Echo

If Deianira had heard his thoughts, she would have certainly disagreed. He was cruel, among the cruelest she had ever met (and she had more than enough experience with men). She put him at a slightly higher level of cruelty than Titus Lupus, as Titus at least punished people for doing things wrong. Deia didn't think Marcus hurt people for any good reason; he just enjoyed it. He had certainly shown how much he'd enjoyed her blood the night they had met, as he had finished rather quickly. She started a little at the feel of his hand on her back as they walked, clutching her amphora carefully and showing her tension in her shoulders. He greeted people as they walked, but she kept her face in a drawn expression and averted her eyes, not even bothering to look for an escape as she knew it was hopeless. All she could hope for was that he would get it over with quickly, whatever 'it' was, and let her get on with her day. Eventually, they reached a house and went around the back, though not inside. She stared at him as he said to strip. "You mean... here? Outside?" All of her promiscuity was reserved for inside; she dressed modestly outside of the brothel, invariably. She made no move to strip just yet, unsure of herself and if he truly meant to make her stand outside naked. @Atrice

Aglaea hadn't really thought her actions through, inviting Manius to sit with her, but she supposed there was no harm in it. She didn't even consider that it was unusual for someone to do such a thing; she knew she just had plenty of cakes and wanted to share with a new friend. And perhaps it would do him some good; he had such a morose way about him, and Aglaea hated to see other people unhappy (even if she often was herself, at least, while she was near Secundus.) Manius might not think she looked old, but she was certainly no spring chicken. She wasn't as bad off as some though, and had a few more years before her hard labor started to catch up with her. Manius explained that he'd only been with his current mistress a few weeks and that he'd lost his old job after the earthquake. Then, he asked her about whether she was happy at her current posting. How many different answers there were to that question! Was she happy to serve Livia and be her support system? Yes, she had a servant's heart. Was she happy living in that particular domus? No. And was she happy to be stuck attempting to bear Secundus's child, while also staving off that possibility with silphium for her own relationship with Livia to remain intact? Certainly not. It was the hardest part of her life at the moment. But Manius didn't need her life story. "Certainly," she said with a smile, focusing on the positives of her life. "I am blessed by God in many ways, both to have a home and a loving mistress who takes good care of me." @Atrice

Deianira was holding her breath but didn't realize it as Marcus spoke again, saying that he knew where they could be alone. Well, that was good wasn't it? He couldn't bloody well rip her tunica off in the middle of the crowded street. But then again, why couldn't he? She was worthless. She had some shame in nakedness still, but she hadn't always - it was a recent development. She supposed it was because of feeling fragile after she lost her baby. But she hoped he wouldn't undress her in public, anyway. Finally she spoke up. "Very well. I have to be back soon, though." Not that he cared. He would probably be the one punishing her if Titus thought she deserved it. She wondered why the man didn't put Marcus Barbatius on his payroll and be done with it; he was far more effective at keeping the workers in line than the regular bodyguard. Nobody wanted to go under the knife by his hands. It seemed he knew what he was doing today, so she submitted herself to his leadership, wondering where he would take her. @Atrice

Aglaea hovered indecisively in the doorway to the tablinum. Every meeting followed the same general formula, and the first parts were always the most awkward. She could almost handle this arrangement better if Secundus simply slipped into her room, did his business, and left. But he seemed to want to connect with her beforehand and that made everything much more disconcerting. Also adding to the tension that had fallen about her shoulders was Secundus's bouts of rage that occurred now more frequently. Aglaea herself was certainly better suited to warmer weather, but her temper didn't flare like his, nor did anyone else's. She had to wonder if his enhanced anger in the cold had to do with the vague stories she'd picked up from the house slaves. Something about Germania... The Judaean couldn't keep her master waiting, though, so she decided it was best to just get it over with, starting with Secundus's 'courtship' of sorts. She finally entered the room at his beckoning and sat on the edge of a day bed, accepting the cup of wine that he had poured but not drinking, grasping it in her hands with white knuckles. Secundus suggested that Livia had kept her busy and she gave a ghost of a smile. "Yes, well... I suppose she is not unlike any other noble Roman woman in that regard. Domina, along with most Roman women, take a lot of upkeep." Aglaea had no such luxury, though she was afforded the right to wear finer clothes than the house slaves, as well as a precious few pieces of jewelry she reserved for special occasions. She gazed around the tablinum for a few moments in silence, unsure of what was expected of her. She wondered if light conversation would only delay the true purpose of this meeting, but if he wanted conversation, she could provide it. "We haven't spoken in some time, dominus. How have you been keeping? This cold weather settles in the bones." @Járnviðr

Manius seemed like a kind soul, though Aglaea sensed that there was a great sadness about him. The slave had become very attuned to other people's emotions over the years, both because of having to learn to guess Livia's moods, as well as recently doing the same for Secundus. It was a matter of survival in the Varus household, anticipating mercurial emotions. Aglaea hadn't meant to talk about herself so much, but Manius asked about her homeland and whether she missed it. "Oh, Rome has been my home for many years now. I barely remember living in Judaea, if I'm honest. I've been with my current mistress for fourteen years now." She chewed on a bit of cake. "How long have you been with your mistress?" @Atrice

Aglaea felt her frustration subside a bit, realizing she was just a little upset and frightened at the thought of being reprimanded. A reprimand - certainly not something a slave her age couldn't handle, after all. Even if she had resented it every time due to her excellent training and success at her occupation. She needed to be the calm one here, buffer Secundus's apparently murderous aspirations and Livia's concerns. Taking a deep breath, she folded her hands once more in that classic pose of the subservient and trained her eyes on the ground. "The last purchase I made was at the jeweler. I had the sense not to place your jewelry in the coin purse, naturally. After that, I thought to purchase a honey cake with my own wages, but I did not. I do not remember seeing the purse at that time. Then I took a walk to the Forum to take a break, as it was hot outside and I needed a rest. After sitting for a moment, I noticed that the purse was missing." She paused and thought. That seemed to sum it up - she would tell Livia about Rufus later, as she expected her to tell her of every man she met now. @Járnviðr @Liv

Deia kept her gaze down still, but it didn't take an active imagination to visualize the smile that was surely covering his face. He was lecherous and evil, it was the only thought that crossed her mind. She had hoped she would never have to see him again, knowing now what she did about what a visit from him meant. She wondered what exactly he wanted from her, but then he said it in no uncertain terms. He wasn't one to mince words, apparently. She ventured a glance up at his face as he said her master wouldn't mind and frowned. Titus was not a kind master and if she were late, it would certainly earn her a beating, even if she did have a good reason. But was she supposed to deny him this? Knowing that he kept a tiny blade that would rend her flesh if she denied him? She decided not to say anything, since she couldn't find anything to say at all. She just hoped he would be quick about it so she could make it on time. @Atrice

Caecina vaguely felt Marcus's hand running over her body, and she couldn't deny the wave of pleasure that washed over her. He had told her before, but his hand was a reassurance that he found her attractive, that fear that often ran through the minds of young women. One of her hands pressed to his cheek, while the other brushed his side lightly. His lips tasted just as she remembered, a taste that lingered in her memory when they were apart from one another. He pulled away for a moment, calling her tempting again and plucking at the hem of her chiton. And then he spoke about not going all the way, clearly hinting that he wanted more. Of course he would want to, but she wasn't sure... "What... exactly did you have in mind?" @Atrice

February, 74CE Aglaea shivered as she pulled her shawl closer about her. It was wintertime in Rome, and a chill had stolen through the house despite the efforts of the house slaves to stave it off. But there was not only a physical chill, but one that had seeped into the hearts of those newest to the Varus household, particularly Aglaea. Only a day or two after the marriage of Livia Justina and Secundus Quinctilius Varus, the latter had presented a proposition to Aglaea: lay with him in the place of her mistress, lessen her burden by bearing her master's child. And this was the source of the chill that had entered the slave's heart. She had recently found a new faith, Christianity, but the texts of Judaism had given her trouble about the moral questions of the situation. How could she possibly take Secundus to bed and sleep well at night, with him being a married man? And, moreover, the husband of her own mistress. Though she supposed that the act of adultery was a sin reserved for those of a higher social standing - perhaps it didn't quite apply to slaves, and that was one hope she held onto. And if not, she prayed every night for forgiveness of her sins, should her acts prove to be such. Secundus had asked for her sparingly, at least, she had to give him that. Only a few rendezvouses, every other month or so. But every time she was sent for, she felt a chunk of ice fall into her stomach. Besides her moral questions, Aglaea had been skimming a little off the top of Livia's silphium every month when she was asked to retrieve it from the apothecary. She really hadn't been educated about how much to take, so she could only hope that she'd taken enough to delay the inevitable result of her meetings with her master. Tonight was one of those meetings, it seemed. After seeing her mistress safely tucked to bed, she'd been preparing to retire herself, when a young house slave had come to her with a message. She was to meet Secundus in the tablinum, that place where she had agreed to carry Livia's burden, after midnight when the rest of the house had drifted off and they wouldn't be noticed. Now she shivered against the cold that came both from within and without as she entered the tablinum and dipped her head to the man waiting there. "Good evening, dominus. You sent for me." Title inspired by this song @Járnviðr

Deia felt her heart racing as she walked along, trying not to make a scene out of her distress. Seeing him within the brothel was enough, but to then see him in public as well was... well, it was like he was haunting her. She thought she would get away clear, but it seemed he had spotted her and he stopped her in her tracks by blocking her way. She was out of breath and determined not to look him in the eye, because if she did, she would see the hint of the animal that got his sick kicks from cutting flesh. She had seen how he had risen to the sight of her blood. And how could she have forgotten him? No, he would be in her thoughts for some time. Studying the ground, she nodded. "Yes... I remember." @Atrice

July 75CE It was a rather dreary day in Rome, and the clouds sat heavily in the sky, promising rain later and blocking the sun from shining through. Citizens went on their way, mingling with slaves as they moved from task to task. Deianira had been given a few errands to run - as a part of the Elysium, it wasn't enough that she devoted her every night to serving the men of the city. She had to earn her keep in other ways, such as the errands she was running now. She had already made a few purchases, including an amphora of the cheap wine served to the workers which had been running low. As she was a diligent worker and quick, she had a few more minutes before she had to return to the brothel, and she intended to take advantage of it. She had wandered off a little further than she had meant to, and she was without a guard, though she didn't dare run off. Her master's wrath would be immeasurable if she ran off and he found her. She had decided to take the long way around to see what she could find. She walked through the crowd, gazing around her, pleased to be away from the brothel for once. But an icy chill ran through her as she recognized a face in the crowd. Marcus Barbatius. Stunned at first, she gathered herself and began walking away as quickly as she could, begging the gods to spare her meeting him outside of the brothel, too. She only hoped she hadn't been seen. @Atrice

Caecina smiled as Horatia said that she had two children with such pride. She didn't think to be catty about that small number - after all, how could she? She had been her mother's only surviving child. Fertility was not something she chose to be cruel about, even though it was a central focus of many conversations she'd had with girls her own age as well as more mature women. Horatia went on to tell her her children's ages and admit she'd forgotten what teenagers were like. Caecina gave a slight smile at this, though she felt a little offended - was she just a teenager? She had moved on into womanhood, of course, but everyone still treated her as though she were a child. "I am sure they are lovely children. My stepmother has three of her own - a boy and two little girls. I love going to see them at the villa." The topic then went on to marriage, as it always inevitably did. Horatia gently asked whether her parents were looking for matches for her and Caecina felt a touch of pride about the situation. There were any number of young men that courted her at social events, even taking her out to walk in the Gardens or to give her petty gifts to catch her attention. She was a well-connected young woman and therefore desirable as a bride. "Certainly, they are looking," she agreed. Horatia then said it had been demoralising for her and Caecina nodded, trying to be sympathetic - but Caecina rather found it exciting and pleasing to know how desirable she was, even if it was to older men. "Too many to count," she admitted with a laugh. "Those can be a little embarrassing. But I am sure that Juliana and my father will find a suitable match for me." She took a sip of wine. "I am ever so excited to be married, though. I know it is a lot of responsibility - but what have I been training for all these years, after all?" She felt ready - though she was immature and probably didn't conceptualize what marriage was actually likely to be. @Sara

Caecina enjoyed her flirtatious behavior with Marcus - it was always behind closed doors, with no one around, ensuring both her reputation and his remained intact. Of course, if she ever caught wind of a household slave gossiping about her, she would find her wrath very hard to control. It was nobody's business what she and her stepbrother got up to together - moreover, if Juliana wasn't there to stop them, there was no reason for her to find out about it! So she worried very little about the implications of her activities with Marcus and just enjoyed them - up until the point where they could actually harm her future, of course. Marcus said that he didn't want her to faint, proceeding to caress her with his lips in a very tempting way. His lips were so soft and gentle against her flesh that it sent goosebumps up her arms and back. Marcus then gently pushed her down onto her back and she was more than willing to let him do it. He asked if she would let him do it and she grinned up at him, but before she could respond, his mouth covered hers finally. Her own lips met his with vigor, all the more excited because of his teasing and caresses. But then he called her sister and she quirked an eyebrow at him. "Oh, don't call me sister when we're kissing," she said, exasperated but amused. "It's just Caecina." Then she kissed him again, pulling him closer. @Atrice

Freedom, or dreaming of it, wasn't what kept Deia going, really. She had never tasted it, and therefore couldn't pine after it. But she managed to find a reason to wake up every morning, somehow found the strength to keep going. She couldn't explain where her motivation came from, but it was there, like a flickering light. Travels were much more interesting to think of, though. Thessala suggested there were barbarians in the surrounding areas of Rome and she laughed. "Well, I'll know what to do with one if I meet one, won't I? Stick him with the pointy end?" Thessala then asked how these evenings went for her. Deia wasn't too sure - this kind of event was not something she'd had experience with in Greece. "I'm just supposed to go out there and entertain, I suppose. Yes, there's a guard from the brothel here - though I don't think he's here for my protection, just to keep me in line, I expect." Not that she had much of a rebellious streak. @Chevi

Aglaea couldn't help but be uncomfortable around Secundus - when he was around, and especially when they were both with Livia, all she could think of was the "arrangement" she and her master had come to two years prior. When she was just with Livia, she could ignore the guilt and moral questions that plagued her about Secundus bedding her. But not when she was in the presence of both of them. She thought the truth would be written all over her face and then how could she face Livia, who she had been with for years and was like family? Secundus was skeptical about the story, but it was the truth. Aglaea was not one to tell lies - she would omit things, when necessary, but when questioned directly, she usually proved to be forthwith and trustworthy. She was frustrated almost to tears, though, when Secundus asked where she had been attacked. "I wasn't directly attacked, dominus," she said, trying to keep the frustration out of her voice (though not entirely successfully). "I never noticed anyone taking the money and it could have been any number of places. I swear, I am telling the truth." @Járnviðr @Liv

Deia gave a laugh. "Well, if I'm ever in a situation in which I need to stab one, I'll remember your advice." The woman then stipulated that this was all theoretical and she nodded seriously, though resolved into laughing. "Of course. Theoretically." The woman's next question was a curious one - what she would do if she were free? It was something that had occupied very little space in her mind, as there was little chance she would ever gain her freedom. She had always been a slave, and moreover, had been a sex worker since she'd been old enough to be one. Freedom was a far-off concept. "I... don't really know. I wouldn't know what to do with myself." But after another minute of silent thinking, she shrugged. "I think I might like to go travel. There is so much to see in Rome and its surrounding territories that I'd like to see." @Chevi

Caecina put on her best professional attitude and answered. "I behaved like a child and treated you unfairly. For that, I am sorry." Of course, she wasn't sorry for her opinions that everyone treated her like a child - if it was true, why should she be sorry? But Manius didn't deserve that, they had barely spoken for ten minutes at this point and hadn't even had a chance to treat her anyway other than professionally. She gazed at him for a minute. "I believe that I will retire to my room for a nap. Perhaps later we can go out and visit the marketplace." @Atrice

Of course, he had meant it - but Caecina hoped that he also knew that she could never take him up on that offer. Her honor was a big factor in what made her a valuable bride, and if she lost that, she would lose her reputation and all hopes for a good marriage. No matter how much she liked Marcus, she couldn't risk her future like that. No more than she could expect Marcus to marry her now, with no money to his name, no house of his own, and about to start the course of honor - it wouldn't be fair to either of them. But now was not the time for such serious thoughts - he was speaking in such an enchanting, devilish voice, his lips just above hers. So tempting... "I can't scream if I've fainted, now can I?" He then asked her what she would do if he took advantage of her and she chuckled slightly as he kissed everywhere but her lips. "I'm nothing but a girl, Marcus - how could I have the strength to stop you?" @Atrice

Marcellus bit into the apple as she spoke about her injuries. "These are good, did you grow them yourself?" He was teasing. "You're doing an excellent job selecting apples." This was teasing also, but not in an unfriendly way. "You'll be back up and running around soon enough, I'm sure of it." Her comment about it not being the first time she'd almost died at home was concerning, but Marcellus didn't want to pry. Safinia examined her in her own turn and Marcellus chuckled when she said he was looking well. "I was asleep, actually - but I'm a light speaker and a fleet runner, so I managed to get out before much damage was done. Had to help get the horses too, though. That's when a piece of debris fell on my head." He grinned, obviously thinking it was a laugh. "I wish it'd been a dashing scar somewhere else - don't women like scarred men?" @Liv

Caecina had had similar meetings to this one, so Horatia's light teasing was nothing like the cruel and double-edged comments that older matrons often aimed at her. The young woman could certainly take more abuse than it seemed Horatia was willing to dish out. The older woman asked whether she lived with the sons of Decimus Silanus and she smiled, nodding. "Yes, that's correct. He was married to my stepmother. Lucius, the elder, is abroad though, serving Rome in the east, I believe. Marcus splits his time between staying with us and at the palace." Horatia joked lightly about having had the choice to spend time with Caecina or scolding her slaves. "How many children do you have? I don't believe Juliana mentioned." Every time children came up as a topic, Caecina's mind eventually came around to her own fear of childbirth, and it inevitably increased her discomfort. But Horatia's words distracted her and she smiled lightly. "Well, if you must quiz me, I won't begrudge you," she said, letting a slightly playful note enter her voice. The older woman then said that she had had questions of her own and Caecina nodded. Of course, she had questions of her own, or something like vague confusion and nervousness when it came to marriage. But, like the younger Horatia, she didn't know where to start. @Sara

Names had lost much significance for Aglaea, since her original name had been replaced long ago by her first mistress. She still held onto her original name, Zivah, but only in memory; she didn't even dare to use it in the safety of her synagogue, as she felt it would have confused her to answering to Aglaea. So, Aglaea she would remain, and she didn't mind the name anyway. Manius said that it was nice to meet her as well and Aglaea smiled. He then explained that he served a young mistress as a bodyguard, asking her what she did for a living. "I am a body servant to a noble lady. I was also allowed some free time today - she is a good, kind mistress and I am blessed." She gazed at the crowd moving past the fountain. "But, as I said, I'm not originally from Rome. I am native to Judaea." @Atrice

Aglaea smiled weakly at Livia's concern, allowing her to pat her to check for injuries. Her bodily autonomy had long since become obsolete as a slave, so this was of no concern. Really, there was nothing wrong with her, other than having had her master's money stolen. The only thing that could be considered wrong was her heart beating swiftly in fear at the thought of telling Secundus, which may or may not happen. Livia proceeded to ask if she had been accosted and Aglaea shook her head. "No. I cannot pinpoint when exactly I was stolen from... I just noticed that it was gone when I checked to see if it was there. And no, I noticed before I came home." Her voice shook slightly. Aglaea nearly jumped out of her skin at the appearance of her master, immediately bowing in respect to him with her eyes cast to the ground even more intently. As the first questions seemed to be directed to Livia, she remained silent. The second question, though, was to her. The slave was only grateful that it was not more, else she might have been on the chopping block. "It was three sestertii, dominus." She thought it would be pointless to beg for his forgiveness - he would give it or he wouldn't and it mattered little what she wanted. @Liv @Járnviðr

Aglaea smiled at his apparent confusion at her good mood. Why shouldn't she be in a good mood? She was outside of the domus, out from under Secundus's shadow, and it was a beautiful day. And she might even have the chance to make a new friend with this man. She had admitted to him that she was not originally from Rome and he said that she was not alone there. "That is for certain. Rome has many different kinds of people under its protection." Even people who did not necessarily want her protection, it would seem. But Aglaea liked meeting new people, and it seemed Rome was the place to meet all sorts of people. As she made her way to the fountain and sat, she was pleased to see that he had followed. Taking out a cake for both of them, she handed him one first and then settled in to eat hers. "I always appreciate a break. It's nice to meet you, Manius. I am Aglaea." She took a bite from the cake and glanced at him. "So, what do you do for a living, Manius?" @Atrice

Caecina smiled as Horatia accepted gift, glad that Juliana had thought to remind her to bring it. It certainly wouldn't have been her first thought, being a naturally self-centered person. But if it scored points in her favor, she was glad for all the help she could get. She'd met with meaner old cats than this particular lady, but she was still on high alert in case her words turned venomous. As they settled in the garden, Horatia did seem to take her words as something other than what they were, but then appeared to be teasing. Caecina laughed hesitantly in response. "I only meant that I enjoy exploring the markets and visiting the temples and my friends. One cannot enjoy such activities while buried in a villa in the countryside - the culture here in the city is invigorating." She accepted a cup of wine graciously. "Not to say that I am not grateful for the villa, though - it is certainly pleasant to spend time there, particularly with my family." Horatia continued by saying that she was sorry if Caecina felt she was being forced, noting that she'd also visited matrons in her girlhood. Caecina was still suspicious, and unsure of whether to be honest or flippant, though she gave a wry smile. "It seems, then, that we've entered a time-honored tradition. I do appreciate you agreeing to meet with me, though. You must be a busy woman, to have such a lovely home." @Sara

Caecina stored away that bit of information for later - that Teutus was not much of a traveler. Of course, not all Romans were, though many did travel with their wealth or in order to visit friends or family. It was often a point of pride with Romans, to say all the places they'd been, though Caecina had never felt quite the same. She felt there was nowhere better to be than Rome, even if traveling held a sort of glamour for the first few days, at least. Teutus continued speaking, saying that he would like to travel to Greece or Hispania. "Oh, you should. I've been to Greece a few times, and I'm sure I must have been to Hispania as well but I can't remember." She chuckled. "But Greece is wonderful. There was so much history and art." Not that she'd ever cared for those things, she was mostly having a look at the Greek boys and flirting with them than looking at boring art or architecture. Caecina gave a slightly tight smile as Teutus inquired after her mother and siblings in their travels to the East. He couldn't know about her family, so she wouldn't be harsh - in fact, there was no reason for him to know about her mother anyway, so she would just brush over it slightly. "Yes, it was my mother and I and a few members of our household. I was an only child at the time." She took a sip of wine to quell her sudden nervousness - the subject of her mother always made her heart race faster, no matter the context. @Atrice @Sharpie