Lucius Antonius Alexius

• Quote

  Still Alive

• Face Claim

  Dan Feuerriegel

• Location

  Rome

Recent Posts

1. 

   The perfect wingman

   11 hours ago

   Alexius let out a little laugh when Artemon was confused about how to give a gift to a woman and what to pick, “Women are tricky like that. But either you have to ask or… you could dare to guess. Some women are easier than others. I don’t know if Lucilla is so easy, when it comes to that.” Honestly Alexius never offered her anything but his company and actually, he didn’t really offer it, he was just there at the right time and she had needed it, apparently. Life was like that sometimes. Life and Fortuna. He wondered if Artemon knew Fortuna.
   It didn’t seem like Artemon knew much at all, now he wondered if she didn’t want him because of where he was from. Poor guy. He seemed to have even less self-confidence than Florus had and Alexius didn’t know that it could be lower. The idea with inviting Artemon out for a meal sounded just about right and Artemon seemed happy to take the invitation. Alexius had barely confirmed it before Artemon had left. What an interesting turn of events – he always met such interesting people, didn’t he? Maybe there were things he could do with… uh or to… Artemon to help him being less insecure.
   And while his thoughts had travelled quite a distance while Artemon went up and then down again, the other finally appeared and looked exactly as before – but very enthusiastic, “Well there are a few good places in our street, I think… over on the corner they make this delicious sauce with grapes and garum and then some bread to scoop it up. Want that? Grapes are good for so many things. We better also find some wine now we’re at it. And meanwhile you can tell me about yourself… you live with someone, don’t you? A brother?”
   @Liv
   
2. 

   Blessed Fortuna

   17 hours ago

   Alexius did have a lot of practice, when it came to kissing. And why should he not be? It felt good being so intimate with someone and one amazing kiss could lead to a whole lot of other things that felt even better. Felix was not too bad himself, it felt very nice actually and Alexius could easily take it even further, but he sensed Felix was not used to showing off and exposing himself in the same way. Felix was smiling however, so that was good. And now it was Alexius' turn to flip the coin, so he did, and he won again. Now certain that Fortuna was with him today, he wondered what to do. That kiss was rather nice. 
   Felix chuckled, saying it was fair that Alexius won and Alexius smiled at him. First he considered another kiss or maybe have Felix undress a bit, but then he had another idea that might make Felix relax some more, "I want you to fill your cup with wine to the rim again, empty it and then fill it again." Alexius then said and handed Felix the coin, "Afterwards, it is your turn." 
   @Chevi
   
3. 

   The perfect wingman

   Thursday at 08:31 PM

   It was interesting getting to know Artemon, who seemed to long for someone to hold onto, although Alexius still had to figure out how to tell the young man, that Lucilla was not the girl he ought to pursue. It would never end well. Someone would end up getting hurt and it most likely would not be Lucilla’s heart that was broken.
   He smiled when Artemon spoke of presents and wondered why you should not sell things to women, “They do like presents, sometimes. But don’t offer them things. Give them things. And it must be something they want, although not necessarily something they need. Something special and something for themselves.” Alexius replied. It was so much easier to tell these things to Artemon than to his own son, he then thought. Lexus was not easy to talk to about women, because uh, he wasn’t like Alexius. He was still a guy who liked a girl though. And Alexius knew many useful things. Not that he claimed to know everything about women – what man could? Then women wouldn’t be such a wonderful mystery to explore…
   Alexius had then spoken about how not everything was about looks or size, although it did matter, sometimes. For Artemon though, he thought he’d need to say something else, since the guy had such poor ideas about himself. Artemon kept complaining, saying he was not rich and had a less than glamorous job. He wondered what to change and how to act. Alexius felt a bit sorry for him, think to have such low thoughts of yourself. What was it with the people in this insula lately? Theo was also as nice and gentle as a duckling and Didia recently named herself an idiot too. There were a lot of things for Alexius to fix, it seemed! Good thing he was here!
   “I doubt it’s your job or your lack of coin. I’m not wealthy either.” He said with a wink to the younger man, “And I don’t know what you should change or if you should even change anything. I don’t know you so well yet.” Alexius said and smiled, “But that, of course… is something we can do something about. I was just on my way down to get some food, do you want to join me?”
   @Liv
   
4. 

   Tricky Timing

   Thursday at 07:42 PM

   Of course he was sweet, but he was also honest. She mentioned again what an idiot she’d been, to follow that man. That part was true though and now she learned her lesson the hard way. Alexius still couldn’t quite wrap his mind around the idea of someone just wanting to cut and do nothing else to a woman… if you were such a beast anyway, why not go all the way? It just made it even more sick, to him. That man was an idiot too!
   Alexius caressed her hand gently with his fingers and tried to focus on what they did know about the man, should he make an attempt to find him. What made her think he was a Senator, for example? Not that Alexius had ever been an investigator, but he could try, for her sake.
   She leaned back into the chair and it creaked. Alexius glanced mostly towards his own curtains and thought he heard someone shift and his bed creak too. Didia went on though, explaining how the man had not been dressed very finely, but it didn’t sound like he was poor either. And then she mentioned a bag with a glass vial… and apparently that’s how it all went wrong. But he had put a knife to her throat first? And then she did the same? Alexius was surprised, that she carried a knife, but thought her clever for it too. At least she had something to defend herself with. Not that it had worked in her favor this time, but at least she tried. She paused after that, as if she wasn’t sure what he’d think. Alexius would definitely not report her, he admired her idea, so his answer to that was quite easy… “Do let me know if you want lessons in how to use the knife properly… for anything but cutting food.”
   Didia explained further about the vial again, that it had contained a lemon scented oil that had been expensive. She didn’t know what it was for though, but Alexius had an idea. Especially when she went on about the man having a shop. So he carried a knife and a bag with a lemon scented expensive oil, among other things. And he had a shop. There were a few useful pieces of knowledge here, he thought. Could be very useful. Didia had also told the man she ran a stall though, which wasn’t so good.
   “It has, actually… it’s narrowed down the field, at least. Did he look like a thermae worker? No… I don’t think he’d be. Those are slaves and they would not carry around expensive oils at night like that. Or have access to knives like that.” Alexius said thoughtfully and downed some more wine while he kept thinking, scratching his chin as he did it. There was a bit of a stubble there, which was actually helpful, “Perhaps he is a professional masseuse or… a barber, perhaps?”
   @Sara
   
5. 

   The perfect wingman

   Thursday at 12:45 PM

   Of course he knew her, he’d been living here for months now and as he came and left at odd hours, he met people at odd hours. Including lovely Lucilla, who sometimes needed someone who’d just hold her. And who was he to deny a woman who wanted a strong man to just hold her and comfort her, when other men sometimes weren’t half as nice as considerate?
   He wondered naturally what Artemon was looking for… a friend, it seemed, and then Lucilla to be more than that. Alexius weighed the options, it was sweet that Artemon liked her, but it wasn’t a good idea to get involved with a girl like her. The younger guy went on about how he thought she didn’t see him and he had offered her a discount, but she didn’t want it. Alexius let out a little laugh, “That’s also a very strange way to impress her, I think. Some women do like to be bought… but others need more than just that.” Alexius said with a smile and noted how Artemon set down his amphora and looked Alexius over and then called him hot. How sweet, Alexius thought, while the youth went on about how he was not hot and couldn’t get anyone as easily as Alexius could.
   It seemed like this might take more than a few moments and so Alexius leaned casually against the wall next to him by the staircase, “Don’t say such things… you’re not unattractive, Artemon. Besides, you know… although I will not be forgetting your compliment anytime soon, it’s not all about looks and size…” He said and grinned at the lovely young man, only happy to deal out some advice to someone who clearly yearned for it, “It’s also about who you are though… what you do. How you act. You know? And you seem like a friendly guy, so I wouldn’t give up if I were you.”
   @Liv
   
6. 

   Tricky Timing

   Wednesday at 07:16 PM

   It really wasn't fair that someone as kind and friendly and openminded as Didia was attacked by such a freak. It was true, that's what he was. A freak or a beast, Alexius thought to himself. She said the man had even seemed to enjoy cutting her and since that's all he had wanted to do with her, Alexius believed it. Because if you were a man and up to no good, and you cornered a beautiful woman and then all you'd do was cut her? Then you definitely had to get some kind of kick out of it. It was sick, really. He shook his head and downed some more wine, watching her seem so protective of herself and then she gestured to where the man had hurt her. On her throat and her chest. She explained Theo had stitched it and Alexius nodded, "He is rather good at that. He stitched me up too once." He said with a little smile, at least it was something they had in common now, although it wasn't a good thing that she had to be stitched up. It wasn't fair.
   Then she sighed and laid her head on the table and complained again about how much of an idiot she'd been and she didn't know the man's name. She wanted Alexius' help though, so that kind of information was useful. Before he could ask into it though, she said something more and Alexius put a hand on hers, "Don't say that, Didia. Of course you matter. To your family. To your friends. To me." Alexius said firmly, hoping such words would matter to her and that it mattered that he thought she mattered to him - because she did. How could she not?
   "But he won't do anything if I can help it. Let's see what we can learn." He said thoughtfully, "What makes you think he might be a Senator? Do you remember how he was dressed? Did he have anything with him but the knife?" 
   @Sara
   
7. 

   The perfect wingman

   Wednesday at 06:46 PM

   It was late in the day and Alexius thought he better go down and get something to eat for him and Lexus, once the boy returned from his job. It still annoyed him a bit that his son kept working in the house where Alexius lost his job from, but they were both smart enough to not really talk about it. Lexus could tell his father wasn’t happy with it and Alexius just let Lexus live his life then. The boy seemed very fond of the gardening, an odd to enjoy for a boy he thought, but if that’s what Lexus wanted… as long as he’d also pay attention when Alexius tried to teach him a thing or two about defending himself.
   He had a bit of a rest and now he was on his way down the stairs to get out. He was moving down the stairs with fast steps, thinking about what to get tonight from one of the nearby thermopolia, when he ran straight into one of the newer inhabitants of the building. Alexius stumbled and the younger guy called Artemon did the same, but managed to balance the amphora he carried.
   “No worries… Artemon, right?” Alexius said with a smile to the other man. Young and not bad looking at all, although he seemed a bit… inelegant, sometimes? As if his body was ahead of his thoughts, or something like that. Artemon then looked up at him, touching his arm and said he needed to have his opinion on something… and then asked about the girl called Lucilla, who lived up there on the top floor. Lucilla… how to tell him without saying too much?
   “She’s very lovely and friendly, once you get to know her. But she works a lot, so… it’s hard to get close to her. You’re interested in her?” Alexius asked curiously. Lucilla really was lovely and friendly and she really did work a lot, so all of that was true. What she did for a living didn’t matter to Alexius though. He liked her for who she was, not for what she was - as it was with most people, that Alexius liked.
   @Liv
   
8. 

   Tricky Timing

   Tuesday at 09:01 AM

   Alexius was usually a very friendly and approachable person – he preferred that people around him felt good in his company. But he also cared for his friends, who were anything from former gladiators and slaves he knew, former and current lovers, people he shared a good drink or brawl with, former people he’d worked with. And neighbors, of course! He could not (yet) count Didia as a former or current lover, nor anyone he’d worked with or shared a good drink with, but he lived close to her and he kind of felt she knew him and he knew her, by now. They ran into each other in the hallway, after all. And he knew Lexus knew her well too.
   So why should he not be upset when he learned that lovely Didia was attacked in the dark of the night and now wanted his help with her attacker? Alexius was known to lose his temper when it mattered, and it did now! That’s why he wanted the drink, perhaps it would calm him? Who in their right mind would attack someone as sweet and friendly as Didia? And then he feared what had happened to her, since she looked fine to him, but clearly wasn’t.
   She shook her head at his suggestion, she knew what he meant and she exclaimed rather loudly before realizing what she did. Alexius thought he heard someone turn in his bed, but focused on Didia and his drink, which he tasted while she continued talking, explaining what happened. She blamed herself and he agreed, she should not have followed a stranger into an alley, but then the man had wanted to cut her. She seemed nervous, afraid…
   “He just wanted to cut you?” Alexius asked, that sounded too weird, but then again, who in their right mind would do something to her? This one clearly was not in their right mind!
   “Did he, then? How badly? Did you see someone… Theo?” He knew the medicus from the ludus had moved in here too, after the earthquake and he was quite sure Didia had made friends with him too. She’d make friends with anyone. But that man who attacked her, he would surely not live to befriend anyone or see another day, if Alexius should ever find him!
   @Sara
   
9. 

   Tricky Timing

   September 20

   Alexius had lived many places in his life – as a child in the dormitory with the other slaves, then onto the ludus with the gladiators and then he was suddenly lanista and living a more luxurious life than ever before. After that, he lived in a small home like this with his wife, after they’d been to Germania and back. And after they divorced, he lived here and there and with the people he worked for. Living with Oriana had been quite nice and luxurious too, but now he was here, with Lexus. Humble, but it was what he could afford for now. And it was good enough.
   After he’d opened the window he offered her a seat and anything she’d want while she was here – and yes, at least he was honest about what he wanted, wasn’t he? She teased him and he smiled, “Why shouldn’t I be?” He just said, but she didn’t seem to want anything and he sat down next to her and she continued talking in a low, but hushed voice.
   Said she came about his work and then that she’d been attacked. Alexius tensed and sat straight almost immediately, she was attacked? Sweet Didia? What the fuck?! But before he had a chance to say that out loud, she held up a hand said she was fine, but she needed help.
   “Sure, I… of course I’ll help. One moment…” Alexius said and stood, she’d said no to wine, but he could use a drink now. It didn’t matter that it was barely daytime yet. He picked a jar of wine from the shelf and two wooden cups, just in case she’d want one anyway. He set it down on the table and poured for himself. After taking a drink, he looked at her again, “Why were you attacked? How? You look… fine?” His eyes widened as another image dawned on him, had she been raped? A woman could look and act as if she was all fine after such an act (not that he ever performed it), but she wouldn’t feel it and unseen parts of her could be bruised or worse… “Tell me he didn’t… did he?” 
   @Sara 
   
10. 

    Tricky Timing

    September 20

    She grinned when he mentioned the others were still sleeping, but then said she could whisper and not wake up his friend. Alexius grinned, “Friend… well if you prefer that term…” He replied with a wink, while she already somehow seemed in a better mood. But then she also glanced over her shoulder and said she’d rather not talk in the hallway and she could be quiet. It somehow still seemed so urgent though and who was he if he sent her away, when she came to speak to him like this?
    “Alright.” Alexius opened the door to let her in. He’d just tossed his dark crimson tunica over his head, that’s all he wore. The place was quiet still. Alexius closed the door once Didia was inside, while thinking she’d never been in their very humble home before. He hurried over to the window by the table and opened the hatch to let in some early daylight.
    “Do you want anything, while you’re here? Wine, bread, a hug… me?” He asked quietly, but with a smile, while offering her a seat by the table underneath the window. Of course he knew it was not likely she came to do anything but talk, but he could offer a warm embrace or a shoulder too, if that's what she needed. He couldn't quite guess what was wrong though, but he was curious.
    @Sara
    

Topics I Participated In

1. 

   The perfect wingman

   Started by Artemon · Wednesday at 02:40 PM

   Artemon was feeling down for the umpteenth time that week. Things were not looking up at all. As he carried an amphora full of water up the stairs, balancing it easily over his shoulder, he ran the maths in his head once more. Numbers weren't his strong suit, but even a bad student like him knew that unless his luck changed - or Iophon's, for that matter -, keeping a roof over their heads would be no easy feat.
   His thoughts quickly strayed to the topic of alternate lodging and then to his attractive neighbour Lucilla. She was so pretty and had such nice skin... hard to believe she was a laundress, her hands were never swollen and wrinkly! She must clearly use quality products and be paid well for them, since she could afford a better place than him and Iophon. If only she would give him the time of day...
   Lost in his daydream, Artemon almost crashed into one of his neighbours that was going down the stairs, and after a few seconds of juggling and cursing the amphora was safely balanced between his shoulder and head again. "Sorry Alexius, I was very deep in thought," Artemon apologised to his downstairs neighbour. The man had always been friendly, so maybe he wouldn't be angry at the near-collision.
   Wait a minute. Alexius was just the right person to ask! He was often in good-looking company. Looking at Alexius with big hopeful eyes, Artemon put a hand on the bodyguard's arm to stop him. "Actually, you're just the person I needed to see. I want your opinion. And your help," he added in a low conspiratorial tone. "What do you think of Lucilla who lives upstairs?"
   @Atrice
   
2. 

   Tricky Timing

   Started by Lucius Antonius Alexius · September 19

   August, 75AD – the morning after One Night in Rome and A Little Help
   Had it been a late night last night? Possibly. Not that Alexius ever knew what time it was, but he knew that some mornings he was better rested than others. Funny though, the mornings when he was not quite rested were also the mornings where he felt most satisfied. Possibly because he had woken up next to someone gorgeous and lovely and that made him feel good. This morning was no different from so many others, in that regard. So far though, he was well asleep in his own bed with an arm around another warm body. Behind another curtain in the other end of the small insula was Lexus, sleeping too. It was warm and quiet.
   Then there was a knocking on the door and being a former gladiator had turned Alexius into a light sleeper, when it came to such things. He woke up and sat up. There was another careful knock on the door. He looked towards the small window and could see the sun shining outside. Alright so it wasn’t night, at least. He reached for his tunica, dropped on the floor near the bed and dragged it over his head. Who in the name of Hades was knocking on their door while everyone were still sleeping? He cast a glance to the bed, before leaving it and slipping around the curtain blocking the view from his bed. There were no doors in this insula, after all.
   Soon enough he was at the door and opened it, although slowly and only enough to see who was outside. And that caught him by surprise! “Didia…” He said, looking at her, something was definitely off here. It was a bit awkward with the timing though, with both Lexus and his one-night-stand sleeping inside... “Are you alright?”
   @Sara
   
3. 

   Now What?

   Started by Sara · June 21

   1st July 75AD
   Didia thanked every single God in the sky this morning that there hadn't been more damage. Rumours floated through the streets that insulae all over the city had collapsed or had been part demolished by the earthquake that had caused the family to cower under the small table they used for meals. That was not to say the block was fine; great cracks spread across its exterior, paint and plaster and a thin veil of dust covered every inch of its surface and those on the lower levels had to now endure the nerve wracking creaks and groans as the building protested at still standing. 
   Up on the fourth floor, things were in better shape thanks in part to Didia's fastidiousness. Since they were so high up there had been no time to take shelter outside, and it had meant that when the shaking finally subsided she could set out immediately to setting the world to rights and making their cramped little home hospitable again. It was now late morning and having dusted, swept and rearranged within the home itself - she now stood on the landing shared with neighbours, dusting a great swathe of broken plaster and detritus into neat little piles to be tossed off the balcony at a later date, city rules be damned - she wasn't going to lug it down four flights of stairs.
   She knew most people in the building by virtue of having lived here for well over half her life, but occasionally new faces joined the rabble of freedmen and plebs, and her next door neighbour was one of them. She'd met the boy that morning - nervous and flustered after the earthquake as she gingerly inquired after his welfare, but had yet to meet the man she said was his father. Fate, therefore, was fortuitous this morning as a man - a good head and a half taller than her pushed down the corridor coming straight towards the door she was presently sweeping outside of. She blinked up with an arched brow, but a warm smile on her lips. So this was her neighbour.
   "I'm glad you're safe," She commented lightly and cast her eyes back down as she resumed her sweeping, "Your son was worried about you. Alexius, I presume?" 
    
   TAG: @Atrice
   
4. 

   Crystal Clear

   Started by Atrice · June 17

   Mid-July, 75 AD
   It had been a few weeks since the earthquake that shattered Rome, although he had heard that other parts of the nearby country had been hit far worse than the city. Still there was rubble here and there and some buildings, that had been too old or too badly built, had crumbled. Luckily not the little insula he shared with his son! Lexus had been fine the day after, it seemed, although a bit shaken. Alexius hadn’t even been at home when it hit, he’d been at the ludus with an arm wrapped around the divine body that was Annis. As soon as he was able, he’d returned to his son and they had talked things through and went out to help where they could in the city.
   Now that was a few weeks ago though and people had worked together to rebuild what was broken. Life went on in Rome, as it always had and always would in this eternal city. And he had returned to the ludus more than once to help out there too. Not today though; instead he went to visit one of his most familiar thermae, the one that was near the ludus and in the same region. The bath too had suffered some damage, but most of it was working once more and he thanked the gods for that.
   He hadn’t thought much about what happened here so many weeks ago, when he met the handsome young Florus. They hadn’t met here, actually, but he had smiled at Florus for the first time and then caught him to share a drink. Sadly, after Alexius had dared to touch Florus’ hand, the youth more or less bolted out. He wasn’t very experienced and even still a virgin. Pity with that, Alexius would have loved to teach him a thing or two about pleasure. Luckily, there were plenty of fish in the water in Rome and Alexius wasn’t bored or unsatisfied.
   Now he was back at the thermae, going through the less damaged baths and finished with a nice massage. After this he returned to the changing room and put his tunica back on – in the summer there was no reason to wear breeches, it was far too hot in Rome this time of the year. As he strapped the leather belt around his waist, another person entered the changing room from the baths and Alexius looked up at him briefly… and then looked again at the very handsome and very naked youth over there. What a sight to behold!
   “Florus!” He exclaimed with a grin, recalling how they’d talked about drinking together again sometime, “How good to see you again.”
   @Ejder
   
5. 

   Blessed Fortuna

   Started by Atrice · June 7

   24th of June, Fors Fortuna
   Months ago, Alexius met the very handsome and friendly Felix when he’d gone out for a night on the town. He’d interrupted a gang of guys about to beat someone up; and that someone turned out to be Felix. This Felix was someone he’d like to meet again and they had actually planned meeting for Vinalia Prima in Aprilis, but for some reason, Felix never showed up that night. Alexius had gone to his house as planned and patiently waited for his new friend to show up, but he never came and Alexius grew impatient. It was Vinalia and he couldn’t wait all night.
   So he had moved on since then, a lot had happened and at the same time, not much at all. His son had met a girl and Oriana’s father had decided she no longer needed a bodyguard to live in the house. Alexius had to move out and maybe that was for the best; the affair he had with her was doomed anyway, so he didn’t even know why he stayed. Well he knew… he had feelings for her and they were returned, but how could she ever marry a mere freedman, when she deserved so much more?
   Now he had a new home and Lexus had of course moved in with him. They got along fine, although most of the time, they didn’t see each other much. Lexus had a job and Alexius took little jobs here and there too, to make everything work and so they could pay for their home.
   It was late June now and time for another of his favorite Roman festivals – the Fors Fortuna. And didn’t he enjoy it? Not just because there was usually a lot of wine and pleasure involved, but also because it was the good fucking Fortuna they celebrated! The goddess of luck, the one who turned wheel and hopefully in the right way! He did earn his freedom once, years ago, and he would thank her for being alive and healthy and for having brought his son back to him.
   On the way to the temple, he walked past the home Felix showed him months ago and he stopped for a moment, kind of hoping he might actually see Felix again. And Fortuna worked in his favor, even today. Or perhaps, because it was today, she did it. The great Fortuna!
   He couldn’t help but grin, when that handsome creature emerged from the house, hopefully to also participate in the festival, “Felix! How good to see you! And on this blessed day, even!”
   @Chevi
   
6. 

   Father and Son

   Started by Atrice · May 28

   March 75 AD - same day as Science and Beauty
   Lexus snuck into the house, hoping no one would notice that he’d been gone for a very long time. He was a gardener in the house, sure, but he wasn’t a slave and he had done his job in the morning hours. He couldn’t help it that he ran into Septima and they got up to all sorts of weird things after that. She was pretty nice though, Septima. He never really talked with a girl the way he talked with her, or looked at her like that. She had some interesting ideas and she was clever. No one ever told him girls could be that smart. His mother had been, of course, but she was still just a seamstress and that was her lot in life. Septima was more.
   “Hey lad… where have you been?” Alexius voice said somewhere behind him and almost startled Lexus, who jumped and turned around to face his father. They had gotten to know each other better after Lexus moved in here, but it was still strange to actually know Alexius. He never knew him before. And they seemed so different.
   “I’ve just been out for a walk, that’s all.” Lexus replied and wanted to be on his way, but apparently his father had time to kill and that had to be with him.
   “Oh? Where to? I know Rome like I know my own purse.” Alexius said with a grin, “Let’s find something to drink and talk.” He added and led the way to the kitchens where he picked a random jar of wine and two cups. Alexius liked wine, a lot, Lexus had noticed. At least he never got violent because of it. Or if he did, Lexus didn’t see it.
   “So… what do you want to talk about?” Lexus asked and was reminded that Alexius already asked where he had been walking, “I went to the gardens of Sullust. They’re very pretty and have some interesting… flowers.” He said and wanted to kick himself for that last part. As if Alexius cared about pretty gardens and flowers. Besides, that’s not what was most interesting today.
   “Flowers?” Alexius said with a little laugh, still not truly believing his son had a huge interested in that. He poured wine for them, “I think there’s something you’re not telling me.” He added with a wink. Was his father really that smart? Well, he better spill the beans anyway. Maybe Alexius had some good advice.
   “Alright, you got me. I met someone. A girl.” Lexus said and felt the heat rise in his cheeks, he knew he was blushing. Gods it was so embarrassing! But he knew what his father thought of women and how much he liked them, so how could he not blush, when talking about these things for the first time ever, with his father?
   “You met a girl?” Alexius downed some wine, “That’s about time. What are you, 16 years old soon? Is she your girlfriend?” He asked right away and Lexus coughed as he’d just had a small sip of his wine. He shook his head.
   “No! I just met her, that’s all. She was very nice and we… had fun. But she’s not my girlfriend. I don’t even think she could be. She’s above me.” He explained and Alexius arched a brow, as if that meant anything to him! If a woman was nice, you'd approach her. That's how it worked.
   “That never stopped me! As you know! So you haven’t even kissed her?” Alexius asked, thinking it was really about time his son got that far.
   “No, I didn’t. We just talked. And I’m not like you.” He added, looking up at his father, the infamous womanizer, who actually didn’t even just go with women, he knew that much. Alexius would go with anyone, that’s what he heard through the grapewine. He’d probably go for Septima too, which would be too weird! She was too young anyway, he didn't know if Alexius would have anyone that young. She was better for Lexus... not that he thought he had a chance there. Meanwhile Alexius wasn't too pleased with his son's comment about not being like his father.
   
7. 

   Addiction [M]

   Started by Atrice · May 8

   Early May, 75 AD
   So here he was again. At the arena, to see gladiators fight. Maybe it was an addiction? Now that he was no longer a gladiator, he could at least look at them. Think that he used to hate it, back then, but now that he was free, it was what he enjoyed spending time looking at. Thinking back to the time where he stood down there, on the sands, with the crowd wrapped around his finger as they called out his name and threw praises his way and the women threw more than just that. But then there was the part about being a slave, being forced to fight to survive. Being forced to kill to live and he had no choice. And then of course the other part of it. Gladiators were little more than most other slaves, owned by the Empire and anyone in it could buy a private time with him. And he’d have to do whatever they wanted him to do, because that’s how it was, when you were a slave and a gladiator.
    Great, so he’d been daydreaming again and now the first entertainment had come to the sands. No Thessala today, it seemed, but there was the gorgeous blonde, Annis. He’d seen her before, both fighting and also at the ludus, when he came to see Thessala and spar with her. But he’d yet to meet this one. She was good. She had a warriors blood in her, he could tell. And she was tall, because she was not born around here. Alexius did enjoy gladiatrices and not just because he’d loved one of them, once, back in the day. They were so fierce, so independent in their own way. Not sweet and meek like Roman women. That’s also why he enjoyed Oriana so much, because she could act the same way, sometimes. But the gladiatrices… there was just something about them.
    She won, of course. He yelled along with the rest of the crowd and then decided it was about time he met this one. Spared her the humiliation of sleeping with a random Roman who bought his way into her cell and to her bed. He wouldn’t force her. But if she wanted him, he’d be stupid to say no, wouldn’t he? So he left the seats of the arena and hurried down the steps and corridors and towards the gladiators dark corridors underneath the arena. He knew these like the palm of his hand. Finally he encountered a guard and paid a few coins to be allowed access to her.
    Annis would have been shown to a room of her own, most likely unaware of who was coming to see her. Gladiators and their female counterparts were often sold to wealthy romans for fun – he’d been through all of that too, once. But that wasn’t why he’d come here… he just wanted to meet her and hear how she was doing. He was led to the right room and the guard unlocked the door and let him enter. The door closed behind Alexius and he looked around in the faint light of the room, finally setting his eyes upon the fierce and blood-stained blonde warrior. Gods, she was more stunning up close, wasn't she? “Greetings, Annis. You fought well today.” He said with a charming smile to her, not coming closer to her just yet, instead staying near the door until he knew how approachable she was.
   @Echo
   
8. 

   Fools Rush In

   Started by Atrice · February 22

   January, 75 AD
    
   Oriana was so lovely. He could not get enough of her when they were together, but when they were not, he was not sure what to think or feel. He knew she sometimes saw actual suitors and he knew that despite what she told him, she probably did want to rise in ranks here in Rome. She enjoyed her luxuries and she was clever and independent. And she didn't want her man sleeping around, like he had a tendency to, at least before he met her. Alexius tried to stay true. He tried hard. Did he fail or not? Well that was something he did not talk about.
   
   Something else had occurred in her home too though; in the fall, the arrival of his son Lexus, whom he had never met before, but now knew in person. Lexus was a handsome young man, but a lot more clumsy than Alexius and a lot more... inexperienced. Alexius did not think he was that inexperienced even at his son's age! Lexus' mother's death had been hard on the boy though, so he wouldn't push the boy either. 
   
   Today, Lexus was busy in the garden and Oriana had again left the house without caring to ask her bodyguard to come! Probably to see a suitor again, he had an idea that's why she did not tell him. She knew he'd be jealous too. It was all a mess, the affair with his employer, and he often considered just quitting the job and leaving her to maybe ask sweet Gaia if she'd have him work for her. But then Oriana was so lovely in the nights. There were so many things he could do, and then there's what he did... and since his employer was gone and his son was busy working, Alexius thought he might just find himself a drink somewhere.
   
   It was still broad daylight when he entered his old favorite tavern, not so far from the ludii and of course run by the most amazing freedwoman and former gladiatrix, Bellona. He entered the place and was about to get himself a cup of wine, when he spotted another familiar and quite pretty lady in there, sitting all alone. Well she was not that familiar, but also not unfamiliar. He'd seen her at one of the ludii where he'd gone to see the gladiators train. And at one of the ludii, he had not failed to notice this particular pretty woman, also watching the gladiators train, but from the inside of the ludus. She was probably a slave, but that mattered little to him. He had seen her before, she was quite attractive and all alone - and he decided she was familiar enough to approach her. First though, he bought a jar of wine and seeing that she already had a cup, he only needed one for himself. Hopefully she would not deny good company and wine, since she was on her own.
   
   Then Alexius approached her with a friendly smile on his face, "Greetings, lovely lady... I hope you won't mind if I sit down here and share this with you?" He nodded to the jar of wine in his hand, "I think I've seen you at one of the ludii, haven't I?" 
   @Liv
   
9. 

   Lost in the Moment

   Started by Sara · November 22, 2019

   September, 74AD
   Charis frowned, glancing between the sweeping rush of the river and the Ponte Fabricius to her left and the Ponte Cestio*, a way off to her right. The little island she stood on wasn't wide, but already crowded with altars and an enormous (to her) temple at its stern. She had been directed to the river by those she crossed paths with, earlier in the afternoon. She hadn't known what to expect but it certainly wasn't this mass of rushing water, the volume of people and the odd little island. She had been intending to come out here, in the clear light of early afternoon to pray to Condatis and Nodens, gods of many things but united both by their ability to heal, and for their control of water. Yet she had been picturing a peaceful scene, serene waters and forests surrounding it. What she found had made prayers impossible, and so she had continued to walk until she had found herself on the island. 
   She had found herself drawn into a small shrine. The name Vejovis hadn't meant much to her, but running her hands over the inscriptions left and with her rudimentary reading skills, she ascertained that this was a God (or Goddess, she couldn't be sure) of healing. It suited her needs, and she had spent some time in silent contemplation. Or as silent as one could be. Rome was busy, even on this little speck of land in the Tiber. 
   But now she needed to leave. She had asked Tertius' permission to visit the baths, and then the market and he had assented before he had left for his castra and whilst it would probably still be some time before he returned home again, she didn't doubt that her absence would be noted. Her paenula cloak was held across her waist with her assorted votive goods still held in it (she didn't think it was right, to offer them to a Roman God, even if she took her prayers in their shrine). She blinked, glancing at the bridge to her left, suddenly feeling a degree of dread that she couldn't remember if this was the right way or not. Why did every bridge, street and temple look the same to her! It had taken an hour or so of meandered walking to get here and Gods only knew how long it would take her to get back if she went the wrong way. Everything, in the late afternoon sun, looked different and she bit her lip, glancing in both directions. After a few more moments of hesitation, she sighed in frustration to herself and seeing a man, well, a group of people at least, she approached cautiously; "Excuse me, dominus." She said, loud enough to catch their attention; "Do you know way back to the Esquiline Hill?"
    
   TAG: @Atrice
   *Charis is currently stood on Tiber Island.
   
10. 

    Killer Queen

    Started by Atrice · October 15, 2019

    Was it strange, that he now almost enjoyed going to see gladiator games in the arena? Alexius used to be the one standing there. The crowd had cheered for him once, he had won so many times that they named him a champion. He had a reputation for killing and surviving, for putting on a good show and entertaining the crowd. And sometimes in the nights, he could be found entertaining men or women at the local taverns, when he went out to have a little fun of his own. Either they were brawls or a good lay. Or both.
    But everything had changed since then and Alexius had too. He was a freedman and although he sometimes had considered returning the life of a gladiator, he hadn’t done it yet and now he had an actual job and a lovely mistress to care about. Was he falling in love? He wasn’t sure. But he knew he cared for her for more than just sex. He enjoyed spending time with her. And he grew jealous by the thought of her marrying someone else… even though he assumed it would happen anyway.
    It wasn’t exactly the easiest relationship he had ever been in, but he admired her and how could he not? Alexius enjoyed more or less any woman who’d enjoy him, even the sweet and innocent damsels in distress... but he had always had a certain liking for strong and independent women. His first love, Achillia, had been such a woman. He hadn't seen her in years, but how could he forget such a gorgeous gladiatrix who could fend for herself?
    Nowadays, there were still gladriatices. And he'd seen them and there was one especially who’d caught his gaze. Her name was Thessala and he’d not seen anyone like her in years! Man could she swing a blade and smirk afterwards with blood sprayed over her face in the most stunning way… he was curious about what she was like as a person and had decided he would meet her. Just because... well, he could! Alexius still had contacts in the world of gladiators and ludii, so one day after a fight in the arena, he was allowed back into the old and dark corridors underneath the arena. He only had to pay a few coins to be allowed, and it was more for show than anything else.
    Thessala would have been shown to a room of her own, probably unaware of whom she would meet. Gladiators and their female counterparts were often sold to wealthy romans for fun – he’d been through all of that too, once. But that wasn’t why he would meet her. He simply wanted to meet a gladiatrix who knew what she was doing. The guard led him to the right door and unlocked it for him and Alexius was allowed in. There was a faint light in the room and he glanced around, wondering which corner she was hiding in. And by the gods, he hoped they'd paid attention to what he said and had not put her in chains. He never liked that. He doubted she did.
    @Chevi
    

Other Characters by this Player