( different pronunciations are common enough, with travellers and foreigners living among them, that gorgo doesn't react to it. the woman is trying, and that is enough assimilation to pass, to fit in. instead, gorgo is curious as to her unfamiliarity with the oil. do they not know olives where she is from? is she from so far away, a time and place where they don't grow? do they not import it from here as so many other places do that are in a shortage? one eyebrow goes up slightly, and she tips the amphora to pour a small portion of the oil onto the ground.

in her mind, she gives a prayer, so that the valuable foodstuff won't be wasted. the gods can have it. as a libation. )

It is olive oil. For food prepation and for bath. We wish you not to go hungry and to get comfortably clean.

( another nudge of the amphora now, take it, it means. )

I was named after the gorgon, Medusa, whose head Athena wears on her shield. Is that story familiar to you?