The days blurred into a pattern, with Elias constantly mulling over his situation, the divergences in this world, and the puzzling demeanor of the guard. There was something about him, an aura of authority that extended beyond the confines of his armor and duty. It was during one of their usual exchanges that the guard finally shed light on his identity.
"Have you ever ventured outside of Athens?" the guard asked, his tone more curious than accusatory.
Elias replied, "In my... travels, yes, I've seen many places. Why do you ask?"
The guard smirked, leaning casually against the bars of Elias' cell. "Because, traveler, I'm not just a simple guard. Before this duty, I was a general, one that led Athenian forces to several victories. Perhaps you've heard of me, Alcibiades?"
Elias felt his heart skip a beat. Alcibiades! A prominent figure from his history books. Alcibiades was known for his changing allegiances, his brilliant strategies, and his controversial life. He was an influential leader who played significant roles in the Peloponnesian War's latter stages.
Trying to keep his surprise in check, Elias replied, "I've heard tales of a great Athenian general by that name. But why would someone of your stature be here, acting as a guard?"
Alcibiades chuckled, a rueful smile playing on his lips. "Life has its twists and turns. Not every decision I made was popular with the ruling elite. Sometimes, being a guard in a remote prison is safer than being a general in the heart of Athens."
Elias nodded, absorbing this information. Here was a man of great influence, reduced to guarding cells, yet the fire in his eyes still burned bright.
Alcibiades leaned closer, his voice a whisper, "Just remember, not everything is as it seems. And in Athens, knowing too much can be as dangerous as knowing too little."
Elias, spurred by the revelation of the guard's true identity, decided to take a chance. "Alcibiades," he began cautiously, "I have a request. I wish to meet Hippocrates."
Alcibiades raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp. "You're in no position to make requests. You should be more concerned about convincing me to release you from this prison."
Elias took a deep breath, trying to muster up the courage for what he was about to say next. "I have... a condition," he began hesitantly, pausing to gauge Alcibiades' reaction. When the man simply stared, waiting for him to continue, Elias pressed on. "It's a stomach ailment. If I don't get the right treatment soon, I... I might not survive long."
Alcibiades scrutinized him, trying to discern if Elias was speaking the truth. "And why should I believe you? How many prisoners have spun tales to gain their freedom?"
Elias felt a pang of desperation. "I swear, I'm not lying. The pain is excruciating. If I'm not treated within a few months, it could be the end for me."
Alcibiades leaned in closer, his face mere inches from Elias. "How many months?" he demanded, his voice low and intense.
Elias swallowed hard, calculating a believable timeframe, "Three. Maybe four at most."
Alcibiades continued to stare at Elias for what felt like an eternity, before finally stepping back. "I've seen men lie about many things, but the look in your eyes... Very well. I'll consider your request, but know this: if this is a ruse, there will be consequences."
Elias nodded, relief flooding him. "Thank you, Alcibiades. I promise, you won't regret it."
The dappled morning light filtered through the cell bars as Alcibiades entered, holding a bundle of fresh clothes. "Get dressed," he said curtly, throwing the garments at Elias.
Elias, taken aback by the unexpected gesture, quickly changed into the clean attire. As he adjusted the cloth around him, he felt a renewed sense of dignity, something he hadn't felt in the dingy cell.
The two walked the corridor in silence until Alcibiades, with a quick sideways glance, commented, "You have the build of a scholar, not a soldier."
Elias smiled faintly, "Not everyone needs to wield a sword to make an impact."
Alcibiades smirked. "You sound like those thinkers and orators in the Agora, always emphasizing the might of the mind."
Deciding to venture further into their conversation, Elias inquired, "Speaking of thinkers, I'm curious about the relationship between Hippocrates and Socrates in this land."
Alcibiades gave him a contemplative look. "Both are women, yet both have managed to etch their names in history with their work. Hippocrates with her transformative approach to medicine and Socrates with her probing philosophical inquiries."
"And how does society perceive them?" Elias pressed.
Alcibiades paused, choosing his words carefully. "It's a delicate balance. On one hand, their brilliance is impossible to deny, and many in Athens acknowledge their contributions. But this very society, steeped in its traditions, has been resistant to change. To circumvent the scrutiny and derision, both Hippocrates and Socrates have presented themselves under male guises in public forums. To most, they are known as men, their true identities a well-guarded secret."
Elias blinked, processing the information. "So, history wrote them off as men, but in truth, they have to wear the mask of men to ensure their teachings are accepted?"
Alcibiades nodded, "Precisely. It's an irony, isn't it? The very society they've enriched is the one they have to deceive. But that's the price they pay for breaking barriers in an age that's not entirely ready for them."
Upon Elias' request, Alcibiades agreed to arrange a meeting with Hippocrates. Their journey would take them to the island of Kos, where the historical abode of Hippocrates was situated. The island, with its pristine beaches and therapeutic hot springs, was renowned for its Asklepieion — an ancient healing temple dedicated to the god of medicine, Asklepios.
They set sail from the bustling port of Piraeus. Alcibiades had arranged for a modest-sized ship, and to accompany them, a handful of guards, loyal to him. As the shores of Athens disappeared into the horizon, Elias felt a mix of excitement and trepidation.
The journey on the Aegean Sea was a lesson in itself. Elias watched as fishermen cast their nets, the horizon dotted with sails, each representing a story of its own. Alcibiades, who seemed more at ease in this setting, shared tales of naval battles, of heroes and foes, of storms faced and calms cherished.
Their ship anchored off the coast of Kos three days later. Elias was immediately struck by the island's serene beauty. Olive groves stretched as far as the eye could see, the hills were adorned with vineyards, and the scent of herbs filled the air.
As they approached the Asklepieion, the significance of their journey became palpable. The ancient healing temple was a marvel, with its intricate columns and sanctuaries dedicated to various gods and goddesses. The location was chosen due to the nearby natural springs, believed to possess healing properties.
Alcibiades, using his influence, ensured their path was unhindered. The guards who accompanied them were more protective than aggressive, ensuring their safety without causing unnecessary conflicts. At one point, when a local healer questioned their intent, Alcibiades smoothly intervened, offering a donation to the temple and ensuring their purpose was seen as genuine and respectful.
As Elias and Alcibiades ventured further into the temple grounds of Asklepieion, they came upon a secluded grove with a natural hot spring. The sound of splashing water caught Elias's attention, drawing him closer.
Before Alcibiades could offer a word of caution, Elias inadvertently stumbled into a rather intimate setting. A woman with raven-black hair, her skin glistening from the water, was bathing. Startled by the sudden intrusion, she stood up abruptly, causing water to splash everywhere.
Elias's face turned a shade of crimson, mirroring a ripe tomato. He stammered, tripping over his words, "I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—"
As Elias's gaze fell upon the bathing woman, his normally composed demeanor crumbled spectacularly. Having led a sheltered life, the sight before him was... overwhelming. His face turned a shade of deep crimson, contrasting sharply with the pallor of his usual complexion. A bead of drool unwittingly made its way down the corner of his mouth.
His eyes, wide with shock and fascination, roamed over the woman's form, taking in every curve and detail. His heartbeat quickened, and a certain part of his anatomy decided to make its excitement known, leading to even more embarrassment.
Trying to form a coherent sentence and failing, Elias stammered, "I-I've... I mean, this is... You're the first... I've never..."
Hippocrates, realizing the nature of Elias's flustered state, crossed her arms, trying to maintain her dignity. Her face was a mix of anger and amusement. "First time seeing a woman, boy?" she remarked sardonically.
Elias gulped, nodding like an errant schoolboy caught in mischief. "I didn't mean to objectify... It's just... Well, I've read about the female form in books, but..."
She raised an eyebrow, "Books? And how do these 'books' describe us?"
Feeling like he was digging himself into an even deeper hole, Elias responded, "Well, you'd be classified as... a goddess, based on historical references and... aesthetic standards."
She smirked, her anger subsiding a bit, replaced by curiosity. "A goddess, you say? Flattery will only get you so far. But perhaps it might save you from being thrown into another spring."
Elias, grateful she seems calmed down
Hippocrates's eyes flashed with anger, but there was also a hint of something more devious behind her gaze. "How dare you tarnish my purity with your shameless gaze?!" she spat, her voice low and threatening.
She moved closer, her steps deliberate, her wet silhouette emphasizing her curves even more. "You think you can just objectify me and walk away? Such actions come with consequences."
Elias, wide-eyed, could sense the impending doom but was rooted to the spot, his earlier excitement now replaced with trepidation and a strange anticipation.
The air was thick with tension. Hippocrates, in her fury, had an aura of raw power that was almost captivating. Her lips moved with more admonishments, but Elias could hardly hear them over the loud beating of his own heart.
Then, everything went black.
When the scene transitioned, Elias was outside, with Alcibiades at his side. The sun was cruel, making his cheeks, which bore the distinct marks of slaps, sting even more.
Alcibiades, suppressing a smirk, said, "Seems like you've gotten more than you bargained for."
Still smarting from the slap, Elias turned to Hippocrates, his tone somewhere between accusatory and pleading, "You didn't have to slap me."
She stopped in her tracks, her fiery gaze fixed on him. "Perhaps not," she replied coolly, "but some lessons are best learned the hard way."
Elias, still unable to fully control his cheeky impulses, smirked, "Well, I wouldn't mind enduring a slap or two if it meant getting to see you in your... natural element again."
Hippocrates raised an eyebrow, her expression a mixture of surprise and mild amusement. "Bold words for someone who couldn't handle a simple glimpse. Maybe next time, if there is a next time, you'd learn to appreciate the beauty without losing your manners."