Gil

Sort of unrelated, but not, I was on an rp site once where about once a month they had a "bake off" and there would be a recipe chosen and anyone could try it out and post pics of the results (and they could post about what they thought of the recipe and the fianl product etc) and then people would "vote" for their favorite (which of course was based on the "presentation"). Once the recipe was posted, you had like...a week...to do it. Maybe more - I can't recall. The recipes weren't historical or anything. But it was a fun way to just have something to chat about and share ideas about baking, etc.

Some day we should have an Aero cook out where we all do a Roman dish from Apicus' recipes and post pics and critiques! Thanks for sharing Atrice!

I have an idea for an "event" although it's natural and not a festival or anything. And as Aero has been around a long while, maybe it's already been done. But maybe declaring that on a certain day at a certain time, in game, a minor earthquake was felt in the city? Players would not have to react or post about it. But they could choose to, if they wanted to. For example, Caia and Caius are at the food stall and stuff falls down and gets spilled, pots broken, someone burns a finger in the grill, etc. Or someone has gone to shop in the market and the earth shakes and they fall and twist an ankle. Or at home a lamp falls and starts a fire. Well, you get the idea. I'm sure you don't want to have major death and destruction. But you (admin types) could decide how big a rocker it was.

Persephone let out a "Tch! of annoyance at the commotion caused by her drunken mistress. She watched with narrowed eyes as the two young men scrambled to come to Prima's aid. There was also a satisfied smirk at the sight of her young mistress's nethers all exposed. Phaedo nodded his approval of Lexus' suggestion, and they between the two of them were able to get Prima all straightened out, her dress pulled down once more, but she was on the wrong side of the wall! "I don't think she'll be able to walk," he observed, rather needlessly. "We'll have to get her home." He looked up at the dark haired girl with the cat eyes. "Is it far? Can you lead the way?" He was still not completely sure if he was speaking to a slave or a citizen. But he felt in either case, she should be at least willing to be their guide. Persephone practically snorted her disdain but nodded. "Yes, alright. Follow me." She was sorely disappointed that her evening of fun and frolic should be ending so soon. Then again...once they had reached the house and disposed of her mistress - in a suitable way, of course - perhaps she could 'show her gratitude' to the two young men. She wasn't averse to tackling such a challenge. In fact, the thought finally brought a smug little smile back to her lips. Phaedo nodded at Lexus and asked, "Ready?" Between them, they were able to lift the girl, Phaedo at her legs and Lexus gripping under her arms. She was slender, but dead weight, and it was horribly awkward and difficult. Phaedo sighed. This was really no way to end what should have been the best night he'd had since being brought to the Venus. Hopefully, the home of these two young ladies would not be far. Hopefully.... @Atrice

Pheado had smiled shyly at what might have been taken as something of a compliment. Of course, Theodorus couldn't know if the slave had any intelligence or skill, or not. But Phaedo said nothing, for he was a slave and his place was to be available when wanted and nothing more. He walked behind the two older men, and wondered what it must be like to be one of the physicians that tended to the slaves of the ludii. Bloody and hectic, at times, he was sure. But interesting, nonetheless. More interesting than being shafted up the arse by a never ending string of strangers, in any case, and far more enjoyable. There were worse things a slave could be put to, surely, than prostitution. But as far as Phaedo was concerned, he felt no gratitude that his fate had not been worse, when he'd been sold. He felt little rancor either. It was what it was, and there was nothing he could do to change the fact that he was at the whim and mercy of the gods and free men. He listened to Calvunus as they walked on, and he was quiet, as the thug suggested he and the medicus sit and eat. Phaedo knew the dangerous game the bouncer was playing, preparing to spend the domina's money, and his eyes widened a bit, at the cheek of the man. But of course, it wasn't his place to suggest Calvunus use more caution - and his brain! Phaedo just hoped that he'd be allowed to stay with them, and not be made to stand outside and wait, for he hoped the medicus might speak more about what he did, in so far as tending the fighters. @Chevi

Calvunus chuckled. "Me? No. I brought him here to tend to some old fat fart who has a kink - likes to get his rocks off while he has the smell of blood in his nostrils or some such fucking nonsense." He shrugged casually. "Maybe he was a soldier once, back before he was as big around as a barrel." Calvunus jerked a thumb back towards Phaedo. "I'm only playing nursemaid. Got to make sure no-one messes with the merchandise, unless they pay to." And it was no joke - the rivalry between the gangs that filled the Aventine extended to trying to do mischief to one anothers' properties, and that included human property as well. "He's worth a bit, because he's so pretty, and very good manners." Calvunus snorted. Clearly he didn't place a high value on courtesy himself. They had reached the open air entrance to the wine and food bar and Calvunus' thoughts immediately turned to filling his belly. Unfortunately, he was, in fact, broke. At least, his personal funds were tapped out. There was however the fee that had been paid over by the customer with the fetish. Technically it belonged to his boss and should have been remitted untouched into her grasping hand. On the other hand, there was likely to be a game of dice he could shoulder his way into, and surely, he could use the domina's money to recoup not only the price of a meal but also make a little profit beyond? "Come. Let's sit. I see a few stools over there." He pointed. "This is on me. A token of my appreciation for our future partnership." He clapped Theodorus on the back with a big smile on his still handsome face. He was making a great assumption. But perhaps the medicus would feel it would be foolish to look a gift horse - or meal - in the mouth. @Chevi

The distress of the arena was now completely forgotten, as Theodorus replied and put his question to Phaedo. The slave nodded in the affirmative and meant to speak, but Calvunus interrupted first, alluding to Phaedo's current mode of employment. But even that sad fact couldn't dampen the excitement Phaedo felt rising in his breast. When the bouncer was done, Phaedo said immediately - for such was his enthusiasm - "I was training to be a physician, sir. When I was very young. I...I didn't get very far, of course. But my first master, he was a medicus. I...I thought it was very...interesting." And slightly ghastly too, at times, such as seeing the broken skull of a dying child cradled in his master's hands. But at least it was an opportunity to learn. Compared to being a prostitute, it was heavenly. @Chevi

Calvunus was more than prepared to fill Theodorus' ear with schemes for determining which gladiator might have the upper hand in the matches. But he was also more than willing to wait to do so, over beer, or wine, as the slave spoke up and Theodorus answered him. He knew a little about the prostitute's background, for Calvunus, unlike Falco, was the friendly sort who was curious to know about those who worked in the brothel. He interjected, "The boy's sharp as a tack," nodding at Phaedo. "He's literate, and numerate. Not quite sure why he's being rented out by the hour." His words were coarse, but not unkind. @Chevi

There were a good number of people, gathered along the way, the beginning of the route that would take them throughout the city. It would be a long journey, but not tiring. Titus was fit. The odd piece would be the striking of the willing women, some of whom were already near, their faces expectant, hopeful, but also a little uncertain as well. He was already to a group of several, two of whom had that same giddy look on their faces, and who were even now stretching forth a hand. Titus approached and swung the rather slimy, gross, but sacred (apparently) thong of freshly flayed skin. It smacked first one hand, with a wet sound, and the woman gave a small shriek, but with laughter in her voice. Then he swung a second time and repeated, as both women broke into gales of giggles and excited chatter. He smiled at them and looked for another eager target, and then he spotted his cousin. Sister to his running mate – twin, in fact – and appearing to give courage to a friend, who slid forward looking very anxious. Titus grinned at Tiberius. ”I’ll leave that one for you, cousin. I’d hate to be the one who might catch your sister by mistake. I’d never hear the end of that!” He laughed and ran forward, in the opposite direction from Claudia. @Gothic @Sarah

The precocious slave, emboldened even more with the freedoms and excesses of the night, laughed with a sultry tone. She leaned closer still, her lips almost – but not quite – pressed to Lexus’ ear, as she whispered the raunchy joke, her breath warm upon his skin. It was no effort at all that next she shifted to press her lips to his, as her fingers still moved on his leg. Suddenly there was an exclamation, a cry of surprise and alarm, and then a soft thunk, as Prima fell backward from the low wall, and hit the paving stones behind it. It wasn’t a completely unmitigated impact. Pheado, who’d had his arm about her shoulder, had done the best he could to catch her. But the angle and her weight played against his efforts. So in the end, all he could do was to grab her about one arm and reach hastily for the other hand, as she slid away from him, backwards. Prima wound up on her back, her feet still propped on the lip of the wall, her dress all askew and rucked up around her waist. Her eyes were fast shut. She was passed out, not from the fall, but from the wine. It was Phaedo who had yelped, and Phaedo who quickly scrambled over the wall to drop to his knees, bending close to examine her in the darkness. She seemed unhurt. She’d had the luck of the loosey-goosey effect of the alcohol in her blood, and had fallen limp and unresisting, thereby lessening any shock. Still, it was quite concerting. ”She’s passed out!” he exclaimed. ”Come. Help me get her up!” @Atrice

Behind them Phaedo’s eye dropped for a moment, as he walked a step or two behind the others. He was too ashamed to admit he hadn’t been able to watch the matches. But he listened with interest, as the medicus listed the injuries which he’d been called upon to attempt to patch up. His eyes came back up when the man mentioned the head injury. ”I saw a child kicked in the head by a horse once. That sounds similar. He perished quite quickly though.” His voice was neither sad nor aghast, just very matter of fact. He had a kind heart. But his first master had emphasized the importance of not letting emotion get in the way of good doctoring. @Chevi

"Quintus Flavius Theodorus. I am afraid I don't know much about the games themselves, though. I just make sure the fighters don't expire unless it is in a spectacular fashion." ”Marcus Calvunus,” he replied, smiling. He’d lost a load of money on the fighter, but really bore him no ill will, and he was quite prepared to be in his usual good mood. He received Theodorus’ explanation - that he just sewed the men back together, without having any particular interest in the fighting itself or the outcomes - with a grin and a maybe-to-familiar- clap of his scarred hand to the man’s shoulder. ”Why, you could make a fortune Theodorus, with your insider knowledge. Surely you must hear and see things that would help a man make a few more coins.” It even occurred to him that Theodorus could help to throw a fight, with the right medication administered, before a match. But that would probably be sacrilegious or something, as well as put the man at risk for crucifixion. Calvunus thought better of making such a suggestion, for now anyway. @Chevi

I am still very much a newbie but I just wanted to say the memories I DO have are lovely ones! Gothy you have always been so kind, so helpful and so upbeat! Thank you for all the hard work you have poured into this site. It really shows! I know there are others a bit more "behind the scenes" - Chris and Anna. Thank you guys too! I really appreciate having a great place to RP this is so interesting, so friendly and so supportive! All the players here are amazing! Rock on Aero! Another deacde? Easy peasey!!

With such a mix of gravity and mirth, Titus nodded. "Then let us be about our work" he exclaimed to Tiberius, and with a chuckle he turned. At a steady pace, he jogged from the grove, to be greeted by those most interested in the ceremony and the rituals. he looked about for his first target and immediately spying a trio of young women, made for them hand raised to lay on the lash, but gently, in gesture only. He had no intentions of bringing pain to any who sought only the gift of a fertile womb. @Sarah@Gothic

Calvunus laughed heartily. ”By the gods, I wish. But no. I’ve only thrown my good money away on him today. I thought perhaps the gods might bring me some justice and take his rotten soul in recompense – not that that would do me any good.” It was all said in good humor, without any real malice. Although if the gladiator did die, Calvunus would in fact take some small satisfaction therefrom. He looked with interest on Theodorus and said, ”You must be the medico then? Come! Let me buy you a drink, and you can tell me which of your charges I should bet on next time. I dare say the man who holds their health has as good a chance at picking a winner as the man who cleans out their latrine.” He was all hale and well met in his demeanor, while Phaedo hung back a bit, yet looked at Theodorus with his own brand of curiosity. Those big green eyes missed little, and the gears were whirring in his head. Despite his innate modesty and well trained good manners, he hazarded a question of his own. ”Dominus, can you say, what wounds the man has suffered?” It was quite an odd anomaly that, though he could barely stand to look upon violence and gore, Phaedo held a keen interest in the science of healing of even such gruesome injuries. @Chevi

Her tone was so offhand, but she had said to proceed. Phaedo was quite happy to recite, anytime. And this had been a sort of…command…from the woman, regardless of her tepid interest. Still, he wouldn’t not recite now that he had offered and she had accepted. So, even as they walked, he cleared his throat and began, in a tone like cream and honey: ”It was hot and past the middle of the day I stretched myself on top of the bed to relax My body half covered, the shuttered window half closed The light filtered in like it does in the forest when Phoebus descends in the west And a fugitive light plays Or where night is ending but day has not quite begun The sort of delicate light that encourages girls to show themselves When the shy or timorous hope to be able to hide their arousal Suddenly Corinna, her dress half undone, her hair dividing to show the fair white skin of her neck, appears at the door Semiramis herself on the night of her wedding looked so Or Lais, on her bed with her lovers I pulled at the dress She tried to keep some scraps around herself But hard as she fought, unwilling at first to submit My final victory showed what she really wanted She stood before my eyes, all veils removed Her body completely revealed, and nowhere flawed What arms! What shoulders! What breasts I see and touch! They are perfectly formed for my hands I stretch out my fingers, over the flat of her stomach, broad and inviting Then down and over her thighs But why tell all? There is no part of her body not worthy of praise And I press my naked form right down on hers Want to know more? We rested exhausted together May many middles of days like this come to me”* It was a salacious poem, to some, perhaps. But to Phaedo, it spoke of beauty and calm and love, if only the fleeting love of a man for the woman he desired. He’d sometimes dreamt of a man – a godly man in his fantasies – feeling such desire for him, and to some extent, it imbued his recitation with an underscore of wistfulness. When he was finished, he said nothing, wondering what the lady had thought of it, expecting neither praise nor condemnation from someone who didn’t care for poetry in the first place. *“Amores” Book I, No. V @Sydney

Another day at the games and another satisfying day of seeing men bashing and stabbing and poking at one another. Blood and sand. Sun and sweat. Life was good, for those in the spectator seats. Perhaps not so good for the ones actually engaged in the deadly combat below, in the arena, who must literally “do or die.” Still, life was rough and totally uncertain for anyone, in any situation, and as Calvunus had watched and cheered on his favorites (i.e. the ones he was backing with cold hard coin) he neither thought nor cared about the sad plight of the contestants who spilled blood in order to appease the appetite for entertainment of those watching. The thug’s cheering and cheerfulness had slowed and soured, though, as one of the fighters he’d placed quite a lot of (too much really) money on had gone down, hard. Calvunus was among those who’d yelled for his dispatching, at the hands of the gladiator who’d somehow managed to best the damned fellow. But others in the crowd were more vocal, more adamant, and Amyntas was allowed to live, if his wounds could be repaired that is. The games went on and eventually Calvunus turned away, his mood not so upbeat as it usually was. He was broke, again, and there was no point in staying. He turned to his companion, a younger man, hardly more than a youth, who was seated oddly with his back to the spectacle below them. He even had his hands over his ears, and his eyes closed as well. It was quite obvious he was no fan of the blood sport. In fact, he seemed to be doing literally everything he could to avoid any sensory uptake of what was going on around him. Calvunus grinned and slapped Phaedo on the near shoulder. ”Alright my darling. Come on. Time to head back. You can open your eyes now. Or do I need to carry you out like a softhearted and weak stomached woman?” Phaedo slowly opened his eyes, but was careful to not look around. He cautiously unclapped his ears and heard only the steady rumbling of a crowd of people, with none of the savage calls for maiming and death that would have indicated another bout was in full spate. He looked unhappy. ”I’m sorry. It was…it was…horrible, to see.” He tried to put the imagery from his thoughts but his mind’s eye perversely and stubbornly persisted in putting the image of a man skewered with a trident front and center. Calvunus, who seemed to have a soft spot himself for the slave, said with a sympathetic smile, ”Perhaps the domina will send another next time. I’ll have a word with her. That bastard can’t be all that picky about who he porks in between matches.” This was the reason for the prostitute to have been brought to the arena in the first place. There was a rich, regular patron of the Domus Venus who apparently had a slight fetish for seeking satisfaction whilst aroused by the sight of the action in the arena. He’d made a request. The Mistress of the brothel had filled it, sending along Phaedo, chosen at random, simply because he was rather comely. Calvunus had seized the chance to play escort and then had insisted they tarry long after Phaedo had done what was required of him, in a not so very private spot beneath the stands that circled around the pit. The bouncer might have felt sorry for Phaedo. But that wasn’t going to stop him from prolonging the afternoon and indulging in his own worst vice – gambling. Now, though, it seemed he’d had enough, and the two rose, Calvunus going so far as to offer a steadying hand to Phaedo’s arm. They exited the seating area and left the arena altogether, when Calvunus tugged on the slave’s arm and pulled him in the opposite direction from their path homewards. ”Hang on. I want to see if that bloody bastard pegged out.” It was clear from his tone that he was more in the camp of hoping the valiant fighter had succumbed to his wounds. It was a ‘serve him right if he does die, for having lost me my money’ kind of attitude that showed as a kind of belligerence on the bouncer’s still handsome features. Leading Phaedo still by the arm, Calvunus navigated the lanes that brought them to the Ludus where Amyntas trained, which was restricted place, and not accessible to just anyone. Just as the two arrived, a middle aged man exited the gates and Calvunus hailed him. ”Salve, friend! We call to inquire after the health of Amyntas. Any news to tell?” Phaedo, revived somewhat by the walk and the distance now between himself and the gore filled place of spectacle, looked upon the man and noted immediately the several blood stains on his garments. His green eyes widened, but he said nothing, yet. @Chevi

Titus stood tall and straight, clad in only the skin he’d been graced with since the day of his birth. Nudity was no shame, nothing untoward in a society that both lived in a typically warm clime and where the naked body was not seen as a thing of shame or even titillation. How often had the same features, the same contours, been on display at the public baths, or in the field on a campaign when opportunities to wash with even a basin of water, or a plunge into frigid river, were grabbed and appreciated as they came, with no regard for all the many others who might be taking advantage of the same gift? He accepted the bloodied strips of goat hide with dignity and gravity, even as the blood on his forehead itched faintly, making him want to wipe it away. It was an honor to be chosen for this role, and he meant to carry it out with what he hoped would be looked upon as virtus – the valor, manliness, excellence, courage, character, and worth, perceived as masculine strengths. Inclining his head to the priest, he then looked to his side, to his young cousin, Tiberius, and with a slightly wicked grin – for the festival and the ritual both were meant to be enjoyed as a time for rather...raucous and wild revelries....as well as holding religious significance. With such a grin and a smirk, he asked simply, ”Ready?” @Sarah

Her response was disappointing. Phaedo could not fathom how anyone could find poetry boring. It was beautiful. It was moving. It was the marriage of intellect and emotion. But of course it was not his place to say any of that, even if his enthusiastic expression fell a bit. She put a question to him and he didn’t answer immediately. He had to think. It was so hard to choose just one! ”Ovid,” he finally said. ”Are you familiar with the Amores, domina?” he did not look at her, but let his gaze slide perilously close. ”I…I could recite something, if it pleases you?” Of course, she’d just said poetry bored her. So in all likelihood, it would not please her, which was a shame, for Phaedo had a gift for recitation. @Sydney

Yes, it was true. In Hyacinthus’ case, both his master and mistress had reached the point of each being jealous of the other, when it came to him, and the physical pleasure he could give them. But he’d never dare complain. He wasn’t free. He didn’t have the right. His lot was to serve, as instructed, by whoever could corner him and drag him off to his or her bed. That was his life, and to complain would only make matters worse. So to her commentary, he said nothing, only listening politely, head bowed. Her next observation, though, caught him equally by surprise as her first. He looked up at her, startled but…maybe cautiously hopeful? ”Y-yes, domina. I do. I do love poetry, and plays, and literature. Really, I love to read anything. But poetry is my favorite. Do you like it as well? Do you have a favorite poet?” he tone was one of enthusiasm, although it was still subdued. He couldn't forget himself. It was really out of place for him to be asking her such questions. But…she had asked first. Surely, it was alright for him to ask her in turn? @Sydney

The dark haired girl smiled, a bit slyly, as if at some private joke, and she shrugged off further curiosity about which of the young men might be “in charge” for the evening. ”Lexus. That’s a nice name. I’m Persephone. What part of the city do you live in?” Up ahead, Phaedo was content to walk in silence with the other girl, who seemed painfully shy. He’d purposefully paired his young friend with the more talkative, bolder one. He was amused to think that one might bring Lexus more to being jolly and having fun, than the shy one. They wandered about the forum for a half hour or so, sometimes walking two by two, other times having more room to walk as a group all together. The wine was passed around, shared, and consumed. Prima gave Phaedo some coins to purchase some more – enough money in fact that he was able to buy more wine and of a better quality than what he’d bought earlier. This was even more quickly consumed, mostly while the four sat upon a low stone wall, that ran down around the corner of a house ,or some other sort of building – it was hard to tell in the dark – and terminated at the nearby opening to an alley. Persephone at some point had managed to slide her arm about Lexus’ waist. She was a gifted story teller, and had quite a few jokes at her command, many of them quite lewd. She was keeping all in the party entertained, and Phaedo thought his sides might split, he’d laughed so much. Prima, ever quiet, was more into drinking the wine up, and appeared to be getting a bit…wobbly. Phaedo kept his arm about her shoulders, but chastely, just to keep her from falling backwards off the wall. Upon finishing up yet another good joke, Persephone shifted so that her face was only inches from Lexus’. ”I can tell you are very naughty joke, if you like. I’ll whisper it in your ear. It’s so naughty I can’t dare to tell it out loud.” Meanwhile, her hand somehow was on his thigh, where she slowly traced her fingers in a small circle.

Her comment, and the question attached – asking for his opinion about the likely excitement to be had, or not, in the meeting they’d just left behind – caught Hyacinthus by surprise. He glanced over at the woman, lips parted, not knowing how to reply. He was very rarely asked what he thought about anything. And telling the truth in answer to her question wasn’t something he was prepared to risk. Such things had a tendency to get back to the wrong ears. So he hesitated, and then she assured him he could speak the truth, in a way that in no way convinced him that he could. Instead, he vacillated. ”I’ve little head for business myself, mistress. There are others that see to that for my master.” He was referring of course to what was common in many wealthy Roman households – one or more well educated slaves who were numerate and good at book keeping and the like, as well as keeping their master’s affairs in order. ”I am literate, and…and at one time was in training to be a physician.” He sighed ever so faintly. ”But was never taught about business dealings. My master finds me useful in other ways.” It was probably quite clear what ways those were, just given his youth and good looks. ”And yes, she is his wife. His second. She is quite kind to me as well.” The fact that she took him to her bed with even more regularity than her husband did might not have been so obvious. It was really quite a disgraceful and unvirtuous thing for a Roman woman to do, although, it happened all the time, no doubt. ”She allows me to visit the library. That’s my most favorite thing to do.” He shrugged slightly. ”They treat me well. I have no complaints.” Of course, he would say that.

No, Lexus did not succeed in not looking awkward, at first. But as Phaedo glanced at him, with a grin, he thought the boy’s expression was adorable. He could hardly remember a time when he himself had been so innocent. What must it be like, to be so unworldly, when it came to matters of the flesh? Then there was a small exchange and Lexus did right well for himself, and Phaedo flashed him another grin, and a small nod, of approval. The dark haired girl giggled again, but looked pleased at the compliment. She said coyly, ”Well, a clever one and a handsome, gallant one.” Her fox like eyes slid from one young man to the other and then to her friend, who was looking on a bit more shyly. ”I think we should like to keep you company for a bit, wouldn’t we Prima?” The friend nodded, but remained quiet, blushing a bit. Phaedo accepted the invitation for both himself and Lexus. ”Alright! Let’s see…” He craned his neck, looking back into the crowded taberna. But it was packed, just as he already knew it to be. ”There’s no place to sit in here. Would you like to walk around a bit? There’s so much to see.” He stepped to the side of the quiet girl, smiling, and began to walk, in a way that clearly asked that she follow him. He quite expected that the dark haired girl would take Lexus in hand, and he was right. ”That sounds fun!” the bold one said enthusiastically, falling into step right behind her friend. Lexus had either to walk beside her or get left behind. ”Prima is my mistress,” she confided to the boy, as they began to walk. ”We have switched roles for the night. Have you?” she asked, glancing at the back of Phaedo’s head, apparently wondering if he and Lexus were slave and master as well.

He took a swig too, when Lexus handed the jug back to him, and yes, agreed, it was not good! Despite being a slave, Phaedo had often eaten from his master’s, or mistress’s, plates, or drank from their very cups. He’d had the best of the best when it came to food and drink. Not ever day, but enough to know what was good and what wasn’t. This wine was cheap and sour, but it would suffice. Besides, it was all he could afford. He took another sip, before handing it right back to Lexus. Yes, in all probability they would wind up a bit drunk. There wasn’t enough wine for them to get completely sotted. But they could get a pleasant buzz from what they did have.He grinned at Lexus. ”No, I don’t know them. I’d guess they are out to celebrate, like us. And yes, I think they’d probably love to talk – to you!” He laughed. Then he raised his hand in a noticeable wave, and gestured for them to come over, before Lexus could make any protest. On a night such as this, two young men should have some fun, right?The two young women giggled even more, but they walked the few feet to bring them up beside the boys. Phaedo made a little comical half bow. ”Good evening, ladies. May Saturn shower his blessings upon you.”He used a verb that could mean shower, as in to pour, as with water. Yet it could also have a rougher meaning – to pee. It was a classic joke, one found in many a lewd play, just like the one they’d just seen – that one might ‘pour’ blessings. That’s what put it in his head. In any case, it made the girls laugh and one said, ”Well, aren’t you the clever one,” as she smiled at Phaedo. But her eyes slipped to Lexus then. ”And how about your friend here? Is he clever too? Or just handsome?”That sent both girls into a fit of giggles. It seemed that they too might have been indulging in some of the taberna’s awful tasting wine.Lexus Naevius Gineverus

Phaedo happily also ate a grape and Lexus watched him – he seemed to truly enjoy tasting the grape and Lexus was glad he bought them. But they also needed to find something to drink and this time Phaedo led the way to find a taberna and soon they were inside. There were many people here too, but Phaedo managed to order a jug of wine and he noted how the other didn’t want water. So he wanted to get drunk too. Lexus had seen drunk people many times and he was no stranger to wine, but he never drank so much that he felt it the next day… not before, anyway. But this was Saturnalia and he wanted to have all the fun together with Phaedo.Soon Phaedo got the jug of wine and handed it to Lexus – who took it and downed a good gulp. Gods this was not good wine, but he could not expect it on a night like this, where everyone wanted wine and you’d have to pay more to get the better wine. When he removed the jug from his mouth, he noticed Phaedo looking at something and grinning and he looked over his shoulder. Two young women were watching them and they smiled and one of them now even waved. Lexus handed the jug to Phaedo.“Do you think… they want to talk to us? You’re probably much better at this than I am…” He said and took another grape to eat, he still had the grapes and the little piece of bread in the other hand, “Do you know them?” He then asked – you never knew, right? Phaedo