The Bridge is Crossed [M-S]

[Sara]

Charis lay virtually prone under him, pinned down from the placement of his arm next to her and his weight. She made no effort to entice him, nor to make out like she was enjoying it and stayed silent, his sounds of pleasure the only noise in the room. She tried to imagine herself with somebody else but that felt...wrong, and she opened her eyes but kept her gaze firmly on the pitcher of wine next to her, not on him moving above her. It was not painful per se, but it was uncomfortable and she tried to shift a little to ease it but to no avail. Still, she felt his body tense and knew it would be over soon, and tried to keep her thoughts on anything but what was happening. 

When he was finished and she felt him slump, she couldn't help the way her face crumpled. She had never been somebody that cried a lot, or got upset easily but lying there, feeling so...used, made her eyes water and she swallowed uneven breaths to keep from crying. 

As he moved off of her, she quickly moved her hands to wipe at her eyes so he wouldn't see her upset; both because she was ashamed at her weakness (the last few dregs of pride left!) and because she didn't want to raise his ire. The latter was the same reason she didn't immediately move to cover herself with the sheets on his bed or her discarded tunica, much as she was desperate too. When he spoke, as she was still trying to settle her breathing, she cast a quick glance to him and was surprised to find him looking back at her. He looked satisfied, she thought, and she held his gaze for a moment before dropping her watery eyes and turning her head the other way to the pitcher of wine. Gingerly, and ignoring the ache between her thighs, she moved to sit up and reached out to pour a cup of the wine she had drank two cups of. It had, at least, made her relax and feel a little light-headed for this interaction. Spilling a few drops as she poured, she nonetheless brought the cup to him, holding it out for him to take. 

She didn't know what to say but at least her breathing had settled and her eyes were beginning to lose their tearful sheen. She'd cry later, when she could find somewhere alone. She didn't want him to see how this had affected her. Instead, she said in a quiet voice (hopeful); "Do you want me leave, domine?" She wanted to wash every inch of herself from her head to her toes to try and get the feeling of what had happened off of her, but he had said to Hector he wanted her for the evening, was this all he wanted?

 

TAG: @Atrice

[Atrice]

He didn’t care so much that she didn’t take joy in this little act. That wasn’t why they were here. Not that he considered it much, once he was inside of her, but deep within he knew that he was teaching her a lesson here and he was enjoying that she was his to have. No matter how he wanted her and when he wanted her, he’d have her if he wanted to. And if she tried to escape it, it would only be worse. She seemed to understand that, since she didn’t even squirm. When he had finished and before he moved off of her, he thought he’d seen her eyes water a little, but he moved away to let them both catch their breath in the aftermath.

Tertius was getting thirsty now though and acted as he’d always do – she had taken Hectors place tonight and Hector would of course always bring Tertius something to drink afterwards. Hector knew what Tertius wanted and what he liked. Charis knew no such thing yet, it seemed, but she was learning and Tertius was already thinking he might want her again. And next time it wouldn’t be to teach her a lesson… unless he had to, of course. Charis had watery eyes still though – had she been crying, silently? Well then maybe she had really understood her place then. Tertius didn’t like causing anyone tears, but if it was what she had to do now, that’s just how it was. She sat up and poured the wine for him and held the cup to him.

Tertius sat a little up to empty the entire cup, still feeling a little flushed after his climax. Charis then wondered if she should leave and Tertius looked her over. Look at her, being all quiet and humble now. He thought it over. Hector would never ask to leave and he’d always spend the night here. But he’d asked Hector to not be disturbed and Charis was here now and it might be nice, sleeping next to her. He then decided on a compromise on her idea, “You can go and wash yourself, if you want to. But come back and spend the night here, next to me. Not that I’m ready for more… but I’d like for you to stay.” He didn’t know why he felt he should add that he wasn’t ready for more pleasure, but it might make her dislike the idea of staying here less. And he’d only wanted to show her she was his all the way. He didn’t want her to hate him.

@Sara

[Sara]

At his instruction, she only nodded and said quietly; "Yes domine." She didn't particularly want to leave and face the curious glances of the other slaves, but nor did she particularly want to stay in his bed. Silently, she slipped off the edge and padded over to where she had discarded her tunica. The loincloth was unnecessary now, and so she simply threw the the plain dress over her head and with a nod of acknowledgement to Tertius, moved quietly and slipped from the room.

Once out of the room she felt her hands tremble and a feeling of dizziness overwhelm her. It might have been the wine, its effects finally hitting her - or perhaps more likely the realisation of what had happened, what she felt she had let happen. She considered, for a moment, that if her family could see her now they would be disgusted; putting up no fight, opening her legs at his asking, nodding meekly and smiling to a man who represented so much loss for their family. She tried to steady her breathing but felt what she imagined was a great metal anvil sinking onto her chest and the pain of it backed her against the wall where she tried to compose herself. If this was his punishment, not to make her hurt physically but to demonstrate just how weak and out of control she was well...he had certainly succeeded. 

After a few moments of leaning against the wall, and when she had recovered enough of her senses she silently moved through the rooms of the domus to the curtain separating the slave quarters. She heard chattering and laughs from the kitchen and steeling herself, pulled back the curtain and slipped inside. She could feel eyes on her but she didn't acknowledge them, and mercifully couldn't see Teutus or Hector amongst those in the room. She did see Rhoda, who had a glint of suspicion in her eye that Charis had never seen before. Did they think she wanted this? Wordlessly, she moved to take a small bowl of water and a discarded square of linen and went to the latrine.

When she had cleaned herself as best as she could (although what she really wanted to do was sink into a boiling hot bath) she discarded the bowl in the kitchen and returned to her own pallet, taking a shorter tunica that she slept in in her hands. To any observer she would have seen in a bit of a daze; she moved silently, not acknowledging anybody, until she had stumbled back to outside Tertius' cubiculum. She did hear the snigger of malice from the others that followed her as she left the slave quarters, however. She didn't knock - he was expecting her - and moved back into his room. Still silent, she turned her back to him and slipped off the long tunica, replacing it with the one she slept in. She was fiddling with her waist length hair when she turned around, trying to tame it after the sex into a sensible braid - her nimble fingers working to plait it.

Quietly, she stepped up to the end of the bed and keeping her head down, defeated, she asked; "Can get something for you domine?"

 

TAG: @Atrice

[Atrice]

So she’d spend the night here, instead of Hector. It would be quite the change, sleeping next to her instead of his usual partner, but he also kind of looked forwards to it. Having a woman by his side… it had been a long while. He couldn’t recall sleeping with any others of his female slaves he currently had. Last time he was with a woman was months ago and it was one of the finer courtesans of the Domus Venus and they hadn’t met there or here, but in one of the gardens of Rome and naturally had a room in a tavern later. So it wasn’t the same. Charis wasn’t leaving after this, she was his and she’d stay his. She was here at his mercy and for his pleasure. And what pleasure.

She quietly left the room, only dressed in her tunica and Tertius only stood after she left to also clean himself a bit – there was a bowl and a pitcher on a shelf and whenever that pitcher of water was emptied, it was filled with clean water for the next use. He could use that. Usually Hector would be doing this job, so he supposed it should be Charis, but she’d left and he could do it himself – he wasn’t that dependent, after all, but slaves were just so convenient for such things. After he had cleaned himself, he put on a simpler tunica for sleeping and had a glance out the window. It wasn’t that late in the evening yet, but perhaps this would mean he’d rise early and get to work early tomorrow.

When he’d sat down on the bed again, Charis entered once more and changed her day-tunica with a different and shorter one too. Tertius couldn't help but let his eyes wander over her body and then to her fingers, as she tried to control her hair and but it into a braid. Such a simple task that she’d probably done hundreds of times, but Tertius hadn’t seen it before and in the evening light coming from the window, it was a lovely sight. Afterwards, she came over to the bed with her head down and he could tell from her expression and the way she held herself… that his punishment had worked. She knew and understood her place now. He considered having her change the water in the pitcher, but also knew that Hector might do it while they both slept.

“No… I don’t need anything else but sleep now.” Tertius said with a small smile, but then it faded, as he thought there was more they should talk about, “I hope you understand now, that there is no way you have me wrapped around your finger. Don’t forget that, Charis.” He said with a more serious tone to his voice, “With that said, I am feeling satisfied and pleased now. Come… this bed must surely be nicer than the quarters you usually sleep in.” He patted the other side of the bed and pulled the covers away so she could slip underneath them next to him. He wasn’t really all that tired yet, so thought it might be nice to chat a little before they went to sleep. Hopefully she’d be up for that too.

@Sara

[Sara]

He was right. There was no way she was controlling him anymore. She had tried, and was evidently useless. She felt defeated, in every sense of that word - and even if anger bubbled somewhere deep inside of her at what had happened, what he had done, it was buried deep and she just felt...hollow now. "I understand domine." She didn't even deny she had said it now. He evidently believed she did, what was the point in lying now? 

She offered no acknowledgement to his suggestion he was pleased. He had treated her as toy for his pleasure that was all - why should she be glad she had served her purpose? Much of her bravado and confidence had seeped away now, and when he patted the bed she dutifully moved to slip in between the covers next to him. It was nicer, although the company could do with some work. She sank back a little against the cushions and she breathed a deep sigh to settle her still frayed nerves. She risked a glance at him before averting her eyes, answering him as her gaze was fixated on the ornate stitching of the coverlet. "My pallet fine in slave quarters but his is very nice, thank you domine." She replied blandly. Is this what Hector did? Nurture his ego every night after a fuck? Smile politely and flatter him? She felt a renewed bubble of anger deep in her stomach at the thought that she was no better than him, but her overwhelming feeling was one of defeat. What point would it serve to rail against him?

She hadn't realised she was still braiding her hair until her fingers reached the end and she wound the loose scrap of material she had extracted earlier around the end to secure it. She didn't know if he wanted to talk but ventured he probably did. She remembered his frustration well in the garden, at her uselessness in predicting what he wanted; he seemed to want her dually meek but also all knowing. Casting another quick glance up at him, she said quietly; "Can I ask question?" She didn't wait for him to respond but said meekly; "Am I still work in garden domine?" She hoped not; it was what had led to this. Maybe she would enjoy the seclusion of the kitchens, even if the work was harder and more dull.

 

TAG: @Atrice

[Atrice]

Tertius was pleased that he’d succeeded in teaching her a lesson and it hadn’t even been all that difficult. He’d done the right thing, chosen the right punishment then. Forcing her to submit because in the long run, she would have to anyway – and if she hadn’t cooperated on the matter, it might have hurt more and been less pleasant for her. But she had cooperated now and it was over. He would sleep with her in his arms tonight instead. She said she understood and he nodded, “Good. I’m glad.” He said, because her submitting properly did really make everything easier for both of them. For everyone here in the household. Disloyal slaves were no use.

When she moved into the bed, she said that her bed in the slave quarters was fine too, but considered his bed nice. And she thanked him. See, she behaved. She’d learned her place now. Yes, Tertius was definitely pleased with his own actions and reactions in this matter no matter if she was not very happy. She didn’t have to be. As long as she understood.

He wasn’t too tired yet though and Charis wondered if she could ask a question. He nodded and she continued right away, wondering if she would still work in the garden. Well he didn’t see why she shouldn’t. It had blossomed since she took care of it and it would please him much to have her around in the garden still. The garden reminded him of something though and he glanced shortly at the rose on the table next to her, “Yes, you’ll continue working in the garden. But you will not leave the domus until I allow it again.” Tertius explained to her and then tilted his head a little, “I was by the wondering… how come you had a rose in your hair today?” She didn’t usually have a rose in her hair, after all.

@Sara

[Sara]

Charis managed to hide her disappointment that she'd still be outside. How the tables had turned! A few weeks ago she'd been so pleased with herself to get outside in the beauty of the garden, but now she only wanted to hide. Still, what could she say to make him change his mind? The second statement made her feel worse though. Gone were her market trips with Cynane...but she cautiously asked; "Even no visit to baths, domine?" She had begun to enjoy her late evening trips to wash away the hard work, and the thought of even that being curtailed was painful. Of course, he wanted her again (and she honestly couldn't tell if he would ask her back into his bed), he surely wouldn't be averse to her being clean and even. prepared in the Roman way, as distasteful as it was. 

His question startled her though, and she glanced at him and followed his eyes to the rose still lying, beautiful and pristine on the table next to her. "Oh...I in garden earlier, I need cut heads off roses so they keep growing, so they do not die." She spoke softly, and moved to pick up the rose, running her fingers over it. It was beautiful. "Domina Antonia was there with Teutus and I took thorn off roses to put in her hair if she wanted." That wasn't strictly true, it was for Teutus - but given what he had said about flirting - she didn't  think it prudent to mention to Tertius. "I put in my hair because pretty and it would be thrown away, domine." She hoped her explanation, dull as it was, sufficed. She glanced at him - he hadn't said she could look at him, but given they were now in bed she risked it, "I...won't do again if you don't like." Why did she now suddenly care what he thought? 

 

TAG: @Atrice

[Atrice]

When he told her there would be no leaving the house until he said so, she wondered if she couldn’t even visit the baths. So she had discovered the Roman baths… that at least was something. He thought it over for a moment, because that at least was a good thing… that she’d keep herself clean, “You can visit the baths. But make sure to let me know first, before you leave.” He informed her and then he suddenly recalled the rose from the garden, that had decorated her hair earlier. And he wondered how that rose ended up there. She seemed surprised – did she not expect him to notice such a thing?

Then she explained she’d been in the garden and cut off some roses and she picked it up and said that she’d given Antonia roses to put into her hair. Teutus had been present too, of course. Wasn’t he supposed to teach Antonia today? Tertius arched a brow. But she said she’d put the rose in her hair so it wouldn’t have to be thrown away. It made sense. Then she looked at him and said she’d not do it again, if he didn’t like it. Tertius lay down by her side, but turned to lie on his own side with an arm under his head, so that he could keep on watching her.  

“It was very pretty in your hair. I would not mind you doing it again.” Tertius said to her and pushed a strand of hair away from her forehead. He did noticed how she looked at him and didn’t cast her eyes down, but this time he didn’t tell her to not meet his eyes. They were in his bed and they just had intercourse… it would be kind of odd to not look at each other, at least right now. And she had learned her lesson, hadn’t she? He felt there was no more to say on the subject of the rose though, but thinking about Antonia and Teutus made him think about something else, “Have you adjusted well to living here now, Charis? Do the other slaves treat you well enough?”  

@Sara

[Sara]

Charis only nodded at his suggestion it looked nice. She hadn't done it to improve her appearance, and that it had that effect made her never wish to wear a flower in her hair again. Then again, she had very little understanding of what she actually looked like - she'd never seen a mirror before and had to make do with glancing at her reflection in water and the weapons her family forged. She knew Antonia had one, but never ventured into her cubiculum to look at herself. She half-wondered what Tertius saw in her. Still, she was shaken from her thoughts as he brushed hair from her forehead which she hadn't managed to contain in her braid. It was a tender action, like one would do with their lover - but she wasn't his lover, she was his property, and the action confused her. She was, however, too defeated and light-headed to flinch at least. 

His question confused her and she studied his face. After a little pause she nodded, speaking quietly, and occasionally glancing away as she didn't enjoy meeting those brilliantly blue eyes. "Yes...well, thank you domine. Latin getting better," At least she thought so, "It just...hard, to lose freedom that used to have." She gave a little shrug. She doubted he cared, but he had asked and the wine had loosened her tongue and what he had done to her had made her apathetic. She continued and moved up to look at his face, "You imagine it...one day you with your family, and then one day you in cage." She narrowed her eyes. She supposed he couldn't ever fathom it. Then again, she had never imagined this would be her fate. "But...it getting easier, I adjusting, I know this is home now, you own me and...this is life now." She clarified. He had proved that to her, and defeatedly she thought she had to get used to it. 

"And other slave very kind, good friends with Teutus and Rhoda kind." The older Greek slave wasn't kind, but at least she was tolerating the young Briton's company now. 

 

TAG: @Atrice

 

[Atrice]

She did not seem to mind it when he brushed the strand of hair away from her face. Now that he’d slept with her, touching her seemed more… natural, at least to him. And tonight she was his lover or at least had been. They would share this bed tonight. So why not simply admit that and act upon it? Tertius certainly did, while they were talking calmly and he then wondered how she was adjusting to this life, now. She kept watching him while considering her answer, but when she did, she seemed to glance away. She said she was doing well and then that it was hard to lose freedom. Well he wasn’t the one who robbed her of it, was he? Tertius didn’t feel he was the one to blame for this. When he purchased her, she was already a slave and at least he gave her a home and something to do here.

Charis went on with her sad story though and he knew that thousands of people had a similar story – free and then no longer free, but caged. That was not his problem to deal with though. Slaves were a part of war and battle and slaves were an important part of Rome - that's just how it was like. Without slaves, many important buildings would not be standing. Without slaves, who would follow the armies when they marched with all the equipment and aid? Slaves were important to the empire. It was just so rare that a slave actually understood this. But he didn’t care to mention it, since she continued talking and probably wouldn’t understand either anyway. She understood what was important, at least.

He nodded at her words, “Indeed, this is your life now. And I am glad to hear you are adjusting well enough.” Tertius said, “After all, you are here to stay. And I wish, for both our sakes, that you will not give me another reason to discipline you. I hope you understand that everything I do is with a purpose… and I’d rather reward you than the opposite.” Tertius added the last words with a smile, because honestly, that’s how it was. He did enjoy control over his slaves, but he did not enjoy having to punish them. Loyalty to a master was what made any household function best, after all.

@Sara

[Sara]

Charis only nodded at his words, feeling deflated. Yesterday she would have mused that he was an ignorant, or heartless fool, but as it was now - the fact that he didn't care what had happened to her only made her feel hopeless. She was 'here to stay' after all, it didn't matter what had come before. "I won't give another reason for punish." She said, glancing at him with doe eyes. How could she anyway? She was no longer allowed her trips to the markets and Cynane had no idea which of the baths she frequented, nor what time. The only trouble she could find herself in now was in the house, and she doubted she'd be a source for drama (perhaps naively...). 

She did offer a little smile to him though, trying to feign gratefulness she didn't feel; "You reward me...let me sleep in your bed now." She gave a little shrug, "Thank you domine." Maybe she should actually be grateful? Whilst she felt hollow and empty, broken, she was still not like Hector - pleased at whatever morsel their master doled out. But maybe in time, she would be. He'd successfully managed to temper her spirit and remind her of her place, maybe in time in time she'd consider being able to stay in his plush bed an honour. Right now, however, it just made her feel used. 

 She managed to stifle a yawn with the back of her hand, but felt herself sink further down into the pillows. Even if staying here made her stomach turn, she was exhausted. She'd been up early that morning to work before the heat of the day had set in, and then everything that had happened since...and the wine had made her sleepy. Casting a glance to him she swallowed; "Can I sleep, domine?" She eyed him, "I am worn out." He had worn her down, she meant but didn't want to say. She felt her eyes flutter shut briefly as she struggled to keep them open, before she cracked them again, waiting for his reply. Welcome to your new life Erea, chided and fucked and having to ask permission to even sleep. She felt water fill her eyes again, although suspected it was equal amounts of tiredness and upset that caused it. 

 

TAG: @Atrice

I think we may be nearly done?

Edited September 7, 2019 by Sara

[Atrice]

She would probably not understand it right now, but hopefully with time she’d see that even this punishment of sorts was for the greater good of the whole household. They all had to do their part to make this function, and she, as a slave, had to be loyal and obedient to her master. That’s what he required of her, besides her work of course, and now she knew. She promised to not give another reason for punishment and Tertius nodded, certain she’d work harder towards that from now on. Then she said that sleeping in his bed was a reward for her and she thanked him for. Tertius returned her words with a smile, “I’m glad you choose to look upon it like that.” Tertius said, still watching her and he did see how she tried to hide a yawn.

Charis must be tired, he thought. And then she did indeed wonder if she could go to sleep. Well when she said it like that… he nodded, “You can. Sleep well, Charis.” Tomorrow morning he expected she would leave the bed before he woke, to return to her duties and the day would go on as usual. More or less anyway. He might take a greater interest in her, now that he’d been as close to her as a man could be and he wasn’t sure he had enough of her yet. Tomorrow night though, Hector would be back by his side and he always knew exactly what to do and how to treat his master. Hector never even asked if he could go to sleep and he never complained. It was a pity all slaves weren’t like him… and with that thought on his mind, Tertius too closed his eyes and let himself drift to sleep. This night had certainly turned out different than he thought… but it wasn’t all bad, was it? 

@Sara