After introductions at the door, I'd start with the obvious tour
of modern-day appliances and technology. Since Val (which he insists I call him though
it seems very disrespectful) was martyred for his faith back in the third
century, he probably isn't up on all the contemporary world has to offer. What
Pandora station would he prefer? Gregorian chant? A little after his time but
probably more familiar than Mumford and Sons. I'd probably stick with a simple
"meat and vegetables" kind of meal to put my time-traveling guest at
ease, accompanied by a bottle of Chianti (from his supposed country of origin).
What I know of Val is insubstantial. There are many legends
surrounding his life, none of which have been authenticated with any accuracy.
He was likely a bishop in the early church, when it was under intense
persecution from the Roman Empire. There's a story of his being arrested for
marrying Christian couples. There's also a story of a judge asking him to
restore the sight of his blind daughter; the miracle was followed by the
conversion of the family to the Christian faith. Some storytellers have added
an epilogue to the scene - that upon leaving, he sent a note to the daughter
signed "Your Valentine". I bet if I brought that up to my guest he
would become flustered and adamantly deny any such action. Or perhaps he is a
romantic after all.
