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Liv

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  1. Liv
    The simple gesture that was Marcellus taking the offered apple had Safinia's chest swelling with a wisp of pride. She was being useful even in her sorry state, she felt, and thus was earning her keep - or at least not being a moocher entirely, never mind that fact that anyone with a working hand could grab an apple out of a basket. Marcellus' scrutiny did not faze her, as his intentions were rather obvious. Like just about every other member of the Whites she had come across, he was taking in her less than hale appearance and drawing his own conclusions. "Eh, could be better," she shrugged and immediately regretted the gesture when a small wave of pain hit her shoulder. "Could also be worse, I guess," she added matter-of-factly, giving Marcellus a candid look. "It's not the first time I almost die at home, and it probably won't be the last." Perhaps this was the beginning of some repeated fate engendered by the Parcae. Without moving her head, Safinia eyed the charioteer up and down; aside from a scrape here and there, he didn't seem to be hurt. "You're looking well. Were you awake when the earthquake hit?" @Echo
  2. Liv

    Confession Time

    Liv replied to Echo's topic in Back in Time

    The footsteps seemed to have grown quiet, but they could as well have been drowned out by their voices. Suddenly growing quiet to better hear them would just draw attention, so the best course of action was to carry on. Of course, it might just be a slave hesitant to interrupt, but Livia decided not to take any chances. She would not say anything that she could not have said out in Secundus' presence, and though she wanted to comfort Aglaea more than scold her, that would have to wait until later, when it was just the two of them away from prying eyes and ears. The sigh of relief she let out at Aglaea's confirmation that she was well was both audible and genuine, but concern made Livia stand up and clumsily pat her body slave in the arms and shoulders, as if checking for scratches or bruises. "Were you distracted? Did someone accost you while the other cut your purse?" A questioning frown marred Livia's forehead as she pondered how it had happened. Aglaea was usually smart and careful enough to avoid the known traps of the big city. Either the thief had been very skilled, or the slave utterly inattentive. A possibility popped into Livia's mind, but it was not one she should mention out loud: could it have been that odd fair-haired convert boy from the other time?! Was he the reason for Aglaea's distraction?! Her eyes widened comically and she cast Aglaea a suspicious glance, but said nothing. "Did you only notice when you got home? Well, I suppose it could have been worse, since you'd already been shopping..." Later she would have to find out and eventually replace it, in case somebody started asking questions. Later. So many things were set aside for later, when the two women would be able to speak as freely as they had grown used to in the past decade and a half. Hopefully later was only a few hours away that day, but it was never a certainty. @Járnviðr @Echo
  3. Liv
    It was only when Tertius thanked her genuinely that Livia felt the small glow of appreciation warming her up from the inside. How long had it been since she had felt useful? She had done so little of value, yet the simple action gave her spirits a mild, temporary lift. Good familial relations were worth cultivating, even if it all had to happen somewhat on the sly. It had not occurred to her, however, just how tasteless the whole thing might seem to Aglaea - still enslaved despite her loyal and steadfast companionship, and having to witness the commemoration of another's freedom. Mood brought down as quickly as it had risen, Livia made a mental note to try and make it up to her body slave later; perhaps a half day off, or some beautiful gift. She gazed up to give Aglaea a short apologetic look, quickly redirecting her attention to the two men. "I am terribly sorry. I did not mean to undermine your authority, Tertius," Livia hastened to clarify in case they had got the wrong impression. Yet if she wasn't allowed to meddle in the one thing women were allowed and even expected to meddle in, how boring the conversation would turn."I must admit I am not too knowledgeable about eligible brides," she admitted demurely, helping herself to a bit of cheese and chewing carefully before speaking again. "I could ask my sister, though. My nephew has grown up so fast, she will have similar concerns soon." Not as soon as Tertius and Teutus, since her nephew was a fair bit younger, but Horatia would know of a handful of candidates through her boring-to-tears literary club and her husband's connections. Another idea came to her, and she tried to imprint some enthusiasm to her words. "Oh, I know! Maybe Sergia has a friend or two that fit the bill!" It was egregious enough that Sergia herself was still unmarried, but even in a family as unconventional as the Quinctilii-Vari incest was frowned upon. She reclined in her sofa, enjoying the snacks and drinks and the light mood in the room. As a woman and unannounced guest, she had already been assertive enough; any more of tit and they might take offence. Best to let the men steer the conversation, as was custom. "What other news have I missed? So many things happen here than never make it down to Tibur." @Echo @Atrice @Sharpie
  4. Liv

    Coming home

    Liv replied to Liv's topic in Italia

    The one time it would have been desirable for Attis to run his tongue, the slave stayed silent as tomb. Of course. Titus rolled his eyes and ate on, noticing belatedly how hungry the trip had made him despite the bland fare. Good thing he hadn't indulged in too much drinking before the meal, as one of them at least needed to keep his wits about him. Drinking on a full stomach was more pleasant anyway. The little snort went unresponded to, since Longinus wisely chose not to follow it up with some idiotic comment insulting Titus' family honour and thus saved himself from a bowlful of stew to the face. As if dozens of others in their circles did not do the same or worst! He wiped his mouth and took a sip of wine, listening to his friend's recollections. It was unexpected that the late Antonia should be brought up, yet also not; over the last weeks Longinus had probably been doing a lot of reminiscing and cursing his luck - one wife dead, another as good as that and across the sea... The next one would probably end up killed in a freak accident or something like that. Titus refrained from commenting on the deceased, instead voicing his opinion on location. "It's certainly quieter and less crowded here," he conceded, though the sea views could hardly compare: it was like likening a cat to a lion. "I don't see why not. You can always trade him for a newer Greek model if you come across a good one," Titus teased lightly, casting Attis a quick, mocking glance. He could have also noted the slave's unlikelihood to run away or get pregnant, but it felt like too much too soon. The rest of Longinus' musings, on the other hand, were a deal more serious, and Titus put down his piece of bread. "Is that what you're thinking of doing? Getting away? As in... a new posting?" @Sharpie @Sara
  5. Liv
    Young though Livia may be, she was jaded. In the eyes of society at large, if a couple failed to have descendants it was strictly the woman's fault. Arguing the dogma required effort, brought about much heartache and produced no favourable results; it was easier for women like her to assume the mantle of barrenness and remove one element of conflict - challenging their man's virility - from the equation. "It is a very painful matter for me still," Livia replied tersely, pursing her lips into a thin line. The sad truth was that it would always be the case, even if she were to have more children; no person could entirely replace another, as their father seemed to be well aware of in his refusal to find himself another wife. In the deepest and darkest corners of her heart, Livia would always mourn and grieve for the lives that never were: Gnaeus' as an established senator and father, hers as happy matron and mother, and little Hortensia's who had not even drawn a breath in this world. Feeling the first signs of incoming tears prickling at the corners of her eyes, she blinked them away and exhaled shakily, nodding with little interest in Horatia's comforting words. The hand on her wrist came as a surprise, and Livia gave her sister a red-rimmed, wide-eyed look before slowly covering it with hers for a moment. "I might have some years yet, but... I don't know. If Secundus has children, he is either unaware of them or disinclined to tell me." To an outsider, their union would appear an odd one considering either's lack of previous offspring, and it might very well remain childless even if Livia stopped with the silphium - but she would not take chances. Livia studied Horatia with melancholy in her eyes. Was it truly so peculiar that time and distance had made them grown apart, when they had not been exceptionally close in years? Aglaea, despite being a slave, felt more like a sister to her than the red-haired woman sitting in front of Livia. Horatia had always been so busy in the last few years: with her books, with her husband, with her children, with her travels - what room had there been in her life for her little sister? Livia wanted to point her finger at Horatia, accuse her of all this and more, stand up in a huff and raise her voice and cause a small scandal and...! But she wouldn't, naturally. Couldn't. So she did what she could, which was to shrug and retract her hand from Horatia's wrist and speak in a 'can't-be-helped' tone to mask the sarcasm. "I mean... I don't know, you had - still have - so much on your plate already that I felt like I would be imposing on you. Your husband and his career, your children, your activities... And," Livia swallowed, throat suddenly dry, and when that didn't help took a big sip of her wine, "you were away when it all happened... It hurts to bring it up every now and then. I wish I could just lay it to rest and forget it and be content with what I have now," she confessed, more truth in her words than she would like to admit. Then again, she didn't expect Horatia to understand; her sister had reached the Elysium while still alive, a feat not available to many. @Sara
  6. Liv

    Confession Time

    Liv replied to Echo's topic in Back in Time

    With her trusted body slave sent away on an early morning errand, Livia took her sweet time getting ready to start her day, ready to blame it all on the inexperience of the young curly-haired slave that had stepped in to attend to her. Between sleeping in, getting dressed and coiffed and breaking her fast with some bread and olives, Livia was now well more than an hour or two behind her usual schedule; but she had no clients to receive nor guests to host, so who cared? She sat alone at her vanity, having dismissed the young slave, and tried to decide what jewellery to wear for the day as she put ring upon ring on her fingers and took them all off but two. A familiar figure stepped into the room, and Livia whirled round in her seat, greeting the dark-haired woman with a broad smile. Had they had an audience, Livia would have chastised Aglaea for the informal treatment, but seeing it as it was just the two of them, she forwent the customary 'domina' and instead nodded her acquiescence at her body slave. "Of course, Aglaea." She set down the jasper bracelet she was about to try on, giving the other woman her full attention. As she listened, her brow furrowed, twin vertical lines appearing above her nose. "That is not like you," Livia chided gently, her otherwise neutral tone betraying a hint of disappointment - not at the material loss, which although regrettable was not significant for the household's coffers, but at the seeming lack of attention that had afflicted Aglaea for reasons yet unknown. She said she had lost the coin, not that it had been taken from her. The words suggested a degree of blame in the situation, but Livia would rather her slave explain what had gone wrong. "What happened?" Hearing footsteps approach, she gave Aglaea a serious look and a tiny nod and sat up straighter, adopting a more rigid manner in both posture and speech. Play along, Aglaea, Livia tried to communicate with her gaze. "Were you robbed? Did they harm you?" @Járnviðr @Echo
  7. Liv
    Gods, he did not want a beard, nor to look like a Dacian. And if she wanted one after all, then what the fuck was he here for? Titus shook his head, the ceiling spinning in slow-motion above him, and voiced his objection. "Can't I just look like a handsome Roman man?" In his relaxed state, the implausibility of their banter was the furthest thing from his mind - why even consider that when he could just reach up and capture a lock of Zia's long hair between his fingers and marvel at the way the light caught on it, painting it a dozen shades of gold and brown Titus never knew existed? Or feel her breath tickling hotly against his throat and realising he had been too slow in snaking his arm round her waist to keep her there, his bare chest mourning the abrupt loss of her warmth? A mystery, this flower. Like her laughter. And everything else. Properly, she said. Titus creased his brow in concentration, trying to work out what she meant by that. Probably not the straight-forward 'wanna fuck?' he felt tempted to reply with, but something daintier, more elaborate. Even barbarian women liked to be courted, it seemed, at least when under the influence of this uncanny plant. He was no poet, far from it, but maybe he could borrow from one. As an errant idea consolidated into a plan, Titus smiled smugly up at Zia and coughed twice to clear his throat (though that might also have been the smoke's doing). "I entreat you, my sweet Zia, my darling, my charmer: prepare for us nine straight fuckathons."1 There. If that wasn't a proper request, then Titus didn't know what else he could say. Propping himself up on both elbows and ignoring the sudden pain in his ribcage, he held a hand out for Zia to take in clear invitation and licked his lips seductively (or so he hoped): either pull him up or join him down there again. "Bed or floor? Your choice, my delight." @Sara __________ 1 - Catullus 32, loosely adapted by yours truly
  8. Liv
    The earthquake had taken a heavy toll on the city, striking the poorest hardest as most catastrophes tend to. Safinia was one of those rendered homeless as the insula she had called home crumbled to dust, but she had had the good fortune of being allowed to make the Whites' stables her temporary abode. She had not escaped entirely unscathed either: one (now bandaged) leg glaringly broken and kept more or less in place by a splint, a very painful wrist that didn't bend like it should, and a nice big gash on her head, plus a multitude of aches and bruises in different stages of healing all over her body. Overall, she was blacker and bluer than the tunics of their rival faction. She sat in the shade on a long wooden bench, legs extended in front of her and supported on a log serving as a foot rest. It was one of the safest areas to be, considering it had withstood the earthquake without incurring damage. There wasn't much Safinia was able to do in her present state, but next to her on the bench was a basket full of apples; her self-assigned task was to hand them out to anyone wanting to snack on one, excepting greedy horses and their mute human accomplices. One of the charioteers came by and sat on the bench, the basket between him and Safinia. Marcellus, she remembered. Another freedman, like Bassus. What was it with freedmen and chariot racing? Wanting to look busy in case the boss happened to walk by, she took a decent-sized apple from the top of the pile and reached out over the basket, offering it to Marcellus. "Want one? Gives you energy." @Echo
  9. Liv
    The coquettish giggle that left Zia's lips elicited an amused chuckle from Titus, unaccustomed as he was to the novelty. It was so much more enjoyable when they were laughing together instead of hurling veiled insults at each other, he mused dreamily as he retracted his finger and let his hand fall onto his lap, inhaling more of the sweet-smelling smoke. Before he could resist it, or actually notice it, a bony hand on his shoulder pulled him down, and Titus obliged like a sack of corn. His elbow slammed sluggishly against the floor, breaking the fall and leaving only a dull sensation where ordinarily there would have been pain and numbness. This plant really was something else, and 'bliss' was starting to sound like a very apt description. 'Relaxation' was another adequate one, and Titus found himself cherishing the sensation; it was as is his worries and cares had been left a long way away, out of sight and out of mind. More hair? What a ridiculous idea. Titus hummed a negative answer, brow slowly knitting in what was intended to be reproach but came across as comical disbelief. "Have you ever grown a beard? First, it's hot... like a scarf you can't take off. Second, it's itchy as fuck..." Not like her fingers, though; those felt nice and soft on his skin. How was he supposed to feel them if he had had a beard or a giant mane in the way? He couldn't. Feeling very smart, Titus closed his eyes and nodded to himself, the movement making Zia's fingers tickle his chin in a pleasant manner. Unconsciously he leant into the touch, shifting around a bit so he was half-lying on his side, and when no discomfort pierced through the indolent haze, reached out an arm to pull Zia closer to him. Eyes still closed, he brought his lips close to her ear, his words a leisurely murmur, "That thing you said... if I wanted to impregnate you now...? I may have changed my mind..." @Sara
  10. Liv

    The gif game

    Liv replied to Gothic's topic in Forum games

  11. Liv

    Coming home

    Liv replied to Liv's topic in Italia

    Attis had a look about him as though he wanted to say something but was trying hard not to. And it didn't seem like it was only about the less-than-impressive food. "Is there anything of interest I might have forgotten to mention, Attis?" Titus raised an eyebrow in seemingly polite inquiry, feeling quite certain that there was more juicy gossip to be shared. Slaves had access to a wealth of information that many owners did not even suspect existed. Finally given permission, he dug in with cautious gusto, dipping a piece of bread into the brownish porridge and giving it a discreet sniff before shoving it into his mouth. Cabbage, broad beans and other mysterious ingredients: uninspired, but fully edible. As he chewed Titus listened to Longinus' short and not at all funny story about the famed gladiatrix, disappointed at its lack of a climax. "Did you two part on bad terms? And more importantly, does she have three cocks or not?" Probably not, but still worth checking - although Longinus' short-lived smirk did not promise further entertainment. "In a few days. I like to give Quintus and Cornelia some time to themselves first." Not that he had ever felt like he and his were imposing on his brother and sister-in-law, but a decent guest should know not to wear out their welcome. And there was also the matter of Nymphias and her slave sister at praetor Varus' house, which Titus had been procrastinating on but really should do something about. "Somebody's got to help Neptune feed all his fish when the sea's so big," Titus stated mirthlessly between bites, avoiding eye contact on purpose. He was not proud of it, but just this once, he would let Longinus have a laugh at his expense, if that was what it took to cheer his friend up a little. That, however, did not necessarily mean Titus wanted to linger on the subject; taking a long sip of his wine to wash down the meal, he changed topic to a more agreeable one. "What do you do in the summer? Don't like Naples or Baiae?" @Sharpie @Sara
  12. Liv

    Wasted Youth

    Liv replied to Atrice's topic in Emporium Magnum

    So this utterly unreadable man was going through a world of trouble for a merchant he had no connection to? It beggared belief. Who cared if it was not right? Or if she moved on to more valuable objects? Safinia wasn't stealing from him. Groaning in frustration, she closed her eyes tightly, wanting to ignore his presence for a second and wishing he had disappeared when she opened them again. No such thing happened, naturally. She wondered why he was so intent on saving her from a life of petty crime. Guilt over past events, or some sort of projection? She would have to ask Bassus about when this whole thing was over. Bassus was a braggart, but he knew a lot about people. "What makes you think I would do this again?" Safinia asked, brow furrowed in suspicion. Had he spotted her before?! But as the man spoke on, it did not seem that way. By the gods, what a preposterous idea! And yet, Safinia had to admit it was a clever one. She had been had. If she refused his proposal, he would know she had not stolen the little box to make money out of it, but for other purposes. Merda. After a few moments' silence, Safinia acquiesced with a heavy sigh. "All right." She would have to come back another day - though when that would be, with her leg in this state, was anyone's guess. Maybe she could fool Azarion into acquiring a pyxis for her, if he was sent on errands. "I... don't understand. Why would you use your own coin for this? And why do you care if I live a life of crime or not?" She shook her head, uncomprehending. "You don't know me, I don't know you. So why?" @Atrice
  13. Liv
    Hi Járn! Glad to see you have joined our ranks, hope you'll enjoy your time here! Don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything we can help with
  14. Liv
    Well, now she was down, but that had been a mostly ungraceful fall. Apparently this flower affected one's movements.. or just made one more immune to pain and unlikely to notice the floor was hard and unyielding. Titus looked down at his side and shook his head again, taking in Zia's uncharacteristic state. She wasn't all that ugly when she was all relaxed like this. Her eyes were pretty, and the tip of her nose was very boopable - almost cute. Why she felt like she had to ruin it by opening her mouth was anybody's guess. "I was making a joke. You called me misery earlier," he explained, breathing in more of the fumes. Maybe the smoke had taken the edge off so much that it had made her momentarily daft, in which case Titus would thank Roman and Dacian gods alike for the merciful reprieve. Her mellow voice seemed to mimic the smoke's wispy quality, covering the world in a thick, languid calm that made his muscles heavy and his heartbeat slower. "Mmm, I think I see what you mean..." Hardly surprising the priests were so fond of it; as he inhaled a little deeper each time, Titus was beginning to feel like he too could reach the heavens and strike up a nice chat with Jupiter and Mars. Give them a piece of his mind, too, and find out why he had angered them so. He glanced down at Zia again, this time accompanying the gesture with a boop to her nose. The temptation had been too great to resist. "How come you don't want more when it's so good?" @Sara
  15. Liv
    Zia's laughter made Titus blush a deep shade of crimson, feeling like a child who was being made of for some obscure reason. Wasn't he being fucking compliant enough? Even when he did as he was told they mocked him. After debating for a hot minute whether he should grab Zia by the neck and shove her smug face into the coals, he opted to show her his middle finger and roll his eyes. "I'm not drunk enough yet for that. Or... sick, or whatever it is this thing does to you." If she spoke the truth, he would find out in about ten minutes just what it did. He felt silly, sitting on the floor inhaling the fumes from some burnt plant, but the possible effects were interesting... assuming Zia wasn't lying, of course. Perhaps she wasn't partaking it in because she had fooled him and this herb did something quite different from whatever else she had had. Assailed by doubt, Titus reached out and tugged on her leg, giving it a good pull. "Get down here, wife. Misery loves company." @Sara
  16. Liv
    It turned out whatever this flower thing - or fever - was doing to Zia, it had not managed to completely mask her less than delightful personality. Still, it was a marked improvement as far as Titus was concerned, and he found himself giving serious consideration to her proposal. If he got drunk enough and she didn't get any more sober, he might just trick his brain into making a big deal of small deals. And then nobody would pester him for a month or so. Lost in his thoughts, Titus barely took notice of Zia's sudden call to action, though he registered a blur of movement in his peripheral line of sight. "We'll see," he mumbled noncommittally, worrying his lip and giving Zia a new look of appraisal as he weighed his options. Yes, it might just work, if she kept smiling and he focused on her face. He'd had worse. Two slaves came in carrying mysterious paraphernalia and quickly went about setting it up, and before long the contraption was ready and Titus felt a none-too-gentle nudge on his shoulder. He looked up at Zia, a shadow of a smile emerging on his lips, and nodded before doing as she said and leaning in to breathe in the smoke. The scent was herbal and sticky, but not unpleasant, and smoother going down the lungs than smoke from a fire or brazier. "Like this? That's it?" It seemed too easy, although Titus was still very much feeling like his usual self. "For how long to I have to do this? Before I do you." @Sara
  17. Liv
    If things were weird before, they had taken a turn for the weirder now. Zia didn't sound 'fine', not with the giggling and the predatory gleam in her eyes. For someone who claimed to be repulsed by Titus at nearly every available opportunity - and to her credit, had acted accordingly until the present episode -, she sure seemed to be enjoying her long and decidedly not discreet eyeful. "I was having one, yes," he replied, implying it had stopped being a good afternoon the moment she had walked in. Definitely a fever. Flower? What was she on about? "Thank you for your... concern..." Titus noted with a slight nod, feeling apprehension mount with each passing second. Try what? Do what?! What if he caught whatever illness was making Zia act so strangely? Next thing he knew they would be spinning wool and trading jokes in between bouts of wild sex. "Do you want me to?" he asked in turn, though confirmation was likely unnecessary after she had practically licked him up with her gaze. Had it been a more agreeable woman like the curvaceous slave that sometimes brought his meals, Titus would have relished the attention, but with Zia it just felt a little uncomfortable. She made one good point, though: he desperately needed to lighten up. In fact, he had been trying and mostly succeeding in doing just that before her untimely interruption. Curiosity got the better of Titus. "What's this flower thing and how does it work?" If it was the reason for her good mood, maybe it wasn't so bad. Hopefully it also caused temporary memory loss. @Sara
  18. Liv
    A chuckling sound gave him pause, and Titus stopped midway up to look at its source, concentration broken. Of course - who else? There was something out of the ordinary, though, with the way the chuckles morphed into giggles and then into a whistle. Feeling self-conscious all of a sudden and acutely aware of the strain on his arm muscles that would have them shaking uncontrollably within moments, he pulled himself up into a sitting position, glaring daggers at the woman for having cut his workout short. In all honesty he should have stopped a while ago, take it easy the first few days, but the long-lasting bout of inactivity and an evasive desire to think of nothing else had made Titus go over the limits of sense. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, Titus wiped the sweat off his brow with the back of his hand and looked at Zia with suspicion. She was not her usual caustic self - quite the opposite, with a strangely carefree smile playing on her lips and red-rimmed eyes. Had she been crying in joy? Was she even capable of feeling joy? Maybe she was sick and had a fever; high fevers made people do strange things. She might be cold too, curling up in front of the fire like that, which was consistent with a fever. The gods be damned if Titus was going to get up and check her forehead, though. "Are you ill?" he asked cautiously, doubt written plainly on his face. @Sara
  19. Liv
    A week later He had indeed been thinking a lot of Luto for the past few days. The little boy had been back a couple of times to play and ask why his mummy had been so angry, but Titus had lacked the vocabulary to explain - and even if he hadn't, it somehow did not feel right to involve a child in adults' quarrels. Instead he had tried to divert the boy's attention to learning the Latin names of all his animal figurines - it turned out he had been hiding a few - and numbers. They had made good progress up to V, after which everything was labelled 'a lot' by Luto. Despite his threat, he had made no attempt to tell the chieftain of Zia's preposterous idea. While Titus had been more than a little inflamed at the time, in the following days some sort of depressive fog had settled in his mind, blanketing it in indifference. What did he care? Why did he care? Why did they try to drop the responsibility of a little boy's life and many others on his shoulders, when they didn't even trust him enough to let him outside and fill his lungs with much needed fresh air? Yet not everything was gloom and doom, and a week had made a surprising yet crucial impact in his body. He could now take careful deep breaths without more than short-lived discomfort and had even slept on his side without being woken up in the middle of the night by a very stark reminder that he should change position. Maybe he could give press-ups a try now? Anything to have something to focus on, even if it was something as simple and basic as exercise. He could even count in Dacian, to give his brain an extra task to occupy it - though at some point he would have to switch back to Latin, because Luto wasn't the only one with a limited grasp on the numbers in another language. Mind made up, Titus cleared a space in the middle of the room, pushing the table and chair against a wall, and inspected the floor for any bumps or grooves that might throw off his balance if he put his hands on them, pleased when he found none and it was all as flat as the sea on a calm day. The next step was to take off his tunic, which not only kept it from becoming drenched in sweat but also let Titus test out a range of ribcage and shoulder movements before going ahead with his work-out session. When nothing more bothersome than a tug here and there made itself known, he folded the garment and placed it atop the table, double-checked that his bracca were properly tied, and dropped into a prone position in the vacant space. One... Two... Three... So far so good, although Titus didn't recall finding it so hard to raise himself on his arms again the last times he had done it, in what felt like another lifetime. Determined to banish useless thoughts from his head, he focused solely on his breathing, the good way in which his muscles were straining, and counting the sets in his head. He was well over thirty when the door opened and he suddenly had an audience, though as absorbed he was in the task at hand, he did not immediately notice it. @Sara
  20. Liv

    Coming home

    Liv replied to Liv's topic in Italia

    At the rate things were going, Longinus would not be a merry drunk even if Titus spiked his wine with poppy. He was justified in it, yes, but he couldn't hold on to his sadness forever like a bloody poet - there was only space for one of those in Titus' life and it was already filled. Attis didn't seem impressed either, his sour expression (or as sour as a slave would dare to display) belying some sort of beef with Longinus' mother. What was it with the lady in question that so irritated the men in the household, free and enslaved alike? Scratching his head as he followed after his friend, Titus sighed. "Apologies, it was rude of me," he said, knowing deep down he would do the exact same thing all over again. What happened to the Longinus who could take a joke and when would this grumpy morose man be returning him? He took the couch opposite Longinus, making his best effort to ignore the seething look directed at him for fear of initiating target practice with a cup and his friend's nose. The food eventually came, its nondescript appearance leading Titus to believe it was some sort of stew, and although his hunger wasn't deterred by the unappetising visuals, etiquette made him wait for his reluctant host to stop poking his food like a little child and start eating before Titus did so himself. "Oh, not much. I think my body slave and the gardener have the hots for each other." He stole a quick glance Attis' way, wondering if the body slave also was under the same impression. "There's also talk of a gladiatrix with three cocks, however that might be possible. You know nothing every really happens this time of the year. It's too hot." @Sharpie @Sara
  21. Liv

    Salting the earth

    Liv replied to Liv's topic in Back in Time

    Titus could only shake his head and give Longinus a supremely entertained look. Greece would be considered by most a cushy posting, but he wondered if Aulus had inwardly bristled at being labelled a 'soft sort' simply by virtue of where he had spent his time as a tribune; if he had, not a single thing showed it. Yet, despite the lack of reproach, perhaps that would teach Longinus to choose his words more carefully next time. There was calling someone pudgy in good humour and there was implying one was nothing more than a wimpy bladder of air. "I was in Gaul. Not as wild as Britannia, definitely not as civilised as Greece. Those were interesting times," he said, giving his limbs a good stretch beneath the water surface. The mention of the trip to Cappadocia brought less than welcome water-related memories, and he shuddered despite himself. To his credit, Aulus was being more than gracious in staying quiet about Titus' seasickness, and he shot the older man a look between sheepish and thankful as he nodded. "I would call it a trial of wills rather than a journey," he commented before dunking his head in, resurfacing a few seconds later. "If it were up to you, where would you like to be posted next?" he asked the other two, wiping a few errant drops off his eyes and lashes. Although the water looked clean, it was well known to everyone that invisible sickness would often lurk in it, waiting for a gateway to an unsuspecting body. Titus didn't want his eyes to be that gateway, thank you very much. @Sara @Sharpie
  22. Liv

    Wasted Youth

    Liv replied to Atrice's topic in Emporium Magnum

    If Safinia was somehow earning the man's pity, she was having a world of trouble figuring it out. He wasn't particularly easy to read, this one, nor was she particularly skilled at it; it was more like the opposite. It left her in a bit of a predicament, but she decided to ride it out and try to gauge his reaction. Ugh, so self-righteous. He didn't appear to be rich, yet here he was spouting all that preachy nonsense as though he were above such things. Who had appointed him to the cohortes urbanae, or given him the impression that he was one of them? "It's not yours either," Safinia retorted, eyes flashing in irritation. He probably just wanted it for himself! "I can't work like this, I can't stand long enough or move fast enough. And my arm's bad too." She felt like batting his hand away, but he might seize the chance to grab her and do the gods knew what to her. Taking it was entirely off the table too, so she just started contemptuously at it. "The point? What point is there to living if you can't even afford food or shelter? With this coin I could buy food or maybe even see a doctor. Then I could be strong enough to work. Don't go assuming things just because you're healthy!" Was it even possible to be so pigheaded? "Why are you so concerned about this, anyway? The merchant your father or boss or something?" she questioned angrily, tucking a wisp of dark hair behind her ear. @Atrice
  23. Liv

    Salting the earth

    Liv replied to Liv's topic in Back in Time

    Titus merely raised a brow at Longinus and gracefully ignored the rude gesture, looking at him as if he didn't know what the other man was talking about. "I was talking to Aulus, not you. Why would I refer to him as 'our legate friend' when I was already addressing him directly?" The smirk of challenge that followed was badly disguised, and Titus knew he was pushing it a fair bit more than he had any right to, but his reserves of self-control for the day seemed to have been mostly exhausted already. He followed the two out of the tent and through camp, eyes flicking absent-mindedly at soldiers here and there. Most appeared to be perambulating with little purpose, though none were openly gambling like the idiots close to the entrance. "I'm not picky, so long as the water is clean it's good enough for me." Though the wooden bathhouse did not look like much, it was a welcome and familiar element in this unsophisticated land. A beacon of civilisation indeed, as Aulus put it. "I'll just have to come back when stone has replaced wood," he joked, wondering how long that would take. Divesting himself of his trappings with practised movements, Titus looked round before handing them to one of the slaves, of two minds as to where to start. A massage was very much at the top of the list of things he wanted at that moment, but so was washing off the dust from the journey; the heat would also relax his muscles, which in turn would make the massage more enjoyable, if not more effective. A nice bath it was, then, Titus decided, and wasted no time in entering the warm water pool, sinking slowly into it until only his head was above water and closing his eyes in delight. The bathhouse was small, but at the moment it felt like the grandest of Roman thermae. @Sara @Sharpie
  24. Liv
    Titus had barely opened his mouth to counter that it made a world of difference and no, he could not do any of those things because he did not fancy knowingly taking on a pair of horns before he snapped it shut, taken aback by Zia's sudden outburst. A harpy indeed, now well on its way to morphing into one of the Furiae. He remained silent whilst she spat her accusations, occasionally frowning in disagreement or almost cutting in to refute her words but changing his mind at the last second, though he did not flinch or lean back even as she leant closer. At last he couldn't keep it in anymore, riposting in a tone of measured anger. "You're just so fucking charitable, aren't you? Doing all of this for my sake, the idiot Roman who doesn't even speak your language. Your consideration is moving." He flicked his gaze at her cup as it was forcefully put down on the table, the noise drawing his attention momentarily. Save lives? What was she on about? Titus snorted derisively, rolling his eyes. His pride was all he had left, and what remained of it was in tatters. Wasn't it natural that he should cling onto it like a drowning man to a piece of wood, even if he knew it wouldn't save him? He was sure it was the same for Zia; they were birds of a feather in at least that respect. As if pride wasn't the only thing keeping her from making a genuine effort. He felt a tug on his tunic and looked down, being met with Luto's wide eyes and fearful expression. The poor child apparently wasn't used to his mother's fits, and Titus felt a strange need to comfort him. He took the wine jug from between his legs and placed it back on the table that had been its original spot, then pulled Luto in to sit on his lap. The boy complied though he still did not let go of the tunic, and Titus gave him a few tentative pats on the head. For how curly the kid's hair was, it was surprisingly soft. "You've got a very easy way out of this. Kill me," he said quietly after a moment's pause, looking at Zia in earnest. "I'm serious. Choke me, hit me in the head with this," he pointed at the jug, "go get some poison. I won't fight it, promise. I'll just sit here and wait for you to be done." Luto looked quizzically at the two adults, wondering if they had stopped fighting, but stayed where he was. "Then you'll be to free to find a less foolish and more attractive Roman who'll care enough to help you get what you wanted and save those precious lives," he concluded softly, running his hand through the little boy's locks in an attempt at soothing him. And Titus would be on his merry way to Tartarus. @Sara
  25. Liv
    It was just as Titus had guessed, and he spared Luto a smile as the child looked up, having heard his name. He wouldn't mourn Zia if she was struck dead right then and there, but the little boy was different. He was bright and innocent, and the only soul in the whole tribe who didn't look at Titus with contempt. It would be a sad thing if he died. He shook his head to dispel the dark thoughts, half-listening to the woman's droning. "I think we've already established that not even all the drink in this town will make us more agreeable to each other, but by all means, let's keep trying. Maybe one day we'll get the hang of it." He unintentionally copied her gestures, bringing the wine jug to his mouth and taking a careful swig so as not to spill it on his clothes. "A good deal indeed," Titus had to agree. It did seem to be the more harmless option - the only technicality was ensuring it was a girl. He caught himself before he said anything else, a little disconcerted that he was not considering hypothetical children with this harpy but also their fates, and just in time to hear her latest comment. Titus gaped wordlessly at Zia for a few seconds, then burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. It left him breathless and in more pain than he would like to admit, but it slowly subsided as he grabbed his ribs, fingers digging into flesh to divert the soreness from the still tender bone. When he had finally managed to catch his breath, he rested his gaze on Zia's face, brown eyes glinting with unabashed amusement. "Are you fucking kidding me?" A new torrent of laughter threatened to spill over, but that time he did a better job of reigning it in. "Do you honestly think I would just raise some Dacian stranger's child as my own and be all happy about it?" If Titus didn't know better he would have thought it had been an attempt at humour. As things stood, he was beginning to question ever having considered the woman clever. Mirth gave way to malice when he realised just what a wonderful weapon he'd been - likely unwittingly - handed. "Tell me, why shouldn't I step outside and share this brilliant plan of yours with the old man? Bet he'd be delighted to know how compliant you really are." He spit out the word as though it tasted foul; it had been overused in these past hellish weeks and hung over his head like a giant weight. "If looks are a problem for you too, next time get on all fours, close your eyes and think of one of those brutes you like so much. Problem solved." If only Zia would keep her mouth shut, she would be quite pleasant from the shoulders up. Whatever flaws she found with his appearance didn't bother Titus too much: he knew he was neither hideous nor an Adonis, and she had proven time and again how spiteful she could be. @Sara
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