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Atrice

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  1. Atrice
    Somehow, Wulfric's mother - and the man he grew up thinking as his father - had managed to raise a rather polite and friendly man. Sure he knew how to fight, well enough too, but for the right causes also. And he knew how to be polite to others. Even people from Germania had manners. Aglaea had too, he followed her to the shade while she agreed they could not let the sun burn his skin. Not that the sun was never shining where he came from, but it was like it was much warmer and much more burning here, than in Germania to the North. Once they sat down, he wanted to learn to say her name right and she touched his hand, saying she had not been offended. Then she told him her name again, this time slowly. "A-glaea." He said, trying to make the a-sound harder than before. But it had to be more smooth, surely? "Aglaea... is that right?" He asked with a smile and then she told him her name was Greek and wondered about his name, "Yes, you say fine. My name... Chatti name, of course." He said with a grin, "Means powerful wolf." He added, just in case she would know, since they were sharing things about each other and their names. They were meeting for another reason though - she wanted to prepare him to meet his family. "Can you tell more about Varus family? You know things about Tertius? Has he other children?" @Echo
  2. Atrice
    Sosia agreed that it was not too bad, that none of them were too busy rushing through life in Rome right now. They were sitting and talking and now Sosia was smiling again. She really was pretty when she smiled. The other woman went on about how everyone said there was always something to do in Rome, but it was mostly for the men. And men could drink and go to brothels or parties and the like. Cynane wasn’t sure what to say, she was a slave and had very little choice about what to do in the evening and night. Mostly she was at the palace. She was only out now because she’d been to a bath house to exercise and clean up and then took the long way back to the palace… and then ended up here. Sosia was still talking though, after having considered Cynane’s question about what to do next. She suggested they got more drinks and Cynane let out a little laugh, she had not expected that answer to her question. “If that’s what you want. I don’t mind spending more time with you.” She replied, still a grin on her face, ignoring the thought of what might happen if she came home drunk and unable to work tomorrow. She might face punishment. But when had she last had a proper night on the town? Not since her gladiatrix days and not even then, it was like this… maybe it was worth it. Cynane lifted her cup to drink again, but only found a few drops left, “Mine’s already empty it seems.” She looked around for the working slaves at this street-bar, “Hey… a re-fill… please?” She held up her cup and the young male slave came rushing to them with a jar of wine. He was so young. Many of the slaves were. Many of them worked hard towards an early death. Cynane fished out two coins from her purse, “One for the drinks. And one for you, keep it secret and safe.” @Sara
  3. Atrice
    Tertius just smiled when she blushed and said she was never prone to disaster before. He didn’t know anything about that – he knew little, but not a lot, about her previous life and as he had told her over and over again, that life was gone and over. Focusing on that would not help make her new life here easier for her. It was better to leave the past in the past, for her. So he focused on the present, saying she could invite her friends here and pointed out that she’d made quite a few new friends, so maybe life wasn’t so bad here after all. Charis brushed over it quickly and he wasn’t sure she understood it. Why didn’t she at least try to focus on what was good in her life now, instead of what was not good? She just had a beautiful baby boy and she had made quite a few new friends here. And here she sat, with her son being free and she was enjoying food with her master. All that was surely not bad? Tertius’ attention was drawn away though, when his son began to stir and looked up at him. Tertius could not help but smile at the sight of a child’s eyes looking at him truly for the first time. His child. His son. Then he began to seem more uneasy and Charis said he was hungry. “No need to apologize for that.” Tertius said with a fond smile and handed the child over to its mother. Feeding him was not something Tertius could do, after all. Nursing and feeding your child was a natural thing, but he knew women felt differently about it and he didn’t know what he would feel watching it. He could not recall Antonia with her mother or her nurse back then, so maybe he’d not participated there either. “Do you want some privacy?” He asked, unsure of what would be best in this situation. He had to think about Peregrinus. And when it came to babies… their mother’s mood had to do a lot with their mood. He wanted Peregrinus to be happy. So Charis had to be comfortable too. @Sara
  4. Atrice
    Alexius already felt bad about her before he touched her, but this was for her own good and he was trying to teach her how to defend herself. He hated seeing people he cared about, hurt. Or hearing about them being hurt. Alexius had no issues with beating up some idiots he didn’t know, who were hurting people who could not defend themselves or who wanted to hurt someone he was meant to protect… but people he cared about should just never be hurt, period. So he wanted her to learn. The moment he touched her though, he felt her tense up for a moment and then everything happened quickly. The moment he held her, she was suddenly screaming, thrashing around in his arms, kicking him and then there was that insane, indescribable pain in his crotch that made him bend over and let go of her! Alexius let out a yell and a “FUCK!” too, while Didia was suddenly crying on the ground and his hands were protecting his balls – too late, of course, but it was just pure instinct. Didn’t she just promise to not kick him there? He tried to breathe deeply in order to relax, Alexius could stand a lot of pain during a fight, but a kick right at his balls was dreadful for any man! Fuck! Somewhere in his mind he knew he should take care of Didia, but right now, his own pain was bad enough too. Didia spoke up first, apologizing and saying she panicked. She still sat on the ground. Alexius sighed deeply, trying to regain his ability to talk. “How… does it… look like?” He managed through his breath. She had been crying. And screaming. It was too soon for her, obviously, and it was his fault that he was now in physical pain and she had felt it otherwise. His own damn fault! Apparently this was one friend he couldn’t treat right. “How are you?” Alexius then said, attempting to think straight to try and make it better again, “I’m sorry, I didn’t want to make you… feel like that. At least… you got free. It worked, didn’t it?” @Sara
  5. Atrice
    Eventually, Peregrinus would be introduced to society, because he was a free Roman citizen and his son and heir, now. But for now he was nothing but a baby and while he was being nursed by his mother, he would stay with her. When he was older, he’d of course have a proper education. He would learn everything that a proper, Roman boy should learn and he would surely grow up to be a handsome boy and man. With a mother as beautiful as Charis… how could he not turn out like that? Until he was grown though, Charis would take care of her son and he might allow her to introduce Peregrinus to her friends too. He suggested inviting them here, of course after asking which friends she had. Tertius didn’t know about them. Charis began talking then, thanking Tertius first for allowing Cynane to be here for the birth. Tertius nodded with a smile, glad that she was pleased with that – but knew it was his hand that made it happen. Then she spoke of her other friends. Aia from Britannia and the gladiatrix who saved her a while ago. Tertius might allow both to come, if they would, so he could meet them too. Charis then mentioned a male friend, a bodyguard who worked for a fancy lady. A bodyguard? He wondered what such a man had helped her with… but maybe they were indeed just friendly, too. It wasn't that he had ever forbidden her to stay true to him, but she was his anyway. Tertius felt oddly possessive over Charis. He did before too, but now she was the mother of his child, so now it meant more. It was deeper. It was something though, that she was so honest now, told him about all of her friends. He had to credit her for that. “Everyone seems to rush to your aid here in Rome.” Tertius commented though, with a smile, “You can invite any of them to come here and meet our son. I am surprised to hear you know so many. Maybe Rome is not as bad as you first thought?” He said, eyeing her. Since she made so many friends here, it couldn’t be all bad. He knew she hated it to begin with, but hopefully, it was different now. @Sara
  6. Atrice
    Sosia said she meant it, when she thought Cynane might look nice in a dress. She wore one a while ago, when that Lucius Metellus wanted to see her, but that was already a while ago and she’d moved on since then. She wore a dress for a man and did it do any good for her? Not really. Conversation went on though, she explained more about Britannia and of course Sosia, as any Roman, didn’t like the thought of a cold and wet climate. “It is very beautiful. All the green… I miss that in Rome.” She replied, giving a vague smile when Sosia hoped Cynane could find peace here. She had not found it yet. She didn’t know if she would, but it was nice of Sosia to hope for it. Sosia added that herself, that you could not get much peace in Rome, with it being so busy and everyone wrapped up in their own world. Sosia seemed unhappy with it too and Cynane looked at her, feeling a desire to cheer her up. “Well, it would seem that there’s at least two here, who are not a part of that. I should be busy I suppose, going home, but… now I’m here with you, not rushing anywhere and talking to you.” She said, even smiling a bit, “That’s not too bad, is it? Although what should we do, once our drinks are empty?” @Sara
  7. Atrice

    The gif game

    Atrice replied to Gothic's topic in Forum games

  8. Atrice
    Alexius was definitely not mocking Didia - he had promised to teach her a thing or two and that's what he planned to do. First she stood, while he showed her a few moves with the knife, with her arms across her chest. Then he stopped and explained what she could do to escape without a weapon. She chuckled when he suggested she tried his idea, but of course without kicking his balls, please. She promised she would not and then seemed to agree. "Exactly like that." Alexius replied, but tried to make his voice sound less friendly, so she'd feel the situation better. Not that he wanted her to feel bad at all, but this was not a real situation right now, they were pretending. They were acting. And he would play his part if she played hers, as they just agreed. She walked away from him, with her back to him and Alexius watched her. She really was quite short and it would be easy for any attacker to get the best of her. Inwardly he sighed, feeling bad for her, but then he went on with the plan. He attacked her. Grabbed her shoulder with one hand and slid the other around her waist in a fast move, while hoping she'd do as he suggested and fight back. He could stand it, after all. @Sara
  9. Atrice
    The whole thing with Teutus was so difficult – it always had been, somehow, and apparently it always would be. He didn’t think Teutus would come to care about his new brother the same way he cared about Antonia. No, things were different this time and Teutus was free, so he could move away. Tertius could order him to stay, but he would not do that. He wanted Teutus to see that Tertius was more than just a former master, he wanted to be a proper father to his firstborn son. But maybe he’d never be. Charis said she’d give Teutus all the time he needed and she hoped Teutus was not angry with her and Tertius looked at her, “I don’t think it is you he’s angry at.” He simply replied and with his free arm picked up his drink, while Peregrinus was resting on the other. He was still so small. Tertius had almost forgotten newborn babies were this small. He listened while Charis spoke about her friendship with Teutus. Tertius knew about it. Hector had even promised he’d keep an eye on them, but after Teutus was freed, they did not seem to interact much at all. Tertius didn’t comment on her words – it seemed to be a subject neither of them really knew what to do about. Tertius wasn’t even sure how he felt about the friendship between Teutus and Charis. Perhaps a little bit of jealousy? They’d been friendlier with each other than any of them had ever been with him. Charis just wanted to please her master. Teutus had just wanted to do the same, before, and now he wanted his own life. Did any of them really want to be friendly with Tertius? Charis tried to brighten the mood by bringing their attention back to their son. Their son. “Of course he will need to be introduced.” Tertius replied, although now he thought about it, he didn’t even have a lot of close friends, did he? Gods, his thoughts were miserable, were they not? Good that Charis didn’t know them! Instead he went on with the subject she brought up, “Which friends do you have, that would see him… besides that Cynane, who was here for the birth? Maybe you should invite some of them to come here and see him?” @Sara
  10. Atrice
    He was almost surprised that Teutus was not offended, when Alexius pointed out he didn't think Teutus would fight very well. Most men would give him a cold shoulder for claiming they weren't fighters, although he'd prove many of them wrong if they fought with him. Alexius had great confidence in his own skills at beating others in fights. Even if you were a good fighter... Alexius was better in many cases. Or at least he liked to think so. Maybe not against another gladiator, but most ordinary men weren't a match for him at all. It was nice then, that Teutus didn't hate him for it. "Let me do the fighting, I think. Sounds safer than you attempting to stab anyone, if needed." Alexius said with a grin. He'd of course be happy to teach Teutus, but not in his current state. Teutus already seemed somewhat drunk, the way he spoke gave it away. Alexius was larger and much more used to drinking a lot. He barely felt drunk, he only had two cups so far! He downed a bit more and Teutus said he had brains. Alexius let out a little laugh. "Thanks for the confidence." He said, "Maybe I do... but ask any Roman noble and I'm useless with anything else but my body." Not that he felt too bad about that, because it wasn't really wrong to say that. He was very good at using his body. He could fight and he could please with it. But he could not read or write and he wasn't very good at numbers and math either. His own son was better than he at that. He emptied his cup on that thought. @Sharpie
  11. Atrice

    The gif game

    Atrice replied to Gothic's topic in Forum games

  12. Atrice
    She gave Sosia a look, when the other woman didn’t seem to know the whereabouts of Britannia. Not that Cynane could brag about knowing a lot about the world either, but she knew that Britannia was to the North and she travelled through Belgica and Gaul to get here. And that in one direction from Gaul you’d reach Germania and in the other direction was Hispania. It was definitely nowhere near Parthia or Dacia. She knew people from those lands had slightly darker skin than those from the areas near Britannia. “It is nowhere near those places. It is to the North.” She explained, not looking down upon Sosia for not knowing, although it was kind of strange that an educated, free woman in Rome didn’t know such things. Then Sosia explained where she was from and she knew about not belonging here in Rome. She explained what she thought of it. That the Romans wanted to do everything perfectly and there were many rules. “Yes, I think I understand… everything has to be done the right way. The Roman way. And if you don’t do it that way, it’s wrong.” She added, it sounded like it was alright to say that Sosia, since she was not from here either. Africa she knew where was too – it was further south of Rome and it was very warm. She’d met many slaves from there. Their dark skin was fascinating to her, even today, when she’d lived many years in Rome and had become used to people from there. It was still beautiful though, the dark skin. Sosia was beautiful. And then Sosia caught her off guard while she was thinking, saying she’d look nice in a skirt. “Thanks.” She said, noting how the other woman had grinned and quickly sipped her wine after… “Maybe I would look nice. But I wouldn’t feel comfortable.” Cynane added, “My home… was very different from Rome. More cold and wet – more rain. But also more green. I miss the forests and the meadows and the cold streams.” And she had almost come to terms with the fact that she might never see it again. She sipped some more of her wine with that thought. @Sara
  13. Atrice
    It would be interesting to practice the swordfighting and fighting in general with Eppitacos here - he did really seem nice and she really did doubt that her cousin had the same interest in fighting as she had. But he was not her man, he was to marry her cousin, so the thought was mostly interesting and not something she imagined would come true. Until he grinned and questioned her suggesting it could happen 'sometime'. He looked around as if to make sure the coast was clear, as if they were partners in crime somehow. Then he looked at her again, saying he could use some fresh air and wanted her to show him what she did. "Now?" She asked, a bit surprised. What would her cousin... and her family... think? But they'd just be practicing together, that's all. And the fact that he was handsome and treated her so nicely wasn't of any importance at all... "Alright." She said, but he'd already begun walking and Cinnia downed her drink, set away the cup and followed him. But she didn't bring her sword here. Of course you could fight without one... and she couldn't help but smile and look forwards to it and to being alone with him. She knew she should not, but she did. @Chris
  14. Atrice
    That was nice - they only just met, but Teutus seemed to already want to consider Alexius among his friends. He said he wanted to do something for Alexius, share with him, even though Alexius did not ask for it. Just because that's what friends did. It was very nice, actually, but it would be up to Teutus. Alexius smiled at Teutus' friendly speech, "So far I've no reason to consider you a selfish bastard." He said and downed a bit of wine while he realized something... "... and you're sharing wine, that's a beginning, right?" Teutus then said he also wanted to talk more about them starting a business together and he promised to not make Alexius read or write anything, "If you're used to it, I imagine you're good at it. Actually..." He chuckled, "No offense, but I think that maybe you're as good at fighting as I am at reading and writing. We might support each other nicely like that." He said, hoping Teutus didn't take any offense, but he honestly did not look much like a fighter at all - he was very slim and didn't look overly muscular at all. Alexius honestly didn't hate the idea of being the muscle in some kind of business, as long as someone else would take the part that required paperwork and thinking. @Sharpie
  15. Atrice
    Alexius didn't like hearing Didia have such bad confidence in her own skills - now she even tried to compare herself to a gladiatrix and there was really no need or reason to do that... so instead he just gave her another smile, "You know, even gladiatrixes lose sometimes. I'm sure you can learn something." Alexius told her and then they had reached their destination - a patch of grass, a clearing in the park, a bit away from curious bystanders. He then wanted to see her knife and Didia carefully looked around before she showed it to him. It was very small and she told him she mostly imagined to stab people with it. "That's definitely what it does best. But see... if I may..." Alexius took the knife from her, "You can stab with it. And slice..." He made motions in the air, "And if it's turning the wrong way somehow, never forget that even the blunt part can do some damage. Like an extra hard knuckle." He explained, making a gesture as if he'd punch someone with the handle sticking out at the other side of the hand. Then he gave it back to her. "But it may not do much, this knife. You can do more. And your size is to your advantage, actually." Alexius smiled again, "See, if I were to attack you from behind. You can stomp on my foot and jab your elbows into me at the same time. And kick backwards towards my shin or if you dare, aim much higher." He added with a wink, sure she'd understand, "Do you want to try? Not the last aim though." Alexius said with a laugh. @Sara
  16. Atrice
    Apparently there was a very specific name for what Wulfric was, here in Rome. He didn't know if a guard to the King of the Chatti mattered much in Rome though and that was not why he was here. He was not here as a diplomat or a guest to Rome. He was simply here to learn more about his family and his origins. And to find his real father. He thought that Iophon looked strangely at him now, after he revealed he could be next in line to become a King of his own people. But Wulfric tried to tone it down, pointing out that the present mattered most and he wanted to be treated like anyone else. Iophon seemed to accept that and Wulfric raised his cup too, while the other made a toast to be a normal person. Wulfric smiled and drank too, before Iophon wanted to know more about how Wulfric would be like as a king. Maybe he should not have mentioned it at all. "I have not... give that much thinking." Wulfric said thoughtfully, "I hope I will rule well, be fair, be just. I do not want rule with fear. I know some do. That is not good way." Wulfric explained, "My grandfather, now... he is good king. But firm. I do not know if I will be so much." He said and then he grinned, giving Iophon a look, "What would you do, if you would be king?" @Chevi
  17. Atrice
    Rana did not know where she'd go. Since she had not gone anywhere, she thought that maybe those places where you went, when you died... maybe they were not real at all and this was as far as you went. On the other hand, why then was Rome not populated with spirits like Rana? She had not encountered anyone like herself. Sometimes she had a feeling that something or someone was there, but she had not been approached in any way until Thessala saw her today. And now they were kissing, and talking... could a spirit make love, she wondered? If she could kiss, why not? What she wouldn't give to be the one to make Thessala cry out with pleasure! But she didn't know. What she did know was that all that mattered was that Thessala loved her and she loved Thessala. Her lover, because that's what she was now, sighed and... was she crying? She said she did not want Rana to go and didn't want her to be stuck either. "I don't want to go either. But... I haven't gone yet." She said and smiled through the odd sadness floating in the air between them. Then she looked up, guards or whatever they were, approached them, probably to pick up Thessala or give her information. Rana moved away from Thessala, but only enough to shrink into the shadow by the wall. She didn't want anyone else but Thessala to see her. She was looking at the stunning gladiatrix though. "Wait for me tonight." She said before the people approaching spoke up. She didn't know if she would get another chance now, or ever. But if she could visit Thessala tonight, she would. If she had not faded again. She'd have to find more blood, so she could stay! @Chevi
  18. Atrice
    Alexius chuckled when Teutus pointed out, that he did not think it would be easy to find Alexius in all of the insulae, “Easier than you think to find me though, I’m well known.” He said with a wink. He ignored Teutus little comment about the day being special or not, it did not really seem to brighten Teutus’ mood a lot and that’s what Alexius wanted. Instead he began wondering what else to do and since Teutus just enjoyed the baths and didn’t do much else. So Alexius came with suggestions and wondered if Teutus ever went to see any gladiator games. But Teutus didn’t. Alexisu downed a bit more of his drink and gave Teutus a look, “Maybe watching them with a former gladiator will change your perspective.” Alexius said with a small smile and Teutus agreed to come see a game with Alexius. Then he said he had nothing to share in return. “I don’t remember asking for anything in return. Not everything’s about giving and taking. I’m happy to share.” He always was, wasn’t he? Share anything… but he smiled at Teutus talking about reading, “I don’t read a lot. I’m not very good at reading… I only began learning it when I was freed, and…” He sighed, this was one of the few things he was not proud of. His inability to read. He could write his name and he knew a little, but it wasn’t his greatest interest and it was hard, “It’s… difficult. There are so many things I’m better at.” @Sharpie
  19. Atrice
    Teutus asked if Alexius knew the house of a Tertius Quinctilius Varus and he thought it over. He'd heard the name before, but he didn't know the man or the household or the house for that matter, "I don't know it, but I'm sure it won't be hard to find... if you'd want me to find you instead." Alexius replied with a smile to his drinking partner or companion... or new friend? Or future business partner? It was impossible to tell what the future held and Alexius was used to that now. Fortuna turned the arrow and he'd follow in whichever direction it landed. He'd asked Teutus what he liked to do and the other said he didn't do a lot, he just read and went to the baths. He didn't go out drinking, usually, but today was different. "Very special indeed, for you at least. Hmm..." He thought about what he could suggest Teutus should do with his time, "You don't see gladiator games or races then? Some are also very fond of the Greek theatres. The baths are nice, of course... I could spend all day there." In fact he had, on a few occasions, when something nice happened there and sometimes it did! He smiled by the thought and downed some more wine, "Do you want to come with me to the arena and see if anything's showing today, once the jar is empty?" @Sharpie
  20. Atrice
    Alexius was really just looking for a job and if Teutus here knew things about money and words and business, Alexius knew things about fists and swords - and talking to people too, honestly. They might be a good team - they were already drinking partners, after all! He took a drink while Teutus gave him a look and Alexius couldn't help but grin by the way Teutus looked at him. Then the other stated he should not talk about it while he was drunk, so he suggested he could talk to Alexius when he was sober. "Of course! I live in an insula on the Esquiliae. Just find the area and ask for Alexius, then you'll be guided." Alexius knew a lot of people around there, after all. And even those who didn't know him in person often knew who he was, or so he'd learned more than once. He knew people talked. He knew there was gossip. And so what? He'd been used to that since he became a gladiator, that people talked about him. He didn't care that much. "So, would you rather talk about your situation and mine... or something else? What do you like to do, when you're not being your father's secretary?" Perhaps it was best for Teutus if they changed the subject. Maybe at some point, Alexius would be able to lure another smile out from the other man. @Sharpie
  21. Atrice
    He had not meant to frighten her, but when he mentioned that she had to keep her his story to herself and that someone might try and kill him if it got out… she seemed surprised and stared at him with wide eyes. Not what she expected? Probably not. She was a slave and a prostitute in a brothel that was famous for catering to the less kind and more unusual patrons. She then said she could keep his secret, or she thought she could… “I hope you can.” Alexius replied to her, as she sat there lightly on the bed. Then he told her the story; what he came here for. And he knew before she spoke, that she knew something. He saw how she shifted and tensed while he told her about the attack on Didia. She even shifted her clothes, to cover herself more. That also told him something was wrong; people usually happily undressed for him. But Deianira here, she was afraid and the fear sat in her body. What happened to her? Had the man he just described… visited her? Hurt her? Fuck! Deianira spoke up. Said she might know more about that man but didn’t know if she should tell him anything. Alexius felt sorry for her. This wasn’t her fault. Gods he wanted to wrap her up in a protective embrace and just… keep her safe. She looked like she needed that. Poor girl. He stood and came closer to her, but did not sit down just yet… “Is it alright if I sit next to you? Then we won’t have to talk so loudly." He felt the walls might have ears here and he would hate himself if Deianira was harmed because of what she told him, "I will keep your secrets if you keep mine. All I need is… information. Please… I need to find him before he hurts anyone again. Did he hurt you?” @Echo
  22. Atrice
    Cynane couldn’t help but smile a bit, when Sosia stated that men were awful, but then went on to try and correct herself, as if all men weren’t. Cynane gave her a look after she was done talking, “Most men are awful and that’s the truth.” Cynane said, “At least, that’s my experience. I’m glad we agree… to some extent, anyway.” She added, unsure if Sosia really meant it, but she said and then tried to take it back. Maybe it was the truth that came out first and then she thought she ought to say the opposite, in case Cynane didn’t think men were awful. But she did. She then explained to Sosia how she became a bodyguard, told her briefly about the arena and about how things were better now. Sosia sipped her wine, saying she was happy for Cynane and wondered where she was from. She grinned at Sosia’s statement about the pair of them. “We’ll definitely be noticed.” She replied, “I was born and raised far from here… in Britannia. I don’t know if I like Rome… I like the friends I have here. And I like that they don’t force me to wear skirts. But I don’t belong here.” She added. It had been over a decade now, but Rome was still not a place she wanted to call home forever. Even if she might have to. Who knew if she’d ever be free? @Sara
  23. Atrice
    Charis seemed to have drifted away in her thoughts for a few moments, but when he suggested he held the baby while she had something to eat, she agreed quietly. Tertius took the small child, nestling him carefully into his one arm, so he had the other arm free. Peregrinus was sleeping right now and seemed so peaceful. Tertius looked at him a little more, while Charis helped herself to some food and Tertius touched the soft and warm little cheek of his son. His son. Now a free son with a proper name to grow up with. He smiled by the thought. Then Charis interrupted the silence by mentioning Antonia and he looked up at her, “She is very curious about him, so feel free to let her meet her new brother. I’m sure she’ll be a very good big sister.” Tertius said with a smile to Charis, who then went on to mention Teutus. Tertius’ smile faded a little, as he thought about their conversation the day after Peregrinus was born and the way he left the ceremony today. And the way Teutus chose to stand among the slaves rather than with Tertius, when he picked up the newborn baby. It was hard. He had hoped that their relationship would improve, but Teutus was apparently too broken to even give it a chance. He’d rather leave the house and start over. And Tertius had no other option but to allow it, so he would not be disappointing his firstborn son... again. “I’m sure Teutus will meet him, once he is ready.” Tertius then said, “He’s… not… as thrilled about it all, as Antonia is. I’m sure he’ll come around, but give him some time.” At least he hoped so, but he honestly wasn’t so sure. If Teutus left the house, there was a chance they’d not see a lot of him after that. Teutus would be Peregrinus’ guardian, should anything happen to Tertius, but besides that, he wasn’t sure if Teutus wanted to have much to do with his brother. @Sara
  24. Atrice
    He wasn’t sure if he understood her god – he sounded like a good god, but when she said that everything happened for a reason, Manius wasn’t sure what that reason was. To punish him? He got it – he understood it. That he should not take anything for granted, ever. Instead he should work hard to satisfy anyone near him and never let them down. And he tried hard to do that, actually, and still he failed them. Maybe Aglaea should not be talking to him either. Surely something bad would happen to her too, then. And she was too good for that. Manius didn’t know what to say to her. He was still not convinced that her way of seeing things aligned with his life at all. “You’re lucky… that you can find such comfort.” Manius commented and felt he was sounding gloomy again and sighed. He was bringing her mood down. She definitely did not deserve that, “I’m sorry that I am not the most cheerful person to talk to.” @Echo
  25. Atrice
    Alexius definitely did not bed people out of pity! Why would you do that? Why would you sleep with someone you didn’t want, just to make them feel better? It would be a lie and pretense from your side. And that did not do anyone anything good in the long run. Alexius didn’t like to lie to people he liked. And why should he not like Artemon? He just said why he should like him, after all. He would not lie to him – instead he would be honest and tell Artemon exactly what he wanted. Which, right now, was Artemon! And he touched Artemon’s cheek and it was warm and firm and he couldn’t help but wonder what the rest of his body felt like, warm and naked against his own. Artemon stared at him when he touched the younger man, and then he complimented Alexius for his words and said he was a great catch. “I’m glad you think so.” Alexius said with a grin, “Although it is not Venus who inspires me, I think. Right now… it’s you.” He added, entirely unplanned, but that was the truth of it. He didn’t know if it was any god or goddess who gifted him with such desire towards others and charm to make them desire him. All he knew was that other people were gorgeous and deserved to be given the right amount of pleasure. Artemon was then suddenly concerned about Alexius’ son and began speaking of his own place. “He’ll be fine, you’re not the first visitor here… or in my bed.” Alexius said, “He has his own, there.” He pointed to the curtain in one end of the room, behind which was Lexus’ bed. Then he looked at Artemon again, touching his hand with his own and lacing his fingers with Artemon’s. What could those fingers and hands do? He met Artemon’s eyes, “But… if you’d rather it just be the two of us… entirely alone… we can go to your place. As long as we don’t wait too long.” He added with a wink, a certain part of him was becoming a little impatient suddenly. @Liv
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