[Ieffreon] The Power to Move the Music

[Valanthia L'Evienne]

Often, when Valanthia went out in Ieffreon, she didn't really want to be noticed. She dressed down, moved quietly, and tried to keep to herself. But this brightening, she went the other direction. The young woman was wearing a purple linen dress with ruffled sleeves; the hem came down to her mid-calves. Black boots covered her feet. She was wearing her tiara, which she saved for occasions when it seemed important that she be treated as Princess, and on her chest lay the pendant of Saint Bossa, secure on its sparkling chain.

She was looking for a shoppe that sold pianos and/or other musical instruments. Ieffreon seemed like the kind of town that would have such a place, and she wanted to ask some questions. She wasn't looking to make a purchase, necessarily -- not yet, at any rate. But she wanted to get some background information about something she might do in the future. It was likely that her life of enforced leisure was soon to take a turn for the much, much busier, and she wasn't entirely sure when she would have the chance to look into this again. Better to do it now, when she knew she had time.

The half-vysstichi royal scanned the various streets of the mercantile district, hoping that she could locate someplace that looked promising.

 

[Crimson]

Ever since Eunesia's return' to the Empire and the blockade dismantled, Imperial goods and trade returned with earnest. Mainlanders and islanders were eager for coin, each side profiting from the initial surge. And while foodstuffs, wine, cheese, and spices flowed, there was a particular lack of musical instruments. Particularly immense, complicated, and handcrafted wooden boxes the size of small horses.

The forgotten princess realized this after her initial inquiries were met with confusion and sometimes annoyance. They were not sure what a 'piano' or 'harpsichord' even was, let alone where they might find one. A fishmonger countered with a basket of sea urchins and insisted that Valanthia paid four coppers for the them, even cracking one open to reveal the golden, sweet-smelling flesh within their black, spiny bodies.

Despite being dressed in her lovely purple dress and tiara, her princess powers did not seem to extend toward the manufacturing or procuring pianos.

"Bibliothiki", remarked a bronze-skinned lyre craftsman that Valanthia found near the end of her first day's attempts. "Lie-briary." Common was not his mother tongue but the artisan was trying to refer the young nobleman to the island's largest repository of knowledge. If she could not find the information there, she may be better off importing her own piano from the Capital!

Spoiler

Ieffreon​

This thread is dedicated to our dear friend Nimh. All of the rich history and descriptions are from her write-ups. Finding these cached even though the Worst Person Ever blocked us from accessing our written work was easily the best feeling in the world. Fuck you, Worst Person Ever. And we miss you, Nimh.

Ieffreon's local city government does not match that of the rest of the Alyssan Civitate. It has a Lady Thane, who has served largely as a figurehead and nothing more. The power of governance in Ieffreon is held by the City Councils who are elected by the people, for the people. This concept is known to Eunesia as Demokratia. The concept of Demokratia has long held that officials must be accountable to the will of the governed and the rule of the people is expressed in Ieffreon through the powerful City Council and the Council President, who often tends to be the appointed thane.

Ieffreon City Council

The City Council of Ieffreon is composed up of six Councilors who are, naturally, elected by the general population of Ieffreon. The City Council holds considerable influence over the city of Ieffreon. They are largely responsible for seeing that the legislation set forth by the Council of Ieffreon is executed within their domain of influence. It is also the primary job of the Council of Ieffreon to work closely with the city of Ieffreon and the citizens therein. The Council of Ieffreon is responsible for the brightening-to-brightening administration of the city.​

​

There are six members upon the Council of Ieffreon and one City Council President. Each member is elected from a certain district. The city of Ieffreon is sectioned off into six distinct districts. Each district is determined by population and then made as close to equal as the others.​

​

Council meetings are held twice a month, one of which is open to the public wherein matters can be brought to the Council's attention for discussion. The closed meeting is generally reserved to vote and further talk about the matters brought forward without influence pushed by the crowd.​

City Council members serve their term for one era.​

The Board of Elections

The Board of Elections is a non-profit organization ran primarily by volunteers. The Board of Elections is responsible for making up the ballots and organizing the public elections. It is also within the job description for them to keep all candidates informed of any changes and all citizens of times of speeches, elections, etc.​

​

The Board of Elections office is within the Ieffreon City Hall. The board of elections has but one full-time employee, a man by the name of Ernan de Cotius. After a series of elections takes place the board of elections counts the votes and reports to the Ieffreon Ledger the results. The BoE takes great strides for accuracy; and counts the ballots nearly ten times before reporting any findings.​

Local Elections

In order to run for a position on the City Council the candidate must register with the Board of Elections. After this is done, it is largely up to the candidate of how he/she gets the appropriate votes. The normal routine is several public forums and much door-to-door knocking. Votes for City Council are held once an era in the first month of the era.​

Prominent Government Officials​

• Governor of Eunesia: Straylor Leonard (PC)
• Thane of Ieffreon: Arealia Tharien (NPC)
• City Council Members: By District
  • Evgenis: Rhylq (PC)
  • Tapeinos: Sirech Lotheasean (NPC)
  • Ledelre: Gern Dakar (NPC)
  • Domicillus: Empty (NPC)
  • Chamillos: Iolanthe Philomele (NPC)
  • Spiti: Empty (NPC)
• Aedile: Sd'elyne Llysilven
  • Assistant Aedile: Jonas Lemonte
• Justicar: Chiron Nicodemus
• Prefects:
  • Lenny Bunter
  • Ss'assilk
  • Gertrude Penny
• Board of Elections Official: Ernan de Cotius

Coming of Age

Islanders celebrate their ascent into adulthood at the age of 16. Regardless of their birth-brightening, the event is held on the 1st brightening of every summer as a good-bye to the spring of youth and a welcome into the heat and warmth of adulthood. Ilikia Enilikiosis is held along the beach of Ieffreon at the fall of the darkening, although people of wealth often hold their own soirees in their mansions over looking the city. Those who are crossing into adulthood wear a necklace of flowers about their necks. These are clipped off of them as they pass through a pair of bonfires. The wreaths are tossed into the waves by the former youths and the newly minted adults are given a strong, spiced drink as they are welcomed into the celebration.​

Courtship

Relationships are viewed in a laid-back manner and it is not uncommon to find men and women cohabiting together without getting married. These people are not looked down upon, although they are often encouraged by their family and society to make their relationship 'official'. When a couple desires to advance their courtship and consider marriage, the prospective wife/husband is brought into the family nucleus and introduced as a probable spouse. If a family disapproves of the match it is often enough to break the relationship--someone who destroys their family over a poor match is not looked highly upon by society.​

​

When marriage is agreed upon by all parties, both individuals exchange a ring, the worth of which can vary in both design and expense depending on their backgrounds and wealth. It does not need to be given at the onset of the engagement, but purchased further down the line, if need be. These engagement rings are usually worn on the right ring finger.​

​

If they have not already been living together, it is not unheard of for an engaged couple to move in together. It is not frowned down upon and is often encouraged. This time period is often viewed as a preview of the marriage that is to come and has often been the deciding factor on whether or not the marriage is to go forward.​

​

An engagement usually lasts between 5 and 10 months to allow for preparation of the wedding, although shorter or longer engagements are not unheard of.​

Marriage

A typical wedding on Ieffreon is often conducted by a government official or a priest(ess) of Ioannes...with a strong tendency towards a government official than a religious one. The ceremonies are generally simple and straightforward, kept short with the focus almost entirely on the large feast that takes place afterwards (weddings are looked upon unfavorably if there is no wedding feast following the ceremony).​

​

Family is considered of the utmost importance on a wedding brightening, with the woman's closest female relatives present to attend to the bride, while the male relatives of the groom tend to him. It is not uncommon for the bride/groom's in-laws to help their new family member in their preparations. If there is no family present, the union is viewed to be ill-blessed.​

​

While there is no traditional wedding dress color, blues, greens and white are considered more favorable over others and are rumored to grant protection to the couples' sea endeavors. Red, on the other hand, is rarely, if ever, taken as a wedding dress color because of its association with blood and death.​

Family

Family is considered of the utmost importance to most Ieffreonians and a family that does not come together is looked upon rather poorly by the locals. The size of the island and limited resources has kept the average family size at a reasonable 'four', with large families looked upon as a sign of wealth...or stupidity (depending on where you stand in the social setting).​

​

Men and women are both encouraged to support their households, due to the strong currents of equality that run throughout Ieffreon. Those who do not work and stay at home throughout the brightening are generally viewed as lazy and irresponsible.​

Birth

When a woman goes into labor, it is generally considered a bad idea for fathers to be present in the birthing room, as it is an affair of women. Men are subsequently turned out of a room, given chores that would help a mid-wife perform her task or left to stew. While it is not considered a bad 'omen', a man present in the birthing chamber is believed to cause unnecessary stress on the birthing mother, causing complications in the process.​

​

The baby's birth is usually celebrated with a family gathering so that gifts may be lavished upon both mother, father and baby. This usually takes place a cycle after the birth and is considered the formal introduction to its extended family.​

​

Shortly after their introduction to the family, the child is brought down to the ocean and washed in the salty waves as a well-wishing for future sea ventures. This ritual does not need to be performed by a priest, although witnesses to the act are a must so that it is a proven fact that the child has been introduced to the sea. In other rituals, it is not uncommon for a baby to be given a bracelet with a fish scale to further enhance its protection against drowning (Side Note: the scale taken from a merfolk is often considered the best luck of all, but is considerably difficult to come by). These bracelets are often given to the child as a gift during their introduction.​

​

The naming of the newborn is usually done within a brightening of its birth. To leave off naming the child any longer than a brightening is usually considered ill-luck to the child's future ventures.​

Death

Ieffreonians mourn their loved ones by consigning their soul-less bodies to the fire. The significance of the fires is mired more in the fact that it is an island state and there is little room left for buried bodies. The pyres, however, have taken on an important role in the death and release of the body and even their location has meaning:​

• Funeral rites held over-looking the sea is a sign of great respect and love for the departed
• Funeral rites away from the sea, no view of it in sight, is considered a great insult to the departed

The funeral burning is, in itself, a quiet and somber affair, with a few words spoken at its start, then a quiet vigil until the flames are reduced to little more than ash. At its end, the ashes are gathered and settled on a small, wooden boat usually no larger than a foot in length and half a foot in width (variations of the boat will depend on wealth). The ashes are placed in an urn inside of the boat and surrounded by small trinkets, flowers and/or food (again, dependent on wealth). The boat is then sent out past the waves, the individual joining the sea in their death.​

​

The color of mourning on Ieffreon is dark gray.​

Ponutis
The 30th of Ponutis - Eunesian New Era
Across Ieffreon, locals flock to the beaches to strip and take to the sea for a swim. Elaborate decorations and table upon table of food dapple the beaches and priests of Markalin take to the docks to bless the ships (for the price of a few crowns) against dangers out at sea. Festivities bubble throughout the streets of the city as people gather together to celebrate the Archon of the Sea.

Cryxatum
1st of Cryxatum - Fytema Eleytheria [Planting Festival]
Largely celebrated in the rural sections of Ieffreon, the Fytema Eleytheria is observed on the first of spring. The priests of Ioannes are the primary participants of the festival, meandering across the countryside in small groups to bless the fields and orchards that they hope will blossom as the spring commences. Once darkening falls, the rural population will often emerge from their households and gather around bonfires, dancing and feasting until the wee candlemarks of the darkening.

Ulyris
The 1st of Ulyris - Ilikia Enilikiosis Panigiri [Age of Majority Festival]
Islanders celebrate their ascent into adulthood at the age of 16. Regardless of their birth-brightening, the event is held on the 1st brightening of every summer as a good-bye to the spring of youth and a welcome into the heat and warmth of adulthood. Ilikia Enilikiosis is held along the beach of Ieffreon at the fall of the darkening, although people of wealth often hold their own soirees in their mansions over looking the city. Those who are crossing into adulthood wear a necklace of flowers about their necks. These are clipped off of them as they pass through a pair of bonfires. The wreaths are tossed into the waves by the former youths and the newly minted adults are given a strong, spiced drink as they are welcomed into the celebration.

Junctior
The 10th Brightening - Hemera Peri Eleytheria [Brightening of Freedom]
It has been only several eras since the impostor governor Kaith was assassinated on Olympia and Ieffreon declared the capital, but the brightening has since developed into an island-wide holiday of celebration and general mockery of nearby Olympia. A play detailing out the rise and fall of former Governor Theodein and his victory over Olympia is put on at the Ampitheatro (a not-entirely-accurate portrayal of events), while feasts and banquets are held throughout the city and on the beach. Individuals dressed up to depict Kaith may often be seen running down the streets and mockingly (read: playfully) beat up by his pursuers. This is a change from the first era this festival was thrown, when a real prisoner was used and then beaten to death in the streets in the excitement of it all. It is not uncommon to see small children play-acting in the streets, pretending to be Kaith or his mysterious assassin, or sailing toy boats in the harbor or rivers, playing out a naval battle between the two cities. Some will say it is all in good-natured fun...others, not so much.

Kalendryas
The 2nd Brightening - Hemera peri Afaimasso [Brightening of Blood]
A brightening of mourning. Every era the citizens of Ieffreon make a trip to the Panthoretes Stream. On any other brightening the stream is a light blue. It’s purity is uncanny. It is rumored that this water is by some means magical and has the ability to rejuvenate the body. But on Mera de Afaimasso the water turns red, many believing it to be real blood. Mera De Afaimasso is held to honor the Eunesians who lost their lives, so it is written history books, the epic of Eunesia and Arium war.

 

[Valanthia L'Evienne]

It was fortunate, Val thought, after the fourth or fifth question she asked went nowhere, that she had already installed a piano in her home back when she could bring all the resources of royalty to bear. So far, she'd gotten blank looks, expressions of irritation, and a basket of sea urchins, but no useful leads regarding keyboard instruments of any kind.

Once, back in Arakmat, she'd seen a musical instrument made out of metal strips, fixed at one end to a wooden board, which itself was attached to a gourd that served as a resonator. By plucking the strips at the free ends with one's thumbs, once could play a melody on the instrument. Idly, she tried plucking the sea urchin's spines to see if one could make any music that way.

One dull atonal noise and one painfully pricked thumb later, the young woman decided that maybe inventing new instruments made out of sea creatures wasn't going to be her future. She also tried eating one of the urchins, as the man had showed her. Val had grown up in Herrozzal, and had come to appreciate fish, but her unadventurous palate still hadn't grown accustomed to anything else in the realm of seafood. Since she now lived in Eunesia, this was unfortunate, but Val lacked the ability to change it. With regret, once she was long out of sight of the fishmonger, Val discarded the remaining urchins.

Valanthia was on the verge of giving up entirely when she located the man who made lyres. It wasn't easy to communicate with him, but she was able to comprehend that he was pointing her toward the Bibliothiki Peri Kosmos. She thanked the man and gave him a silver before turning and making her way toward the massive building.

In a way, given that Val was heir to the heritage of the long-destroyed greatest library that Telath had ever seen, and the amount of time she'd spent in libraries in her various travels, it was surprising that the princess hadn't previously been to the the building. But, better late than never, no time like the present, and other similar cliches that apply in such a situation.

She was totally at home in a library, and so she strode with atypical confidence to the katta at the information desk. "Chaire," she said, using the one Eunesian word she'd managed to pick up so far. "I'm looking for information about the manufacture of pianos. Specifically, I want to know if anyone has previously written anything on the possibility of constructing a piano designed to be used outdoors, as well as any specific materials, weights, sizes, and other calculations pertaining to such a piano."

 

[Crimson]

The suns were already waning when Valanthia approached the beautiful white marble structure that housed perhaps all of Ieffreon's knowledge. It could not, however, contain wisdom. That came with practical experience. Theory and academics could only go so far. Perhaps in the former princess' short life, she might agree that common sense was not very common at all. And wisdom, even less so.

A clerk wearing the traditional soft linen tunic, leather belt, and sandals of the Isles greeted her with a curious smile. Several lanterns and oil lamps had been lit to illuminate the tomes and scrolls of the library. Several patrons were leaning close into their letters, numbers, and runes under the flicker of candlelight. With a curt nod, the librarian led Valanthia to the upper floors that were marked with Eunesian script. The half-elf might recall that symbol as 'Lamda' or 'Omnicron'. The pair then walked between the shelves marked 'I', 'IV', and 'V' before stopping in a section filled with leather bound journals. They seemed to be a collection of music sheets. But among the smaller books were larger tomes. These were heaved onto Valanthia's thin arms, one after another, until the princess could scarcely see over the pile of books in front of her.

Then she was led to a long wooden table. Valanthia was reminded that the books could only be enjoyed inside the library. When the librarian waltzed away, the royal found that she had one journal and four immense volumes. One was called "A Treatise on Harpsichords", the other titled "A Pianist's Companion", and the remaining pair were manuals of some sort for the construction of pianos (VI and VII editions, respectively).

OOC: Feel free to describe the contents of the books and have fun!

 

[Valanthia L'Evienne]

Valanthia thanked the librarian for the assistance, and then placed the books on the table. She took out a pencil and a sheet of paper on which she might be able to take notes, should she find anything useful.

A Treatise on Harpsichords was the first volume that Val attacked. In truth, it didn't contain much that was helpful. Essentially, it didn't matter what you did -- it wasn't possible to make a harpsichord loud enough for much in the way of outdoor performance. You couldn't control the volume either, except in the most crude of ways, by switching between different keyboards or stops. None of that was useful, and so Val put the book aside.

The VII edition of the piano construction manual was much more interesting. One of the things that affected volume, it turned out, was what the frame was made of. This, in turn, mattered because it changed how much tension the strings could be under -- and the higher the tension, the louder the piano could be. A lot of concert pianos would be made with an iron frame, and steel strings. The author of the book hypothesized that it might be possible to generate even louder sound with stronger metals. She reported hearing tales of a piano somewhere in Trelore with an adamantium frame and adamantium strings, that was audible over a distance of several miles. She had never seen it herself, however, and the amount of money it would take to create such an instrument would be almost unimaginable.

The VI edition didn't seem to contain much different information, so Val moved on to A Pianist's Companion. There was a section that detailed problems a pianist might encounter in different venues, one of which was that swings in temperature and humidity had a tendency to detune the instrument. There wasn't really a way to avoid the problem -- the wooden parts of the piano, especially the soundboard, were sensitive to humidity changes in a way that no coating or workmanship could prevent.

In the back of the book, there was also a short chapter explaining the difference between a piano and other keyboard instruments. Perhaps most interesting to the princess was the pipe organ. It required someone else to work the bellows (or else, some kind of extremely complicated mechanism), and it looked like keeping the thing in playable condition was a constant battle, but the music one could make could be played at a volume that pianos could only dream of. Most of them seemed to be produced to fit in specific buildings, but knowing more would require a book specifically about organs.

That wasn't going to be a project for today, however. Several candlemarks had passed, and Val's eyes were starting to swim. She looked at her notes once more, and then closed the last book.

 

[Crimson]

"A patron currently has that volume, kyrio", someone was saying nearby.

Valanthia was just looking over her notes when she heard footsteps approaching. When the young woman glanced up at the newcomers, she found the mousey-haired librarian accompanied by a middle-aged stranger. The Ieffreonian stood in stark contrast to the plainly dressed woman. Unlike the traditional linen and simple garb donned by most of the island's inhabitants, the copper-skinned man wore striking silk the color of a late sunset. His tunic was a flash of violet lined with a black belt that was decorated with silver. Valanthia recognized the symbols as music notation.

"I recognize this tome from a league away", remarked the wealthy library patron warmly. "Apologies, kyria," he said to the princess. He motioned to the two construction manuals that Valanthia had finished earlier. "May I borrow these, if you were done with them?" His round face was pleasant and creased with light wrinkles. Even his dark, almond-shaped eyes seemed to smile at Valanthia.

 

[Valanthia L'Evienne]

Val was on the verge of putting her notes in her satchel and heading home when the man approached her. She was struck both by his belt and his smile, as he familiarly asked for the books that she was finished with.

"Chaire, sir," the grey-skinned young woman said. "I'm...yes, absolutely," she added as she gestured towards the books. The two piano construction books, with which this fellow seemed intimately acquainted.

"Is this your...your field of study? I've been...well, I've been looking for someone who knows the ins and outs of piano construction. I've been...wondering about pianos and outdoor performance, and how one builds an instrument to perform optimally under those conditions. That isn't a topic you'd know anything about, by chance?"

It was a question peripheral enough to the field that Val had no idea whether or not the man would have any useful information. But he was the first person she'd talked to in Ieffreon who seemed like he might be more likely to know about pianos than to sell her a bucket of sea urchins, so she'd be foolish to waste the opportunity.

 

[Crimson]

"As a matter of fact, it is a something of a passion project of mine, kyria", said the brightly-dressed man warmly. "May I?" He took the seat directly in front of Valanthia.

"It has been so very long since I have met another enthusiast," he continued brightly. "I tried to teach my daughters, of course, but they were not so keen after they discovered symposia and apokries." The man smiled then tilted his head in apology. "But I seem to have forgotten my manners." He chortled good-naturedly. "I am called Iasonas."

After introductions, Iasonas was happy to continue talking about pianos. In fact, Valenthia's new companion seemed to light up at the very mention of performance and construction.

"There are too few craftsmen who specialize in Mainland instruments", admitted Iasonas less cheerfully. "Outside of magical means, there are also certain limitations when it comes to the material and design. But there are ways to amplify sound and music, kyria." Iasonas paused dramatically then asked, "Have you heard of the theatron?"

"We used to have such auditoriums built and designed for outdoor performances."

 

[Valanthia L'Evienne]

"I'm Valanthia," she responded by way of introduction, choosing for the moment to omit "Princess" and "L'Evienne." But soon, the discussion turned back to pianos, and Val listened attentively as he spoke.

"Theatron?" she asked, trying to shape the foreign syllables in her mouth. "No, I...I must confess myself completely unfamiliar," she replied. Her mind was rapidly considering the possibilities of an auditorium or platform that would itself serve to amplify the sound -- something that she hadn't at all thought of before. Knowing how to build such a thing required engineering and mathematics knowledge that she didn't possess, but surely her interlocutor knew where to find such things.

"You say...used to -- are there...are there any currently in use in Eunesia? And...how exactly did they work? I have....have traveled much, but never encountered such a thing."

The closest thing she had seen was back in Coldlight, with its piano that seemed to be grown from the same black crystal as the citadel, where the crystal served to help the music to resonate. She doubted, however, that the piano, or whatever instruments were being played, were actually part of the theatron in that way.

Fortunately, Iasonas seemed excited to have someone to talk shop with, and so Val was hopeful that he would be able to explain the concept to her. She listened attentively to what the man had to say next.

 

[Crimson]

"Imagine a bowl, kyria", continued Iasonas, "with the stage at the bottom and spectators seated all around. Historically, the seating area was the theatron. Eventually, the entire structure -- stage, seats, auditorium, and theater -- became one and the same."

Soon the Eunesian was painting an image of a hillside come alive in Valanthia's mind. She could see the slope teeming with bronze islanders, their pale colored togas, tunics, and robes flowing against the soft ocean breeze. At the bottom was a stage constructed with wood and framed by two marble columns. The back of the stage was curved like the body of a guitar or lute. Iasonas claimed that specialized engineers and builders enhanced the 'acoustics' of the theatron.

"When they existed, even those on the highest seats could hear an actor's whisper ... and the island would fill with such music, kyria", Iasonas seemed lost in a reverie for a moment before he shook his head. "Alas, what few we built have since been purchased by wealthy patrons. Others were seized and the marble, rock, and wood used for ships and defenses during the Blockade."

For once, Iasonas actually seemed forlorn. He looked a little like a sad exotic bird.

 

[Valanthia L'Evienne]

It was a fascinating setup that Iasonas described. Not just the stage, but the entire auditorium, including the seating area, serving to amplify the sound so that there was no such thing as a bad seat. Val loved the entire concept.

Alas, it seemed that she wasn't going to get the chance to see one. It seemed to sadden Iasonas even more than it did Val, and the whole thing struck the princess as extraordinarily unfair. A man who cared as much as Iasonas did for the piano, the theatron, the whole concept of live performance, ought to have the chance to experience them. That some of the strange auditoria had been dismantled because of the necessities of war was sad, but understandable on some level. That others were purchased by the wealthy, who then barred access to the masses, struck her as the height of unfairness. If she ever got to be Empress, she was definitely going to build a proper public theatron in Eunesia somewhere.

"I'm...I'm sorry," she said genuinely. "Do you...do you know if anyone wrote down the specifications, complete with the engineering diagrams? If not...then no matter. But if they did, I...I would be curious to make note of the design."

She hoped that the question might make the man less sad, or at least, forget his sadness for a moment.

 

[Crimson]

"The specifications are likely with the Aedile's, kyria," replied Iasonas. "The city's architects and engineers must have submitted something. Though I cannot say if it is accessible by just anyone."

Suddenly, the brightly-colored Ieffreonian excused himself before rising from their table. Valanthia watched as he nearly jogged to the front desk where, after a flurry of Eunesian, returned with an ink pot and some parchment.

"Here are the names of the builders that I can remember," he said after scribbling the names. "This one is the family who purchase last known theatron on Ieffreon. Their villa now seats on the top of the hill overlooking the western shores." Valanthia thought she heard envy in Iasonas' voice. Then the piano enthusiast continued to jot down a few more lines of text. "This is my address", he said a little more warmly. "I would invite you for Pracenda tomorrow, kyria. I must hear you play!"

 

[Valanthia L'Evienne]

The young woman made a mental note to check with the Aedile at some point. The specifications might well not be accessible to just anyone, but Val wasn't just anyone; it seemed likely to her that a carefully made request would result in the information that she wanted.

Val took the sheet of parchment from the man with a murmured "Thanks." This was far more information than Val would have known how to obtain otherwise -- more than enough to spend several future brightenings pursuing.

She had not been expecting the invitation -- but she was delighted to receive it. "I am...not a master of my craft, but I...I would be honored to play for you. Thank you...thank you very much."

 

[Crimson]

It was late by the time Val reached her lovely home in Ieffreon. More importantly, she was now a few steps closer to learning more about her outdoor piano and possible concert hall. A cold breeze swept from the Eunesian Sea and the sky was clear and alight with stars.

The following morning after Rosyun, the princess had a few options (if she wanted to pursue those).

Iasonas' notes could direct her to the Aedile's. Though it was difficult to say how accommodating they might be to a Mainlander. Then there was the wealthy piano enthusiast's invitation for Pracenda. According to his scribbled address, Valanthia estimated that he lived a few candlemarks' ride from Coral Shore. She could still remember his warm smile and the breathless he talked about the piano that was 'just collecting dust' in his home.

The morning was balmy but a little cloudy. Beyond her home's many windows, Valanthia could see light streaks across the endless azure. A few ships with bright white sails were meandering between ports and gulls gawked in the distance.

 

[Valanthia L'Evienne]

Val had awakened early (as was generally the case), gone for a run, and made sure that Umbrosus had caught something for his own meal, so that his hunger wouldn't be a distraction. With those things settled, Val considered her choices.

It was still early enough that she ought to be able to stop by the Aedile's office. Whether they would be interested in talking to her was another question, but it was worth a shot. After that, whether she learned anything there or not, she would head over to Iasonas's house, so that she would be there in time for Pracenda. Val wasn't a piano expert, but she looked forward to the man's company, and to testing out his piano.

Val left Umbrosus outside the Aedile's, and went inside. After waiting her turn, she would approach whoever was working the desk.

"Serale. I was wondering if you could tell me the procedure for looking up architectural specifications for old building projects? I'm interested in the history of facilities for outdoor cultural events in Ieffreon, and was trying to figure out how to access some of the finer construction details."

 

[Crimson]

In some parts of the Empire, Valanthia might have waited for several candlemarks just to find someone helpful at the Aedile's. Not so in Ieffreon.

The stout marble structure stood next to a row of other offices in the Government district. The gray-skinned woman was met with the usual double takes. Though the islanders looked more warily at the enormous wolf-creature. A few fishermen cursed in their native tongues as they made nervous gestures in prayer to the Sea God. White wolves were rare than perhaps dark elves this far from the Mainland. And the bronze-skinned Ieffreonians were not exactly fond of foreign imports.

Val was greeted by a round-faced islander with salt and pepper hair. There was a small language barrier though the clerk could speak Common well enough to understand what the stranger was asking. There was additional back and forth in order to nail down exactly what Val needed, though. During the first few rounds, Val received parchment that looked like forms for building / construction permits. Then she was given a small booklet with worn leather binding that appeared to be a directory of other public buildings written in Eunesian.

"Ah, records", said the clerk after Valanthia clarified her request for the fourth time. Then the woman slid off her stool and disappeared for several minutes. When she returned, the clerk produced several scrolls and more bound books. There were diagrams, addresses, and names. Some were in Imperial, others in Common, but most were in Eunesian. "Permanent records", the assistant aedile pointed out. "Stay here in office."

OOC: Feel free to describe what you found!

 

[Valanthia L'Evienne]

Intellectually, Val knew that the Eunesian isles were an isolated place, whose connection to the larger Aelyrian Empire was often tenuous. Nonetheless, the persistence of the language barrier here continuously surprised the princess. Her knowledge of Eunesian was limited to a handful of quotations, and a few common words; if she ended up spending more time here, she would have to make more of a study of the language.

Nonetheless, the clerk eventually understood what she wanted, and produced a stack of material. Most of it was unreadable to her, but one of the older books contained entries that were duplicated in Eunesian and Imperial. It had been a while since Val had needed to work with Imperial, but she could certainly read it well enough to understand construction diagrams. The majority of that book dealt with manors, government offices, and assorted mercantile buildings. However, about two thirds of the way through, Val struck paydirt.

She was looking at a diagram for something that the Imperial version called an "amphitheatron," but which the Eunesian text clearly referred to as a θέατρον. This particular one had at one point occupied a spot not too far from Coral Shore; she recognized the street names, although the entire edifice had since been torn out, and the site paved over.

From looking at the diagram, Val noted three things that seemed specifically designed to aid the acoustics. First, the stage was situated at the bottom of a sort of bowl. The seats occupied the side of the "bowl" in front of the stage; they sloped upward, with the slope increasing the further away from the stage one got.

Second, there was a sort of curtain or screen behind the stage, which reflected the sound forward; there was also an empty space between the stage and the seats, which also reflected the sound. Val wasn't sure how much the distances mattered, but she dutifully jotted down the numbers associated with the schematics.

Third, the seats themselves were constructed of something called conrugis calcis. The best translation Val could come out with was "corrugated limestone," or something similar. The notes included instructions not to try to save money by using wood or cement, because this would result in peius sonus. Worse sound.

Val finished jotting down the pertinent information, then flagged the clerk down again. "Sas efcharistó," she said, using one of the very few phrases she'd been able to fix in her mind. Thank you.

This had been a productive outing. Now to see if she could make it to Iasonas' house in time for pracenda.

 

[Crimson]

"Parakalo, kyría", replied the assistant aedile as the Princess departed. Valanthia found her enormous wolf exactly where she left him. Though he was eying one of the giant lizards that the islanders used for transportation warily. Through their connection, Valanthia felt wariness, curiosity, and a sudden hankering for a snack.

Traveling to Iasonas' home took Valanthia through Ieffreon's perfectly parallel and perpendicular avenues, along the its azure coastline, and high into the bluffs overlooking the white sailed galleys and triremes bobbling in the safety of her harbor and docks. They seemed to travel around and through the island, stopping from time to time to get directions from friendly and enthusiastic islanders (so long as Umbrosus didn't wander too close).

Valanthia eventually found herself in front of a beautiful dwelling built in a similar fashion to most homes on the island. White marble columns rose from a thin row of steps leading to the main courtyard that served as the heart of the traditional Ieffreon residence. A few servants donning simple white linen and leather sandals greeted the grey-skinned stranger then offered to usher her inside. Despite the language barrier, the serving girls seemed to recognize Iasonas' own hand when Valanthia showed them the piece of parchment wherein he scribbled his address.

The princess was led to a large room where a small fountain bubbled in one corner and several lounging chairs, couches, and rich carpets were strewn in a semi-circle in another. But it was the sleek, obsidian-colored wooden instrument that caught Val's attention. A harpsichord of a grander design and stature sat solemnly opposite from the door. She saw that the wooden panels had already been opened and there were sheet music on the stand. If Valanthia should inspect the instrument and the music, she noticed that the piece was not one she had ever played before.

Spoiler

The glorious capital city of the Eunesian Isles is located in the lower reaches of the Eunesian Sea. Ieffreon is known as the premier source of academic studies, the City of White, and Pearl of the North. This tropical haven is nothing short of paradise on Telath with its sandy beaches, temperate climates, and tropical foliage. It is a popular tourist destination for those who can afford to get away from their lives for a cycle or two and many a business has popped up in support of this booming trade. There is no shortage of intrigue on this island, be it political, adventure, or of a more academic nature.

Population

With 30,000 people, Ieffreon boasts the largest population in the entire Eunesian Province. Its people are ranged throughout the island, settled both in the city itself and throughout the countryside in various manor homes and farmsteads. By and large the people of Ieffreon are humans of a similar build and make-up, being of a moderate height with deeply tanned skin, sometimes ranging to dark coffee-brown tones, with brown-black hair and wide, dark brown eyes. Despite this, there are a variety of different races found across Ieffreon, ranging from stately elves to energetic lutrans.

Note: It is possible for other races to be living on Ieffreon, these just happen to be the most prevalent.

• 80% Human
  • 65% Islander
  • 5% Lin Feanii
  • 5% Medonian
  • 5% Vagaran
• 10% Elven
  • 4% Nimalni
  • 3% Medonian
  • 3% Thelyri
• 10% Other
  • 5% Fae-Folk
  • 2% Lutran
  • 2% Merfolk
  • 0.5% Halfling
  • 0.5% Other

Background and History

One group which resisted membership in the Hesparian Confederation primarily consisted of the Eunesians, northern humans which had landed in a small island chain in the middle of an open gulf. Consisting of mostly fisher-folk and light shipping, each Eunesian isle was also strongly autonomous and weary of centralized control. The Nesocratic Assembly on Olympia governed the federation, and was extremely pacifistic - so that it allowed the Hesparian Confederation to plunder the fishing villages it held on the mainland in 8399, maintaining naval superiority to counteract further Hesperian aggression.

Ieffreon was established in Eight-Thousand, Three-Hundred, and Forty-One (8341) by Lord Ieffreus Polytropos Panthoretes. The city of which is now Ieffreon did not always go by this name. It seems the original name of Ieffreon has long been forgotten, or is the topic of scholarly debates. Such an issue is merely water around the Isle, as we say here in Ieffreon.

The Ieffreon Armada

Ieffreon's Armada, the Aspros Stolos, was formerly two divided groups, is a proud group of marines that make their home in the Aspros Frourio in the north-eastern section of the city. They are an elite group with a proud history of naval domination and many youths throughout Ieffreon and Eunesia proudly seek to serve in its ranks.

For More: The Ieffreon Armada

City Imports

As an island city, Ieffreon relies a good deal on imported goods for her people to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. When Eunesia was declared closed to the mainland, her poor removed from the streets, the islands that had previously come to enjoy a lucrative trading situation with other provinces was forced to turn back into itself and trade among the other cities. Primary among these imports are wood, textile and paper products, the former from Arios and the latter two from Tulos.

Since reopening its ports to the mainland, Ieffreonians have once more enjoyed the taste of mainland materials--although they would never admit it to any who might ask or take a gander. Livestock has once again made its appearance on the island, although usually only to be slaughtered for the cook pot and rarely to be raised, given the scorching summer heat.

For a Detailed List: Ieffreon City Profile

City Exports

While Ieffreon does rely on mainland and inter-island trade quite heavily, it also does a strong job of supporting itself and the other islands around it. Without question, Ieffreon trades heavily in sea-nurtured goods, exporting not only the finer products of the sea (such as pearls), but more practical fish and sea-mammal products as well.

Despite being limited in space, as is typical to an island, Ieffreon has also developed a fairly strong agricultural presence as well, growing and selling such things as grapes and olives, figs and spices to interested parties. Perhaps most lucrative of all would be Ieffreon's famed white marble, although recent eras have seen the island's trade of the material dwindling as the resource becomes more sparse.

For a Detailed List: Ieffreon City Profile

Map of the Island and City
1 - The Circle
2 - Chamillos District
3 - Evgenis District
4 - Ieffreous Peri Domicillus
5 - Spiti District
6 - Tapeinos District
7 - Ledelre District
8 - White Harbor
9 - Port Chum
10 - Kirkendall's Maritime
11 - Driftwood Shipyard
12 - Armada Docks
13 - Great Lighthouse
14 - Ieffreous Forest
15 - Ieffreous Lake & Aqueduct
16 - Temple of Ioannes

Island Geography

Ieffreon is a varied landscape with tropical woodlands in the north-western portion of the island, white sandy beaches along the majority of its coasts, and a rocky out-cropping of islands speckling the northern waters. Farms of varying natures dapple the rolling hills of grass from the west down to the south, with few trees save for the olive and fig orchards cultured by the farmers.

Unlike several other islands, Ieffreon has no cliff-like coastlines, although the coast does occasionally boast a smattering of rocks, but does jut gently upwards in its center...hardly the mountainous peaks of nearby Secyclion and Olympia. By and large, Ieffreon is an island of green, gently rolling hills and beautiful beaches, the perfect paradise for those who simply want to relax and enjoy serene surroundings.

Local Weather

Throughout the course of the era, Ieffreon boasts tropical temperatures, with the summers bearing drenching humidity that drives locals to comfortable, and sometimes barely there, attire. This is not to say, however, that the other seasons are spared from the heat that encompasses the island; while the temperatures do drip, the humidity is oppressive, often leaving folks with the impression that it is hotter than it usually is. Winter is the coolest season of them all, although this says very little, for local winters are often as warm as regular mainland summers and the constant plague of rain and hurricanes making for an uncomfortable experience.

While the heat is often a concern, the weather itself tends to be questionable and drastic. The island often suffers a fair amount of rainy brightenings throughout the late summer season, monsoons and hurricanes plaguing the city until early winter, when the weather finally abates and rains return at a less frequent pace.

The Isles have always been noted for their fierce independence, and rightfully so. There are many customs that the mainlanders and islanders share, but by the same token, there are many mainland customs that are looked on askance by Eunesians.

A large difference is the overall mentality of those who have lived in Ieffreon for several eras or even their entire lives. Compared to those who live on the mainland, Ieffreonians are not so hasty in getting things done. By and large, mainlanders seem always in a rush, and for what? One of the great Ieffreon philosophers Arein Leslies once wrote: “Why are the masses in such a rush? Do they think they can possibly hurry the wills of the Gods? It is folly to rush; it bares neither meaning nor purpose…”

The Ieffreon Cycle

The mainland has always taken the cycle and given way to a two brightenings of rest: Srennia and Lunaria. Ieffreon often celebrates the patterns closing with a brightening of festivities. The beginning of the cycle, being of course Solaria, is started by rolling out of bed and going to work. Such is the story until Srennia, the 7th brightening of the cycle, a brightening on which many o sleep late. Srennia is a brightening of rest and nothing more. On Orodisia and Kuras, the near end of the cycle, the Seaside Agora opens up, and nearly everyone flocks there. Orodisia and Kuras are often considered the days of which people spend their money.

The end of the cycle, the brightening of Lunaria is full of festivities of one sort or another. Many families and friends get together to spend the brightening at the beaches, packing their meals with them. Many congregate to the taverns and hostels.

Style

Ieffreon clothing has always been very simple. Men and women wear linen in the summer and wool in the winter on the off chance it gets cold enough that it is needed – which is a rarity. Silk is a favorite, but used mainly by those who can afford it. Before the islands were closed, people would buy more extravagant cloth, such as silk and velvet, from the mainlanders, and pre-made clothes in the marketplace of the city. Such expensive pieces have dwindled since the island's clothing, appearing only in the instance where people have managed to procure their belongings by unmentionable means.

Most families make their own clothes, which are simple, flowing tunics and warm cloaks, dyed a bright, vivid color or bleached white. Men tend to wear loose trousers, and loose shirts. Women tend to favor blouses and skirts, nothing too heavy. Clothing is worn loose. To keep the tunics upon the body, cord or ribbon is used and nothing is typically heavy or extravagant. Clothing is sometimes decorated to represent the city-state of Ieffreon, adorning the symbol of the silver pearl within the golden shell that is Ieffreon's prized emblem. Now and then, they might buy jewelry from a traveling peddler, hairpins, rings, and earrings, but only the rich can afford much jewelry. As for shoes, both genders prefer sandals, versus stuffy boots.

Cuisine
Along the coastline of the island the soil is not very fertile. It is laced with clay and sand and allows for little growth, even with the large amounts of rainfall. Yet the Ieffreon farmers use systems of irrigation from fresh water streams that have more fertile run off silt from the inner lands, and crop rotation to help solve the problem of infertility. Olives, grapes, and figs are grown on the terraced hills around the white marble city, offering fine choices of oils and wines. They also keep goats for milk and cheese, adding to the rich and flavorsome diet of the people of this island. Yet fish and seafood are the most abundant choice of food found on the islands and in the hot summer months these are complimented with a wide choice of tropical fruits such as mango, avocado and papaya. Meat is rarely eaten in the city.
Cubotri: The mainlanders break their meals into two categories, which is sometimes found alarming by islanders. On Ieffreon, the islanders eat when their bellies require it, snacking or eating in the brightening and darkening when needing sustenance.. I assure you, if it is it in the middle of the work-brightening, and I hear a rumble from that area. The words pracenda or rosyun are rarely uttered on the white beaches of Ieffreon.
Religion

Religion is not a major focus on Ieffreon. Ieffreonians consider religion a casual affair. Giving praise and worship to Ioannes is done whenever a person feels compelled to do so. Ioannes is the god of which most Ieffreonians worship. Only in recent eras has another deity been given praise from Ieffreonians: Rak, or the Planetar of Power.

The Church of Faith is not a recognized organization in Ieffreon, nor in most of Eunesia. Most Eunesians have the hardest of times trying to understand the Church of Faith and their, so Ieffreonians believe, radical faith in Diana.

Education

With three prominent academies located on Ieffreon, there are few individuals on the island who do not aspire to be educated in one or more of these schools. Most, if not all, children on Ieffreon undergo Grammaticus tutelage, which are held in buildings speckled throughout the city in each residential district. This is not unlike the education that mainlander children receive and during the six eras of this learning period students focus on reading, writing, simple arithmetic and two languages (often Ancient Aelyrian or Charismean).

Once the Grammaticus schooling is completed, those students who show promise or those who are driven by their parents are urged to undertake Schola and are granted teachers of a better quality and background to expand on their previous learnings. The five eras spent in Schola focus on literature, grammar, Aelyrian history, geography and culture. Most Ieffreonian children pursue this line of education unless they simply do not have the means to pay for such an education.

It is after these six eras of education in Grammaticus and Schola that the students then begin to pursue being accepted into one of the academies on the island. Acceptance to one of these schools is important in the lives of the Ieffreonians and it is not uncommon to find friends and family celebrating a loved one's recent admittance.

Art

Most of the art itself was down in the form of sculpture, glass and tapestry. The people of Ieffreon are fascinated with beauty and bright colors and will often go out of their way to find beautiful specimens to transfer onto their selected canvas (be it sculpture, glass or other). The sea is a favorite source of inspiration for many, but many a beautiful face, man and woman alike, have had their visages immortalized in art. Ieffreon artists are on a constant search for perfection.

Architecture

Many mainlanders will note the architecture of the city, most of which is constructed of white of marble. All buildings have been built by, or from the support of the Ieffreon City Council. It is illegal within Ieffreon to build anything without proper certificates and the City Council is reluctant to permit more growth. It was a hard-fought battle to allow the construction of ‘Arthro Domicillius Ieffreon,‘ a multi-story building, specifically used to house the citizens of Ieffreon.

Ieffreon is mathematically parallel and perpendicular in lieu of the city-layout. Every street is the same size, and shape, paved with the very same material used to construct all the buildings. Such redundancy would seem dull, but instead it achieves a pristine and nearly indescribable beauty.

The typical and basic houses within the city of Ieffreon are made up of two or three rooms, built around an open air courtyard. They are built of marble, at least within the inner domains of the city, or of deep terracotta clay bricks in the outskirts and rural areas. Larger homes might also have a kitchen, a room for bathing, a dining room, and perhaps a sitting area. Yet the most important and centralized aspect of the Ieffreon home is the courtyard, offering the open air, privacy, and an area where most Eunesian family life can be centered.

Slavery

Slavery is viewed as acceptable on Ieffreon in a rather 'quiet' manner. The slave pens are kept away from public/tourist eyes and all slavers are required to bring their merchandise down less-used roads to the holding pens. The slave pens, as a result, are enclosed rather than left out to the elements. Like the slave pens, auctions are held in closed buildings rather than out in the open air.

Most well-to-do individuals have slaves of their own, with the extraordinary wealthy purchasing slaves to handle a multitude of tasks around their households and the upper-middle class generally owning one or two slaves. It is uncommon to hear of the lower working class owning slaves, due to the cost of purchasing and keeping them.

Keeping a well-fed and well-nourished slave is a sign of a strong household, education and wealth. Those with malnourished and abused slaves have found a bad image cast upon their households as a result.

While slavery is accepted, there are pockets of resistance against the keeping of slaves. The most dominant of these 'pockets' is a union of students and teachers who believe the practice of slavery shows a decided lack of education and intelligence. Another large nay-sayer of slavery is the Cult of Rak, who views the keeping of slaves an affront to personal liberty.

A

• Adelphos - Brother
• Aegialos - Beach, Seashore
• Agape - Love
• Agora - Marketplace
• Ammos - Sand
• Andaxi - Okay
• Aner - Man
• Angeion - Vessel
• Ankyra - Anchor

C

• Chairete - Formal greeting that conveys well-wishing

E

• Ecogenia - Family
• Efharisto - Thank you
• Eudia - Fair weather

G

• Gnosis, Sophia - Knowledge, Wisdom
• Gune - Woman

H

• Hals - Sea, Salt
• Hemera - Day, Brightening
• Hudor - Water

I

• Ieukos - White

K

• Kala - Well, good
• Kalimera - Good morning, good brightening
• Kalinihxta - Good night
• Kalispera - Good afternoon, good evening
• Ketos - Sea monster, whale
• Kyrio, Kyriou, Kyrie (plural, Kyries) - Sir, Mister, Lord, gentleman
• Kyria (plural, Kyrias) - Lady, Miss/Missus

L

• Liakada - Sunshine

M

• Malista - Yes

N

• Nautikos - Sailor, Ship

O

• Ochi - No
• Oinos - Wine
• Ombria - Rainy weather
• Omorfos (masc), Omorfi (fem) - Beautiful
• Omorfoulis (masc), Omorfoula (fem) - Cute
• Oraya - It's good
• Oreos (masc), Orea (fem) - Pretty

P

• Pais - Boy, Child
• Pater - Father
• Psaraki - Little Fish
• Pasi, Ikhthus - Fish
• Polis - City
• Potamos - River

S

• Signomi - Excuse Me

T

• Thermos - Hot
• Ti-Kanis - How are you?

Y

• Yassas - See you, Hello, Hi, Serale

For More Words:
English-Greek Lexicon
English-Greek Lexicon [Preferred]​

a

 

[Valanthia L'Evienne]

It was quite a hike up to Iasonas's estate, and Valanthia could feel her calves letting her know that she was at a higher elevation than she'd started at. But all was reasonably well and easy, and the servants eventually understood what Val was about, and let her in. (Umbrosus stayed outside. Maybe he could find that snack he'd been hankering after, in the form of wildfowl or some stray squirrels.)

The princess was unable to resist inspecting the instrument. She had seen harpsichords before, of course -- there had been one in the Palace, if memory served -- but her experience in actually playing them was fairly minimal. What she remembered was that a person used to playing the piano would have to adjust the weight of their touch on the keys. A harpsichord demanded a feather-light touch, because one didn't have to make heavy hammers move. Also, there was a single articulation point, where the quill plucked the string, rather than the action of a piano, which was more of a continuum.

Val also looked carefully at the sheet music. Not a song she knew, but she was curious as to the style. What kind of music did Iasonas like to play? What was his aesthetic?

She was also interested in the craftsmanship inherent in the harpsichord. Iasonas seemed to be a man of means, and he appeared also to have good taste. Where had this instrument been made, and how had it arrived here? She looked to see if there was an obvious manufacturer's mark , something that would tell her the instrument's provenance.

What she did not do was sit down and play. That's the kind of thing that Val would always ask before doing. Some people were very particular with their instruments, and the princess respected that. Hopefully, the man would arrive soon!

 

[Crimson]

"Valanthia!", Iasonas' voice carried dramatically over the air like bass scales. When the man said her name, even the half-elven princess found that it had a different ring to it. "Kyría, I am so pleased that you have come!"

Iasonas was dressed in a gold and scarlet silken toga of Olympian design -- a high crime in the Ieffreonian fashion scene. A wide leather belt with scaled bronze lined his wide girth. The wealthy islander was certainly in his element. Servants doted over him as he waltzed across the room toward Val. Not far away, she felt her giant wolf's irritation and impatience through their connection. Umbrosus was also starting to wander away from the compound, perhaps, like Valanthia suspected, to find himself a snack or maybe a new hobby to pass the time.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries and greetings, the colorful fellow waved toward the harpsichord. "Please, please, take a seat. I have been so looking forward to seeing you play!" Iasonas nearly squeaked with excitement. He even went as far as to shuffle and rearrange the sheet music so that they were in one layer in front of Valanthia should she humor her newfound friend.