Atrice

Artemon seemed happy to have something to eat and it was almost cute to watch him eat with such enthusiasm. Alexius just bet that Artemon was equally enthusiastic in everything else he did and he was very curious to find out if this was true. If Artemon would, of course. Alexius wasn’t one who forced people. Well except for the stray kisses he’d given Charis, but she had most definitely taught him to not do that again. Although the last one wasn’t because he wanted her, but because he wanted her to remember. He hadn’t seen her since. Maybe she was gone for good. But Artemon was right here and Alexius preferred to focus on the present. Alexius hinted that he’d be happy to give Artemon the time of his day or the night even and that caught Artemon’s attention. Finally he seemed to understand. Great! Although first he just stopped chewing and then he looked at Alexius, swallowing the food and he seemed in a strange mood. Had Alexius offended him? He hoped not! Then Artemon said he could not refuse the offer, but he didn’t want it to be out of pity. Alexius shook his head with a grin, “I’m not asking because I pity you.” Alexius said, looking at Artemon and then he reached out a hand, brushed his fingers down over Artemon’s cheek and wiped a drop of sauce off with a smile, “I don’t do that. I do it because I want to.” He said, “And why wouldn’t I want you? You’re easy on the eyes, you’re great company and you’re charming.” Gods he hoped Artemon wouldn’t be like Florus, who’d kind of led him on, only to deny him just when Alexius was more than ready to provide kisses, touches and so much more to the other. @Liv

It was kind of surprising that Felix did not guess where Alexius was taking him – although a popina was a great suggestion, he wanted to show Felix something else. Something that mattered to him, even after all these years. A strange kind of remembrance, but still one of his favorite places. He thought a popina sounded like a good idea and suggested taking Felix to one another time. If there would be another time, but why not? Felix was lovely. Felix accepted his response and then Alexius almost naturally wondered if Felix had a favorite place. Felix seemed thoughtful and then said he liked the baths and the markets. Alexius nodded. “I agree with both… maybe we should go to the baths together sometime. I don’t think I’d mind taking a bath with you.” He said with a grin and a wink, while the image of a handsome and naked Felix floated through his mind. No, he would not mind that for one second. They took another turn and he glanced at Felix, wondering if he knew this part of the city and could guess where they were going. There was an arena not far from here. And then he saw the gates to one of the many ludii in Rome. It wasn’t the Magnus though, where Thessala and Annis and Theo were, but one of the others. It had had several different names in the past and he knew this one better than the other ludii. He wondered if Felix would understand what this meant for him, “Here we are. Ever been to a ludus before?” @Chevi

Septima watched her sister blush more than once near Lexus and thought that her sister was definitely into this boy here. No matter his rank, maybe Clio was in love! And it was bad, because he was below their rank, but it was also kind of sweet. And he wasn’t too bad looking at least, she thought. And he was nice too. Lexus was just smooth, she thought. He said it was alright that Clio introduced Septima, when she already did it herself, kind of… and then he went on to call them nice and suggested to help with the gifts as he was in no rush to go home. Why not, Thalia wondered? Meanwhile Clio accepted the help and wanted Lexus to help them get the word out and have them line up. “Sure, I can try. You just… get ready with… what you need to do.” Lexus said with a smile, looking at Clio with a smile and then gave them both a nod and he was off. Septima was left behind with her sister and inched a little closer to her, nudged her playfully in the side. “I see why you fancy him.” She said with a grin, “He’s cute and very nice too! Did you know he’d be here today? Wasn’t this where you first met him?” @Chevi

Iophon said that behaving right was the same as behaving Roman, here. Like the Roman way to behave and act was the only right way. Wulfric didn't like the sound of that. He came here to find his real father and gain knowledge and maybe some kind of wealth or glory through it, but he didn't come here to become Roman. His lands were not yet Roman territory and there was a very good reason for that. The tribes managed to beat the Romans before. Wulfric wouldn't be the one to just assimilate and forget what his forefathers had done for him. Germania Major, as the Romans called it, was still not Roman. And it wouldn't be. Wulfric would not be Roman either, no matter whom his father was. He said nothing more to it and then decided to tell his father's family name, or that's what he knew it was anyway, since Iophon was so curious. He had heard the stories of course. Wulfric smiled. His father had an unfortunate family history with Germania, but that's all Wulfric knew so far. His father had not been like the Varus back then. Surely the Varus back then would not have slept with a woman from Germania and fathered a child there. But he listened to Iophon, who just said the family still existed and he was now surprised why that family would send anyone near Germania. Wulfric chuckled, "That is surprise, you are right." He said with a grin, "But... this time, he did not die. Or get army killed. Something good came, instead." Wulfric smiled, "Me! I hope he will think so also." @Chevi

Sosia seemed very surprised when Cynane said she lived at the palace. She wondered if it was the imperial or another sort of palace and Cynane smiled, “Maybe I’ll keep you guessing. What do you think?” She said, relaxing a bit more now and then she had a piece of advice for Sosia, being out this late on her own and indirectly she kind of asked if Sosia had a husband. The exotic looking woman said that many of her things were second hand, but she still made all the things look very fine and expensive. Maybe wealthier and more free women could see that Sosia didn’t wear the latest fashion, but Cynane didn’t really care about fashion at all. She saw what Claudia wore, of course, but when she was with Claudia, what she wore had the least of her attention. Claudia had all of it. She was brought back to the present, when Sosia wondered if she should not go out so late and she said her husband was relaxed. So she had a husband. Good to know, Cynane thought to herself quietly. “Most women who… dress like you, wouldn’t go out this late without a guard.” She replied and Sosia then asked more into what Cynane did at her palace. Although she’d still not said which palace she worked at. “I’m a bodyguard.” She said, but then her small smile faded a little. Tonight she had not guarded herself well, had she? Sosia had to intervene. It was a little embarrassing for her and she fell silent again. Sosia must think she was very strange and unexciting to speak to. @Sara

He smiled when she told him that she thought the name suited their son well. In fact she didn’t seem to hate it at all, which was good. It was his son, but she was still the mother and would probably spent most time with Peregrinus now, so it would be best if she liked the name. Then he had offered her something to eat or drink, while she had the chance. She reached out for a piece of bread with her free hand, already maneuvering the child in her arms with such ease. Charis asked for wine and he nodded. “Of course.” Tertius replied and poured something for her. It was true that she was the slave and ought to do it, but this was Tertius inviting and giving her lunch, not as his slave, but as the mother to his son. The only son he had that he could name his heir. He placed the cup where she could reach it and then she told hi about how their son slept well so far, but she’d heard babies could be quarrelsome. Tertius chuckled too. “I hear they are quarrelsome until they grow up and marry.” He replied with a grin and a wink, “I’m sure it’ll be fine. I don’t recall Antonia being that bad, when she was small. Hopefully Peregrinus will be easy too.” Tertius said and picked up a handful of dates to eat, “I really am glad it all went well. Even though it took very long. I think we were all worried.” Tertius said and seemed thoughtful, “I really hope you are fine too. So it won’t go… like it did with Antonia’s mother.” @Sara

Had he not mentioned before that he was a gladiator, to Artemon? Maybe he hadn’t! Well it had to come out at some point and apparently Artemon enjoyed knowing it, calling it a fascinating life. Alexius just nodded, “It definitely hasn’t been boring.” Alexius replied to the younger man, watching him lick sauce off his finger and continue talking. Artemon was still certain Alexius had some talent given by the gods and that it woke when he became a gladiator. Alexius chuckled, “Maybe, if it is really so. But I don’t know.” Unless it was Fortuna playing with him again, Fortuna who had given him this talent. Although that would be odd, considering he wasn’t born a Roman and his parents most likely didn’t know about or believe in the Roman gods at all. Why should Fortuna bless a boy from Germania? But the conversation went on, as Artemon wondered how to get over people and Alexius tried to explain it. He just moved on. People had always been coming and going in his life, so he just learned to live with it. He distracted himself and then he tried again with Artemon, wondering if he needed distraction. Alexius could always use distraction – since that’s what it was called right now. If you didn't try, you'd never get anything. Artemon didn’t get it, or he got it, but he didn’t read between the lines, as they said. Alexius nodded while chewing another spoonful of the food and finished while Artemon continued. Well he’d have to spell it out more clearly then, wouldn’t he? “What if I said there’s someone right here, who would definitely give you the time of the day…” Alexius said and grinned, as he glanced to the window and the dusk settling outside, “… and the night too, actually?” He winked and picked up his wine, “What do you say to that?” @Liv

Rana barely noticed the other gladiatrix arriving, until Thessala looked towards her. A tall woman, her features making her seem as if she came from Germania, just like Rana... but she was nothing like Rana. And Rana was nothing at all, yet she was right here. Thessala had gone quiet a bit, after wondering if Rana needed anything from her, but she honestly didn't know. How should she know? Rana had never been like this before. Dead, but still here. She didn't know why it was like this. It was obvious that not everyone who died, ended up like her. So maybe Thessala had a point. She wondered if Thessala needed something from her. And Thessala said she needed a lot of things. "You did?" She asked, surprised. They'd kissed once or twice, back when Thessala was trying to teach Rana how to fight in an arena. They'd been close, they'd been friends, but they had always been so different too and she never quite knew how to approach Thessala, even if she admired her a lot. Even liked her. Thessala was so... hard, somehow. As if she wore invisible armor, constantly. Rana wished it wasn't so. But she was losing herself in what might have been and her friend was readying herself for another fight, while wondering if Rana would still be here after. "I have not been gone at all." Rana said, "So why should I be gone when you're done? I'm here." She added almost softly and faced the other gladiatrix again, the stranger. She could smell the blood on her. The thirst came back. The odd thirst she didn't quite understand. @Chevi

Teutus didn’t seem to think he needed much, when it came to his own, future home. But really, Teutus was the son of a Senator, a freed son even, no matter what any paper said. He would not have his son live poorly, “We’ll find a nice insula then, if that’s what you wish.” Tertius said, although the thought of his son living in a simple insula was almost appalling. It was not what he had imagined at all when he freed Teutus! Then he offered that Teutus was welcome to use the villa in the countryside, but Teutus kept saying he wanted more than to just get away. He wanted to do something useful. “And you’ll find something, I’m sure. Else I also have some connections, who might be of help.” Tertius said, but he was also thinking about the villa. Currently he had two plebians living there, with their families, to oversee the slaves working in the fields and the olive groves. Maybe Teutus could take over from one of those families. Then he’d still be working with and for the family, but not in the house. He’d be making his own life. Tertius decided to return to that thought, should it be needed. It was still difficult for him to imagine not seeing Teutus every day. They were just getting to know each other. And Teutus had always been there. “Do you have any other questions or things you want to talk about, now we’re at it?” Tertius then wondered. He’d almost forgotten the reason for summoning Teutus today; that he just fathered another son. Teutus did matter to him, after all. @Sharpie

Early October, 75 AD Wulfric had agreed to meet again with the lovely Aglaea, who was slave to his uncle Secundus, whom he had not yet met. He hadn’t even met his father yet, but Aglaea knew him too and he found it very useful to have found someone, whom he was not related to, but who could provide him with useful information. On top of that, Aglaea was very sweet and friendly and he had enjoyed talking to her. Plus she seemed to need someone to talk to and she needed help with her situation. Wulfric had felt sympathy with her and he was more than ready to help her, whether she said she wanted his help or not. He would be the friend she needed. Really this was a win for both of them. So a week later, he found himself entering a place called the Gardens of Sullust for the first time. Aglaea had sent word to him via a messenger, where they were supposed to meet and he walked around, trying to find the right place. It was still somewhat warm, but some leaves had begun to change color and he found that he liked the gardens because of the amount of greenery here. Rome, to him, mostly consisted of stone, marble and people. There was not a lot of green and it was nothing like Germania in that sense, where the majority of the land was forests, fields and meadows. Rome had its own charm of course, if you looked at things individually. He tried that too, while searching for the right fountain Aglaea had said they’d meet by. He found a very pretty one, there were no other people near and he thought it was the right one. Then he leaned against the edge of the basin, enjoying the warmth of the sun and waited for Aglaea to show up as planned. @Echo

Rana did not know if anyone else but Thessala saw her and knew she was here and honestly she didn't care. She thought the other gladiatrix might have seen her, but she was being dragged out now and Rana was still here together with Thessala. The crowds cheered for Thessala, but Thessala didn't notice them. She was staring at Rana, who must be losing her mind too if Thessala was. Rana was surprised though, to hear that Thessala missed her. Of course she kind of knew, as she had been watching the other woman for a while now, but to hear her say it... but then, why miss someone who was there? Rana came closer to her, said she never left. Thessala still stared at her with that strange look in her eyes. Then she reached out for Rana, but never managed to touch, because new swords were handed to her. She was fighting again? Thessala wondered if Rana needed something from her. "I... don't know?" Rana said, but it kind of made sense. Maybe that's why she never left? "Do you think there is? Or is there something... you need from me?" Something told her she was here because of Thessala. Because Thessala had tried to save her. And she didn't manage to do it. @Chevi

It was a strange experience, speaking to someone so trained in charming others and guessing what they wanted and needed, that she always had the right smile or word for him. To lure him in. Almost like a siren, he thought. It was tempting. Just look at her smile, when he said he didn’t want to talk out here. So gentle and fine a smile, as if she was compassionate for him. But the problem he was to discuss wasn’t about him. She said she had a room just down the hall and he stood and followed her down there. Alexius tried to ignore the sounds from the other rooms, they were sounds of pleasure, but some sounded fake and some sounded too rough from the men and… the women had no choice, they were forced to sleep with these men, whether they wanted to or not. It was a horrible business and he found that he kind of hated that he’d support it today, by paying Deianira for her time. But at least she wouldn’t have to spread her legs for him, no matter how sweet and tempting she was. He had other things to think about. At last they were in the simple room, where she closed the door and wondered where he would sit. He took a glance at the bed and then chose the chair. This was awkward! Deianira was the perfect hostess though, also sitting and wondering what she could do for him. “As I said, the matter I want to talk about is quite delicate. Can you promise me to not tell your master about it? I don’t want anyone to track me down and… attempt murder.” He doubted they’d succeed, Alexius had fought off worse scum before, but he didn’t want them to even try, “The matter concerns a friend of mine, who was attacked recently, by a man with a knife. And with the stories I hear about this place… I have reason to think he comes here. I could be wrong of course, but I have to know. Do you know of any patrons here, who like to cut the women?” @Echo

It was sweet that Artemon blushed at Alexius’ wink at the younger man. He liked that, but he made no mention of it, since he didn’t want to make Artemon feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. Instead the conversation went on, because Artemon suggested Alexius had a certain gift from the gods when it came to women (and men) and he kept thinking it. He said Alexius probably had it from birth and he could not learn it as well, because he wasn’t born with it. “I am always happy to share.” Alexius replied with a grin, as Artemon had winked at him and he thought that a very good sign… “I don’t know though, if the gods gift such skills or any at all, when you’re born. I don’t recall charming anyone before I became a gladiator and… had my first experience with pleasure.” But after that of course, things went fast. Alexius had liked it. A lot. And he learned fast and easy how to get what he wanted. Alexius went on about the women and then wondered what Artemon preferred. And he did like men. Alexius arched a brow when Artemon spoke of upsides and downsides, well that could be understood in more than one way! Artemon was thinking about sweet Lucilla though and while Alexius felt kind of sorry for the young man, that she wasn’t interested… he also wasn’t sure if Lucilla would be right for him at all. “I’m sure you can make her smile. But there’s plenty of fish in the water. It doesn’t have to be tough to find someone else.” Alexius said and Artemon instantly went on, wondering how Alexius got over people faster. That could easily turn this conversation very deep! Because he’d kind of just adapted to it – gotten used to it, that he had to move on, because so far, there had barely been one consistent lover in his life. Besides lovely Gaia of course. Sometimes he toyed with the idea of proposing to her. Just because they’d be a good fit. But he didn’t know if a lady like her would marry a freedman like him. Who would? Right, back to the conversation! “That’s a very good question, Artemon… how to get over people. I distract myself, I guess. As I just said, plenty of fish in the water. Plenty of pleasure to be had in Rome. So I just… do it. I move on.” Alexius said and downed some wine and looked at Artemon, “Perhaps you’re in need of… distraction?” @Liv

She felt her eyes upon her while she tried to answer his questions. His gaze was both calming and a bit… not quite unsettling, but it made her feel a bit like she’d been caught off guard. And like she’d have to be careful with what she said. On the other hand, why did he make her feel calm, then? Could she trust him? She hoped she could. And she explained her thoughts on what she’d become and what she preferred the best she could. Eppitacos said it was good to have something to like, and did not find her odd. Cinnia looked at him, wondering why. Sure it was not uncommon for women among the Brigantes to be warriors, but at the same time, she knew most men expected the women to settle down at some point. They would not stay warriors forever, like the men. Even if that’s what they wanted. Eppitacos went on, saying how her cousin was showing off her power with this party and they didn’t think much about him. “I’m sure the gods are showing you the right path.” Cinnia said, although she didn’t know much about gods. But she knew people… “And you’re more than your titles, I know. I heard you speak. And I think I see it too.” Cinnia added with a smile to the handsome warlord, while he emptied his drink. He apologized for catching her off guard and said she did not look comfortable and now he knew why that was. She felt that she blushed a little by his bluntness, but he looked at his goblet and said he preferred practicing with the sword too. “Perhaps… if the gods and your betrothed will allow it… we could do it together sometime. I’m sure you could teach me many useful skills.” She said with another little smile, “It could be fun. And then I’ll also be even better prepared for the Romans.” @Chris

Personal Assistant and Secretary Wanted! Let it be known, that Praetor and Senator Tertius Quinctilius Varus of Rome is searching for someone who can take over a vacant job as personal assistant and secretary as soon as possible. Unless the assistant is a slave, there will be an available private room for them to stay in, early in 76 AD. The assistant will also be offered meals in the house and free time as well as payment. Age: 18-25 years of age Gender: Male (preferred) Social Rank: Freedman, Plebian or even Slave to be purchased Skills: Speak, write and read fluid Latin. Other languages are welcome too. Knowledge of math. Knowledge of the law in Rome is useful too, but not required, as it can be learned. Personal skills: Must be diplomatic, friendly, loyal and honest to their new employer. Start date: As soon as possible Pay: Depends on skills and social rank The assistant will be entering a household currently inhabited by the Praetor himself, his 11 year old daughter and newborn son, one freedman as well as a good number of slaves. The new assistant can be an already made character fit for and interested in the job - or an entirely newly made character. Please contact Atrice via PM or Discord #7964

That was good at least - that Teutus did not plan to just leave the house and run off and never be seen again. Tertius hadn't freed him just to lose him, after all. He had plans. Plans that would not come to happen, but then he changed the plans. Teutus was the only one who'd be the right guardian for his other children, should anything - gods forbid! - happen to Tertius. And he would announce this and he would count on Teutus to be there, should he be needed. Teutus continued, saying he had to look into first what he would do and suggested that it would not be until six months from now. Tertius nodded, that was a good plan. "Six months sounds like a good amount of time. And in that time, we will look for and find a proper place for you to live." Tertius replied to his son, who then also promised he'd come if he was needed here. "Good. I count on you to keep that promise." Tertius said and then he was a little thoughtful, thinking about Teutus' future. They would still also need to find a wife for him, he was of a proper age for that. And then look into where he might stay... then Tertius had an idea he hoped his son would like, "You know, if you want to get away just a little bit, you're welcome to use the countryside villa." @Sharpie

Helios was still surprised that of all people, Caesar chose to come to him to ask for help and assistance in an important matter! But of course, Helios would serve the most important man in the empire. And not just because he feared he might lose his head or limbs if he said no, but because... well... anyone should serve Caesar and do his bidding. Helios did not recall much of the emperors before this one, well of course he remembered the uproar and the civil war and all that, but he was quite young and not even a prostitute back then. Back then he was still a house slave. And back then, Caesar had little impact on his life. Truth be told, he didn't have that still, well until now anyway! So of course he'd serve this emperor, because of who he was and he knew the peace this Caesar had brought with him. He was one to be admired. And served. Caesar explained what he wanted Helios to do - he was to find a young woman and Caesar explained more about the young woman. Helios already tried to read between the lines when the man began to explain. Eutropia, but she might call herself Flavia. And she was young and her father was dark-haired (Caesar had dark hair) and he described the mother's eyes as if he knew them well. Was this Eutropia or Flavia his relation? His child? Not that he would ask, but he could assume and maybe it was right. Apparently the young woman had run into trouble and might be involved with the dark-minded part of Rome's inhabitants. What else did he want to know? Helios thought it over. "There's not a lot to go on, besides a few names and her looks. That description could probably fit hundreds of women in Rome." Helios said, because this was the truth, "Do you know exactly when she arrived? And would she have friends or relations here, that she might have sought out?" @Chris

Unless she or Rome proved him wrong, Wulfric would be a friend to her and he would try and help her the best he could. He only just met her, but so what? She had a rough life and a rough master and she didn’t deserve this, with how kind and sweet she was. Wulfric liked Aglaea so far, so why should he not want to help her? She did seem to want him to come see her again and spoke of him meeting her master, which he definitely would. Secundus was both his uncle and her master and also someone he had to meet, no matter what. But now he had more reasons than just the fact that Secundus was family. Maybe it was wrong to already judge him without having met him, but if there was just a fracture of truth to what Aglaea had told him… Secundus was not a good man. She said however that Wulfric was a good man and he could not help but smile at her kind words, “And you are a good woman, Aglaea. You are.” He replied to her, while she wiped her eyes with a smile. Poor woman. He wondered if he could do anything for her, if she needed anything, but she only laughed at his words and said he was sweet and she felt better. Then she went on saying he should be prepared before he met Secundus and she wanted to meet Wulfric again. “Of course we could meet soon.” He said, nodding, “But… I think we must be careful? Where do we meet, you know a good place?” Wulfric then asked and added with a little smile, “I promise I try not make you cry again. You smiling, better. And pretty.” @Echo

It seemed so many years ago, since Antonia was this tiny, but he still remembered how to hold a baby right. Charis came to sit beside him, as he bid her, smiling and agreeing that their little boy was perfect. She explained that the midwife had also said the boy was a good size and Tertius nodded, “That’s good to know. Make sure you feed him often enough, so he stays a good size.” It would be terrible to have a son and then lose him again if he wasn’t fed well enough. But he was certain Charis would do it right and that he was already gaining weight. She took the baby when he handed it back to Charis, their hands brushing and he gave her a little smile. Wondering what she thought of the name. First she said she liked it, but then she looked down and Tertius smiled when she chuckled at their son’s little sounds and actions. Of course she didn’t know what the name meant though. “It means wanderer. He’s not a Briton, like you, but he was also not born by a Roman woman. He’s a bit of both. I thought it was a good name for him.” Tertius said and poured some wine for himself and looked at Charis, “Do you want anything to eat or drink? As far as I recall… mothers don’t always get to eat when they want, because the baby requires so much attention and always at inconvenient times. So you must do it when you have the opportunity.” Tertius said. He could easily hold Peregrinus while she ate if she wanted to. It was sweet, to see Charis with a child and knowing it was his child. He could not help but admire the sight of them. @Sara

He knew it was hard to move on after such experiences and especially for a young woman like herself. Maybe she just shouldn’t be walking around after dark alone. Alexius wished he could help her more than what she’d already asked for. Maybe he should hook up with some old friends and acquaintances and have them help looking after her. Surely he could convince them with the right argumentation and methods… But they moved on and he explained where they were going. Didia said she knew the park they were going to, but then she worried about the vigiles. Alexius hadn’t thought that far, but did not need long to think about it either, “If they see us, we’re just a couple seeking some solitude. And what they thought they saw, is really something else.” He added with a little wink for her, hoping she would not mind such an explanation. The knife she had, he wasn’t so worried about that. It could easily be either hidden or tossed away and besides, he did not plan on teaching her much about the knife. Defending yourself without one sounded more useful anyway. What if she was unable to reach it or didn’t have time? Poor Didia yawned and mused about wishing she was a man. Alexius gave her another little smile, “Maybe… and maybe not. Believe it or not, Didia, but not even all men are capable of defending themselves. I’ve intervened in fights, beatings and… other things, more than once.” Alexius explained. Men had rough experiences too. Think if he hadn’t been there for Felix, or any of the other men he’d encountered like that. There was a boy called Alexandros once, whom he saved more than once. Some just had bad luck. Good thing they also had Alexius, at least. @Sara

Sosia grinned beautifully when Cynane smiled at her and was glad that Cynane agreed to the drink. Together they went to the little nearby shop, which was busy because of the many people in the little square with the set up theatre. Sosia sat down and wanted Cynane to sit next to her, so she did. It wasn’t often she followed another free Roman’s orders so easily, but her continued awkward feeling around Sosia made her do it. She watched as Sosia dropped the palla from her hair – it was dark and thick and curly and quite unusual even in Rome, Cynane thought. In Britannia, you’d never see such hair. The other woman wore pretty earrings too and looked very well off to Cynane. Her husband must be at least somewhat wealthy, she deemed. So what did she want with Cynane? Why? Silence settled between them, maybe for a little too long, before Sosia spoke up, suggesting her litter could drop off Cynane at some point, so she would not have to walk and meet strange men. Then she wondered where Cynane lived. “It does feel a little odd, I must admit that.” Cynane said then, inhaling a breath she hadn’t known she needed, “I live at the palace…” She explained, not ready to say more yet. She was looking at Sosia, curious about her too, “You should be careful in the evenings too though. Especially when you’re wearing such fine items. I don’t suppose it’s often your husband lets you go out so late.” @Sara

Septima watched the little interaction between her sister and Lexus with great interest. She’d never seen Clio truly interact with a boy like this and they both seemed shy, it was kind of cute, actually. She wondered if Lexus would like her too, but then stopped herself, because he was a plebian, son of a freedwoman and no match for her… or for Clio, for that matter. Even though it was cute, it wasn’t right. What to do? Meanwhile Lexus tried to keep the conversation going, explaining he’d been good and survived, which felt stupid to say, because she could see him standing right here! Septima was sweet though, saying she was happy to hear it all and she smiled that sweet and soft smile she had. Lexus glanced at her sister, whose smile had seemed more… beaming, than that of the Septima he knew. Then he wondered what they were doing here and Septima explained and introduced them. Thalia laughed, “I think he kind of guessed who I am and I guessed who he is already, sister.” She said with a bright smile, thinking she needed to chat with Clio a bit about timing of introductions. There was little need for it when you’d already talked and explained who you were. “It’s alright.” Lexus said, “That’s nice of you to do… both of you. There are plenty of people in Rome needing help.” He added and looked around, “Do you want me to help with the gifts? I’d be happy to. I’m not in a rush to be home.” @Chevi

Iophon understood that Wulfric’s story was very long and raised his glass. Wulfric did the same. He had wine quite a few times before and was getting more used to the taste of it. Not that it made him take a huge gulp. Maybe later. Then he explain that he knew the name of his father, but would know more about Rome and how to behave first. And then he asked for help. Iophon came with his own assumptions and said you’d get used to the city, but it all depended on his father. “I do not know if I will behave Roman. But right. Behave right. No make ashamed.” Wulfric tried to explain. He didn’t want to be a Roman and act like one. But he wanted to know how to do things right so he would not embarrass himself or make himself or his father ashamed. He wanted to make a good impression. It’s what his mother wanted, he knew that. “I know not if he is rich. Maybe?” Wulfric said and then decided to go for it, “You hear name Varus before? Except for in stories about Germania.” He added with a smile while he assumed that Iophon, being a storyteller and all, knew that story too. It was very embarrassing for the Romans. At least Iophon was not really Roman, so hopefully he’d not feel shame over it. @Chevi

She didn't know if the other gladiatrix, the one on the ground, was dead or what. She doubted she was dead though, because she didn't appear to be two places at once and right after Rana died, it had felt like that. She had seen her own body on the ground. She had looked at it. And the other gladiatrix, well, she was still on the ground, bleeding. Rana had no eye for her though. She didn't know why she was still here, but she was and she was looking at Thessala who appeared to truly see her now. Rana had been given everything she asked for, at the moment. Somehow the blood made her feel stronger and more solid, if that was even something you could feel? Well she felt it. Rana mostly felt things nowadays. That's all she could. See and hear and feel. And then the blood, she could taste that. And now she could look at Thessala and tell her how perfect she was. Rana laughed when Thessala gasped and said she was losing her mind, "No... if you are, I am too." She added, but she was quite sure that was not the case. Rana's laugh stopped though, when Thessala said she missed her. In an instant, she was closer to Thessala, right in front of her. "You... miss me? But I am right here." Rana said with a little sad smile, "I do not know why, but I never left." @Chevi

Rana gasped when the other gladiatrix only just missed slashing Thessala’s neck. Usually fights with gladiatrixes didn’t go this far, and these two were only one of three fighting pairs in the arena but Rana had no eye for the others. The others were not Thessala, after all. And Thessala at least avoided having her neck cut in this round! She was behind Thessala, knowing she had somehow been seen by the other gladiatrix and she thought Thessala should make use of that! She urged Thessala to have a go at her opponent and she did, managing to stab her sword into the other woman’s thigh and side. The other screamed and went down and Rana followed her. Taking the blood in, all that she could. The other woman was not yet dead. But she was bleeding heavily and the crowd roared for Thessala and Rana stood and faced her again, smiling, “You are very perfect, you know that?” Rana was convinced she’d never have become as great as Thessala was anyway. @Chevi