Fuck and be merry!

[Anna]

DEC73

---

Laugher poured out into the streets surrounding the Domus Venus, the inhabitance of the brothel having a merry time as they all celebrated the festivities of Saturnalia. The doors were open, welcoming all those that ventured into from the streets. Common and noble alike. Fees were waved and her boys and girls held the right to refuse service if they wished. After all it was the time of year when all social norms were abandoned, and the Venus' lot had a little bit of say so thanks to the approval of their lovely Madam.

Titinia, herself, lounged on a sofa near a firepit for warmth. Tangled up in the blanket she had draped over herself. Eyes watching her boys and girls as they made merry. The Lord of Misrule running around playfully terrorizing some of the newer members of the 'household'. Her laughter mingling with the others as she sipped at her wine, before placing the goblet down to pour more for herself. She noticed figures hovering at the entrance and instantly her hand raised up, beckoning for those curious to come.

"Come, fine patrons." She called out, her tone melodic. Her smile charming and welcoming, "Come!" She said louder. "Enjoy the fruits Domus Venus has to offer."

[Gothic]

Marcus did not like Saturnalia much. He did enjoy it when he was not on duty although it was never pleasant watching other people enjoy themselves. Every so often he would have to smile and wave to make a show of things. 

It often meant certain slaves and workers of the Domus Venus had a chance to get uppity. Yet he knew that it was not his place to decline or protest. They would have also fallen on deaf ears. Naturally Calvunus was utterly loving the flirtation and gift giving like the twat that he is. He glanced down at the Domina of the Domus Venus reclined on a couch, and stood behind her faithfully as a guard for the evening. Naturally she was being gracious, friendly and was beautiful to behold. How many of them realised that she could be a demon from the Underworld? 

He watched the gathered nobles and commoners at the door. Already he wished he could focus on the things he treasured the most. Dice and drinking, not to mention time with certain workers who he favoured. 

For the time being he waited and hoped.

Titinia Novella

[Atrice]

Helios sent one of his clients out the door to enjoy Saturnalia. Helios however, he’d not be out there, on the streets. He had experienced this time of year before and besides, he was a slave. He had a mistress, he was fond of her and she was fond of how useful he was – after all, he was more than just a whore, he worked to pry secrets from his patrons… only to whisper them to his mistress, so that she could pass them on or use them for herself somehow. Not that he worked that hard tonight, because this was just a merry time of the year… and the patrons even sometimes enjoyed that switching roles thing with Helios, so that he’d be in charge and they would be his slave and bring him gifts. Before they paid him and left, as usual. In the end, he was indeed nothing more than prostitute to them. 

He slipped a light tunica over his head and adjusted the gold-like broad cuffs on his wrists and ran fingers through his hair to land it all down his back. His eyes were painted tonight and his cheekbones had been dusted with gold, so that even Helios seemed to shine bright like the sun – his own name – tonight. 

And then he left the chamber to reach the main entrance of the Domus Venus and as he entered the room, he remembered that he forgot to wipe his lips after the last patron left. And considering what he’d just done before he left… well, let's just say there should not be any leftovers visible for the next, right? Helios ran the backside of his hand over his mouth and lingered a bit in the doorway, before a couple strode past him to find private quarters for fun and pleasure.

He watched his mistress, lounged on a sofa and he watched Marcus, lingering near the doorway. He stood a moment, considering what to do… before he strode up to Marcus and rested an arm on his one shoulder, as he was something to lean against, “Io Saturnalia! Are you enjoying yourself?” It was obvious Marcus was not, but he was simply unable to stop himself. And although he enjoyed toying with the guard, he still kept an eye on the guests, walking by them both to get inside. It was obvious who the whore was and that Marcus was not here to take pleasure. Poor thing. 

Titinia Novella
Marcus Falco

[Gothic]

Marcus was not happy. He noticed Helios approach him and glanced away in hope that he would find somebody else to pester. Anybody else. He looked down at the Domina and knew she wanted everyone to be merry. Unfortunately for him he soon had Helios' arm draped around him, and visibly groaned. For now, he had to play along and it did not seem to matter to Helios that their positions would later be reversed. All that mattered to him now was that Marcus had to play nice. 

Marcus gave him a slow, strained smile and silently wished he could shave his head. Or otherwise find a way to dispose of him. Still, he had to play nice and the Domina would not approve of him making a scene during the Saturnalia celebrations. He wrapped his own arm around Helios' shoulder in what would be a familial, happy bond if it was not for the irritated look in his eye. 

"Oh yes, how could I not enjoy myself with you here?" He asked, in the distance he heard Calvunus laughing at something and enjoying himself. Marcus glanced down at the Domina and felt like a caged dog. Completely unable to act how he wanted to. 

Helios
Titinia Novella

[Gothic]

Gaia absolutely loved Saturnalia. It was one of her most favourite festival seasons. Who could not love the merriment that the came with it? The generosity? The giving? The sexual enjoyment? The feasting? It was all absolutely blissful. She wanted to get out of the villa and away from Corinthia's dark mood. She loved being around the happiness and naturally she ended up at the Domus Venus. She smiled, her eyes lit up at the festivities and of late she had been fairly modest in her tastes when it came to the flesh. In the crook of her arm she brought honeyed sweets, fruits, and other things to make joy. 

Gaia swayed a little as she watched the spendour around them. She waved to the elegant woman on the reclining couch, a beautiful sight and walked towards them. Her hand reached out for a goblet of wine, sipped it and offered a treat from her basket to the two men before she sat beside Titinia. Gaia had not met her before although she had been a distant client of the Domus Venus in the past. However, she never stepped foot inside the building itself -- she had been focused on sharing genorsity outside the building. 

She was not entirely sure how she ended up here. 

"Ave Venus," She smiled sweetly and offered her something from her basket. "Would you like to try some of my fruit?" She asked, playing the role of the role reversal that the Saturnalia was known for. 

Helios
Titinia Novella

[Atrice]

It was too easy, toying with Marcus. Someday, he thought, he might actually get a reaction from the guy… more than just words. But until then, the game was on. Helios had leaned an arm on Marcus’ shoulder and Marcus groaned and gave him a strained smile. Then he suddenly wrapped his arm around Helios – this surprised him, to be honest, he did not see that one coming! But well, it was Saturnalia, was it not? Helios let out a little laugh at Marcus’ response to his words.

“See, that’s exactly what I’d say. Hmm…” He suddenly had an idea. It was indeed Saturnalia, was it not? And usually, Helios was the slave and Marcus was his superior. He wondered if Marcus would like the idea of switching roles, but he wasn’t certain.

“You do know you should be serving me tonight, right?” He then said, glancing at Marcus, before a very pretty lady entered the brothel, carrying a basket of sweets and she handed some to Helios and Marcus. He happily picked up a sticky, honeyed fig and took a bite of the lush fruit and looked at Marcus again. Maybe Phaedo was right… maybe he did have a strange fondness for Marcus and he honestly didn’t know why. Marcus had only ever been rude towards him and never fun. And the attraction had not once been returned. So why was Helios drawn to him? 

Marcus Falco
Titinia Novella

[Gothic]

Marcus hated this fucking season. He wished he could squeeze his neck until the life drained from Helios' smug face. Yet.. both of them knew it would never happen. Helios was too valuable, and the Domina along with a woman who looked to enjoy the opium was sitting right there. Right there. 

Slowly Marcus' smile began to strain under the situation. He hated being trapped -- and he hated knowing that Calvunus was having the time of his life. Especially when it was away from him. The question still rang out in his mind, and it took his long for him to think of an adequate excuse. Finally, he had found one and his source of salvation lay on reclining and gestured with his finger towards the Domina of the Domus Venus. 

"Unfortunately for us," He said, tried his absolute best to sound sincere and sighed dramatically. His free hand rested on his chest as he did so. "I am busy tending to protecting the Domina of the establishment. I can't let any possible harm come to her, so you see," He grinned, pulled Helios close and gave him a loud, condescending kiss on the forehead. It made a loud and drawn out 'muaaaaah' sound. 

"I am too busy for you, goldylocks." 

Helios Titinia Novella

[Atrice]

Marcus hated this season? Helios really enjoyed it… people were so excited and so drunk and so ready to have a lot of fun. Not that he hadn’t already worked tonight, but still, this was Saturnalia and he was certain it would be a long night… it always was. And it had only just begun. For Marcus it might be even longer, if he kept looking so grumpy and wouldn’t join in the joy of the season.

While Helios enjoyed a honyed fig and had suggested Marcus should serve him tonight, the other claimed he was busy protecting the Domina… as if that ever stopped any bouncer for at least feeling a pair of lips somewhere good before! Then Marcus suddenly pulled Helios closer, but only to tease him or maybe even taunt him, by placing that kiss on his forehead. 

“We both know you’re not.” Helios said, “But you’re right, I should be busy too.” He slid away from Marcus and was about to walk away, but as if he could walk away without leaving one last tidbit for Marcus. He looked over his shoulder, “I won’t give up though, you know that, right? One day… you will come to me…” He winked and then he moved on, having seen a handsome redhead that needed some attention.

Exit Helios from the thread

Marcus Falco

[Anna]

Wanting nothing more than to scold her boy as he and Marcus exchanged words, Nia merely huffed in annoyance. The smallest of sounds that only she could hear. If she had her way, he'd have a cock in his mouth or even elsewhere, working to earn his keep. Instead, she drowned another goblet of wine to dull her senses as laughter once more erupted from the crowd. A pleasant smile on her lips. Movement caught her eye as a woman entered and offered them a gift. Calling her Venus. A small merry laugh left her at that, "Do not fill my head with such hubris, miss" She said with a flirty wink as she extended her hand to take the present offered. 

A peach. 

Considering it was out of season that meant the fruit was brought in from warmer climates, and this lady was rich - possibly upper class. "Welcome to Domus Venus, what brings you to our goddess' playhouse, my lady?" She asked as she sat up, snapping her fingers for someone to bring over another chair. "And what can I offer in return? Perhaps one of my best for the evening?" She said, waving towards her darlings, beckoning a few to come to her in case Gaia agreed. She mmed as she bit into the fruit, "Delicious!" 

[Gothic]

Gaia was perfectly happy in the present situation. With the two bickering men gone it gave her some time to focus on the beauty before her. She smiled, placed the piece of fruit in Titinia's hand and again, swayed on the spot. All the senses were always heightened this time of year. All Gaia knew when she asked for peaches, she received them and her head slave managed her accounts. Although lately Corinthia had taken a greater interest in the money.....

"Hmm, nothing but pleasure and the appreciation of beauty," She answered, raised her goblet in a salute whatever deity happened to be around them. Gaia looked at the chair that was brought, blinked and looked around in a hazy of confusion before she took it across from Titinia. Admittedly, she had wanted to sit with the brothel madame herself although Gaia was not one to complain nor push for more. Gaia turned her head to glance at the lovelies, each was beautiful and even moreso with the thrill of Saturnalia. 

"Oh, my lady," She answered, followed by a giggle. "Perhaps some time with your lovely self? If, you are willing?" 

@Anna

[Sarah]

It was a strange time of year, but deliberately so. They turned their world upside down in honour of the gods. Well, if that pleased them, then so be it. Spurius was generally of the opinion that the gods took more than they gave, but he kept it to himself. His own household slaves had been feasted and feted by his own hand, and those he trusted to return were given leave to enjoy the more varied celebrations in the neighbourhood. Even his stock slaves in the warehouse by the marketplace had been treated to a feast, with meat and good wine, and a musician to play for them that they might dance. Though Spurius was always careful to run his stock down to the bare minimum just before Saturnalia, as a means of controlling the cost.

Normally he used a litter when traveling any distance, possibly seen as aping his betters but it was for practical reasons, his limping gait would only carry him so far. But even Romulus and Remus - the muscular twins who carried his litter - were allowed to celebrate in this season. So when he felt restless in the evening he'd simply taken his staff and wandered, moving at an easy pace for the sake of his leg, hailing neighbours and unknowns on this night of revelry.

Whether by chance or by design, his uneven footsteps had led him to an area that was familiar from his work, and curiosity turned his steps. Following the light and sound he paused in the doorway of the Domus Venus, looming alongside his staff, the lamplight casting his deep-set eyes into shadows. He'd never come here for pleasure, only business. Occasionally he found promising slaves to offer to the Domina of the brothel; the most recent had been a young woman called Justinia, a few months ago. He did wonder whether the madame had been pleased with her.

He didn't expect to see another familiar figure, taking her ease in the warm room, whilst attractive young things flitted about. Ignoring the whores and the inevitable bodyguard, Spurius bowed good-humouredly to the two women. "Lady Titinia, always a delight." He lied warmly, part of the old game the two practiced business owners played. "And Lady Gaia, an unexpected pleasure." He added in her direction. "Whilst I maintain that you are surely far too young yourself to have a daughter so mature, do tell me, was she pleased with her barbarian?" The man was probably dead in the Arena by now, but as long as little miss had enjoyed him, he might yet have a future customer.

"And I trust the most recent was suitable?" This was to Titinia; no doubt he'd have heard about it if Justinia hadn't been.

@Gothic@Anna@Sydney

Edited April 14, 2019 by Sarah

[Sydney]

Saturnalia was something Justinia always looked forward to. The past couple years, her Dominus wouldn't let her participate, so she was looking forward to it when it came around. The festival was large, and even the most strict were letting loose. The Domus Venus was so joyful, running amok with many happy men and women of any class. Even the slaves were the happiest Justinia had ever seen. The woman was more than happy, running around with the other prostitutes and celebrating the festivities. It was a joyous occasion, and though Justinia usually took her time off as time for herself, she was more than happy to celebrate with others during the festival. 

The dark-haired girl loved the vibe that the Brothel had during the festivities. Even when she wasn't doing anything, she was smiling. There was something about the laughter, something about the freedom, that made her smile. Was this how it felt to people that weren't slaves? She figured that if she was ever not made a slave, she might smile all the time too. It was a thought that rarely came to her mind, but during the festivities, she just wondered. Justinia was content with being a slave, there was no doubt, and she never acted out. The thoughts were just thoughts, nothing more. 

She had just got done talking with another prostitute when she made her way to the front of the brothel. She was wearing her thin blue robeJustinia almost felt lost with not being given orders or always taking in customers. She managed nonetheless, spacing herself out with all of the festivities. She turned to Titania and Marcus, smiling and nodding. "Domina, Dominus," she said, smiling. She then turned to see her former Dominus, Spurius. Her smile went wide and her eyes lit up. She was so happy to see him! He had done all of this for her. "Dominus!" Her tone was very excited. "It is an honor to see you again. I am so glad you are here to visit!" 

@Gothic @Anna @Sarah

((Sorry for my late reply, totally forgot about this!!)) 

[Sarah]

He sold a lot of slaves, and whilst he generally remembered the Roman ones, at least vaguely, he never really expected to see them again, except possibly in passing. There were a few exceptions, household slaves for wealthy customers where he would take his wares to them, and the occasional troublesome return, but the majority moved through his care and onwards, to whatever life held in store for them.

Thus he wasn't expecting the additional greeting when the blue-clad whore entered the room and greeted her mistress, before turning to him. He looked her up and down, hazel gaze noting that she looked well indeed, and seemed to have taken to the life that chance and he himself had thrown her into. That was well. And yes, he remembered her, the obedient slave who's only real need had been some consistency in her life. "Justinia." He acknowledged, with a slight inclination of his head. He hadn't intended to visit the Domus Venus or see the slave he'd sold, but Fortuna was obviously in a whimsical mood. "You are looking well."

It was an odd feeling. As one who handled slaves every day, the turn-about of Saturnalia left him feeling slightly discombobulated, the usual social expectations overturned. What did one say to a slave who was one's equal on this night of nights? Perhaps it was doubly so because he wasn't accustomed to slaves he'd sold being quite so pleased to see him. He settled for, "I'm glad the Domus suits you." Not without a glance at Titinia; did she suit the Domus? That was always the more pertinent question.

@Sydney@Gothic@Anna

((My turn to apologise! Had an attack of real life.))

[Anna]

Titinia had no need to blush at the other woman's pretty words, nodding to her as she suggested more time with herself. "That I can easily agree to, my lady." She said with a wide smile. And was about to say more when another figure approached them. A familiar face to her, she noted when she realized it was her favorite 'supplier' coming to call. 

 

"Ave, Spurius." She replied fondly to him, "The delight I assure you is all mine." She said as she waved for one of the water boys to come present the man with wine. She quieted a bit to let him speak to Gaia, mentioning a barbarian for her daughter. And she gazed at the woman curiously. Spurius was right, she mused to herself, Gaia was surely too young to have a grown daughter. 

 

Then came the question of Justinia and she nodded, "She's a rare jewel, both pleasant and exquisitely gorgeous. I have a feeling she will not be with us for very long. Her kind tend to earn their way out of here far faster than expected." She said, giving a little pout at the thought but banished it when the girl in question came over to them. Her bright personality and response to seeing the trader a bit blinding. 

 

@Gothic @Sydney @Sarah

[Sarah]

The water boy brought him wine at the behest of his ever dignified mistress, and Spurius nodded politely in acknowledgement in Titinia's direction, before taking a sip. It was a good vintage, the madame was gracious to serve it, but that was something that he'd observed about her. Perhaps it was a front that went with the elite clientelle, but then he was no different with his own salesman's face.

But she was pleased with Justinia, which was well. The girl seemed just as pleased, even as Titinia lamented the tendency of her best slaves to earn their way to freedom faster than she'd like. Well, she didn't have to free them, but her slaves seemed to respond well to the possibility. Certainly Justinia seemed positively delighted with her current circumstances. "Only a problem if she wishes to leave." He observed, voice deepening slightly in amusement, accompanied by a humoured twist of the lips, as he glanced at the young lady in question. She was exquisite, as Titinia described her, and had flowered further with access to the arts and wiles of the brothel, turned out in a manner that brought out the best of her beauty.

"What would you do, if you were free?" He asked Justinia on impulse, carefully lowering himself into one of the available chairs, using his staff for support. Even as he asked he observed Gaia out of the corner  of his eye, aware that she had been a slave herself once, though he would not be so crass as to draw attention to the fact. She had also been the wife of an Imperial. A person's fortunes could change, in the blink of an eye. He was all too aware of that. Right now Justinia's seemed to be rising.

Even Spurius's might be said to be positive, surrounded as he was by three beautiful and confident women. Definitely the thorn amongst the roses.

@Gothic@Anna@Sydney