Chevi

Her name was most definitely not Nia. Aia smiled anyway. She was probably a wealthy girl, who did not want to be known to strike up a conversation with plebeians. Or barbarians, which she seemed to assume she was, even though Gaul was part of the empire. "Kind of a warrior." she smirked. "I interpreted for the legions." As a man, but she did not quite need to know that. Not that interprexes were usually women, but in cases where not many people spoke both languages yet, it was easy to assume exceptions would be made. "I don't mind the prying... it just feels like you had something else in mind. Believe me, whatever you have to ask, I've heard it before." @Sara

The girl's face... fell, at her words. She looked... disappointed? Aia had no idea what was going through her head. "No, in Britannia" she replied, distracted by trying to put together why this girl came over to talk to her in the first place. She leaned back against the side of the pool too. "I'm sorry, were you... expecting something more exciting than a sword fight?" She had not told many people what had really happened to her, in Britannia or in Germania. It could still come back to bite someone in the ass, even if she did not belong to Flavia Juliana's household anymore. But she was also not sure what was happening right here. "I am Aia, by the way." @Sara

Lucius was grateful for the wine. He accepted the cup and downed most of it in one go. He knew he was acting like a madman, but he needed a few minutes, and possibly more wine, to get his head on straight. It did not help that Alexius was asking the obvious questions first. Not that it was any of his fault. "She is... healing." he muttered, staring into his cup "Her father got her a slave to guard her and everything. Her stitches are coming out soon." He remembered her words about the scars, and sighed. "She is... hurt, though. More than just the wounds." And she would be, for a long time, maybe forever. He hated thinking about that. He downed the rest of the wine, reaching out for a refill. "She's going to need some people to support her." @Atrice

The girl finally caught up to what was happening, and grinned. "No...not that kind of work." "Good" Aia grinned too. "I don't do that kind of work." Not that there was anything wrong with it. But it was definitely not her profession. The girl looked a little flushed. And Aia was curious now. If she was not flirting, then why...? "I was...I suppose this might sound rude. I suppose I was wondering how a Gaulish language tutor comes to have those scars...?" Aia tilted her head, glancing down. The girl must have seen the scar when she walked into the pool. Glancing over at her, the lights on the water concealed most of what could be seen, but she did wonder. "Would you believe me if I told you it was a sword?" @Sara

"Wine." Lucius reiterated, realizing he had not been very clear. He needed at least a jar of wine to make this day hurt less. He walked over to sit at the table. The fact that he was behaving like he lived in this apartment was lost on him for the moment. Alexius did not seem to mind having people over. He did, however, seem worried about what was going on. "And no, no news from the barber. But I do have some new leads." He had been busy. "And I've gone to talk to Ovinia." It was clear from his expression that the meeting had not gone very well. @Atrice

"You?" Wealthy girls were so predictable. "Do many of the men that employ you...comment on it? I mean, I'm surprised many men would employ a female tutor. Especially one from Gaul." Aia chuckled. She was unusual, but as long as she taught children, no one minded a female tutor much. It wasn't like she was trying to educate professional lawyers or anything. "Beauty of the Empire. People come from all over." Some, in more adventurous ways than others. "Maybe I should employ you. To better my Greek." Aia saw her eyes flicker over her again. Was she trying to proposition her?... "I'm always grateful for more work. But... somehow I doubt that is why you came over here in the first place." she said with a small smile. If the girl was a little smitten, she really could not fault her for it. @Sara

"My apologies, I didn't wish to presume...your colouring is just so unusual." There it was. Red hair like hers stuck out in Rome, even with all the people coming into the city from all over the empire. And Roman women, especially highborns, were fascinated by it. Aia had gotten quite a few offers for selling her hair. But she was holding on to that as a last resort. "It's been years since I practiced properly, one of my brothers tutors was Greek and I was so jealous when I was a girl my father hired me a body slave who was, she taught me." She switched to Greek, which was passable. Body slave. That made sense. Aia made money as a tutor for rich families, but the wealthier ones often just paid for a slave instead of hiring an outsider to do the job. Properly. "Your Greek is not bad." she noted, in better Greek. "Gaul...is a long way from here. What brings you to Rome?" "Work" Aia smiled. She noted the glance the woman gave her. Was she... into exotic women? Was that what this was about? "I am a language tutor. They hire me to teach languages to the children of wealthy families. Like yours." It was a shot in the dark, but it was an educated guess. @Sara

Aia submerged herself in the water and resurfaced, enjoying the warmth and the sensation of water flowing through her hair. She blinked when she heard a voice, and turned to see a dark-haired woman coming towards her with her chin above the water. She did not look familiar, but that in itself was not unusual. Some people were just friendly. And some were uncomfortably curious about red hair. "Salve. Do you speak Latin?... You are not from Italia?" Oh, gods bless her heart. "I do speak Latin." she said with a polite smile "And Greek, and Gallic, and a few dialects of Britonnic. But I'm from Gaul. Salve." Aia had been done with being shy a long time ago. @Sara

(End of the year, 76AD - after Winter walk) Lucius was in a foul mood as he climbed the steps to Alexius' apartment. He should have been focusing on the search, on the information he had acquired about the barber and his victims. And yet, he could not stop thinking about Ovinia's parting words, the hurt look in her eyes. And even worse than that, he could not stop thinking about holding her and kissing her. He was going to drive himself mad, sooner than later. He needed to talk to someone. Focus on the investigation, holding the plans together. Finding the killer. That was something straightforward he could work on, and drown his feelings. If that didn't work, he could always just get drunk. Alexius seemed to be a good partner for either of those. "I hope you've got one, but if you don't, I've got money" he announced as he walked into the apartment. @Atrice

(End of the year, 76AD, after Winter walk) Decimus was on duty, and Aia was out of work for the day, so it was a great time to spend a few hours at the baths. Living at the insula, Aia had grown to like the neighborhood, and wandered around the Esquiline hill until she found the best spots for everything. Best food, best markets, best views... and the best baths. Not the biggest or most fancy ones, but the ones that were clean, never overcrowded, smelled nice, and had good water. As she walked from the tepidarium into the room with the hot water, she discarded her towel, and walked down the steps. Once upon a time, it would have been unthinkable for her to be naked like this around other people - back when everyone thought she was a boy. Sometimes, discarding her clothing still felt like a dangerous thing to do, even in a bath full of women. Not just because of her body, but also because of the scars. She didn't mind them anymore - and Decimus had given her ample reminders he did not mind anything about her body at all - but here in the city, far from the legions, they still got some curious looks from people. Mostly because it was clear there were cuts done by blades, not the usual lash marks of burns carried by slaves and freed people. Still, she was used to it by now. Aia sighed a contented sigh, entering the hot water, letting her long red hair down. @Sara

The need to hold her and comfort her was back with a vengeance... but this time, he had caused the pain, and therefore he could not to the comforting. He had messed something up, again, and he was not even sure how. Ovinia's words were cold now, and so was the look on her face, but she was still hurting, and he felt goddamn helpless. He stood, biting his lips. Dammit all. "I'll come back when we have more news. In the meantime, you know where to find me. Take care, Ovinia." The day had just gotten a lot colder, and more grey.

"I don't know why you kissed me." Well, me neither. History was repeating itself. "It doesn't matter though, does it? It's not Saturnalia anymore." Lucius winced as she threw his words back at him. She was angry. Hurt, and angry, and he did not know how to help with any of that. "Ovinia..." "And it's not going to be for another year. I... I appreciate what you've done for me. Looking for him... And...everything. But you don't need to worry, I'm not asking for anything more than your services a vigile." That hurt. It hurt like a punch to the gut (which he had recently gotten familiar with). It probably showed in the look on his face. She had hugged him just minutes before, and the way she had done that did not fit with her words now. Maybe she had made up her mind. What they had done... it was doomed from the start. And foolish. Maybe this was her, getting in line with reality. You damn fool. "As you wish." he said quietly. He was not going to push anything on her she did not want. "I'll make sure we get him. Make sure you're safe..." It was his job, but they both knew that was not what he meant. "But just so you know, and it probably doesn't matter now... Saturnalia or not, I'd do it again." The gods knew he'd imagined it often enough. @Sara

He caught the wince as she smoothed down her dress. Must have caught the wound on her hip. But other than that, she was suddenly all poised and regal. Which meant she was angry. For whatever reason. "It's not Saturnalia anymore. I understand. Don't worry." "That's good because I don't" he noted. His comment about Saturnalia had hit a nerve. But... why? "I'm being polite. Offering us both a chance to save our dignity. You can go." Lucius looked at her, trying to wrap his head around what happened. Save their... Oh. OH. He glanced between the exit and her. "I don't want to go." he stated, trying to catch her eyes again, and lowered his voice for the next part. "You think... you think I kissed you because of Saturnalia?" @Sara

"Oh because you know my father so well?" "I know patricians pretty well." his own father had not been around for long, and Lucius was a man anyway, not a girl. But he was right about this one, and Ovinia knew it too. His next words, somehow, managed to come out wrong. Ovinia blushed and pulled away from him. "I know that. You're here on business, I understand. You can send your centurion to the house next time you don't have to...walk with me. It's fine." "What?" Lucius blinked, not sure what he had said that put her so on edge. "As you said, you're just a useless vigile... To my father." Lucius shook his head, baffled. "What... what did I just do?" he tried to catch her gaze. Ovinia rarely made sense under the best of circumstances. This one was not one of those.

Lucius was not sure the large man was the best choice for the job either. But sending him away mid-walk would have been much worse on the long run. Ovinia must have seen that too, because she settled for both of her slaves waiting around, out of sight. Not without a barb at his own skills, obviously. He let it slide. "Was it necessary to cross me like that?" "Yes. Your father has seen me twice, and to him I am a useless vigile at best. If I walk you home again, he's going to have a fit." he pointed out. Sending her guard away and coming home with Lucius, that was the worst plan she could have come up with. Lucius sighed, reaching out so his fingers touched hers on the bench. "I really wish it was different. But it's not Saturnalia anymore." @Sara

The bodyguard made an appearance, and while everything he said was technically true, he managed to piss Ovinia off anyway. Lucius could relate to that - de desperately wanted to be left alone with her - but he could not really fault the man for doing his job. Also, if her father found out she'd sent her guard away, he was going to have a cow. Lucius cleared his throat, glancing at her. "O... Domina, maybe it would be wise to keep him nearby. It is his task to keep you safe. His attitude is unfortunate, but he is trying to do his job well." @Sara

They held each other as long as they dared. He could feel her clinging to him, and he wished he could hold her for longer, hold her until she relaxed and felt safe in his arms. The scent of her hair filled his nose and brought back memories, but this was different... something deeper, more protective. She pulled back, way too soon, and held his hand for a moment. "Thank you." "I'm sorry I could not do this sooner." he sighed, eyes still on her. Somebody needed to. Somebody should have. He wanted to be that person. She took a seat on the bench and he did too, keeping a polite distance. It caused a physical pain in his chest to let go of her, but the slaves would be catching up to them now, probably panicked that their domina was out of sight. "I...tell me, what is going to happen next? With the barber?" He took a deep breath. Get your head straight. "We are chasing down leads. Alexius will go talk to more women who've... seen him. I'm going to look at vigiles records. And the others are going through the city, looking at barbers." he frowned. "Rome is a fairly big city. But we have more details now. Maybe we will get lucky. And if not, we will be persistent." @Sara

Next Saturnalia seemed like an endless ocean of time away. So many things could happen until then. Hopefully, the killer would be caught and dealt with. Ovinia's wounds would heal... would she be married? Lucius did not want to think about that. "My father says he'll allow Alexius to attend events with me, but I need somebody day to day." "Good. Alexius will make sure you are safe too." He clearly cared for Ovinia's safety. He seemed like a good person, and he was quick on his feet. Lucius was glad he was part of the mission to find the killer. He could see her blush at his next words. It was hard, pretending to be acquaintances in public. She was hurt, she was afraid... Lucius wanted to be able to touch her. Words could only go so far. "We should have gone to a temple. I could have asked the slaves to wait outside." "Next time" he said with a small smile. For a moment, he had been worried that she would just tell him off for even thinking such things. But then they turned a corner, out of sight for a few moments. Lucius glanced around as she pulled him to a more secluded spot. Not many people were around, and none in their line of sight. Moments. He wrapped his arms around her immediately, at the same time she did the same. He made sure to avoid the injury on her back, but held her close in a tight embrace, burying his face in her shoulder. A deep sigh escaped him. He had been waiting to do this since the day at he domus. Words could wait.

"A friend? That's exactly what you are," Lucius rolled his eyes and managed a smile. He was still a recruit, waiting to be appointed to a higher rank. Until then, no one was likely to take him seriously. But at least no one was questioning much what he was up to, either. "Although you did a good job with my kitchen, my father has started to rebuild it but the pleb he's hired said the damage isn't nearly as bad as it could have been." "That's good news" Lucius nodded. They had managed to put the fire out fast. At least there was a small sign that the vigiles did know what they were doing. "Next time, ask for some cooking tips." He added with a small smile. Glancing over their shoulder, they could see the bodyguard was glaring at them. "I'm sorry about him. My father insisted." "No, it's good." he shook his head. "He will keep you safe. No one wants to pick a fight with... all that." They walked on, along the colorful walls, towards the corner of the portico. "I do wish we could be alone." he added, more quietly.

"People have died?" Lucius nodded. One, they knew of. But there were probably others. It hurt to see the look on Ovinia's face, realizing she was lucky. And that others weren't. They walked on along the paintings. He wondered how much her wounds still hurt. Should she even be out here, walking? "Fine. He says the stitches can come out next week, and leave their ugly little scars." He winced. She would have scars, and he knew it would be a constant reminder of what had happened to her. Even though they were hidden by her clothes... someone would see them, eventually. And then she'd need to explain. He wanted to tell her she was beautiful. But it was not the time. "Scars fade. They won't always be that bad." he added quietly. But it seemed like she wanted to change the topic. "Can we talk of something else? How are the barracks?" "All fun and games" he smiled a little. "I even made a friend. I have almost convinced him by now that I'm not a rich boy playing vigiles." @Sara

He watched her as she processed the news. Progress had been made, but the story unfolding was more bleak than they could have imagined. "It fits. And...I don't know if it makes it better or worse that he's done this to so many people, Jason only mentioned his cousin. Were they alright? The others that he...?" Lucius swallowed. He wanted to lie. He wanted to shield her, but eventually she would find out anyway. Those victims were going to take her place if this was brought to trial. Because she could not be mentioned. "Not all of them." he said quietly, remembering the girl that the charioteer had lost. "I presume these others are not patricians..." "No." he shook his head. She was clever, she knew what that meant. Why no one had raised the alarm before. She glanced back and so did he. The slave girl was doing her best to give them a moment of privacy. Ovinia's hand brushed his, and he felt a jolt go up his arm. "You've made progress. I should have had more faith in you." He smiled a little at her. "I told you I'd be good at this job." They stood for a moment, but standing and staring at each other would soon be suspicious. Not to mention it hurt him to just look at her. So he started walking again, slowly. "How are your wounds? Is the medicus taking care of them properly?" @Sara

He could see her steeling herself for the news. Brave little Ovinia. He just hoped things would work out the way she needed them to. And that he'd get to be the one to tell her. "Well... I went and found Alexius. And then we went to find Jason. And his cousin, who is a charioteer... and this woman named Didia Alexius knows. They... have been attacked too. And we all got together, and put together what we know." It sounded ridiculous, lined up like that. But it really had been a determined gathering of people if nothing else. And they had made progress. "We think... we don't know who he is yet, but we know what he is. We think he works as a barber. The details fit." And if they were wrong, they could just circle back. "We are looking for him... we have help. We'll find him." He glanced over at her again, waiting for her reaction.

"Fine." She was not. And no one expected her to be. Well... maybe her father. But he could go fuck himself if he did. They moved along slowly, as if they were just two casual acquaintances taking a walk, admiring art. All the while trying to hide the fact that he desperately wanted to hold her. "I didn't know if you'd gotten my note. or if you'd be working. How is work?" "Dirty and exhausting" he smirked at her. In another time, she would have made fun of him. "But... I do have some news for you. Turns out, the vigiles are good for something." He hesitated. He was not sure if she wanted to hear, or talk about this at all. He glanced over at her again. "We don't have to talk about this if you don't want to." @Sara

Ovinia, of course, had not come alone. She would probably never be alone in public again. Lucius remembered Saturnalia, but knew that had been a one time thing. Patrician girls like her, they did not have the luxury of wandering the city like he did. Still he smiled as she joined him at the portico, leaving her attendants a few paces behind. Enough so they could not overhear their words. "Has your opinion on Narcissus changed much on second viewing?" "I still think he is ugly. But I am starting to feel for Hippomenes." Chasing a girl out of his league. He looked her over, searching for signs, but she was all bundled up. Probably for a good reason. "How are you feeling?" @Sara

Metella emptied her stomach while Attis patted her on the back. At least he had some experience, after dealing with the dominus on festival days. "Come on, let's get you tucked up, you'll feel better." Metella was too worn to fight him on that, so she just followed as he led the way to his room. The world was still very much spinning. Damn. "You can use my bed, it'll be quieter there, and I'll get you some water to rinse your mouth with." "Thank you." she muttered, making her way to the bed. Being horizontal was a blessing by the gods. "I don't think I'm ill, I don't have a fever... I didn't even drink or eat that much, and Saturnalia was days ago... must have been some spoiled food..." @Sharpie