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Járnviðr

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  1. Járnviðr
    Secundus smiled knowingly. The praetorians were honestly more his type of man, he thought. Although he liked very few people, Secundus much preferred rowdy to respectable. Maintaining his aura of propriety took reigning in many of his impulses. The elite guards impressed with their skills, not with their ability to blow hot air- he would have liked to live like that. Perhaps he ought to surround himself with more of them. He could cultivate Gaius as a companion- nothing like a friend, but someone whose company he could enjoy. "How do the praetorians feel about the current state of things? With politics being as they are, there has been less need of you as of late, no?" @Echo
  2. Járnviðr
    Secundus admired his wife as she exited her chambers. While Livia frequently frustrated him, the way she wore this stola almost made up for it. He wondered why she had not worn it much previously. It flattered her figure (although most items of clothing did), as did the complementary jewelry. Why had she only brought this out for tonight's occasion? She never wore anything like this when it was just the two of them. Was she seducing one of their guests? Or perhaps simply trying to- he did not know which of them might be her target... Secundus opened his mouth to berate her for dressing so beautifully, but swallowed the criticism when she spoke first. The reminder of the ostensible purpose of the party encouraged him to hold his tongue. Vibia was the catalyst for invoking his wife's envy, and she had yet to arrive. He could remain neutral until then, tolerating Livia's provocation. "I hope that the gods appreciate our piety. How glad I am that you finally joined me." As the slaves welcomed the first guest, Secundus smiled when he saw who it was: Vibia, wearing a chiton that accentuated her curves and draped in hair that spilled tantalizingly freely despite her braids. He wondered how many of the other guests would be distracted by her very presence. How many of them had visited her in Domus Venus? Secundus nodded at Vibia as she introduced herself, smile widening ever so slightly. "We are happy to have a fine musician such as yourself perform on this day. The gods thank you, as do we. Your gifts will produce an enthralling performance. Livia, please meet tonight's entertainment. Vibia, meet the lady of the house." @Liv @Sara
  3. Járnviðr
    Secundus glared frostily at Livia. It seemed that despite her claims about her relationship with her sister, the arrival of this child would not allow he and his wife to make peace- which suggested to him that Horatia might be similarly unimpressed. As for the logistics of the plan- she had a point. How long could they allow Aglaea to leave the house before her pregnancy would be noticed? They would need to account for that, as well. "She will need to miscarry." Yes, it would be quite simple, if they planned properly. The people of Rome knew that he had heeled his household well, and would not be surprised if Aglaea were forced to remain at the villa with Livia. They spent months there at a time- with Livia occasionally returning to Rome in the early months, before she would be showing- meanwhile, they would pretend that Aglaea had already been pregnant for months- the timing would be delicate. "Aglaea discovered her own pregnancy months ago. You have not become pregnant yet, but she will begin to show shortly, and was forced to tell us the truth. As such, she will be remaining in the villa until further notice. That also gives us the excuse to spend more time there, during which you will finally become pregnant with my child. You may be seen in public for a few months before people would start to ask questions we cannot answer. The only risk is Horatia." @Liv @Echo
  4. Járnviðr
    Secundus did not budge at the news. Of course the slave thought he had seen nothing, or he would have told his master at once- and accordingly, would be forthcoming with Secundus now. Pickpockets worked subtly, and it would be easy to miss one at work. Most of them went unnoticed if they were clever and dexterous. It was possible that Rufus was telling the truth. It was probable, but it did not satisfy Secundus' desire for blood. "Perhaps you did see something. A man who looked as though he did not belong there, someone out of place." Secundus could not let this go. He hunted the pickpocket in his mind, running through the forum with a blunt weapon at his side- blunt, because the damage would take time to kill the criminal. He was a senator; if a senator could not solve a problem through the application of his power, no one could. "There may have been someone who looked suspiciously out of place; a slave without a master, a merchant far from his merchandise." @Sharpie
  5. Járnviðr
    Secundus returned the smile. Gaius lacked the manipulative tendencies of his senatorial colleagues. Such an attitude was refreshing. His attempts at making conversation were simple, but polite and friendly enough that Secundus found himself more charmed than annoyed. He wondered if this was the type of person he should spend more time with; honest, but not inclined to assert themselves. Senators lied and cheated and snuck around to gather what power they could- a mindless, endless game of arguments and ideologies that mattered less than lining pockets. He thought he should do this sort of thing more often. "Yes, I am. Our work is important for Rome's health, but the discussions held there are often insipid. May you never be forced to face men who are too old to fight or lie with a woman, and must instead satisfy themselves with argumentation." @Echo
  6. Járnviðr
    In honor of the Volturnalia, Secundus had joined in the day’s public festivities. Senators were expected to make appearances at these things; they represented most of a man’s religious life, so he performed the necessary civic duties. However, this year, he most looked forward to the night’s festivities. Secundus had been planning this party for many days now. Several of the men of the senate had been invited to join in. It would be a night of feasting, drinking, games, and music. Livia, as usual, had taken no interest in helping him plan the occasion. She considered any time spent with him wasted time. Secundus did not mind that. It made his plan easier. He could arrange for Vibia to perform as the night’s entertainment without it rising to his wife’s notice any sooner than the party itself. Although he only planned her to use her skills with the cithara, if any of the other guests took her up on another offer, he had not intention to stop them. Secundus hoped that Livia would guess what Vibia was. He imagined her affronted expression vividly as he supervised his slaves’ preparations. He wanted to provoke a reaction from her- something other than the meek, mouselike behavior of recent months. For someone so bitter and angry, she insisted on remaining dormant. Perhaps she was waiting for him to show weakness. He would force her to play her hand first. As the day’s festivities began to come to close, Secundus watched as the household finished its preparations. The party would begin soon; if everything went as planned, Vibia would be the first to arrive, with senators filing in very shortly after. Livia, who had been in her room all day, would likely want to be ready to greet their guests. He told one of the slaves to go fetch her- no need to disturb her mood before she’d had a chance to meet their guest of honor @Liv @Sara
  7. Járnviðr
    Secundus ignored Aglaea’s pleas. Nine months was nothing, he thought uncharitably as he watched her hysterics. Women would complain of nine months of captivity, when it was for the good of the family. He had withstood far worse with less complaint, but of course she and Livia were the ones who needed his leniency. His kindness. Aglaea had been kind to him once, when she was new to his household, but her feelings had curdled. That, too, rested on Livia’s shoulders. It all came back to her. His wife demanded that he consider her plight. Of course he had considered it. Secundus had considered the likelihood that Livia would bear his child. He had seen her in the depths of her grief and known that he needed to take drastic action. If Livia would simply accept this scheme- support it- then she would never need to worry about it again. But as she continued on, he realized that some of her objections had merit. He had thought of her sister and brothers, who had not worried him at all. But his sister, or her father- they could not keep this secret forever. “It will be some time yet before anyone would expect you to be showing. We can come up with a plan together. This is in your best interest, Livia. We will keep your father away with promises of grandchildren, if only you are given time to rest. Your sister- manufacture some argument at the right time, and she will stay away.” @Echo @Liv
  8. Járnviðr
    Secundus stood and smiled distantly. He could already imagine Livia's outrage at finding out who Vibia was. The thought should not satisfy him so, but he found that it gave him something to look forward to. As Vibia draped her arms around him, he laughed. Rolling his eyes at her injunction to "be good", Secundus kissed her once more. Passionate, perhaps more so at the thought of stoking his wife's temper. Finally, prepared to part ways, he took in the sight of Vibia one more time. "I hope to see you at that party, Vibia. The senators may appreciate your treats as well- by which I mean your lovely music. Until next time." With that, Secundus whistled his way home. @Sara End.
  9. Járnviðr
    Secundus listened to Aglaea's words patiently- for it took a kind of patience to listen to venom spat from a slave's lips and curb the urge to silence her by force. He had not taken enough care to hide from her; Aglaea had seen the barbarism within his heart, and it had turned her against him. Cruelty begets cruelty; the venom inside him and his wife had infected her veins. Perhaps soon they would all poison one another to death. He hoped he could outlast Livia. "My plot-" he began, outraged as she leveled her accusations, but bit back the retort. Secundus continued to pace. One glance around the domus confirmed her claims, anyway: the other slaves cowered out of reach of their master, providing no comfort or support as his household collapsed around him. Luckily, just when he began to feel an inkling of despair, Livia spoke. She spoke of conspiracy- who had he conspired with? Agalea was their property, not an accomplice. His wife had cast him as the villain, and so her refusal to provide him children became his own 'twisted fantasy'. It was obvious what he wanted; he had always been clear on that point. "My fantasy, Livia? I fantasize about having children to carry on my family name," he shouted. Catching himself, he lowered his voice to a gruff whisper. "Now, we both have what we wanted. I, a potential heir, and you, a reason not to join me in bed. You will rest here, in our villa, as your pregnancy progresses. You will birth our child in private, with the tireless support of your slave. My darker complexion may influence the child's looks, but no one would dare question the child's maternity. If they assume you slept with another senator- well, let them assume that. The child will not be born a slave." @Liv @Echo
  10. Járnviðr
    Secundus frowned. The slave's story matched Aglaea's. However, he had been the only potential witness. He remained Secundus' best avenue to learning more about this craven pickpocket. He would simply need to ask further questions to elicit a more elaborate recounting. There had to be some details that were missing. Secundus could not simply ignore the crime, no matter how little evidence he had now of the culprit. Perhaps if they retraced his steps. "Do you recall anything else about that day? Had you seen anyone suspiciously loitering nearby? Would you recognize any of the people that passed by, if you saw them again?" Even as he said it, Secundus' hopes were fading fast. The trail had already run cold, perhaps the moment that Aglaea had discovered the loss of the money. It was too late for him to hunt anyone down. Reluctant to admit defeat, the senator fixed Rufus with a serious look of consideration. Any knowledge, any information would be too valuable to pass up. He was desparate to punish someone for this, and he would take anyone as a target if there was the slightest hint that they might have done it. @Sharpie
  11. Járnviðr
    Secundus blinked. A child on the way…? Surely- his eyes flitted down to the slave’s belly, but of course there were no signs yet. He looked back up at her face, his expression momentarily parting to reveal his hopeful joy at the possibility of children- and the dark, sullen look that overtook it as he understood the meaning of her words, and saw her own expression. She had tried to- of course she had, he thought bitterly. She hated him as much as her mistress did. Of course she would try to deprive him of a legacy. “So you and my wife,” he spat out, “have been conspiring against me, but you’ve finally failed. I’m proud of you, Aglaea. I did not think you capable of this kind of cruelty. How long have you known?” He thought back to the last time he had bedded her. It must be a recent discovery. Had she been- how had she tried to prevent the pregnancy? He supposed now he knew where that supposedly “stolen” money must have gone- when had she bought the herb? Secundus huffed, looking away. He placed his hands behind his back, beginning to pace like a caged tiger. They needed to plan how to handle this now, and they were arguing with him over it! @Echo @Liv
  12. Járnviðr
    Secundus narrowed his eyes. By her tone, he knew that Livia must be hinting at something. It was just like her to play coy, one of the many ways her barbs were used against him. There was nothing about Aglaea that her mistress did not already know, except- he smiled, breaking eye contact. Of course. There was only one thing that he knew about his slave that Livia did not. He looked at Aglaea, disapproval plain on his face. For her to betray his confidence in this way was to dishonor his family name. They should have been allies in this, against Livia's protestations of innocence. He looked back at his wife. "Why repeat the words of your slave, who has spoken so clearly on the subject? I can see that you have already decided to stubbornly dig in your heels, and pretend virtue. You are no paragon, Livia, for refusing to provide me a child of your own. Surely you see the wisdom in this? A solution to satisfy all parties involved. You, myself, and your father." Secundus spat the words out like the venom that they were, rising with bile in his throat. He hated this household. He hated the slaves that could play neither sycophant nor ally, the wife who wished for his death, and he hated perhaps most of all the weight of his parents' legacy, dishonored every day by his failures. If only he could bring Livia to heel, he might stand some chance of salvaging his reputation. If only she would take her slave's child as her own- it would not be difficult, if they simply returned to Tibur, he thought, mind already racing ahead. @Liv @Echo
  13. Járnviðr
    Secundus sat impatiently, hands thrumming his knees rhythmically. He had never quite been able to accept that the long stretches of time Livia spent readying herself were necessary. The woman did everything she could to avoid him, except when she would rather berate him. Today was no exception; leaving her alone with a female slave was certainly safer than a male one, he thought darkly, although if Livia found a way to betray him with a woman, he would not have been surprised. She invented new ways to ruin him every day. He hated when the two of them spoke privately. Aglaea had once seen him as a strange but decent man, and now her mistress had turned her against him. As the minutes passed, he found himself wondering darkly whether they had tried to escape. They engaged in such theatrics, acting as though Secundus was unreasonable in his distrust of them. When had they ever proven themselves trustworthy? Unlike his wife, Secundus had honor. He took seriously the virtues of a husband and son, while Livia seemed to believe that she had no duties as a wife or domina. She punished him for her own shortcomings, and now she forced him to wait for her while her slave waited on her. Eventually, dissatisfied with having to exercise his patience, Secundus called out to them. "Livia, please, join me. All of Rome awaits the moment you deign to entertain your husband, rather than seclude yourself in a miasma of selfishness." @Liv @Echo
  14. Járnviðr
    Secundus started at Aglaea in undisguised shock for a brief moment- then pure rage, at having been addressed that way- and then, a mask of stoic calm. He crossed his arms; they looked tense: coiled and ready for action. He listened to Aglaea's outburst with no further sign of emotion at all, because there wasn't much of one beneath the surface. She had clearly lost her faculties, and he would ignore her until she had recovered them. His wife's tone was less surprising, but he bristled at it. He did not want her diffidence. He wanted her anger. "Livia, I am happy to leave your slave to her clearly overwhelming emotions, which seem to overtake her whenever it would be most inconvenient for me, but I have no desire to leave you out of my sight. After your behavior at our party, you should not be surprised. You may dress yourself as modestly as you choose, since you will only be keeping me company, rather than another man." He looked at both of the women once more before striding back outside. Secundus returned to his seat, sighing in satisfaction. This was what he had needed, he thought: impetus. Livia had soured his mood over the preceding months, but now, he had realized that he was never going to persuade her to take their marriage seriously, with the respect that it deserved. In that case, why should he? He waited for his wife to finish dressing herself. @Liv @Echo
  15. Járnviðr
    Secundus fixed Rufus with a stern, level gaze. He had dealt with many a liar in politics. If a slave tried to lie to him- firstly, it would be easier to detect due to the rightful fear slaves felt in the presence of their betters, but secondly, if the answers disappointed him, Secundus could reach out to Rufus' master to request assistance. A crime against a patrician could not simply be ignored. "My wife's slave, Aglaea, told me that when she was conducting some shopping for her mistress, her purse was stolen. Now, shortly after this unidentified pickpocket stole her purse without her noticing his presence at all, she spoke to you. I was wondering if you might have seen any evidence of potential suspect, any sign of someone who could have done this. Tell me anything that could help us investigate this crime against our household." @Sharpie
  16. Járnviðr
    Secundus smiled, his eyes glinting dangerously. He needed to do something to get Livia's attention. She had been distant lately, an unwelcome return to the earliest days of their marriage. He wanted to provoke a reaction- and the only way to do that was to make her temper flare. He had learned that lesson a long time ago. Perhaps showing off Vibia would offend her into speaking to him with something other than downcast eyes and false deference. He was growing weary of her games. Secundus pulled back, finger tickling Vibia's chin. He had places to go, and things to do. This had been a pleasant diversion, but...he should be off soon enough. He moved languidly, though, not quite motivated enough by the prospect of responsibilities and business to leave the bed. This was what made Vibia so dangerous, he thought: her ability to draw him in with narry but a sultry tone and honeyed words. He ought to be above such manipulation- and perhaps today, he had been. Perhaps today, he had said nothing that would incriminate him or scandalize anyone important. But perhaps another day, he would be less careful. That was the draw, really. The inherent danger with trusting so much of himself to a stranger. He sat up, stretching slightly. "Your musical talents will be much appreciated. If any of our guests appreciate any of your other virtues, then I'm sure they will do so respectfully. And perhaps I will be hiring you for more than just your musical talent. Perhaps the expression on my wife's face at the sight of you is part of the experience." @Sara
  17. Járnviðr
    May, 75 AD After discovering that his money had been stolen under Aglaea's inattentive eye, Secundus had been looking for a way to find the culprit. Secundus happily seized on her mention of a male slave, Rufus, that she had spoken with shortly before she noticed the purse missing. Now, Secundus had elected to investigate the matter personally. Although they were due back in Tibur soon, he could not let this matter rest. No one could steal from the Varus family without some action being taken. It did not take long to arrange the meeting. Rufus served a master who moved in much the same circles as Secundus, and finding him lingering while his master attended to some business was easy enough. Spotting him across the way, Secundus strode purposefully towards the man. The physical description did not quite due the hair justice, he thought with some amusement. "Are you Rufus? You spoke to one of my slaves, by the name of Aglaea. I have urgent business which requires your assistance." @Sharpie
  18. Járnviðr
    Secundus only smiled wider at Livia's comments. Hurled invective: that was exactly what he had come to expect from her. Well, he would simply have to remind her that he was the man of this house. He could allow her to speak to her slave, first, as he was interested in learning more about the situation. What had her so disappointed? But he found that he did not much want to leave the running of his household to his bitter, spiteful wife when he could simply ask the girl himself. Secundus stepped forward, placing a hand on Livia's shoulder, as if to stay her fury- unlikely to work, he realized, after recent events, so he withdraw it immediately. He looked at Aglaea with a darker look, his eyebrows furrowed. Had Aglaea lost something of Llivia's? Her carelessness had cost them in the past. Perhaps this was another incident of a mysterious pickpocket that she had failed to notice. "What is she talking about? What did you lose this time?" His voice remained level, although stern. This was Secundus at his most calm- unlikely, when he caught on that there was something to punish. @Liv @Echo
  19. Járnviðr
    Secundus initially tried to ignore the conversation happening in his wife's chambers. Livia needed time to cool off after her tantrum at the party, and the harsh things they had both said to one another. He would give her some space. He needed to, in order to stay calm. Then, his wife raised her voice. She sounded angry- with Aglaea, an uncommon nonoccurence. She often snapped at their other slaves, but not her precious body slave. This, he had to hear. Secundus got up, walking over to the room. He strode in confidently, ignoring any protest on Livia's face or on her tongue. Secundus smiled at Aglaea. He nodded to her politely, offering a wordless bow. "Aglaea, a pleasure as always to see you." Only then did he turn to his wife, who deserved to be ignored in favor of her slave. Secundus schooled his expression into a respectful, neutral one, although he doubted he could maintain it for long. He wanted her to admit that she had wronged him- a minor insult, bringing Vibia to the party. His wife's conduct? Unacceptable. He took in the sight of her, angry at some perceived slight. As always, Livia looked for something to complain about. "Is there something I can do to help, Livia? You seem disturbed." @Liv @Echo
  20. Járnviðr
    Secundus had spent the past days avoiding being in the house with just Livia. After the events of the party, their relationship had soured. Livia spat bitterly at him, as though anything had changed. He had only revealed her for what she truly was. She hated him? No, he hated her, and increasingly his marriage felt like a trap he had eagerly taken the bait from. It was his own doing that brought him to his undoing. Misery loved company, after all. Eventually, though, one had to come home, or else one’s colleagues began to spread rumors. Secundus arrived home in a bit of a foul mood (when was he in a pleasant one?), only to hear the women whispering in Livia’s room. He brushed off the simpering staff as one of them tried to help him- do what? The only thing he came here to do now was argue with his wife, yell at his slaves, or curse his fate. Secundus found a spot to recline in as he tried to forget the day’s tribulations. Perhaps he could relax until he forgot who he was and what his life had become. @Liv @Echo
  21. Járnviðr
    "Rome is my true home, though it may no longer have all of my heart. Dinner will be fine," he added, though he couldn't muster up more enthusiasm than that. Gaius was perfectly pleasant company, in that he did not demand anything that Secundus could not give. He was not given to prattling on about tiresome subjects that Secundus did not wish to hear about- they were as likely as not to punctuate long periods of silence with the barest of pleasantries. It was exactly the kind of socialization he preferred on a night like tonight. Secundus led Gaius to their seats. It was simply natural for him, as the older man, to set their course. He rarely visited the poppina (as despite the availability of seating for men of upper classes, he saw them as beneath his notice), but when he did, he knew exactly what to order. He chose a simple stew with bread to round out the meal. He raised an eyebrow at Gaius, waiting to see what he might order. Young men tended to strut about vainly when in the presence of women such as their server, so he suspected the man would minimize his appetite- or, conversely, show it off. One never knew which way the winds of fashion were blowing. @Echo
  22. Járnviðr
    Secundus smiled knowingly. Vibia's blend of false modesty and false confidence only made her more attractive. She knew exactly how to draw men in. He wondered if any of her clients had convinced themselves they loved her. It was a tempting preoccupation among young men, to decide that they were in love. He had never held any such romantic notions, for he had grown up suddenly- after years of revelry and fun, he had been thrown straight into adulthood without much warning. He wondered if there was much reward in pretending romantic interest. Perhaps he should have tried it. Now it was a bit late, though. Ah, well. Sometimes, an opportunity was gone before one noticed it leaving. He would have to live with that. "Your true calling! Yes, after the ladies abandon their posts, you will have to substitute yourself for them. Quite ably, I am sure. Have you ever played the lady, Vibia? Outside these walls. Or do you prefer the life of a madam?" @Sara
  23. Járnviðr
    Secundus watched her move with lithe grace. She knew exactly what to do to entice him. Despite his exhaustion, he felt renewed vigor at just the possibility of another round. He resisted the urge to end the conversation, though. He was no longer a young man, and needed the time to recuperate. Some light teasing and conversation filled a different need, no less important. “You are talented,” he mused. Secundus had only heard Vibia play outside, during his first visit. Venus paraded their girls around displaying their most unique assets- in Vibia’s case, this included her skill with music, in addition to the skills he had called upon more frequently. Secundus indulged the fantasy for a brief moment- inviting a whore to play music at a party, and introducing her to his wife. The look on Livia’s face would be gratifying- she so rarely bothered to react to him with anything but cold dismissal or suspicion. "Perhaps I shall. How would you prefer to be introduced, Vibia? I would not want to give my guests a mistaken impression of your broad range of skills.” @Sara
  24. Járnviðr
    He laughed heartily, eyes flitting shut. Secundus did know about the power of money- more than money, status. Status clung to a family long after the purse-strings tightened. He had turned attention away from his own failings, and so few suspected that anything might be amiss. Vibia knew his blood coursed with darker, harsher, barbaric impulses, but she never shied away from fulfilling his desires. The rest of Rome could imagine that he resembled every other stuffy, proper senator, who had his own private interests, simple to satisfy yet nonetheless embarrassing to admit existed. Somehow, men must be virile until they could be respectable. Secundus resented Rome's strictures nearly as much as he did its disloyalty. The Collegia, too, Secundus mused, deserved a disruption. Yet who was he to provide one? He had not interest in politics, only power. He wanted to establish a place for the Varus family. That was his only ambition, in the end. The Collegia and the brothels; Secundus wondered what some of his fellow senators thought of that. Hypocrisy abounded among most of his fellows. Pathetic. He wondered if Tertius thought himself above that, too. Tertius would be livid about this if he heard, and would insist on claiming superiority, as though he had any ground on which to do so. At Vibia's brazen question, Secundus looked askance. If he ran a brothel, he supposed it would bring shame upon his family name and scandalize everyone Secundus had ever known. It almost made him wish he could do it. Still, when it came to reality, he was curious what would happen to Vibia. Secundus had not thought about what happened to a whore when her looks faded as her body aged. How many former whores could run a brothel? Certainly, not most of them. What would the others do? Or did they age and continue working, with fewer and fewer men taking an interest- he hadn't paid any attention to the other whores this time, as he was already familiar with Vibia, but if he had, might he have seen them? Or were they hidden someplace, only trotted out if a man requested them? "If running a brothel with you would not disparage the Varus family name, my dear, I would do so happily. I will satisfy myself with admiring your work from a distance- once we've fully enjoyed your time as a gift of Venus, that is." @Sara
  25. Járnviðr
    Since the earthquake, Secundus had remained in Rome for longer than his previous return trips. Livia seemed to prefer it here, a fact which stoked the fires of his jealousy, but for now, he was happy to be distracted. There was still business for him to complete. Politics intruded on his self-pity and anger, channeling those dark thoughts and feelings to productive ends. On this night, he was enjoying a reprieve from the stressful concerns of the day. Looking for a place to drink away his troubles, Secundus slipped into the poppina silently. Ignoring the jovial atmosphere, Secundus found his usual seat. Despite his rare visits, he always tried to sit in the same spot. Something about the familiarity comforted him. However, tonight, his usual spot was behind another man, standing and goggling about as he chatted with a server. Secundus tamped down his irritation with a practiced mental sigh. Young men could indulge their temptations, he reminded himself; they did not have a legacy to concern themselves with. It was hardly his business. He could wait the few minutes for this moment of immaturity to pass. Instead, however, the man walked backwards into him, startling and stammering out an apology. Secundus nearly barked at him for the insult, but he recognized Gaius just a moment after he recognized him. "Gaius, what a pleasant surprise. How do the fates treat you?" @Echo
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