Manius Rutilius Gallus

• Quote

  If only, if only it was so...

• Face Claim

  Francois Arnaud

• Location

  Rome

Recent Posts

1. 

   Trapped in Curiosity

   May 27

   She didn't seem to be very bad off, after he bumped into her, but Manius strived to do the right thing and he would do that now too. Even if the right thing so often ended up being a wrong thing, even if he didn't wish it. Which was why he deserved no better than working with slaves in the market, attempting to control them, but also make them feel less bad about their situation. When he knew so well he ought to be just like them, a slave, not deserving better... they deserved better, many of them. Most people did. So he tried his best, to do the right thing. Asking the pretty young blonde woman, if she was alright. If she was hurt. But she looked at him with oddly piercing eyes, saying she was fine and asking if he was okay. Better to not ask him that! 
   Not that he was hurt or anything, but words could have so many meanings and these words held more than just care for his physical wellbeing, didn't they?
   "I am not hurt, if that is what you're asking." Manius said, "I didn't mean to startle you. Maybe I could make amends, escort you home?" That was the best offer he had, for having bumped into her, even if he didn't hurt her. Of course she might change her mind, they were still strangers and who'd say he wasn't out to violate her? So many other men were. But not Manius. He hoped she understood that she could trust his words.
   @Insignia
   
2. 

   Trapped in Curiosity

   May 22

   The warmth of the last rays of sun was comforting, Manius thought so too. And so few things were comforting these days. Work was work, he was content with it, he did everything he was supposed to do and he did it well too. Guarding slaves was not new to him at all, so he knew what to do and when. Knew how to speak to them. Knew he belonged behind those bars just like them, but his old master had thought it should be different, so it was. But how did he deserve to be free? After everything that happened. Two wives lost, one son lost, one master executed... Manius did not deserve it at all. And he even feared that with his last employer he also didn't manage to live up to the expectations. He was still quite sure that something was going on between the young lady he was supposed to guard, and her half-brother who wasn't even her brother by blood, but just a relation. The two did seem to enjoy getting up to shenanigans together. But that was no longer his problem.
   Not that he had many problems at all. For now, he needed to return to his simple insula and find his bed, maybe a meal on the way though. Manius closed his eyes briefly as he felt the sun on his face, and as he did it, the scent of pies reached him and he thought he might have that for cena. He opened his eyes to walk in the right direction, rounding a corner towards a thermopolia he knew would be there... and that's when he collided with a young, blonde woman. She walked straight into his chest too and Manius stumbled back and looked to see if she needed help, "Oh I am very sorry! Are you hurt?" He asked, looking at her. She looked fine. Very young, very pretty. Not that it mattered. He just wanted to help her.
   @Insignia
   
3. 

   April Showers

   May 20

   April, 77AD
    It was sometimes amazing how time would just fly by. And yet, everything was the same. It was like the wind and you never knew where it would take you. For now though, Manius had returned to where it all began, more or less. His father had worked at the slave markets. Manius had done the same, when he was old enough. Right until he was stupid enough to gamble and become way too indebted, so that his wife and son were murdered. He put himself on a pedestal on the slave market instead. Became what he used to command. Eventually, freed again. Life took him from one place to the next and suddenly, he was here again.
    Nothing had changed really. Life was much the same as always, he thought. And Manius did tend to think too much. For now, he was done with the day’s work with Spurius’ lot of slaves, so he made his way across the market, planning to go home to the simple one-room insula he lived in now. He couldn’t stay in Spurius’ warehouse and be a burden there, that was not fair.
    There wasn’t much life in his eyes these days. He worked hard, did what he was supposed do when he worked. But there was little left to enjoy besides that. Spring was coming though. He remembered lovely days in the gardens of Sullust with Salacia. But she too was gone. The only joy he had left in his life, gone too. Manius sighed and looked to the sky. It had been dark all day, the weather felt heavy and now, of course, before he got very far from his working place, it began raining. The rain quickly went from a drizzle to a pour. He sighed again. This was his lot in life.
    Everyone else ran for shelter from the rain. Manius didn’t care. Instead he let the rain soak his hair as he continued walking. It almost felt liberating. Almost.
   OPEN
   
4. 

   Broken Open

   February 23

   Manius looked at the infirmary and nodded, it looked fine. All he really needed was a bed, so if he could sleep here, it was more than perfect. It was better than the street. He then followed Claudus through the building, there were a lot of rooms. A store room, the kitchen, the guard's room and then of course his employer's office. Then Claudus continued to explain how he wanted the slaves to be treated and Marcus nodded, "I hope it shall not be necessary to punish your slaves." He said and then the other continued, telling about the work gangs he had and would hire out. And how slaves were treated, should there be a fight between them.  
   He nodded again, of course he would be polite and courteous to the customers in the warehouse, what else should he be? 
   "I shall try to remember it all. I'm usually a fast learner." Manius replied when Claudus was done talking... "I think I will take a closer look at everything, and get started then? Find Numerius, so he can show me the ropes here. If you will have me start right away, of course." 
   @Sarah
   
5. 

   Broken Open

   January 18

   Manius preferred to not use any weapons with the slaves at all. He hadn't cared if you'd done it to him and he had accepted a flogging a few times, back when he was a slave. But he wouldn't wish it for anyone else. If a slave could be reasoned with, without violence, that was the best way to do so. He knew that sometimes you had to punish them, to set an example, but that wasn't his choice to make. Not when they weren't his slaves. 
   He dared to ask if he could sleep in the warehouse until he found his own place to stay. The other gave him a look, but didn't comment on Manius almost addressing him as Dominus rather than Claudus. He corrected himself though. Still, it felt almost the same, even if he was free. He still worked for someone else, who would tell him what to do and when and how. And if he failed his employer, he'd lose everything he just gained. To him, it wasn't that much different. And that was fine.
   Claudus confirmed he could sleep in the warehouse and mentioned the name of another guard. Manius nodded quietly and Claudus would show him cots where he could sleep. He nodded again and followed his new, not master, but employer. 
   @Sarah
   
6. 

   Broken Open

   December 23, 2021

   He noticed how the other man smiled, when he said that working was definitely better than not. And then he followed the other towards the market. On the way he also introduced himself and naturally also asked for a name. He nodded when it was said, “Claudus.” He said, to tell it to himself too, “People call me Manius or Gallus. So you pick.” Manius was the name he was actually born with, but when he worked for Cyprianus, who shared the same first name, Gallus had been his slave name. And then he gained it all back when his master chose to free him. The whole ordeal still barely made any sense to him. He’d disobeyed his master, but was freed along with the woman he loved, so that they could marry. And now she was gone too. He had nothing but the job Claudus gave him, now.
    They soon came to the markets, followed by slaves carrying a litter and he wondered why his new employer chose to walk rather than using the litter. But he asked no questions. He knew better than that. They then arrived at the right building and Manius followed inside. There was a fresh smell in there, not the worst at a slave market, and Manius met another guard. A club? Sure. When he worked as a slave guard before, he’d often had a whip. But he would take what Claudus preferred. Still he said nothing, but paid attention.
    “No questions for now, I think. This looks like a good place. Oh, I may sleep in here, the first night? Until I find my own place to stay?” He said, looking around and then back at the man, who earlier today was just a stranger helping him. Now he was much more, “I will not let you down, Dom… Claudus.” He was no slave, but easily fell back into old routines, even if it was now more than ten years ago he was freed. And he hadn’t been a slave for that long. But he’d preferred it back then. Chosen it, even. And what his new master didn’t know yet, was that with Manius he’d gain a loyal employee who'd follow the rules probably more fiercely than most.
   @Sarah
   
7. 

   Broken Open

   December 20, 2021

   He was looking for work and with the stranger's questions, it did sound like he was interested. Also since he asked if Manius was looking for work, and he was. For now though, he'd answered the questions and the stranger told him he was looking for a guard for his warehouse. He then suggested a trial period of work and then they could discuss if it should continue.
   "I say it sounds good... and much better than not having any work at all." Manius said simply. A work was at least a start. And maybe he could get a roof over his head, if his new employer would allow him to sleep in the warehouse. Then he could also watch over the slaves there. And he didn't mind sleeping among them, he'd done that before. 
   "I will take the work, if you will give it to me." He then added, "I am Manius Rutilius Gallus, by the way. And you?" He asked. Maybe the stranger would recognize a part of his name, maybe he wouldn't. The civil war was many years ago now and it was many years ago since Cyprianus was executed, so maybe the past was the past now for everyone else. It was just Manius who couldn't leave it behind. Yet he had to move on. It was a new day and maybe a new job, again.
   @Sarah
   
8. 

   Broken Open

   November 29, 2021

   It would be almost odd, to be at the slave market again, after he himself had been a slave... and then freed, almost against his will. He chose to become a slave, after all, because he believed that's what he deserved. But now life had thrown him another opportunity and he'd long since learned, to follow life wherever it took him. He couldn't control it anyway, it was in the hands of the gods. And they chose this, now. The stranger with the trading business would know more about Manius' skills then, which was a good sign at least.
   "My father taught me. And then he even hired a trainer, so that I would become a better fighter. He thought it important." Manius explained, "And I have made good use of my skills, as you can imagine." He then added and waited politely, as a man and former slave, who was used to taking orders, would. He was no slave. He was something else now. And would be loyal to whomever would give him something to do with his life.
   @Sarah
   
9. 

   Broken Open

   November 27, 2021

   One couldn't say that Manius was an escaped slave, but maybe sometimes he wished that was the case. He had been a slave, after all. And freed almost against his own b will. If he was an escaped slave, he might be punished, as he deserved. It had come as a surprise back then, that his master chose to free him rather than punish him, as he'd done before. But that's how it was and here he was, alone and on his own, without anything but what he carried. The stranger explained that he was indeed a slave trader and he had a warehouse in the Emporium Magnum. Then he asked if Manius was looking for work and he looked up at the stranger.
   "Well since I have none, I suppose I am. If you need help..." Manius began, standing up straight, "I've worked at the slave market before, as a guard. I've also served as bodyguard and personal sparring partner more than once - I have plenty of experience. If you need it." He explained. If he could get a job, then he could earn some coin and maybe get himself a tiny insula to live in. He'd not need much, just room enough for a mat on the floor, maybe a bed, but just a place to sleep would be enough. 
   @Sarah
   
10. 

    Broken Open

    November 5, 2021

    The stranger argued that he didn't have to help out Manius, but simply chose to do it. Why though? Did he want something? Everyone in Rome wanted something. Few helped out strangers just because they were kind and friendly, most had a secret agenda that would come to light sooner or later. Manius took the cup though and packed it, together with the other things that the slaves picked up. He didn't have a lot of things though, so it didn't take very long. The stranger leaned on his staff - seeming to actually need the staff, it was not just for show - and spoke of how his business would wait for him. So he was a businessman. Of course he was. 
    "I have no business to attend to, so there is nothing waiting for me." Manius explained, carefully placing some things in certain places on the cloth and packing things made from steel or ceramics into clothes and other soft materials, so they wouldn't break while being carried. Maybe this man had a job for him though? He thought he'd seen him before, maybe at the slave market? Either he purchased slaves for his business. Or he sold them.
    "May I ask, what sort of business do you have? If you don't mind me asking?" He asked, as he stood again, facing the stranger, wondering what he was all about.
    @Sarah
    

Topics I Participated In

1. 

   Trapped in Curiosity

   Started by Amatia Attelia · May 22

   Amatia's excited. From before dawn to now, she's done nothing but knead and roll dough for the other bakers (proper ones, unlike her) to put into the oven. Standing in the same place and speaking to the other women sounds ideal at first, but she wishes she could tell anyone who envies her life that it's far from perfect. She's pretty sure her feet have worn holes in the floor, and her back sure as anything hurts from being hunched over all day. Mother said she'll turn into an old crone at this rate. Amatia makes a mental note to pay more attention to her posture and to stretch every so often. Said note is mentally tacked onto a long list of things she's sure to ignore. 
   Enough of that! Work is done for the day, and Father wasn't as sad as he usually is. He told Amatia she was free from preparing dinner tonight. Whether it means one of her brothers will take care of it or Mother will do double duty, Amatia doesn't know and doesn't care. What matters is that she has a few precious hours to herself, and only she can decide how to spend them. It's only a few minutes before the golden hour ends; the sun's already descended more than she thought. With little regard for a plan, Amatia checks her tunic to make sure her personal knife is still there, tightens her belt, and practically leaps outside to catch the last few rays of golden light. The sky will remain alight for a while longer, but this truly was the best time of day and she's somewhat sad she missed it.
   Ignoring the strange looks a handful of others throw her way, Amatia tilts her head up and closes her eyes to let the sun warm her face. The warmth is comforting, not at all oppressive like the heat of midday. If only there were a way to have a form of portable wind, not one powered by a fan, to take with her as she pleased to command the air around her to stay at the proper temperature. The idea is a ludicrous one, she knows, but if she ever makes one, she'll be sure to charge plenty of denarii for it. No, sestertii. 
   Her sandals slap against the streetstones quite loudly. She quiets her pace after thinking it may sound obnoxious. One time she asked her family if she was unpredictable. The most she got was a nod and Father staring into space. Probably the wrong thing to ask. Various stalls line the sides of the street. Most of them are closing down for the day (night?), but she might be able to get something if she's fast enough. The main dilemma is the plethora of options. The hot, fragrant smell of griddle cakes mingles with greasy, salty meat hand pies. Amatia has a bit of money. What to get? Griddle cakes would be sweet and filling, ultimate fantasy. Mother says she's too thin, anyway. But she doesn't really like sugary things. Past the vendor Amatia walks. 
   In the midst of her musing, she doesn't seem to realize she's walking straight into the path of another person until collision's already happened. 
   @Atrice
   
2. 

   April Showers

   Started by Manius Rutilius Gallus · May 20

   April, 77AD
    It was sometimes amazing how time would just fly by. And yet, everything was the same. It was like the wind and you never knew where it would take you. For now though, Manius had returned to where it all began, more or less. His father had worked at the slave markets. Manius had done the same, when he was old enough. Right until he was stupid enough to gamble and become way too indebted, so that his wife and son were murdered. He put himself on a pedestal on the slave market instead. Became what he used to command. Eventually, freed again. Life took him from one place to the next and suddenly, he was here again.
    Nothing had changed really. Life was much the same as always, he thought. And Manius did tend to think too much. For now, he was done with the day’s work with Spurius’ lot of slaves, so he made his way across the market, planning to go home to the simple one-room insula he lived in now. He couldn’t stay in Spurius’ warehouse and be a burden there, that was not fair.
    There wasn’t much life in his eyes these days. He worked hard, did what he was supposed do when he worked. But there was little left to enjoy besides that. Spring was coming though. He remembered lovely days in the gardens of Sullust with Salacia. But she too was gone. The only joy he had left in his life, gone too. Manius sighed and looked to the sky. It had been dark all day, the weather felt heavy and now, of course, before he got very far from his working place, it began raining. The rain quickly went from a drizzle to a pour. He sighed again. This was his lot in life.
    Everyone else ran for shelter from the rain. Manius didn’t care. Instead he let the rain soak his hair as he continued walking. It almost felt liberating. Almost.
   OPEN
   
3. 

   Broken Open

   Started by Manius Rutilius Gallus · August 21, 2021

   July, 76 AD
   He was not a slave, on his way to the slave market to be sold to another household. That’s not how it happened, when you were a freedman in Rome. No, when you were a freedman and the man who originally freed you had died, you were entirely free. And since he sold his old home, the one he inherited from his father… and his wife was still missing… and he now lost his job, he had nowhere to go. All he had was the sack with his things in it and the money he’d been given when he left the family and the domus.
    It had been interesting to work for the Tusca family, although also challenging. He could see why the young lady had needed a bodyguard – she was beautiful and easily tempted and he would never trust her half-brother, whose words were as smooth as butter and his eyes full of mischief. But the family had no need for him anymore and so he ventured into the streets of Rome again, considering what to do.
    Maybe he should find himself an insula to live in? He didn’t have a lot, so it would be a simple room in the top floor or something. It would have been easier, had he been a slave. Then he would have known where to go. The slave market or a new owner. But now he needed so much more; he needed a new job and a place to stay.
    He sat down on a step, thinking through his options. What could he do? Maybe return to the market as he thought about and ask for his old job back? That was the best option. He didn’t want to look for an insula before he had a job. So he stood, but as soon as he’d taken a step, the knot in his sack (which was really just a large piece of linen tied together as a sack) fell apart and everything spilled onto the ground. He cursed and sighed deeply, before beginning to pick them up quietly, because this was his lot in life. Things falling apart. As they always did.
   
4. 

   One Night in Rome (M - V)

   Started by Atrice · August 19, 2020

   August, 75 AD
   It was dark out. Late and dark. Marcus had been out for a special event, a nobleman had desired a shaving and it had to be Marcus and it had to be at this hour. Why, no one knew. But Marcus was not one to say no to such a job, not when it paid so well and ensured the man would use his services another time too. Now was the time however to return to his home and his slaves. Marcus had a bag over his shoulder, with all the important shaving equipment. He’d brought no slaves with him, the nobleman had his own, after all.
   He cast a glance at the Elysium as he passed it. He had a friend there and a whore he thought he might return to sometime. Not because he liked her or anything, but because she’d bled in such a lovely way and it had felt so good to finish in her afterwards. But not tonight. Tonight he might have Aculia, with the pretty new scar on her face, proving that she was never to fail him again.
   Marcus decided to use a shortcut down a darker alley nearby. He heard someone walking behind him then and the footsteps were coming closer. Oh really? Marcus smirked to himself, reaching for the small blade in his purse and it was about time, because moments later, there was a hand on his shoulder.
   Though before the stranger could beat him up or try and steal his bag, which was what he assumed they would do, Marcus had swung around and pinned them up against the nearest wall. He might not be huge and overly muscular, but he was fast and agile and he wasn't weak either. He held the blade to their throat, “And what exactly was your plan? You picked the wrong victim…”
   
5. 

   O Ye, of Little Faith

   Started by Echo · August 12, 2020

   August, 75CE
   Apparently, Livia had been in a good mood this morning, for whatever reason. That was the only conclusion Aglaea could come to that could explain her day off. Perhaps Livia had received a letter from her lover, or Secundus had been away and not bothered her. But whatever the cause, the point was that Aglaea was free for the day and was taking full advantage of that freedom. Of course, her first stop had been to synagogue and to talk with some other converts, covertly, of course. Next, she had visited the honey cake stand which she had shown Bassus a few months ago, purchasing a few. She would eat one now and keep one for Livia, and had bought a few extra just in case. 
   Moving away from the stand, Aglaea took a leisurely walk through the Emporium Magnum, taking in the sights and smells of the marketplace. She decided she wouldn't purchase anything else, choosing instead to save her small sum of money for future needs. Maybe even freedom. As she walked, she noticed in passing a man walking in front of her. Just as she was about to look away at something else, she noticed the coin purse at his belt fall on the ground. Apparently he hadn't noticed it. 
   "Excuse me!" As she passed the dropped coin purse, she scooped it up and broke into a trot, following the man. Once she caught up to him, the Jewish woman tapped him on the shoulder. "Excuse me, sir. You dropped your coin purse."
   @Atrice
   
6. 

   Modern Girl

   Started by Atrice · August 12, 2020

   Late August, 75 AD
   Boring, boring, boring… the lessons with Aia had ended for the day and Marcus didn’t have any plans for the day. He could of course get into a litter and go visit one of his friends, or he could practice his fighting skills, but it was high summer and it was too hot to do anything. He lay on his bed, on his stomach, with Silvanus massaging his back. It felt nice, but he couldn’t do this all day. Maybe a trip to the thermae? That might be nice, to cool down. Or maybe a dip in the Tiber, far from where people lived, so the river wouldn’t be disgusting.
   Or… maybe Caecina had an idea on what to do! She often did, he thought. Or else they’d just get some alone-time and kiss. He could spend a day doing that too. It had been a few months now, since their little escapade to the Poppina Via Lata and the Gardens of Sullust, where they promised they wanted each other, but also kept it a secret so far. And a secret their relationship remained all summer. Marcus would sneak kisses from her whenever he had the chance, fighting to control himself to not push for more than what she wanted. She was just so… beautiful and alluring, wasn’t she?
   He pushed Silvanus away and had the slave hand him a light blue tunica to wear. Marcus walked though their home in Rome to Caecina’s chamber. The curtain at the door frame was drawn, so he stopped outside and ran a hand through his hair, which most likely fell perfectly as it always did.
   “Caecina… are you in there? Can I come in?” He asked out loud and waited as patiently as he could.
   @Echo
   
7. 

   You!

   Started by Sara · August 8, 2020

   A few weeks after Another Day
   Didia mumbled to nobody in particular as she counted off the bags of supplies Appius was lugging into the domus. It was well before sunrise, so they could get round the restrictions on cart, and Didia still held a sleepy look on her face as she picked up one of the lighter bags to carry in through the slave entrances into the kitchens. Appius deserved a rest, the boy was going to have a heart attack and so she left him keeping watch. After a few trips in and out (oh how the rich could eat so much was beyond her!) she entered the domus again with flushed cheeks but a warm smile. 
   This house was one of the newer ones on her call list, but conveniently close to Rufus'...or his masters, so it didn't add a great deal of extra time to their route as they made their way up here regardless. The slaves were an unknown quantity, really, although friendly enough and they gave both herself and her brother a cup of cheap lora and a little bit of bread and honey to set them up on their day (and as thanks, she supposed, for carrying in the produce themselves). Appius took his outside whilst she ate hers quietly in the kitchen, the slaves flustering around unpacking. She'd need to sign off the receipt at some point but it was so horribly early that she could use a bit of a rest. 
   She sat with her back to the external door, facing the curtain that divided the kitchen from the main, fancy portion of the domus (the portion she was never invited to see!). She was glancing about absentmindedly when somebody pulled the curtain aside and stepped in. Her heart leapt into her mouth and she choked at the face that greeted her. A wide, broad grin spread on her face and she laughed, "Manius!" She moved to stand hurriedly to greet him properly before she stopped herself and frowned, teasingly reaching out to swot his arm softly, "I was worried sick! Don't you ever leave a woman waiting for you again!" 
    
   TAG: @Atrice
   
8. 

   Wasted Youth

   Started by Atrice · July 28, 2020

   August, 75 AD
   Despite everything that had happened to him, he was still here. Since Salacia was gone, he’d been thinking about her a lot. And about what happened when they first met and even before that. He remembered his first wife, his son… he remembered it when he gave himself to slavery, because he had nothing. He remembered his first owners, and then the second. He remembered the beautiful Domitilla, whom he made the mistake of falling in love with and telling her. If he had never told her, he might still have been with her. But he had been passed off again, to Cyprianus, who gave him the undeserved freedom, which he still had.
   And so much had happened since then. The past decade had however been quiet for Manius, right until the earthquake, where his life fell apart again. It was slowly rebuilding now and he even got himself a job - but he had all the memories and they weighed him down.
   He had always liked to take walks while thinking and that was the same case today. A good, long walk through Rome to clear his mind. Still on his own, of course. As always. That’s when he saw it. A young woman near a market stall, picking something up when the stallholder was looking away. Then she hid it in her purse and hurried away.
   Manius shook his head, this wasn’t good. It really wasn’t his job to follow her, but it wasn’t right to steal like that. And maybe the stallholder would pay Manius a reward for helping.
   He decided to follow her until she stopped.
   @Liv
   
9. 

   Another Day

   Started by Atrice · July 26, 2020

   July, 75 AD
   He had nothing. Or, almost nothing. No work, no wife, no place to be and soon he might be out of coins too. Manius barely ate these days. He was trying to make the money last and trying to not go and gamble with the hope for gaining more. On the other hand, he might lose it all and be so indebted they’d take him because he had no coins and then he’d be a slave again. That might be the easiest way to go anyway.
   But so far he had not gambled the rest of his coin away. He had spent a little of it on wine. Just a stupid attempt to forget his sorrows for once. That didn’t work all the time though. He was hungry. He needed food.
   Manius had gone to the marketplace to see what he could find. The food smelled deliciously, from every taverna and place handing out food, but he didn’t think he was so poor he should get food from one of the places offering for the poorest. He had coins. And someone else needed it more. What could he get though?
   He walked by a few stalls. The bread was too expensive. So were the sausages and the flat-bread and the honey-cakes. There was a fruit stall. The apples looked delicious and so did the oranges. He could smell them in the summer-heat. But they were shiny and fresh and there was no way he should spend his money on an apple just because it was shiny. He began turning some of the peaches around and picked one that was extraordinarily soft. Even its color was somehow... off. Overly ripe.
   “How much for this?” He asked the lovely young woman in the stall.
   @Sara
   
10. 

    Drowning sorrows

    Started by Chevi · July 26, 2020

    Mid-July, 75CE
    Thessala had a whole table to herself. Not that the popina was less busy than usual, far from it; but the last guy who came over and tried to start something with her got a glare and a hissed Thracian curse that made him retreat at double speed. Thessala did not look like her usual self - her costume destroyed in the earthquake, and her will to put on her witch persona drowned in the drinks she'd been having since that day - but the way she looked now, with her hair tangled and the circles under her eyes apparently looked even more threatening than an intentional performance.
    Everyone could go fuck themselves. Even the gods.
    Especially the gods.
    The buried Rana. She was gone. So were others from the ludus, some she missed and some she did not care about except for the way the gods decided to do away with them. All of it was shit. Thessala drank like a barbarian, nursing her cup and nursing the pain she still had in her ribs.
    Whoever came over to her table next better be very brave. Or very dumb.
    @Atrice
    

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