Liv

Amidst the chaos that had flooded her brain and the adrenaline coursing through her veins, one thing was becoming clear to Safinia: the chances of the man letting her go unharmed were not looking good. There was such emotion in his voice, his hissing sounding so angry to her thumping ears, that she very much doubted he would be able to keep his cool. And with the blade pressing against the bare skin of her throat, if he got fidgety she would be in real trouble.

Panic and terror were now giving way to resignation, but also to an urge to formulate an escape plan. Outrunning the man was out of the question, as was physically overpowering him. She tried not to focus on the cold metal and the dangerous glint in the criminal's eyes lest her meagre, newly-found survival instinct wither and die then and there, and instead let out a small sound of assent. For the time being Safinia would do as the man said, and hopefully come up with some plan of sorts that would allow her to survive this ordeal.

With wobbly, nervous steps she went around and behind the barrels, uncomfortably aware of the man's sharp focus on her. Even while moving he didn't withdraw the blade a single breadth of hair. As they were obscured from sight by the pile of sacks, she ventured a quick look at her captor and a questioning whisper. "Is it... money...?"

If so, they were both out of luck.

@Atrice

No pity whatsoever involved then? In that case it sounded as though there were no cons to Alexius' proposition. He was about to voice his final agreement when the finger on his cheek lit a fire where it touched, making Artemon's face feel like it had spawned its very own miniature sun in a mere instant. He stared unblinkingly at Alexius, eyes wide like an owl's, as he took in the sweet words directed at him. Alexius was not only a great host and a generous person, but he was also a talented poet! Few times had Artemon been the target of such compliments, and he was lapping them up like a hungry stray moggy.

"If this is how Venus inspires you, may she never grow tired of it!" Despite his blushing cheeks, he hadn't been rendered helpless enough not to pay back a compliment of his own. "And everything you said also applies to you, Alexius. You're a great catch yourself," he beamed, enthusiastically eyeing the other man up and down for emphasis.

Artemon shoved the bowl away just a little, done with his food, when another thought struck him. "Your son. What if he comes home? Will be he okay?" As in not mentally scarred. How old was Alexius' son, anyway? Maybe the boy was old enough to be wooing people himself. "There's my place too, Iophon probably won't be back until nightfall." And if Lucilla heard them through the flimsy walls, then all the better! That would teach her what she was missing out on!

@Atrice

It didn't really seem as though the man was trying to help, grumpy as he was. For one, all he had done so far was make a smart remark on the state of the sack and suggest they get a new one, but there were no turnips in his hands. Safinia frowned, and was about to mouth off that it wasn't nice to make such accusations to the party he had wronged when she felt quick movement around her and then the sudden coldness of metal against the warm skin of her throat. Huh?

How the fuck was this lunatic so nimble that he had sneaked up on her without her noticing?! But even if she had noticed, would it have made a difference in escaping in time? Shocked by the rapid succession of events, the man's words didn't fully register with Safinia unless a few seconds later, and she stared at him in surprise and confusion before what he was saying finally sunk in. Her blue eyes widened in panic and her heart beat so fast it seemed about to burst out of her chest. He had ordered her not to talk or scream, but she couldn't help the frantic shallow breaths that escaped her lips, and they sounded so loud to her ears that she couldn't fathom why no passerby was hearing them and coming to her rescue.

There was no choice but to do as the man said. Unable to nod for fear of having the blade he was holding dig into her throat, Safinia blinked a couple of times between ragged gasps. Yes, she understood. Too late, but she understood the situation she found herself in. "Please..." she whispered, more a movement of lips than actual sound, "I'm sorry... Please..."

Hmm. Maybe his new friend had a point. But Artemon was a sailor, not a brewer, so he didn't argue. But could beer spoil like that? He had always drunk any he could get his hands on before it ever had a chance to get to that stage, though. The best beer was the one in his stomach, preferably enjoyed out in the sun like he was doing just now, taking a leaf out of the book of cats all over Egypt with their fondness for basking in the warm rays.

He hadn't even noticed the collar on the other man, much to his embarrassment. To Artemon, free or slave made no difference and he hadn't yet made a habit of automatically taking note of collars, but a rare sliver of intelligence told him that it was easy for him to do when he wasn't the one having his existence restrained. He scratched his ear, looking contrite, and apologised to the other Egyptian. "I'm sorry! I was so excited to make a new friend that I didn't notice your... um..." he trailed off awkwardly, waving his hand towards the offending object. "For what it's worth," he brightened up almost instantly, "it makes no difference to me!" Embarrassment, while a very well-known emotion to Artemon, was as fleeting as a butterfly bumbling by on a hot day. If he dwelled on all the times he'd brought shame upon himself by accident, he wouldn't have the time to do anything else.

"I know that sometimes slaves travel with their masters, but senators can't go to Egypt, right?" Artemon inquired, thoughtfully chewing on his lower lip. He was sure somebody had mentioned this before: maybe his father...? Or Iophon...? No matter. "Well, a city as big as Alexandria changes every day, even if you don't always notice it right away. I doubt we knew the same people there, but if you're curious about some temple or shop, feel free to ask away. Maybe I'll know of it." He chugged his beer with little sounds of satisfaction, his mind's eye teleporting him to the Egyptian capital for a moment. "If you ever want to go back-," (the and are able to went unspoken) "I will help you find cheap passage on a ship." That was the easy, doable part - what came before, perhaps not quite so much.

@Sharpie

No - now that he thought on it, life with Alexius could hardly be boring. Serapis knew what that son of his thought about his father, of course, but as far as Artemon was concerned, he was feeling like he had lucked out on his downstairs neighbour. If only all the other neighbours were as friendly as him! Then he wouldn't have been in this predicament with Lucilla.

He thanked the gods for his good fortune with a quick silent prayer as he helped himself to more bread and sauce-slash-stew. It tasted so good that coherent thought was briefly wiped from his mind so that he could concentrate fully on the rich flavours. The little establishment would definitely see a new patron in the future, so long as he had the coin. Caught unaware by Alexius' voice, Artemon made a successful effort to stop focusing on the food and instead listen to the person who had bought and shared the food. Right, distractions. Well, good food was proving to be a very decent one, but so was whatever Alexius had to say.

Artemon stopped chewing for a moment at his neighbour's question to make sure he had heard it right. Alexius, with his crazy handsome looks, willing to give him the best kind of attention? Only a fool would turn down such a proposition! But as much as he wanted to just say yes, he felt the need to explain his sudden reluctance. Swallowing the food in his mouth in a hurry, Artemon nodded, then wiped his lips clean with his thumb. "I say that sounds like an offer I can't refuse," he started with a smile that soon turned more serious, "but if you're volunteering just because you pity me then it's not necessary." He was a grown man and capable of getting over Lucilla on his own - eventually. Unless a little romp made her jealous...? Nah, that was a recipe for disaster. He now considered Alexius a friend and did not want things to turn awkward between them. 

@Atrice

Again the man proved he was reacting as Safinia would expect a spy to, feigning ignorance and claiming he preferred to attend gladiator games. Of course he did, trying to throw sand in her eyes. "Oh? Who's your favourite then?" She would agree the matches could sometimes be exciting, but if blood and death were what he was after as a spectator, the races provided those on occasion too. "I don't keep up with the ludi much." How would she manage to trot up the stairs to the cheapest seats now? Affording the ones closest to the arena was entirely out of the question.

She chuckled at his words, though there was no humour in it. "So I could fetch the cook from the stables and watch them try the new wooden spoon on you for making me drop all those turnips, for example." The image that formed in her head was comical enough to make her smile a little, but not laugh. They had barely taken a few more steps when the man requested a pit stop. "Out of breath already? It's not that far," Safinia piped up before turning round and seeing it was the bag he was carrying that was giving him trouble. At least he'd had the foresight to stop by some barrels, conveniently stacked for her to lean against for a bit and put all her weight on her good leg, giving the bad one some respite.

Grimacing in discomfort, she looked down at her legs; still and covered by her tunic, they appeared normal. Would she ever get better? Things wouldn't go back to the way they were before, obviously, but if she eventually managed to go longer distances... or jog for a little while... Safinia bit her lower lip in frustration. All she could do was take things one day at a time, like she often told Azarion. If only he'd been here to carry the turnips instead!

@Atrice

Studies first! Hope your projects go well and we'll be here when your schedule's more forgiving 

That was exactly what a spy would say. Safinia could not lower her guard. Within seconds a plan had formed in her mind: she would tell the man to wait a few feet away from the entrance while she went inside to get a new sack, and the guard could keep an eye on him in the meantime. Then she would return with the sack, hand it to him and come up with a good excuse for her lateness whilst she waited. The patronising look the man shot her went unmentioned, though she returned it with an unsympathetic one of her own.

"If you really were a spy that's exactly the sort of thing you'd say, isn't it?" She shook her head, her braided hair swaying lightly from side to side, and let out a sigh of hopelessness. Then again, she supposed there were people who didn't really care for the races - deep down, she was one of them. "What don't you like about them? Not exciting enough?" There was always the risk of someone getting trampled to death or maimed for life, not to mention the fortunes that could be made and unmade by betting on the right or wrong team.

She looked over her shoulder to make sure the man was right behind her. "What, afraid I'll run away?" she chuckled derisively. "As if I could."

@Atrice

His new friend was in agreement - a man of taste when it came to beer, like a true Egyptian! "Indeed! I don't think they actually brew it here though, I'd bet you an as it comes on boats." As far as he could recall Artemon had never been involved in the shipment of beer, though grain was a different story. Then again, Romans had a strong appetite for grain, but not for beer. They clearly didn't know what they were missing out on.

Artemon took another healthy swig of his drink, proud of his knowledge of Egyptian accents. "Have you not been back? I can't say I blame you, Alexandria is a fine city but Rome also has a lot to offer," he conceded, caressing his chin thoughtfully. "Not long at all, I only came last year. I was working mostly in Ostia, but the earthquake really did a number on the harbour, so..." He  motioned for the other man to follow him outside, where they could bask in the weak autumn sun. 

"I've been working at a warehouse here in Rome since. Can't say the pay's good, but at least it's steady," he said with a shrug. "How about you?"

@Sharpie

Even though he was not favoured by Venus or Cupid, his neighbour's friendliness made Artemon realise he was quite blessed in the matter of friends. There was Iophon, of course, his best mate since the womb, and all the sailors he had made friends with throughout his life, and now Alexius who had invited him to his home and offered him food and drink. The conclusion made him perk up and he grinned broadly at Alexius, romantic woes put aside for the moment.

"What a fascinating life!" he commented as he licked a blob of sauce off his finger. Gladiator, imagine that! Somehow it suited Alexius. And everybody knew how desirable, to put it that way, gladiators were. "Maybe the talent slept within you all along, but it was only when you became a gladiator that it woke up." It made sense to him: even the world's most talented musician could not be one if they had no access to a musical instrument. 

The little mental detour didn't last long, and Alexius' question had Artemon thinking hard, eyes narrowed and brow comically furrowed as though he were a hen struggling to lay a particularly large egg. Was he in need of distraction? What was that saying again about an idle mind? Or was it idle hands? "Do you mean... find someone new so you forget about the other person?" Mimicking the other man, he drank some of his wine, still pondering the question. "Maybe I am... I guess... but what if the same happens with that new person and they won't even give you the time of day?"

@Atrice

From the look of surprise on his face it seemed the man had little experience being told what to do, or having it done in less than convoluted ways. Odd when half of Rome was constantly ordering the other half around, but perhaps he was one of the fortunate ones that did the ordering. Looking at him, he didn't quite come out as poor like her, but he didn't seem to be swimming in gold either. 

Fantastic, they had reached the same conclusion. Suppressing the urge to roll her eyes, Safinia waited in silence for the man to own up and start picking up the turnips, but the next words out of his mouth were more sensible that she could have predicted. She gave it a moment's thought before nodding. "That sounds like a good idea. It's the stables' loss, so you'll be in a world of trouble if you don't fix this." Finding a new sack would take no time at all; the worst part would be convincing the guard that bringing back a stranger really was a twist of fate and that the man would be gone in no time... but she could explain the situation well enough for it to be believable.

"Fine. Come with me then," Safinia demanded, waving her hand to signal he should join her and slowly taking off towards the stables. "But when we get there let me do the talking, all right? For all anyone knows you could be a spy from the Blues or something. In fact," she paused as the thought struck her, "how can I be sure you're not?"

@Atrice

To his credit the man took the sack without complaining - which was only appropriate, since the turnips would still be safely stored inside it if he hadn't bumped into Safinia. That the sack turned out to be ripped was also his fault, she felt, although that was harder to explain rationally. Chances were a small tear had widened when the turnips were jostled. Not quite pacified, she looked expectantly at him, wordlessly willing him to get down and start collecting the vegetables, but blinked in surprise when he spoke.

"Not really. I need to take these to the White stables." Distance had become less meaningful with her injury, though, as terrain played a bigger part than ever. "But I don't see how that helps you pick them up."  What did he have in mind? Safinia couldn't figure out the man's plan, whatever it was. They had only one usable bag between the two of them and quite a number of things to carry. "I can't do it myself, I've got a bad leg," she clarified matter-of-factly, thinking to herself that even if she had been fine he should be the one to pick up the turnips as a matter of principle. You break it, you buy it, or something along those lines.

@Atrice

Seeing nothing that raised suspicion, Safinia resumed her snail pace, noting to herself that the sack seemed to have got heavier in the few instants she had stopped and stood. Almost as if a tricky god with a twisted sense of humour had added a few turnips to the sack while she was distracted. If that turned out to be true, the cook would undoubtedly be pleased, but it was as likely as the sun rising again at that very moment.

With heavy breaths she trudged along, wiping a stubborn lock of hair away from her eyes. Nobody paid her much attention or offered to help; the few passersby had their own affairs to concern themselves with. A man, distracted by something across the street, almost bumped into her, and while Safinia was just quick enough to avoid a head-on collision, her leg didn't allow her to completely dodge. A moment later, the sack grew inexplicably lighter and a mass of turnips came tumbling down onto the ground. Some stopped more or less where they fell whilst others rolled away, and as Safinia looked on in dismay the man's apology barely registered.

Great. How was she supposed to retrieve them all? She gave the man an angry glare and shook the sack off her shoulders before handing it to him. "You can make it up to me by picking them all up." Kneeling had become quite the painful task for her, although it had become dark enough that the man probably didn't see anything wrong with her.

@Atrice

As a child Titus had imagined he would grow up to be many things, but actor had never been on the list. Facing the same hostile audience had not become any simpler despite repeated exposure, but he could at least muster a genuine smile at little Luto, who was eyeing the pallium with unabashed curiosity as the group made their way to the main hall. He supposed he should be thankful they had given him decent clothes, but couldn't quite find it in himself to act like it.

For a barbarian, Zia cleaned up nicely when she could be bothered to put in the effort. Still, not all the gold and finery in the world made her any easier to stomach. With his smile slipping dangerously into a scowl before he caught himself he squeezed back even harder, not caring in the least if one of them ended up with amputated fingers due to cut-off blood supply. "When am I ever not?"

He did not have any more time for sarcastic quips, though, as the man of the hour and his thankfully small entourage finally made their appearance. However Titus had pictured the publicanus in his head, he hadn't expected the other man to be so... young, for once - he looked to be around Titus' own age, maybe a couple of years older. Nor did he expect the tax collector to be broad and good-looking in the rough, rugged way provincials often were, although the man's eyes glinted with shrewdness. All in all he resembled a soldier more than a publicanus, in spite of the stubble that darkened his face; not that Titus could blame him, knowing first-hand how difficult it was to come across a skilled barber in this wretched land.

Fortunately the taxman turned out to be more amiable than most soldiers and wasted no time introducing himself in as Sextus Densus, come to collect poll and land taxes on behalf of the Empire and establish mutually beneficial relationships with the local tribes while he was at it. What exactly those entailed remained to be seen, but Titus suspected they included the diversion of some gold to the man's own pockets. Cultellus returned the greeting with accented platitudes of his own and supplied introductions that definitely raised questions already by the way Densus' eyebrows quirked.

Right, this was where it was paramount that they look and act the part of lovebirds, and convincingly too. As Cultellus directed them all towards the big table where the beginnings of a nice little banquet awaited (his best idea all week, really), Titus willed himself to think happy lovey thoughts, settling for a mental image of his favourite prostitute back in Rome when nothing else was forthcoming. At least he was able to produce a knowing smirk as he wrapped his arm round Zia's waist, and turned it into a sassy smile that brought a hint of pink to his cheeks as he shifted his thoughts to the harpy he called wife and how much they she benefited from that crazy herb. Maybe he couldn't play the hopeless romantic that well, but an enthusiastic newlywed who couldn't get enough of his bride might just do instead.

They had barely taken their seats and got their cups filled when Densus' sharp gaze landed on them, layered behind a friendly expression. "I must say I was quite surprised - and pleased, naturally - to make your acquaintance. It is... unusual to come across a couple of import of such different backgrounds," Densus began, making it clear he wouldn't have batted an eye at the average legionary and his local belle, or a camp follower enamoured with a big burly Dacian. To keep himself from snorting Titus took a sip of his wine and gave Zia a not-so-gentle nudge under the table with his foot. Women had a reputation for being flightier in matters of the heart in addition to chattier, so he would let her do the honours of explaining their love story to the publicanus in fine detail.

"Why don't you tell him, dear? You're so much better at this sort of thing than me," he coaxed in a light tone, exchanging a quick look with Zia before hiding behind his cup again lest he burst into a fit of sardonic laughter.

@Sara

Oh, so his new friend was one of those who did not believe in the greatness of the gods. What most people did not seem to get was that you couldn't just waltz into a temple and start begging for favours - no, first you had to show proper, heartfelt devotion, and when the deity was satisfied then they would look kindly on you and maybe help you a little. It was inconceivable to Artemon that somebody could be so indifferent to all gods, what with how many of them existed.

"I was fancying a good Egyptian beer after praying at the temple, but now I see that Mother Isis gave me a task when she made our paths cross. She sent me a new friend!" he exclaimed, giving the young man a hearty clap on the back. A friend who I must teach to find room in his life for a god, he added to himself. But first he would have to earn some trust.

Artemon took another drink of his beer and licked his lips clear of any foam. "Beer is one of the things I miss the most about home. Or missed, until I found this place! The owner is from Oxyrhynchus but he's lived here for decades, or so he said last time. There are patrons from everywhere in Egypt, though. And you, my friend," Artemon stared unabashedly at the other man, a broad smile on his face softening the unsettling way in which his eyes bulged, "are from Alexandria! Am I right or am I right?"

@Sharpie

Late October, 75 AD - near the White stables

The sun had already disappeared behind the horizon, and only a few remnants of its light tinted the sky with streaks of lighter blue among the growing darkness. Nightfall meant most well-meaning inhabitants of Rome retreated back into their abodes, and Safinia, on her way from the market, was about to join them in doing just that.

The sack on her back was heavy with turnips and delayed her already slow pace, but if she got the vegetables to the kitchens today then she wouldn't have to venture out in the middle of the day tomorrow, when the crowds were greatest and their patience least for someone standing in their busy path like her.

Another couple of minutes and she would reach the stables, but a curious sensation that Safinia wasn't able to shake off had persisted for a little while now - although whether said while was a minute or thirty she could not say. It was almost as if somebody was watching her very intensely... A pickpocket assessing his next victim, perhaps? She would be an easy one, unable to run away, but unless they wanted to make off with a sack of turnips she had nothing worth stealing on her.

The feeling grew more and more intense until Safinia felt the urge to stop. Standing a little to the side, she looked over both shoulders, but saw nothing through the sack-obstructed view that could explain the odd inkling. Maybe she was just tired and hungry. Yes, that had to be it.

@Atrice

Artemon felt heat rise to his cheeks as Alexius winked at him and tried to hide any potential redness behind a sip of the wine his neighbour had just poured. If he winked like that at everyone, no wonder he was so successful with the ladies. "Then it's your talent. The gods decided to gift it to you when you were born, so it grew with you," he stated in dead seriousness as he grabbed another piece of bread and scooped up some more sauce with it. "I cannot learn it at the same level because I wasn't born with it, but I am very thankful for your tips and advice." Now it was his turn to wink just before digging in again.

"No, I also like men. Why limit yourself?" he shrugged as he reached for his cup and drank some wine. If he some day wanted to marry and have children, well, then it would have to be with a woman; but he felt like that day wasn't coming anytime soon, thanks to his rotten luck in Venus' domain. "Both have their upsides and downsides," he cocked his head thoughtfully, "but right now I feel like I can't get Lucilla off my mind." Too bad he was the furthest thing from hers. Heaving a sigh, Artemon stared down at his plate and proceeded to wipe it clean with another piece of bread. "I should do as you say and leave her be. I can't make her smile..."

Time to get some more expert advice from Alexius. "How do you get over people faster?" If Lucilla didn't want anything to do with him it was a waste of energy to spend his time thinking about her, but Artemon's usual strategy consisted of moping around until somebody else came along and caught his attention. Maybe Alexius would know of a better way.

@Atrice

To end the spooky month with a bang and greet/boo the dark season for those of us in the northern hemisphere, AeRo will be hosting its very own murder mystery game! Participation is optional, but sign-ups are limited to 6 players (1 character per player) on a first come, first served basis. If the vox populi deems the game fun enough, we may run more editions in the future! Remember that this is an AU event, so characters of all backgrounds can mingle even if they normally wouldn't IC.

So what do you need to know? If you've ever played Cluedo, then you're good to go. If you haven't, it's your typical whodunit board game where the player needs to solve a murder by finding out who killed the victim, where and with what weapon by using your deduction and bluffing skills. Here's a quick explanation - but do reach out if you've got any questions or if something is unclear.

The fun thing about Cluedo is that the characters also are the murder suspects, and one of them will be the culprit! So the character you're playing might very well be the murderer, but you as the player won't know that until you've investigated enough to rule out other suspects. Again, this is AU, so unless you're Marcus Barbatius - or unless you want to -, your character will not go down in AeRo's canon history as a vicious murderer.

Here's how it will go:

Suspects:

Claudia Gaia
Titinia Novella
Safinia Laelia
Characters 4-6

Weapons: 

• fire iron
• poison
• dagger
• statue
• mallet
• leather strip (like matrons would have for their elaborate hairstyles)

How it works:

1. Playing order is the same as sign-up order.
2. Choose a starting position for your character.
3. You will be PMed your cards and a game sheet where you should cross your cards off.
4. Staff rolls dice for all the players so you don’t have to wait on us for the die roll, but remember that playing/posting order is the same as sign-up order.
5. Move your character a number of squares matching your roll, and post with your character moving towards/entering their desired room. Once you enter a room, you must openly ask a player of your choice (tag the person you’re asking) if they have a card for a character of your choice, a weapon of your choice and the room you’re in.
6. The person you asked PMs you and staff their card. If they don’t have a card, they must openly state it (e.g. by making a quick post saying they had no such information in their possession).  Remember to cross off cards you’re shown.
7. Move on to the next player. If somebody suspects your character, they will be moved to the location where they’re being suspected, and that’s your departure point for your next turn.
8. Repeat steps 4-7 as the game dictates until you feel you’ve got all three elements pinned down beyond a shadow of a doubt: culprit, murder weapon and crime scene.
9. Move to the location you’re convinced is the crime scene and make a public accusation. Staff will then PM you to tell you if you’re right or wrong. If you’re right, congratulations! You’ve just won the game. If you’re wrong, you can no longer play actively (perhaps your character got too close to the truth and was snuffed out by the killer?) by making suggestions or accusations, but you can still be questioned on your cards by other players and PM them your cards.

Still interested? Sign up below then!

Your application has been archived because it has taken too long to complete.

Please PM a staff member to inform them that you would like to complete the application and have it moved back to the joining board.

Great, now he had somehow mistaken her words for an invitation to share his life story. What did Safinia care if the man had made one or a thousand bad decisions? Breathing heavily through her nose she gave him an impatient look, as if urging him to stop talking. "Whatever your choices, why do you think you have the right to impose them on others?" she muttered, not really expecting an answer. These holier-than-thou types were the absolute worst.

Finally he seemed to be ready to leave, and Safinia too would be free to be on her way at long last - and take an inordinate amount of time getting there, naturally. As he had done, she left him with some parting words. "You should... live more in the moment. And don't go assuming your way is the right way for everybody. Live and let live, you know?" He would probably pay them as much heed as she would to his, which was to say none at all, but somehow it felt right to voice them.

If they ever met again, would their outlooks on life have changed?

@Atrice

Wrap?

Whoever this musician truly was, she was obviously used to commanding male attention - and even enjoyed it far more than any decent woman should. It did not take years of study to figure out just where Secundus might have picked up this stray cat in heat, but that he had brought her to their house? Livia had never been one for strays or charity. But to openly shoo her away would undoubtedly bring on her husband's wrath, and Livia had not imbibed enough yet to feel courageous enough to engage him.

"I see. It really must have been many years ago, although your make-up tonight is quite flattering. Did you apply it yourself?" she smiled demurely, venom in her tongue under the guise of small talk. She looked round them with the expression still plastered on her face, pretending to take in the walls she had seen a thousand times before. The frescoes had been witness to many situations, and tonight would just be another miserable one on the list.

She smoothed a nonexistent wrinkle in her stola and tilted her head to the side, looking as though she was deep in thought. "If I have been privy to Vibia's skills then I am regrettably unaware of it. Do forgive me," Livia waved airily as if it all was a product of forgetfulness. "When I lived in Antiochia there was an abundance of talented musicians, no worse than the ones here in the capital." She took an elegantly decorated cup of wine from a tray a solicitous slave came bearing and gestured at the other two to do the same before taking a sip.

"So where do you usually ply your trade, Vibia? You mentioned other senators, are you often hired for private parties? Can you be found at theatres too?"

@Sara @Járnviðr

The sudden motion of Aglaea standing up and walking away from them drew Livia's attention for a moment, and she briefly followed her body slave with her gaze before being distracted by Secundus' voice. Given the circumstances, Aglaea's self-control was commendable even as she heard them discuss the child's fate. Livia was not sure she would have been so restrained had their positions been switched.

"How dare you." Livia stared at her husband with as much contempt as she could muster, his words leaving a slimy, revolting feeling in the air. "To talk about children living and dying as if they were toys for you to play with." He spoke so callously because he had never lost one, obviously, and not for the first time she wished he had remained forever lost in the woods of Germania. "Be careful that you don't jinx yourself."

Livia stood up slowly, every small careful gesture hiding the frustration she felt. Secundus was almost right: she should speak hidden truths to Horatia, but not so her sister would stay away. All Livia wanted was for someone to rescue her from this nightmare - could Horatia aid in taking the first step, provided they could speak more or less freely? They hadn't exactly parted on a friendly note.

With a dirty look at Secundus she smoothed her stola, clearly intent on leaving the room. Aglaea could follow or not, Livia would let her decide; she wouldn't be able to make many decisions, however small, in the coming months. "The gods know what will come out of this tangled web you weave, Secundus," she observed in a snippy tone to mask the contradictory feelings swirling inside her. Disgust, betrayal, anger - but also hope for a tentative new beginning...

@Echo @Járnviðr

"No, no, it was my fault! I was focusing too hard on my drink and not enough on what was in front of it!" Artemon assured the other man, hoping the admission of guilt would save him from a black eye. "I will buy you a drink to apologise. And myself another one, too." That would leave him two steps closer to bankruptcy or begging on the streets, but if he got beaten up he wouldn't be able to work anyway.

He put a beer-sticky hand on the young man's shoulder and guided him inside the popina, where the owner was seemingly pleased to make another sale so soon. As they waited Artemon examined the damage to the other's tunic as sneakily as he could, keen on avoiding a fullonica bill that he couldn't possibly afford. "Don't worry, once the smell is gone your clothes will be fine. Happens to me all the time," he explained with a smile that was meant to be reassuring.

Two full cups were handed to them and he hurried to take a good swig so the contents wouldn't spill if a second collision were to happen. "So who do you pray to the most, Isis or Serapis? Or do you pray to the Roman gods?"

@Sharpie

Artemon wasted no time in doing as he was told and pulled out a stool from under the table where Alexius had placed the food, more than ready to dig in, and at the same time he wondered why his neighbour sounded a bit off - almost disappointed - as he mentioned his son's occupation. "That's not bad at all, it's decent and honest work. Be a lot worse if he was a thief and a drunk," he reasoned out loud in an attempt at cheering Alexius up. Artemon's own father was probably similarly disappointed in him, but then again, the old man's delusions were his own alone; even if Artemon had had the brain for more scholarly pursuits, he certainly hadn't had the interest and still didn't. Whatever expectations Alexius had for his son seemed not to be fulfilled, but that, he concluded, was a matter for father and son.

Once Alexius had topped up both their cups and taken some bread for himself, Artemon ventured to do the same, although despite his hunger he wasn't cheeky enough to tear off a big piece and instead settled for one a bit smaller than his host's. As the other man shared his tips with him Artemon grew pensive, his hand hovering above the bowl of sauce aimlessly as he held off on dipping the bread in it. "More care, huh... And loud doesn't always mean good..." There was a lot to consider and process later. "That's very good information. Thank you, Alexius." He finally dipped the bread into the sauce, though another thought interrupted its journey towards his mouth. "You know, I just realised that maybe you were just born like this. Some are very clever, others have a talent for music, and maybe the gods' gift to you is getting women!" he exclaimed, gesturing with his hands in his excitement and nearly sending a blob of sauce flying across the room.

With a sheepish smile and a 'sorry', he shoved the piece of bread into his mouth and chewed with gusto, enjoying the mix of flavours. "Mmmm! Dhish ish dewishioush!" He licked his fingers noisily until he was sure he'd got every tiny little bit of sauce and reached for the bread again as he swallowed the fod. "Of course, I'm not saying it's just your natural skill, I'm sure you also put a lot of effort into it! So what other signs should I look out for?"

@Atrice

Whatever Secundus had been about to say, he thought better of it and switched gears; Livia supposed she should be thankful for it, because it couldn't possibly have been anything nicer than the words he had ended up speaking. All things considered, it was a good thing that he was showing restraint - it would serve him well when the guests all had arrived. "Of course. It's my duty," she replied with a perfunctory nod as she adjusted her palla round her shoulders. Did he think dollying herself up was as quick as taking a leak? She had to look her best, because even if he or other male guests didn't notice it, their female companions definitely would, and there was no more ruthless creature than a bored, gossipy matron.

The first to arrive was an unexpected sight. The woman was young and beautiful, as alluring as a siren, and from her attire she would rather portray herself as one than even make an attempt at modesty. No respectable woman would wear their hair like that for a party unless it was an orgy, and this one most certainly wasn't - or at least wouldn't start out as one. Livia schooled her features into a neutral expression, though a hint of disapproval crept into her gaze as she studied the musician. The sort that was slick and nimble with her fingers, no doubt. 

"Vibia. Welcome. I have not heard of you before, what is it you play?" Livia ignored the boy carrying the string instrument as if he were invisible by virtue of being small.

@Sara @Járnviðr