(no subject)
When Atia had asked Jack about dancers for her party, she was given two names. Alcuin she already knew, but Bagoas, a Persian apparently, she did not. Jack told her where he lived, setting out that day to find him. New Bohemia was not hard to locate, the hut that she thought was the young man's to the one side. Sweeping up to the door, she rapped on the frame, "Excuse me," she said, calling out to any who may be around, "I am looking for a Bagoas. Might you know where he is?"
I could hear my name called out the door, and was curious enough about who might be looking for me to poke my head out the door, though my face was damp and my short-shorn, slowly-growing hair poked out in more than one direction. "What is it?"
It is a rude greeting, by any standard, she feels, but it a rudeness she has become accustomed to in this place, as much as she is able. The boy is pretty, she can see that in the fine bones of his face. "My name is Atia. Are you Bagoas?"
"I am," I said. "If you would give me just a moment?" I am afraid I gave her barely any time to answer, but did my best to make myself hastily presentable before emerging again.
She has little choice, it would seem, twining a piece of hair about her finger as she waited. It only took a moment, in the end, giving the man a small smile. "I was given your name by Jack. I am having festivities this coming week, a party near my villa. I had been hoping for dancers."
Now that was not a thing I had expected. "Really? What sort of festivities?"
"He said you were Persian," it is not an answer, but Atia had her own agendas, "I am from Rome. It will be a festival, to mark the ending of the summer, and thank the gods of water."
"Rome." I was interested, well and truly, though I tried to conceal it to some extent. "You are from a time after mine, then, I expect? But close enough, considering."
"I am from the time after the death of Caeser," her words came crisp and sharp. She was unconcerned with history, and the future. Only her own families continued power and good name. It was harder here. "I imagine they are close enough."
"When there are those here who come from the stars," I said, lifting my chin, "I think it must. I would be well pleased to dance for your gods."
His answer pleased her, winning him a satisfied smile. "Very good. If there is anything I can do for you in return," people are not slaves here, she has been told enough, they expect things in return for their work.
"If I have a need, I shall ask it of you." That she was willing was enough for me at present, as there was currently nothing on the island I could not manage on my own. "What are the time and place?"
"Friday evening, after sundown. My villa is near the river, off the side path. There will be torches leading the way," she smiled warmly at him, pleased that he had agreed. "The party will likely start at dusk. You are welcome from any time you care to come."
It had been a long time since I had danced for anyone else, and could not help but be pleased that Jack had thought to suggest me. "I will be there."