Beauty

He sounded rather wise, a lot wiser than Nymphias believed herself capable of being. She did like what he described, the favouring of a clear sound mind. Most of her days and nights were spent crying, fearful, uncertain, that her mind was burdened with too much for a young woman of her age. But thinking of nothing at all, allowing nature to exist around her. That seemed nice. For once, she wanted to think of nothing at all. And she had the senator to thank for showing her this place and for approaching her so kindly despite her lowly station.

“Maybe you will,” said Nymphias, she had hope that things would pan out for the better. It was better to hope but sometimes the realities of her situation bit at her hope, making it hard. She turned her attention to the man next to her. “There was attack on my home, I don’t remember a lot. Him and my sister there and then I go back and they weren’t. I don’t know where he is.” She pictured her brother in her head, the way she did every night before sleeping. “His name is Turi and is older than me. Maybe one day you both will be friends. I think he will like you.”

@The Young Pope

Well, Valeria’s idea was a slight downgrade to what she called amusement. Testing one’s skills in knives wasn’t what she wanted, she wanted to see their eyes turn red and pop because of the pain inflicted on their bodies. Like, for instance, when someone, preferably her, was carving their bodies, piece by piece. Now, that was true amusement. Nymphias kept silent for sometime, as if to keep them all on their toes, wondering what she thought about Valeria’s orchestrated plan. Finally, Nymphias lips upturned into a wicked smile, eyes twinkling like they’ve never twinkled before.

“Come to me, Valeria,” she said, gesturing for the woman to come near to her. “And show me your thumb. If blood has been shed, we’ll go with your idea. And if there isn’t, I think I have a better idea of what we can do.” She then turned to Titus, snapping her fingers like he was a dog. Because, truly, to her, that’s all he was. A dog unless she needed a child for her husband but a dog, like him, didn’t need its tongue, eyes, or fingers, did it?

“Titus, set a fruit on Porcus’ head and take a knife into your hand,” ordered Nymphias, voice booming. “Porcus stand against the wall like the stupid oaf that you are.” Porcus did as was told, eyes skirting from Valeria to Titus, clearly begging them to help him. Beads of sweat rolled down his face and his lips quivered. “This is what happens if there is no blood on Valeria: Titus, you will throw a knife and try to hit the fruit, and only the fruit, on Porcus’ head. You miss? Well, Porcus will just have to pray he isn’t skewered.”

Porcus whimpered.

“Shut up,” said Nymphias coldly. “Keep moaning and we’ll all go into the country when you’re dead to watch pigs devour your flesh.”

@Liv @Joaquin

October 74AD

The day was hot, the heat bore down on him as he practised out on the tracks. But as the chariot moved, he felt the air around him move, stroking the pellets of sweat that formed against his brow and arms that held tightly to the reigns. A good charioteer had to keep “up-to-date”, especially if they wished to be better than their teammates or rivals. For a man who seemingly loved the spotlight, nodding at the spectators, he chose to bring the horses back to the stables himself without troubling the slaves. After pushing the chariot back in its proper place, he tossed the slaves who’d done the hard work some coinage to buy themselves something at the shops nearby on their next break.

It was hard not to feel pity for them when he’d once been in their position before. His time as a slave had been less than favourable but that was to be expected, he had been someone else’s property. But that was a long time ago and if you asked Bassus, it didn’t matter anymore. Dwelling in the past never helped anyone and the present was a constant battle.

When the charioteer sought for some shade, he caught sight of a girl, her skin fresh and devoid of age, so unlike his own. A cloth now in hand, he was busy wiping away the sweat that formed on his face and neck. He lips turned upwards into a smile as he approached her, nodding at her in greeting.

“Couldn’t help yourself watching the men train, could you?“ he said playfully. While first impressions were everything, youths tended to err on the side of humour. But perhaps it was the bit of “dad” that still left in him that made him make that remark. “Sorry that was rude. Bassus. Safinia, isn’t it? The new girl who sweet talked her way into a position involving lots of food.” He then lowered his voice. “Just between us, you’d be willing to sneak a weary man something during breaks?”

@Liv

As if the gods knew she was asking questions about the charioteers, one came out and Azarion pointed at him. Nymphias watched the man in curiosity and amusement, he looked to be from the same place as Azarion. East. She hadn’t noticed Azarion’s eye roll because she was much too engrossed in the interactions between the man’s fans and the man himself. The man looked so old but to a girl her age, anyone above her siblings’ age were quite old. When he gave them a thumb’s up, Nymphias gasped in shock. He noticed her! He had looked at her!

Nymphias, as if spellbound, grabbed Azarion by the arm and shook him. “Did you see that?” said Nymphias, who had no idea who the man was. She’d seen spectators calling out his name like he was important and that was enough to tell her that she should be excited, especially when a young woman had shrieked like a cat in heat. “He notice me!” The man had gestured to the both of them, now no longer paying attention to them, but Nymphias was starstruck without even knowing what was going on. “Maybe when you that old, you do that too? Now I tell everyone I meet charioteer. It is good thing I meet you and we are friends.” Everyone nice she met was a friend.

@Chevi

Bassus walked leisurely into the bright light and upon stepping out, he could hear his name being called. Now, he wasn’t as popular as Menelaus but he was a celebrity in his own right. A wave here, a wink there, and the crowd was just a little wild. A young woman shrieked at the top of her lungs at the stands, trying to catch his attention. Her poor throat, he thought, but blew a kiss in her direction nonetheless, just so she would not embarrass herself. Perhaps because he felt more gazes upon him, he turned his head to see Azarion and what he assumed to be a girl he was flirting with while on the job. He jerked a thumb’s up at them both. To greet the golden-haired girl but also to say “nice catch” to Azarion.  

To Nymphias four to five years sounded a long time. For one, she was only sixteen years old so four to five years was a long time for a sixteen year old, especially when she compared how much more mature she felt and appeared compared to when she was a child, which was exactly four to five years ago. However, secondly, she was just new to Rome, only having been there for a number of months, and so that number of years felt like a very long time to be in Rome and a slave. It made her fear she would be trapped in Rome for that period of time. And yet, surely, it was better than being dead.

Nymphias creased her brows in thought. Were Briton men crass? She only truly had her village for reference, her brothers included, and the other villages that she’d visited during her life and after her family had gone missing.

“Not as bad as Roman men,” said Nymphias in honesty. But she hadn’t realised that this difference might have been because she was free in Britannia and had been younger so less eyes were on her; whereas, in Rome, she was both older and a slave, someone not worthy of their own independence.

“I think they too busy to be crass,” said Nymphias. “Just like your people too busy to fight.” Nymphias then pointed at the kohl being wiped away. “I see so many with that in their eye. Does it always come out so easy? Do you wear that all the time? I think it look pretty on you.”

@Liv

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

He listened intently to her. More than his own life, he wanted money and his name to be known. It was indeed a challenge in Rome where there was quite the bustle of businesses but with Vibia, or rather Vesuvia, perhaps he could get some news and information that would be valuable to him and help him in his desires. A pawn, a toy but one with too much of a crafty tongue. It was a problem, simply because it was unpredictable, but nothing that he assumed he couldn’t deal with.

“You bring me money, as you have been doing, and give me what I want, which I am sure you have an idea as to what that is,” said Titus plainly and then waved his hand. It wasn’t like she’d never entertained other men before. “And I won’t say a single thing to Marco Falco. You have my word. All I want is information on every important person in Rome. I’m sure a woman of your profession and sharp tongue can handle that without difficulty.”

A compliment, perhaps. At least, he could admire someone who could get things done, even if a freedwoman, prostitute and woman. Titus didn’t think highly of most people. “And that’s how we’ll do this,” he said. “So you’ve given me money tonight, I will be expecting the other. But first, we can get to know one another.” He wanted to know more about the woman he was getting involved with.

@Sara

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 moment she continued her speech, he knew that was trying to rattle him. The smile was the cherry on top, she clearly thought she’d put him in his place. Titus turned, giving her his full attention, merely to watch her curiously, observing every crevice and every slight movement of her face. In small ways, she reminded him of himself. He let out a laugh and then shook his head as if in disbelief. Honestly, he expected Gaia to get more difficult the older she got. She was well into her thirties now, she was certainly no longer the child or younger woman she once was, so simple to manipulate.

“I would have said such a story wasn’t for such delicate ears,” said Titus, rising from his seat and moving to stand directly above her. “But you are not as innocent as you like to pretend you are...” He could see right through her current antics, she wasn’t at all innocent. She knew what she was doing. He remained where he was, towering above her before leaning in, hands tightly gripping the arms of the chair so that Gaia had no choice but to stare at him. He was inches from her face and could smell her perfumed scent. “Why do you think you can test me, Gaia? I could easily throw you into the streets with your son. And then where would you be? Without me, you would be forced to whore your body out, becoming looser than you already are.” He then patted the side of her cheek before rising.

@Joaquin

Most of what her domina said went into one ear and then out the other, simply because she used big words like “cohesive”, “unified”, “collection” and spoke swiftly, causing Nymphias to try and string together the sentence. Nymphias stood up as soon as she was told but found it strange that, even as a slave, she had to be told when to sit and when to stand. The Romans might as well tell her when to piss too. They liked to control everything, mainly because they had hearts of stone. No kind, compassionate person would keep another human like a dog. Granted, she’d seen dogs treated better than most slaves. It was this, among other reasons, that she despised slavery.

But she listened regardless, not even complaining as she stood at her full height. She was fearful that if she did say something, she would only get into trouble. Her stomach was like a bubbling cauldron and she began to sweat. She lowered herself again because she was told, her face blank, hiding her annoyance and anger. She rested on her knees again. It was one comment, one mishap on her part, and her mood was soured greatly. The woman always had a way with making her feel like an idiot and somehow, having no faith in herself since slavery, she had to agree.

@Joaquin

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

If he was offended by her insult to his establishment, he certainly didn’t show it outwardly. If the service was subpar he hardly cared as long as men came in like flock of brainless sheep, hoping to find a hole or several to use and abuse, that’s all that mattered. But he hoped she enjoyed her sip of wine while it lasted because he wasn’t letting her have more from the jug. Not until she pissed him off less. Classical conditioning worked on some people but he wasn’t quite sure about Vibia yet. If she hated him, good. He hoped she did. Nothing made arrangements like this simpler if there were no strings attached. They were less messier.

“I suppose that does interest me,” he said, tapping a finger on his chin as if he was thinking on it, but he didn’t want to sound too eager. When bargaining, or doing anything similar, it didn’t do well to appear too eager. He didn’t want her thinking she was the one pulling all the strings. Still, it was useful to have someone who was within the Domus Venus to spy around for him, especially when some men of Rome only visited the Domus Venus and not the Elysium.

“I can’t say that I can be trusted either,” said Titus, perhaps one of his most honest words. He’d spun over business partners in the past and tossed people when he grew bored or found no use for them. There was no knowing if he’d do the same to Vibia just yet. “I guess you’ll just not have to disappoint me then. But, tell me, Vesuvia, what do you think I can offer you?”

He wasn’t going to give her what she wanted but holding a scrap of meat over a yapping puppy’s mouth, toying with it, was entertaining.

@Sara

@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

He hated whenever his sister interfered with his discpline of the slaves. She could help manage the establishment but when it came to discipline, he preferred to leave the matters to himself or others who he trusted and felt would deliver it more effectively. While he appreciated her help, though he would not voice it out loud, he also did not want her undermining his choices.

Before she could head anywhere, he gestured for her to approach him. “No, you are not going anywhere,” said Titus firmly. He wasn’t going to let her leave just yet, not until he said so. She was stuck with him until he was done with her and moved on to something else. “The slaves, my workers, are not your friends. They are not even worthy of your attention.” The workers who had been there longer, those who knew how to navigate Titus and worked with him were the ones he much preferred and did not time, even if it was for survival and to stay clear of his ire. Still, they were not his friends and he preferred an emotional distance from them.

“Sit down, Gaia,” he said firmly. “Don’t you want to talk to your brother? I’m the only family you have left.” Outside her son, that was. But Titus had been in her life since the day she was born. He’d helped protect her from Gnaeus. He could have turned away the girl and her mother but he kept them, he made sure Gaia remembered that. “And probably one of the very few people who actually care about you. Rome doesn’t even know who you are. My name will become known at every corner of Rome one day but yours, no one will care. But I care. So sit with me.”

@Joaquin

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

“Oh, I’m sure you’ve been tempted,” he said dismissively. He was sure a good many people had been tempted but he was still standing and breathing. Why hadn’t they done anything, if he was so horrible? He hadn’t been expected to live in his earlier years of life by his father and looked where that man was. A pile of bones somewhere. The threat with the Collegium didn’t really trouble him. Perhaps it should have but it didn’t. However, the Syndicate was another problem entirely, probably a lot more tricky, but nothing he didn’t think he could handle with a little scheming. He’d survived the criminal world this long.

She had the gall to think she was even on the same level as him, let alone others that walked the earth, picking up a goblet and pouring herself more wine. If Vibia was stubborn and proud, Titus was just the same. He wanted to retreat back to his wine but instead grabbed the jug of wine from her hand and set it down elsewhere, far from her reach.

“If we’re in this together, you’ll just have to get used to me,” said Titus. Because she was going to be seeing more of him, whether she liked it or not. “Given our arrangement is quite convenient for me, you can be rest assured that your secret is not going anywhere. But don’t tempt me. I cannot imagine a single man that would want to fuck you with a mouth like yours. You make any man long to become a eunuch so do me the favour and lessen the wisecrack. And a girl like you with her allegiance torn cannot be trusted so easily. So you’ll have to earn my trust if we’re in this together.”

@Sara

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