Beauty

Rufus being separated from someone made Nymphias curious, wondering about it but given that she was quite young, she had the attention of a squirell and so when he continued, asking her her master’s name, her attention went there. She nodded, her nodding very deep and quick, appearing eager. After all, the faster she met her sister, the happier she’d be. However, when she remembered again about his words, his separated family, whenever they met again, or in the next moments, she would ask. “Maybe if I count coins more, I would not be stupid with coins,” she said, trying to explain how lost she’d been with the Roman money before Rufus had shown up. She moved her coin purse again, opening it so that he could see what was inside. Their conversation had taken quite the detour but it was now much appreciated, considering she now knew that her sister was in Rome also. “Yes, please, help me. There is too many coins to count. Too many.” @Sharpie

If it hadn’t been for Titus, his family would have been living in poverty, likely no better than slaves. His father had been quite useless that way, a good businessman on some days but the absolute worst on most. And to think his father had thought so little of him too, the weak man was likely rolling in his grave. Titus much preferred having that higher ground than nothing at all. “I can’t say I know the exact amount off the top of my head,” he said, rubbing a chin. He’d have to go over information in his office to know. “But I would say a good amount, if not most, are indeed slaves. I don’t want most freed or getting any ideas that they are an equal to me in any way. Some freedmen are overconfident but they don’t remember where they once were.” Titus thought of himself as better than freedmen and women, simply because he did not share their background. He had been untouched by bondage and untainted by their way of life since birth. “And to answer your second question, if a man is to, let’s say, badly hurt or even kill one of my slaves, he must pay a sum, enough for me to care for the slave or buy a new one,” said Titus, explaining. A little extra, of course, for his pocket but what some men didn’t know didn’t hurt them. Or Titus for now. “I replace my slaves every so often as a result. But that isn’t to say that slaves don’t get on my nerves too.” He chuckled softly and felt comfortable enough to admit this. “And that is the way it should be in Rome. Beating slaves into submission. We can’t have them thinking they have a voice.” @Atrice

Helios was content with his life? Nymphias hadn’t spoken to many slaves outwardly how they felt about slavery but if one were to ask Nymphias, she wasn’t very pleased, even if her life, at the moment, wasn’t as terrible as it had been the days and months that followed being separated from her family. Now was the healing moments, slow and painful. But the news of possible freedom made Nymphias smile, though still a little sad on the inside that she’d still be a slave. It didn’t stop her from being happy for Helios. “A new name?” she said, she was quite curious as to what his name would be. “I won’t call you Helios then?” But the news did make Nymphias happy nonetheless, it was a good thing to hear, especially because they would be able to see each other more. Nymphias turned her attention from Helios to in front of her, seeing the beginnings of the temple. It looked prettier than she’d imagine. Their walking sped up and they soon entered it. She could see the familiar infrastructure styles of the Romans and there was some foliage nearby as well, all which glittered attractively beneath the sun. She then beamed up at Helios. “It is most beautiful place in Rome,” said Nymphias, it was very much to her liking and she smiled widely, becoming giddy and excited even, bouncing slightly as she spoke. “I think maybe I can live inside here forever. Very romantic place. Thank you.” It was gestures such as this that made her feel less trapped and unhappy in Rome. @Atrice

Edited to include my new guy, who will need some love

Nervous didn’t sound like Erea but Nymphias always looked up to her family so it was hard to think of them as anything but strong and condifent. Sad, Nymphias had seen her family like that, even if they trudged on with life, trying to preserve the family and survive. But Nymphias had been a lot younger too when tragedy hit their family. She was older now, even more experienced, and might’ve seen things differently as a result. “Titus Sculpi…ius Rufus,” said Nymphias. It was strange, a part of Rufus’ name was in her master’s. Romans truly liked to recycle names, there was one too many Lucius’ for Nymphias’ liking. The name of Charis felt very foreign to her ears, especially when referring to her sister who would always be Erea to her. Even if “Ardra” was now Nymphias. “She will be happy.” Of that, Nymphias was certain. “She won’t think you joking?” said Nymphias. But why would she? Rufus seemed very honest. Almost too honest to be a joker. “Do you ever joke? Are you very serious person? People who count coins are always very serious people. Always with face like this.” Nymphias tried to make her face as expressionless as possible. “Maybe that’s why people listen because they look like they always thinking.” @Sharpie

The smell of horse might get old but taking care of horses seemed enjoyable. There was something enchanting about being around animals and in nature. It was why she much preferred Britannia to Rome where everything seemed “brick and mortar” except for the flourishing gardens. There, fountains seemed to sparkle like a million jewels. She was admittedly jealous of Azarion, especially the more she walked with him. Caring for horses seemed simple, a lot simpler than controlling an energetic toddler. “You race?” said Nymphias, believing that’s what Azarion had said, even if he shook his head before. She had expected charioteers to be taller, perhaps more muscular and older. But then she realised, he might have meant the others were charioteers. She panicked a little, not wanting to misinterpret his meaning. “Or are they racing men?” She pointed at the slaves. They hardly looked the type, they looked beaten by life as most slaves did. It was in their eyes, the way they moved. She was the same in some ways, a slobbering mess on most days. “Are racing men handsome? Are they mean, crass, pig-headed?” she asked, curious to know more about the charioteers. @Chevi

@Gothic 's Gaius and @Atrice and @Chevi 's Septima girls! I love family threads More of @Sara 's Longinus and @Sharpie 's Attis - they're quite a funny duo. And Sara's Vibia with @Joaquin 's Gaia - would be hilarious.

The ordeal between her sister and Helios was a confusing one. She felt terrible for him, perhaps because he really had wanted to be friends with her sister. Somehow it seemed like life didn’t want that. Nymphias wanted it though and deep down believed that one day, Helios and Erea would be friends. She wanted to say tell Helios that her sister would just have to learn like Helios because she did but was distracted further by his words and instead nodded her head. “Yes, we should probably go,” she commented. She began walking forwards, hoping Helios would guide her in the right direction because she felt foreign to Rome, just the same as she had when she arrived in Rome. She didn’t want to be separated from Helios, there was no better man than Helios, but she didn’t want to not tell the truth to her sister but supposed Erea would be hearing about a mystery man. It was probably for the best until life sorted everything out. Nymphias turned her attention back to Helios, away from the streets. “I wore this for you,” she said out of the blue, a hand pressing against the sea blue ornament in her hair. It was an attempt to change the subject from her sister, even if there was a nagging feeling to ask what exactly happened in detail. “Are you happy in Rome? Do you ever seeing yourself free, not a slave anymore?” She imagined it for herself but doubted it’d be a reality, didn’t stop her from dreaming about it though. @Atrice

Titus never thought of himself as a terrible person. Terrible had been his younger brother, Gnaeus. He would have surely loved the gladiatorial games for the he would have been watching with a fiendish tint to his eyes and cackling unceremoniously throughout, without regard for those sitting next to him. He was more of an animal than the animals he tormented when alive. And yet, Titus had ordered the death of a friend and business associate, merely to assume more power. But he wasn’t terrible, just a man with high ambitions if you asked him. “I have not yet but I suppose there is money to be gained by such an act,” said Titus, both hands coming together as though he were praying and pressing against his lips in thought. He always tried to think up new ways to gain more coin. His eyes had always been elsewhere towards his schemes that he hadn’t yet thought of tossing one of his slaves into the pits, instead keeping them to serve him in some capacity where he felt like he could control them better. “At the very least, it would be entertaining,” said Titus, offering a sly smile as his hands lowered. Titus didn’t trust very easy, he never divulged too much about himself but Marcus was proving himself to be good company, considering that he liked having power. Two businessmen with a love of power, it certainly made an interesting connection. “You do seem the type of man to enjoy power, which is a rather admirable trait. I suppose that’s why business attracts our sort. It’s one of the most exciting ways a man can gain leverage in the world and it can become just as bloody as the gladiatorial pits.” Especially where criminals were concerned, Titus knew that much. “Nothing like a bit of life and death to make the job more exhilarating, especially when you have the higher ground.” @Atrice

Rufus and Erea had been together when sold, meaning the two had likely comforted one another in what was possibly one of their darkest moments. At least, it seemed quite dark to Nymphias because it was degrading and callous. “She had child in her stomach,” said Nymphias, trying to explain that her sister had been pregnant. She probably should have kept her mouth shut, save her sister from potentially being viewed differently or telling a story that wasn’t hers to tell. But for anyone born in Britannia, loss was something normal. Still, while happy to hear about her sister, she wouldn’t be resting easy, or so she thought, until she saw her sister again in person. “Erea is very lucky to have friend just like you,” said Nymphias. “Then how was she like with you? Sad? Angry?” She wanted to know if her sister had been upset during the time she was with Rufus, especially if she was newly a slave. At that time, Nymphias must have been still in Britannia, wandering through its green lands or with the family that had taken her in. “And I am sorry you were in slave market.” @Sharpie

Helios’ name suited him nicely, he looked every bit like a sun god with his attractive mane and bright blue eyes, the colour of the seemingly never-ending sky. And it was indeed a lot to take in, Helios was right. It had been for Nymphias, trying to make sense of the entire thing herself but she was more pleased now, knowing her sister was well. She stopped walking when he did, peering up with confusion and frowned, hurt that her sister and Helios hadn’t gotten along. When he noted that no one made him feel the way she did, her frown turned into a smile, one she couldn’t even hide if she wanted to. It made her worry, however. He took both her hands in his, she looked down at their interlinked hands before looking up at him. She nodded her head slowly. “I promise,” she said, though she had hope that one day whatever went on between Helios and Erea would mend. “I don’t want to lose you either or have to choose.” She didn’t want to be separated from her sister again afer they met, let alone never see Helios again. She’d be inconsolable. “But what happen with you and my sister? Why does she not like you? I can make her like you. Maybe if I say nice things, maybe she will change her mind. Maybe she will see what I see.” Nymphias’ face became the colour of blood. @Atrice

Nymphias had spoken to Azarion, who was a mute, and had once not known any bit of Latin, making her rely on trying to read the people around her. As a result, she was somewhat understand what the other woman was saying to her. The woman appeared young and so Nymphias to felt quite comfortable. “I watching the people,” she said, waving a hand in front of her at the crowds and those before them who were entertaining. “And then someone take my money. It was given to me to do work and they ran from me and I was too slow to catch.” Her stomach knotted, fearful already of what she’d get when she returned to her master’s home. Some of the slaves who’d been serving the Roman family a lot longer would surely give her an earful. “Now I am going to be locked up in kitchen forever,” said Nymphias. The whole ordeal had indeed soured her mood, even the clapping, joyous sounds and music didn’t seem to cheer her up much. “And I will never get to see—” Well, the woman didn’t need to hear about her dramatic love story. Nymphias played with her hands awkwardly, she turned to look at the other young woman. “Sorry, I babbled. Rome is just very confusing place. Has it every happened to you? With people who try to take money from you? Or shopkeeper who try to… rip off?” @Jenn

She hadn’t a clue that it was Greek, she had thought it was Roman. If someone had told her it was Greek, it had slipped her mind. But this explanation felt special, perhaps because it was escaping from Helios’ lips. He said “we” like he was a part of Rome. He was in a way, just like Nymphias was now. If he thought the name suited her, perhaps he believed she was well-suited to be a bride. Nymphias’ imagination went wild. But she wondered about his name. “What does Helios mean?” said Nymphias, her hand tightened on his and she placed a hand on his arm. She often liked learning the meaning behind names but she wanted to know this one. As they were nearing the temple, Nymphias reasoned it was a good time to tell him the story. “I was in market and I am an idiot, I don’t know Roman coin,” explained Nymphias, trying to explain how she hadn’t understood Roman coins. “And man named Rufus, hair looks like… colour of blood almost. He help me count and buy things. And then he asked me my real name. I told him and he said he recognise it.” Nymphias had to pause for air. After all, a girl could only talk for so long. “And then he tell me he knows my sister. She is working for domine… Tertius… Quinticilius Varus,” said Nymphias, grinning widely from ear to ear. “But her name now Charis.” Nymphias’ brows then creased as if confused. “But you tell me she was bitch.” It wasn’t his wording exactly but she’d picked the word up somewhere and it seemed to suit what he’d said about her sister. She hoped slavery hadn’t changed her sister, slavery had changed her too. @Atrice

Titus’ head turned in curiosity. They were all dead then. Most of Titus’ was as well, dying one by one like flies, and good riddance to them all, he thought. The last of his family was his younger half-sister and her spawn. The man hadn’t mentioned wife or children either. But what was a man without his family? Family was everything in Rome, continuing one’s legacy or keeping nicely secured in the food chain. “Well, friends then,” said Titus briefly. The other man must have had those, if not then business associates and the like. There was nothing better in the world of business than networking and connections. It brought more opportunities and money pouring in. A man like Titus couldn’t complain about that. All he needed in life was tits, ass and his coffers. He tapped his chin in thought, not out of habit but because it was an almost theatrical display of the fact he was thinking over Marcus’ question. “I do,” he admitted. “I like the thrill and suspension of the games. You never know who is going to come out on top, that’s what keeps me invested. Besides, some of the men and women are quite the lookers. There is nothing more appealing than rattling breasts and a man’s tight ass as they fight for survival.” Except money, perhaps. But it was tied. @Atrice

This was one of the reasons why Nymphias enjoyed communicating with fellow slaves, they understood how terrible and dumb the Romans were. The laugh was much needed, especially with all the tension, she felt on a daily basis, trying to navigate the world as a slave. It was all very foreign still, even if summer had long since passed. It was good to be around someone her own age, even if his scars were jarring at first. Now, she was growing used to it. Nymphias’ eyes followed his hand, pointing to the race tracks, the horse, to where the spectators sat and then, lastly, to her. He was likely asking if she’d seen a race before, she thought. That had to be it. He couldn’t have been asking if she’d raced before. “I have never seen one,” Nymphias admitted. Much of her time in Britannia had been spent cleaning, cooking and helping her siblings, wandering about Britannia’s very green world but since being in Rome, she didn’t have much free time as a slave. “I hear about them. I would love to see one. I hear gladiator games very dangerous. I don’t like those but maybe race better.” Not that she’d ever seen one but violence wasn’t on her list of things she enjoyed. “Do you race? Is this horse you use when racing?” @Chevi

A crowd had gathered around somewhere near to the markets, they laughed, cheered and gasped. Her settlement in Britannia had been a lot smaller than Rome as well as greener, wetter and was apparently more primitive. It probably didn’t exist anymore. Crowds made her eyes dart like a frightened doe, it was Rome’s first gift to her, apart from removing her family from her life. Eyes watching the crowds, Nymphias was curious about the commotion and so made her way towards it. Looking, she saw men dancing, singing, acting out scenes from stories she had no idea about. With her broken Latin, Nymphias understood about half of what was being said but laughed nonetheless. When one of the actors tossed some flowers into the crowds, Nymphias jumped to catch them. Smiling merrily, she hadn’t noticed a thief reaching slowly to grab her coin purse while she was quite clearly preoccupied in the crowds, watching the commotion just like everyone else. It wasn’t until she heard a familiar jiggling sound and felt a little naked that she looked down to see her coin purse was missing. Nymphias panicked, looking up to see the back of the thief running into the crowds. She’d been told to speak up but she couldn’t. She was a coward. She’d reacted too slow, the thief was gone. A young and distracted foreign slave with a confused face, she was an easy victim. She looked left and right, unsure of what to do, before wandering from the giddy crowd, home to pick-pocketers and laughing Romans. The girl sat down somewhere and buried her head in her hands so she could cry her life out. She turned to the person nearest to her, a young woman. “I am going to die today,” she stated dramatically. “Have you ever seen someone more idiot than me? No because no one is more idiot than me. Where is handsome man to save me when I need them?” @Jenn

“No, they didn’t,” she said quickly. Nymphias worried for a moment, she didn’t want Helios getting the wrong idea as he had been so caring and truthful towards her. As a lover or even a wife one day, if she was ever freed, Nymphias wanted to be faithful to the man she loved, it was expected of women. Azarion was very funny and Rufus intelligent, each talented and appealing in their own way, but neither young man were Helios, who had kissed her and therefore meant something more. And Helios said he was fond of her, which only sealed the deal. Nymphias looked around. The large buildings dwarfed them, the sun beat down and there were crowds. Normally crowds made her nervous but she was with Helios now and was able to appreciate Rome’s beauty better. “A young bride?” she said cheerfully, cheeks rosy. “Who… also is water and nature spirit?” The temple had to do with her Roman name, which seemed like the most romantic gesture, by far surpassing anything her imagination could create and her eyes impatiently searched for it. “You are so thoughtful and it sound like special place for us to be. It is also perfect place for me to tell you the best news ever. It is about my family.” She figured she could hint at the news, considering they would be nearing the temple soon enough. @Atrice

While most of the time he might have remained at the brothel to monitor or see to any issues and needs, Titus stood up, washing down the grapes with some wine. He headed towards Marcus and decided he was well worth his time, considering “wealthier clients”. Perhaps they could come up with some form of partnership, it’d need a little creative thinking but nothing was unattainable to Titus. “New deals” made Titus’ ear twitch like a hunting hound. Those were things that they could talk of while they walked, if not then later, perhaps over a dinner with good company, assuming now they’d be seeing a lot of each other. With wealthy clients and new deals, Titus certainly hoped so. “My sister and her son will look after the business,” said Titus, waving a hand. He was sure his sister and nephew knew the rules and what to do in his absence. As far as he knew, the Elysium would one day be his nephew’s, if not then someone who paid him well for it. Titus wasn’t going to retire without a bang. Titus was unmarried and had no children of his own. He wouldn’t marry unless he saw an advantage. “Should you have any men in your family in need of the Elysium’s unique services, do not hesitate to let me know and I could provide the right treatment for them,” said Titus, offering a smile as he began to walk, exiting the room they were in. He wanted to keep himself relevant for a man with wealthier clients and his associates. “And I’ll let my nephew know about your business. He’s a man now.” The boy had grown up around whores, in any case. His grandmother, his sister’s mother, was a whore too and Titus had slept with her. “Do tell me, Marcus Barbatius, do you enjoy gladiatorial games?” @Atrice

Nymphias was at her happiest, free from toiling in her masters’ domus and running after a very young child with, quite frankly, a lot of energy. Now she could say what she wanted to and do what she wanted to, all with someone she regarded in high esteem. With Helios’ blessing now, she would make him something. Of course, it had to be in Briton fashion. She wanted to see him without the more Roman-appearing garb. She had a rough idea of his measurements, looking at him. It would have been easier if they lived together but she would have to make do going off of memory. As they turned a corner, Nymphias’ eyes followed the world around her, taking it in curiously. She became lost so easily since arriving in Rome. Everything looked bright, sunny, large, loud and crowded in comparison to where she was brought up in. Nymphias’ attention returned to Helios, who seemed to illuminate beneath the Roman sun. “I have,” she said cheerfully. The last time she had spoken to Helios, she’d felt terribly alone. She felt a little better now, though still a mess and trying to learn the world around her. “I made friends with girl name Clio.” Nymphias’ hand brushed the sea blue ornament on her golden hair. “I buy this with her and I buy her one because we are friends. I meet Roman domine named Lucius Furius Pontius… Thr…acius.” Nymphias had a crush on him too but, in her mind, she was destined to marry Helios. After all, she and Helios had shared a kiss. It was destiny, dammit! “Azarion, who work at horse race, he is my age… and Rufus, who save my life. But that is the story I want to tell because I found out good news.” Her free hand moved to stroke his arm gently. “But you are best friend,” she said. And more, she thought. @Atrice

Manawyddan felt fear but that was only natural for a man. Somehow it was welcomed. He was crouched sitting down, holding his weapon, he fiddled with it. Just the night before, he’d been offering others words of comfort, even if death was at their doorstep and there was no changing that. Manawyddan hoped it was his time. As soon as he heard the announcement for his entrance, he headed into the arena. All around, in the beaming, bright sun of Rome, he could see the crowds cheering loudly, their voices ripping at his ear drums. The sun bore down and he squinted. Before him was a young, fair-haired man. He’d have been a little older than his son. When the man gave him a nod, Manawyddan offered a smile and a nod in return. Manawyddan was trained to kill but he was no killer. He’d make it quick for the other man, if his gods chose for his life to end that day. Manawyddan closed his eyes and began to mutter under his breath, praying to his gods. For him and the other man. Taking a deep breath, exhaling to release his nerves, he opened his eyes and the crowds were seen again. Contorted, rowdy, and animalistic. He had to remember, his gods brought him here for a reason. @Anna

If the girl hadn’t learned then she was a dull one. Titus could have taught the girl her place in the world, in his brothel, himself but it was simpler for another to do so, whether they wished to teach her for a reason of their own or their actions just so happened to. Titus offered the man a smile at his recollection of what had happened between him and the girl, Titus had seen it all but had to pretend he hadn’t. Titus took another grape and chewed, his eyes wandered on thought before settling on the man and then nodded. “I could do with a shave,” he said, hair was growing already and it’d been two days since he’d last had a shave. With his dark hair, the hair was very noticeable. It made him look a little chaotic but with a man of his profession and inner thoughts, it was as though it showed his inside. “I’m sure I can have others overlook my business while I’m gone,” he said. Aside from his nephew, sister and the whores who’d been there the longest, he had two trusted guards in his brothel to make sure that none of the men got too rowdy and to pay, if that was the case. If not then, at least, to get word out onto the streets about it. News of scandal and brutality kept the Elysium ripe in the minds of the people. He picked up a nearby wine to wash down his snacking. “And I don’t believe you told me your name yet,” said Titus, then taking a quick swig before placing the cup down. @Atrice

Nymphias tried to wrack her mind to remember the name of the man, who was hoping to find a wife. “Lucius… Longinus...,” she said. It was the only few parts she’d remembered from when she’d overheard. It was sweet of Helios to be so invested. It would certainly help the senatore’s process. And if Nymphias mentioned a couple of women’s names to her domina in return, perhaps her domina would be pleased with her and not want to take her hair as a wig. Nymphias was intrigued, she couldn’t wait for the day, if it came at all, that her masters left her to her own devices but she didn’t want to be in Rome for that long. She wanted to go back to her home before she was too old to journey there. But Nymphias nodded her head excitedly, the temple and gardens would be a welcomed change from what she was used to. “My days busy now but I find time to see you,” she said, explaining that she would find more time to see him. But she’d have to be smart and sneaky about it, although she hated being dishonest. “I think it is special that you show me temple and gardens, you are first person to show me.” She looked around her, watching as the streets passed them by. “Do you need more clothes? I can sew and then when you wear it, you think of me.” @Atrice

Nymphias’ brows rose in confusion. No children? That meant one of two things. One, the child perished or two, the child had been separated from their mother. But then Rufus spoke more and Nymphias listened. What she felt now was happiness but it was now intermingled with sadness and shock. But with the family’s losses, it seemed almost to be expected now. But it was mostly Erea’s loss, likely the last remnant of her husband. Nymphias had to assume the man was dead or elsewhere. “I see,” she said, not exactly cold-hearted, just disappointed, unhappy. But tears did form, enough for her to wipe at them. “But thank you. You helped a lot.” And it was true, he had. She’d just met Rufus, a friend of her sister’s, but he’d always have a special room in her heart because he changed her life for the better. She wouldn’t forget his kindness, nor his help from earlier. She kept wiping at her eyes, she was the worst at keeping herself from crying. “I’m sorry, I keep crying all the time in Rome,” she explained, embarrassingly dabbing her eyes. “How you two meet?” @Sharpie

Noticing his sewing motions and then how he pointed at her, she understood enough to know what he meant. But before she could answer he began mimicking the women of Rome. Nymphias burst into laughter. It was likely the first time, in a long time, that she really laughed, especially to the point that tears formed at the edge of her eyes. Nymphias wiped them. “You act like them so good,” she said honestly. “But I sew a little for domina and her babies.” One of the so-called babies was almost Nymphias’s age but she seemed much younger because her whole life was cushioned. “Roman men no better than women. The men ugly, stupid and crass.” Crass was a word she’d learned from Clio. “They walk like they have tree stump up their butt.” She straightened her back and held her wrist limply in front of her, scrunching up her face to look pompous, and began walking as if something was lodged up where the sun didn’t shine. But her joke didn’t last very long before she broke into laughter. “You are lucky, that is what I see every day. You just see them there.” She pointed at where the audience sat. “And I saw Roman man who had bucket given to him when fingers dirty!” That Roman was nice, handsome even, but it was still bizarre to her. @Chevi

Nymphias took his hand happily, her cheeks turned red and she felt overwhelmed with joy. She had declared she would try to favour the Roman gods over her own the last time they met but hadn’t a clue of where to go after such an announcement. Nymphias followed him as they walked. Somehow Rome seemed prettier, a lot more brighter when Helios was around. “I looked forward too, waiting was painful,” she said and it was true. Every day she had been counting the hours, fantasising about how their interactions would go, and the wait felt long, almost unbearable, and then it became even more unbearable when she learned of her sister’s whereabouts. She really wanted to tell him the good news because she believed he’d be happy for her and the two could meet. “My master treats me well, he want me to watch little baby,” she said, trying to explain her new task and her daily life. It was busy but probably not all that exciting. “It make me busier. He want me to learn how to walk to Garden of Sallust, not to lie, not to gossip and… domina wants to pick my brain because she like to write stories. And I overhear master friend want to marry.” It couldn’t be gossiping if it was true. Besides, she hoped to go to the wedding, serving her domina. She turned to look up at Helios, just to admire his features but also to then ask him something about himself. “And is your master treat you well?” she said. @Atrice