Roman & Skazochnik
Skazochnik
Hey Roman, I was just looking at this old map of the Tiber valley and it shows a river that no longer exists—some say it was the “Silver Veil” from the legends of the ancient people who lived there. I’ve found a few coins that seem to support a different story. Have you come across any of those legends in your travels?
Roman
Ah, the Tiber valley—such a cradle of forgotten rivers. The “Silver Veil” is a name that slipped into my mind when I trekked the ruins near the ancient citadel of Ardea. Legends say it was a silver‑shining stream that vanished when the last storm of the gods swept the valley. As for coins, I've seen a handful of bronze pieces stamped with a crescent that some scholars link to that very legend, but others argue they belong to a different cult altogether. It’s a delightful mystery: one coin whispers one tale, another whispers a different one. If you want to chase the truth, I’d suggest comparing the iconography with the surviving inscriptions on the nearby altar of Tiberinus—sometimes the old stones know more than the stories we read.
Skazochnik
That’s exactly the kind of tangled tale I love, Roman—one coin a whisper, another a shout. I’d love to compare those crescents with the altar’s carvings, but I haven’t even opened my latest notebook yet; the ink still feels like fresh soil. Maybe we can find the right punctuation to bind the story together—after all, a misplaced comma can make a legend whole or hollow. Let me know when you’re ready to dig in.
Roman
Sounds like a plan. Let me know the dates you can spare, and we’ll bring the notebook and a good cup of tea. I’ll bring the coins and a few sketches from the altar so we can match the crescents side by side. Looking forward to weaving those whispers into a story that sings.
Skazochnik
I can set aside Saturday morning after the dew has settled on the old stones, and again Sunday afternoon if you need a backup. Bring the coins, the sketches, and a good cup of tea—my notebooks will be in my pocket, but I’ll keep them out of the way so I can focus on the whispers. Looking forward to hearing the stories the metal and stone tell us.
Roman
Saturday it is, then. I’ll bring the coins, sketches, and a kettle that boils just right. The dew on the stones will be our first page, and the metal will write the rest. I’ll see you then.
Skazochnik
Great, Saturday it is. I’ll be waiting by the stones, kettle in hand, notebook ready, though I’ll keep it closed until the stories come to life. See you then.
Roman
Wonderful—I'll see you Saturday, ready to let the stones speak and the coins sing. The kettle will be bubbling, and the quiet will be the perfect backdrop for the tale. Looking forward to it.