Atrice

Jason was right. To her it seemed they had both been lucky for the time being, when it came to whom their Roman master and mistress was. Both Claudia and Tiberius seemed calm and kind and they were certainly nothing like Charis' master. Now husband. She told Jason the whole story, at least what she knew of it, and it brought all the emotions back from the last time she saw Charis. Where she learned her friend had been freed and was now the wife to the man who had abused her. It was so wrong. So wrong. She could both understand it and not grasp it at all. When she was done, Jason commented how horrible it was.

But instead of now asking more into it, he wondered how Cynane felt about it all. She blinked, unprepared for such a question. Fuck, was she going to cry again? See, this was what Charis did to her. She cared about her friend. Deeply. They'd named each other sisters. And now there was a rift between them and no one but Jason asked into how she was feeling. She felt his hand wrap around hers then and felt her breath hitch for a moment.

"Not very good." She managed, "I don't know how it is with you, but I don't have a myriad of people to call close friends here. She was one of few. I've done my best for her. To be there for her. And then this happens. And I can't do anything about it." She hated being a slave and she hated that she'd grown so attached to someone, that it caused her to feel so emotional when talking about it. 

Then it dawned on her what she just said. She was one of few. Was? She blinked again, unable to stop the tears. Bloody Romans indeed.

@Sharpie

They didn't speak anymore, but he felt her fingers wrap around his when he reached for her hand. They were kneeling now and the proper ritual began. The Vestal performed her part of it, holding the animal and then she slid it's throat. It stood for a few moments with the blood running and spraying out of the wound, before it crumbled. Tertius had his head bowed, but he did see some of it and he felt the warm blood on his fingers, on the hand he had intertwined with Charis' hand. Then the Vestal came to them and smudged blood on their foreheads. Tertius didn't change any expression, this was all a part of the ritual and this was how it was done. If not the servants, the priestesses, in a temple knew how to do it... then who did? 

"It is done." The Vestal then said, "You may stay a little longer. Do you wish for me to bring a haruspex?" She asked afterwards and Tertius looked up, "No. I trust that Vesta and the Fates will guide us." He replied. There was no need to try and see what the future held for them. Both because he did want to prove his trust in Vesta. And maybe he didn't wish to know what might come. What if it wasn't good? What if it was something he didn't wish to know? "Very well. I will leave you to finish on your own." And then then Vestal left them alone in the chamber with the dead animal. Tertius squeezed Charis' hand and looked at her.

"Now it is done. I do hope for these things, Charis. What I asked for." He said, his tone gentle and sincere, "I hope that we can work together towards that goal." The goal of love and happiness in their marriage. Now they had Vesta's blessing, but even though they were just pieces in that great game the gods played, they still had to move to beat the obstacles. And they would have to do it together.

@Sara

* Haruspex - In the religion of ancient Rome, a haruspex was a person trained to practice a form of divination called haruspicy, the inspection of the entrails of sacrificed animals

Hilda explained that Charis hadn't seemed to like her either, and that Charis seemed very young. But she also betrayed Hilda, didn't she? Yet for some reason, Hilda didn't think ill of her because of it. Wulfric sighed again when his sister wondered if he'd spoken to Charis, "I have not. Every time I showed up at the house after that, it was convenient, that no one I wanted to speak to were there." He rolled his eyes, "You know Charis has a son with him? Which means he's our brother. Or mine anyway. I considered stealing both of them away, to Germania. So that boy wouldn't have to grow up here. But it seems impossible now." And it was, wasn't it? Because he wasn't leaving now anyway and Peregrinus probably loved his father. And Wulfric couldn't save every kind person he met. Even if he wanted to.

They then discussed Tiberius and Wulfric was very wary about the prince, he feared he might try and use Hilda for something. They could not afford to put their people in danger, simply because they wanted a nice place to live. That was stupid. Then he'd rather live in the den he had now. Hilda mused about how young the rulers were and then about Wulfric's age too. He arched a brow.

"This summer will be my twentyfifth, I'm not that young!" He commented, nudging her arm in jest, "I never considered my age much. Just that... if I must do it, then I will. It's just how things are. I'm sure I'll manage. But we don't even know if it'll be me. There are others before me. And I'm here." He paused, glancing her, "Why? You think I'm too young too?" 

@Sara

It was a painful topic and not one he discussed very often. Alexius preferred talking about better times, like his years as a gladiator. He was a slave, he was made to kill other slaves, but at least he did well. He survived. He was popular. He was famous. And he kind of still was, even if it was now more than a decade ago that he was freed. Hilda at least agreed on his comments and then suggested she could teach him some of his birth language. 

"I don't know why I'd swear with my employer. He's nice." Alexius replied, honestly he didn't have just one quarrel with Teutus. Or any other employer for that matter. Besides, Teutus knew his language by now - and how he'd swear if he felt it right. He never minded. No one did. But enough about him, what about Hilda? She laughed at his question and said she'd come here for her brother and to get away from her husband and his people. Then she wondered what he thought of him. Alexius held up a hand in his own defense.

"I don't know, I swear! I didn't have any ideas on why you were here!" He said and tried to think back to the moment she came in, "I did think you interesting, when you first walked in. And then you spoke to those idiots." He nodded at the men at the other table while he sipped his wine and then leaned closer to her, "That just made you more interesting." 

@Sara

Lucius was pleased with Ione, for now. At least more pleased than he'd been last night, when she'd failed to satisfy him the way he had wanted and he had wanted her to go. She did end up giving him some release, but it was barely the same as pleasure. The most pleasure he took from that experience with her, might be his power over her and how far and how much she would do to please him. Then today, she had pleased him in another way.

He did notice her smile and then she confirmed there was nothing more to tell for now. Then he decided he might pay her a little more, should he find the information she gained useful. That might motivate her more. Coin was great for motivation. She smiled again as she glanced up at him and now... now it widened. Then she thanked him and promised she would not let him down.

"I'm glad to hear you're grateful. Remember that for another time." Lucius said, "And remember your promise... that you won't let me down." He added, "There's nothing more now. Go and rest and get ready for tonight." He waved his hand to signal that she could leave. That was it for now. Time would tell if the information she gave him would actually be useful enough to pay her extra for, but for now, just the hope of more coin would hopefully help her. Once she had left, he returned to his paperwork.

@Sara

When in Rome, it was so easy to say you wished to return to your own lands and people, should you ever be freed from slavery. But returning wasn't that simple, as he had learned. He'd dreamed of doing it, ever since he was taken. He had wanted to go home. And then he did go home. But they didn't want him. Alexius now had plenty of friends in Rome and plenty to make him feel comfortable, but there were times when he was reminded that he didn't fit in anywhere. In Rome, he was a freedman, a former slave born in Germania. And in Germania, he was a Romanized freedman and not welcome either. Right now was such a time. He hated thinking about it. Better to get drunk, then.

He felt her hand on his arm again, this time gentler than before. 

"Fuck everyone, right?" That's what he was known for doing anyway. Gods, was it going to be a night like that? "I can afford my own drink." He said and waved to the barmaid, then pointed at his cup. She came to refill it, but gave him a look. Not that she said anything. He downed a gulp and looked at Hilda again.

"Not a single word. I don't even remember their gods. I grew up here. My forefathers fought the Romans to rid the lands of them, yet I was still brought here and grew up here." Alexius told her. Gods this was... depressing talk! And what women wanted to listen to a man talk about his depressing past? How was that interesting or entertaining to anyone?

"What about you? I suppose you weren't forced to come here. No offense, but... why are you here?" 

@Sara

She was sweet, he thought. Not so easily charmed as many others, but perhaps there was a good reason for that - she couldn't afford to be easily charmed as a Vestal. He knew they had very strict rules too. Something about burying them alive or something, if they did something wrong. He wasn't entirely sure about those rules, but he'd heard stories. Oh he wouldn't like to be the cause of her being punished. She was just... very pretty and sweet. And here, with him, alone. Almost, anyway, save for the few slaves in the background somewhere. She said she didn't do this often and wondered if he was used to other kinds of visitors. 

Alexius let out a little laugh, "Oh yes... I am used to that. Usually it's not too bad." He explained, "But I've never had a Vestal visit me before, so this is new. Not that I'm complaining." Alexius said with a wink, but then let the playfulness fade a bit, "Why did you come to see me? Since you're obviously not like the other kinds?" 

@Chevi

Wulfric clearly wasn't made to live in Rome - he wasn't like them and he didn't want to be like them. Even though he almost felt like a Roman, when he considered whether he could trust his sister, or not. It was hard to talk about these things. He hadn't really spoken so openly with anyone since he came here. Perhaps Ione, a bit, but that was it. And she was not his sister. Not at all. He felt Hilda's hand on his shoulder and she said she was here if he needed her. And if someone betrayed you, they'd get what was coming for them eventually.

"I don't know... I just kind of feel like Charis... his slave, that's now my father's wife? She seemed so friendly towards me at first. I feel we got along. And then she suddenly turned on me." He said, "It's obvious now though, why she did that. If she's now my father's wife." He rolled his eyes. He didn't want to trust anyone here now, at least not unless they proved themselves to him... and even when they did... it was hard. Ione had made amends. But it was still because of her - not that it was her fault - that he was beaten that time. It was his fault, but if it hadn't been because he'd liked her, it wouldn't have happened.

Then there was the issue with that prince Hilda met. Wulfric didn't wish to trust him either. Hilda explained how he helped her find Wulfric, and then said she would just use the man for as long as they needed him. Before adding that she would welcome his advice.

"I suppose I can make up my mind about him, once I meet him. But yes, be careful about crossing any lines with him. Don't let him have anything on you. Or us." He added, afraid that it would endanger his people. Perhaps his problem was that he cared too much about too many things and people. But how could he not? 

@Sara

Alexius at least didn't sit with the slaves up on the highest steps of the arena. But he didn't sit with the high and mighty Imperials or Senators either. He was down here among the common Romans - right where he belonged. At least here he didn't have to pretend or hold back, at least here he could feel what he wanted to feel. Even if he felt bad when he glanced towards the better seats, where Ovinia sat. He wanted to hold her hand or offer her a shoulder to hide in, should she need it. But he couldn't be everywhere at once and who knew if Didia might need such a shoulder? Not that he thought she did, she wasn't the fragile kind of woman. And she was right here. Lucius had joined them too, and Theo and other people he knew from his own area. 

He always did feel a bit bad for the poor foxes burning, but he too had once been a gladiator and knew the jobs performed by them down there, in this odd Roman ritual - one of many. But he was looking forwards to what happened next. A man was sent into the arena and Alexius watched him. Gods how petty he looked. So skinny and dark, so... disgusting. Alexius inhaled a breath, he would have preferred to strangle the man to death with his own two hands. They shouldn't have stopped Ovinia, that night. She should have done it. She deserved it. On the other hand, so did so many others. But he thought that even this kind of death was too easy for the bastard. Even if he was a beast set into the arena among other beasts. At least they had reasons to kill, reasons that had nothing to do with pleasure or insanity. They would kill because they were hungry or afraid or defensive. It was different. He hoped they would be allowed to live after this. 

The human beast looked oddly calm and collected, as he walked into the middle of the arena. Alexius joined the rest of the Romans as they began stomping. He hoped it would be a slow and painful death for the monster. But that was perhaps too much to hope for.

@Chevi @Sara @Sarah @Sharpie

He felt that he sat in the cell underneath the arena forever. Why did it take so long? He knew this was the end. He'd not even been given a trial. Apparently he was being executed on Imperial order. Why wasn't he given a trial? Was he not a Roman citizen? At least he could tell why he'd done what he had done. He hurt those people and killed them because he had to do it. And he enjoyed doing it. They all deserved it. Nobody in this world deserved life, when it came to it. They all deserved to bleed. And he was to make it happen, he was to make them bleed and he was to take joy in it. Now he would bleed. And it might not even be a quick and easy death. Marcus had hoped they'd make some gladiator kill him, penetrate his shoulder with a sharp blade and let it cut through his body and heart until he died. But that wasn't what was to happen. He shivered. It was evening and the cells were underground and he wore only a loincloth. 

Somebody unlocked the door to the cell and he looked up... "Get up you freak! It's time you're sent to Hades!" The guard outside the door said and next to him, another one laughed, "I don't think Hades will want him. Who would?" The second guard spat on the ground right in front of the now open door, "Get up!" The guard yelled and Barbatius inhaled a breath and stood. The dirt was rough beneath his feet. He wanted to not step where the guard spat on the ground, but he didn't see where it landed. He thought he felt something wet. Disgusting. People were disgusting on the outside. Only their blood and the way it would shine was beautiful. Only their death was beautiful. Would his be too? 

He was pushed up to stand by a gate and the guards stood behind him. The gate opened and the guards pushed him out, long enough for him to be free of the gate. They had removed his shackles. They wanted him to fight back? Attempt escape so death would be more gruesome? He didn't know. Marcus didn't turn around, he just stood there while the gate closed behind him. He could feel everyone's eyes upon him. He could even see some of them. White robes shining in the torchlight here and there. 

Then he heard the noise of two gates opening and turned towards them. He recognized the beasts, he'd seen them in the arena before. He could hear them growl. They were hungry and afraid, but could not escape. Just like him. Then the crowd began to make sounds and one of the beasts growled louder. Marcus began walking. If they were going to watch, if Rome was going to watch, let them do it. Maybe they too would see how beautiful death could be. He only stopped walking when he was in the center of the arena and looked up, wondering if he would find any familiar faces up there, but everyone were too far away. He couldn't make out the faces. Meanwhile the big cats circled around him and the orange one came closer to him. Marcus didn't move.

@Chevi @Sara @Sarah @Sharpie

You did not make jokes like that in a temple. And why even do it? If they sought Vesta's blessing, was it any good to joke around with her first? Tertius didn't think so. He was as religious as most Romans and he knew that the gods moved their lives like little pieces in a game. And you didn't want to upset the gods so they'd make a bad move for you. Tertius hoped for happiness and love. A true blessing from Vesta to his family; the family he had with Charis. Luckily Charis seemed to quickly understand his meaning and apologized. Tertius nodded, that was good enough and nothing they needed to focus on now anyway. They would move on to the next room, in which the Vestal waited with the ass on a platform where a fire was also burning. Fire was one of the key elements of Vesta. The hearth of Rome was here. There had to be a hearth. 

Tertius did as instructed and knelt down and once Charis had done the same, he reached to hold their hand. They wanted Vesta to bless their union. And what better way to prove that they were united, than holding hands right here? The Vestal picked up a knife and Tertius didn't take his eyes off the whole thing. He paid for this, he would watch and he would prove his devotion to the goddess. He inhaled a breath and within he said his own quiet prayer to her, something about how he'd always cared for Charis and how he wished that they could live a happy life together. How he wished they could put the past behind them and look forwards. How he wished that there would be a true hearth in his house too, like there always should have been. Tertius almost found himself growing emotional while the ritual proceeded and blood was spilled. He wondered if Charis felt the same, but he wouldn't ask. What you told the gods and what they made you feel was a private business. 

@Sara

Alexius did indeed have many years of his life snatched from him. He went from being a carefree child to being a slave... one who had to work, while also trying to look out for his sister, for as long as he was able to. He hated it when they were sold to different owners. He'd met women later, that he thought might be her, but he was never sure. And it was all a very long time ago now. At least he was free. At least he did survive in the arena long enough to gain his freedom, as it had been his goal. And he was still here. But not where he thought he'd be. Not Germania. 

He watched how she reacted to his words, the change of expression and then she said she was sorry to hear it. Alexius nodded, so was he. Even if she now appeared to be one of his own people; the people that turned him away. And then of course she had to pose her next questions.

"I don't know who they were, the other tribe. And they just took me. The Romans... that's who kept me enslaved for years." The tribe that took him, he never held much ill will towards them. Of course he'd rather not have been taken and sold, but... the Romans, they bought him and his sister. The Romans mistreated him, punished him, violated him, made him kill others for their entertainment. It wasn't that roaming tribe who did that. Right, back to her other question.

"I did go back." Alexius then said, "But I wasn't welcome there. They didn't want me. I had become too Roman." He said, inhaling another breath, "So here I am." Getting drunk in Rome with a woman like her. She was impressive, outstanding, interesting. Which meant it was such a pity she was a Chatti. But how could he tell her? Alexius emptied his cup of wine. Second one tonight.

@Sara

Marcus Barbatius sat behind the bars, waiting for the answer to his questions. Who was the young man in the white robes? And would he get a trial? He did have the right to have a trial, did he not? He was a Roman citizen, born and bred in the Empire. He'd never been a slave and his father hadn't either. He'd done his job well, worked as a barber for a very long time and he did actually also shave people. He didn't just cut their throats, or their backs, or their thighs or their faces... he did also shave them and cut their hair. He did pamper them. And now he was here in this cell, despite all that. And he didn't even get a proper answer at first.

Instead another youth joined the young man in the white robes, not quite out of breath, but it was obvious he'd rushed here. They knew each other. They spoke. The newcomer asked if something was wrong and the answer was 'yes and no'. Barbatius arched a brow. And then finally his question was addressed. But not properly. The other did not give him a name and did not answer the question regarding the trial. Barbatius inhaled a breath. If only he had a blade, if only he could improve the red stripes on that white robe to make a crimson robe instead. He lifted his chin, trying to compose himself... deciding what to answer... "I am Marcus Barbatius; I am no slave. I'm a Roman citizen, just like you. Whoever you are." He finally replied, trying to sound calm and composed. Maybe it worked.

Marcus Junius Silanus stood next to Tiberius, wondering what all this was about. Why had Tiberius sought out this prisoner? Marcus Barbatius? It didn't ring a bell. He never heard this name before. So why was he so important? And why was it questioned whether he'd have a trial or no? Marcus was confused. But he stood guard, curious to find out what was going on here. It had to be special, since Tiberius was here.

@Sarah

He smiled when she not very subtly complained about the wine, "You've clearly not had enough. Some places also have ale though. It's good." Alexius said, wondering if he should show her such a place, if she didn't like the wine so much. People who had recently come from the North and who grew up there, rarely liked the wine much. They thought it too sour. Alexius was fine. He grew up here and it was all he knew.

When she asked where he was from, Alexius easily revealed it, but also that he barely knew it. Now she seemed surprised and the next moment upset, because he'd been born free. Alexius sipped his drink and nodded, Hilda, a foreign name, but at least it was easy to pronounce. But she went on and now he arched a brow. The Chatti? He didn't remember much from his childhood, but one thing he did recall was listening to their elders telling stories in the evenings, about the battles of the past. And how proud their people, the Chatti, were. He'd returned to them but wasn't welcome there. Alexius downed some more wine.

"I know the Chatti." Alexius said, almost in a formal tone, before continued to tell his story, "I was born free... and I am free now too. I think I was seven, back then? Very young. It wasn't the Romans who took us, it was some other tribe, they attacked our village. And they collected slaves to sell to the Romans. My sister and I were taken. And sold." He explained, trying to stay composed. Of course he felt hurt, because he'd been freed and had actually returned to Germania, but it wasn't the home he hoped to find. Instead he found a people who didn't welcome him back. That had hurt. He didn't think about it so often anymore, but now Hilda was here... he wondered if she would be as hostile as the Chatti people he met, had been, if he told her. Fuck.

@Sara

Tertius nodded, light blue for Charis was a very good idea. The first proper Roman chiton he gave her was light blue too and it had looked beautiful on her. That was a long time ago though. Now he would give her one again, but the fabric would be more valuable this time. As it was with all things she was given now.

Teutus then said he'd like to gift Tertius something - it seemed to be as a way to thank Tertius for giving Teutus the means to starting his business. 

"That's very kind of you, Teutus." Tertius said and paused briefly, before he continued, "I'm only glad that I could aid you and I would do it again. You're my son. If you ever need help, financially or otherwise, you can come to me." It wasn't like there was much else he could do, but he had his wealth and his influence and Teutus as his son should know, that he could make use of that too, should he want to. Tertius hadn't been able to find a loophole to deem Teutus his proper heir, after all. He knew Teutus was disappointed. So he would have to do anything else he could, to make amends. 

Teutus then said they did have furs, "Not anything in particular. But a cloak lined with fur might be nice for the winter." He wasn't getting any younger, after all.

@Sharpie 

How would a sacrifice work if you weren't close it - close enough to be a part of it, to let yourself be close to the gods while the ceremony was performed and prayers and words were said to the gods? That's just how it was and that's just how it worked. Rome was a civilized and proper place. But its rituals probably had deep roots in the tribes that first shaped the city and turned it into what it was. This was how you connected with the ancestors. And with the gods. That's how you made them listen.

Tertius let his slave help him undress and Charis stood near, changing her own clothes. She still wasn't used to people doing everything for her. She would have to get there someday. For now though, Tertius watched her and smiled back while she slipped the white gown over her head. She was beautiful, even in this faint light. Vesta would have no choice but to accept her and bless her, Tertius thought. She had already given a Roman a child, after all. So they must have been blessed. He put on his gown too, simple and lose. Charis smoothed her hands down over the fabric and joked about the plain white and how it suited her. It did. She looked like a goddess herself and he did smile back, while she grasped his hand. Yet her next words made it fade.

"That would be impossible." Tertius said. She was not a Roman and Vestals began their service as children. Besides, if she was a Vestal, she could not be his wife. And Tertius didn't see how and why that was even an option... he leaned closer to her, spoke in a lower voice, "Please... don't make jokes like that in this building." And then he pulled back and guided her towards the sound of the ass nearby, "Let us move on." With the ceremony, with their lives, together.

@Sara

She sighed when he spoke of how people here weren't to be trusted. Because they weren't honest. Hilda wondered if someone in particular had turned their back to him and then said he could talk to her. Could he though? Considering how she just reacted to him showing her his home? He'd been honest, he'd shown her his home as she had wanted and she'd been upset over seeing it. Gods, was he becoming Roman or something? Had he truly lived here too long? So long, that he would be like them and not trust his own family? 

"I know, it's just... I've been here on my own for a long time now. It's not so simple, to just... talk." At least it didn't feel like it. And he hated it. He shouldn't be like his father, afraid to speak his mind and afraid that people might hate him if he did. So instead his father would close himself off to people, instead of opening his home to a foreign son... "There's too much betrayal here." He then added, trying to pull himself together to tell her what the issue was. Or the issues, really. There was more than one. 

Meanwhile she could tell him what she'd done for the prince, for him to give her a home in his fancy palace and villa... and she huffed, saying there had been no price and she'd not bedded the prince either. Apparently all the prince wanted was diplomacy and friendship.

"He led you to me?" Wulfric said in a surprised tone, "Just be careful. Right now he wants diplomacy and friendship. But in the long run, Romans seem to want more. They did once try and march into our lands. Rumor has it they want to try again." 

@Sara

Alexius arched a brow when she joked he might have been a terrible gladiator, "If I was terrible, I don't think I'd still live. I wasn't." He added with a smile and then chuckled when she wondered why he was famous in this tavern too, "Usually I do have a drink. I had one just before. But you know, it's like those cups have way too little in them." The rest was kind of true though, he liked to spend his nights drinking and finding someone to spend time with. Not necessarily save though. Just... company. But was there really any point to explaining that? Especially considering how he'd been the last few months, after he met Calpurnia? Now he mostly just came to drink anyway. 

The lovely woman then insisted on getting him a drink and then shared that she was from Germania and that he didn't look Roman either, "I was born there. In Germania. But came here when I was still a child, as a slave. I've spent most of my life here." Alexius explained and gave the barmaid a sweet smile when she refilled is cup, knowing what he wanted, "I thought you looked like you were from the North. What's your name?" 

@Sara

She closed the door properly behind her and stepped closer, looking at her feet, seeming nervous. Why did she always seem so nervous? But at least she had something to tell him. Lucius nodded and made a hand gesture to let her know she could continue, so she did. And she had interesting things to tell! Lucius would look to see if he could find this Oppius, that the blacksmith mentioned. See if there was anything in it and if that could be useful. Then there was a plebian looking for a patron and playing two men out against each other. Lucius chuckled when she mentioned the man complaining about his wife.

"How kind of him to complain about his wife to you. I imagine she's the reason why he came." He said with a smile and reached for a piece of parchment to write down what she'd told him. Then he looked up at her again, "And that was all for last night? Well it's a good start. If I find it useful..." He began and leaned back, scratching his chin while considering something. Then he looked up at her with a smirk, "If I find it to be useful, you may earn yourself a bit more coin from the house. So... I look forwards to your next report." He would do this as a start, have her come each day, and once she'd become used to it, maybe just once a week after that. 

@Sara

Tertius waited patiently and Charis only gave him a sweet smile, when he said he hoped for a marriage with happiness and love for him and for Charis. He did care for her. He felt he'd done it almost since the beginning. And maybe that's why his wrath had been so deep, because he had feelings for her. His disappointment ran deep too, because of it. But he didn't consider all that now, he just nodded too, when the Vestal thanked them for the gifts and then decided to sacrifice nothing less but an ass. Tertius nodded. That was a significant offering, but he supposed he asked for a lot in return. Love and happiness. The slave left them and together with Charis, he followed the Vestal to the chamber below. Down there, the light was more faint and there was a certain smell of blood in the air. He felt Charis' eyes on him.

"Yes... this is very common." Tertius told her and looked to the slave, still following them. The male slave still carried a bag over his shoulder and now opened it to reveal two simple, white linen gowns. One for Charis and one for Tertius - for them to wear during the sacrifice and the ceremony. They wouldn't stain their ordinary clothes. And wearing white for the goddess seemed most appropriate. The priestess left them behind to make sure things were ready for the ceremony and Tertius moved to a bench by the wall in the room, where they could place their things while they changed. Charis wouldn't know all that though.

"We need to change into these. It is fine to do it here. And they have a small bathing area we can use afterwards." Tertius explained to her, so she shouldn't be worried that she'd be walking around in Rome afterwards with her face stained with the blood of an ass.  He handed her the smaller white gown and the slave moved to help Tertius undress first.

@Sara

She had a confidence about her that was admirable. The way she smirked and sipped her drink and then looked at him. He was glad to hear he had not upset her. Who would want to upset a woman like her, who could clearly handle herself well enough? Now she would know how the men here knew his name, "I was a gladiator once. Popular too. I'm well known... in Rome and in here." He added with a smile. Mostly it felt like a blessing. 

He chuckled when she wondered if she should buy a drink for him, "I can afford my own, but thanks for offering. Unless of course you insist." He said with a grin, "I don't know how you usually do it, where you're from." Although the women from Germania and Britannia tended to be a bit more independent and strong-willed than the Roman ones. Mostly anyway.

@Sara

Lexus had lived in this city since he was a child and he knew no other gods but the Romans - and he knew them well enough to know, that they were his gods too. So he respected them, of course he did. But he was also just a slave and rarely got an opportunity to visit any temple and bring any kind of sacrifice. And then now, suddenly, he was blessed with the company of a Vestal. A quite beautiful one too. And one he'd asked if she would come and see him fight. And she did. He didn't lie when he said she was an impressive sight.

She said nothing to his compliment, but instead went on about a drink. Kind of like last time. He'd subtly (or maybe not so much?) flirted with her and she'd been careful to not react to it. It didn't matter though. She came and that was answer enough. She liked him, didn't she? And now she stood there, offering him a drink. She was brave, this one. He could easily reach out and touch her, as she held the drink to the bars. And if he touched her, would he be free? But no one were here to witness it. No one would believe it. And his master wouldn't allow it. Lexus was far too popular to just set free.

"Thank you." Lexus said and took the cup and held it to his lips, drinking a good, long sip from it. In fact he emptied it; it was indeed what he needed... then he would hand it back to her, "Do you do this often? Visit gladiators in their cells after the fight to offer them drink?" There was a playfulness in his voice and eyes that couldn't be missed. 

@Chevi

The foreign woman, German by the looks of her dress and style, smirked at him when he intervened in the conversation - or whatever it was - that she had with the men who commented on her. The moment Alexius spoke though, the man seemed surprised and said he meant no offense. And sat down, leaving her be. Alexius arched a brow, surprised... that was a little too easy. Maybe he was also a bit disappointed. Wouldn't people fight him anymore, except for Thessala at the ludus? Meanwhile the woman was upset that the men would respect Alexius and not her and she stated that she was a barbarian. And stole the man's drink, before she sat down by Alexius.

The way she sat now sat there after she said her piece, smirking, halfway scolding Alexius... she was not like most Roman women. How could be not admire a woman such as her?

"Apologies, I didn't mean to upset you. Unlike them." Alexius said with a roll of his eyes. Pity that he finished his drink, now that there wouldn't be a fight. Well, he could another. Right now though, he was more interested in her than drink, "They got my name wrong by the way. I'm known as Alexius now."

 @Sara

At least none of the cuts were too bad today and most of what he thought were bruises, was really just dried blood from himself or his opponent. He was bloody and dirty. And a little hurt, but he'd suffered worse. Now he could only hope that his master or someone else at the games were pleased enough with him, so they'd sent him a woman. Lexus did always enjoy a good round of pleasure after a fight. So when he heard footsteps approaching the cell he stood and moved to the bars, hopeful. And he was not disappointed, even if this woman might not bed him. She was pleasing. Very pleasing. As she stood there, watching him and complimenting his fight.

"Thank you." Lexus said, "There were impressive views from the sands too." He added with a charming smile; he meant her, of course, but she should be able to guess. And she'd come to see him fight. And now she was here. He hadn't expected that...

@Chevi

The day went on and turned into evening and night. Lucius finished his own work and chose to stay a few hours into the night at the brothel, helping with welcoming clients and directing them to the right girl for them - if they didn't already have a favorite, which some of them did. Eventually he went back to the hospitia he still stayed at, while he was getting the last things in order for the house he was buying for his family. His wife had written that she had found someone to run the brothel for them in Hispania, so that they could keep it and still live in Rome. Lucius was quite pleased with that. Now he had brothels across the empire. What a life! 

He slept well that night, since he got his release from Ione the day before. But he came back to the brothel early, to find out how the night had gone, as always. Find out how much profit had been made. And then he let the guards know he was ready to see Ione as they had an appointment this morning. She showed up, looking tired and messy, as she stood there facing the desk.

"Of course I'll hear it. I hope you have something good for me." Lucius said, leaning back in his chair, looking up at her. She'd been had this night, good and well, that was obvious. A whore to use for anyone who would pay for her. But even despite that, she was his. He enjoyed that. Having slaves and slaves that were whores might be a strange thing to find joyful, but he did. In his own odd way.

@Sara