Atrice

She was so beautiful, she was warm, she had amazing lips, she was right here and she wanted him! That was more than enough for Alexius, because he’d thought her easy on the eyes and he’d liked her since the day they met for the first time. Not that he thought he was in love – but he cared about her and sometimes, when he was with someone, it was as if he loved them right then and there, in the moments they spent together, at least. No one else mattered but her right now. Maybe that’s why he could be so tender and gentle despite his desire for her. Alexius felt he should not rush it with Charis. He wanted her to feel as good and comfortable as he felt. He told her to set the pace, she would decide if it was too fast… or too slow. She breathed when he touched her legs and then she was touching him again. Her hand landed on the back of his head before he could initiate the kiss, this time she did it. A firm, heated kiss and he closed his eyes, allowing it to happen. Gods she was… everything! But then she pulled back, panting, his breaths were heavy too and she let go of him to undo her own clothes. The belt and then the ties at her shoulders. Alexius grinned through his breath at her whisper, “It’s no secret… I want you too.” He replied and lifted her down from the table and to her feet again. Now that she’d undone her dress, the action caused it to fall to the floor. Alexius still wore the short breeches he liked wearing, but he undid the ties in a swift motion and then took her hand, “Come.” Alexius tugged her with him towards his bed, pushing the curtain aside to reveal it. Large enough to fit two people, because he knew from the start that he required such a bed. Alexius sat down on the bed and reached out for her, "How do you want me?" Would she want to be taken or did she want to be more active? Her master had probably done most of the 'taking', but with Alexius, she was in charge of what happened. She was definitely safe with him. @Sara

Marcus looked up when a man entered the shop and looked around. The man had brown hair and tanned skin, but otherwise looked rather nice. Although it was obvious that he did need a shave and perhaps even a haircut. Judging by his clothes, he wasn't a Senator, but he wasn't some ordinary, poor Plebian either. Somewhere in between, Marcus judged. So he'd be able to pay, but not as well as some of his clients. A little was better than nothing though, for a barber in Rome, so he turned towards the man with a friendly and welcoming smile on his face. "Salve, Domine!" Marcus said, holding a hand out to let the man know he could come further inside. Since he had not seen the man before, a proper welcome was next, "Welcome to my shop! I am Marcus Barbatius. What can I help you with today? A shave and a haircut, perhaps? Please, take a seat." He said to the almost cautious-looking man and gestured to the only real chair in the room. Maybe they were around the same age or maybe the stranger was a little bit older than him, but he wasn't entirely sure. "Manus, fetch something to drink for our visitor." Marcus ordered the otherwise quiet slave, who left the shop to find a jar of watered wine and a cup for the client. @Sains

Tertius pretended to ignore the way Secundus stared at him, when he pointed out that Sergia had been way too young for marriage, when Tertius himself married and left the house for good. It was all on Secundus, this issue. Tertius had tried to do his bit with Longinus already and he did not think it was his fault it didn’t work out then. But it might now. Longinus awkwardly commented on the ‘squabble’ between siblings and how he didn’t know about them. He smiled, but he had no idea what a nest he just stuck his hand into. He was a friendly man though, Longinus. Tertius hoped he’d not end up getting stung. Longinus continued about Sergia, apologizing again about how he fell for an unsuitable woman instead, so now he was here. And he would know when he could meet Sergia. Secundus was right – there was one area right here, where they seemed to agree. Their niece should have a husband and it better be sooner, rather than later. Longinus was a fine choice. Tertius thought he’d not mind being related to him. Secundus had stayed quiet for a while now though and now words escaped his lips, inviting Longinus to his villa to meet Sergia. And then he wondered, indirectly, just how suitable Longinus might be, if he fell for the wrong lady before. Tertius arched a brow, he couldn’t help but smile. His brother showing a bit of cleverness for once! That was interesting. And that was a very good question! Tertius picked up a handful of grapes to eat them, as if he was watching a show. @Sara @Járnviðr

Wulfric felt sorry for Aglaea for being a slave, although she did not seem too worried about it herself - apart from her master, his uncle, of course. But besides that, she seemed to have accepted it. Maybe because she had been so young when it began. She confirmed that she had been quite young, and wondered what her life would have been like, if she had not been sold into slavery. So her parents did sell her? Gods, it must be horrible... both for her, to have her parents, those that were supposed to love and care for you, just sell her. And it must have been horrible for them too. Yet of course Aglaea didn't know if her life would have been good or bad, if she had not been sold. "Perhaps... there is no way to know." Wulfric said. On his travels to Rome he had wondered what it would have been like, if his real father had been there when he grew up. If it hadn't been Wulfstan, but Tertius. And he'd not even met the man yet. But it would have been different, that's for sure. Roman men seemed to value some things differently than his own people. Differently than Wulfric anyway. Next he wondered if Aglaea's mistress, that she had been with for long, knew about the pregnancy and the plans. She seemed unhappy when she replied. The mistress did know and barely objected to the plan. Wulfric felt bad for asking her now, because it did seem difficult to her and when her voice broke and she was breathing so unsteadily, he put an arm around her for comfort, "No one should be jealous of your situation. I understand it be... difficult." Wulfric said, squeezing her gently, "Romans are strange people. No Chatti man and wife would do like your master and mistress." He sighed, then realized she might not want his embrace and she wasn't even his anyway. Wulfric let go, pulled his arm back, "Sorry, I... do not know if you want..." Want what? His comfort? His embrace? Him? Even Wulfric wasn't sure about what he meant. He just knew he didn't mean to make her feel uncomfortable. @Echo

She was so warm. Her arm was warm and when he lifted her up onto the table, easy as it was, he could feel her body heat through the dress too. So warm and so beautiful, he thought. He ignored the cup she held and which fell to the floor, they could clean that up later. It didn’t matter right now. Alexius didn’t think so far towards who else had kissed her recently, he just knew that he would finally get to give Charis a proper kiss, like he’d wanted to for so long. Her hand was on his neck and his jaw and he inhaled a breath, before he initiated the kiss. Her lips were soft and warm and he felt he held her closer, letting it linger until Charis chose to pull back with the sweetest sound. Her hand was still on his cheek and she smiled, wondering if that’s all he had for her. “I think you know it’s not. It’s a start…” Alexius said with a grin. She seemed a little nervous still, so careful, like this was new to her. She might need to explore more. Alexius let go of her for a moment, but only to pull his tunica over his head and he tossed it to the bench next to the table. When he touched her again, it was his hands on her knees, hiking up the skirt of her dress. Gods he wanted her so badly, but he also didn’t want to rush it, for her sake! He didn’t want to ruin it and ruin the moment! “Let me know if I should slow down. Or if it’s too slow…” He then added with a wink - and with his hands on the bare skin of her legs, caressing her, he leaned down to kiss her again, his mouth opening a bit so that he could taste her and she him. @Sara

Of course the fancy Senator was still not quite trusting Marcus. And maybe he should not trust him at all, but he didn’t know Marcus, so who was he to judge so fast? Right, he was a Senator! Marcus dealt with them in his shop and they all thought they were better than the rest. So of course this man would also judge Marcus right away, just because they were obviously not the same class. Well it didn’t matter. This would be a game on Saturnalia and Marcus would gain something no matter who won. He preferred to win though. Finally the Senator agreed to the game, but wondered how he could use a favor from Marcus, “Not very important, no. But it would be useful, I believe. Or it could be, at least. You don’t know yet what favors I can offer, after all. And you will not know until you have won.” Marcus replied, saying much and saying nothing at all. It was another skill of his. The Senator placed the dice on the table and wondered what to play… and what Marcus’ name was. “You have not shared yours either. You may call me Gaius.” He always used his brother’s name instead of his own. He took his brother’s life anyway, so the name was his to use, right? He’d taken it. If the Senator won, he might share his real name. If not, it was better the Senator did not know his name at all. “We can play this game, if you’d like. Tali is another option, if we have any pieces. I’ll let you decide.” Marcus said, although he wanted to get it started soon, or he feared he would be bored and move on. Too much talk, too little progress and action. @Sara

The more he sat here, eating the snacks, drinking the wine and listening to the conversation, the more upset he became. Secundus, the madman, had more or less thrown him out of his childhood home last time they met and now they were supposed to sit here and act civil, because of Longinus. Tertius didn’t want to be here. He wanted to not see Secundus. They’d been fine before Germania. Even while they were there. But after Secundus’ disappearance and then reappearance many years later… things went the wrong way. But he sat quietly, now. Listening to Longinus attempt to joke, although he’d not met Sergia, and then he mentioned his late wife. Not quite proper when discussing your future wife, Tertius thought. Meanwhile Secundus was eating in a very uncivilized way and he caught the glance Longinus sent him. Tertius just rolled his eyes without a word, quietly letting Longinus know that Secundus was far off and there was nothing to do about it. Longinus went on. Wondering why Sergia wasn’t married. Yes, why exactly was that? Tertius arched a brow too, curious to hear what his brother would answer to this interesting question. Tertius had no chance to reply and he would let Secundus do it anyway. Of course Secundus blamed Tertius and then gave a strange speech about how opposites did not attract and how a wife should give him what you didn’t already have. Tertius was amused, wondering what exactly Livia gave to Secundus, because he could not imagine that lovely, young woman wanting to give anything to Secundus. Then his brother claimed that both he and Tertius had paraded suitors to Sergia before, but their squabbles got in the way. “I don’t recall I had any need to parade suitors back then, not yet. She was still a child, when I married and left our childhood home… or don’t you remember, Secundus? It is more than ten years ago.” Tertius replied, “I’m afraid I do not have any good explanation to why Sergia is unmarried. She is beautiful like her mother – our sister - and will make a good wife to anyone, I’m sure.” Tertius said with a friendly smile, “But I do agree with my brother in one case – to make sure you get along and the match is well-made, you should meet her. I am quite sure she is eager for marriage.” He knew she was eager to marry – so she would not suffer a moment longer in the same house as Secundus. Tertius had felt the same when he married. @Sara@Járnviðr

Cynane finished talking about what she felt during a fight and what she feared more than a fight... men, who wanted to control her and take advantage of her. Luckily, there'd been none of those since she came to Claudia and she was perfectly happy with that. Well, there were men who wanted those things, but she had a powerful mistress who seemed to protect her so far. You didn't just touch Claudia Caesaris' personal and famous bodyguard without permission. She kind of liked that. Sosia agreed that men liked to think everything belonged to them, because as men, they could take what they pleased. Sosia kept on musing about how women were not like that, they were more clever, although she claimed she was not one of those. "There are tribes in Britannia, where I come from, that are led by women. Ever heard about Boudicca? Women can inherit thrones just like men, there. My own cousin, Ysulda, she was queen too. Until she made an alliance with the Romans, but that was after I was captured." She said, the bitterness shining through her voice. She hadn't been there to experience all the business with her cousin and Eppitacos, but she'd heard about it all and she almost found it harder to forgive her cousin than Eppitacos - and he was hard to forgive, although she at the same time had trouble hating him. Men! "The world might be a lot safer for us, if women had more power. I guess that's why we don't. Then the men wouldn't be able to take what they want." She added with a sigh and drank a little more, "By the way, don't say you're not clever. You were clever enough to help me out of trouble. That's something." Cynane smiled at her new... friend? It would seem they had some similar views. She wondered if they had more in common. @Sara

When you stood so close, it was hard to not notice the way she was breathing – was she just excited or was she nervous? Alexius didn’t want her to be. He wanted her to feel comfortable and she seemed intent on not slapping him for his behavior tonight. No, she definitely seemed to want to give into his and her desires and he was all here for her, if that’s what she would have. She was so fine. Her cheeks were red and when he touched her arm, there were goosebumps on it. It was almost as if this was her first time, but of course he knew that was not the case. She had a husband, once. And she had a master, who had taken advantage of her. With Alexius, there’d be no strings attached. Just pleasure. A friend who offered very good benefits. She smiled up at him, chuckling and leaning closer to him, more or less saying she didn’t know exactly what to do, “You’re a mystery, Charis…” Alexius said with a grin, but he did not move away and she gave him that tempting glance through her lashes, looking up at him, deciding that she wanted him to show her what he could do. “I’ll make you consider a lot of things.” Alexius promised with another smile and then he lifted her up to sit properly on the table instead of just leaning against the edge of it. He followed of course, letting his arms continue around her to embrace her, bringing them closer together and then he leaned down towards her to kiss her. He did pause briefly though, “Consider this, for a start…” And then he let his lips meet hers, expecting she would for once not pull back and not slap him for it. If she didn’t, he’d bury his hand in her hair and let the kiss linger. @Sara

Look at that little smile on her face, when he said she tortured him! Gods, she knew she was doing and she just kept it going. Alexius had wanted Charis almost since the moment he met her. Not since the exact moment though, because he’d interfered with her fighting with Helios, but then they began talking and he began realizing just how gorgeous she was. And precious. And now she was there, on the edge of his table, with a cup of wine in her hand, looking at him with her beautiful, blue eyes. Alexius drew nearer again, it was almost too perfect. Almost. Meanwhile she began talking, stumbling over her words and the reason why she was here. And then she asked why he thought she was here. Alexius stopped moving when he stood in front of her and he placed a hand on the table beside her – but not on her other side, because he knew how she reacted to being trapped and he wouldn’t risk that now. Instead his other hand touched her upper arm, the one she did not hold her wine with, and he let his fingers slide down over her arm towards her hand… and her hip. “I think you’re here to feel free and happy. It is Saturnalia. And I think… you’re here for me.” Alexius said and inched his body closer to hers, “What do you want to do? Right now? Because if you’re here for me… then I’m all yours and you know it. Just tell me…” Alexius paused with a little grin, “Or even better, show me.” @Sara

Marcus noticed how the other man sat straighter as he spoke – had he interested the fancy Senator after all? Managed to get under his skin? Else he would, if he won this. And he would, somehow. He would, one way or the other. The Senator chuckled and seemed to like Marcus’ idea indeed, but wondered what Marcus had to offer him. He said he could buy anything he wanted and wouldn’t steal something. “I could offer a free and luxurious shave and pampering, if that’s what you want. Or what’s worth even more… I could owe you a favor. I have skills far beyond your knowledge.” Marcus added with a small smile, that one was always useful and would most likely somehow benefit himself too. Or he’d make it benefit him. Marcus was like that. If he wanted something, he’d do his utmost to make sure he got it. And there were not a great many things he wanted in life, so it was rather easy too. The Senator would then know what Marcus would play for. “That… has to remain a secret so far. But I can reveal that what I want, is valuable. It’s something you have and need to have and something I find… fascinating.” Marcus explained, “So… a game?” @Sara

Why was Secundus here? He wasn’t there last time Tertius met with Longinus, so why now? Tertius gathered it had to do with Sergia, but he did not consider his brother to show up. Secundus didn’t care about anyone but himself. Of course though his brother tried to plaster on some polite words, but then he could not help but insinuate that Tertius just had a son with someone not his wife – because he didn’t have one – but Tertius would not let him feel he’d won. “We are all fine and thriving, Secundus. I hope you and your family are the same. I’m surprised to see you in Rome, I heard you’d gone to the villa.” He commented back to his brother, but none of them smiled and then Secundus turned his attention to Longinus and went straight to business. Poor Longinus seemed bewildered for a moment, but then he invited both his guests further in towards the triclinium, while Longinus revealed the reason for the meeting. Tertius took a seat, making sure Longinus would be between him and Secundus, so he could keep his distance. Longinus began talking about Sergia, whom he was apparently suddenly interested in again. Tertius picked up the goblet with wine closest to him. Secundus spoke of Sergia and mentioned of her youth, although she was in her early twenties now and should have been married years ago. Something Secundus had not seemed to be busy with until now. Why had he not found a husband for her already? The poor young woman was trapped with him instead. Then Secundus mentioned she was not fond her uncle… not her uncle Tertius, but Secundus. Quinctilia and Sergia sometimes came to see Tertius, he supposed to rest a bit from Secundus’ oddities, and they seemed happy enough with that. His attention returned to Secundus, who now began eating. It wasn’t a pretty sight. Tertius wondered why he was here at all. It was obvious now that Secundus would exclude him from the conversation the best he could and he was the one in charge of Sergia, Tertius was not. Instead he picked up a handful of dates, eating them while watching and paying attention the conversation. He had nothing to add right now, after all. @Sara @Járnviðr

Charis was more alluring to him than she probably knew. Just the way she’d tossed her hair over the shoulder just before… gods! Look at her neck and throat and consider how the warmth of her skin would feel against his lips right there. And how she’d react. She must know she was at least a little tempting to him. Else she’d not act like that, would she? Hopefully she’d not claim he was wrong and this was normal behavior. Because he had not seen Charis act like this around him before, no matter how he’d been open about his desires for her when they met. He told her how amazing she looked. It didn’t matter that she’d walked across half of Rome to find him tonight. What mattered was just how feminine and gorgeous she was. She turned on her heels to face him. She was so short, he thought again. Not that it mattered. He would pick her up and thenjust… gods, no, he needed to slow those thoughts just a little bit! But then of course she touched his hand and he laced his fingers with hers, while she was looking up at him and then she came with a very direct suggestion on what to do. Alexius was all ears and attention, but she pulled back, teasing him! “It’s already poured.” Alexius told her, looking after her with a grin, “Gods! You know you’re torturing me right now, right?” He then added, “I never knew you could be such a temptress, Charis. You better finish that second cup… soon.” It was all said with a playful spark to his eyes and his voice. Really, she was the one holding the cards here. She had him – or could easily have him – in the palm of her hand! With how she was acting, he didn’t know for how much longer he wanted to wait. It felt like it had been forever already! @Sara

He really had to knock some self-confidence into Teutus somehow... but how, exactly? Teutus agreed to come with Alexius out in Rome to experience and explore, but Teutus did not seem overly excited about it. Poor guy, he should be! But he just wanted to drink. Maybe Alexius could find a place to both drink and have fun. Again the thought of the arena came back to him. "The arena, of course. I think that's the best idea. Either that, or maybe a ludus? We can watch them train, for free, and I know those places well. And we can get a drink on the way there, if you'd like." Alexius promised, waiting for Teutus to finally stand and follow him, "You must know your way around Rome, did you live here all your life?" He asked on the way out, curious to get to know Teutus better, to figure out what he needed to feel good. @Sharpie

When Charis suggested all boys at Lexus’ age were shy, Alexius had to smile a little, “I don’t know. I don’t recall I went through that phase, back then.” He never really was shy, was he? It had been rough at the ludus to begin with, especially after he’d just parted with his sister, but he grew into the role and after he discovered what real pleasure was like, there was certainly no shyness about him at all. And that had already happened when he was the age Lexus was now. Lexus was on his way out now though and who knew what he’d encounter this night? Meanwhile Alexius was left alone with Charis, who suddenly blushed in the sweetest possible way and sipped her wine as if that would hide it. Alexius couldn’t help but being charmed and Charis wanted another cup of wine, “One more cup for you.” Alexius poured wine for her, looking her over. There was something about her tonight. Something different. Was it because she had become a mother? She did appear more… mature in a way. Which didn’t make her any less tempting. Alexius emptied his own cup too and watched as she stood to walk about in the small and humble flat he shared with Lexus. Gods she was a sight for… gods, wasn’t she? And currently for him. Alexius rested an arm on the table while she padded around, “It is very much my place, yes.” Alexius replied with a grin, wondering what she was up to. It was then she tossed her hair over her shoulder. So it was like that, was it? But the problem was, that she’d denied him quite a few times before, so was this really what she wanted or did she just not know how easy it was to tempt him? Because she was tempting. A lot. Alexius stood when she continued to move about, deciding to do something about it, because he wasn’t made for just sitting still and waiting around, “There’s more than just this.” Alexius said, nodding at the curtain at one end of the room, the one hiding his private part of the flat, “You’re welcome to see what’s behind there. See if that’s also very… me.” He said with a wink, approaching her. He wasn't sure they'd go out for that drink elsewhere just yet, “You look amazing tonight by the way… did I tell you that?” @Sara

Her frown was so short he barely noticed it, instead she smiled happily and agreed that they were some kind of family and that Peregrinus would grow up with love and comfort. Tertius nodded, “Then we want the same for him. That’s a good start.” He replied with a warmer smile back to her and then he’d toyed with a quite different thought, that he didn’t know if he’d ever go through with, although emperors had done it before, so why not him? Although he didn’t know if Charis was wife-material… if she’d be a good, Roman wife. He doubted she would. She’d lived here a few years now, but she was probably still a Brit inside. But again, you never knew with the future, did you? Charis looked at Peregrinus, before she replied and spoke of how you could not plan your life, because the gods would change and twist it anyway. “That’s what they seem to enjoy doing.” Tertius said and Charis said she had all she needed, for now. He nodded again, had this thought of putting his hand over hers, just for a moment, but then he didn’t. It felt awkward, somehow. He hated awkwardness. “I suppose I do too… for now.” He added. Would he bed her again, once Peregrinus no longer required her to nurse him so often? She was still beautiful. Perhaps even more now that she was a mother. It suited her so well. But no, not yet. All his thoughts and ideas of her would have to wait. Maybe another time… if she continued to be so good. “I suppose I should get on with my duties for the day. And you can… go and rest with Peregrinus, if that’s what you need to do. I will summon you or come to you, if I want to see my son.” Tertius said and stood, leaving a moment there for her to reply to him, if she had anything more to say. @Sara

Longinus had such a charming and winning smile on his face, Tertius thought to himself, while the other senator greeted him, clasping their arms together and thanking Tertius for making the time to come here. Then admitted it had been rude that he did not contact Tertius after last time they talked, “Don’t think about it.” Tertius replied in a friendly tone, indirectly informing Longinus it had been noted but since Longinus more or less apologized, it was alright. Besides, the matter of Sergia now seemed entirely out of his hands anyway. He didn’t know yet she was the reason he was here, now. The other senator commented on Tertius’ latest addition to the family and Tertius smiled, he couldn’t help but being proud of his son, even if he was born by a slave from Britannia. Peregrinus was now almost half a year old and he was thriving and happy. Tertius looked forwards to seeing his first steps and hearing his first word, “Yes, I did have another son a while ago… little Peregrinus.” He said, leaving it unmentioned between them, that he had no wife to bear the son. Everyone knew anyway, so what was there to hide? But it wasn’t something you talked about openly, of course. They were then interrupted by one of Longinus’ slaves, apparently here to tell something of importance. It was then she spoke the name. Tertius’ eyes widened with surprise, Secundus… here? Why? He had not seen his brother since just after the earthquake in the summer and he honestly had not expected to see him so soon. Or so suddenly. He looked at Longinus, who explained himself and then said he had not had the pleasure of meeting Tertius’ brother. The pleasure? More the disgrace! Tertius felt almost speechless and only opened his mouth to speak after Longinus asked if it was alright, “I didn’t exp…” He was cut short as his brother walked into the scene as if he owned the place. It didn’t go well last time they met. Secundus more or less ordered Tertius to simply leave his childhood home. He lifted his chin while Longinus approached his brother, but he didn’t speak – he honestly could not come up with any polite greeting for his brother right now. @Sara @Járnviðr

Charis nodded when Tertius instructed her, that Peregrinus was her highest priority right now. She could do her garden work, if she wanted to, but if Peregrinus needed her, that’s where she needed to be. Right now everything seemed peaceful and Charis was so pretty and calm… but he didn’t know yet if he could trust her. This was a hope, that he could. If she could not fulfill her duty and keep his son happy and comfortable, it was still in his power to change Charis’ life again. To ensure his son’s happiness. But she said she wanted Peregrinus to be happy too and promised to not let him down. “I hope not.” Tertius said, his voice was soft enough but if she looked, she’d see that look in his eyes – she just promised she’d not let him down. Because she knew there’d be consequences, if she did. After that, there was a long moment of peace, where Charis nursed his son and Tertius just watched her. She didn’t seem too distracted by it and Tertius felt at peace for once, here in this moment, with her. He told her his thoughts and then she said she’d like that too. Calling them a proper little family. Well perhaps not a proper family, she was a slave, but the father of her child and her child were not slaves. But a family none the less. Before he could respond to that though, Charis took it back. “We are a kind of family though, are we not? Although you are not free and we are not married. It’s still just the three of us, right now.” Tertius replied. In his mind he toyed with the idea of freeing her and marrying her, but would she succumb to that? Could he trust her with freedom and marriage? It was a nice thought. He hadn't met any other women he'd like to call wife. With Charis, maybe. If Imperials and Emperors could do it, why not he? But first he needed to know if he could trust her at all. Tertius wasn’t known for freeing his slaves, but it happened with Teutus now and now he had another son. “There’s no knowing what the future holds.” Tertius then added, wondering how she’d react to such words. @Sara

Charis seemed happy that her son was freed so soon, smiling at Alexius’ story about Lexus being born free and then she said she was glad her son would not have to grow up as a slave. She also said there was another son by her master, that wasn’t freed so early. Alexius arched a brow, that kind of reminded him of Teutus, whom he met a while ago and who was also a recent freedman, but then his father had a son with one of his slaves… Alexius gave Charis a strange look for a moment there, but then decided that Rome was a large city and there was no way Teutus and Charis knew each other personally. “I can imagine that it’s not easy to be that other son, now. I’ve met people like that before. I’m glad your son is free though.” Alexius just commented, without diving further into the story, because it was obvious that Charis had enough to think about with hers. The conversation continued anyway and Alexius let Charis know that he just wanted her to feel good and reminded her that he knew she’d let him know, if she didn’t like what he did. She laughed, apologizing for her previous actions and Alexius just smiled, “Don’t think about… I just hope I won’t initiate another one.” Alexius said with a wink, while Lexus got up to greet his friend by the door. Charis commented quietly about Lexus then and Alexius looked at Lexus briefly too, “He is, isn’t he? Polite… but also a bit… shy? We don’t have so much in common, so it’s a bit hard sometimes. But we try our best to make it work.” Alexius said, maybe he’d tell the full story about Lexus later. Charis suggested ad rink here and then they’d go out and he nodded, “That sounds like a good plan. Are you leaving Lexus?” Alexius asked his son and Lexus looked over his shoulder. “Yeah, we’re off. I’ll be back home… tonight… I don’t know when. See you tomorrow morning?” Lexus said with a little smile, knowing that his father might be out all night too anyway. Alexius nodded, “Be careful out there! Saturnalia is crazy… but you know that.” Lexus nodded and then he left Alexius alone with Charis. @Sara

Didia said she’d pay Alexius for what he did for her, if she could, but he waved his hand, “Don’t think about it. It’s a favor between friends.” Alexius replied. That’s what friends did, they looked out for each other, helped each other. And he did consider Didia his friend, didn’t he? They must be friends, with how she came to his place after she’d been stitched up by Theo and with how she now allowed Alexius to try and help her with her self-defense skills. He said though that if she knew anyone in need of a bodyguard or something like it, she should let him know… although he wasn’t too worried. You didn’t get anywhere with worrying. Didia continued talking about how she could ask around, although she didn’t seem to like all the Senators she met. She talked an awful lot Alexius thought, and he wondered if she was still nervous. Poor her. Well he wouldn’t let anyone touch her. When she was done talking, he nodded with a smile, “There’s drama all over and unpleasant and nice people in all places. Unpleasant people are found among slaves too, trust me, I know this. You just have to deal with it.” He said, “It’s a pity I can’t make a proper living out of just saving people.” Alexius said with a grin and looked at her, “All I want is a good enough life, I guess. But that’s what we all want, isn’t it?” @Sara

It was more than a year ago that Tertius had a special visit from the Senators Longinus and Rufus, regarding possible marriage between Longinus and Tertius’ niece, Sergia. Tertius had hoped for the best after the meeting, which he thought went well enough – despite Rufus being sick – but there was no word regarding the proposal and when he heard that Longinus was due to marry another woman, he had assumed it was the end of that. Secundus would have to deal with marrying Sergia off on his own, again. His brother had, after all, pushed him and today Tertius had no say in what happened to his sister or her children. He knew though that none of them had married yet and Sergia wasn’t getting any younger. So he was surprised when he gained the invitation from Longinus to come to his own, apparently to discuss the proposal once more. He had of course heard that the marriage that had been set up for Longinus did not go through, but he didn’t know that Longinus was still interested in Sergia. And again... it was none of his business. It was Secundus’ business and he was clearly not handling it very well at all. Quinctilia never remarried and Sergia was not married either. Hopefully young Marcus would do better, most likely being smart enough to find someone on his own and not rely on Secundus to get it done. Tertius had dressed finely, in a dark blue tunica and toga with golden decorations, for the invitation. His lectica carried him up to the domus in the area of the small Aventine. From the outside, the domus looked like any other in Rome. But Tertius left the lectica and with Hector following behind him, he approached the place and a slave let him into the atrium. The decorations indoors were… interesting. There was much to look at here and Tertius certainly wasn’t bored while he waited for the host. At last Longinus appeared with a grin on his face, “Thank you for the invitation, Senator.” Tertius replied to the welcoming host, “I hope you have been well since last time.” He continued, unaware that there was another guest also approaching the domus. @Sara@Járnviðr

Marcus could be kind and polite when it suited him and so far, this man was a Senator he didn't know well and who might be interesting tonight, one way or another. The Senator here was clearly not among the less arrogant ones and the way he just implied that Marcus might be among the lowest in society didn't sit well with him. Not that he showed that in any way. He explained his trade and the other apologized and claimed he meant no offense. Of course he did. Marcus didn't trust him just yet. Maybe he never would. And a Senator's blood was as crimson as that of a whore. Marcus began chatting about gambling and noticed how the other sat up straighter, because Marcus was studying him. The Senator said he liked to gamble sometimes, when in the right mood and he didn't want to break laws. Oh how good he was. In Rome? As far as Marcus understood the people of Rome, laws were there to be broken or people tried to find loopholes or short-cuts around them. And Marcus was here to let them know that they should do no such things. The vigiles weren't very good at it anyway. Or the Urban Cohorts. Always too slow. Marcus knew all about that too... else he would not still be here, walking around freely in Rome. He returned to the present when the Senator wondered why Marcus asked about the gambling. "I don't really gamble myself... not like this anyway. But that would depend on the stakes, of course. What they are. I don't care about money or fame or luxury. If we are to gamble, how about this..." Marcus trailed off while the idea formed in his head, "The winner gets to take something they want. No matter what it is. Either take it the other, or from someone else. What do you think? Will you play this game with me?" He tilted his head, much like a bird or a lizard, while still watching the Senator closely. @Sara

Sosia gave her a smile, when she explained she did not have the night off. It was also Cynane's way of saying that she chose to stay here, now. Sosia said she was glad she stayed, but promised to not tell anyone and also suggested Cynane didn't get too drunk. She nodded, "That sounds like a good plan. I do work tomorrow again." Cynane said and then she'd told the story about how she and the rest of Claudia's small party were attacked outside of Rome. Claudia escaped without a scratch, but covered in blood. She hadn't forgotten how Claudia's otherwise fine dress clung to her body and how Cynane kind of thought that attractive, even with the blood. Her companion seemed surprised and said it must be terrifying. Cynane grinned, "I don't know if I'd call it terrifying... just... intense?" She said while Sosia drank a huge gulp of her wine and then wondered if she didn't get afraid. "I don't really get afraid in such situations. There's no time for that, in a fight. What I feared most was any harm coming to my Domina..." Cynane added and looked distant for a moment. Anyone just harming a hair on Claudia's head would have to deal with Cynane. Just like that bandit did, that day. Not that it made her think Sosia was a coward. "I don't think you're a coward. Most would probably get afraid, I think? But to be honest... what I fear more, are men like the one earlier tonight. I fear men like him more than I'd fear ten armed men in a fight." And that was the truth of it. And she'd been in public here, without her weapons. Sure she could have fought him off, but had she hurt him, it would fall back on her Domina and she could not risk that. Apparently she'd rather have a man violate her than put Claudia in a bad light. It was weird, but that's how it was. She didn't know why it had come to that. At least Sosia was here, so nothing happened. She sighed by the thought while drinking more of her own cup. @Sara

Wulfric did not have any aspirations towards becoming a king - it was not his great dream and it never had been. He just wanted to serve his people and those he cared about... and of course eventually find a woman and continue the family line and make his mother and his grandfather proud. That's what he wanted. And right now in Rome, he wanted to learn how to live here, so he could meet his father without embarrassing them both. But they were talking about how to be a king and Iophon said to learn from the best. Wulfric wondered what the other man would do, if he became a king. Iophon mostly joked about it - he wanted wine and concubines... women. Apparently it was too much work. And that was true enough. Just another reason to not aspire to become king, but simply serve the king. That was enough for Wulfric. He was probably, indeed, a good person. Perhaps too good... but he didn't think about it like that. "You are probably right... much work, when you are king. But... I am not. And I do not know, if I will be. So I try to not worry." Wulfric explained to the other man, "I am here, now. I hope I will like Rome. What do you like most in this city?" @Chevi

Teutus pointed out that he was drunk - as if Alexius had not noticed that yet. And then he continued with this round of poor self-esteem that he had, which made Alexius feel sorry for him again. He shouldn’t feel like that. Teutus was young, he was handsome, he was a freedman! He was more than what he’d previously been and he continued to speak so badly about himself. Alexius really had to do something about that. He hated seeing someone nice feeling so low. “It wouldn’t be the first time, Teutus.” Alexius pointed out, he’d hung out with drunk people plenty of times. And he got drunk too sometimes – a few cups of wine were not enough though, not for Alexius’ size and the way he was used to drinking. “Besides, I thought we agreed we’d go out, once the jar is empty. There’s so much to do. Unless you’d rather drink?” He really would love to show Teutus that being free was amazing, even though Teutus didn’t seem to see it right now. @Sharpie