Chevi

She really was a woman who knew what she wanted. He liked that about her. He liked everything about her, really, especially in moments like this. When she was herself. And alone with him. He had hoped they would meet again, but if she had decided to end things, it would have been her right, and he could do little about it. He pulled her against his chest. Gods, she was very distracting. "It is called being stubborn" he smirked, watching her closely, admiring every small detail. "Do you want your gift then?" He stepped back to slip the bag off his shoulder, opening it to take out the present, carefully wrapped in cloth. @Sara

"Of course I remembered. Your company was terrible but your cooking was very good, I will admit." "Funny, I remember it being the other way around" he grinned against her lips. He nipped at her but she pulled back. "And do you think it will live up to my very high standards, Lucius Manius Victorius Roscianus?" "Probably not" he admitted cheerfully "But I'll just have to make up the difference later." he added with a look that spoke volumes. "Then again, I am a decrepit old man who is terrible company, so maybe I should just go..." he added playfully, stepping back away from her. @Sara

She had... really put in the work. Lucius grinned as he looked at the decorations, clearly impressed even before he saw the spread on the table. The savillum made him laugh. "You remembered?" It felt like a lifetime ago. She had been very annoyed back then. He pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her to give her another kiss. "You wonderful woman" he murmured. "I got you a gift too..." @Sara

"Not one bit?" he smirked, enjoying holding her in his arms again. Every time they met, it was on borrowed time. Which made it a gift. Birthday or not. "Me?" he hummed as she kissed his jaw, tilting his head. "I thought we were celebrating yours..." He glanced up over her shoulder, noting the decorations, and grinned. "Ovinia... did you do this?" @Sara

Two weeks. It felt like two centuries. After that day in the domus, Lucius was thoroughly distracted, and not always by work. Contrary to what many writers believed, being... with Ovinia had not quelled his longing one bit. Quite the opposite. Now he had even more vivid dream. None lived up to the real thing, though. He had promised her a birthday present, but it took them some time to find an occasion for another meeting again. Too much time. He was relieved when he arrived, seeing Lucia outside, giving him her usual warning look. He was dressed simply in a dark green tunica and a cloak, carrying a bag slung over his shoulder. He had made sure no one followed him. All of it was worth it, the moment Ovinia flew into his arms. He laughed at her enthusiasm, catching her and lifting her off her feet. "Missed me, did you" he grinned, setting her back down to kiss her. @Sara

Borena did not appreciate being baited and she neighed, which scared Ione. Azarion smirked. The question was silly. Before what? Before he was a charioteer? Before... he was a slave? Either way, he nodded. He turned, showing her the tattoo on her calf. He doubted she would know what it meant, beyond him being a barbarian, since it was a deer, not a horse. Whatever. Bornea snorted and shook her head. Azarion stepped closer, resing one hand on Borena's nose, and holding the other hand out to Ione. @Sara

The thing with this incredible little shit was that he was not wrong. Even Iophon, not being Roman himself, agreed with that. But that did not mean that ruining the story was okay. At least the rest of the people seemed sufficiently impressed. "Actually, I have quite a few good stories about plebes and slaves" he pointed out, a little hurt in his professional pride. "But those are for another time. As for Marcus Curtius... as you can imagine, the chasm closed. His sacrifice saved Rome. And in his memory, we have the small pond where the chasm used to be. The Lacus Curtius, over there." he pointed. "And a story to go with it." As far as it would go, anyway. "Thank you all for being a wonderful audience... most of you anyway." That earned another collective chuckle. "Please pay what you think is fair, so I can keep entertaining the people of Rome with the histories of this city, and the world at large. Thank you." @Sara

She jumped when she saw Borena. That was a strange reaction to Azarion; horses were generally a lot more trustworthy than people. Then again she had not seen one... this close? He quirked an eyebrow. Strange. He couldn't imagine not... knowing horses. "Is it...safe?" Azarion nodded, waving her closer. Borena could be a handful, but she was fairly calm in the stables, and susceptible to bribery. He walked away to the corner where he kept the apples and returned with one, showing her how to hold it on her palm. @Sara

She looked around, amazed. Sure, the stables of the Circus, the whole building, really, was impressive, but he had gotten used to it. Azarion smirked, watching her. As she offered, he took the wine skin and drank, handing it back to her. He chuckled at he question and shook his head. Instead, he nodded to her, leading her down to where the horses were. Borena poked her nose out of one of the stalls, and Azarion made an affectionate sound, petting her. Who needed gold when he had horses? @Sara

Well, at least the young man laughed. Could have been worse. He could have punched Iophon. Would not have been the first time. Not everyone appreciated art the same way. "Oh, but you are young, and handsome, and you have just the fiery spirit that Marcus had. People can imagine the rest" Iophon replied with a grin. Some people chuckled. "Marcus, you see, told the Romans that what gives Rome its power, its strength, its heart... is not riches, or weapons, or law books, or the blood of hapless animals. It's the youth of Rome, our very people, the best of the best, bravest of the brave. Young men like Marcus himself. And with that, he steered his horse... towards the chasm." Iophon swept his arm in a dramatic fashion at the scene. "Women wept. Men prayed. Girls draped garlands of flowers around Marcus' neck, the horse's mane, they laid flowers in his path... Marcus sat on his horse like the heroes of old, like the perfect image of Rome itself. And then, he kicked his horse into a run... and plunged straight into the chasm." Pause for dramatic effect. @Sara

(Continued from Cerealia) Azarion had had enough of the arena. The killer was dead, in a bloody and brutal way, and the anger and spite that had been moving him for more than a year was just... gone. Giving way to... something he could not quite name. It felt empty. And he was done with the whole Roman gladiator bullshit. So, he went to the place he always felt better: back to the stables. But this time, he was bringing a guest. Ione followed him. He was not sure why; she really should know better than to follow a strange man, after what had happened to her. But she did. It was a short walk from the amphitheater to the Circus where the Whites' horses were stabled for more upcoming runs and spectacles. But tonight, pretty much everyone was at the arena. Other than some guards, slaves and stable boys, it was surprisingly quiet as they walked through the door. Azarion, obviously, was not talking either. But they knew him and they let him in, not asking questions about the girl either. Apparently, that was a pretty common occurrence. @Sara

Felix considered her question, unpacking the breads and pastries onto the table. "I would... start with the bread. I think I am most confident in that one." If everything else went wrong after that, at least the bread could still be decent, and not put Melissa off trying the others. Or so he hoped. He took a seat, waiting. "... but try whatever seems good to you. I don't expect you to eat all of these..." @Atrice

"And Marcus Curtius, for that was his name, was just as determined to save Rome from the chasm that threatened to swallow the Forum - and the curse that went with it." Iophon responded seamlessly. The best way to deal with hecklers was to treat them as if they were a part of the show. "Many people sacrificed many things they though gave Rome its power... but none proved true to pacify the angry gods and close the chasm. But there was one man in the city, a young, handsome soldier of Rome, Marcus Curtius, who saw the truth clearly. Imagine him..." Iophon invited the people, waving a hand at the blonde heckler "Just like this young man, in the prime of his life, riding to the Forum astride a white horse, shining in his best armor. Speaking to the people of Rome..." @Sara

Azarion frowned; it was not easy to carry a conversation with someone who did not read his signs. But it was not her fault, at least she tried. The crowd around them was getting louder now, as the actual gladiator fight began. Azarion did not give a shit. The killer had been torn apart, and he was gone now. The whole thing felt kind of empty. Rome had already moved on. As if they had not just witnessed a monster killed. He stood up, nodding at Ione. Are you coming? @Sara

"They are underpaid? Or underfunded?" Lucius tilted his head. Good question. Gaius really was paying attention, not dismissing his - admittedly audacious - request. And Lucius was sure there was some shady stuff going on involving some of the other tribunes or centurions, but had no evidence or facts yet. "Do you have figures to hand - what are they being paid? What sort of pay would they need?" "I do" he nodded. Lucius hated administration, but it was a part of his job now. Besides, he would not have come to Gaius without being prepared for these questions. "They are paid 225 denarii a year. Three 75 denarii increments, in January, May, and September. But they also pay for their rations and equipment while at the barracks, and many of them live there. And the rations... they are not that great. I am not in charge of procuring them, but I suspect they are not worth what is charged... Anyway. I would say four 75 denarii increments - one every three months - and some kind of a deal on how we can get better rations for the men. That's... the idea, anyway." @Sharpie

Lucius chuckled at his brother's comments referring to his previous exploits. He knew perfectly well that he had been a headache in his earlier life, and as he took a seat he only hoped he would not be one again. Then again, this time he was also more sure (and determined) about what he was doing. Gaius, however, was not one for pleasantries, and Lucius had to get to the point. "Well... it's actually about those senatorial debates." he took a deep breath "As you... might know, I am a centurion now. And the vigiles are... severely underpaid." @Sharpie

It was strange, standing in the hallway, waiting for his brother to see him. Adoption or not, Lucius still loved Gaius as the older brother - and substitute father - that he was to him. But they were not officially related now, in the eyes of the law, and he had to admit than since him joining the vigiles he had not seen Gaius as often as he would have wanted to. He smiled a little sheepishly as he walked into the room. "Gaius. It's good to see you." He was not sure how to approach the subject, so he decided on honesty. "I do have something to discuss with you, but... do you have some time to talk? How have you been?" @Sharpie

And then he had to go and spoil the story. Iophon sighed, rolling his eyes. It was not much of a spoiling - a good story was made of performance, not just the facts. Clearly, this man didn't know that. But he seemed proud of himself, smirking and all. "Oh? A returning customer?" Iophon smirked back at him. "You know... now that I think about it, maybe the gods sent you here today. You know" he tuned to the audience again "Good people of Rome, the hero of our story... well, if we can believe the legends, was much like this young man standing in front of us today. In stature, in handsomeness... in determination." @Sara

Alright, so the blonde man was fast becoming a pain in Iophon's ass. Some good-natured heckling was all good and well, but trying to disrupt his entire show was just rude. Even more so now that the guy stood up next to him, trying to shoo this audiece away. He didn't know what he was up against. "Now now, friend" Iophon said mildly; people didn't disperse, mostly because now they were curious to see if there would be a fight. "These people are here for a story, would you have them leave without hearing the end of one? These smart, curious, bright people know exactly what they want. They know that the chasm is not here anymore, so they know the sacrifice had been made. And now they want to know what it was that Rome sacrificed - what price was paid, so we can stand here on this nice sunny day." Some people murmured, and some nodded. No one dispersed. @Sara

Never heard of him. Iophon placed a hand on his heart with a scandalized expression. Sure, many people in Rome put day-to-day survival over reading and one could not fault them for it... that was exactly why they needed storytellers. Still. Livius? An then the killjoy decided to tell the people to disperse. And some of them did. Others, however, stayed, expecting the rest of the story, or - let's be realistic - a fight. Iophon could give them both. "Oh, you think what I am doing is not a real job?" Iophon challenged, smiling "Is it not real enough to know and to hold the most precious stories of our great city? Is it not a service to the greatness of Rome to keep the memory of its most esteemed heroes alive? Is it not needed to guide people freshly come to this city, to tell them of the most important places, and show them where to go if they don't want to fall prey to schemes and cheats? I provide a service here!" Some people in the audience nodded. Thank the gods. "But!" Iophon held up a hand. "I'll be the first to admit that it is not the most important job. Rome is built on the hard, honest work of people. All kinds of people. That is what this exact story is about, my friend. Because!" With a flourish, he returned to the tale. "When the chasm opened right here, where we stand, the priests of Rome consulted an oracle. The ancient books of the Sibylla. And there was the answer, in the mysterious words of the prophecy: the chasm would not close, until they sacrificed to it what gives the greatest strength to the Roman people. But... what could it be? Do you know, my observant friend?" @Sara

"For the whites? I...hope I get to see you ride one day. And I'm sure you're just being very modest, I'm sure you're actually terribly famous and just humouring me." Azarion smirked, shrugging again. He wasn't famous at all. He was probably known in racing circles as the strange barbarian who broke the rules, but he had not had any spectacular wins or achievements yet. But it was nice to imagine one day people would know who he is. "I have only watched Gladiators but I have a feeling I'd prefer the races." Azarion nodded again. He did too. They required a lot more skill. He noted her glance, and handed back the wine skin to her. Down in the arena, an actual fight was about to begin. The races were done with the day. Azarion gestured at the gladiators. Are you staying to watch the fight? @Sara

Felix could tell Melissa was amused, and he did not fault her for it. It was certainly strange, for a man like him to walk into the shop and ask someone if his cooking was good. He smiled a little, uncovering the basket. "Yes. Basically, that's it." In the basket, there was a small loaf of bread, some honey pastries, savillum, and a piece of sweet bread that was made with honey and nuts. "I promise they are all edible at least. I wouldn't want to make anyone sick." He added with a chuckle. @Atrice

Iophon was no stranger to hecklers. Wherever there was a storyteller, or a guide, there was at least one heckler, or maybe more than one. Came with the job. A he got better at performing, they became more scarce, but every once in a while, someone still decided to be an ass about a story. "Am I?" Iophon shot back, a little on the dramatic side. "Sir, are you calling Titus Livius, one of the greatest historians Rome has ever seen, a liar?" In many cases he was, but that was beside the point. "Right there, in front of us, is the place where the chasm used to be: the Lacus Curtius. Once a chasm, now a small pool. And I was just about to tell you all, good people, how it came to be named. After a terrible prophecy, and heroic sacrifice. But a storyteller has to eat too..." he added, landing on the cliffhanger, and looking expectantly at the audience. @Sara

"Thank you" Felix smiled and took a seat. He just hoped Melissa was not thinking he was weirdo who was losing his mind. He took a deep breath and decided to start over. "I was my dominus' body slave for most of my life. And he's recently given me my freedom." He was happy about it; but also a little lost. He had never been taught to do anything else. "And now I am thinking about... what I want to do with it. And I really have no good ideas. But my mother, she worked in the kitchens... I can cook. And bake. A little." He poked at the basket. "But I can't tell how good it is. Or if it would be worth anything, if I decided to do it as a job. So... that's the question, I guess." @Atrice

"You're an old man, Lucius. Good job I'm willing to be your nurse in your frailty." Lucius wrapped his arms around her in a hug, burying his face in her shoulder. No, she wouldn't. He knew she was joking, but he knew that one day he would be an old man. And she was not going to be next to him. The illusion they had built for a few hours was coming apart. He just wanted to say goodbye to her before he had to face it. "When can I see you again?" "Soon" he muttered, pulling back to kiss her on the forehead. "I promise. Send word when you can get away. I'll have a place for us." He looked at her with a soft smile. "I love you, Ovinia." @Sara