Atrice

Marcus thought it best to not spend too much time with Jason, he didn't want the slave to ask questions, so that he could get answers to tell his actual master. Besides, people touching him without his consent... he didn't like that. He didn't like it before and now even less. Finally he could make his way up the stairs and managed without falling. He left that until the moment he'd reached his bed, which he fell onto and rolled over onto his backside, staring up at the ceiling. Fuck everything. Also the girl who thought him rude at the tavern, as if she had anything to say in anything at all! But it was her fault he was thrown out like that. Somehow it was never his own fault. Or was it? Gods... he sighed and then he heard footsteps in the hallway just outside his room and sat up a bit. Jason stood there with a tray with much more than just wine. Well he didn't ask for it... but maybe it would be nice anyway, to have a bit to eat. "Just put it on the table." Marcus nodded to one of the bedside tables in the room. He considered to scold Jason for bringing him food when he didn't ask for it, even thought he decided to not mind... but then decided to not scold the slave more. Instead he reached for the wine without picking up the cup, but before drinking he looked up at Jason, as another thought came to his mind. "Can I trust you to... not tell Tiberius about this?" Not that it was uncommon for Marcus to come home drunk, it was just that it happened more often now and usually it wasn't Jason who greeted him as the first. Usually Silvanus was there for him. But now Jason was here. He better make sure the slave didn't speak up about it. @Sharpie

Tertius gave her a look, when she explained how different things had been when she grew up. It surprised him that not even the boys had proper tutors. Maybe for hard work or for special work, you had to learn somehow, right? But of course they might not consider reading or writing or mathematics so important. Not until the Romans came. There was a reason why the Romans were a far more civilized people than all those to the North. But he wouldn't say that to her, he wouldn't want to offend her. Instead he should focus on the fact that she did see the value of it now... "I'm sure a lot of people would, if they knew such things. And well... you know now. And our son will grow up with it." He said to her and then she wondered what would count as spoiling their son. Hoping he didn't mean she should spend less time with their son. He knew he'd probably spoiled Antonia too much... but she was his first child born within wedlock. He could not allow Peregrinus to grow up too spoiled like that Silanus brat. "For now, it's fine. But he's a boy. When he grows, we must both allow him to grow into a proper young man. It's hard to explain. Of course he has to have a certain amount of freedom, when he grows older. But he has to know that actions have consequences. That you can't just do as you please and the world will be at your feet. You have to work for it. And not speak out of turn. Such things. I..." He paused, sighing, "I don't want our son to turn out like that brat who offended you at that party." Although by now, he'd hopefully learned his lesson - that actions had consequences. It would seem that nobody taught him that sooner. Well, Tertius taught him now. @Sara

She smiled when he said he'd like to meet her son. That was a good thing. Gaius was a good kid, although he was like boys mostly were. He'd try his best to follow his tutor, but he also liked to play and wrestle with other boys and he had so many questions and ideas at the moment. Sometimes he talked so much she could barely pay attention to all of it, but he felt it was important, so she tried to at least appear attentive. Perhaps a man would be a better listener to a boy like him. Perhaps Gaius would listen to Gaius. But of course he would not wish to interrupt her son's lessons. "Well maybe you won't be a stranger forever. I'm sure he'll like you." Pinaria replied to him and picked up a dried peach from one of the trays on the table, but she didn't eat it. Was it becoming obvious to him too, that she had something on her mind? "I know I like you." She then said, looking up at him with a soft gaze, "But... before we rush into anything. There's something you need to know. Did you hear about the Senator, who was killed in the street last month? And that they caught the murderer shortly thereafter?" @Sharpie

He certainly wasn't young anymore and might not be Praetor forever. The next step would be to act as Consul, should he be elected, but he wasn't sure he was up for such a task. Being a Praetor suited him perfectly and because he'd been it for so long, he was one of the most experienced and highly admired Praetors. If not the most experienced of them all. But that also meant he was the best to train the younger men. And on top of that, of course he had his usual work too. But enough about his day, which had not been all that interesting. Not to Charis anyway, he thought, so he asked into her day. She spoke of Peregrinus and gardening and what else she'd done. "Sounds like we had equally interesting days then. In each our own way." He said with a small chuckle, but then her hand was on his arm and she guessed he had something on his mind. "Oh, I don't know... I was just thinking earlier, about how Peregrinus is growing. We'll need to look for a tutor for him soon." He explained, "I don't know a thing about how to find one though. With Antonia it was different, because she's a girl. And I want Peregrinus to grow up to be a... well... a well-schooled and polite young man. And we need to be careful we don't spoil him. So he doesn't end up thinking everything in the world will come to him without any work." Well, that was a lot more than he intended to say, but that was the truth of it. He didn't want his son to end up like the Silanus brat. Antonia was plenty spoiled already. Not that he didn't want to spoil Peregrinus. But he had to be careful. @Sara

He smiled when she flushed a little at his compliment - it was nice to see her do that and quite the change from how things had been. Tertius was beginning to believe they really had moved on from the past. This was their present and they shared it together, as husband and wife and parents to a beautiful son. Running a household together. Everything. She shifted so he could join her and he sat down to begin with, still feeling a bit odd about lying down in the garden like that. It wasn't something he did. Had he ever done that before? He didn't think so. Sometimes you saw young people by the river, enjoying the sun on the banks, but... they were young. Tertius wasn't. Charis was, of course, still quite young. And now she kindly asked how his day had been and said that he seemed busy. "Perhaps I should, there's just a lot for me to do. We also need to train some of the younger men to one day take over, after all." He explained, "My day hasn't been so interesting so far. Nothing out of the ordinary anyway. Not until now." He added with a small smile, looking down upon her next to him, "And how's your day? Any interesting plans? I don't think there's any parties the next few days?" @Sara

She'd looked so calm and it was still sometimes odd to see her so relaxed, but it suited her, he thought to himself. If only he could afford to just lie down in the sun like that, but where was the time for such things? It wasn't there, that's where it was. Besides, it really wasn't something she should do, although he wouldn't tell her. She was used to working and she liked being in the garden, so if she had the time, why shouldn't she do that? She was not brought up as a noble lady in Rome, after all. She probably wouldn't be satisfied with a book or a scroll or some needlework or weaving. Gardening was her thing, along with taking care of their son. Even if it meant she got a bit tanned at times. But he approached her with a smile and she pushed herself up with a chuckle. She clearly wasn't busy and gestured to the work she'd already done, "Well, maybe you have some time for me then?" He suggested with a smile, feeling a bit awkward standing, while she was still down there on the blanket, "I'm good. I was just admiring my beautiful wife relaxing." He said, "Can I join you?" Even if it did feel odd to just lie around on a blanket on the ground, but why not? If only just for a little bit. @Sara

Marcus hadn't really experienced any girls being interested because he had bruises and scars, or maybe they had, but he just hadn't cared. He was too busy worrying about anyone finding out why he had these bruises. He'd been so stupid. He really needed to do better, but instead, he was just drunk and thrown out of taverns. And now chatting with a slave. Well at least Jason was trying to do something. Marcus said Jason could fetch him something to drink, but instead of doing that, Jason came closer and offered a hand, suggesting he should help Marcus get to his rooms on the first floor of the villa. "I'm fine." Marcus snapped, jerking his arm away from Jason, "Didn't I tell you to fetch me something to drink?" He then asked, trying to sound noble, but probably did not succeed. Then he continued to make his way towards the staircase. He looked over his shoulder to see if Jason was leaving or what. He'd rather not have Jason witness his misery too much. What if he told Tiberius? @Sharpie

June, 77AD The whole ordeal with Marcus Junius Silanus was behind him. A new month had begun and life went on as usual. Peregrinus would be two years old this fall. Two years! He was growing into a most beautiful boy and he was really getting the hang of talking lately. Tertius was proud of his son and enjoyed spending time with him, both together with Charis and on his own. Perhaps he should begin looking into a future tutor for his son soon. Before you knew it, he'd be old enough for that. Perhaps he ought to discuss that with Charis though, he did like to talk about Peregrinus with her. They were husband and wife now and although he had stated the terms for her freedom and the marriage, he tried hard to make her feel like she had a voice too. After all, she was no longer a slave. And he did insist that she was treated like any other Patrician lady now. Hence why he had to deal with that Silanus boy the way he did. There was no way any other man of his rank would let a boy like that get away with offending his family. Or his wife! He put down his paperwork for now and moved through the house to find Charis. As so often before, he found her in the garden, where she still liked to spend time. He stood a bit in the shade of the peristyle, watching her. There had always been a soft spot within him, for her, and that soft spot had certainly grown these past almost six months, since she was freed. How lovely she looked today too. Right, he had found her to talk to her. "Charis, dearest." He said with a warm smile as he entered the garden, "Are you busy?" @Sara

It was odd with her sitting there, smiling, being glad, telling him she'd enjoyed looking after him. That was certainly not something he had expected. What had it been, two nights? Two nights away from the brothel. For both of them. Perhaps he should have let her go back, but the others would ask questions and he preferred that this did not get out. When you were an Equite trying to run a brothel, that had been in the family before, you could not afford being seen as weak. He'd have to come up with some other excuse for not coming. And Ione too. Who was enjoying taking care of him. He asked her why, because he simply could not grasp it. And she said she liked looking after people and taking care of a house. She'd done so before. But she was not complaining, although she was thanking him for letting her stay with him. Lucius was surprised. At her long explanation and how genuine it all seemed. It was very unexpected. "Well... I am glad you are not complaining. And that you have enjoyed it. More than me, I'm sure." He said with a little amused huff, it certainly had not been amusing to be sick. He had not enjoyed that... but she had probably enjoyed not being at the brothel. And she had been a good nurse to him, taking good care of him. He supposed he ought to reward her somehow, but how? "You have been good to me. But many clients are fond of you. If I remove you from the brothel... I could lose profit." @Sara

Modern Day AU set in a so far unnamed fictional town in England Marcus Bagshaw was new in town – and it was a small town too, but he thought it just perfect. The trees gave the town an interesting look in the fall and everything was clean and neat, at least on the surface. Marcus however was sure, that there was more lurking underneath. And he would learn eventually, what that was. He could be safe here though, right? Another country, another name, another town where no one knew him. It really was perfect. He settled down in a small house near the outskirts of the town, near the forest leading down to the sea and near a road leading away from the town and to the fields and meadows around it. And downtown he got himself a shop, where he could open up his new hairdresser and barber shop. He catered to both men and women. The shop was minimalistic, it had just what it needed. A sign outside for Barber Bagshaw. A few mirrors and chairs and all the required tools. Kept in simple colors, white, black and Bordeaux. Of course he offered coffee or tea to anyone coming in to have their hair done. In the beginning or on special occasions there were even biscuits. The official opening had flags and balloons and cakes and people quickly took a liking to the new hairdresser in town. It was about a month after he arrived in town that he read the odd and macabre story in the local newspaper – a hiker from a nearby town had found the body of a woman in the forest. She’d been half-buried, but some animal had found the corpse and dug enough in the grave for parts of the body to be exposed. The woman had bruises on her wrists and there was a long cut across her chest. And then her throat, which had been the death of her. Besides her shirt on the front having been ripped open to the chest cut, she was fully dressed and there had been no other violation of her body. It was all very odd. The entire town was mortified by this sudden murder. Some people knew her. And Marcus’ shop almost became a place where people gathered to gossip about it. Who did it? Why? And Marcus offered coffee and biscuits and haircuts, seeming as worried as everyone else.

At least the bruises were almost gone. But they might ask about the cracked eyebrow. Well, he fell down the stairs, that's what he'd said. And while he didn't like to lie to Tiberius, Jason might not be an issue. At least it was just Jason. Marcus, despite being drunk, managed to say something that sounded reasonable to Jason and the slave said he had not seen Silvanus. As expected. He had no idea what his body slave was doing tonight, since he'd been dismissed because Marcus wanted to go out alone. He brushed the tunic he wore, realizing it might have become a bit dirty after he was thrown out of the taverna. Then he thought he'd continue walking, but Jason continued to talk to him. "No need. I just need to get to my chambers." He said, "You can fetch me something to drink, I'm not sure if I have any." Although he probably shouldn't drink more tonight. But he might fall asleep better. @Sharpie

She seemed truly relieved that he was feeling better. Why? Did she think he was going to die and take her with him or something? Lucius never expected her concern for him or that her concern was genuine. She was just a slave and he her master. But she sounded genuine and then she began looking for the cup and gave it back to him with watered wine in it. He smelled it, again unsure if he should taste, but he ought to. He did feel thirsty. He sipped it carefully and then Ione spoke up again. She said she'd enjoyed looking after him. Lucius looked at her, again surprised at her odd concern and care for him. It did sound genuine. But how could he trust that from a whore? She was supposed to be pleasing. She was supposed to please him. "Have you?" Lucius asked, sipping some more wine since his stomach hadn't seemed upset with the first bit... then he looked at her again, "Why?" @Sara

Marcus closed the doors behind him, as he didn't see any slaves to do it for him, as he had hoped would be the case. Slaves though, usually didn't ask so many questions and most knew better than to ask him question. Marcus was much better at giving orders, although he hadn't given many lately. Mostly to Silvanus, who stuck to his side, except for when Marcus told him not to. Like tonight. He had no idea where his body slave was now, but it also didn't matter. He just needed to get to bed, there was nothing more to do tonight. But as he crossed into the atrium of the villa, he wasn't alone after all. Jason was there. Fuck. He had elegantly avoided Tiberius since the beating, and thus also avoided Jason. He didn't know if Tiberius had even wondered why Marcus wasn't there or why there was always an excuse, whenever his friend called for him. No matter, he didn't want to lie to his friend, so he'd rather just not see him at all. He could hardly admit what really happened. If he shared a name and Varus found out, he feared for what would happen to him then. Just offending the man had been plenty! And he told Marcus not to tell. So he stopped in his tracks, strangely uncertain of what to do or what to say. Perhaps he should man up. Act his rank! He should! Jason was just a slave. And Marcus would be expected to say something to him, wouldn't he? "Have you seen Silvanus?" Marcus simply asked Jason then, asking for his own body slave was a valid question, wasn't it? @Sharpie

June, 77AD – about two weeks after Learning the Hard Way Marcus was not feeling great. It had been a few weeks now, since that incident with Varus. His bruises were more or less gone now and the stitched eyebrow was healing well too, although there would be a scar. So far, if anyone asked, he explained that he’d fallen down some stairs in the villa, because he’d been drunk. And apparently such an incident didn’t make him think because he was almost always drunk now. Which also meant he didn’t show up to do his duties as one of the vigintiviri either, so he definitely was not honoring his father or his family name. Instead he was either in his own rooms in the villa, or, if he suspected Tiberius might attempt to talk to him, he’d excuse himself and find somewhere else in Rome to camp and drink. And avoid people asking questions. He didn’t want to lie to Tiberius. Then he’d rather avoid him. That’s exactly what he had done today, again. Found a random, cheap tavern and drowned his misery in wine. He should never have talked to Charis or attempted to share gossip with her. It had backfired so bad. So bad. She’d been right, her husband was powerful and he had made sure to teach Marcus a lesson he wouldn’t soon forget, if ever. Fuck all that. Fuck everyone. Marcus had wanted to climb high so badly, but it seemed all he did was fall. He hadn’t dared to go the Via Lata and find one of the better tavernas or popinas, as he usually did. Instead he lowered himself to the subura, near the brothels and the gangs, but at least here he wasn’t so well known. At some point during the evening, he was escorted roughly out of the taverna he’d found, because a barmaid had apparently been offended by his way of dismissing her. He scraped his knee as he fell outside, but he'd gone through worse now and he ignored it. Then, alone, he made his way back to the villa. At least it was evening. Hopefully that meant he could avoid people and questions once more. He'd done that well so far. He walked into the villa, thinking he was being quiet. He was anything but that though. @Sharpie

Late May, 77AD set a few weeks after Mysterious Girl CLOSED THREAD It would be a lie to say that Marcus wasn’t nervous. He was. For some reason – and he had an idea why – he had been invited to the home of Praetor Tertius Quinctilius Varus. There wasn’t any statement in the letter about why Praetor Varus would meet him, just that he was expected to show up at the appointed time and date. It didn’t say much. But he knew the name. That freedwoman Charis had mentioned him. And what had she told her husband? Pretense husband… fuck… but he couldn’t say no to such an important man, so there he was, approaching the right domus, with Silvanus following. Once they’d knocked on the door, it was opened and a guard let him in. The guard said the slave would have to wait outside for Marcus. Once the door closed behind him… he was on his own. He was shown into the tablinum of the very fine looking house, where Tertius was seated behind a marvelous desk. The house showed off the status and wealth of the man living there, but other than that, it appeared almost empty. Like the other inhabitants of the house weren’t here. It was quiet. Eerie, even. Marcus had a very bad feeling about it all. But Marcus followed the slave in and the slave announced Marcus’ arrival. Tertius put down his work and looked up, but didn’t stand. “Marcus Junius Silanus… it is good to finally meet you. Your father was a highly esteemed man. Proconsul of Rome, even. Do you hope to rise as high as he?” Tertius asked, without even inviting Marcus to sit down. “I hope to honor his name.” Marcus said, feeling oddly uneasy even though it was just the two of them in the room. Tertius’ body slave waiting nearby didn’t count. Marcus was usually never nervous, not this much. Not even with Aulus. But this was different. He didn’t know Tertius, but he’d met his pretense wife… “Do you now? And how do you intend to do that?” Tertius asked, folding his hands in front of him on the desk, his blue eyes never leaving Marcus’ face. Fuck. “I have begun my course of honor and will continue to follow it. And… I have friends in high places. I’m sure I’ll do well.” Marcus replied and now he could not postpone it any longer. This meeting was too strange, “Excuse me if I ask, but… why exactly did you ask me to come here?” He dared and Tertius inhaled a breath. “Oh, I just wanted to meet you. I understand you met my wife, so wanted to find out what you’re like. Especially since I doubt you’ll honor your father’s name much by insulting a Praetor and his wife the way you did. What was it you basically compared her to? A whore?” Tertius asked and now he stood, walking around the table. He wasn’t as tall as Marcus. But he had a certain presence and Marcus felt his back straighten. Fuck! She told him! “I didn’t mean it like that. I was only joking… I apologize if she believed otherwise…” Marcus tried but Tertius shook his head. “She did believe otherwise and she did not think you were joking. Your father was a fine man… but this apple fell far from the tree.” Tertius said and looked past Marcus, “Hector…” He said and the body slave left. It didn’t take long before this Hector returned, followed by four rough looking men. And then, before Marcus knew it, two had grabbed him by the arms, one stood behind Marcus and the fourth came to the front. Marcus squirmed and cursed, but they had a strong and tight hold on him and the man behind him stood ready too. Tertius looked up at the guard who had come to his side, and gave him a nod. A moment later, Marcus received a fist to his jaw. He groaned and tasted blood in his mouth. However, before he could regain his senses, came a hard punch in his stomach region. He doubled over, or would have done so, but the men holding him made sure he remained standing. “Please…” Marcus managed and Tertius smirked, seeming pleased with the reaction. Marcus couldn’t believe this was happening! His father was Decimus Junius Silanus! His friend, whom he lived with and who was his brother in all other senses but blood, was Tiberius Claudius Sabucius! Yet here Marcus was, in a Praetor’s house, getting beaten! “Please what? Stop? I'm afraid that's not an option. Unless... that is you saying you´re sorry for how you treated her?” Tertius asked and before Marcus could answer, another punch to his face. It hurt. So much pain. He felt a stinging pain and something wet. He was bleeding. He’d cracked an eyebrow. He heard Tertius’ voice again, “Are you sorry?” “Yes, please… just… stop.” Marcus said, he felt sick, this was not what he expected now or ever expected, really. But it didn’t stop. There were a few more punches. His ribs hurt too. He could feel the blood from the crack in his eyebrow, running over his eye and cheeks. Through his other eye, he saw Tertius come closer. The older man caught Marcus’ chin hard between his fingers and made him look at Tertius. “Then apologize. I need to hear it.” He insisted firmly and Marcus inhaled a breath, he felt he was shivering and shaking. He felt warm and cold at the same time. “I… I’m sorry… please, stop? I mean it. I’m sorry.” Marcus stuttered and Tertius finally nodded. “Good. I hope this is a lesson you won’t forget.” Tertius said and let go of Marcus chin again, “Enough then. I trust you won’t tell how this all happened.” He gestured to Marcus’ rather ruined good looks right now. And then Tertius looked at his henchmen, “Toss him out in the alley. Be quick about it.” And that was it. Tertius had done his duty and defended his wife’s honor and the young brat had been dealt with. And Tertius was quite sure Marcus would not forget this lesson anytime soon. He better remember. For his own sake. Not long after, Marcus was tossed out in the alley behind the domus, through the slave door. He curled up on the ground where he landed. It hurt so much, everywhere. His jaw, his ribs, his one eye that he couldn’t open, his stomach… he coughed and wondered if Charis knew what just happened, he hadn’t seen her. Tertius didn’t make Marcus apologize to her. Gods, how could he go home to Tiberius now? How to explain this? Tertius clearly didn’t want Marcus to tell who hurt him and why. Gods, what would his brother think? For once it was a good thing he was so far away. After a little while he got on his feet and, still bleeding from the crack in his eyebrow and with visible bruises on his face, he stumbled through Rome and towards the villa in the gardens of Sullust. His own slave Silvanus did notice Marcus, but Marcus had forgotten all about Silvanus and didn’t pay him any attention. Without words, the slave caught up and ducked under Marcus’ arm so that he could help his master walking. Then it might seem like he’d just been in a fight, but the slave suspected that wasn’t the case. Marcus had been fine when he walked into the house. And then he came from the wrong exit. Together they returned to the villa and Marcus’ rooms. Silvanus got strict orders to not tell Tiberius what just happened or where they went. In fact, Marcus preferred that Silvanus said that Marcus was occupied and didn’t have time to talk. The slave fetched water and cloth to clean his master, who also refused to see a medicus. Silvanus was instead told to attempt to sew the cracked eyebrow. It worked, but it didn’t look perfect. Then Marcus asked Silvanus to fetch wine for him and after that, he went to bed with the wine jar close. He hid under the covers of the bed. He definitely had no time to talk. He had time to sleep, to drink and to think. And as long as he had the bruises, he’d have to attempt avoiding Tiberius.

He nodded at her words, "I'll let you know." He just said to her, but he highly doubted he'd need her help for what he had in mind. Young Marcus needed to be taught a lesson. And one he'd remember. One that he wouldn't soon forget. Tertius would make sure of it. But enough of that, he was also concerned about Charis, because she was suddenly the source of gossip and someone people apparently talked about. Of course he knew there was gossip, but he didn't think of it. Until now. And he feared it might have a negative impact on her somehow and he didn't want that. Charis however laughed, as if it was amusing that he thought she'd blame him for it. Then she shifted and came closer to him. Tertius wrapped an arm around her to let her nestle against him and he said she was fine with the gossip as long as they were a family. She kissed his knuckles and used words he never thought she would. But he chuckled at it, she was sweet, despite it all. "You're right... I wanted us to be a family too. It shouldn't matter what they think." He said and brought her hand to his lips too to kiss her back, "I'm glad you think about it like that. Very glad." @Sara

Their eyes met in the faint light of the litter, as they sat there, facing each other, holding hands. He heard her breath and then she wondered what he'd do, "I don't know yet. But you don't need to worry. I'll deal with it." Tertius promised her. His wife had been offended and thus he had been offended too, through her. He'd been a Praetor for more than a decade, possibly since Decimus Junius Silanus was still alive and this Marcus was nothing more but a toddler staggering around. And such a boy would not get away with treating his wife like that. He felt her squeeze his fingers again and she almost apologized for the incident, "It hasn't, it was nice. And I'm glad you enjoyed it, despite the incident with young Silanus." Tertius said and sighed, as his thoughts moved on from the idiocy of youth and towards the gossip, "I'm sorry there's gossip about us. I hope you don't blame me. I just wanted to do what was right for... well, for all of us. For Peregrinus and for you." @Sara

She seemed surprised to hear that Marcus' father had been such an important man in Rome. Well if that was the case, then it would seem that the apple had fallen very far from the tree. What a disappointment the son was. But Tertius needed more information on what happened. For if that boy had touched Charis... But he hadn't. Charis reached out for his hand and assured Tertius that wasn't the case. Apparently though, Marcus had felt superior to Charis and just said it because he could. Boys! Well Tertius would have to do something. Make sure it didn't happen again. Maybe then the gossip would lessen, if people knew Tertius didn't tolerate it. He squeezed her hand, "And he should be horrified. Just because his late father was highly esteemed, it doesn't mean he should just get away with it. With treating you like that. He's not his father. Clearly." Tertius said firmly, looking at Charis, "I won't stand it." @Sara

Sosia paid attention while Ovinia introduced her brother and introduced Sosia to her brother. She was bewildered for a moment, when Ovinia wanted to hear more about Horatia giving birth at that temple. Sosia did hear about, but she wasn't there and she had not really spoken alone with Horatia since. So she wouldn't know what to say when Ovinia asked. What should she say? Ovinia's brother, Lucius, greeted her with a smile and a bow and Sosia blushed a little and opened her mouth to reply politely. But before she had her chance, they were interrupted. A slave appeared and needed Ovinia's help with something. Sosia pushed a stray hair behind her ear, feeling shy. This was a sudden interruption and very unexpected! Not that Ovinia's brother didn't seem nice, but he was very... tall and... she didn't know him. The blue tunic did suit his dark colors well though. Ovinia excused herself before Sosia could say anything. This was awkward. Suddenly Sosia was more or less alone - save for the nearby slaves - with a man she didn't know. She ran a hand down her dress and looked up at him, when he said he could manage to not be boring for a few minutes. "I don't mind... I mean..." Gods, she wanted to kick herself! She forgot to greet him politely enough, like she wanted to do earlier, before they were interrupted. She inhaled a small breath to steady herself, why did she feel so flustered, it was just Ovinia's brother! "I'm sorry I'm being so clumsy, Lucius. May I call you Lucius? I'm sure you're not boring. If you're anything like your sister." She said with a smile then, finally seeming to gather her wits. She'd met a few suitors already, but that didn't mean she ever felt comfortable with them. They didn't make her feel comfortable like Tiberius did. But this was not a suitor, it was Ovinia's brother. She waited for him to make the next move. @Sarah @Sara

Charis had climbed in so they could face each other, and once the litter lifted off the ground, she began talking. About meeting a young man, who had amused her at first, but then shared gossip. About her. Tertius sighed, he knew people thought it scandalous, but honestly... he cared for her, how could he take another wife but her? Have another wife adopt his son, treat Peregrinus like his own, when Charis was the caring mother he'd known so far? No, Tertius did not have it in him to treat his child's mother like that. He was not his father. He was determined to do better this time to both mother and child, than what had happened with Teutus and Varinia. But Charis said more. She'd grown angry and told him who her husband was. And then the young man had offended her. And Tertius, through her. He inhaled a sharp breath, shifting a bit in his end of the litter. He would get riled up too. He did get riled up. How dare anyone suggest Charis was nothing more but a whore he married? And not just anyone. She even shared a name. Tertius should feel glad that she was so honest with him. But how could he be glad... when the news were like this? "I've heard of him, I think. His father I knew. He was a highly esteemed man. Consul and Proconsul of Rome, even." Tertius said thoughtfully, he'd have to look it, but he was quite sure that Marcus must be the youngest son of Decimus Junius Silanus. Wasn't he murdered in Britannia? Not that he knew if that would interest Charis... "Why would he say such things to you? He didn't... touch you, did he?" Tertius then asked her in a worried tone. Gods, if that boy touched or hurt his wife... @Sara

Tertius hadn't felt the party hostile at all, he was a highly esteemed Praetor and Charis his wife. That was how he presented her and no one dared to tell him otherwise. Even though some of them probably knew the story, they said nothing, which sat well with him. At least he took a wife after all these years. At least he had a son with her, his heir. But Charis nodded and said she was ready to leave. She suddenly looked tired to him, as she sighed and pushed herself from the pillar. Tertius reached gently for her arm and she had something on the tip of her tongue. There was also something with her skin. He adored her smooth and fair skin, but right now, it wasn't. He waited and then she told him about some conversation she had and Tertius arched a brow. "It seems we shall." He then said, already concerned. A man was not pleased she was here and made her feel unwelcome. Had he done anything to her? Hurt her? "You go wait by the litter, I'll join you... I should excuse myself formally." Tertius said and kissed her cheek, "I won't be long." And certainly not now that he was worried about her. What happened? And how did anyone make her feel unwelcomed? Had she been alone with this man? There were so many questions. So he found the host of the party and informed him that he had an early day tomorrow and his wife felt tired too. It really did not take long before he left the house and found Charis waiting for him. He gestured that she could climb in first and he soon followed, leaning back in the faint light in there, waiting for her story. @Sara

Tertius had been talking to some of his fellow Senators about the current state of Rome and the current Caesar and had barely noticed Charis disappeared. He assumed she found some other women to talk to. But he began growing tired and thought about where she was, so he excused himself and found her leaning against a pillar with a cup of wine. She excused why she'd been gone. "I am well, yes... but growing a little tired. I feel I've said my piece for tonight." Tertius said with a smile, "What about you, did you enjoy yourself? If you prefer to stay longer, we can." He added with a smile, her standing half in shadow and with a cup of wine was hiding her flushed skin well. He didn't sense yet that something wasn't right. @Sara

Marcus clenched his jaw when she said she was his equal, although she was a freedom. She was worthy of respect only because of the man who called her his wife, and for no other reason than that. But he realized his mistake and he did not want her to tell on him to her husband! A Praetor of Rome! A wealthy and experienced man, who'd held that office for more than a decade. Everyone knew him. Marcus didn't know what he was like, never met him, but he felt it was good to be cautious, suddenly. What if she did tell? He was in trouble, wasn't he? And all because she started by lying to him, letting him think she was more than what she was. She snapped her arm back and stepped further away, saying it should be a lesson to him and she'd consider whether or not to tell her husband. "Please don't." Marcus begged again, while she'd already turned on her heel and was walking away, "I... I'll owe you a favor if you don't. I promise!" He added, but he didn't know if she heard him. He wouldn't run after her and he wasn't sure if that would do any good anyway. Fuck. He ran a hand through his hair and cursed the fact that he'd emptied his wine. He needed more. And then he needed to leave. And hope for the best. @Sara

If Tiberius was conflicted about her, she too was conflicted about him. Her father ought to never know that she was being escorted around in an almost deserted villa, by a handsome young prince she liked. There were slaves and servants nearby, but she could pretend they were entirely alone. Maybe he would kiss her again? She'd dreamt of that kiss. And when he then gave her a brooch, she was very grateful and said as much. And then dared to also mention that if she had not lost her palla that day, she'd never have met Tiberius and got to know him. Tiberius said he was also glad she did not have a pin back then. Gods, she thought again... how is he so perfect? She nodded at his words, "I will. I will keep it safe. If..." She stopped herself, "When I see you again, I will make sure to wear it." Sosia added, she would make sure to keep it safe, it was hers and Tiberius had given it to her. No one would take it from her. For now, she was with him and she would wear the beautiful brooch. She explained where she'd wear it and asked for his help. Tiberius didn't hesitate before he said 'of course' and then he took the pin and carefully touched her dress. He was much closer now, he had to be, in order to fasten the brooch and she felt like she almost lost her breath. His fingers were so close to her. But then it was over and he pulled back. "I'm sure it does." She said, looking down. Feeling happy and sad at the same time, it was odd to feel like that. She should not feel like that with Tiberius, but she did. Sosia would have to try and move the conversation along though, or they'd be stuck here, "Is there more you want to show me... or do you have more gifts? You are so generous." She added with a grin then, looking up into his handsome eyes. Oh how she wished he would show her more, spend the whole day with her, tell her to never leave his side. But he wouldn't. @Sarah

Marcus' patience was wearing out and he thought they should be glad he was behind bars. He usually didn't have such patience with people treating him like they did. Or rather, like the young man in the white robes did. The other barely treated him like anything, he just stood there. Young men. He could barely shave them when they came into his shop, because whatever beard they had, it was so soft and fluffy. But they were nicer looking, when they were shaved. He could shave these two. Offer it to them. Then cut their throats and leave Rome. Marcus smirked at the thought of it, but then the white robe revealed his own name. Marcus had heard it before. He didn't know exactly what this Tiberius did, but he knew he was high up in the hierarchy of Rome. Much higher than Marcus was. The white robes told him as much too. He said nothing to it and Tiberius asked how Marcus contributed to the Roman society. He let out a little amused huff. "You think just because I'm in here, I would not contribute? I do." Marcus hissed, his eyes glinting in the darkness, "I am a barber. I serve people like you. Make you look and feel... civilized. Why do you ask? Would it be easier to take my rights away, if I did not contribute?" Meanwhile Silanus grew more and more curious about the whole situation. He'd just come here because Tiberius was here, but he had absolutely no idea why Tiberius was here or who this man was or what he'd done. He'd not been given so much information yet. The place held many prisoners. And Marcus and the others working here had slaves and guards taking care of the boring things like bringing people to the cells and making sure you knew who was where. So who in the name of Hades was this Marcus Barbatius and what exactly had he done to end up here? A Roman citizen and even a barber... @Sarah