The Young Pope

Listening to Nymphias reminded him of the fact that there were so many others like her, forced to become slaves against their will after being raided from their original homelands, just to be put to work in the privileged Roman household and making sure that everything ran as smoothly as possible. Ever since his conversion to the new faith that he wholdeheartedly adopted, Lucius pledged himself to try and improve the situation of less fortunate classes in society, through his occupation as Praetor. Even if his true desire would've been to aid everyone, the senator had to simply make the best out of a dire situation as the institution of slavery would most likely continue to exist even after his time on this world was up. "I don't have much to say, other than the fact that I feel sorry for your current situation and I wish that the circumstances were different. However it pleases me to hear that you're trying to keep your mood up despite the horrid experiences you must've gone through prior to your arrival. You're just one of the many with similar fates sadly."

"I'm sure I can put in a few good words for Aia to meet you some time, with the permission of your dominus Titus. I'm not too familiar with him and the household, though he seems to be of good reputation. How have you fared under his care, does he at least treat you alright?" Lucius was aware of the frivolous liberties that masters sometimes enforced upon their slaves, turning them into sexual objects just to sate their thirst for lust and other sick depravity their minds harboured for so long, that they couldn't contain themselves. He also thought about the slave's plea to take her back to Britannia if he he were to venture there, and the subtle desperation in her voice despite the grin clearly indicated this long desire to one day free herself from these chains. The senator stopped momentarily on the side by some stalls selling various freshly baked goods, the aroms filling the nearby air with the most pleasant of smells. "Never lose hope no matter what and work long and hard enough, you'll see yourself as a free woman once more and Britannia is still there waiting to welcome one of her lost daughters. I shall pray for your sake as well, that you'll be reunited with your family." Lucius instincetively took hold of her soft hands, warming them with his very own, before gently letting go of his. 

@Beauty

It seemed that both of their cheeks grew warm as one attempted to do good impression towards the other, though Lucius appreciated the fact that she had the guts enough to correct his attempt at speaking her language, knowing that slaves such as herself were otherwise trained and conformed to not speak out against those belonging to privileged classes, especially their masters. It occurred naturally as he began to move away the scene and compel Nymphias to follow him, even if he didn't issue an order to do so. She started to intrigue the senator well enough, not minding much to make use of his free time to get to know her better personally. "You flatter me so, but I thank thee for your kind words...Nymphias. It's one of my destinations of desire that I've promised myself to visit, though Fortuna hasn't favored me with any time to do so yet. No, I've recently undertaken private lessons with a Celtic woman from Gaul, Aia. She knows a good deal about languages since she learned them through travelling on the road with her father selling supplies to Roman legionaries."

"May I return the question and ask who taught you to speak our language?" He figured that it would've been a better formulated question rather than outright asking about whom she might belong to as a slave, enabling it to appear like a neutral inquiry as well. The way she spoke appealed to Lucius, such eloquence were only befitting to someone with high intelligence, and she happened to belong to that category of individuals who were clearly underestimated despite their potential for achieving greater accomplishments than one would've anticipated. 

@Beauty

"Studying which includes learning how to read and write are quite handy to have in one's set of tools, but I'm also of the opinion that combining it with physical work isn't necessarily a bad thing. Come to think about it, so many sons and daughters belonging to the Senatorial class are being spoon fed right from the beginning without experiencing how life can actually be that tough and challenging. Lucius will in other words have an advantage once he starts to enter the older stages in life...I'm also glad that you're also be willing to help him on the path to success; the more, the merrier." The senator made a vow to the boy to try and find his father, so that they alongside the mother could be reunited with another. Even if Lexus assured him that it has been manageable without a proper man in the household, he suspected that in actuality the boy actually wanted someone by his presence to offer guidance and meaning in their mortal plain of existence. If Lucius and potentially Oriana could offer this type of life Lexus truly deserved, it would've made the senator happier than before.

"In addition, I'm pretty sure that he would be able to impress the ladies more easily if he knew his way around plants." He laughed a little, and noticed that his cup was almost already deprived of wine. He had to take it easier and actually stuff his stomach with something edible lest he would like to experience the effects of a hangover in the morning. "Oh behave, naughty little Oriana...Raargh." Lucius attempted to sound like some beastly tiger upon hearing her comment on 'roughness', but in the end it sounded more like a squirmish, wet cat. "I'm such a bad influence on you, am I not? Well in any case, I'm starving like a mad wolf, so a bit of olives would actually suffice. Care to join me then?" Lucius stretched his hand out for her to optionally raise herself from the seat. 

@Sydney

"Ah the good old satyr with his pan-pipes." Lucius commented, taking a closer look of it. To think that he used to find them to be fun little buggers, but now all of that changed thanks to the Christian faith. "Lovers of wine, music, dancing, and women, though always fail to insert their manhoods into nymphs or mortal women...it reminds me of some of the senators that I have to deal with on an occasional basis as a matter of fact." The senator laughed, reminding himself of being 'satyr' once upon a time, though perhaps with the added benefit of actually finding a woman at the foot of his bed...if he actually went that far. "Did you know that in some cultures or even religious, they're considered to be foremost representatives of evil due to their passion for leading a life in full excess of vices? The differences in interpretation will never cease to fascinate my mind, I can tell you that right now." A satyr in other words was out of the question, though he could clearly see why Paulus thought it was among the best in his collection, based on the quality of the structure and the overall design being appealing enough as eye candy.

"Oh my...Paulus, what can you tell me about this Lectica? I've never quite seen such a mode of transporation being a magnificent piece of art at the same time." At least something had finally caught the young senator's appeal. Even if a lectica didn't immediately pop up in the radar of priority, it could serve as a tool to impress the other Roman nobility, especially when arriving at special occasions like celebrations or dinners, as well as serving a purpose during hot, sunny days. 

@Sharpie

"Did the expansion occur a couple of years ago? If so it must've slipped my memory somehow, though I suppose it'll come back bit by bit as I take a look around." Lucius raised himself from the chair, feeling quite satisfied with the fruity snack he had the pleasure to enjoy with the auctioneer, who didn't mind reminding the senator on which side the items available for sale and auction were located respectively. As Lucius could picture it clearly as if he only visited the shop yesterday, one's head would spin around looking at all four directions due to the myriad of items on display, eagerly awaiting their future owners willing to project a lot of funds just to be able to claim them for their own household. Since it had been a while engaging in the business of acquiring exotic goods, feeling rather overwhelmed by the abundance of choices to be made, the senator decided to step back a little and let the host responsible for the premise to take charge of the showcasing. 

"Oh no my old friend Paulus. On the contrary, I wouldn't mind being led by an experienced salesman who knows a thing or two about these treasures. Well that is if you still know your way around the art of haggling?" Lucius humourously requested it to him to conduct it so. "Just show me the latest items, or those that have caught your keen eyes and attentive interest."

@Sharpie

"I shall keep that description of him in mind." At least from the outside Lexus didn't seem to be troubled too much by the absence of having a father in his life, Lucius told himself. But the senator knew that there was always a hidden desire or wish to discover one's own fatherly figure, and it would only grow more and more as the years would pass and the person in question became older. It would however be incorrect to place the boy in the same category like the other children, being fully aware that Lexus was clearly different from the others by a large margin, including the intellect itself which was clearly on a different level already. The senator happened to be a passionate man of cultivating learning and understanding, trying to engage the boy by telling as much as possible how much he knew about the different landmarks and attractions of the Roman forum. It proved to be a useful, enlightening experience as well for him personally considering he'd never thought of viewing these ancient structures in an alternative light and perspective. They came to a halt outside the Curia Julia, and as Lucius was explaining to him about its functions, Lexus decided to make some inquiries of note.

"Well I'll tell you this...Being a Senator usually affords you a pretty decent quality of life and the pleasures that are complimentary if one chooses to utilize them for one's own personal gain. At the same time, there is a tendency for some of us to unfortunately get blinded by these luxuries and vices, so much so that we become blind to what is considered to be the real world and all of its other inhabitants. I used to be one of them myself, but slowly yet surely did I come to realise that it didn't give me the happiness or comfort that I truly needed. I figured out eventually that the key to a balanced, healthy life aside from work is simply moderation...and in this case a dose of spitituality...and only reserving meat consumption for special occasions and adopting eating habits similarly to the gladiators all of us spectate in the arenas...and..." Lucius chuckled, stopping himself from going further listing all of the changes that he'd commited himself to. He motioned Lexus to sit with him on the steps of the curia itself, giving them both time to digest the first part of these sentences.

"What I'm trying to say is that having this much authority, influence and power should compel one's self to perform good, merciful deeds towards society and especially those belonging to the less fortunate classes of Rome. As for whether I like it...it depends truly depends on the occasion as I prefer to perform my duty directly as a Praetor presiding over trials, rather than dealing with boring yet super important administrative work. The debates whenever I attend them in the Curia Julia tend to be dragging and one can't always expect all 600 senators sitting there eager enough to make their voices heard, but as long as the thse debates lead to the fulfillment of important legislation and societal reform, then so be it." In his own view, the debates seemed to have improved in quality ever since their current Emperor managed to set things in correct order and seemed to be a genuine, passionate man who truly cared about the society his family was ruling over. The rest of the Imperial itself contained members who were also active in the creation of charities, and development of the empire's infrastructure.

"I would be more than happy and honored enough to take you inside the Curia Julia and showcasing all of its glory. There hasn't been any session today anyway, so it's a perfect opportunity in other words." With such determination in mind, Lucius and Lexus climbed the steps and entered the senatorial assembly hall through one of the doors located on either side of the building. Escaping the sunny weather and heat, the duo found themselves to be standing of this vital centre of power and decision makery which ultimately decided the direction of the empire's future, with Imperial assent to be taken into consideration of course. Lucius remembered the first time when he stepped into this hall accompanying his father once back in the old days, and that feeling of impressive awe never seemed to have left him, so he could only sense how much was going on in the boy's head. "Impressive, isn't it?...And look who's here to greet us" He made a reference to the "Altar of Victory", found tt the far end of the hall, consisting of a statue of Victoria, the personification of victory, standing on a globe, extending a wreath. 

@Atrice

It must've been quite a bit for her to handle, as the senator could notice the tense stance she exhibited after almost being manhandled by the old man who actually didn't mean any harm, though his cry for help turned to the extreme and the rest unfolded itself right before Lucius' eyes. Luckily he was there in the right moment and time to end that situation peacefully without further complications. As this woman began to speak, she didn't only indicate that she was more than likely a slave, but also the fact that her accent enabled him to pinpoint her origins to Britannia. It wasn't the first time he heard that distintive thickness of such an accent, being far too familiar with it thanks to his newly acquired gladiatorial champion Ambrosius who hailed from that island to begin with. Lucius couldn't help but think of her as cute when she attempted to properly announce those Latin words, oh how much this reminded him of the weekly Britonnian lessons interacting with the celtic teacher of his, and then practising it on foreign clientele who hailed from that island...un times indeed.

"Kindly my dear lady, there's no need to apologise for something that was clearly out of your reach to manage. You only did what everyone else should consider performing for creating a better society. I don't need your cloth either, it's perfectly alright." He smiled towards her, as one of his lictors returned with a borrowed bucket, filled with fresh water and suitable for rinsing off the smudge from the hands and fingers. "Ah excellent; lictors do have their uses after all." Lucius humourously commented, grinding his hands towards each other, making sure that every bit of dirt vanished from the palms and between the fingers. He thanked thereafter the lictor for his initiative and before the latter returned with the bucket, handed him a few coins making sure that the original owner received fair compensation. "I believe it would be appropriate to make an actual introduction, wouldn't you agree?" He said turning the attention towards her, and before he spoke again thought to himself that a fool in the making was about to be revealed.

"My name is Lucius Furius Pontius Thracius, Senator and Praetor...Ehm, Lucius ok only, no call me Domine. Pleasure you meet too." Lucius initially greeted using the beginner's knowledge in Britonnic that was coated all over with that Roman accent of his despite attempts to wash it all the way, right before gently taking her hand and giving it a sweet kiss of delight. His cheeks received some reddish-pink coloration as a result of that semi-successful, semi-botched attempt at that language and even then, one would wonder if that was the same dialect that he was being taught in.

@Beauty

"Y'know, a statue was something that I originally planned to acquire for the Atrium, but then again one of the reasons why I enjoyed accompanying my father to your shop was to simply browse through the myriads of treasures, and I remember that every time we visited the store, it always ended up us bringing home a trinket or two." Wonderful nostalgia came now rushing through Lucius' inner self, as venturing to Paulus meant that there was something unexpected yet rewarding at the same time which caught the eyes of his dear old father, who had a particular good taste at acquiring items which would greatly enhance the environments of the Domus itself. After having a bit more fruit and drinking up the last drops of wine, Lucius felt quite satisfied and couldn't wait to embark on a quest for exploration and discovering exotic products that were worthy of his tastes and money. Perhaps he could find something to give to the local Christian community, in order to show them appreciation and gratitude for always being there for him.

"Whenever you're ready Paulus, I'm now ready and able to take a look at your finest rarities, and I do expect to leave the viccinity of a precious item. After all it has become a mandatory practice for all that I know." 

@Sharpie

It wasn't every day that Lucius had the day off from work, but every opportunity meant that precious time ought not to be wasted. Making a small excursion to the Emporium Magnum entailed having a get-together with one of the numerous amounts of secretive Christians such as himself, or making the effort to actually save a slave in order to ensure their wellbeing. A Roman Praetor by profession, he came to despise the institution of slavery or the fact that one had to keep one's true faith a secret, otherwise risking social expulsion and loss of influence in society if it were to come out. These annoyances had to accepted for now, and it was equally important for one's head to remain calm. However it wasn't saving a slave or meeting with another follower of Christ that compelled him to visit the market today; on the contrary it was the ordinary notion of shopping that brought him to this location to begin with. Wearing a characteristic toga praetexta, he was accompanied by the usual two magisterial bodyguards or lictors, each carrying a rod made of bundled wood which signified his authority and power.

The senator wouldn't usually determine in advance what he was looking for, unless it was something specific of course but he preferred to visit his usual auctioneer Paulus due to the reputation of quality as well as rarity, though it wasn't entire possible to find something quite useful strolling among the stalls selling diverse good originating from across the Empire and beyond its borders. However he didn't expect the day to go as smoothly or quietly; according to experience, he always had the lucky circumstance to stumble upon someone new he'd never met before. Lucius always told himself that it was up to the Lord himself to determine the outcome in the end. It seemed to be the case once more when a special occasion caught his undivided attention; He'd noticed how this slave or freed woman offered bread to poor old beggars, which was a risk at certain times depending on how desperate they were, and one of them seemed to really want some more bread. She then tried to tell him that it wouldn't be enough based on her facial expressions and hesitance to say it out liud.

Am I to save a lady in distress? Lucius told himself, deciding to make a move for it with the lictors behind him also noticing that the situation could turn messier by every second went by if someone didn't try to solve it. "My good sir, kindly take this for you and your wife. I reckon this will cover the expenses for a few good meals and wine." The young senator firmly placed a pouch of coins into the old man's palms, patting him on his back whilst getting soot on the fingers; it didn't mind Lucius that much to get his hands all dirty as it was to be expected, though he would need to find a fountain to get rid of such smudge. The old man's face shone up immediately in joy and attempted to fall down on his knees to kiss Lucius' sandals, but he helped the man back up on his feet to explain that it wasn't necessary. The old woman before leaving the scene with her husband, left a kiss on the senator's cheeks and told him how much of a goodhearted samaritan he truly was. With slightly rosed cheeks out of that farewell, Lucius turned his attention to the pretty little woman in front of him.

"Are you alright, my lady? I hope this experience doesn't frighten you from offering merciful kindness to those who're truly in need of it, some of them clearly desperate unfortunately. I suppose one needs to just appear determined, resolute enough to make them understand to back off, and raising one's voice too." He smiled as he couldn't help himself gazing at such an incredibly delightful beautiful creation that was standing before him; Golden hair which paired well with that silky smooth skin of hers, if she happened to wear extra fine clothes then she could truly captivate any man who had the dignity enough to notice her beyond those eyes that seen a bit of weeping recently by the looks of it. 

@Beauty

"Hold up...Crispus was it?" He took hold of Paulus' most trusted servants, handing him quite a few coins, putting these directly in his hand. "These should cover the wine and a little more." Lucius simply smiled before returning the attention towards the auctioneer sitting opposite him. It was the very least he could do according to his own thoughts, considering the Lictors could be a bit of a pain depending on the occasion, but as mentioned they had their uses from time to time. "As for whether it's purely out of social reasons, or the spheres of business...One could actually consider this to be a combined venture. I never really understood these silly superstitions about the dangers of combining business and pleasure. Bah, it has proven to be again and again quite effective time management wise and so far one has come out of it alive and whole...more or less." Lucius chuckled, lifting the cup of wine to have a taste of it and savour the atmosphere.

"Would you prefer if we browsed through the wares whilst talking? Either choice is fine by me, whichever is the best method of showcasing the items available for sale whilst making up for lost time since we last saw each other."

@Sharpie

"Very well, if that's what you'd like to be called...Ambrosius." Lucius nodded and before he could say anything otherwise, the young Briton rose up on his weary legs in front of him. When Ambrosius told the senator that one may call him by his true name once he returned back to his homeland and reunited with the family, as well as the fact that he asked when it was time for him to begin, Lucius became glad over his re-ignited will to survive this hellhole along with a sense of admiration. The senator then rose from his chair and laid both of his hands on Ambrosius' shoulders, looking straight into his: "I'll do my absolute best and more than that, to ensure your survival long enough for you to one day return home where you rightfully belong, reunited with your family once more. That I can swear upon as part of my code of honor." He then helped him back into the comforts of the bed itself, knowing all too well that the young Briton needed some time to heal.

"I would advise to rest that leg of yours as much as possible, including getting enough sleep and eating properly and well. I can buy you a few weeks at most staying in my Domus before the authorities come knocking down on my door asking your whereabouts. You'll need every bit of strength in order to perform well in that fighting pit, and a clear, fresh mind is to be recommended as well. The medicus will be performing checkups from time to time, and the gorgeous women that we have around here will see to your desires and needs, but you've already been acquainted with them so no necessary introductions." Lucius couldn't help but make a little wink to that one. "There are a few matters I need to take care of in the city, but I'll return shortly before dinner most likely. Well unless there's anything else you'd like to talk about, I need to get going in this instant. So farewell for now Ambrosius...I shall pray for your recovery and that you'll one day reunite with the family in Britannia." 

Lucius truly needed all the spiritual aid he could get from the Lord, well aware enough of the chances Ambrosius had down there despite the promises of having the best accomodations and complimentary staff befitting a gladiator on behalf of himself. The senator really wanted for him to live through  day after day, as he wouldn't easily give up on someone who lost everything he'd held dearly to his name, from a homeland to the family. His will to survive would've most likely been the same case like that of the young Briton if the roles were reversed, especially if someone also pushed and supported him with every trick up in the sleeve. As he now stood outside the Domus along with the two Lictors, Lucius took a second to glance at it before turning himself forward and started heading towards the centre. For the first time in a long while, a feeling of hope for a brighter future had rentered itself in his life, and helping someone else in distress had never felt this damn good.

@Polarity

@Beauty Very well, I'm giving you the green light to start a thread whenever! Just surprise me; I'm able to work with any scenario as to how they would've encountered each other 

@BeautyI know exactly how you feel when there are several good options that are so hard to choose from!  I like the sound of what you're proposing, and as such wouldn't mind having a thread between the two of them whenever you feel like it. Lucius would certainly pay her far above the average within the Palatine Hill area where he currently resides, the Imperial Family being his neighbours and such, so if she's willing to put down a bit of effort and time she can truly earn quite a few bucks on a weekly basis. Who knows, it might even go that far where they happen to do favours for each other

"I'm glad to hear that it's currently the passion in your life that keeps you moving forward, and the fact that the household is taking good care of your needs. As for myself, it's a pretty contempt feeling that's currently being experienced. My father always wanted me to embark on the military path rather than the civilian route, citing the achievements of my ancestral blood with names such as Marcus Furius Camillus and Gaius Marius, 2nd and 3rd founders of Rome so to say. Don't misunderstand me, even if I dare say that my skill with the sword in close combat isn't something to underestimate, I've always favoured using quill and parchment, transmitting these words into oratory art, which made my mother secretly pleased since I would be honoring Quintus Tullius Cicero, the greatest orator known to man or so that's what the 'wise old men' say."

The duo finally reached one of the smaller hills that overlooked the city, which happened to be one of Lucius' favorites and it's where he also brought Lexus some time ago enjoying honey-cakes and getting to know him better. It was part of his intentions of getting to know Aia as well, and this seemed to be the ultimate location to do so. He looked behind his shoulders prior to ascending hill together with the language tutor, only to notice his two magisterial bodyguards or lictos carrying those bundles of wood, symbolizing the influence and authority he thoroughly posessed. Even if a Praetor was permitted to have 6 accompany him, 2 were only permitted within the pomerium or religious boundary of the city, and they had to rightfully obey his orders no matter what. In this case, these respectfully adhered to their Praetor's wish of keeping an acceptable distance away, just enough space in order to not feel constantly under surveillance. 

"Eternity is more than enough time for us to truly find out what we'd like to do, especially given the fact that we only have one life. It's also important to remember though how quickly eternity can suddenly end abruptly without you catching glimpse of it in an instant. That's why we shouldn't waste our time too much figuring out what we want out of this mortal life of ours; I've been in that situation once, and trust me it's certainly not recommendable to dabble on." As they were ascending the hill, Lucius couldn't help but chuckle over the amount of words he'd always managed to spit out in a minute. "I apologise if I talk too much sometimes, but it's who I truly am based on my upbringing, and my profession requires me to speak a lot, as you can surely understand. Well, there's also the likelihood that I happen to share the same blood with Cicero, so it's something to take into consideration...In any case I've talked awfully about myself, so I should return the favour to you more. Say...what's your overall impression on Roman society in general; positive? negative? Is there something that we Romans should improve ourselves upon? If there are genuine concerns, I can transmit them to the Curia and see where to go from there."

@Chevi

Hey @Beauty, I'm willing to offer my Senator Lucius as her Master. More info is to be found in his linked bio naturally, but his personality has been shaped by the experiences he'd endured throughout his young life thus far, trying to balance it between that of a secretive Christian and a ordinary Roman Nobleman keeping close contacts w. the Imperial Family and working in the cupper echelon of the Bureaucracy. He's the type who wouldn't dare abuse her (physically and emotionally) and instead cares about his household servants/slaves with extreme care. The senator happens to currently have a thread w. her long lost brother Ambrosius, taking place in the past whereupon Lucius becomes his master as well, becoming a potentially influential key in the siblings reuniting with one another some day. He's also currently on the look-out for a wife, and he could use someone of great use for taking care of upcoming heirs of his.

Hopefully this has captured your interest, and otherwise I'd like for Lucius and Nymphias to interact with each other in any capacity

The location in mind for the first lesson would've probably come as a total surprise, even for the likes of someone like Aia who'd been travelling on the road for quite some time in her early life, and indeed it would've turned out to be an unorthodox location when it comes to first impressions. Lucius wasn't like any other ordinary senator though, that being evident enough with the passion for talking at rather long lengths without consideration to take a breath once in a while. "Fascinating I have to admit, since usually whenever I ask these initial questions the recipient always refers back to his or her parent for inspiring him or her to adopt this passion in life, however  I get the impression that this isn't exactly the same case with the likes of someone like yourself; Indeed, the Gods must've truly favored your intellect and ability to pick up languages on the go." He told her out of admiration and the fact that he loved what he'd heard, making her quite a different person to know compared to the amount of 'dull' bureaucrats he had to endure daily in the Curia or court. 

They were about half-way to their destination passing by the Emporium Magnum, people of various kinds in droves either heading over there or were already in the area conducting trade or discussing with one another about the every intricate detail that life itself had to offer in store. Lucius happened to be one of those who'd enjoyed a good conversation or two, and it didn't necessarily need to be about financial affairs of matters of justice. The senator enjoyed listening about the experiences that defined each and every personality he had the pleasure to meet and never grew tired of it once. "If you don't mind me asking, do you love your own line of trade; offering languages lessons to clients who've finally realised that the world is more than just Rome, and decided to widen their senses in other words...Could you see yourself doing this for an eternity?" 

@Chevi

Ambrosius' reaction didn't come as a complete surprise to Lucius, as many others like him didn't understand yet what it truly meant to be a Christian, often referring it to a simple 'Jewish' Sect due to sharing certain traditions and scripts, but clearly it was so much more than that and the Senator could only hope that over time prejudices, misconceptions and misunderstandings between Christians and Pagans would cease and all of them could live in co-existence with one another. Lucius smirked before resuming to reply: "I can agree to an extent that at first glance, there are quite a few concepts regarding Christianity that may seem flawed and illogical. I too shared the same scepticism as you once upon a time when that little old man introduced it to me. But I've got to admit that once you start immersing yourself into it by spending time with other Christians, participate in the practices and read a little bit of scripture from time to time, all of these matters start to make actual sense...As for my redemption by sending you to potentially die in midst of gladiatorial fighting, I can't be sure if God is willing to redeem my soul. One can only hope through prayer and sincere willingness to follow in the Lord's footsteps that it'll truly work."

Lucius couldn't help but chuckle after witnessing his newfound friend from Britannia spitting out what may have been the finest wine that money could purchase. He lifted the war captive's cup from the floor, excused himself a few minutes as he exited the room, and returned later with a full cup. "I assume that your tongue's more accustomed to mead; I can't say for certain if the quality matches that of your homeland, but this should taste better than Roman wine." He said, handing the cup back to him and returning to his seat. "You asked me before why I chose you of all the 'downtrodden' prisoners...The truth to making such a decision is based on spiritual guidance, gut feeling and pragmatism. I prayed hard and long enough to the Allmighty Lord to help me pick anyone of you that I could help, with the full knowledge that it would be impossible, even for the likes of someone such as myself, to rescue everyone from distress. I also noticed that your chance of survival would've resulted in the best possible outcome."

Before Ambrosius could ask him further more questions, the senator decided that it was his turn to get his answers. "Now I wasn't perhaps clear enough when I initially asked this but here goes...What would you like me to call you within my presence...Ambrosius or Turi? Also, since you seem to be clearly displeased at your current situation despite the fact that a second chance has been given for your survival...I could simply end your life if you'd like and be done with, unless you'd take your chances in the fighting pit and fight for your ultimate freedom, the choice is yours my friend."

@Polarity

"Jesus, Mary, and Joseph...I like the spirit of this man! You make it sound as if it's a crime to help out a fellow man in need?" Lucius descended into a hysterial laughter of sorts, though the nature seemed to be out of frustration and irritation rather than pure enjoyment. It looked quite hilarious when the interprex attempted to 'translate' the laughter into a Britonnic version of it, though stopped rather quickly when she realised that it was most likely a silly attempt. "Christ, were you paid and sent by those senators that I have to constantly deal with every day in the curia, in order to pester my fragile mind?" Lucius tried to calm down and took a deep breat before he continued, as trust had yet to be fully function between the two of them, and he would've most likely remained in that room for an afternoon just to convince him how much of a different man he was compared to his other Roman counterparts. The senator regained his sensibilities and continued.

"Oh Ambrosius, or Turi, or whatever you'd like for me to call you...I truly wish that there was an annual prize for the amount of deeds one has committed to perform, with the message of 'Good Job, Lucius' inscribed on that piece of solid metal. You see, these senators whom I affectionately drank, gambled, and whored with, day in and night out, can no longer understand what the hell's going on with the likes of myself. Instead of asking me how it'd went with helping out the poorer, downtrodden people of the Empire, or what they could help out with...they insist on asking what's in it for me; has this something to do with gaining increased favour with the Imperial family? It's such a ridiculous and shameful question to ask! So what if any of the Imperial members decide to partake in a project or two that I happen to be a part of as well, caring about the wellbeing of those who're often forgotten and disregarded as trash by the rest of the upper classes, when they're in fact so much capable of more and beyond than anyone could possibly imagine, simply for not opening their eyes wide and clear enough?"

"The same could easily be applied to you my friend. If I were like every other senator then frankly you would have ended in a ditch somewhere outside Rome, no one knowing who you might've been nor care enough to find out whether you had any family and other relatives still alive trying to find and bring you back home. Before that, I could've literally have you raped til' the mind, body, and soul rotten to the core...Oh I've seen the effects of being used like a broken toy with no nominal value whatsoever, its mind completely eradicated and the entirety of this prisoner's sole existence is to provide cheap, heinous services of lustful pleasure, obeying every little command no matter how disgusting or incomprehensible it was to many others. I wouldn't have any reason whatsoever to spend time, energy, resources and manpower to prop up someone like you, being a dirty Barbarian who has to learn the manners of so-called proper Roman culture and what not they try to justify themselves for pillaging and burning down entire societies for simply wanting to lead a different lifestyle compared to ours."

"Don't get me wrong Ambrosius or Turi, I do love the empire with all of my heart and there are several areas in which we could be superior at, whilst I acknowledge that there are so many elements that happen to be unfortunately broken. I assume that it's the same with your tribe and nation, which makes me to believe that one can learn from one another. But yes I do understand your pain and know how much you'd like to destroy me where I'm sitting, beside this interprex of your kind who actually volunteered to translate this ghibberish instead of doing something else theoretically much more worthful. It would be the exact same thing if the tables were turned, me sitting there with a damaged leg, not knowing what the hell is going on or what's going to happen to me in the future, whilst plotting for revenge at those who destroyed everything I knew about, took me captive and put me through entire evil ordeals just to sate their sadistic minds, oh how much of this bunch should suffer and pay for their crimes..."

"Did you know that it sometimes takes one person to change one's life completely, and turn one's viewpoint completely upside down to see it from a fresh perspective one would've never discovered? A little old man called Linus approached me one day while I was sitting by the river Tiber, feeling all so worthless and having no positive outlook on the future in the aftermath of my parents' deaths. At first I thought it was just an ordinary Roman trying to give me a cheering up of hopelessness, because what could possibly entail from someone so random such as Linus himself? Once he started to preach to me about this faith originally from Asia Minor, Christianity, it sounded like hogwash at best and I mean, who would believe in a Jewish man claiming to have been a Son of God, sent to redeem mankind from its sins and grant salvation and eternal life to those who believe in him and follow his footsteps? Well, I happen to be one of these 'miserable fools' who became convinced by the faith, and once I received my baptism...think of it like an initiation rite...my eyes were finally opened to another side of this mortal plain of existence that I never paid particular attention to; namely the outcasts of society."

"So to finally go back to your question whether I have something to gain from this? More coin to fill my pockets? Clearly not or very little compared to other sources of income. Influence? Possibly, depending on the circumstances and the people I'm dealing with. I would gain a smile and a feeling of unimaginable joy whenever I see someone benefit from the good works of merciful charity, I would gain such joy whenever I see a slave regain his or her freedom to do whatever they'd like for the rest of their lives, including heading back home to their ancient lives with the intention of returning to their families. Finally...I sincerely hope and pray everyday that this will have my soul redeemed...Redemption for all those years of careless neglect and not caring to much about my less fortunate brothers and sisters who deserve so much more when they're clearly in need of help suffering from poverty and sickness. In the end, Ambrosius or Turi, I can only provide so much aid on this path towards freedom as the rest you'd need to do it yourself. If you want to simply return to that cell and be forgotten in all eternity, I can oblige to be doing that. If you prefer to remain alive by the end of what's going to be tough journey surviving the hells of the gladiatorial arena, I'm afraid you've no other choice than to completely trust me even if you have several other good reasons not to, because you've no other choice, simple as that."

Lucius proceeded to stand up from his chair and went across the room to fetch three cups and a wine container. "I'm your only key out of this mess...So i would hold off any presumptions you've about me either, it'll do you good in the future as well." Pouring into each of the three cups, handing it to the Britonnic prisoner of war and interprex respectively, the senator raised his cup: "Cheers". He swallowed the wine in one gulp, with no flinching whatsoever. "Think I'm going to have another round now that I think about it."

@Polarity