Atrice

April, 73 ADHis mother had become sick and that meant they couldn’t travel to Claudia Gaia’s villa outside of Rome on the day it was meant to be. Luckily Lexus’ mother wasn’t too sick though, but he still had to make sure they had some food in their house and he’d taken a job for some different shopkeepers in the area – running errands for them. They had to have some coin, after all, if they wanted some food and wanted to stay in Rome. Lexus liked it here and didn’t want to move again. He hoped they could stay for a while.Two weeks had now passed since he met Gaia and his mother was finally doing better again. She dressed in a fine, light green dress and did all she could to look her best – Lexus wasn’t sure he’d seen his mother so beautiful before. She made sure he was dressed well too, it wasn’t every day you went to visit a former imperial’s widowed wife, after all. From a friend she'd borrowed a green tunica and even gained Lexus' first off-white toga virilis for him. Lexus never wore a toga before and thought he looked very mature in it. They travelled in a carriage together to the villa and Lexus stepped out first, helping his mother. Guards allowed them into the glorious villa, explaining the hostess was not quite ready yet, but they were welcome to explore the villa. Lexus’ mother, Ginevera, went to the peristyle and Lexus just stood looking at the entrance for a little while. And then he began exploring the insides of the villa. There were many beautiful things in here, he thought. The walls were painted and doorways were decorated and there were all signs that this home belonged to someone wealthy. And someone who knew his father, he then thought. Lexus stopped to look at a bust of some fancy old senator, but he then had that feeling as if someone watched him. The young man turned around to see a tall and very stunning looking young woman standing a bit behind him and remembered that Claudia Gaia had a daughter. Was this her? She was taller than her mother then, and she almost looked exotic. He gave her a small smile, “Domina… you surprised me.”

Helios gave Cleisthenes a look, when the other said a little light would be appreciated – it almost sounded like he didn’t have much of it in his life at all. But it was not his place to ask questions, at least not out here where there were other people. He smiled instead at the kiss given to his cheek and then the other suggested moving to his room. “That depends on what we’re starting…” Helios said with a grin and draped his arm around Cleisthenes back, closing the space between them, “Are you here just for pleasure… or do you want more than just that? I’ll happily be your escort, if you want to leave, but we can also stay. Whatever you like, is yours.” He said, his voice soft and his eyes playful, when he look at the other man, wondering what exactly he was looking for.Cleisthenes Of Athens

He’d left Marcus the grumpy bouncer behind to… do something else than hanging around someone not enjoying Saturnalia. Helios had already had his fair share of other people in his bed tonight, but this was Saturnalia and he bet he would not sleep until sunrise anyway. And had to keep up the good reputation of the brothel that was his home, even tonight. So when the handsome and young redheaded male entered the establishment, he was glad to be approached and the guy certainly did not beat around the bushes! He went straight for what mattered.Helios couldn’t help but laugh a little, “Of course I am, did you see where you are?” He asked with a cheerful grin, “I am Helios and here to brighten up your night, if that’s what you need.” Helios added and glanced over his shoulder at the domina, who sat on her couch still. Then he looked to his new found companion, “I actually have a room here. It’s one of the best.” Cleisthenes Of Athens

Phaedo took the one piece of bread, with a heartfelt, ”Thanks!”, and when offered the grapes, plucked one and popped it in his mouth. It was plump and firm and burst with juiciness. This was so much fun, being out with Lexus! When the boy mentioned wine, Phaedo looked around and then dragged his friend towards a shop front – a taberna. He pulled out a coin, careful to tuck the last one he had deep inside the leather pouch. That would be to buy a sweet to send home with Lexus for his mother. The other coin he handed to the woman who was serving the many revelers who pressed into the tavern. ”A small jug,” he ordered. ”But no water.” Phaedo would not mind getting a little tipsy himself. After all, it was a festival, and a time to let loose. Plus he feared that the woman would give him a flask with mostly water and little wine in it, if he wasn’t careful. She sort of looked displeased, much as the mummer had. But Phaedo was poor as poor could be. This sort of treat was rare and he would not squander what little he had.When the small clay jug was handed to him, he offered it first to Lexus. Over the boy’s shoulder, he spied two young women, a few feet away, who were clearly looking at him, and Lexus. They smiled. By their dress, Phaedo guessed they were from a better class, perhaps daughters of merchants or tradesmen, let loose for the evening where all things were turned upside down. Or perhaps they had snuck out from under watchful eyes. Who knew?In any case, he smiled back, and that made them giggle. Perhaps the look on Pheado’s face would be enough to cause his young friend to turn and wonder what was so amusing. Lexus Naevius Gineverus

He was glad that he at least had Phaedo here to guide him – not that he couldn’t find his own way around, but it felt good to be with the older boy and it felt good to keep holding his hand through this… madness, as Phaedo said it was. And he was right! It was insane, this amount of people in the streets. How did you have fun in such a crowd? Weren’t there private parties? No matter though, it was wild to be a part of it. Finally they made it to the forum they’d been approaching for a while and at a cleared space in the crowd, some actors were performing a strange play. Lexus watched together with Phaedo and was easily caught by the spirit of the forum, laughing when the rest did and never leaving Phaedo’s side. When the play seemed to be over though, Phaedo was kind enough to provide one of his precious coins to the actors. Lexus would have too, but he did not have that many and he thought he’d rather save them to get something good for him and Phaedo.Phaedo was hungry too and wondered if Lexus’ mother would come, “I don’t know. I think she had some friends to see tonight.” He said, “But we’re not there… let’s find food. What do you want? I just want something easy I think. Oh, and we should have something to drink, shouldn’t we?” Lexus added with a laugh; it seemed everyone were drinking tonight and he wanted to do the same. He’d never actually been drunk, but there’s a first for everything, right? He kept his hold on Phaedo’s hand and found a cart where the owner offered bread soaked with a bit of garum and olive oil and fruits too, if you’d want that… Lexus bought two pieces of bread and a branch of grapes and plucked one to eat, “Oh these are good. Now we just need the drinks!” Phaedo

Lexus didn’t care if Phaedo thought it was a modest gift – Phaedo was a slave, a prostitute even, he didn’t even actually own his own life. So that he went out of his way to get Lexus a present, that was really something. And who couldn’t use a little bit of good luck? He almost wanted to say that Phaedo should have one too, but he kept it to himself. Tonight especially, his friend did not need to be reminded that he wasn’t lucky because he was a slave. Instead they should just go and have some fun, right?Phaedo wanted Lexus to say thanks to his mother and then added he’d thank her too, when he got the chance. Lexus smiled, “I’ll tell her you said thanks and how happy you were. I’m sure she’ll be happy to hear it.” He said and then thought they should get going. But he didn’t know where to go… Phaedo on the other hand, he knew everything there was to know – or at least, that’s what it felt like to Lexus, who looked up to his friend with all his experience – so he had to know where to go. Phaedo said stuff would be happening at the nearby forum and mentioned the plays and Lexus nodded, “I’d love to see one of those!”Not that he was entirely innocent and had been blind while he came to visit Phaedo here at the brothel, but those plays were famous!Meanwhile Phaedo said he also had coins for food and explained how he got them because he was skilled. Lexus could only imagine just how skilled he was and that’s just another reason for looking up to him. His mother had hinted often that his father enjoyed women and pleasure a great deal, but Lexus was at least still pure when it came to all that. He was however also 14 years old now and nearly a man, so who could blame him for being curious… especially in here. But he had yet to take part in any of the action in the brothel. He was just here to see Phaedo. “I have some coins too, so we could get us something really good. Perhaps a drink too.” Lexus said and let Phaedo take his hand to be dragged into the night, “There’s so many people in the streets tonight!” He exclaimed while they walked through the alleys and streets towards the forum. In addition, everyone here were so… excited! It was somewhat contagious! Phaedo

Lexus couldn’t help but smile at Phaedo’s reaction to the present. Well of course Lexus would have a present for him. Phaedo was his friend and perhaps one of the best friends he’d ever had… with all the moving around in Italia, he never had much time to get to know anyone well. And when it happened, well… he tried to stay in touch, but it was hard and you never knew where his mother might want to settle down next. Now they’d been in Rome for a year though and he had known Phaedo a good long time. And he was just the best. Phaedo could even barely reply when he commented on the gift and Lexus’ grin just widened, “Of course I did. I’d not be much of a friend if I didn’t bring you something.” He said and watched Phaedo unwrap the parcel and look at the tunica. It would fit, Lexus deemed. And it might go to just above the knees on Phaedo; he hadn’t been sure about the length, but it looked to be just about right. And Phaedo blushing made him happy. Soon he was pulled into another warm hug and returned it fully this time.“Yeah, mother made this for you. She wanted to make me another, but then I thought of you. And you need it more than I.” Lexus said in a friendly tone. Then Phaedo decided he’d wear it now and before Lexus knew it, Phaedo had undressed without a second thought. Of course he’d seen naked men and women before, especially in here, but this was someone he knew well. Lexus might not have any experience compared to Phaedo, but he could guess why the other would be popular in here. He had smooth skin and a handsome body. Soon though, Phaedo had put on the new tunica and Lexus smiled, “It looks great on you! Really! I’m glad you like it.” Lexus replied. Then of course Phaedo had a gift for him too, not wrapped, but it didn’t matter. Phaedo handed a little figurine to Lexus and he turned it in his hands while Phaedo explained, “It’s very sweet and pretty. Thanks.” Lexus said, “I’ll make sure to keep it close to me at all times! And it’ll remind me of how lucky I am to have you as my friend.” He added with a cheerful wink and placed it in the little purse he had hanging by his belt. Then he looked up at Phaedo, “So… should we go somewhere? Do you know a good place to go tonight?” Phaedo

Only moments after Lexus had made his arrival known, Phaedo appeared before him. He always made sure to knock – this was a brothel, after all, and you never knew if you’d see something you didn’t plan on seeing. And he had seen that, in here, but he never told his mother and frankly, it was more and more fascinating. It was a new world, opening up to him, but he had yet to take part in it. All he was here for, was his friend Phaedo, whom he’d grown very fond of. And now that the year was turning, a lot had happened since they met. It had been Lexus’ birthday, for example, and there had been festivals to go to and poetry to discuss. He never knew about it before. But now he liked it.Phaedo embraced him and Lexus wrapped an arm around him too – under the other he had the gift for Phaedo – and they hugged shortly, before Phaedo greeted him with words and seemed very happy and cheerful.“I’m always ready to have some fun. But maybe especially today.” He replied with a grin and came inside, closing the curtain behind him. He never quite got used to the small quarters Phaedo had for himself… not that Lexus and his mother had a huge place to themselves, but this was just so… well… he couldn’t help but feel a bit bad for Phaedo and understand why he’d want to go out when he could. First things first though.“I have something for you. Happy Saturnalia, friend.” Lexus then said and handed Phaedo the little cloth-parcel with the neatly folded tunica inside. He stood back and waited to see what Phaedo would say to such a present. Phaedo

Lexus and Phaedo had been friends for a little more than half a year now – and it had come to that time of the year, where they would celebrate Saturnalia! Lexus and his mother had barely arrived in Rome last time, but now he’d lived here a good long while and now he looked forwards to the great Saturnalia celebrations. And he was hoping he could spend some time with Phaedo; he might be a slave and a whore, but he was also very clever and smart, Lexus thought. He knew so many things and he was teaching some to Lexus. And Lexus’ mother had been a bit reluctant at first, when he told her about the friendship, but then she decided that since both of Lexus’ parents had been slaves, what was so wrong with him befriending one? So everything was fine. And knowledgeable and interesting Phaedo would have to enjoy the Saturnalia part of the year very much, right? After all, everything was closed this day – it was a public holiday for everyone, including slaves at the brothel, unless of course they wanted to work. And it wasn’t just a holiday… you could even switch roles with your masters, so that slaves became the masters for one day and the masters would serve the slaves. And this was Lexus’ basic idea for celebrating with Phaedo; his mistress had many slaves and couldn’t possibly trade places with them all. She also probably wouldn’t, since that meant she had to be a whore for a day. But couldn’t they pretend that the freeborn Lexus was Phaedo’s master, so that Lexus would be the slave today and Phaedo would act as if he’d never been a slave? He had even brought with him a gift for Phaedo on this glorious day; in a piece of textile he had a new tunica for Phaedo. His mother was a seamstress, after all, and she often took people’s broken tunica’s when their owners didn’t want them mended again. And she could turn these old tunica’s into quite beautiful pieces of clothing. This one was light yellow, with green hems by the sleeves and at the bottom hem of the tunica. The neckline was cut into a V-shape and there were green stitches by the neckline, making it seem even more outstanding. Sure there was a patch here and there, but Lexus thought it would suit Phaedo just fine. At last he arrived at the brothel and by now, he was well known here… not as a client, but as Phaedo’s friend. He went straight for Phaedo’s room, hoping he was still there and once he arrived, he knocked before entering.

Marcus hated this season? Helios really enjoyed it… people were so excited and so drunk and so ready to have a lot of fun. Not that he hadn’t already worked tonight, but still, this was Saturnalia and he was certain it would be a long night… it always was. And it had only just begun. For Marcus it might be even longer, if he kept looking so grumpy and wouldn’t join in the joy of the season.While Helios enjoyed a honyed fig and had suggested Marcus should serve him tonight, the other claimed he was busy protecting the Domina… as if that ever stopped any bouncer for at least feeling a pair of lips somewhere good before! Then Marcus suddenly pulled Helios closer, but only to tease him or maybe even taunt him, by placing that kiss on his forehead. “We both know you’re not.” Helios said, “But you’re right, I should be busy too.” He slid away from Marcus and was about to walk away, but as if he could walk away without leaving one last tidbit for Marcus. He looked over his shoulder, “I won’t give up though, you know that, right? One day… you will come to me…” He winked and then he moved on, having seen a handsome redhead that needed some attention.Exit Helios from the threadMarcus Falco

It was too easy, toying with Marcus. Someday, he thought, he might actually get a reaction from the guy… more than just words. But until then, the game was on. Helios had leaned an arm on Marcus’ shoulder and Marcus groaned and gave him a strained smile. Then he suddenly wrapped his arm around Helios – this surprised him, to be honest, he did not see that one coming! But well, it was Saturnalia, was it not? Helios let out a little laugh at Marcus’ response to his words.“See, that’s exactly what I’d say. Hmm…” He suddenly had an idea. It was indeed Saturnalia, was it not? And usually, Helios was the slave and Marcus was his superior. He wondered if Marcus would like the idea of switching roles, but he wasn’t certain.“You do know you should be serving me tonight, right?” He then said, glancing at Marcus, before a very pretty lady entered the brothel, carrying a basket of sweets and she handed some to Helios and Marcus. He happily picked up a sticky, honeyed fig and took a bite of the lush fruit and looked at Marcus again. Maybe Phaedo was right… maybe he did have a strange fondness for Marcus and he honestly didn’t know why. Marcus had only ever been rude towards him and never fun. And the attraction had not once been returned. So why was Helios drawn to him? Marcus FalcoTitinia Novella

Helios sent one of his clients out the door to enjoy Saturnalia. Helios however, he’d not be out there, on the streets. He had experienced this time of year before and besides, he was a slave. He had a mistress, he was fond of her and she was fond of how useful he was – after all, he was more than just a whore, he worked to pry secrets from his patrons… only to whisper them to his mistress, so that she could pass them on or use them for herself somehow. Not that he worked that hard tonight, because this was just a merry time of the year… and the patrons even sometimes enjoyed that switching roles thing with Helios, so that he’d be in charge and they would be his slave and bring him gifts. Before they paid him and left, as usual. In the end, he was indeed nothing more than prostitute to them. He slipped a light tunica over his head and adjusted the gold-like broad cuffs on his wrists and ran fingers through his hair to land it all down his back. His eyes were painted tonight and his cheekbones had been dusted with gold, so that even Helios seemed to shine bright like the sun – his own name – tonight. And then he left the chamber to reach the main entrance of the Domus Venus and as he entered the room, he remembered that he forgot to wipe his lips after the last patron left. And considering what he’d just done before he left… well, let's just say there should not be any leftovers visible for the next, right? Helios ran the backside of his hand over his mouth and lingered a bit in the doorway, before a couple strode past him to find private quarters for fun and pleasure.He watched his mistress, lounged on a sofa and he watched Marcus, lingering near the doorway. He stood a moment, considering what to do… before he strode up to Marcus and rested an arm on his one shoulder, as he was something to lean against, “Io Saturnalia! Are you enjoying yourself?” It was obvious Marcus was not, but he was simply unable to stop himself. And although he enjoyed toying with the guard, he still kept an eye on the guests, walking by them both to get inside. It was obvious who the whore was and that Marcus was not here to take pleasure. Poor thing. Titinia NovellaMarcus Falco