Helios

• Face Claim

  Brad Pitt

• Location

  Rome

Recent Posts

1. 

   It's All Fun and Games

   August 10

   Helios was here and not entirely pleased with it. He’d met with none other than the former Caesar last summer, who promised him so many things, should Helios complete the task he’d been given. And he had completed the task, but apparently not soon enough, for suddenly there was a new Caesar and he never heard anything from the former again. So he was still a slave. Next year he’d be 30 years old and still a slave. But he kept his savings and hoped his mistress would soon accept it so he could gain his freedom.
    Yet he was not free tonight.  And so he was here, on the prowl for the next Senator to seduce or maybe a Senator’s wife, for once? He served drinks as the rest of the people of the Domus Venus, he made himself available to them, but the game was still on down on the sands and he was not yet to retire with anyone. He was far too valuable to sell to the lowest bidder, after all.
    That’s when he saw someone who’d not bid low on him… if he would at all, though. Tertius Quinctilius Varus. He’d met him briefly once, back when he sold the interesting story of Charis to the man. And Charis had been angry when she saw him again. Didn’t she understand he did what he had to do, to earn his coin and maybe one day his freedom? She was a slave too. Wouldn’t she do the same? Maybe not. And she was here too, he saw! How interesting.
    He glanced at the arena, that was Alexius down there, the former gladiator who saved Charis from Helios back then. The same former gladiator who had fucked his mistress in the streets of Rome. Yes, he had juice on Alexius too, if he should ever need it. But he was not available to save Charis right now. He was not important. Not as important as a fine looking Senator only accompanied by a petty female slave. Maybe he should drop by their seats… he decided to do it. Go for it. And so he began climbing the steps towards their seats.
   @Sara
   
2. 

   Away in the Shadows

   February 4

   Helios heard Caesar's shoulders crack and wondered briefly if he needed a massage - Helios had that skill too. But then he focused on listening to the most important man in Rome, who wanted him, Helios, of all people, to find someone for him! Caesar said he just knew that the young woman arrived within the last month and then he added what else he knew. An illegitimate member of the Flavian family? Of course, if she might call herself Flavia, he then thought. But that meant Caesar might be related to her, yet she was not a real member? A bastard-born perhaps, or something like that? But he said nothing and kept listening. Caesar said the woman came to Rome to find answers about her family and had probably not been here before. 
   "That is still not much to go by, Domine... but it is enough for now, I believe. Her connection with the Flavian family may be the key." Helios said, curious to learn more, also because it could help him find the woman... "Do you know how she is connected to the dynasty? If I am to find her, it is likely I will discover it sooner or later anyway... Domine. But the more knowledge I have, the more I can also gain." He explained, hoping Caesar would provide him with more information. Else he could find out on his own, but it would make things easier. 
   @Chris
   
3. 

   Away in the Shadows

   November 1, 2020

   Helios was still surprised that of all people, Caesar chose to come to him to ask for help and assistance in an important matter! But of course, Helios would serve the most important man in the empire. And not just because he feared he might lose his head or limbs if he said no, but because... well... anyone should serve Caesar and do his bidding. Helios did not recall much of the emperors before this one, well of course he remembered the uproar and the civil war and all that, but he was quite young and not even a prostitute back then. Back then he was still a house slave. And back then, Caesar had little impact on his life. Truth be told, he didn't have that still, well until now anyway! So of course he'd serve this emperor, because of who he was and he knew the peace this Caesar had brought with him. He was one to be admired. And served.
   Caesar explained what he wanted Helios to do - he was to find a young woman and Caesar explained more about the young woman. Helios already tried to read between the lines when the man began to explain. Eutropia, but she might call herself Flavia. And she was young and her father was dark-haired (Caesar had dark hair) and he described the mother's eyes as if he knew them well. Was this Eutropia or Flavia his relation? His child? Not that he would ask, but he could assume and maybe it was right. Apparently the young woman had run into trouble and might be involved with the dark-minded part of Rome's inhabitants. What else did he want to know? Helios thought it over.
   "There's not a lot to go on, besides a few names and her looks. That description could probably fit hundreds of women in Rome." Helios said, because this was the truth, "Do you know exactly when she arrived? And would she have friends or relations here, that she might have sought out?" 
   @Chris
   
4. 

   Away in the Shadows

   October 7, 2020

   Truly, he'd never in his life imagined this would happen. Captured in Britannia as a child, enslaved in Rome, eventually as a prostitute and later also a secret-collector and investigator... Helios did not think the mighty Caesar of the Roman Empire would ever hear of a man like him and definitely not meet him in person. And here they were, in a dusty and faintly lit room in one of the dirtiest areas of Rome and Caesar wanted his help. He had smirked and said the light didn't do him justice and confirmed what Helios had been thinking. Helios inhaled a breath. Caesar. Caesar! 
   "Caesar, I am... honored!" He said, bowing his head, not as a slave, but as a member of this odd society. He was a slave, but he was also a member of the Empire, even if he had no rights to call his own, "Honored that you have heard of me and wish for me to help you with your delicate situation. Of course, you have my assistance and my trust and silence in the matter, since that is what you desire." He added with a little smile - he did deal with desires, after all, "What will you have me do?" 
   @Chris
   
5. 

   This Beat is Sick

   September 23, 2020

   Helios paid attention to her story about Rome’s foundation – honestly he did not know this story before. Helios was a slave and he was not even born in Rome. He never went to any kind of school and he did not have the same knowledge a freeborn Roman had – even this woman here knew more than he did, it would seem, but he was always willing to learn. And while she teased that it might not be the best story to share with a slave, he more took it to tell something about her than anything else. He offered her a smile in return, “What you choose to tell me, is up to you, Domina. And as long as the promised payment comes, I will keep anything you tell me, to myself.” He promised her. He was not one to rise up against the Romans anyway, he never had any desire or need to. All Helios wanted at this point in his life, was freedom and the chance to not be forced to offer his body to anyone willing to pay. That would be a step forwards.
   She promised him the payment and even the payment straight to his own hands, while they were walking together and then he’d introduced himself. She did the same, saying her name was Antonina, which had him arch a brow. It was most likely her first name and Antonius was an old and well-known name in Rome. Helios did not know everything about Rome’s history, but who had not heard about Marc Antony, among others? It was not an uncommon name, Antonina, but he still thought it added to her rank. She was far from poor and clearly also intelligent.
   “It is a pleasure to meet you and know your name… Antonina.” He said and then she went on, adjusting her cloak and asked him to tell about his life so far. She was actually interested in him? This was new. Who knew this night would turn out so… different, from his usual life?
   “I am not Roman born, Domina. Or would you prefer I call you Antonina?” She did, after all, not appear to look down upon him and she’d already voiced how she treated slaves and such. He went on though, “I know I was born in Britannia and I have… distant memories of that.” Very distant and they mostly appeared when he slept and dreamt of the woman he assumed was his mother, before he had been torn away and brought to Rome, “I came to Rome at a young age and was bought by a noble household. I don’t remember the name anymore. I was a house slave, befriending the children of the house that were around my age. One of them was a girl and when we grew older… her father did no longer approve of our close friendship. So to punish me for my blonde hair, my blue eyes and my smile, he sold me to this life instead. And this is where I have been ever since.” He looked at her, wondering if she had not heard a similar story a thousand times before. A child, ripped from the arms of their mother and brought to Rome to live a life in servitude, where they could not make any choices themselves. And they could be sold if their master felt like it. They didn’t matter. It wasn’t exactly an unknown story, in Rome.
   @Riv
   
6. 

   Away in the Shadows

   September 21, 2020

   Helios was curious to learn more about the job – and the man who hired him for it. He didn’t even know yet how much he’d be paid, but he assumed it would be quite a sum. The more dangerous or high-risk a job was, the more you earned. And not even Helios’ mistress knew about this, it was that secret. He could only hope it wasn’t all a ruse and he had somehow angered someone in a high place and he was going to end up dead in a few moments…
   But that didn’t happen. Instead the stranger with the hood confirmed he needed Helios’ services and then pulled back the hood. Helios’ eyes were adjusting to the faint light in the room and he narrowed his eyes, it was a familiar face, but not someone he had ever met, been close to or slept with, he thought… it was obvious though, that the man expected Helios to know who he was. Meanwhile the stranger continued talking about a personal and delicate situation that had to be kept secret. And apparently he’d heard about Helios for this job. Alright, so the man was powerful – he said so and Helios should know who he was. He looked more closely at the other man who sat before him. Was it who he thought it was?
   “Of course, Domine… I am certainly dependable and capable to anyone who will pay the right price and reward me well for my services.” Helios promised. It felt strange to just straight out ask someone ‘are you Caesar?’ but he never met the man before or had any chance to come close to him before. Helios was a slave, first in a private household and then here. There was no way a slave and prostitute like Helios ever got close to the most important man in the Empire. Until now anyway…
   “I want to make sure however, that you are not playing me for a fool. If you are who I think you are… and you will reward me in the way I hope… then you should have no problem telling me your name. In return, I am prepared to do whatever it takes to help you with your… situation. Domine.” Helios was not trying to be impolite or offensive, he simply needed to know the truth. His heart was beating as if it was trying to escape Hades though. Never in his life would he have believed he’d be standing before Caesar and asking to know exactly who that man was! This was so much more than he'd ever expected from his life.
   @Chris
   
7. 

   This Beat is Sick

   August 28, 2020

   She dismissed the praise with a wave of her hand, but then she spoke more of her business with the children and said she wanted to create a better Rome. How ambitious, Helios thought to himself. And at the same time, he somehow doubted she’d get very far with her plan. He’d lived in this area of Rome long enough to know that Rome had apparently been bad for a long time and probably would continue to be so. But she was still optimistic, he supposed that could be a good thing. She went on, saying she wanted to give people a chance and that included her slaves. This made Helios arch a brow, now more curious.
   “You are certainly a kind mistress, to reward those that are loyal. The same I think can not be said about most other Romans, even the women.” The same could not be said about his own mistress. He had been here since he was 14, half his life had in fact now been spent in this house! And while Titania, his mistress, often dangled the idea and hope of freedom right in front of his nose, saying that soon it would happen, soon she’d do it… he had not seen the shadow of freedom yet. He could even purchase his freedom, but every time he brought it up, she was busy. It was getting tiresome. Helios knew he could do more with his life… if only he had the chance.
   Then he had suggested to her they went elsewhere to talk, because he’d be happy to listen. He ought to work, after all, he was certain she understood. And she did – and offered payment for his time. Helios had serviced nobles as a courtier before, a companion and partner… like a fancy jewel you’d show off at a party. He could service this one too. She even mentioned further payment if he kept what they did after, a secret. For a price, any secret was safe with him. Until a higher bidder came along, of course, but they didn’t always.
   “Your secret is safe with me, if…” He paused, leaning closer and speaking in a lower voice, “… if you can promise me the additional half will not see the hands of my mistress.” This was a good chance to add something to his own savings. If he was ever free, he might even be somewhat wealthy, with what he’d stashed away so far.
   “I’d be a fool to say no to an adventure with an interesting domina.” Helios then said with a smile to her, bowing his head as an acknowledgment for a moment before he pushed away from the wall to come with her. She was tall, for a woman. Not that he minded, of course. Her lips were enough to make her lovely, so he wondered about the rest of her… “My name is Helios, by the way. And what may I call you?”
   @Riv
   
8. 

   This Beat is Sick

   August 28, 2020

   Underneath her crimson cloak and hood, he could make out a fancy looking chiton of some sort. This woman was definitely not poor and she was such a contrast to Helios, who wore just his sleeveless undyed tunica and the shining cuffs on his arms. The hood itself showed her status, such a bright red color was difficult to produce and even harder to keep that beautiful. And her skin, what he could make out of it, looked smooth and not worn. He had no idea about her age, but he wondered why she asked about children and hoped he could get her to think of other things. His mistress would prefer that he made some money, after all.
   He felt that she examined him, although he could not quite make out her eyes. There was a long silence, before she said she didn’t look for anyone in particular and then she spoke about her own kids, who were apparently a great deal older than toddlers.
   “I see.” Helios said, while he wondered why she’d tell all this to a stranger? But he paid attention and was thinking about an idea to make her useful. He should like to talk more to her. She seemed smart. Now she continued talking, about a business she owned, that took in abandoned children to raise them to become… some sort of spies. Interesting, he thought. If only he’d been taken in by a business like that, when he came to Rome as a child. But instead, he ended up with first a private household and then here at the brothel.
   “You sound like a remarkable woman, doing such things for the poor children.” Helios said. He knew little about children and didn’t have much experience with them at all, but it was impressive that she would do such things.
   “Perhaps you’d like to tell me more elsewhere… instead out here in the street. I’m a very good listener. You can come with me inside… or, if you’d rather prefer we go elsewhere, we can do that too.” Helios added with a small smile, he could be a very good listener and so much more. He mostly had male patrons that visited him, but there were a few women and he often found he enjoyed those more.
   @Riv
   
9. 

   This Beat is Sick

   August 27, 2020

   Helios was almost getting bored, when a red hooded woman walked near him. He had been standing here for a while, watching who came and left and made a mental note every time he saw someone of importance enter. He had seen quite a few interesting Senators and one even gave him a smile, but also proceeded into the building rather than lingering near Helios outside. Perhaps the man would prefer it to be more private and didn’t want the world to know he was interested in a blonde male prostitute like Helios.
   So instead he still stood here and was now approached by this woman in the crimson hood. She stopped in front of him, apparently careful to not be recognized, judging by how she’d allowed her hood to provide shade for half her face. Her red lips were visible though and lush they were. Helios looked at her with an interested smile, before she suddenly began talking about abandoned children. What?
   “No, I haven’t heard any…” Helios replied, a bit surprised by her question to be honest, but he had her near and he best try and keep her. She seemed interesting, “Are you looking for someone in particular? One of your own?” Children were sometimes kidnapped, although it wasn’t something you heard about very often. But you never knew. Why else would she be asking?
   @Riv
   
10. 

    The gif game

    August 25, 2020

Topics I Participated In

1. 

   It's All Fun and Games

   Started by Lucius Antonius Alexius · June 18

   June 30th, 76 AD
   Alexius life had not been going according to the plan lately. Not that he ever really had a plan, but lately, things had just taken a wrong turn. Not that it was all entirely bad, not that he was bored or didn’t have any lovers or anything like that, but he’d been feeling strange. He couldn't really explain it. All he could hope was that tonight might help. It was now about half a year ago, that he went to talk to Thessala, or rather, let it all out in a good spar with her, that he found out about the event. Thessala had heard rumors that the gang who ran the Domus Venus were considering to put up a day and night of entertainment. A private night, an exclusive night and it wouldn’t just be the kind of entertainment that the Venus was famous for. No, it would be all sorts of things. Including gladiatorial games. It was going to be a big event! 
    That was the first time he heard about it, back when Thessala told him what she'd heard. Then a month or so, he was invited to talk to them. It came out of the blue and he didn’t know what they wanted, it wasn’t like he wanted to be a bouncer at the Venus! Brothels were not really his thing, not at all, in fact. He always felt so bad for the women and men and boys and girls working there, forced to sleep with anyone instead of being able to choose, like he did. But the Venus didn’t want him to become a bouncer or a guard, no… they wanted to see him fight in an arena. And wondered if he’d fight a woman. Because they had managed to get a deal with a ludus about one of their most fierce and famous gladiatrices. With that, they gained his interest and then they also offered plenty of coin for his efforts. 
   Alexius always felt like he was in need of coin. Good wine wasn’t entirely cheap, after all. And to always have food and wine in the home to offer guests, well, that was not cheap either. So he agreed to the deal. He’d fight as a gladiator again. Purely for entertainment, there would be no Caesar there to say one should live and one should die. They could draw blood, of course, and one would win and another would lose, but killing was not on the menu for the evening. You couldn't continue entertaining people if you were dead, after all... 
    It was now a year since the most recent earthquake and apparently that was the perfect occasion to celebrate. He hadn’t really fought in an arena since he was freed, but everyone knew he’d never forgotten about it and he had even at times considered returning, for real, and not just for one night only. That’s what this was though. Now, he could barely wait. He'd worked hard and exercised to return to his former strength - and here he was. Dressed and armored as he’d been in the past, as a Murmillo… walking through the tunnel underneath the seats, the tunnel that led to the private arena. The tunnel that led to the roar of the crowd and a proper fight against a proper opponent. He couldn't help but smile.
   @Chevi @Sara @Sharpie @Liv
   
2. 

   Away in the Shadows

   Started by Chris · August 14, 2020

   Summer 75 CE
   Just a few days earlier Quintus had received a letter from one Gnaeus Flavius Paterculus. There were few messages sent across the empire that were routed directly to Caesar without first going through the hands of his secretary - those from Paterculus were among the few. Paterculus was a servant and later freedman to Quintus' father, and had in many ways been a fatherly figure to Quintus in his youth. He had been a part of Quintus' entourage during the Greek rebellion nearly two decades earlier, and after Quintus secured Athens he allowed Paterculus to remain in Attica... which was his home.
   There was another reason Quintus left Paterculus in Attica. Quintus, in his younger years, was one for tasting all of the local flavors... so to speak. He went through young men and women and considered that just as much a conquest as the battles and wars he fought against Rome's enemies. Only twice (that he knew of) did those encounters leave him with children. Ausonia, in Hispania, had given him Publius - whom he later adopted with full rights - and a daughter, Belanina. And in Achaea, Patroclea had also given him a daughter: Eutropia.
   Paterculus, then, had been given the task of looking after Patroclea and Eutropia. In time Paterculus married Patroclea and Quintus had presumed that Eutropia thought Paterculus to be her father.
   That all came to an end with the letter.
   Within, Paterculus explained that he had a fever and would likely pass before the letter arrived to Quintus in Rome. He went on to say that an unfortunate string of bad luck in gambling had robbed him of his assets, and those Caesar had sent to him to take care of his family. Eutropia, who was set to be married to a low-level member of the Athenian senate, was distraught to find she had neither an inheritance nor dowry. In all the hysteria, Patroclea had let slip the secret that Eutropia's wealth was with her father in Rome... which then pressed Eutropia to dig for the truth of her lineage.
   It continued to say that Eutropia had left for Rome, and after they heard nothing back from her, Patroclea went after her. The only letter Paterculus had received from Patroclea was that Eutropia had gotten into some sort of trouble. The letter ended with an apology.
   Eutropia had to be found.
   To that end, Quintus had relied upon his aides to arrange a meeting with a contact who was supposed to be one of the very best at finding and selling secrets.
   An abandoned apartment had been secured in the subura of Absidata. With the combination of stubble he had not shaved for days, some soot to dirty his face, and a hood to cover his imperial features, Caesar had gone unnoticed to the point of contact. A hand-picked group of German Guard were dressed in civilian clothing, making themselves busy in the streets outside, and Caesar carried a belt around his shoulder that sheathed a small and very sharp dagger. He was prepared for whatever might come.
   He heard the shuffling of foot steps, and then a knock.
   "Enter" he said.
   @Atrice
   
3. 

   What (and i can't stress this enough) The Fuck?!

   Started by Anna · June 21, 2020

   30.6.75 | open
   It was early morn, one of the few hours of the day that the Venus was closed to customers. Allowing its inhabitants to rest and clean up after their long evening of debauchery. Titinia was hoping to catch a few hours of sleep before the sun was high in the sky, alerting everyone it was time to rise and ready the brothel for the evening to come. For her to spend a few hours being a mother to her young children. But that didn't seem to be fated for her that night. Her life was never simple; being a mother of five, a gang leader's wife and a brothel madam.  She had children to raise, a husband to keep after and clients to please. Because heaven forbid they go to the stink hole that called themselves a brothel down the way. 
   So instead of sleeping, she was in her office. Looking over the books one last time to make sure all was in order before finally being ready to go to bed, it was too late for her to venture home. Falco was sleeping and her husband had too many enemies for her go alone. That's when the tremors started. The world shaking beneath their very feet and she watched as her candle began to vibrate towards the end of the desk. She snatched it up before it reached it and she stood from her desk, keeping calm as she made her way into the hallways. She wasn't the only one alerted, groggy whores and sleepy house slaves a like were stumbling from their pallets. "Get down stairs. Into the open area, go on with all of you!" She's barked at them as she joined the crowd of moving bodies.
   There were some screams to be heard as plaster fell from the ceiling behind her, naked or barely clothed figures screaming in terror as they moved to get downstairs. Where the fuck where her bouncers? And Gods, please tell her that none of her clients were there, spending nights with their favorites. That would be a disaster she wasn't ready to face. Ever. 
   
4. 

   Like one of your Roman girls

   Started by Beauty · June 9, 2020

   Nymphias could neither read nor write so sending a letter of sorts to Helios was out of the question. So when they met at some point during the spring, she had told him a time, which was the evening, and the location, which was the Garden of Sallust, the place where he’d taken her, and then a date in June. She did not want them walking together because it was to be a surprise. With money given to her by her domina, she bought some wine and cakes with honey. The latter, which she was addicted to. Life seemed better to her, perhaps because time had eased some of her hurts or because she felt closer to being free, but she still missed her family dearly, particularly her sister, who she was aware of being in Rome as a slave. Nymphias had been promoted, her Latin improved, and, if you asked her, had found love. She hoped her sister was faring just as well, if not better.
   Nymphias found a secluded area of the gardens where they had been many weeks ago. She dressed in her best gown, fashioned her hair in a way that appeared Roman and the hairpin she had bought when with her friend Clio was worn on her head. She was no noble woman and so had nothing to make her truly stand out but did what she could with what she had. To pass the time while she waited for him, she had created a plethora of crowns made of flowers, carefully and perfectly crafted, and other chains of flowers were present to “decorate” the area, making it appear more wistful.
   Nymphias had zero knowledge in how wooing went but her heart was in the right place. When finished decorating, she quickly laid on her side, arm propped up by the elbow, her cheek resting on her hand while the other rested on her hip bone. In this position, she thought she looked naughty but it was something that would likely look incredibly awkward to anyone should they have passed her by. By the time Helios arrived, she grinned widely.
   “Hello, Helios,” she said playfully, she hoped he was stunned by the amount of preparing she’d done. In reality, it wasn’t much but for her it was. “Care for some wine?”
   @Atrice
    
   
5. 

   This Beat is Sick

   Started by Atrice · May 26, 2020

   Mid May 75 AD - in the street, near the Domus Venus
   It was just another evening in the Domus Venus and Helios was waiting for his next patron to show up. He had been up all night last night, busy with patrons and clients and for some reason, he couldn’t sleep very well today. Which meant that tonight he was more tired than usual and now he sat in the main room of the brothel, dressed in a simple sleeveless tunica that he’d tossed over his head and with shining cuffs around each arm. His hair was put up in a high ponytail tonight, mostly pulled away from his face save for a few tresses for the sake of looks.
   He hoped the next patron wouldn’t demand too much and at the same time, he hoped they’d stay all night. And give him both their body and a lot of stories about their lives. He had already had one tonight and he wasn’t feeling up to that much. Maybe he was getting too old for this shit. He really needed to do more with his life. Dareios made him realize this, a few years back and he had not stopped thinking about it since. Freedom was a thing in his near future, he hoped.
   He watched with a cup of wine in his hand, as another client walked through the door and spoke with the matron. He wanted a girl. And girls were lined up and the man selected one and off they were. Helios hadn’t been lined up with others like that in years; he wasn’t that young anymore and he could offer more than just a body. He was more a courtier than an actual prostitute these days, but most people didn’t know the difference. On top of that, he collected secrets and sold them either to his mistress or to other people willing to pay for them. Secrets could be very valuable. Knowledge was valuable... and Helios was lucky enough to have a good memory.
   Helios emptied his wine and let the matron know that he would be on the streets for a bit, hoping to find work and a useful and interesting client or something like it, out there instead. Near the Domus Venus he leaned against a wall, watching everyone who walked by and hoped to catch someone’s eye or see someone interesting to follow.
   ((the thread is open, but please let me know first before you join))
   ((the date is not set in stone, can be changed to June or April))
   
6. 

   Put Out the Fire

   Started by Joaquin · November 30, 2019

   Whenever he was given time for himself, Hector was never shy of being performative about it. Although he might not have openly screamed it from the hilltops, there was always a ‘notice me’ about him as he passed the other slaves in the domus by. At least in the past. With everything, he felt far too deflated to flounce about in self-importance. He had accepted Tertius’s word as law, but it didn’t necessarily cease his mourning. Instead, Hector simply left without his usual one-man parade. Before Charis, he might have needed a push to leave the home, he always happy to be more of a shadow than Tertius’s own shadow, but ultimately, he would not have thought anything of it but now, it pained him even more to do so. Even if Tertius was occupied elsewhere, he still felt like somehow Charis was sinking her talons into him.  
   Hector usually tried to keep some degree of an exercise routine outside of tending to Tertius, which was arguably a set of exercises of its own, and that day, he took to walking through the streets of Rome in an effort to get his blood flowing. The fresh air, which was as fresh as the air of Rome could be, and the bright yellow Mediterannean sun provided some level of cleansing. In a way, he felt he understood the Greek adage ‘healthy in mind in a healthy body’. The soft breeze gently stayed his exasperation as he walked. Eventually, he found himself pausing where a cluster of people had gathered around, either leaning against columns or sitting back against white stone, to watch some performance by a small troupe in cheap coloured masks. 
   Since arriving partway through the ordeal, the nature of the story completely evaded him, but he lingered out of curiosity due to laughter being emitted by some of the passers-by. One of the performers swished along the line of people before stopping just before Hector out of happenstance. They made a comedic statement before scuttling off and breaking into song, but the context was still lost on the slave with the most he could give in reaction was a curve of his brows and a blink in disbelief. “What was that supposed to be?” he commented, receiving a sharp ‘shh!’ from a nearby middle-aged woman, who he recognised from the nearby markets. She had pressed a finger against her lips and looked ready to tackle him if he made another sound.
   His eyes lifted up to the opposite end of the crowds and met with the familiar face of Helios, who was either watching or passing by. While Hector still admittedly held a grudge for his advancements on Tertius, he no longer considered it remotely in the same league as with the Briton. Circling the crowds, Hector approached the other man. “What a surprise, seeing you here,” he uttered in greeting, giving what was a brief smile. 
    
   @Atrice
   
7. 

   The gif game

   Started by Gothic · October 7, 2019

   Basically reply with your character responding to the one above with a gif of their reaction to the person above. 
    
   
   
8. 

   What comes around...

   Started by Atrice · September 9, 2019

   Helios was on his way home from visiting one of his patrons – one of those who preferred and paid for Helios to come to him rather than the Senator visiting the Domus Venus. And Helios was fine with that, he enjoyed the fine beds such people had, all the luxury of their homes and their slaves serving him, because the patron would often demand it. And while he appeared to just be there for the man’s pleasure, of course Helios was constantly watchful of what went on around him, who came and who left in such homes and what did the patron talk about after sex?
   He was well spent though, as he walked home, late in the afternoon. Now he thought he might need a good rest in his own bed and maybe a trip to one of the baths, spending a single coin on getting a proper bathing session, and then he would get on with the job. He hadn’t been sent with any of the guards, not even lovely Calvunus or grumpy Marcus, so no one knew at what time he ought to be back. Helios supposed he could spend a little bit of time on his own. So on his way home to the brothel, he took a longer route that would lead him towards one of the public baths.
   Helios had just turned around a corner, he wasn't far from the baths now... but then he found himself fronting a familiar face. Charis, wasn’t it? The young Briton slave, whose secret he sold to her master not so long ago… oh he had kind of hoped not to meet her again, ever. Fuck! And there was no way she had not seen him. He could try and pretend though, although his look of surprise might give him away.
   He hurried his steps to walk past her, as if he didn’t really know who she was. Hopefully she didn’t know that he spoke to her master and hopefully her master hadn’t punished her too badly after the secret was out. Hopefully she wouldn’t even remember him. Hopefully…
   @Sara
   
9. 

   Eyes on me

   Started by Gothic · August 3, 2019

   There had been many nights on and off with Calvunus. The Domina of the establishment gave him a reminder about the manners he was supposed to have in regards to the workers. The Domus Venus had a reputation to maintain. The best for the very best. Marcus had no desire to have his inners on his outside or be separated from his testicles. General guard duty was always relatively entertaining, as was finding or thinking of a worthwhile courtesan for an unsure client and the most irritating part was having to baby sit. Leticia and Vibia? He was only too happy to spend time with. Phaedo to a lesser degree. Unfortunately there was something about Helios that he could not escape, and everything the blond haired git did managed to irritate him. 
   Marcus paused by Helios' door and peered in at him. He had to admit that Helios was attractive but there was something about the way he spoke, not to mention, the way Calvunus' gaze managed to linger for a little too long for his liking. It was strange, Calvunus and he shared many things. Many lovers they would spend time with or would share tales of apart.
   Why was it that Helios and Calvunus managed to get under his skin so much? 
   He leaned against the door frame and folded his arms. 
   "You're working tonight. So make sure you are clean and ready for guests." Marcus said. However, there was no need for him to tell Helios what to do. He paused, waited and his gaze remained to linger at Helios more. He tried to think of something to say or add. 
    
   @Atrice
    
    
   
10. 

    Carpe Diem

    Started by Atrice · July 26, 2019

    By the gods Cynane hoped this was the right time! Two weeks ago, she had met a very lovely young woman from Britannia and they had actually gotten along rather well. So well that they wanted to see each other again. And they agreed to meet near her domus, two weeks later. Cynane had been a very good slave to her imperial mistress those weeks, she had not asked for any trips out on her own, but now she did it and it paid off. She was allowed. But at what hour was it she met Charis last time?
    She believed it was afternoon, because she remembered Claudia having business during the morning hours and she had been resting later in the day, and that’s when Cynane went to the market. She could not ask for an entire day off, but she wanted to see Charis so badly. She didn’t know why, other than that she’d felt bad for the young woman and wanted to be her friend. And maybe that’s all the reason she needed?
    Anyway, she was here now. Right where they’d left each other, but she had seen where Charis went afterwards so she continued up the hill to the domus. It didn’t look like the biggest place, but it wasn’t small either. She leaned against a wall opposite the domus where Charis lived and worked as a slave and she hoped Charis would actually appear. If she remembered their deal about meeting here and if she actually got the chance to leave. She hoped so.
    @Sara
    

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