Calling It a Day
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He has the power to render us happy or unhappy; to make our service light or burdensome; a pleasure or a toil. Say that his power lies in words and looks; in things so slight and insignificant that it is impossible to add and count 'em up: what then? The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it cost a fortune. Scrooge |
Phaiakia, though a small port was rich not only in goods but in spirits. Queen Arete and King Alkinoos were excellent hosts and fair rulers. Hardly anyone left a party of theirs without feeling satisfied. The castle staff were even instructed to arrange neatly bundled packages of leftovers for people to take home. Upon particularly special occasions people were also given a range of gifts before departing. Usually these were precious oils, gold medallions of intricate design, and exotic fruits and vegetables from far ports of call.
Throughout the festal day and after offerings were made, people came and went from the event. Finally, one by one, everyone made their way home and to bed. Strange dreams visited all about the mysterious visitor, and what that visitor's presence would mean to Phaiakia in the future. But only Demodokos knew the full truth of the matter.