Atrice

Iophon had apparently heard about Wulfric's home and their temples and gods. They did have temples, just not these huge ones made out of stone and marble, each one of them seeming larger than the previous one. As if someone were trying to compete about something or maybe compensate for something, he thought with a little smile. The temples he was used to, they were not like this. There were their ancestors stone-circles and graves and there were the dark and wooden buildings that had been risen, where the wise priests and völva would perform certain secret rites. Wulfric had only been inside such a building a few times in his life. He was no priest, after all, he was a warrior and that was a different life. He explained a little about their god Wotan, who had given his eye away and then wondered why Iophon was interested. Iophon explained it was because he was a storyteller and he really liked stories of the gods. He said they were surrounded by the gods and threw out quite a few names, some that Wulfric had heard before and some that he was not yet familiar with. Of course everyone had heard about Julius Caesar though. "I am not so well... known... with Roman gods, friend. But I will learn. I know about Julius Caesar, stories of him are told. He come from gods? Which one?" Wulfric was willing to learn all he could about the Roman way of life, even if he did not intend to stay here forever. But he needed to learn more about the life his father had. Then he'd be better prepared for if or when he found the man. @Chevi

Truly, he'd never in his life imagined this would happen. Captured in Britannia as a child, enslaved in Rome, eventually as a prostitute and later also a secret-collector and investigator... Helios did not think the mighty Caesar of the Roman Empire would ever hear of a man like him and definitely not meet him in person. And here they were, in a dusty and faintly lit room in one of the dirtiest areas of Rome and Caesar wanted his help. He had smirked and said the light didn't do him justice and confirmed what Helios had been thinking. Helios inhaled a breath. Caesar. Caesar! "Caesar, I am... honored!" He said, bowing his head, not as a slave, but as a member of this odd society. He was a slave, but he was also a member of the Empire, even if he had no rights to call his own, "Honored that you have heard of me and wish for me to help you with your delicate situation. Of course, you have my assistance and my trust and silence in the matter, since that is what you desire." He added with a little smile - he did deal with desires, after all, "What will you have me do?" @Chris

The way he answered her while sipping his drink, told her that he did not buy her answer to his question – or he wasn’t entirely satisfied with it. It was odd, he was not that many years older than she, but it felt like he had so much more experience and knowledge. Probably because he was a man. Sometimes Cinnia envied the men, they had so many more opportunities to do something and be someone and women were just supposed to marry when they were the right age, and then the rest of their lives was decided. Cinnia imagined the same to happen to her, although she honestly could not picture herself spending all of her time cooking and caring for children. She liked having a sword in her hand much more. Eppitacos said she gave a good answer for what she wished to do, but it was not what he had asked her about. She arched a brow, not sure if she understood what he meant, although he winked at her too and she wondered what this was all about. He said there had to be more to her and wondered who she would be. Not what, but who… and he suggested she’d return to her betrothed and continue the life everyone imagined women lived. “There’s no betrothed for me to return to… yet.” Cinnia admitted and took a drink just to do something while she was thinking. It was a personal question and it was difficult to answer for a young, 16 year old woman like her. But he asked and why should she not answer? “I imagine than when the Romans are defeated though, my family will find me someone to wed. And then I will be a wife and a mother?” She suggested, looking up at him, although she did not think he’d be satisfied with such an answer, “It is what I imagine will happen anyway. But I don’t know. If I should be honest with you… I like the sword. And I know it sounds odd, coming from a woman, but… these skirts are not very useful. I don’t know if that answers your question… does it?” She then said and emptied her drink, which felt warm down her throat. If only she knew how her words would come true, she might have taken them back. That she'd get to hold a sword and wear breeches and not become a wife and a mother. But she didn't know. Instead she just felt oddly relaxed talking to Eppitacos. Maybe it was because of the alcohol. Or maybe he just affected her like that. @Chris

The poor woman seemed somewhat nervous and leaned closer towards him, when he wondered what the whole truth about her religion was – since she said she’d not told him everything. Clearly there was something she wanted to say though and now she said there was more to the story. Apparently her god had… sent his son to the Earth and said son had died for the human’s sins. His eyes widened, it seemed a bit crazy that the son of a god would appear on Earth just to die. The heroes of the Greek and Roman gods always lived. They had powers and strength beyond the ordinary. This god’s son… was different. Aglaea explained about a sect called Christianity, that followed the teachings of this son of their god. And if they accepted him, they would be forgiven. “That’s… something I never heard before.” Manius said. He’d not turn her in though, Judaism and Christianity, he supposed, wasn’t really illegal. It was only bad when they caused trouble because of their beliefs, but Aglaea was hardly a troublemaker. “It almost sounds too easy… just believing and accepting your god’s son and all will be forgiven.” Easy, but also oddly comforting, that it could be like that. He doubted though, that it really was that easy. And what if you did not believe, then? “What happens to those who do not do these things?” @Echo

Artemon commented that Germania was really far away and wondered how long the travel took, “I went by land, I think that is most common?” He said thoughtfully, “It took a long while… almost 2 months each way, I think? We travelled by foot and sometimes carriage… I wasn’t alone, I had my wife with me. Without her, it might have gone faster.” He explained. He wondered if Artemon would now ask about his wife, although honestly it didn’t matter. He had barely seen her since they divorced and it was more than a decade ago. He knew she had married another man more fitting for her, who hopefully wouldn’t let her down as much as Alexius had. Finally the bowl of food appeared and Artemon inhaled the scents, which Alexius did too. The woman also came with a loaf of bread and Alexius paid with a charming smile and a compliment about the food and the lovely lady serving them – and although she didn’t directly smile back at him, he saw her upturned lips and cheeks as she turned away. She wasn’t some young girl born yesterday, but why should you not make someone older smile, when you had the chance? The discussion with Artemon went back to beverages, while Alexius picked up the food and he’d let Artemon carry the bread, “Just let me know when you have it. I don’t mind drinking almost anything.” He said with a grin while they walked across the street back towards the insula, “So Artemon… what do you do, for a living?” @Liv

The friendly woman was patient while he explained what the word he used for her meant, and then she said her name was Aglaea. He said it quietly to try and pronounce it, they all had such odd names here. Some of them almost sounded as if you were singing them, “I am Wulfric.” He replied, thinking it was only proper that he shared his name, now that she shared hers. Then she’d also mentioned that he could be related to her master, and honestly he didn’t know, but he knew a bit about his father and asked if her master had been in the military and near Germania. She seemed amused by his question, but only to tell him that her master had indeed been in the military and in Germania. And he had even been captured there and didn’t return until years later. Wulfric arched a brow, as far as he knew, the Chatti had been peaceful with the Romans as long as he had lived. After all, his mother had gone with a party of his people to visit the Romans across the Rhine and that’s how she met his father. He doubted that it was the Chatti who captured Aglaea’s master. While he was thinking, she suddenly suggested she should go. Wulfric stepped forwards, put a hand on her arm, not in a demanding or threatening way, just in a way to let her know she should not move, “You are not, Ag-laea.” Wulfric said with a smile, pronouncing her name the way he thought it easiest, and then he let go of her arm, “I am interesting in learning about your master. You tell me more?” He said, “I have coin. I can pay for information… if you prefer.” @Echo

It was maybe a tiny bit weird to have Didia here, while his latest bedmate of the night had also awoken. Not that Alexius was usually shy about such things and Didia definitely also knew that he took his conquests home, but… one thing was to know, another was to present it right before her eyes. He liked Didia, she was fun and kind and pretty and he was quite sure Didia knew all this and that he would not mind seeing her in a less dressed state. But she was in trouble now, which only made him care more and at the same time, it made this situation more awkward. He didn’t want her to think less of him. He tried not to show it though and Galla certainly wasn’t shy either. Didia gave Alexius a look and rolled her eyes, said it was fine as long as her parents were kept out of it. Galla slid down on the bench next to Alexius and shared her own thoughts on the whole matter. She suggested the man who harmed Didia had done it before and you should ask whores and the like about it. “I can do that for you, so you don’t have to think so much about it.” Alexius said to Didia, who then introduced herself to his companion, “Oh… this is Galla. At least that’s what you told me.” He looked at the woman with a grin and she nodded, “That’s all you need to know, loverboy.” “If you say so… you know where I live anyway.” Alexius replied with a wink, but it faded when he looked at Didia again, “I’ll definitely make sure to look out for your attacker. And you’ll make sure to tell me when you have time for me to teach you a little bit about self-defense.” @Sara

Size mattered often, but not always. Alexius did not look at Artemon and thought that he was short and scrawny – that’s just the way he looked, that’s all, and he seemed nice enough. And as he had tried to explain, it mattered more what you did than so many other things. What you were like. And Artemon was friendly and outgoing and Alexius liked that. Now the younger man promised he’d invite Alexius for a meal next week and make sure his brother was home too. He spoke about Egyptian beer and Alexius smiled. “I think I had it before but… not in huge amounts? I’d like to taste yours anyway. I do prefer wine, but beer can be good too.” Alexius explained, “But no matter what, I’ll be in good company. And that, I always like.” He added with a grin and then they’d talked about travelling and where they came from and Alexius tried to explain, but Artemon did not really seem to guess it. “Further North than that… I was born in Germania and I went back after I was freed too. And then I returned to Rome.” Alexius explained, not caring to go into detail about all that right now. Not that he was embarrassed or anything about being from Germania or being a freedman, but it didn’t matter right in this moment. They had arrived at the thermopolium and Artemon sure did seem to enjoy the smell of the food too. Alexius more or less invited him home and Artemon more or less said yes. “Oh he’s definitely overcharging. But aren’t they all? This is Rome. Everyone wants to gain plenty amounts of coin for the least amount of work.” Alexius said with a smile and a friendly woman appeared behind the counter of the thermopolium, that was facing the street. There were fireplaces underneath the counter and on top were the pots with the stew or sauce or what you’d call it. Thick enough to scoop up with bread. He ordered enough for three people (he had to make sure Lexus was fed, so he’d also grow up to be stronger and taller) and waited for it to be scooped up into a large bowl to share. @Liv

Indeed it was always better to focus on the future rather than the past. Or focus on the present, really, because the future was always uncertain. It was one thing Tertius disliked but of course also one thing, he could not do anything about. The conversation went on however and Safinia asked what he’d think about an opinionated woman. As if he could not guess that she spoke about herself, with the way she had spoken to him so far. She tried to hide it well, that there was an unconstrained woman beneath her beautiful surface, but Tertius wasn’t born yesterday. So he replied simply the way it was – explained that being open about your opinions could be dangerous and that he did not like it when things were out of his control. It would depend on the situation though, what he’d think of such a woman. If they would get along. His wife had been different and not afraid to speak her mind to him, but they got along well and outwardly, she was the perfect little Roman wife. They were more relaxed when they were alone though, for the few short years the marriage lasted. Safinia listened quietly to his words and said she understood – and that others had said that opinionated women were no good. She claimed it was not about her at all. “Of course not, Safinia.” Tertius said kindly to her, “Now… while we wait for your father to return, what should we do? When the host is gone, you must be the hostess.” Or else he might take over, something he would not mind, but he didn’t know what she’d think. @Emy

He was kind of disappointed to learn that Iophon did not know his people, but then again, the Romans seemed to think themselves above any other people in the world, so why would anyone down here tell stories of the Chatti that a Greek storyteller from Egypt would know about? Gods this was kind of confusing, wasn't it? Iophon said he had heard many things, but it seemed to never have come from someone who actually knew things. Iophon suggested Wulfric should tell him more and knew about the gods. "We have many gods too. Different from Roman gods. More... natural. No temples like Roman temples where I grow up. Our temples made of wood... or sacred places in forest." He explained and tried to think about how to explain what Iophon asked about. The god he had heard about was quite important, but there was an abundance of stories about him and his looks. Sometimes he had one eye, but not always. Sometimes he had both eyes. It depended on the story. "Wotan gives eye away, in stories. To gain wisdom from wisdom well. There are many stories about Wotan." Wulfric said, looking at Iophon, "You first person I meet, who has interest in our gods. Why?" @Chevi

Why would he report her? Did he look or act like the kind of guy who’d sell his friends for cash or less? No, he would definitely not do that. What he would do, was teach her how to wield the knife properly. Sure it was a different thing than a sword, a spear or even a gladius, but it was good to know how to use it properly anyway. Of course she knew the basics, stick the pointy end into the other person, but her attacker clearly knew more. She seemed excited when he offered the lessons and said she’d love to have them, “Well we’ll find time for that then.” Alexius promised her and then he had mused about whom her attacker might be, based on her description. She confirmed the man probably was not a slave and said again he mentioned the shop. But she didn’t know of course, if Alexius’ idea of a barber was true and she had no idea what the oil was for. The idea made sense though and Alexius was about to explain the thing with the oils for her, when his ladyfriend of the night suddenly appeared. At least she bothered to put on her chiton, although she’d not tied a belt yet or done her hair or anything. The chiton was loose and light and lovely on her. Apparently she heard a lot of the conversation and seemed to agree with Alexius’ own conclusion. He grinned at her, “I don’t know… it is kind of private. What do you think Didia?” He asked Didia, this was her issue after all. He glanced the other way, Lexus might wake now too… but then he looked at the woman, recalling her name might be Galla or something like it... “How much have you heard?” @Sara

Alexius couldn’t help but smile at Artemon’s reaction, when he described the food they might eat. Then the other mused about how he should check out the places to eat and Alexius grinned again, “Exactly… and you’ll know where you find food too. Not many of the rooms have a fireplace.” And there was a good reason for that – no one wanted it burnt down, besides, you had to have good ventilation so the smoke could come out. Alexius’ room didn’t really have that. He had to go out if he wanted to eat, unless he bought some bread and stuff like that, to keep at home. They moved down the stairs and into the street. It was late in the afternoon and there were people everywhere, so Alexius made sure to stay close to Artemon, so they wouldn’t come apart. Meanwhile Alexius had asked Artemon to tell more about himself, and he confirmed he lived with his brother, whose name was Iophon and he was a storyteller. Alexius arched a brow, a storyteller! Those were always interesting! “You’ll have to introduce me to him properly at some point. Soon.” Alexius added, this pair of brothers sure were interesting, both of them. Artemon said they had no less than six more siblings in Egypt and wondered if Alexius ever went there. “No… I’m afraid not. I’ve done my share of travelling, but never southwards. I was born in the opposite direction of you, I guess.” He said, “But I’ve lived here most of my life. You’ve not been here for long though, right? Ah, here we are… it smells nice.” Alexius said, inhaling a breath of the scents coming from the thermopolium, “Do you want to eat here or take it home? You’re welcome to come to my place to eat. I expect my son will be home at some point, but I don’t know when.” @Liv

Welcome aboard Barclay, I hope you'll enjoy Aeterna Roma as much as I do - it's the best RP board for people with a liking for ancient Rome, if you ask me :D

Wulfric knew that he mostly had his name because his father - or, the man he grew up thinking was his father - was called Wulfstan, so his own name had to resemble that. And because Wulfric was also a grandson to their chieftain or king, depending on whom you asked, the name he was given seemed right. It was never really something he had considered before, but his new friend thought it was a good name. Wulfric nodded, "I agree." He simply replied, wondering if he ought to change his name, now that his mother had revealed whom his father was. He was no longer Wulfric, son of Wulfstan. Would his father think it a strange name? He probably would, it sounded nothing like the names people had in Rome. He wondered, naturally, what the other man's name meant and Iophon explained it. Voice from the moon! First Wulfric thought it might mean he was some kind of bard and it wasn't entirely wrong. Iophon explained that he traded stories and his name was Greek, although he was from Egypt. Then he guessed where Wulfric was from. "Germania, yes. My people are known as Chatti. You know Germania and the people?" He said, wondering if Iophon, as a storyteller of sorts, knew the story about the time his people - along with other people from Germania - defeated the Romans. Not that Wulfric had been present, he wasn't born back then, but he knew the stories. Everyone did, where he came from. @Chevi

She gave him the strangest looks while he spoke to her, apologizing that he was not the man she hoped he’d be. He wondered whom she suspected he should be though, but all things in good time. She said it was not his fault that he wasn’t the right guy, and of course it wasn’t, but still… and now she laughed and said she’d wasted his time. Wulfric didn’t know if she wasted it, he hadn’t been busy, after all. And for some reason, she had a strange concerned look about her and he had to see if he could help her. She didn’t answer though, instead she stopped by the word he used for her and didn’t know what it meant… of course she didn’t, “I… it is just word from my land, to call… woman. How else you want to be spoken to?” He wondered, and then she went on by asking if he was a member of her family. She mentioned a master called Secundus and that Wulfric looked like him. Secundus, that was not his father’s name, that was not what his mother said. But had she not said his father had a brother with him, in the military. Not that she had spent time with him and she could not recall the name. It would be quite a coincidence though, if this woman should be working for his father’s brother! “Maybe? You know if your master… Secundus,” He spoke the name slowly, hoping he pronounced it correctly, “… was he in military when he younger? Near Germania? You know?” @Echo

Manius certainly did not vanish while she was closing her eyes tightly – he just watched her and wondered why she did that. Meanwhile he also considered if she would take his offer… if he should buy the trinket from her, so he could sell it back to its original owner. The girl opened her eyes and wondered why he thought she’d do it again. Manius gave her a look, “At this point, I don’t see any reason to believe you would not.” He replied to her. At last she sighed heavily and agreed to his deal, although she was still wondering why he was so concerned about this whole matter and why he’d do it, when he did not know her. “You’re young.” Manius said, “You have so much life ahead of you… a chance to live a good life. Why should I wish for you to waste that?” @Liv

Teutus was doing well in the conversation so far, Tertius thought and then he looked up, as a few slaves carried in trays with food. There were finger-foods like dates and small spicy meatballs, two different sauces and some good bread to dip in and scoop the sauce up with. Meanwhile Teutus would know if Caecina had siblings and she replied kindly how she had three of them, who were at their villa in the countryside. It was obvious Caecina was very used to conversing, she was almost the one talking the most here. She explained how she liked travelling and wondered if Teutus travelled much. And after the food arrived, she asked Teutus about the Course of Honor. Tertius almost coughed into his wine. How to tell her, without embarrassing both Tertius and Teutus? Who should explain to her that Teutus was a freedman and while he was truly Tertius’ son, he had so far been unable to adopt him, because of the law and rules and traditions. Tertius could present him as his son, treat him as his son, but on paper… he was just a freedman. It might even stay that way, although Tertius did try and find a loophole, still. And this had been the issue, ever since Teutus was born and Tertius' father did not acknowledge the child as freeborn. Even when Teutus was freed, it was hard to move on from that point. Not that he was sure Teutus understood, but it was hard to get close to his son and learn his thoughts. And now they would have to explain it to Caecina... somehow. “Teutus may follow a different path than other young men.” Tertius said, before Teutus could answer, “What it will be… we will see. Have you given that any thought… Teutus?” Actually he was curious about that, his son was quite thoughtful, but he didn’t share many of those thoughts with his father. Which he really should, when they concerned his future. Tertius would do anything to help his son into a proper life and all Teutus had to do was ask. But he didn’t. @Sharpie @Echo

She knew he was right, didn’t she? On the other hand, she was young and she was clearly more fond of Marcus than a girl should be of a boy who lived under the same roof, but was not your husband. Manius was still quite sure about what he heard and that his assumptions were correct. He tried to explain it to her. He wanted to help her, not to be against her. Marcus was no good for her and she had to understand. But judging by the look on her face and the way she looked at him, it didn’t seem like she did. So he had to watch her even more closely. When he was done talking, she crossed her arms and said he didn’t know about Marcus and said he understood her. And Manius could not keep them apart. “I know a brat when I see one.” Manius insisted, but since she was not paying much attention to what he said, he thought he’d try something different. It was a stretch and who was to say it would even work – what was he, 20 years older than her or something? But he could try… to him, it seemed like she needed a grown up who’d look out for her. “I could try to understand? If you need a friend… you can talk to me. I am good at keeping secrets.” Although it wasn’t certain that was what she wanted. One thing was what he thought she needed, another was what she wanted. And she wanted Marcus, but she should not. He had to do something. @Echo

Sometimes, it was maybe a little bit irritating that he cared so much for other people. Manius could just have left and then the vigiles or cohorts might come and then they'd take her away. It was always the freeborn Roman who had the most rights and the woman, whose name he still didn't know, was not a free Roman. She clearly had the upper hand though, which was impressive, but Manius had to do something. She got to beat him up now. And now they should go. He grabbed her arm and pulled her away and it worked. She yelled, but Manius dragged her further away from the man, complaining that it was alright, because the man deserved it. "He did." Manius agreed, "But if the cohorts come, they'll believe his story, not yours." He said and began walking, although he did not let go of her arm yet, because he didn't trust she wouldn't run back and keep on beating that guy. "Do you feel better?" Changing the subject might be a good idea... or bad, depending on how she took the question. Either way, Manius would not report her if she chose to beat him up instead. @Chevi

Alexius let out a little laugh when Artemon was confused about how to give a gift to a woman and what to pick, “Women are tricky like that. But either you have to ask or… you could dare to guess. Some women are easier than others. I don’t know if Lucilla is so easy, when it comes to that.” Honestly Alexius never offered her anything but his company and actually, he didn’t really offer it, he was just there at the right time and she had needed it, apparently. Life was like that sometimes. Life and Fortuna. He wondered if Artemon knew Fortuna. It didn’t seem like Artemon knew much at all, now he wondered if she didn’t want him because of where he was from. Poor guy. He seemed to have even less self-confidence than Florus had and Alexius didn’t know that it could be lower. The idea with inviting Artemon out for a meal sounded just about right and Artemon seemed happy to take the invitation. Alexius had barely confirmed it before Artemon had left. What an interesting turn of events – he always met such interesting people, didn’t he? Maybe there were things he could do with… uh or to… Artemon to help him being less insecure. And while his thoughts had travelled quite a distance while Artemon went up and then down again, the other finally appeared and looked exactly as before – but very enthusiastic, “Well there are a few good places in our street, I think… over on the corner they make this delicious sauce with grapes and garum and then some bread to scoop it up. Want that? Grapes are good for so many things. We better also find some wine now we’re at it. And meanwhile you can tell me about yourself… you live with someone, don’t you? A brother?” @Liv

Despite having been here for weeks now, Wulfric still knew very few Romans well. There had been that nice guy he met on his arrival here, Iophon, and he had been very helpful and kind towards a newcomer in this city of cities. It was almost a country in its own, Wulfric would still say that much. So many people here, they lived so closely, and yet so few seemed interested in others. They didn’t work together, they didn’t know each other. It was not like the villages and farms back home, not at all. So he certainly didn’t expect anyone to approach him and say they knew him or thought he looked like someone else. But as he stood there he suddenly heard a woman’s voice behind him, as he closed the belt with the buckle. He turned around. She’d called him ‘dominus’ which he now knew was something slaves often called free people of Rome. It meant master, or something like it. Why did she address him like that? She looked kind and friendly, she’d apparently thought she knew hi, but then said she made a mistake as she thought he was someone else. “Apologies, that I am not who you… looked for.” Wulfric replied, looking her over. She was very pretty too, but had this look in her eyes, as if something weighed down on her shoulders and kept her down and he could not help but somehow worry about her, “Are you alright… kwenā?” He didn’t know her name and wasn’t sure what to address a woman with, who was not a free Roman, so he used a word from home, that he’d use for a woman. @Echo

Maybe he should not follow a stranger so easily, but he seemed nice enough and Wulfric had met plenty of odd strangers on the long road to Rome. This one honestly did not seem half as weird or dangerous as some he had encountered. And the man seemed happy to teach him a bit about Rome. Now Wulfric was learning a new word too, insula, which was apparently a room you could rent in Rome. It sounded interesting enough. Wulfric nodded quietly at the stranger and had then decided to introduce himself. The stranger said it was a nice name and wondered what it meant and then introduced his name too. Iophon. People had such odd names here. “Iofon…” He repeated, trying to say the name out loud, while the guy also said he had once been new to Rome, since he wasn’t from here either. “I think you are right.” Wulfric replied, “Wulfric means… how to explain…” He tried to remember the Latin word for wulf and then thought he had it right, “Wulfric means… powerful or strong wolf?” He hoped he got the word right and decided to ask the same question to the stranger, “What does Iofon mean?” @Chevi

Late September, 75 AD Wulfric was still trying to get used to this huge city. He was quietly trying to figure out more about his father, but the people he encountered in the streets and taverns, that cared to talk to him, didn’t know the man. Apparently he must be wealthy, as Wulfric assumed, since people who were less wealthy didn’t know him. Some had given him a weird look though and then just went on their way. As if it made no sense that a man dressed like Wulfric should want to get in touch with a man named Varus. Today was just another of these days. Wulfric had managed to find some actual work, working in a warehouse mainly with moving sacks of grain and other things, from one place to another. Or onto carts. Something like that. He was strong, after all. And today he’d been doing just the same all morning and was paid in the shiny coins, that he added to his purse and then made his way out into the marketplace to find something to eat. A stall selling purses caught his attention though, his own was getting rather worn and those they sold here were very fine. Good quality leather, he could tell. Wulfric purchased a light brown leather purse and then moved away from the shop to attach it to his belt, a little bit away from where the crowds were, because he understood that you should watch your coins carefully and no one should know how much you had on you. With his back to the marketplace, he opened the belt and slipped the old purse off the belt and began moving things from the old to the new one. Unaware that from behind in the shade of a building, he might look like someone else entirely. @Echo

Alexius did have a lot of practice, when it came to kissing. And why should he not be? It felt good being so intimate with someone and one amazing kiss could lead to a whole lot of other things that felt even better. Felix was not too bad himself, it felt very nice actually and Alexius could easily take it even further, but he sensed Felix was not used to showing off and exposing himself in the same way. Felix was smiling however, so that was good. And now it was Alexius' turn to flip the coin, so he did, and he won again. Now certain that Fortuna was with him today, he wondered what to do. That kiss was rather nice. Felix chuckled, saying it was fair that Alexius won and Alexius smiled at him. First he considered another kiss or maybe have Felix undress a bit, but then he had another idea that might make Felix relax some more, "I want you to fill your cup with wine to the rim again, empty it and then fill it again." Alexius then said and handed Felix the coin, "Afterwards, it is your turn." @Chevi

Wulfric honestly didn’t know either whether his father would be rich or poor, but he suspected that his father was rich. His mother had said he’d dressed finely and spoke of how dreadful the tents in the camp were, compared to the fancy home and city he grew up in. A place with walls of stone and mosaics on the floor and a garden. Wulfric could barely imagine it before, but now he was beginning to understand. The stranger seemed to look at him strangely when he spoke of having family here, but Wulfric went on, explaining how he needed a place that was not too expensive. The stranger seemed to understand and began walking and Wulfric followed, while the other talked. He wondered how long Wulfric would stay and suggested renting a room in an insula? Wulfric barely knew any of those words, he knew renting had to do with borrowing though. The stranger said tavernas were only good for a short time and not comfortable. “Maybe… in..sula is best, then? You would prefer insula?” Although he had no idea what it was, but how to ask without appearing stupid or unintelligent? The stranger would know where his family lived, but Wulfric shook his head. “I don’t know. Just in Rome.” He explained, not yet ready to share names with a stranger, since he knew nothing about Varus except for the name and stories about what he was like 23 years ago, “What is your name? I am Wulfric.” Wulfric then said, feeling a bit odd following a stranger around. It would be better if they knew each other. @Chevi