, and watch the joy his decision had brought to their people. Yes, today was a day of celebration. When Prota turned around, he saw Ainos cavorting around with other boys his age and flirting with pretty girls. To be young again... Prota turned again and walked forwards, sure that his wife and son followed him.
When he reached a palla stall, he stopped and bought three of the delicious fish. The woman there handed them to him with a smile on her face, which grew even larger when he provided her with double the amount required. Cries of "Thank you, Kind sir!" followed him as he walked back to his family.
When he reached them, he saw his son talking in earnest with another young lady. She was about his height, and from what Prota could tell about his age. She had dark brown hair and olive skin, and the bright blue dress and bracelet she wore perfectly accented her ocean blue eyes.
"But, Calpetha, why would a pretty girl like you want to be a tavern keeper?"
"Its quite simple, Ainos. I like to listen and learn. What better place to do that than in a tavern?"
"I guess that makes sense, but..."
Prota smiled at the exchange and thought about what a great queen this girl would make. But he forgot about his son for a minute when he turned and saw his wife laughing at a joke a woman she was talking to had just made. She was still beautiful, even in her 30's. Her brown eyes sparkled with delight, and her cheery features reminded hima again why he had married her.
He quickly handed out the fish, and then turned back to his son and his female companion. "I believe we haven't met, young lady." He pretended to be the stern father, but he could see that she saw through his act right away. A very good queen indeed.
"I am Calpetha Honios, Mr. Hoaios."
Prota smiled at her and said, "Be careful with my son. He's quite gullible." He enjoyed the spread of bright red over his son's face. It is a parent's job to embarass their children, after all, he thought with a smile. Calpetha smiled back, and Prota turned away.
Not before he heard his son's next question, though. "Where can I meet with you again?" He smiled.
~~~~~
That night the family returned to the palace, and their arrival was noted by the servants. The expression on Ainos's face was also noted. Within hours the full account of their adventure had been disseminated around the palace.
Thus was another chapter added to the legend of the Palla King.