Helios

• Face Claim

  Brad Pitt

• Location

  Rome

Recent Posts

1. 

   This Beat is Sick

   Wednesday at 07:55 AM

   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
   
2. 

   Away in the Shadows

   September 21

   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
   
3. 

   This Beat is Sick

   August 28

   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
   
4. 

   This Beat is Sick

   August 28

   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
   
5. 

   This Beat is Sick

   August 27

   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
   
6. 

   Away in the Shadows

   August 14

   This was very interesting! Helios had for years been doing what he’d been doing… well, for years. He was a prostitute in the Domus Venus, catering to the best Senators (and sometimes their wives) and on top of that, he collected secrets for his mistress, among other people. He collected them and kept them or sold them to anyone who might pay for it. Helios rather enjoyed that part of his job and as he once discussed with a friend, who had since then moved on to serve another master elsewhere… if he was ever to be freed, he might become a real investigator and spy. But for now, this was all he had. His mistress had suggested freedom might come someday, but it wasn’t here yet.
   Helios was ready to gain any secrets he could and gain some coin in return somehow. When he had been contacted by a slave, claiming he came from nowhere (but Helios could tell he served someone of a high rank), who said his master had a job for him… Helios naturally agreed. He had been told that this job required his full attention and discretion and if he was to let anything slip to the wrong people, or to anyone at all really, he might not see the light of day again. That was quite a threat! And quite a job too, he thought. He could earn a lot on this. If he did it well, maybe he’d gain enough to buy the freedom himself.
   And so he showed at the arranged meeting place, an abandoned old apartment in his own area of the great city. Helios wore a simple, but light, flax tunica and a belt with his purse. And a cloak too of course, because of all the secrecy. To be honest, it made him very curious. Who was he meeting? Who was this person, who needed his skills and required such discretion?
   Helios knocked on the door and was told to enter, so he did that. He slipped inside and was careful to close the door behind him. In the room was another man, cloaked with a hood too and Helios looked him over. He didn’t seem familiar, but it was hard to tell in a dimly lit room and with the man wearing a hood.
   “Greetings Domine… I am Helios.” Helios said, “I understand you’re in need of my services?” He didn’t know what yet, after all.
   @Chris
   
7. 

   This Beat is Sick

   May 26

   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))
   
8. 

   Put Out the Fire

   February 1

   It seemed to be quite easy to get information out of Hector - the body slave was apparently more willing to share than he pretended. He explained that Tertius had purchased him four years ago and that before that, he was owned by a Greek slaver. Helios arched a brow, that was interesting... but it made sense, Hector's name was Greek too. Helios might not be literate, but he'd heard his share of stories and knew that Hector was a war hero and prince of the infamous Troy many centuries ago. He could easily see why Hector was given that name, he was as handsome as any Trojan prince should be. 
   
   Hector told more about his previous owner and how he would have preferred to not sleep with him, but Helios could not quite tell if he had done it anyway or not. Then Hector wondered why Helios was so curious.
   
   "I am indeed just... curious, Hector. You said you had your share of fucks, so I just wondered if it was just your current master or if there have been others. You're lucky, if it is just the one and you're so fond of him and he is fond of you. It must be quite something, being owned by someone who actually cares for you." Helios had not tried that, after all. He doubted very much that his mistress cared for him at all, she just wanted whatever he could do to serve her... she just wanted him to earn her some coin. But on the other hand, Helios did not dream about becoming body slave to anyone. It was this life he had now, or freedom. And the latter was hopefully not too far away. Enough about Helios though, he was here to think about Hector and Charis, apparently.
   
   "I'm sure we together can learn something about Charis, that you can use against her." He said with a little smile and sipped his wine. Yes, he could find something. He would find a way to spy on her and then consider using what he already knew. Should he mention her friend Alexius to Hector? Now that was a thing to consider.
   @Joaquin
   
9. 

   Put Out the Fire

   January 22

   It was almost odd to meet someone here in Rome, who had never been to a brothel or even near one - but it seemed Hector was one of such men, and he confirmed that his master was indeed very pleasing. Helios noted how the words matched the expression on Hector's face and wondered if the poor slave was in love with his master. It was doubtful the love was returned, but he imagined said master would make Hector believe it, in order to get the treatment he wanted. As long as it worked for them, he thought.
   
   Hector then also confessed that he never had the time or the interest in going to a brothel and Helios nodded, "Of course not." He said and sipped his wine, while Hector explained that of course he had his share of fucks. Helios smiled, "I'm sure you have. Did you have another master before Varus? Or was he your first?" And his first everything, Helios wondered. But no matter, it was interesting to talk to a body slave like this, one who had lived a completely different life than his own, but was at the same time also just there for the pleasure of a wealthy Roman. The difference was that Hector only had to serve the one man... and Helios had many to serve and please.
   @Joaquin
   
10. 

    Put Out the Fire

    January 14

    Helios would do this for Hector (and for himself) concerning Charis, but without breaking the terms that Charis decided for them both. He would not come to her home and he would not speak to her master. He'd find some other way to spy on her. Either he himself would keep an eye on her or he'd find an informant. That friend she had with her in the garden that day, Cynane, was not likely to use, he thought. She had seemed defensive or at least not friendly towards him. He thought Alexius might be useful, since Helios also had information on him, so he could be blackmailed. But he'd see what he came up with. Nothing was decided yet.
    But how to meet? He did agree it was best that Hector came to him and Hector was apparently curious about the brothels, "When I first came to the Venus, the owner had both that and the Elysium. From what I understood, he only had the Elysium first. But then somehow managed to take over the Domus Venus too." He explained, because that was what he knew. Lucius Armenius had not been that bad to him. He knew the man was worse with the female whores and especially those appearing weak. But Helios was not weak. He learned how to smooth-talk anyone very quickly!
    Hector wondered then how Helios ended at the Venus and he laughed at Hector's ideas, "I could have ended up there. But Armenius - the former owner - thought I was better suited for the Venus. I'm glad he thought so. I'm satisfied with that." He said. Sure it wasn't always great that you had to sell your body to stay alive and stay out of trouble, but it was better than the Elysium, he knew that much. Hector made him curious though... "Are you saying you've never been to a brothel, Hector? Your master must be very... pleasing." 
    @Joaquin
    

Topics I Participated In

1. 

   Away in the Shadows

   Started by Chris · August 14

   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
   
2. 

   This Beat is Sick

   Started by Atrice · May 26

   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))
   
3. 

   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
   
4. 

   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
   

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