Old Friends, New Friends (16th Dynasty Egypt) [tag: Kratos, Ninkasi] Note: there is no agreement on the year of the Minoan eruption of the volcano on Thera/Santorini. Estimates, even with carbon-dating, vary from late 1600s BCE to mid 1400s BCE, though there is suggestion that there was an effect on Egypt's weather. But it's mostly linked with mid-to-late 16th Dynasty Egyptian time-frame.
Thoth was really skilled at Senet, and well he should be since its predecessor was draughts and he had been quite good at that. Much to Khonsu's chagrin. But, skill only went so far when the knuckle-bones did not roll just the way you wanted or needed them to in order to allot the player the opportunity to execute the strategy they wished to employ. Part luck, part skill. Thoth really enjoyed the game. As did much of Egypt, it had grown in popularity in not only the noble and Pharonic classes but with the peasants, as well.
Equally, he enjoyed sharing it with friends because there was no reason to accuse him of letting anyone win since there was so much luck and chance at play. In fact, he rather enjoyed it when he was beaten. Problem was, not many had patience for long afternoons of playing. Especially not those from outside Egypt. Hermes had not the patience for more than a single game most times before he'd regale Thoth with all the details of the things he was missing by staying in arid Egypt.
Thoth. Isis. Set. Osiris. Egypt....
After several dynasties he was becoming quite accustomed to the Greek names. They came across the sea, they traded. The mortals were taking to the lingual changes on their own and it was best for the old ones of Kemet to adapt.
The roll of the knuckle-bones was not what he'd hoped, but, such was life. Drinking quietly, Thoth completed his turn before posing a question to his companion. “Has there been recovery... since that devastating eruption on Thera?” The question was posed thoughtfully and he leaned back to examine the board while waiting for a reply from his Greek friend. There had been much loss when the volcano erupted: lives, homes, possessions... hidden knowledge not yet spoken.
He took up the pitcher a moment later, tipping first into his companion's cup and then into his own. A swirl of the remains, then a peek inside and Thoth shrugged as one of his priests came to take it away. Sediment was left and it would be discarded. He would have more brought in soon. After his next turn, perhaps.