Anika's Abode: Anika's History

Along the southern shores of what some call the Black Sea lies a protected harbor. Settled by this harbor lives a tribe of Centaurs. It is almost certain that Dionysus has blessed this tribe, for their land produces the sweetest grapes that the Centaurs make into what is hailed as the most wonderful and delicate wine to be found within many a day's journey. Sailors from Piraeus found the harbour generations ago and set up trade with the Centaurs, introducing them to the Athenian ways of life and religion.

It was no grand event when the girl was born that autumn. While the birth was welcomed, and all the members of the tribe came to greet her, grapes still needed harvesting and wine still needed making.

As Anika grew, some members of the tribe began to wonder if Dionysus was the only god to bless them. It was possible that Apollo had granted his favor as well. One just had to watch Anika to know that, with proper training, she could be a masterful performer. Even as she tended to the vinyards with the other children, she would sing and dance, seeming to lighten the work.

The members of the tribe weren't alone in thinking that Apollo had graced Anika with the artistic skills. An Athenian ship carrying a priest of Apollo came to rest in their harbor during Anika's 17th autumn. As the priest wandered, he came across the group of women preparing to make that year's wine. As usual, Anika was making the time pass with songs and light-hearted tales. The priest listened, losing himself in her voice. As night fell, he realized that he had journeyed on that particular ship for a reason: Apollo wished to have the young woman brought to Athens.

The following day, he found Anika's parents and told them of his revelation. At first, they protested the suggestion that Anika be brought to Athens--she was their only child, and still not quite fully grown. But the priest did not give up, for he was convinced of his mission. At last it was settled upon that Anika would decide for herself.

It was clear that she was frightened by the thought of leaving everything she knew. However, she had been taught to trust in the Fates and the will of the gods. At last she quietly said, "If Apollo says I am to go, then I go." So when the priest's ship left the following day, Anika left with it, clinging to the love of her parents and her trust in the gods.



Anika's History Along the southern shores of what some call the Black Sea lies a protected harbor. Settled by this harbor lives a tribe of Centaurs. It is almost certain that Dionysus has blessed this tribe, for their land produces the sweetest grapes that the Centaurs make into what is hailed as the most wonderful and delicate wine to be found within many a day's journey. Sailors from Piraeus found the harbour generations ago and set up trade with the Centaurs, introducing them to the Athenian ways of life and religion. It was no grand event when the girl was born that autumn. While the birth was welcomed, and all the members of the tribe came to greet her, grapes still needed harvesting and wine still needed making. As Anika grew, some members of the tribe began to wonder if Dionysus was the only god to bless them. It was possible that Apollo had granted his favor as well. One just had to watch Anika to know that, with proper training, she could be a masterful performer. Even as she tended to the vinyards with the other children, she would sing and dance, seeming to lighten the work. The members of the tribe weren't alone in thinking that Apollo had graced Anika with the artistic skills. An Athenian ship carrying a priest of Apollo came to rest in their harbor during Anika's 17th autumn. As the priest wandered, he came across the group of women preparing to make that year's wine. As usual, Anika was making the time pass with songs and light-hearted tales. The priest listened, losing himself in her voice. As night fell, he realized that he had journeyed on that particular ship for a reason: Apollo wished to have the young woman brought to Athens. The following day, he found Anika's parents and told them of his revelation. At first, they protested the suggestion that Anika be brought to Athens--she was their only child, and still not quite fully grown. But the priest did not give up, for he was convinced of his mission. At last it was settled upon that Anika would decide for herself. It was clear that she was frightened by the thought of leaving everything she knew. However, she had been taught to trust in the Fates and the will of the gods. At last she quietly said, "If Apollo says I am to go, then I go." So when the priest's ship left the following day, Anika left with it, clinging to the love of her parents and her trust in the gods.
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