.... breaking a fresh loaf of hot emmer flower whole grain bread into several portions. A light coating of herbal oil before stacking them on a blue faience platter. Adding an assortment of imported cheeses... hard bite-sized pieces and a creamier mixture melted into smaller bowls, for dipping.

Placing the platter down before the ladies.

Susanna, Merneith.. There is plenty to share... and more to come.

Amaunet! Welcome back, miss. How are things down in Waset? So that brother of yours graduated scribal school? Excellent news for him.... and for you. Relax and partake.

Elgiva ... Annuti... welcome to Alexandria. And the lovely KismetNefertari has returned as well. Melon Balls are in order. Plenty of Melon Balls...... I make them many ways. As I remember it, Kismet.. you like them icy cold, strong and sweet... but not too sweet..... some bite....... and there must be a stick for swizzling and sucking.

Turning quickly toward the wall fountain.. reaching into the icy waters... pulling out one pomegranate, one pineapple, three mangos, a fistful of cherries and two amply-sized round melons. Laying the collected fruits on a clean white linen cloth to drain...... but remain moist.

Gathering up the melons, balancing one in each palm. The first has a smooth green shell. The other is tan and dimpled. Both... perfectly ripe. ...Placing each on the bar-top's cool granite surface, just a short distance from the lovely ladies who watch.. and snack.

Bending forward and down, eyes trained upon the women, hands groping for my desired tool. Finding it, clutching the handle and pulling it out, bright blade glinting in the torchlight. Smiling.... a wink, then suddenly raising the sharp blade overhead and bringing it crashing down in two consecutive chops. The women lurch back in momentary shock, then laugh. Both melons fall neatly into halves, teetering back and forth on the bar for just a moment before... stillness.

Xaxx! chuckles Merneith, as she dips her bread into the melted cheese.. You're always up to something. Food's quite good, by the way.