Atrice

It was upsetting that his oldest son, that he had hoped he could do so much for and honestly already had done a great deal for… didn’t want to be here. But it was too late, wasn’t it? He had made too many promises he couldn’t keep and now Teutus didn’t want to be part of the family, now that he had a chance to be something else. He had been given the Varus name and now he would not honor it? He didn’t understand it. He didn’t understand that he meant much to Tertius, no matter what had happened in the past. Teutus said he didn’t understand what he meant, but he still expected Tertius would feel more for his new son than he could feel for Teutus. He went on saying it would be best for him to be elsewhere, so he’d not have to divide his attention. Tertius inhaled a breath, trying to think about how to solve this situation. It had turned out differently than he had hoped! And not the way he had hoped! He had expected Teutus to be less than happy with the idea of his new brother being freed right away, but Tertius had still honored Teutus with the promise of making him guardian, should it be needed. “If you think it would be best… if you do not think you could thrive here, then perhaps it must be so.” Tertius said, although he wasn’t happy about it. At least Teutus had called him Father, for once. Not Domine or Tertius. Father. He had to do something, despite how different this had turned out. Teutus was not yet satisfied and how could he satisfy his oldest son the best? He could try his best to help Teutus with his new life, if that’s what he desired so badly. “But I will help you. My son is not going to live in some cheap and dirty insula in the subura. And you said recently you thought about going into the trading business? Find out what exactly you wish to do… and I will invest.” Tertius then said, hoping he made it clear that no matter what, he would somehow play a part in Teutus’ life. @Sharpie

He had followed the young woman a while now. She had long, dark hair and very fair skin. She couldn’t be more than twenty years old. Some said age mattered, but not to him. Marcus actually preferred his victims to be young and fresh, untainted, and that’s what he had deemed this one to be. She turned around a corner into a quieter street and that’s when Marcus chose to approach her. He hurried up, caught up with her fast before she could run. Then he stood right behind her, “Greetings…” He said and she stumbled because he naturally startled her. He smiled while she fell onto her knees and he was right behind her, enjoying her surprise and her fear. She'd scraped her knees. He could smell the blood and his fangs came out. “What do you want from me?” She asked, while he grasped her by the hair and pulled her to her feet and closer to his own body. So warm! He could smell her fear! “I’ll scream!” She threatened him then and Marcus shook his head. Some victims just didn't get it. “No you won’t. All I want… is your blood.” And then he pulled her close and placed his arm over her throat so she could barely breathe and definitely not scream. She struggled, but she was skinnier than he, smaller than he... although he kind of liked her struggle. He dragged her with him into the nearest dark alley, where he pinned her to the wall with her front first, moved the hair away from her throat and bit into it from behind. She kept squirming, he had to hold on tight. But only for a little while longer. The blood was lovely and warm, it was everything he needed. Then she stopped and Marcus let go, let the corpse of the young woman drop to the ground like a puppet. Blood dripped down from his chin and he leaned against the wall, feeling satisfied and good. That’s when someone else turned down the same alley. Where there now lay a corpse and where Marcus stood. He froze, hoping the stranger had not seen him.

Alexius could be quite the charmer if he wanted to be and needed to be – and with Didia’s mother, it seemed to be required. She seemed very nice, he thought and the way she responded to his smile and words just told him that her husband ought to care better for her. Women deserved that men treated them well – because too many men did not treat women well enough, after all. He’d seen that often enough. The older woman seemed pleased that he had promised he’d keep Didia safe and treat her right. Then she asked Alexius to stop by so they could say thank you to him and he grinned, “If you insist, there’s little I can do to resist, is there? Of course I’ll stop by if you want that.” He promised her, anything to please her so she’d not think the wrong thing. Then Didia intervened. “Men and women can be friends, Didia. There’s no harm in that.” Alexius just said while Didia’s mother moved back to their apartment. Charis had taught him about how men should be able to be friends with women without expecting or hoping for more. No matter how hard that could be. But he tried his best. Even with Didia too! And well, a man was always allowed to hope anyway, right? When the door had closed behind Didia’s mother, Didia scoffed at him, “Oh, so that’s what you were doing.” He said with a chuckle, “Well, what I did worked anyway, right? So…” He said with a wink and Didia wanted to get going. “Of course. Let’s get going.” Alexius led the way down the stairs. The sun was still up, it wasn’t that late yet. He thought he’d take her to a nearby garden, one of the minor ones. Sometimes less honest people hung out there after nightfall, but it wasn’t night yet, so it should be fine. And no matter what, Alexius would be there. He looked at Didia, thinking about this morning and the reason why they were here. And he was actually genuinely concerned for Didia. Poor thing. “How’s your day been? Did you get any chance to rest?” @Sara

Iophon seemed surprised when Wulfric explained that all he knew about his family here, was a name. And they didn't know about him at all, so they'd be surprised. He honestly had no idea what his father would think. So far he just hoped he'd be believed, when he finally found his family. And that they'd not tell him it was impossible he could be the son of a Roman. Or that they told him they didn't want him. But so far he was optimistic, because as long as you didn't know what was going to happen, why worry too much about it? Iophon easily guessed Wulfric was looking for his father though and why lie? "I am." Wulfric confirmed and then Iophon decided Wulfric should have a drink. They steered towards a place to find drinks and he wondered why, "I thought you show me place to stay. But drink... is good too. Just not drunk. It is early." Wulfric added with a grin, as long as Iophon would pay for his drink, he wouldn't mind. He didn't have a lot of their money yet, but Iophon already knew that. How lucky that he'd meet such a friendly man on his arrival in Rome. @Chevi

It was very kind of the younger woman to help her – she honestly had not expected anyone to even lift a finger or an eyebrow for her, no one here ever did. There were some precious few people that she liked and would trust, but they weren’t here. And they couldn’t get her out of a situation that could be turned out very grim no matter what. Either Cynane had managed to escape the guy, but she’d probably have to beat him in the process. Or the man turned out to be stronger than her after all and she’d have been violated. No matter what, it wouldn’t have been good. But then this woman showed up, saving her and the disgusting stranger too. The other woman seemed surprised when Cynane spoke, thanking her and she stumbled over her words, lowering her voice too, forcing Cynane to lean a little closer, because it seemed the woman would say more. Then the other smiled beautifully and said she saw it from afar and that Cynane had looked unhappy and the man awful. “He was… and it would have ended a lot worse, if you hadn’t shown up.” Cynane replied, while the other looked at her, almost examined her. Oh… she looked at the woman, beautiful, well-dressed and even with jewelry. A fine woman of a higher rank. Would she now have Cynane instead? Not that she thought she’d mind, the thought of the woman claiming payment for her deed like that. But Cynane wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case. This was Rome and what a slave thought mattered little. She looked at her hands in her lap, unsure what to think now. Then the woman said she hoped Cynane was alright, “I’m fine, thanks.” She said, worried about what would come next. The stranger seemed nice though. In fact she didn't even seem like the type who would demand a random slave to pleasure her, but Cynane would not be surprised. Some people acted one way in public and differently in private. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad though. It definitely wouldn't be as bad as it would have been with the man. The stranger then introduced herself as Sosia and then almost excused herself, which made Cynane look at her again, “I am Cynane. And I… owe you. And I am not in a position to tell you to leave.” Cynane said and glanced at the stage briefly. It turned more and more weird, the play, “The performance is a bit strange. I admit I don’t always understand the stories.” @Sara

He hoped he wasn’t irritating her with his many questions, but she did offer to answer them and she seemed so sweet and kind. He felt bad for her, that she didn’t have a nice master, but maybe he could try and help her while he was here. She didn’t seem to be Roman anyway, but of course, everyone down here looked exotic compared to the lighter skin and light brown and blonde hair in Germania. He had seen blondes here, but he suspected their ancestry might be from the North. It was interesting though to finally hear the name of his real father spoken out loud like that. Not that he would dare try to pronounce it all, but Tertius Varus was exactly who he was looking for. Aglaea said she was glad to help, but then took her time before she answered the question about his father… if he was a kind man. That worried him a bit, because if he was a kind and good man, it should be easy enough to answer. Aglaea finally said she didn’t know him that well, but thought him better than her own master. Then she spoke of a warning… that the Varus men could not be trusted and they were two-faced and she said he should be on guard. “I will visit. They are family.” Wulfric said and his forehead wrinkled, he obviously worried about over these news. If his father was not to be trusted, that was not a good sign at all. Wulfric believed himself to be a good man, trustworthy if you earned his confidence… loyal if you deserved it. Was his father not the same? “How you know they not to be trusted? What they do… to make you think it?” @Echo

How could a man, who had walked among the people, suddenly become a god? Usually it was the other way around, if a god fell in love with a human or something and chose to live as humans. But humans did not become gods. Not where Wulfric came from anyway. It was an interesting idea though and he kept it in mind, while he told about how everyone might trace their families back to the gods and that the gods walked among people too. Iophon said his people said the same and suggested they could both be gods, disguising as strangers. That was a fun idea, but Wulfric would claim no such thing. He was a man, nothing more, nothing less… and a stranger to this city of course. He chuckled at Iophon’s idea though, “It is very funny thought. But I promise you I am man… and you are too, I think.” He said with a grin and a wink. Then he had asked about Iophon’s gods and the other man said they had many gods and some were even from other places. And they had old gods too and then he began saying something about stories but trailed off for some reason. Why? They crossed into another street and Iophon then asked about Wulfric’s family. “I know little about family here. I only know name. I think not…” He trailed off, trying to find the right words, “They not know I was born. It will be surprise. I hope it will be good.” But honestly, he didn’t know, because he knew nothing about his family here. What a man, his father, was like over twenty years ago, said little about the present. People changed. @Chevi

Well he couldn’t just guess what Didia was trying to tell him, could he? She was acting as if she was trying to write or draw on her hand, but he honestly didn’t know what it meant. That he should have sent her a message or she should send him one? But he could barely write. And what should it be about? And what did it have to do with her mother being here? No, he didn’t understand anything, but it was obvious that Didia’s mother should not know what Alexius wanted with her daughter, so he’d have to find a way out. Alexius chose to charm her. And it bloody worked! The older woman giggled in a girlish way, as if no guy had ever charmed her or treated her properly before. Actually it was kind of sweet. Alexius had given her the charming grin to, well, charm her, but now it stayed on because she was being so sweet. The mother said Didia had said he would teach her how to read and Didia nodded and agreed. So that’s what she tried to tell him with her body language! Well she’d have to work on that too! The two women spoke briefly and Didia’s mother grinned again, while Didia rose a hand to her forehead. “In fact, I don’t think I do, right now. Since that was our plan.” Alexius said with a smile, “I promise you I will be nothing but good to her and treat her right – and teach her what she wants to know. Didia deserves nothing less.” Alexius promised her mother, while Didia mostly seemed to want to get on her way. Alexius glanced over his shoulder towards the window in the main room of the flat and then back at the mother. “We really need to get going, before it gets too dark. But don’t worry, I’ll keep your lovely daughter safe and bring her back home in one piece.” Although maybe a bit bruised, depending on how rough the training would be. But it wasn’t wrong that he would teach Didia what she wanted to know and he’d keep her safe. @Sara

Alexius was at least dressed tonight – better than he’d been this morning, when he only had time to toss a tunica over his head before opening the door. This time he knew Didia was coming and he would teach her a little bit about how to defend herself against insane strangers in the night. That would cut her. Just for fun. And not do anything else. It was a mad world where there were people like that, wasn’t it? When it finally knocked on the door he jumped up to open the door, expecting to find Didia there. And he did. Only she wasn’t alone. He’d seen the older woman before, he knew it was her mother, he could even see the resemblance... but Didia had cleverly advised him a while ago that he tried to avoid the woman and so he had. Yet there she stood, with Didia just behind her, making strange gestures while the older woman asked what Alexius required her daughter for. Fuck. Well, it wasn’t that, even though he would mind that for a split-second. She’d barely have to ask. Right… what was Didia trying to signal to him? She was… writing on her hand? Why was she doing that? It was natural that Didia’s mother would prefer that her daughter did not sleep around with Alexius, which was apparently what she assumed (because who would not assume that?) - but he also couldn’t tell her the truth, because women were usually not taught about defending themselves too well. They were supposed to be submissive. He could not guess what Didia tried to do though, write a message or something? No... but he had to think fast, he could not spend too long wondering. So he would just have to enchant Didia's mother, wouldn’t he? Alexius offered the woman a charming and welcoming grin, dimples and all, “Greetings, lovely lady. I do not believe we’ve been introduced, although you seem to know my name? What did your sweet Didia tell you about me?” @Sara

He was larger than her, but that did not really speak in his favor – she’d taken down bigger guys before. The issue was different here though. They were in a crowd and he was very likely very free and she was a slave. She shouldn’t fight him off. She’d make a scene and that would reflect badly on the princess. Of course it would also look bad if the princess’ bodyguard was raped by a drunk plebian in the street. And she had to think fast, find out what to do, while the man continued to try and drag her away and Cynane struggled to stay in her seat. No one in the nearby seats did anything and Cynane thought she’d have a better chance fighting him off when they were alone. So she chose to not to anything. He had her standing now and when she thought they’d leave, a shorter, dark-skinned woman approached them with a beaming smile. She looked at Cynane first, then at the man, while she found her voice and then said something about her slave. Was she… intervening? As if Cynane was her slave? Cynane tried to not look too surprised and the man blinked, looking back and forwards and then he let Cynane go. He apologized and then left them alone. Cynane sat down again and the other woman sat next to her, suddenly looking much more nervous than she had a few moments ago. This was a bit awkward. They didn’t know each other, but the stranger just helped Cynane and she didn’t know her. Why did she do it? Did she hope to gain something? Did she expect a reward now, from Cynane’s real owner? So many questions… but she supposed this was not the right moment to ask them… “Thank you… domina.” She said to the woman, looking at her. She looked younger than Cynane, had very fair skin and seemed rather wealthy, in fact… “I don’t know why you did what you did. But thank you.” @Sara

Manius did not often go to the games, for several reasons. He thought them kind of barbaric. He had once been at the games when someone quite important was assassinated - and his master back then had a finger in that. And then of course there was the whole gambling aspect of it and Manius knew he should not even come close to a place where someone would offer him to gamble. Else he was not sure he could stop. And that had cost him dearly more than once in his life. So for a number of reasons, he did not really follow the games, but he thought he heard hers before. Not that he knew much anyone. "Good to meet you, Thessala..." He said, feeling as if saying the name out loud would make him remember her better tomorrow. She had wondered why he hadn't beaten the guy as she had and Manius replied the best he could, although it was hard to explain. And then it came. That he wanted it all to stop. It wasn't long ago, the earthquake... and losing his wife was still new to him. And he hated it. That's why he'd gone out tonight. Not that he should drink enough to forget her. It wouldn't be right either. He couldn't do the right thing, could he? Thessala said he should just keep drinking, because he was free and could do as he pleased. As she hoped to one day be free and beat up people for money. Yes, he was free, but not everyone thought that the best thing in the world. Manius didn't. He didn't want to be able to do as he pleased. He shouldn't. Things went wrong when he did. When he took life for granted. It was all... a mess. "I may be free but..." He trailed off, shook his head, "Nevermind. But drinking won't make things right. Being sober won't either. Nothing will make things right." @Chevi

Why were they even discussing this? Why did she even question Manius, who was obviously so many years older than her and more experienced in life than she? But she did and she would not listen to his advice or anything. He was trying to teach her some valuable lessons, something to take with her into the world, but she didn't want it. Now she didn't even care what he believed and said he didn't look as though he had a lot of good luck or success in his life. "It is no secret that I made some wrong choices, when I wasn't much older than you are. And it cost me... more than you can imagine. But you still have a chance. If you'll believe it or not." Probably not, it would seem. But she had taken the coin he gave her and deemed it to be fine enough, before she finally found the small pyxis and handed it over to him. Manius took it into his hand and looked at it briefly, before his eyes returned to the girl. "Thank you... I'll make sure to return it to its proper owner." He simply said, avoiding to answer the question about whether he was happy, "I should be on my way. Please, for your own sake... consider what I've told you today." Not that he thought she would, not with her outlook on life. But now at least he could say he tried. @Liv

He supposed this was an opportunity to get to know each other better - although it was mostly Felix getting to know Alexius better. Hopefully that would not be a bad thing, but rather the opposite. Alexius had very few people he felt close with, in fact probably just one at the moment and he barely saw her. Maybe that's why he tried to be so open with everyone. Maybe one day, he would find someone he got along well enough with, who would not mind the way he liked to live. He'd almost been ready to settle down with Oriana... if only she'd not been an Equite and Alexius nothing but a former slave. And if only she'd been willing to accept that he had a strong desire for other people. If only... but that was in the past now. That too. Felix decided that it was alright if Alexius showed him a favorite place, since the other idea of a place Alexius never showed anyone else... was a bit far away. Maybe another time though, if there would be another time. Felix emptied his cup and stood and then said they could leave the other place for next time. Alexius stood too, also emptying his cup when he stood and he gave Felix a smile, "Next time then." He promised the lovely Felix, "Come on, it's not too far, the nearest of these places. How's your legs... and your walk?" He asked with a grin, they had a few cups of wine now and he wasn't sure if Felix got drunk as often as Alexius did. He probably wasn't used to this much wine at once. Alexius could take more, because he was used to it, but could Felix? Alexius was more than ready with an arm and a shoulder if Felix needed it. @Chevi

He had been sent home from work early today and decided to take a good long walk. His father was probably not at home anyway, it was the middle of the day and Alexius was probably busy guarding someone or something like that. Lexus could of course just go home, Didia would probably let him in, although… she was probably working too. No, taking a walk was best. He’d been in the gardens a few times since he met Septima here. His father had thought it a good idea that he saw her again, thought Lexus ought to pursue her although they had almost had an argument because Lexus was nothing like his father! Something his father was naturally not so fond of, because he thought it best if a boy was able to fight and wanted to kiss and make love to just about anyone who would. Lexus was not like that. He was growing though and this month would present him with his 16th birthday. He was barely a boy anymore, was he? Perhaps his father was right. Perhaps he should get on with women. Lexus was curious, of course. He just didn’t quite know how to proceed. At last he entered the gardens. He’d been here a few times, his employer had sent him here with food for the homeless who camped out here and he gave those he met before a smile, as he moved on through the gardens. Eventually he reached the statue depicting the Dying Gaul. He remembered looking at it with Septima… who had never shown up to meet him again, although he had his hopes up at least to begin with. But now it had bene too long… hadn’t it? @Chevi

It must be awful, living in a camp like this, Septima thought. Imagine not having walls around you to protect you or a roof to keep you cool when the sun was shining, and dry when it rained. Imagine that. And not being able to eat when you were hungry. It must be very awful, Septima thought and she felt sorry for the people living here. There were even kids running around as if this was normal. Septima was not very familiar with these gardens, but if you didn’t look at the small camps, it was a very pretty place. There were flowers and fountains and statues and little pavilions. She could imagine taking a stroll here on a spring-day, it must be beautiful at that time. Her sister had been here of course. She recalled this was where she met that boy, who was a gardener and the son of a former slave. Well Clio had not mentioned him in a long time. She wondered if Clio had even been here and she said she had not. That it hadn’t been the right time for her studies. “Of course, your studies. That’s the only reason you’d come here.” Septima said with a small sigh, “I imagine it’s beautiful when there are not camps all over.” She said then, moving on from the topic of studies and she glanced around, seeing a little family camp over under some trees. There were kids there too. “Should we give them some things? Come.” Septima said and headed towards them. @Chevi

He felt that he tried so hard with Teutus, but apparently his son was going to resent him forever and now he did not even wish to live in the house anymore. Tertius knew it was a great honor indeed and quite a mark of recognition, that he would make Teutus guardian of his other children and household, should anything happen to Tertius. It was not just a task you handed out to everyone. Teutus claimed he was grateful, he said he was honored, but he’d still rather leave Tertius’ house than stay. Was there nothing he could do to please his son? More than he’d already done? The conversation had taken a quite different turn than he had hoped. And Tertius wasn’t fond of it. Teutus was out of his control and he hated that. “I don’t think you understand how much you mean to me, Teutus.” Tertius replied, obviously not very pleased with the way this was going, “Do you think I planned to have another son? If I did, I would have married. You are my first-born. I can’t help it that when you were born, it wasn’t up to me to decide what to do to you. You are still my son indeed and no paper or rather the lack of it is going to change that fact.” @Sharpie

Tertius had not mentioned the elephant in the room and merely tried to respond to Caecina in the smoothest way possible. But Teutus did it. He said it as it was, that he was a freedman and unable to have a political career. Tertius inhaled a deep breath, so it was out now, to Caecina. Maybe she’d still have his son? She was a charming young lady, after Tertius thought that his son being a freedman shouldn’t be a huge issue. So what he could not have a political career and so what if Tertius was unable to adopt him properly. Teutus was still the son of a senator. Teutus talked about going into trade then and spoke of things outside of Italia. Tertius sent him a glance, his son wanted to travel… leave Rome? Why? Caecina was elegant when she replied, asking for forgiveness and a very awkward silence fell, before she said that trade could be fascinating and a good career and Rome needed wine. Silence fell again and Tertius would just have to pick up this thread. “Trade is not a bad choice, Teutus.” He said to his son and thought they should talk more about this another time. He didn’t know that Teutus had such thoughts, but he could enhance the family fortune and some merchants became very wealthy and powerful despite that. Which meant he might still marry a lady of proper rank, like Caecina. “And there is nothing to forgive, Caecina. It is I, who should ask for forgiveness, for not sharing this information about my son sooner.” He said, looking at her, “It is still a very new thing in this family, but Teutus is no less my son just because he’s a freedman.” He just wasn’t sure Teutus looked at it the same way. @Echo @Sharpie

She smiled at him when he said he was sorry about her unkind master and she didn't deserve it. No one did, she was right. And apparently she was just thankful it was not worse? Still, an unkind master was a bad thing! In Germania they had slaves too, but they were not treated quite the same way as here. He knew though that some of his people sometimes sold slaves to the Romans and he felt bad about. No one deserved to be treated like dirt, which was how he understood so far that Romans treated their slaves. Especially those from unconquered parts of the world. As if the slaves had anything to do with that. But he kept listening to her and she explained she thought he looked like a Tertius Varus. And something in the middle of the name too, but it was a long name and sounded weird. If that was part of his father's name, his mother had missed it too. The Varus name was well-known in Germania though. So it was interesting that he had relations with the same name. He nodded at her words, "Tertius Varus... that is name I was told to look for, Ag-laea. I... yes... may be related. Very much." He added with a small smile, "You think he is good man? I am very curious... I hope you no mind." @Echo

It was kind of incredible really, that he had spent so much of his life in Rome, his free life too… but never once had he entered a brothel before. He never liked the idea of it and even now a part of him felt sickened by the very idea of being here. At least he wasn’t here for sex. He wasn’t here to pay one of these girls to do whatever he asked of them, or allowed him to do whatever he pleased to them. Of course he could give them a good time, give them control for once, but he’d still be paying for it and where was the fun in that? It wouldn’t be real. Alexius preferred the real deal. Not that the girl who approached him wasn’t pretty, no, she was quite tempting, but he was not going to pay to have sex with her. He would have a chat with her though and he accepted the idea of some wine. She gestured to a table and a chair and Alexius sat down while she poured for him. The way she moved, it was like watching someone perform a play. She had to do this. She had no choice. And every movement had probably been instructed before. She was pretty, but her actions were not tempting to him. Not when he knew it was all pretense. He’d suggested she drank with him and she agreed and went to fetch a cup for herself. She sat down with him and wondered what he wanted. “First, I want you to not call me dominus? Call me…” He was about to tell her that he was Alexius, but if Didia’s attacker came here and someone found out he’d been asking questions, that would not be a smart move, “Lucius.” He said to her and sipped his drink. “I am not looking for anything specifically… or I am, but not the way you think. I need…” How did he put it so it wouldn’t sound like he wanted sex, but still needed her time? He was looking for information, after all, “I need someone to talk to. Maybe you…? What’s your name?” @Echo

It worried him a bit, that he might be related to someone who was the worst master to a slave in Rome. Aglaea seemed genuinely nice and friendly and then to have such a terrible master. Maybe it had to do with her master being captured? But surely that could not be all of it. He noticed she blushed at his question and he wanted to assure her that she was safe with him, but then she said he had misunderstood her. Secundus was not the best and also not the worst. Oh… but what did that mean? And not the best didn’t sound good either, anyway. She told him more about the household, how Secundus was not kind to his servants and she seemed uncomfortable, before she said he was unkind to both her and her mistress. So Secundus had a wife. Good to know. His family here in Rome was suddenly growing. He wondered if he had siblings and nieces and nephews and cousins. Aglaea said Secundus cast a wide shadow. Something dark. A dark master, with a dark mind. “Sorry to hear he is unkind to you, Aglaea. I sure you do not deserve unkind master.” He wondered what kind of unkind, but she seemed so uncomfortable, so it had to be bad… maybe he should leave further questioning of that for later or another time, “I am looking for man named Varus. You said I look like master’s brother. What his name is?” @Echo

He didn’t know if he was uncomfortable, it was just a place he’d never visited before and he disliked the idea of it. When you had a past as a slave yourself and even a past that included being sold to the highest bidder, without anyone asking what you wanted… you knew how it was like. Sure he’d not been abused as much as he heard some of the prostitutes in here were, but it hadn’t been amazing every time either. And just the thought of not having a choice or a say in the matter. Your body belonged to anyone who’d pay for it. Alexius thought it disgusting. But as disgusting as that was, as disgusting was it that lovely Didia had been attacked and cut by some sick maniac… who might just visit a place like the Elysium too. So here he was, looking around at the sparsely clothed girls and boys and the filthy men in here, wanting them. They were just sitting and some were walking around, trying to decide who they were in the mood for tonight. Alexius had to approach someone too, but not for sex. For information. He hadn’t gotten anywhere yet, when a young and dark-haired beauty approached him with a smile, welcoming him and offering him wine. Well that part, he could say yes to. Alexius was fond of wine. Perhaps a little more than he should be. “Thank you… and yes, wine sounds nice.” Alexius replied to her. She came over fast, didn’t she? Were they instructed to just approach anyone who entered, or else? Poor girl. “Perhaps you’ll have a cup with me?” He suggested with a friendly smile, since she was the first to approach her, she would be the first he questioned. @Echo

September, 75AD Evening in Rome. She wasn’t even sure what she was doing out this late, honestly she ought to head home to the palace – but Claudia was probably already sleeping and Volusa lay there too somewhere and the praetorians guarded her door. Cynane wasn’t in a hurry yet. She’d been visiting a bath house and was taking a long way back to the palace. The sun went down as she walked and people came out in the streets. Some had finished the day’s work, others were just beginning. In an open square where a few streets met, a stage had been set up and actors were getting ready to perform some kind of play. Benches had been set up in front of it and Cynane stopped, curious. It was rare she got to see these things. Some wealthy senators squeezed their way past her and sat down on the front rows and Cynane took a seat in one of the back rows, by the end of a bench so she could easily get up and walk away. The play began. A fisherman’s wife was waiting for her husband to come home from the sea, but he didn’t come and what was a lonely woman to do then, when higher ranked men wanted her attention? Cynane rolled her eyes, well, that woman was to kick their crotch and tell them to go find someone else, she thought to herself. But people around her were amused and she thought she better be on her way. That’s when a man came to her side, pushing his way in to set next to her by the end of the bench. He was larger than her. Much larger. Cynane stared at the stage, lifting her chin as she did it, “Well well, a barbarian woman!” The man said, looking at her. She was dressed in her preferred clothes, breeches and a thigh-long tunica, not very feminine at all. The most feminine was probably her long braid down the back. Meanwhile the man... was clearly drunk, “I never had a barbarian before… not one who actually looks like one…” He said with a grin and placed a hand on her thigh. Cynane inhaled a breath, glaring at him, “Get your hand off me!” She bit back, pushing at his hand with hers, but he didn’t stop there. Instead he caught her wrist and held it tight… “Uh she talks! And fights!” He laughed and stood, “I like it…” He said while attempting to drag Cynane with him. Fuck! She tried to jerk her hand away from his, thinking she could probably easily use some kind of attack to get him away, but the square was crowded and she was, after all, just a slave. @Sara

Indeed he would not let go of this bone. He'd seen her steal and at first, he thought he might turn her in, but then he felt sorry for her and now he would help her. But she seemed to be constantly hostile and would not accept his help. When he said he didn't see any reason why she would not continue stealing, she claimed he was not very nice and he arched a brow. She wasn't very nice either, to be honest. Why he was still here was a mystery, but perhaps it was also a rare chance to help someone. Although it did not appear as if she wanted to be helped. Instead she wondered why he'd help her and he explained himself, how she had so much life ahead of her and she still had a chance to live a good life. But she wouldn't believe it. She wondered what he thought was a good life and referred to herself, a young girl who limped and apparently stole too. "I have. But you still have a chance, I believe. If you'd put in the effort." Manius said and then she finally held out her hand and wanted the money he'd offered her to buy the pyxis with. Manius fished a coin of the right value from his purse and handed it to her, but he kept his eyes fixed on her. Not that she could outrun him anyway if she tried, "Now you." @Liv

She thanked him for keeping her secret, but why should he spill it to anyone? Aglaea seemed like one of the rare, few, good people in Rome and he would not ruin things for her. They continued talking about her faith and she explained about something called Hell, which sounded a bit like Hades, because that’s where all those who did not follow God’s words went. And it was a place for punishment – not a nice place. Aglaea agreed, but said that free will meant that you had the choice to walk with her god. Believe in him. And she said Hell was just for those who actively chose the opposite. Manius nodded quietly and fell into a pit again when he didn’t know what the gods would have him do… because he was nothing but a failure, after all. He didn’t need to go to Hell. He’d been there a few times already and all because of his own, wrong actions. He failed those he cared about. He didn’t deserve to walk with any god. He barely deserved Aglaea’s kindness. She said she knew the feeling, to be a failure and said everyone felt it and it was terrible. “The thing is… I don’t just feel like one.” Manius confessed, looking up at her, “I know I am one. It is my own fault that…” He looked down again, to the ground. He barely knew Aglaea, why did he tell her all these things? Because he had no one else? He sighed, “Every time there’s something good in my life… it is torn from me. I can’t hold onto it. To them. Because I fail them.” @Echo