Atrice

She said nothing to him now. But she was daring and bold and perhaps too much. Deianira was staring right into his eyes and he knew that look. Not that her opinion of him mattered to him very much. In fact it didn't matter at all. She was a slave and a whore, the lowest of low, even at the Elysium. If she died, no one would miss her and she would be replaced. Her opinion mattered to precisely no one - as long as she kept her mouth shut and didn't tell anyone about him. If she did, her opinion mattered so much she might be risking her life for it. He let go of her wrist and she jerked her hand away, massaged the wrist. She'd definitely get a bruise there. Blood coming towards the surface of the skin where you'd pressed too hard. Marcus knew all about it. He stood there, watching her, but she dressed herself without another word and picked the amphora she carried, up again. She did not walk away though. She knew it would be stupid to turn your back on this man on purpose. "You can go." Marcus said, at least pleased with her finally acting like a proper slave. And then he waited for her to leave. But it was clear to him, that he was not done with her at all. @Echo

Helios was curious to learn more about the job – and the man who hired him for it. He didn’t even know yet how much he’d be paid, but he assumed it would be quite a sum. The more dangerous or high-risk a job was, the more you earned. And not even Helios’ mistress knew about this, it was that secret. He could only hope it wasn’t all a ruse and he had somehow angered someone in a high place and he was going to end up dead in a few moments… But that didn’t happen. Instead the stranger with the hood confirmed he needed Helios’ services and then pulled back the hood. Helios’ eyes were adjusting to the faint light in the room and he narrowed his eyes, it was a familiar face, but not someone he had ever met, been close to or slept with, he thought… it was obvious though, that the man expected Helios to know who he was. Meanwhile the stranger continued talking about a personal and delicate situation that had to be kept secret. And apparently he’d heard about Helios for this job. Alright, so the man was powerful – he said so and Helios should know who he was. He looked more closely at the other man who sat before him. Was it who he thought it was? “Of course, Domine… I am certainly dependable and capable to anyone who will pay the right price and reward me well for my services.” Helios promised. It felt strange to just straight out ask someone ‘are you Caesar?’ but he never met the man before or had any chance to come close to him before. Helios was a slave, first in a private household and then here. There was no way a slave and prostitute like Helios ever got close to the most important man in the Empire. Until now anyway… “I want to make sure however, that you are not playing me for a fool. If you are who I think you are… and you will reward me in the way I hope… then you should have no problem telling me your name. In return, I am prepared to do whatever it takes to help you with your… situation. Domine.” Helios was not trying to be impolite or offensive, he simply needed to know the truth. His heart was beating as if it was trying to escape Hades though. Never in his life would he have believed he’d be standing before Caesar and asking to know exactly who that man was! This was so much more than he'd ever expected from his life. @Chris

Horatia was being defensive in the strangest way and Pinaria was not quite sure why. She had only come to figure out whether gossip was true or not and Horatia was ever polite, as if someone smeared honey on her tongue before Pinaria had reached her. It was almost too much, to be honest. And now Horatia mentioned how happy she was that the wars were behind them, since Pinaria mentioned how their Caesar brought peace to their empire. She nodded at Horatia’s words and then the other said she doubted Caesar had friends with little intelligence, as if she was not afraid anyone would try and murder her husband because he strived for the same position. “You never know with men.” Pinaria simply said, watching Horatia watching the dancers. She was more curious but decided enough was enough. She could not say it was easy or even entertaining to speak with Horatia. Sometimes, you just had little in common with other people and at least, she learned that tonight. That she and Horatia were two very different people and it was obvious Horatia was not all that interested in Pinaria in the first place. She glanced around and then she took another sip of her wine. “Oh, it would seem this needs to be filled again.” She said, her cup was empty, “Excuse me, Horatia… if I am not interrupted, we can speak further when I return.” Pinaria said, quite sure that she would be interrupted, and it did not seem to her, that Horatia wanted much to do with her anyway. @Sara

Alexius had lived many places in his life – as a child in the dormitory with the other slaves, then onto the ludus with the gladiators and then he was suddenly lanista and living a more luxurious life than ever before. After that, he lived in a small home like this with his wife, after they’d been to Germania and back. And after they divorced, he lived here and there and with the people he worked for. Living with Oriana had been quite nice and luxurious too, but now he was here, with Lexus. Humble, but it was what he could afford for now. And it was good enough. After he’d opened the window he offered her a seat and anything she’d want while she was here – and yes, at least he was honest about what he wanted, wasn’t he? She teased him and he smiled, “Why shouldn’t I be?” He just said, but she didn’t seem to want anything and he sat down next to her and she continued talking in a low, but hushed voice. Said she came about his work and then that she’d been attacked. Alexius tensed and sat straight almost immediately, she was attacked? Sweet Didia? What the fuck?! But before he had a chance to say that out loud, she held up a hand said she was fine, but she needed help. “Sure, I… of course I’ll help. One moment…” Alexius said and stood, she’d said no to wine, but he could use a drink now. It didn’t matter that it was barely daytime yet. He picked a jar of wine from the shelf and two wooden cups, just in case she’d want one anyway. He set it down on the table and poured for himself. After taking a drink, he looked at her again, “Why were you attacked? How? You look… fine?” His eyes widened as another image dawned on him, had she been raped? A woman could look and act as if she was all fine after such an act (not that he ever performed it), but she wouldn’t feel it and unseen parts of her could be bruised or worse… “Tell me he didn’t… did he?” @Sara

She smiled, when he repeated her name as if he wanted to remember it - for future reference or because she interested him? Again, it was a stupid thought. He was not her man, after all. She had complimented his speech then and Eppitacos smiled, chuckled and explained more about the speech. About how he preferred to speak from the heart, rather than prepare something beforehand. She nodded, "Words spoken from the heart are the truest, my mother says. And they were good words." She added with a friendly smile, watching him drink from his own goblet. Cinnia was not some lovestruck youth, but she had to admit he was easy on the eyes and she felt kind of proud that he'd picked her to talk to, among all these people. Even over her own cousin, his betrothed! Perhaps he just wanted a relaxed conversation and no one else could give him that. He had a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, and while he was older than he, he was also still young compared to many of the other men and chiefs. Eppitacos wondered who she was and who she wanted to be. Cinnia chuckled, "That's a... deep question, isn't it? Kind of personal too." She added with a small wink, but she was only teasing. He was curious and she'd be happy to answer him, because she did, after all, know the answer, "All I know is I want to help defeat those Romans. I've been training since I was strong enough to wield a sword. And you'll have mine, when the time comes." She then promised. Did it sound stupid, coming from a girl in a dress? He couldn't know she preferred more masculine clothing, because it was easier to fight and move in. @Chris

A matt had been arranged for Cynane in the room, so she had a place to sleep. For some reason and she wasn’t sure it was good, the birth didn’t go fast and easy and the more time it took, the more it worried Cynane. Seeing Charis so tired, exhausted and in pain didn’t make her feel better about anything and the number of times she’d inwardly cursed Tertius to Hel were unknown. She did that a lot. For doing this to Charis, for putting lovely and sweet young Charis through this. It had been days now and she barely knew what time it was. She sat by Charis’ side, while her friend wondered to the midwife why the child was not coming. It was then the midwife stood with a smug grin on her face and Charis had another contraction before she had a chance to answer. Cynane heard the midwife say it would get worse – as if it wasn’t bad enough already – before it would be here. The child, she meant? Cynane reached for Charis’ hand, while her friend looked at her too, tears in her eyes. Fuck that bloody Roman! But she had to make sure Charis made it. The child had to be born, and live and Charis better not die in childbirth! She’d become Cynane’s closest friend in Rome and she was not losing her now. If she did… she swore, by all of her own gods, that Tertius would die painfully before Cynane was dragged off to her own execution! “You can do it and you will.” Cynane said, “I’m here. And the midwife knows how it goes. Before you know it, the child will be here.” She added with a small smile, “I pray the gods show some mercy this time.” @Sara

She grinned when he mentioned the others were still sleeping, but then said she could whisper and not wake up his friend. Alexius grinned, “Friend… well if you prefer that term…” He replied with a wink, while she already somehow seemed in a better mood. But then she also glanced over her shoulder and said she’d rather not talk in the hallway and she could be quiet. It somehow still seemed so urgent though and who was he if he sent her away, when she came to speak to him like this? “Alright.” Alexius opened the door to let her in. He’d just tossed his dark crimson tunica over his head, that’s all he wore. The place was quiet still. Alexius closed the door once Didia was inside, while thinking she’d never been in their very humble home before. He hurried over to the window by the table and opened the hatch to let in some early daylight. “Do you want anything, while you’re here? Wine, bread, a hug… me?” He asked quietly, but with a smile, while offering her a seat by the table underneath the window. Of course he knew it was not likely she came to do anything but talk, but he could offer a warm embrace or a shoulder too, if that's what she needed. He couldn't quite guess what was wrong though, but he was curious. @Sara

Marcus was worried - and he knew he should be. In his mind, he always managed to justify it when it hurt someone and he had every right to hurt this whore here, because he paid for it. But still, others would look down upon the act and would think something was wrong with him. And if they found him and found the things he'd done to people, how many slaves he killed (he barely knew how many himself, though) and about his family... it just wasn't going to happen. And that's exactly why some people died by his blade, because he didn't want them to talk. He could kill this one easily too and then just pay her owner and find a new whore for him. It would be a done deal. And it would be so easy and so beautiful. But she winced when he grabbed her wrist, she stared at him and said she didn't tell the other patron anything. And then complained he was hurting her arm. "You know I could do much more than that." Marcus replied, "Don't tell any other concerned clients about your scar. Or about me. Ever." He paused, tightening his grip on her wrist rather than letting go, while he looked straight into her eyes, "Or I will personally deal with both you and them." She had no idea what game she was playing, she did not know he'd killed and maimed many others before her. She didn't know how dangerous he could be. But maybe now she understood. He let go of her wrist then, he wanted to do more to her right now, but it was daytime and the other whores would miss her too. And his own patrons, they'd miss him. He'd come find her at the brothel soon and question her again. @Echo

What was Didia doing here, and at this hour? Ever the optimist, Alexius could of course hope she came for him, but for some reason, it didn’t seem to be the case. Something was off, but he didn’t quite gather what it was yet. She smiled faintly at him, but it did not reach her eyes. Something was definitely off… she said she was fine but Alexius didn’t believe it. There were only two reasons why a lovely woman like her would come knocking on his door at an odd hour like this. And since the smile did not reach her eyes, the first option was not the case. Then she asked if she could talk to him, but was soon about to back out of her idea again, “Of course we can talk…” He glanced over his shoulder. All curtains were still drawn and there were no sounds of anyone else getting up. On the other hand, this seemed urgent and while the curtains offered some privacy, it was not the same as a door. “Is it something private?” He kind of sensed it was, “Because I’d love to invite you in, but we wouldn’t exactly be alone. I mean, the others are still sleeping, but we only have curtains around the beds…” @Sara

Was Alexius a romantic type? He could be, if the person he was spending time, was that type. Alexius enjoyed receiving pleasure as much as he enjoyed giving it and if someone else was most pleased by romance, well he could spin many beautiful words and gentle and soft touches, if that's what his lover wanted. Felix didn't seem to require it though. He actually didn't seem to require much, he seemed so content with being a slave and serving others, that it was almost sad. But Alexius would not try and speak him out of it, in case it meant Felix would leave his side. For now though, he was coming closer. Handsome Felix, leaning closer to him - although with some hesitation. He'd find none of that from Alexius' side. At last, lips met and Alexius gladly returned the kiss. Gods they felt good too, those lips! Did Felix' owner even consider this? How lucky he was to have such a handsome body slave whose lips were so soft and warm and tasty? Alexius smiled against Felix' lips, but the kiss broke. They could kiss and cuddle for now, but he thought it might be best to save even more satisfying acts for the darkness. Felix seemed a little more modest than Alexius, when it came to such things. "Well..." Alexius said, when the kiss had broken and he gave Felix a dashing, charming smile, "That felt nice." He said and winked, "But I guess it is my turn now, in our game. Tails did me well last time, so I call for that again." He said and flipped the coin between his fingers. up into the air and then caught it on the back of his hand. When he lifted his hand, he couldn't help but grin. He had won again... "See, I said it... now what shall I have you do this time?" @Chevi

August, 75AD – the morning after One Night in Rome and A Little Help Had it been a late night last night? Possibly. Not that Alexius ever knew what time it was, but he knew that some mornings he was better rested than others. Funny though, the mornings when he was not quite rested were also the mornings where he felt most satisfied. Possibly because he had woken up next to someone gorgeous and lovely and that made him feel good. This morning was no different from so many others, in that regard. So far though, he was well asleep in his own bed with an arm around another warm body. Behind another curtain in the other end of the small insula was Lexus, sleeping too. It was warm and quiet. Then there was a knocking on the door and being a former gladiator had turned Alexius into a light sleeper, when it came to such things. He woke up and sat up. There was another careful knock on the door. He looked towards the small window and could see the sun shining outside. Alright so it wasn’t night, at least. He reached for his tunica, dropped on the floor near the bed and dragged it over his head. Who in the name of Hades was knocking on their door while everyone were still sleeping? He cast a glance to the bed, before leaving it and slipping around the curtain blocking the view from his bed. There were no doors in this insula, after all. Soon enough he was at the door and opened it, although slowly and only enough to see who was outside. And that caught him by surprise! “Didia…” He said, looking at her, something was definitely off here. It was a bit awkward with the timing though, with both Lexus and his one-night-stand sleeping inside... “Are you alright?” @Sara

Felix was not just a slave in Alexius' eyes - but then again, Alexius was not born as a Roman and he'd been a slave too. He knew exactly what it was like to be bossed around by others and have them think he meant less to them than their fancy horse. Felix was nice though, he didn't talk so much, but you honestly didn't have to. Alexius talked, sometimes, but he was honestly better at acting than many other things. He liked it when things happened instead of just talking about... or thinking about it. Put your thought into action. And that's exactly what he got the chance to do now that he won their first game with the coin flipping... he asked Felix to kiss him. Yes, it was broad daylight and there were many people out here, but so what? If you wanted someone, you should just do it. Alexius would have no issues with being kissed by another man like this. Just another sign of how un-Roman he could be. The Romans had some weird belief that a man should not admit that he liked to be taken by others - it was better to be on top than underneath someone. Stupid idea. What if you liked both? Or what if you preferred being submissive rather than superior? As long as you felt good doing what you did... that's what mattered to Alexius. And he'd definitely feel good being kissed by Felix. Felix however blinked, seeming surprised and thoughtful and Alexius downed some more wine. Then finally Felix looked at him again and Alexius arched a brow, hoping the other wasn't getting cold feet already. But then he leaned towards Alexius and Alexius smiled. Felix didn't have to gnaw at him - but he also better not just make it a peck-kiss. @Chevi

The gladiatrix seemed almost unable to stop fighting the other man, although it wasn't much of a fight, to be honest. She was doing most of the fighting and the man barely stood at chance against her. She was good. Manius would bet on her if he ever saw her in the arena... but he didn't go there all that often, he didn't like it much. Manius did like fighting, but he did it for the good and with a purpose and never to just... kick someone's ass like she did. Manius tried to get her to stop, but she smacked his hand away and said she wasn't done yet. Manius inhaled a breath, getting more worried every second. "You have to be!" He tried, "Come on..." But she didn't seem to pay him much attention, she was far too busy with her fight. Well, that gave him a chance, he thought. If she couldn't be convinced, he could overpower her and take her away and keep her out of trouble. She was a slave, beating up a most likely free person and who knew what connections he had. And if the vigiles or the cohorts came... Manius snuck up on her from behind and reached for her arm, took hold of her while she was focused on the other man. And then he jerked her towards himself, hoping to catch her and hold her steady so he could pull her away. @Chevi

Alexius usually wasn’t much of a gambler. Or maybe he was, just not like this. Fortuna just dealt him the right moments and Alexius was there to grab them. See how Fortuna was even on his side on this day, allowing him to see Felix, now have drinks with him and who knew what else? Felix certainly was good looking and Alexius smiled when Felix agreed on his idea for a game and then flipped the coin. What would he have Felix do, if Alexius won? He barely had time to think though, just took a drink and then saw the coin land and Felix said he’d won. Alexius grinned, “See, Fortuna likes me.” Alexius said and looked Felix over. Oh there were a lot of things he’d love for Felix to do, but it was still early in the day and broad sunlight. They couldn’t do everything right now. But some things, maybe? He knew exactly what he’d like for Felix to do then and hoped the other would be in on it. Why not, really? “So, since I won… I get to decide on something you should do. And I want you to…” He paused, meeting Felix’ handsome eyes, a playful glimpse in his own, “… kiss me.” @Chevi

Manius suddenly wasn’t sure what he’d do. It was her who wanted to beat someone up and honestly, Manius thought he might deserve it more than the man getting a beating now. From a woman. A slave, even. It would be very humiliating for the man and if anyone found out, if they were discovered, she’d be in trouble too. Why was it again that he agreed to this idea? Manius wasn’t like this. He did not beat up people for fun or because he felt like it. He had reasons. And he wasn’t drunk enough to continue doing stupid things. Meanwhile his female companion and the man from the taverna kept fighting, although she was doing most of it and the other man was too drunk to get anything done to her. “Maybe… that’s enough.” Manius suggested. What if the vigiles came? The urban cohorts? And he didn’t even know the woman’s name. But it was probably best to beat it. He reached out for her shoulder, “I think we should go. I don’t want you to get in trouble.” @Chevi

Deianra told him that she had told the client who noticed the fresh wound, that she'd just cut herself, but the man didn't seem to believe her. He arched a brow, that part was not good. Then she went on about how her master didn't care about such things and it didn't matter if she told the client or not, what happened. That part didn't matter. Titus didn't care, Marcus knew that. Titus just wanted his money and as long as you paid well, you could do as you pleased with the girls. This particular girl then began wanting to get dressed again, it seemed. She wanted to go. Meanwhile Marcus was debating within himself whether it was smart to do that. He worried about that client she talked about. Maybe he didn't tell Titus or maybe he did and Titus didn't care. But what about other people? What if he told his friends? And they wondered who cut her so badly and came to question her too? Marcus could not lose his business over a stupid prostitute. "You shouldn't have said anything to him at all." Marcus said, ignoring her plea about leaving... instead he now reached for the wrist of her hand that was touching the tunic. He held her wrist tightly, "If anyone asks, distract them instead of telling them lies. Don't talk about it. You could be ruining everything." He hissed, "Do you understand that?" Titus probably wouldn't even care if Marcus killed her, as long as he found a replacement. He could buy a new girl for the Elysium. Someone better. Someone who wouldn't talk. @Echo

Cynane Of course Cynane was slightly upset with how Tertius had spoken to her – but she might be upset with anything that came out of his mouth, because honestly, he could go fuck himself with a sword if it was up to her. He did all this to Charis, it was his fault she went through all this pain, now. Charis blinked at her words though, stating that they were slaves and Cynane sighed quietly. Not even now could they speak freely – unless Charis had truly come to terms with being a slave, which Cynane hoped wasn’t the case. They talked more though and Cynane mentioned she thought Tertius would free the child. Charis wasn’t sure, said he was hard to read… and then said he’d been good to her? She even smiled. Cynane looked at her, unsure if she liked this almost submissive side of Charis. This side of Charis that seemed to accept her dominus. “Well that does sound… new. Again though… why would he do all that, if he would not be good to the child also?” She said and Charis of course hoped Tertius would free the child. Because of course she could not imagine not being mother and Cynane arched a brow, “Why should you not be? If he’s so good to you… let us hope that will continue, at least. Perhaps even you can earn what I still haven’t… your own freedom too.” There was a chance, for Charis. Maybe Claudia would not free Cynane because she cared too much. She wouldn’t lose Cynane if she did not free her. It was flattering and sad at the same time. @Sara

Aglaea was indeed very mild, it seemed. Yes, that was one more word to describe her with. Mild and soft and friendly. To good for Rome, really. And now they were talking about her religion. He didn't judge her much, why should he? He knew that others might, but Manius' experience with the gods was not always perfect. In fact, they didn't seem to like him. So he was interested in learning what her god was like, because his gods had never been kind to him. Maybe Venus had, but not the rest. And not even Venus could keep her promises, because he kept being such a failure to the gods. If he had something good in his life, it was torn away. Aglaeas god and religion sounded simple, but not in a bad way. And luckily she did not seem offended, but explained further about how her god was responsible for the world and would influence those who lived life the right way. And she thought herself blessed because she had ended up in a good place. She went on about how her god was both wonderful and jealous, because you could not worship others. Then she spoke of how you must try to live without sin and he looked at her with a curious gaze. Manius wasn't much of a talker, unlike her, but he was a thinker and he was curious to learn more about all this... especially when she spoke words he didn't really know... "How do you live your life without... sin? I don't think I know the word?" He kind of guessed that it had something to do with living your life the way her god intended, since she mentioned that before. But what did he intend for life to be like? Manius knew nothing about it. Honestly though, he couldn't say it sounded like a bad god to have. @Echo

Manius did still worship the gods he grew up with, he hoped that maybe one day, they would find mercy for him rather than constantly remind him of his insignificance to the world they created and played games with. One day, he would hopefully learn to never take anything for granted. On the other hand, he was never bored, was he? Manius liked to work. He liked to not think. And work he had to do, to get on their good side. At least he thought so. But this other god, he knew little about that one. Aglaea didn’t seem devious to him, she seemed genuine and kind and he had nothing against her. If people of her faith was like her, he could easily accept it. Still though, it was hard to wrap his mind around the idea of just one single god running everything. How did that work? So he decided to ask and Aglaea explained that she did indeed believe that her god created both the Heavens and Earth and even the people in it. She said it was complicated. “It sounds very complicated… and yet, also simple.” He hoped she was not offended by such a word. It was much more simple than the huge Roman pantheon of gods, to just have one god who created everything. Was it better though? The thought he had before about her kindness returned to him, “It must be a good god to have though… if someone as kind and gentle as you are following him.” @Echo

She didn't look at him or where he touched her, while he did it. Instead she was staring into... nothing, but it didn't matter. Marcus was fascinated by the scar but also thought he could have done a better job. It could be wider, larger, more obvious. The knife could penetrate her skin again and make her bleed, that beautiful crimson blood on her pale skin. And in broad daylight too, that would be a sight. And hearing her whimper while he did it, while she knew he had the control. But for now, he wanted to know if anyone else saw his artwork upon her skin and she said she didn't bed anyone after him that night, but the night after. And her patron had been concerned, apparently. Marcus also noted how her client had asked how she got it. He looked at her face, her eyes. She better not have told anyone who did it. He had not told her his name, had he? Marcus didn't need anyone to spread gossip and wrong rumors about him. If she'd set something in motion... he inhaled a breath, he was getting worked up over this, angry, and it was her fault... "And what did you tell him? @Echo

So Felix would play a game, which was a good idea when you were drinking. Not that Alexius needed any excuse to take a drink, but it could be fun, at least to begin with. Felix had asked him what games Fortuna would favor and Alexius explained it, but wondered what to play. Felix said he did not have much experience with games of chance and wanted Alexius to come up with something. He had a few ideas, but of course, the most obvious being truth or dare, but was it really a game of chance? He didn't think so. Alexius came up with another idea that could be as interesting though. "We have the coins! We could flip coins... and the winner gets to decide something the loser should do, in each round." Alexius suggested with a smile and took a drink from his cup. It wasn't quite truth or dare, but there was kind of a dare included, which made it more interesting, "How do you like that idea?" He fished out a coin from his purse and twirled it between his fingers in one hand, "You can flip it first, if you want... and then we shall see who wins." @Chevi

Something was building up, Cynane could almost feel it moments before Charis suddenly moaned in pain and gripped the sheet. Cynane held better onto her hand, should she want to squeeze it – and she gave her friend a worried look. Of course she knew that with childbirth came a lot of pain, but she never tried it herself, so she did not know what it was like. Possibly worse than being beaten up in the arena, she thought to herself. And that could be pretty bad. When Charis was finally able to relax again, she looked at the Charis too, didn’t know how it worked, “I guess we’ll find out.” Cynane replied, before the midwife and Rhoda returned. Cynane did not leave Charis’ side though, while her friend spoke, wanting to give birth a different way. But this was Rome and they would do it the Roman way, because anything else would be considered barbaric and uncivilized. To Cynane, it seemed quite official, this whole thing. Everyone knew Charis was pregnant with Tertius’ child and now she was giving birth in his room. With a Roman birthing chair and everything. Charis asked if he spoke when Cynane arrived and she looked at her, “He did, but only briefly. He told me to not speak our tongue with you. And he made it clear that I may be from the palace, but I am still nothing to him.” She could not pretend to be pleased and didn’t. Then she looked at Charis, as it dawned on her, the thoughts from before about this room, If that was not a statement about the child being Tertius’, what was? “I think he may free the child. Why else go through such lengths with all this?” @Sara

She dismissed the praise with a wave of her hand, but then she spoke more of her business with the children and said she wanted to create a better Rome. How ambitious, Helios thought to himself. And at the same time, he somehow doubted she’d get very far with her plan. He’d lived in this area of Rome long enough to know that Rome had apparently been bad for a long time and probably would continue to be so. But she was still optimistic, he supposed that could be a good thing. She went on, saying she wanted to give people a chance and that included her slaves. This made Helios arch a brow, now more curious. “You are certainly a kind mistress, to reward those that are loyal. The same I think can not be said about most other Romans, even the women.” The same could not be said about his own mistress. He had been here since he was 14, half his life had in fact now been spent in this house! And while Titania, his mistress, often dangled the idea and hope of freedom right in front of his nose, saying that soon it would happen, soon she’d do it… he had not seen the shadow of freedom yet. He could even purchase his freedom, but every time he brought it up, she was busy. It was getting tiresome. Helios knew he could do more with his life… if only he had the chance. Then he had suggested to her they went elsewhere to talk, because he’d be happy to listen. He ought to work, after all, he was certain she understood. And she did – and offered payment for his time. Helios had serviced nobles as a courtier before, a companion and partner… like a fancy jewel you’d show off at a party. He could service this one too. She even mentioned further payment if he kept what they did after, a secret. For a price, any secret was safe with him. Until a higher bidder came along, of course, but they didn’t always. “Your secret is safe with me, if…” He paused, leaning closer and speaking in a lower voice, “… if you can promise me the additional half will not see the hands of my mistress.” This was a good chance to add something to his own savings. If he was ever free, he might even be somewhat wealthy, with what he’d stashed away so far. “I’d be a fool to say no to an adventure with an interesting domina.” Helios then said with a smile to her, bowing his head as an acknowledgment for a moment before he pushed away from the wall to come with her. She was tall, for a woman. Not that he minded, of course. Her lips were enough to make her lovely, so he wondered about the rest of her… “My name is Helios, by the way. And what may I call you?” @Riv

She was a slave. Sure she was not his slave, but he could pay Titus afterwards, if needed. And any slave was beneath a free Roman like Marcus anyway, so she should just do as told or he’d tell her master and it would be even worse for her. All he wanted was to see her scar. But she had made no move to strip when he told her to and Marcus’ patience was easy to wear thin. She eyed him, daring to look and at first, he thought she would refuse. Then he would have to punish her – harm her, again. All she had to do was give him an excuse. But then she moved. Marcus kept a sharp eye on her, but it was only to put the amphora on the ground and then she stood and removed the pins that held her tunica together by the shoulders. The tunica fell down, but was stopped by her waist by a belt or something. It revealed her pale, smooth and soft looking breasts and the scar from the cut he made into her. Marcus looked at the scar more than her breasts, because he was most interested in that. It had healed but it was still red. He reached a hand up to trace the line of it with his finger. It was shorter and thinner than what he recalled. He wanted to recreate it, make it better. “It’s so thin.” He whispered and then looked up at her face, “Did anyone else see it, after? Someone must have had you after I did, while it was still fresh. What did they think?” He was curious to know the reactions to his work. @Echo