Atrice

Persephone… well that was quite a name, although he wondered if it was her real name, considering this was Saturnalia and the girl had switched places with the other one. Anything could happen on a night like this, it seemed.

 “I live in the Suburbs of Absidata. And you?” Lexus asked, he wasn’t really good at this, but at least he was trying, right? And once they had some more wine, he began to relax some. They were walking around the forum, just seeing what was happening and drinking wine. Lexus wasn’t sure he ever had so much wine before in one evening and didn’t really think about how he’d feel once he stood again. They had been sitting down for a while now, when Persephone leaned closer to him and spoke about a naughty joke.

 “Sure I’d like to hear a naughty joke. Who wouldn’t? But you have to tell my friend afterwards.” He had of course noticed her arm around his waist and her hand on his thigh and hadn’t dared to move, although he wasn’t quite sure what to do about it all either. He didn’t want to do anything in case she didn’t want or like it, and he would not ruin her reputation, in case she was the actual free Roman and her father was some wealthy senator… no, he wouldn’t make a fool of himself.

@Gil

Cynane nodded when Aia mentioned how the Romans seemed to like their women shy and boring; this much was true, although when Aia mentioned marriage, Cynane smiled, “They like their wives shy and boring. So maybe you wouldn’t want to be one. Do you… want to get married here?” Cynane had thought about marriage when she was a young woman, when she still lived in Britannia, but after she had become a slave, it wasn’t really something she thought about. She hadn’t had a real crush on a man here in Rome; hadn’t met anyone she could see any point in having an actual relationship with. And she was a slave, so there was that. Besides, it was too late, she was no young woman anymore and might not even have children. Again, it wasn’t something she considered often – it didn’t make sense to do so.

 Aia broke into her line of thought by wondering how Cynane’s mistress was like, “She’s not the worst; she’s quite young, after all, and she has been through her own hard times.” Cynane explained, “I think she likes having a female guard. She has nothing to fear from me.” She explained. A male guard watching over such a young and beautiful lady, who was just growing into a woman, well he might think differently. And while Cynane also thought her mistress was beautiful, there was no way she’d touch the young woman. It would be weird; Claudia was almost young enough to be her daughter or at least little sister, after all.

@Chevi

It was a night like any other for Helios. The sun had set and he was busy in his chamber at the Domus Venus. Two men had requested him, two friends, and they worked hard to get the most pleasure out of Helios, taking turns and making sure the whore earned his living. At least they were wealthy, one was a son of a senator and while Helios was ever submissive and doing anything they wanted, of course he made sure he listened to what they said. The actual work was just work, sex, nothing more, and they didn’t know he did more than just use his body here.

 Finally the two were done and left a pile of coins on Helios’ bed as they left him there. He picked them up while the men left and made sure the coins made their way into a leather pouch hidden under the bed. Now he might take a few moments to rest before going back to work. He tossed on a thin tunica, it was more or less see-through and it might just come off soon again anyway. Wearing at least something, Helios left his chamber. In the open area he found a jug of wine and a cup and made sure he emptied the whole cup after he filled it – they didn’t always leave a good taste in his mouth, the patrons who came here.

 He filled another cup and turned around, looking at who was here. There was a young woman wearing a cloak, standing to one of his co-workers and the female prostitute pointed his way. The woman wanted him? He arched a brow and moved over to her, smiling, looking her over. She was quite beautiful, from what he could see that wasn’t covered by the cloak. It was rare that he had such a beauty requesting him – most of the few females he did sleep with, were often women older than he, wanting something young and handsome instead of the old husband they had at home. But this one was different, “Greetings, Domina… what can I do for you tonight? I am Helios and it would be an honor to… serve you.”

@Sydney

The best Helios could fight, was kicking a knee into a man’s crotch if the man overstepped the few boundaries Helios had – but it rarely happened, because slaves were not supposed to anger or hurt the clients, of course. He had never participated in an actual fight his entire life… well maybe as a kid, when he was still free, but that was a very long time ago and he could probably barely remember. His childhood was far from his mind now though, as he watched with something near horror while Calvunus fought the dog… or the beast, that’s what it was now.

 The hound got hold of Calvunus’ thigh and Helios wanted to do something, but how and what? Calvunus had a knife now and he was now fighting those teeth back and finally the dog let go and Calvunus stabbed the dog and eventually killed it. He was all bloody now and had a wound of his own, but the only thing he did was curse and wonder if Helios was alright. He hadn’t realized his mouth was open until now and he inhaled a deep breath.

 “I’m… better than you, it seems.” Helios said and managed to pull himself together, “You need a medicus! Bites can be… nasty.” He said and glanced to the bloody and now dead dog. If the guard hadn’t been so good at what he did, the dog would surely have ended up eating them both. Or at least Helios. He was so useless, wasn’t he? The only thing he could do was reach a hand out to to his companion, “I’ll help you, come.” He said and then… “Thanks, by the way. I owe you. Much.” Calvunus might have saved his life tonight. Helios owed Calvunus his life. And while he could be quite mischievous, he would also stay loyal to those earning his loyalty. There was no doubt that the bouncer had done that just now. Helios might belong to his mistress physically, but he was also bound to Calvunus now.

@Gil

3 hours ago, Sarah said:

I'm wondering whether we might be able to get Aeneas and Cynane to meet, if you'd be interested? Somehow...

Of course, that makes sense - they might know each other from back when she was a gladiator? Might even have some history together  I'll think about how getting them to meet... 

He did not quite recall the man’s name, but he didn’t have to. Often, knowing that someone else had fought for the Roman Empire in the past and had survived… that could be enough to feel a connection. And then Spurius had even been in Northern Gaul for a short period of time, just like Tertius. There were so many soldiers in the Roman Army, so many men fighting and living and dying for the Empire, that in the case you met someone years later, who had been the same place as you and experienced some of the same things… that was quite something, in fact.

 “It is an honor to meet you. What do you prefer to be called?” Tertius wondered next, before the talk had turned to Tertius’ purchase of a slave. He explained how he had no lady and Spurius gave a smile, speaking of how the ladies of Rome had hope. Maybe, Tertius thought, but it wasn’t his greatest wish to marry again. He ought to, but he didn’t long to… “That’s very kind of you to say.” He simply replied and Spurius agreed the slave might be good for him.

 “I believe you’re right… I think I shall have her.” Tertius decided and gave Spurius a look then, as he decided the slaver was not the worst company to have around, “And maybe you would bring her to my domus personally? I know it is a lot to ask, but in return, I will of course offer you a meal and a drink, if you would?”

@Sarah

"I may have been in love once, years ago, with one of my slaves. But don't tell anyone..." 

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

The game here is pretty simple - a question is asked and one of your characters answer it... it can be a "this or that" question or a deeper and more personal question. The answer is IC of course. Once answered, ask a new question for the next character 

I'll start of course

Have you ever been in love? 

 have one of your characters answer a question!

Tertius liked Favian so far, but the slave really needed to learn some self-control – and some proper behavior. Tertius might tolerate his behavior now, but if he kept acting like he did, he couldn’t promise the lanista or doctore at the ludus would be very kind to him. He had to learn how to submit. But Favian apparently didn’t see it that way. He claimed that it had bene different when he was a captain and even gave his own reasons, but then also promised to take his advice to heart, “It doesn’t matter what your view on it is. This is Rome, Favian, and there is such a thing as etiquette and manners here. If you fall out of line, everyone will know. And since you’re my slave now, I might be blamed if you disobey or misbehave. I’d rather you didn’t.” And it was really as simple as that. If the slave behaved, he’d be treated well enough and Tertius might also earn some respect. If not… it would be the exact opposite for both of them. Ill treatment and disrespect – and who wanted that?

 They had moved on though and Favian was already proving useful, as he caught a young boy trying to steal from Tertius. Tertius decided that instead of punishing the boy, he’d make good use for him. Favian promised the boy then that he would come and find him, if he didn’t show up as Tertius had just commanded. Tertius couldn’t help but smile a little – when Favian pointed out that he was a pirate and that just got him here in the end. The boy ran off then and they walked a bit more, before Favian said Tertius had earned his respect because of how he handled the boy.

“I’m sure he’ll show up.” Tertius said and turned down a street on the Quirinal Hill where he lived. They were almost at his home and he said nothing more until they were there and moved inside. There he looked at Favian again, such a fine specimen of a man and he would make a great gladiator, but he would spend the night here… and then go to the ludus tomorrow. And since he was here in Tertius’ home, he decided Favian could use a bath, “We need to get you cleaned up.” He looked around and waved a slave over, who stood in a doorway, clearly waiting to see if the Dominus wanted anything, “Vitus, this is Favian, whom I just purchased. Will you take him to the bath and make sure he cleans up. Then send him to the peristyle afterwards, where I’ll be waiting.” Tertius explained to the male slave standing there, and the slave nodded, “I’ll see you soon.” Tertius said to Favian. There was an area with a couch and some stools by the peristyle garden, and that’s where he’d wait.

 Once Favian showed up again, he would find Tertius sitting there with a tray with grapes and a jar of wine along with two cups. Favian had behaved well so far, so he was to be treated before he’d go to the ludus tomorrow. Tertius sometimes saw a newly acquired slave as if he was a newly acquired pet.

@kitty

The young slave came closer and Tertius looked at the sign around her neck, telling what she was good at and so on. The slaver had also wondered if Tertius served in the legions and he explained how he had served, although by now it was many years ago. After that, the slaver told his own story, all while the slave just stood there in her cage. Tertius glanced to the man’s leg, since he noticed he had a limp, “I did wonder actually. And that is very possible, you do seem familiar. I’m Tertius Quinctilius Varus, and you?” He then said, deciding to introduce himself to the man.

 The slaver was still interested in selling slaves though, and suggested another one for Tertius, a female body slave who could do make-up and hair. Suggested she could be for Tertius’ lady, but by that Tertius looked up at him again.¨

 “I’m afraid I don’t have a lady. I have a daughter, but she is still quite young. And I do need a slave for my kitchen.” Tertius explained; that’s why he came, after all, “I don’t mind having to train a slave, I’ve done it often before.”

@Sarah

Since she became a slave, no one had really cared about her past or her relations in Britannia. A slave was a slave, it was a pity for the slave, but she better just accept it. After so many years, that was still hard, but she had learned not to speak out of turn. Aia though, she knew things and she could come and go and she had been in Britannia. She said she thought Cynane’s cousin, the queen of the Brigantes, was still alive.

 Returning to Aia’s time with the British tribes, she had apparently been caught, but escaped again. Cynane decide she could understand why she would escape and wondered whether Aia was a warrior. She definitely did not act or look like a warrior – to Cynane, she appeared to be slightly skinny, but that was compared to a former gladiatrix and now bodyguard, who still made sure to stay fit for fight, quite literally. She was the bodyguard to a princess, after all! Aia confessed she was definitely not a warrior.

 Cynane nodded, “I thought you weren’t. I guess in Rome, that is a good thing. Few Romans appreciate a free woman capable of fighting. I’m glad they at least did not take that from me.” She said and looked up as another slave passed by where they were sitting. Cynane had an idea and  looked up at the other female slave and easily switched to Latin. She spoke in a friendly tone to the other slave, “Gratia, will you bring us something to drink? Aia here is with our Domina’s guests.” As a guard, it was not her job to fetch things. It was her job to stay close to the princess.

@Chevi  

Once you got Alexius started, there was no saying where his mind would go next. Right now though, he had gone back to his own bed to rest a little while, before he would get dressed – he would find a new pair of breeches and a tunica and he would find the light daily armor he wore to show, that he was still a fighting man and a guard for his mistress. Even if he didn’t have to fight and didn’t end up in a fight, he had to be ready. And as Oriana had seen last night, Alexius was more than ready to defend her when he had to – and after that, he would be more than willing to continue with some action in a more satisfying manner.

 Enough of that now, it seemed. He had just sat up again, when he heard a knock on his door and Oriana informed him that she would be working in her office – and that he should meet her there, once he was ready.

 “Of course, Oriana. I will be with you shortly.” He replied and began getting dressed. A female slave looked in just as he had put on his breeches and she clearly looked over his body, before she caught herself and looked up at him, informing him there was a plate with bread and butter and a cup of watered and sweet wine in the kitchens, if he was hungry or thirsty. Alexius gave her a smile and then finished getting dressed. He picked up the food and finished the drink. The slaves all gave him looks – they knew what happened last night and they knew their mistress hadn’t taken anyone to her bed in a long while. Suddenly, Alexius was more interesting to them all.

 He ignored their looks though, or most of them, and once he finished eating also, he went to Oriana’s office. He knocked lightly before entering, since she left the door slightly open, meaning he could just walk in, “You asked me to come here… what can I do for you?” He then asked in a more formal tone, compared to earlier in the morning and last night.

@Sydney

She noticed how Claudia looked her over, but she said nothing to it – she knew better than that, even if her new Domina was quite young and probably needed care from a mother rather than a bodyguard to protect her life. Think to be so young and actually need a bodyguard. But Cynane would carry out the task she’d been given now and she listened while the young lady explained who Cynane was.

 “I will remember that, Domina.” Cynane replied, keeping back words about how Cynane never made it that far in her own army, because she was captured and enslaved. She noticed the smile the young woman had and wondered if it was for her or for the famous warrior she just mentioned. Then Claudia gestured that Cynane could follow her to a sofa and she wanted to know more about Cynane – and she hoped they could be friends. What was Cynane supposed to do? Stand or sit? She had only just met the lady and didn’t know her preferences yet.

 “I have been Rome 9 years and so far, I have spent them all as a gladiatrix. Before that, I lived far North in Britannia and I have been a warrior since I was younger than you are now.” She explained, wondering if that’s the sort of information Claudia wanted. So far she was merely being informative, trying to guess what Claudia would prefer and what she was like. She seemed to be sweet and kind, but you never knew with the Romans. Claudia was very young though and she knew she'd been through a lot. Given her own story, she had an idea and hoped Claudia would not be against it, "Apologies for asking, but... do you know how to fight, Domina?" Such an important woman ought to know how to defend herself. Cynane would gladly teach her, if she wanted it and if Claudia was allowed to learn.

@Gothic

When Aia mentioned she’d been captured in Britannia, of course Cynane wondered which tribe captured her and she explained where she came from. Aia seemed to know about the queen Ysulda and Cynane nodded, “She was my cousin. Or is. Is she still alive?” She knew that Eppitacos had been taken to Rome, but she didn’t know what happened to her cousin. And Aia sounded like she might know more about what went on regarding the war and Britannia, than Cynane did. 

Aia then explained she wasn’t sure which tribe captured her and said she had run away from them when she could. They couldn’t have treated her so well then, but of course, if she was with the Romans back then, of course the British tribes wouldn’t have been fond of Aia. She would not have been treated well and they might have wanted to make an example out of her. Running away at least kept her alive – and that’s what everyone wanted, wasn’t it? To survive.

 “That’s understandable.” Although staying and fighting was better for a warrior, she could see why Aia did what she did… still though, it made her wonder… “You’re no warrior then, are you?”

@Chevi

After last night, who wouldn’t want to continue the pleasure they’d shared? Alexius could go on for hours if he wanted to – it wasn’t always he did or had the time, but he did right now. Oriana was his mistress here, and she decided when he would work and not work. This was clearly not work and he enjoyed being here in the bed with her. And since they weren’t getting up yet, well, how about… getting it up? First she smiled, but then she grasped his hand and moved it away from her thighs. Alexius couldn’t help but be at least a little surprised that she didn’t want it. He wasn't used to that, but of course he'd respect her wish - even if his cock wanted something different.

 She said she’d rather just lay here right now, although they might do something later. She allowed him to get out of bed or stay here with her, it was up to him. It would be a bit strange to stay, considering how she clearly turned him on, just laying there naked and her mere presence reminding him of how the night had been. It would be close to torture, at least for Alexius, if he stayed. Perhaps it was better with some distance – he was still just her employee and there was no way he’d ever be more than that. It was just sex, nothing more, he reminded himself.

 “I will take my leave then, Oriana. I will see you later.” He said and placed a short kiss on her cheek, before he slid out of the bed. His clothes had been left in the bathing room and the slaves had probably brought it all to his own chamber – and washed what needed to be washed, it was rather bloody after the fight last night. Alexius gave her a last smile and retreated to his own chamber and his own bed, where he would lie down a little bit before getting dressed to get ready for the day. Pity she didn’t want another round now, but maybe later. Alexius almost considered trying to sweet-talk one of the slavegirls to his bed then, but decided against him. They weren’t his and he wouldn’t bed anyone who didn’t truly want to – he was not that kind of man. No, he’d just have to wait.

@Sydney

It was nice that you could just come here, enjoy the baths and walking in the garden. It was also nice that you could exercise, run and do it by yourself or find someone else willing to exercise with you. Just like those younger men over there, sparring with wooden practice swords – kind of like gladiators, but then these were clearly not gladiators. Some were quite young, probably in their twenties. Tertius could have bene one of those years ago too, that’s of course if he hadn’t been in Northern Gaul and then at home, helping his sickly father out at home, after his brothers died. Well one brother died and the other was presumed dead a few years.

 But he didn’t come here to think about Secundus – he’d rather not at all think about his brother Secundus, no he’d rather watch the young men who were sparring. One of the young men then ended with his partner and seemed finished and looked in his direction. Was he interested in making a new friend or acquaintance, Tertius thought to himself. And here you couldn’t know which rank the young men were, because of course they’d not be fully dressed when they exercised at least. It didn’t matter though.

 Tertius thought about what to do and then decided he might benefit from exercising too – then of course he’d need to go and bathe again afterwards, but since he had nothing better to do today, why not? He stood and approached the handsome younger man, “Greetings… what fine skills you have.” He started with a compliment, which was always a good start, “I was wondering if you are planning to spar more today, or are you finished?”

@Echo

Tertius was fair with his new slave so far, but only because his slave so far showed good behavior and was willing to learn. Favian might become a very good slave, and one you could even talk to, it seemed. Tertius and the slave trader settled on a price and soon enough, Favian was all his. And so far, Favian had behaved so well, that Tertius hoped he’d not run away. He didn’t seem as if he would, he had already almost accepted his place and he met Tertius’ eyes to tell him chains would not be necessary. Tertius nodded, “I hope not. You now have the honor of serving Tertius Quinctilius Varus – but you are to address me as Dominus, as you have done so far. And it would please me if you learn to not meet my eyes unless I seek yours.” He added, installing some even better behavior early on might be good, “Most free Romans won’t stand for you meeting their eyes. And you’ll be at the ludus mostly, not with me. So you better learn. They won’t be as merciful towards bad behavior there.” Tertius explained and then they were walking, leaving the slave market behind them.

 Silence fell as they walked through the streets of Rome towards Tertius’ home, that he shared with his house slaves and his 9 year old daughter, Antonia Varia. He hoped she’d not mind that he had bought a new gladiator – she briefly met the last one, the one who behaved so badly and she actually seemed to dislike Tertius’ treatment of him… although he had every right to command his slave and every reason to not trust him. He was considering all this while they walked, although suddenly there was action just near him and he stopped, seeing that Favian had grasped a young boy’s wrist with his hand. Tertius hadn’t even seen the boy, who had apparently tried to steal from him! The boy tried to plead for himself, wanting to be let go. He was in rags and skinny and Favian explained to the boy that it was Tertius’ decision.

 “I doubt you’ll keep that promise, boy.” Tertius replied; the boy was a pickpocket and lived on the street, if he was let go, he would end up robbing someone else. He considered for a moment what to do and for some reason decided to let the boy be useful, at least. He was too young to end up behind bars and he wouldn’t survive long in prison anyway… “Do you know the streets well?” He then asked and the boy nodded, wide eyes, he seemed frightened, “Very well. Come to my house tomorrow; Quinctilius Varus’ home at the Quirinal Hill. I may have a job for you. If you don’t show up, I’ll make sure Favian here finds you and will send you to a far worse place than the streets.” Tertius decided and the boy nodded again. Tertius looked at Favian, “Let him run.” He might and might not send Favian after him, in case he didn’t show up, but despite Tertius mostly being a back-bencher in the senate, it wasn’t that bad to have eyes and ears on the streets of Rome, right?

 Quietly now, he waited for Favian to let him go and waited to see what his reaction to Tertius’ judgment would be. He was grateful of course, that his new slave was already proving himself useful, but Favian probably knew that and there was no reason to let him know. At least not now.

@kitty

The slave trader made a good point, when Tertius suggested he just wanted to get rid of the female slave in his lot. She would cost him money as long as he kept her, so it made sense he wanted to sell her and fast, just like all the rest. She did not appear to be a very high-ranked slave just yet. Then the slaver told him more about the girl, explaining she knew a little Latin and would need to learn about Roman cooking too, if that was to be her place. Tertius looked at her and with his hand gestured for her to come closer, so that he could take a closer look at her.

 Meanwhile the slaver was still watching Tertius, wondering if he ‘also’ served in the legions. That made Tertius look at him again, “I did, although it is a good while ago. I served in Northern Gaul, not far from the Rhine, overlooking the borders and the wall. You served too?” He took a closer look at the slaver – he did indeed seem familiar, who knew if he might have been there too? Perhaps the limp the slaver had was from the time he served? Luckily Tertius had none of such problems, he had left because he was suddenly the sole heir to his family… at least for a few years, until his brother suddenly and very unexpectedly and inconveniently returned from the dead.

@Sarah

Gaia spoke of how her daughter was indeed beautiful and would be married soon. They still stood here down by the training area of the ludus, watching the gladiators and waiting for the one she wanted to talk to. Meanwhile she joked about being a grandmother and Alexius had to laugh at that thought, “That is hard to imagine. You will be the most striking grandmother Rome has ever seen.” Alexius replied to her, and then she’d called out for this Aenaes once more.

 At last one of the gladiators, one with fair skin and blue tattoos, finished with his partner and went to put away the wooden sword and shield, before approaching Gaia and Alexius. He spoke politely to her and bowed his head; acted the way a slave should act towards a Domina. Alexius had never been good at that behavior and was glad he was no longer a slave. He had not yet been introduced to the gladiator though, so he did not speak to him yet. Simply looked at him, his features, his scars, his handsomeness despite the hard work while training.

@Sarah @Gothic

Tertius had had many slaves in his lifetime and he had trained and broken quite a few of them too. Buying a slave wasn’t new to him and teaching them how to behave wasn’t new either. Of course it was easiest with slaves who were already trained, but Favian seemed like one who could be talked to and one willing to learn, so that was a good start. He’d make a fine slave. And as a gladiator, at least in the arena, he’d be able to use his skills and think for himself, as it was his own fault there whether he was injured or not and whether he lived or died. Tertius would expect him to live, of course, because else he’d have lost money. Good thing Favian wanted to live – he was not broken that much at all.

 Tertius spoke to the slaver and did notice how Favian’s posture changed a little – he seemed to stand more straight and appeared more tense than just before. Interesting; had the slaver harmed him on the way here? It didn’t matter though, Favian would soon be Tertius’ to command and he was quite pleased with that. They discussed Favian and his skills a bit and Tertius of course tried his best to haggle the price down, pointing out how he’d have to train and break this slave for himself and that the slave had a lot to learn. Finally the slaver decided to let Tertius decide on a price and Tertius smiled and let the slaver know what he’d give. It was maybe a little bit more than planned, but not over what he had brought with him, so at last, the slave was his.

 Once the slaver left them alone, Tertius smiled, “I trust you won’t run away? I don’t want to put you in chains… but I will if I have to.” Tertius said – as they were now going to leave the market and go to his home. Favian might spend the first night there, as it was late in the afternoon, and tomorrow he’d have Favian taken to the ludus.

@kitty

Calvunus’ hand felt so good on his crotch, the bouncer and guard sure knew how to get Helios all excited again. Only the excitement didn’t stick, as there was suddenly a stray and very unhappy dog next to them. Helios didn’t hate animals, but he would rather prefer it wasn’t there right now, as he wanted to enjoy Calvunus. The dog didn’t move though. Calvunus pulled back a moment, seemed to growl at the dog and then said to ignore it. Helios tried and he had leaned his head back again, planning to return Calvunus’ kiss, when he heard the dog even closer and Calvunus stopped once more.

 Why wouldn’t it go away?

 Instead, it was Calvunus moving away from Helios, who instantly missed the warmth, as this was a cold night in Rome still. He watched as his companion stepped towards the dog, hoping to chase it away, but instead it leapt at him. Helios let out a yelp of surprise, although he wasn’t the one being attacked. And while Helios was fit, he was fit to please, not to hurt or fight. He had no real skills when it came to that, he was a whore, not a gladiator or soldier or even a guard. He wasn’t much help, but he looked around and spied a large rock and hoped to make it useful.

@Gil

They fought her people and they captured her and her land, so there was no way she’d think that a Roman province was the same as the Britannia she had been taken away from. She knew the Britons weren’t conquered entirely at all, when Cynane was captured – but it happened eventually and she had been here. Not there, supporting her own. And now it was all a part of the Roman empire.

 Silence fell between Cynane and Aia for a while, before the other woman said she was sorry – about Britannia? And then she said she didn’t have a home either. Cynane supposed she was right, if she had always travelled with her father and when he died, she stayed with the Romans as an interpreter.

 “It’s not easy.” Cynane said, and then Aia spoke of how she was captured by her people… and then she went into some more crude language, but Cynane was used it from the gladiators, so she didn’t think much about it, until Aia excused herself. And at least Aia was still here, so she could not have been treated that badly or been that difficult - else she might not have lived, they would have made an example out of her.

 “It’s fine. Which tribe captured you? I am of the Brigantes.” She was related to the queen, Ysulda, whom she heard eventually captured Eppitacos. But by then, Cynane had already been in Rome a few years. She had not been part of all that and now it was over. She was barely even fighting anymore, she was just here, to protect the princess. And of course she didn’t hate her current Domina, but she also didn’t love being a slave. After all those years, she still disliked it.

@Chevi

Now he doubted Favian here was at the slave market out of his own free will – it certainly didn’t sound like that. But then it was surprising to hear that he was still willing to learn and willing to try and live up to Tertius’ demands. He had been honest so far, which was a good sign. Think, a slave he could talk to! Of course he could talk to his body slave too, but this was not his body slave, he only just met Favian today… yet he seemed to behave so far and promised he would not lie to Tertius. Tertius arched a brow, more and more curious about Favian. If he was this well-behaved now, yet still rough around the edges, he was almost perfect, wasn’t he? Tertius smiled though, when the slave said he’d not intentionally be disobedient.

 “That is the best way to go, Favian. Accept your place now – then you won’t be caught off guard.” Tertius replied, and then the other said how he was a fast learner and adapt to new situations. He spoke more of his life at sea then; but he would have to put that life behind him now, however hard that might be. Now he was a slave and no longer a sea captain, commanding his own men. He was the one being commanded now. It was almost a pity though, that a man with such a good head was a slave and he was even going to be a gladiator, but it would be a waste to let anyone else pick this slave for simple, hard labor. He would be better off in the ludus and the arena and if he trained hard, he might very well end up as a champion.

 “As long as you are willing to submit and accept your place, I’m sure you will be fine.” Tertius said and the slave said he’d serve him will. Oh he was sure Favian would do that, and maybe even in more than just one way. Win him coin and glory in the arena and pleasure at home too. He inhaled a breath by that thought, it was a while ago since he slept with someone new - someone who didn't know him as well as Hector did. And that could be quite good too. He looked around for the slaver and waved him over, as he seemed to be finished chatting to the young and pretty woman, “Greetings… this slave here pleases me so far; I hope he is not too expensive.” Tertius said to the slaver and really hoped this was not the case. Tertius was not poor, but he was not among the wealthiest of senators either. Although with Favian’s help, that might change.

@kitty

The slave greeted him politely enough, even if he did seem to look at Tertius quite curiously and not discreet in any manner. Tertius thought he knew that way to look at people, but he said nothing as he circled the tall and athletic slave. Tertius wasn’t very tall among Romans himself, so this slave quite towered over him, but he pretended to ignore that. He liked to be in charge and to be superior and although the man was taller than he, it wasn’t Tertius who was the slave here. And at least the slave said nothing to being inspected, although Tertius hadn’t touched him yet. When he came up in front of the slave again, he asked about his fighting skills. Favian, the name on the sign said. It suited him well so far, Tertius thought to himself.

 It was clearly a new slave, and he understood as much after what the slave told him – because slaves were not supposed to meet their master’s eyes unless told to do so. It was a sign of disobedience and bad behavior and he did not need that! But if the slave was new, maybe he could still be taught or even broken, if that’s what was needed. Although if Tertius bought this one, he’d not break him too hard – an entirely broken slave would not fight well in the arena. Still he had to learn how to bend to Tertius’ will, if he decided to have him.

 So apparently the slave here was a former pirate – used to living under his own set of rules, but also used to fighting and he claimed it wasn’t his fault he lost a battle. Favian still kept looking at Tertius’ eyes, even when he added that he’d be happy to serve Tertius even when it came to desires of the flesh. Tertius arched a brow and looked him over again; now this might be interesting!

 “You’re very rough; you don’t behave like a slave, but you can learn? I expect my slaves to obey me and not speak out of turn. I also expect them to know their place with me.” Tertius explained, “I am looking for someone with your skills though; if you become mine, you’ll be a gladiator and then I hope you will keep your promise and not fall beneath a blade again. I will expect you to live… and win. And if you serve well and behave well, you will be treated well.” Although if he could not behave, Tertius would not be so merciful. He once kept a female slave, who refused to submit to him, chained up in a room naked for three days without food or water. After that, she was broken and agreed to submit to him. He would hope Favian here would learn faster than that; it would be a pity to waste such a body because of poor behavior, right? On the other hand, a completely submissive slave wouldn't be much fun either. Favian might be perfect; rough, but willing to learn. At least he hoped so.  

“Can you live up to my demands… Favian? Can you live by my set of rules, and not your own?”

@kitty

He chuckled when she wondered if he fell asleep, thinking about her, “Maybe not every night, but I can’t say you haven’t been on my mind sometimes. Even if you ought to be elsewhere than just on my mind.” He added with a small smile, and then he had wondered how she was doing. Gaia was of course doing as well as she also looked, and said she was here to visit a gladiator. Of course she was. That wouldn’t be a first… that’s how Gaia met Alexius, after all. Then she added that her daughter was all grown up now. 

“Oh, yes… she must be a stunning woman, if she has inherited just a little of your attractiveness.” Alexius replied, not knowing how her daughter was like. When he thought of a woman, and a young woman especially, all he could imagine was her body and her beauty. Then Gaia slid off his lap, giving him her hand and he followed, as she wanted him to meet her gladiator friend – or whatever he was. Alexius would not be surprised if this Aenaes was more than just a friend.

 Of course he would like to meet the gladiator, even if it was strange, now that he was no longer among them. It had been almost 14 years since he was freed, yet it was still such a long part of his life he was enslaved, that Alexius would never entirely forget. This moment though, Gaia was closer to his mind than his past life, and that was a good thing at least.

@Gothic @Sarah