Forgetting Home || 12.02.73

[Sydney]

It had been a month since Justinia was sold to the slave trader. She had been with them for twelve years. Twelve years of hard work had been for nothing. Now she was almost back on the market, or she was going to be again. The thought terrified her. She had a traumatic experience when she was five. She was taken away from Alexandria and thrown on a boat, almost dying from suffocation from so many slaves, and then being tossed in a foreign land she didn't know. Her previous Dominus was so jealous of her that she was almost glad she was sold, but she had to start the process all over again. For the time being, it was with a man named Spurius. She mostly tried to fly under the radar of him. She was always extremely respectful and did things with no fuss. 

She wondered where her next home would be. Would it be like last time, where she might have a mother-figure to look up to but have an abusive family member? There were talks of her belonging in a brothel when she was in the previous household, so maybe she would be sent somewhere like that? The woman didn't know, but she hoped to find a place where they wouldn't hurt her. The only life she had mostly known was being a slave, so she had no desire to even break out of that title. She only remembered small details of Alexandria where she was born a bastard slave, but she had no knowledge of how she would ever get back to her mother. That was assuming her mother was alive, which she probably wasn't. 

Justinia snapped out of it when another slave told her that Spurius needed her. It was possible that it wasn't true, as she heard stories of people saying that their master needing them and didn't, resulting in a beating. That was the last thing Justinia wanted, but she went along anyways. She was scared that it was time for her auction, though she didn't want it to be yet. Another thought was whether she would be held for private or public auction. She was young, beautiful, and in good health, so she was wishing for a private one, though it was never up to her. 

She stood in front of her temporary Dominus, his height towering above her petite stature. "You called Dominus?" She said, her eyes looking down out of respect. 

@Sarah

[Sarah]

Spurius dealt a great deal in barbarian slaves. They were easy to handle in large numbers and virtually disposable, though not hugely profitable individually unless they were particularly unusual. Did the slaver take a certain sadistic pleasure in buying and selling like cattle those who had once injured him on the frontier? Maybe. It was hard to tell with Spurius where his passions lay, if indeed he had many. Whatever he enjoyed, he didn't do so in public, and there were no particular indications that he was a drunk, lustful, a gambler or a sadist. He did attend the theater occasionally, though that could mean anything.

But whilst he dealt considerably in chalk-footed foreigners, Spurius was a businessman and knew that a good Roman slave could be worth twelve times what an untamed barbarian would fetch. Bands of foreigners moved in and out of the large pens inside the warehouse that was converted to look much like a stables - though not for four-legged livestock - at a rapid pace, as they were sold in groups to the Ludus or as labour gangs for farms outside the city. Valuable slaves - Roman born or at least well trained - were housed in smaller dormitories where they had a little more space and their own pallets to sleep on. They also got a little meat with their food, and softer tunics to wear, and were generally cared for like a prized horse, whilst Spurius identified the buyers most likely to pay a good price for them.

Some went quickly; indeed he often had buyers for tutors and makeup artists even before he obtained them. Others, where he saw potential, were kept until just the right opportunity arose. Some, if they were particularly well behaved, were permitted to roam the warehouse and the connected yard, and put to work maintaining it until their time came. One such was the obedient young woman with the exotic, dark skin and fine looks that spoke of blood from the south. She'd been set to serving out the food to the other slaves, and cleaning the smaller rooms. And she'd done it all without complaint. Still, he was of the opinion that she'd be wasted as a house slave, and at last he thought he'd found the right buyer for her.

He noted approvingly that she came when sent for, hazel gaze running over her once more as she stood before him, assuring himself that she was as he remembered. That birthmark he knew she had might stand against her, but then it might not matter by the time it was seen. "I did." He confirmed, and his expression betrayed no particular emotion, only a business-like interest as he took in her air of innocence and blossoming womanly figure. Yes, with her looks she'd probably suit perfectly those he had in mind, though she might need training. He would need to determine that.

"Tell me, what did you do for your last Dominus and Domina?" He asked bluntly. By all accounts she'd been a favourite of her Domina until the woman had passed and her husband had tired of the girl, but what exactly that had meant for Justinia would need to be determined.

@Sydney

[Sydney]

Justinia felt strange answering questions from her masters. The past couple years, her Dominus very rarely asked her a question that wasn’t rhetorical. Her Domina, on the other hand, encouraged her to ask questions and talk freely, though she rarely did. To her, it was always an unspoken rule that slaves would mostly only talk when given something to respond to. She was never a chatty slave, not really getting into the gossip of what they would talk about in their free time. Rather than gossip, she’d spend her times daydreaming, which may arguably be worse. Sometimes her head was in the clouds and her problems were at her feet, but 

The man scared her a little as any slave trader did. The heart someone must have to do that kind of job must have been cold. Even when he spoke to her, it was without emotion. It wasn’t the motherly voice of her Domina, or the hatred growl of her Dominus. If she were to describe it, it was blunt and indifferent. Justinia didn’t waste any time answering his question. 

“I was a personal assistant for my Domina since the age of five. After my Domina passed away, I was a house and pleasure slave to my Dominus.” Justinia said without hesitation. She didn’t know why, but she was always so embarrassed to say that her Dominus used her in ways she didn’t know a slave could be outside of a brothel. She was naive to the whole aspect of what happened in other households because she was so sheltered in her own. She also wondered what her previous owner said about her when he sold her off. He probably downplayed everything about her. She knew he hated her and wanted her to have a terrible life, so she wondered if every flaw was written down about her. She would never dare to ask, but it was a reoccurring thought she had. 

@Sarah

[Sarah]

A vast change of fortunes, once her Domina passed, but neither particularly surprising nor unusual. It was common, normal, for a man to take his pleasure with his slaves; perhaps the fact that Justinia had been the favourite of her previous master's wife was the only reason she'd been spared that earlier. Perhaps it was the reason she hadn't been afterwards, or even the reason the man had been eager to get rid of her. She'd been a steal; her previous Dominus's eagerness to talk her down had meant that Spurius could haggle down the price; beyond that he made his own judgements. It was one of the reasons that he hadn't been quick to move her on; a slaver had to provide guarantees and he needed to determine how much of what her seller had said was true, or exaggeration.

Quite a lot of it, as it turned out. At least, she'd been quiet and obedient whilst in his keeping. If she proved otherwise for her new masters and he was forced to buy her back, well, things might take a different turn. But for now she'd responded well to a firm but light hand, and made no trouble. She also answered his question easily and presumably truthfully. Some slaves, especially the younger ones, were loathe to admit they'd been used in such ways, but Spurius was only interested from a business point of view. How could you think less of someone who was already a slave?

"Your previous Dominus bedded you; good." The mistress of the Domus Venus wouldn't have to have her broken in then. Spurius was always cautious when dealing with the Syndicate; dealing well with them was insurance for the future, and they could pay, but hand them a slave that was more trouble than worth and the trouble could all come back to him, doubled. So he did so with care, as he did many of the things in his life.

And yet... "He did not seem particularly pleased with you. Why?" Was there same behavioural reason, something she hadn't shown whilst in his keeping? Or was she just lousy in bed? He didn't want to find out that she had a problem the hard way; from the Syndicate.

@Sydney

[Sydney]

Justinia wondered how many times he had to have this conversation with slaves. For her, it was uncomfortable, but she didn't show it. It must've been a normal thing for the man, asking slaves questions so they could be sold. It was still quite scary to her, as she had never had a good experience with a man. First was her Dominus in Alexandria and then her last Dominus. Men scared Justinia if she was honest, but she knew she would need to get over that fear quickly. 

When her temporary Dominus said that it was good she was bedded, she nodded. Justinia didn't know why that was good, but maybe she was going to a Brothel. She had only heard stories and rumors of people living in Brothels. It was full of many slaves, so maybe that would be good for Justinia. She would be able to make friends and hopefully be treated well. If she was going to please for a living, she wanted it to be better than her last home. 

He asked her why her last Dominus wasn't pleased with her. She took a pause, trying to figure out how she should say it. "I believe as if he felt my Domina was spending too much time with me and not with him. He resented me even though I did everything he asked without hesitation." She said. Her voice cracked when she said that he resented her. It was an unintentional flaw that her emotions sometimes got to her, though her Domina always tried to make sure that they didn't. She wished he hadn't hated her. 

@Sarah

[Sarah]

Such conversations were normal for Spurius, as Justinia suspected he had them many times, with many people, over the years. He was brusque and businesslike, but not in any way derogatory; he wasn't out to humiliate her. There would be no point. He only wanted information, to enable him to determine where the best market for her might lie. As long as his questions were answered truthfully and promptly, then this could be over quickly and painlessly.

And it seemed they were; at least, there were none of the usual signs that the slave was lying to him, and the answers that Justinia gave him made sense. Her Domina had been more fond of her than of her husband, and following her passing Justinia's Dominus had used her just enough to assert his complete dominance over the woman he was, in fact, jealous of, before getting rid of her. Though the fact that she felt it necessary to emphasise the man's resentment in the face of her obedience might be a warning sign; did she protest too much?

"Everything?" He echoed, the first time he'd really responded directly to what Justinia had said. He had a deep, baritone voice but his tone was mild, only vaguely curious. "And what did he ask of you?" Since she felt it worth mentioning, perhaps it was worth finding out. Maybe Justinia would learn that it was better not to volunteer any information beyond what was specifically asked.

@Sydney

Edited April 14, 2019 by Sarah

[Sydney]

Everything? 

The word echoed in her head. He asked her to elaborate on that. Maybe she said too much. Her Domina told her that sometimes she would explain herself too often. Justinia didn’t get a chance to talk very often, but when she did, she would sometimes over-elaborate on things when speaking to her Domina or Dominus. It was one of the things she shamed herself for. She took pride in being attentive and hard-working, though when talking to someone higher than her, she felt the need to explain too much. Had she done something wrong? Surely she must have if he asked her to elaborate. She figured the answer to his question was a given. 

She knew she had to answer his question. A few seconds of silence went by before she answered him. What was he looking for in her answer? She didn’t know, but it was best not to keep him waiting. 

“Many things. From cleaning hard-to-reach places, gardening, and scrubbing the bathtub to dropping everything to please him in whatever way he asked. I was there to serve my Dominus and nothing more.” She said the last line to possibly redeem herself if she said anything wrong. She wanted to be the ideal slave, and maybe if she was, she might be free one day. She did nothing but try her best to be perfect, but even trying wasn’t enough for her last Dominus. 

@Sarah

[Sarah]

Nothing particularly unusual then. He'd thought perhaps from the way she said it that her previous Dominus might have had some strange kink or fetish that she'd been asked to fulfill; occasionally such information could be useful. But no. It seemed it was simply that her efforts had not been appreciated by her Dominus the way they had by her Domina; if she's grown up with the woman then perhaps that had come as a shock. Hopefully she hadn't been ruined by that woman's attention. Perhaps she needed a reality check.

Spurius drew a long breath in through his nose, hazel eyes unsympathetic. "Your Domina was unusual. Do not expect appreciation for your efforts." He told Justinia bluntly. "Your place is to serve. If you need no correction, you have done well, and that is all the accolade you will receive." Not expression of appreciation, but lack of punishment, was the reward for a slave performing as they should. At least, in many households, and Spurius had no desire to instill in her an expectation of anything more. Such was life, and if it seemed unfair, no doubt if the Gods thought she deserved better then she would have been born free.

"Did your Domina bed you as well?" He asked, knowing that the whores of the Domus Venus were expected to service all comers. The more accurate information he could provide Titinia about her skills, the more appreciative she was likely to be, financially. He hadn't yet learned anything that suggested that wasn't the best place for her, and if she expressed dissatisfaction at a lack of appreciation, no doubt Titinia could beat that expectation out of her. Then again, if she did well, her patrons might be very appreciative.

@Sydney

[Sydney]

Justinia never thought for a minute that her place wasn't to serve. She did take pride in being a very obedient servant, though the pride was very subtle. Being a slave was something she had known all of her life, so she knew what she needed to do to survive. She watched her mother rebel against her slavery, which ended up almost killing the both of them. For her sake, she knew she had to keep on living to one day see Alexandria again. 

She knew that her Domina treated her well, better than most other slaves. She was fed, bathed, and taught to read simple words. After she passed and her Dominus took over, she was told that she should be treated like the way he treated her, and Justinia did not ask any questions. She listened to the man speak, nodding but not saying anything else. Maybe the less she said, the less trouble she would be in. He already seemed possibly...annoyed with her, for lack of a better word. 

When he asked if her Domina bedded her, she shook her head. "No, Dominus," she responded. Her Domina once told her that she was infertile and always wanted a child of her own. To Justinia, she felt that she was the closest her Domina ever had to a child despite still being a slave. She had never been asked so many questions before by an owner, so it was strange answering them. 

@Sarah

[Sarah]

Pride went before a fall. Spurius wasn't particularly disdainful of his wares but he had no need for a reputation for selling uppity slaves, so he kept those in his temporary care under a firm hand. For all he knew, Justinia might be very well treated by her next master, and good luck to her if she was. But she might not, so it was best she not have high expectations, it would only make trouble for her, and thus for him. She seemed to get the message, which was just as well.

Some might be surprised by the time he took to learn about her past but Spurius made a point of knowing his stock, all the better to find the best use for them, and the best price for himself. He'd thought that Justinia - young, beautiful and largely unblemished - would make a good whore, and nothing he'd heard had dissuaded him of that. She'd been broken in at least. Her Domina hadn't bedded her, so she'd have to learn those particular skills on the job, but no doubt Titinia would see that she did.

"Well, you'll learn." He said simply. "I'm going to sell you to the Domus Venus." He'd learned from experience that it was better to tell slaves what their intended fate was, rather than leave them wondering. They had time to accept it and there were less behavioural problems due to fear and uncertainty whilst he was holding them. He was pretty sure that Titinia would want this one, he knew her tastes. "It's a brothel; one of the best in the city. Only high class customers. I dare say you'll be treated very well, if you please your new mistress." If she didn't she might find herself at a rather less genteel establishment. "Do you understand?"

@Sydney

[Sydney]

Justinia didn't know how to take the news. She'd be sold to Domus Venus, and that was it. It wasn't like she had a say in it or anything, though she was more in shock. One of the best brothels wanted her? On one hand, she was very pleased. Maybe she would be taken care of and make friends with the other prostitutes. On another hand, she had no idea how to be a prostitute. She had only provided services to her former Dominus, so she knew how to do a lot of things, but not all of it. Was she suppose to be sultry? Obedient? Both? She had no idea how to do the former. She never thought of herself as a prostitute, but now she had no other choice but to figure it out quickly. 

He said that she would be treated very well if she pleased her mistress. Justinia was going to without a doubt, as she was going to try as hard as she could. She had a motive--to not be sold again--and that she would be the best prostitute there was! Though she had no idea how to, she would figure it out. The girl learned fast, so she hoped to pick it up quickly. She knew she was naive about the whole situation, but she had to go into it with a good attitude. She didn't really have a choice. 

"Yes I understand, Dominus," she said, nodding. She tried not to show any expression on her face because she still didn't know how to feel about it. She wanted to say something to her Dominus, but she didn't know if she could. "May I speak, Dominus?" She asked him, though she was fearful that he would reject her and possibly beat her for speaking out of turn. Still, she wondered if he would let her. If he rejected her question, she would shut her mouth. That's just how it was. 

@Sarah

Edited April 17, 2019 by Sydney

[Sarah]

It was best that Justinia's questions about her future went unasked; even had he wanted to, Spurius couldn't answer them. The training of whores and prostitutes was the realm of others; he just sold them. He was however quite sure that her new mistress would not hesitate to make known what was expected of her.

At least there were no protestations. Some female slaves appeared horrified at the idea of being a prostitute, however familiar their previous master might have been with them. Perhaps there was a difference between one and many? Others seemed resigned, some almost intrigued by the idea. If anything Justinia seemed to fall into the last category. It was, at least, a very good brothel. Spurius didn't tend to handle the kind of slaves that would end up in the poor ones.

Good, she understood. That was all that was necessary. Understanding, and acceptance. He'd take her down there personally, not trusting one of his factors not to get swindled by the madame. Besides, he enjoyed the verbal sparring with Titinia, though that was all that he enjoyed from her and hers.

And that would normally have been the end of it, had Justinia not spoken. Spurius raised one eyebrow at her in an appraising manner. "You may." He said after a moment, humouring her.

@Sydney

[Sydney]

The slave was surprised by her temporary Dominus' answer. Very rarely did he allow slaves to speak out of turn, though she didn't see many slaves ever ask. She figured his answer might be different if she was in the presence of other slaves, but it was just the two of them. The last thing she wanted to do was make her Dominus mad, but the words she was about to say were said out of honesty and nothing else. 

"I just wanted to thank you," she said sincerely. "You are kind yet strict to us and give us a good home. I will miss you when I am gone." She was scared of him, yes, but not for the reasons most would think. He was strict and had a lot of power over them, but she respected him as a master. After her last master was terrible to her, she appreciated a change. He might have been hard on the slaves, but it was for the best. Most would find homes, hopefully good homes, and work hard there too. As a slave, there was no other option but for them to work hard to not be sold. 

She enjoyed her time at her temporary Dominus' place. Justinia didn't mind cleaning or doing chores. She found it calming. It was the first time she had a master she respected. Her former mistress was very motherly towards her and her former masters were both full of hate. Spurius was the only male master she had whom she didn't despise, and therefore, she respected him. 

@Sarah

[Sarah]

He didn't usually allow the slaves he sold much freedom of speech, but Justinia had proven largely obedient and he saw no harm in humouring her; she might even see it as reward. Had they not been alone he most likely would have refused, but there was no one present to get wrong ideas. Still, he reserved judgement on his own decision until he heard what she had to say. Her words, when they came, were unexpected, though he didn't let surprise show on his horsey features. Instead he responded with a slight nod, inclining his head in acknowledgement.

Her words only confirmed what he himself had determined over time. Slaves, like horses, dogs and children, benefited from routine and from knowing what was expected of them. Many of their behavioural problems were brought on by their own masters. It was hardly surprising that they responded poorly to a cruel master, when nothing they might do brought reprieve, or a mercurial master, one who might lavish praise one moment and beat them the next, for there was no obvious cause and effect. In a way Justinia had suffered the latter, beloved by her Domina but used and despised by her Dominus, and no doubt for the same behaviours. Who could blame her for being confused and anxious?

Spurius himself had no time for those who could not control their passions and tempers. He maintained a stable environment in what was already a stressful and uncertain process for the slaves involved, and very clear rules. Good behaviour was rewarded with peace, warmth, food and a very limited freedom. Bad behaviour was punished, but even the latter had no malice. Punishment was delivered with the intention that it be learned from, and not require repetition. And it was amazing how many 'bad slaves' responded well to the firm but fair approach. And indeed appreciated it.

That hazel gaze held Justinia's dark one for a long moment, before the corner of his mouth quirked in the suggestion of a smile. "Your best thanks to me will be to serve your new mistress well." He said simply. Titinia also understood the importance of handling one's slaves properly; Justinia would likely flower under her guidance. "If you do, you will probably never see me again." Meaning she would not need to be re-sold. He wasn't accustomed to slaves declaring that they would miss him, but he suspected it was simply that she would miss her first stable home.

"Go now, you may continue with your chores. Indoors only, I want no blemishes on your skin before I take you to the Domus Venus." It was clear that he considered the interview to be over.

@Sydney