The Show Must Go On

[Atrice]

It had been a few weeks since that day when Helios came to see him… and he learned that his newest and definitely prettiest slave had been talking badly about him, when she left the house to apparently go and get herself drunk with a friend. Tertius had naturally been upset and one thing led to another and her punishment was to sleep with Tertius, as his way of proving his control over her and her body and her life. She had nothing to say. She was his. And if she was going to behave like that while she was his, she had to learn that he was still in charge, no matter what. He bought her, fair and square, on the market in Rome. He wasn’t responsible for what happened to her before that, but she was his now.

Sleeping with her actually hadn’t been all that bad. She was very pretty, almost delicate, and her skin had been so warm and soft and smooth because she was so much younger than he. And her lips, her kiss… and just the feeling of her. It was definitely something to remember. She had left the bed before he woke and after that day, things went back to normal. Not once had Hector complained about sleeping elsewhere but in Tertius’ bed, instead it was almost as if he seemed to work harder to please his master – maybe to try and prove that he did belong in Tertius’ bed, instead of Charis. Although it had been nice with her there. It had been so long since he slept with a woman and even longer since he spent the entire night next to one.

Since that day, he’d watched her work in the garden. They barely spoke - it felt kind of weird after their intimacy - but she seemed to have learned her place. She didn’t speak out of turn, she acted respectfully and did what she to do. He’d of course allowed her to go the baths and after a few weeks, she’d even been allowed to the market again. She behaved, now, he believed. Charis was now the slave he wanted her to be, sweet to look at and behaving properly.

The last few days he’d noticed a difference though. She wasn’t working as much in the gardens as she ought to. As she usually did. And he hadn’t been having guests or throwing parties, so there was no reason for her to spend so much time in the kitchens. He’d heard that she’d said there wasn’t a need for her in the garden right now, but once he also heard the kitchen slave Rhoda mutter under her breath about how she didn’t need the extra help in the kitchen. That it didn’t feel like help at all. Then Tertius was walking through the garden and noticed a few wilting flowers and arched a brow. Charis was needed here. He’d have to talk to her about this odd behavior, because it was almost misbehaving, again. He couldn’t have that.

“Hector, fetch Charis for me.” Tertius told his always attentive slave. Then he plucked one of the drooping flowers and brought it with him to the tablinum. And there he sat on the front edge of the desk, waiting for her with the wilted flower in his hand.

@Sara

Edited October 11, 2019 by Atrice

[Sara]

Charis eyed the bread dough with disdain. She had no talent for cooking or baking, she'd told Tertius as much the day they were formally introduced, and being forced through circumstance back into the kitchens was draining. Her fingers ached from kneading it and not even the wit of Rhoda was making her feel better, as although the two had fallen into an unlikely and often quite barbed friendship, Charis had other things on her mind. "You keep touching it, it'll make it worse." The older Greek slave stated with caution, watching Charis' fingers on her cheek. "I don't know if it can look worse." The young Briton replied and dropped her hands back to kneading the dough. 

The incident with Thessala and the thieves had happened two nights ago, and her face was looking worse than ever. A deep green and yellow bruise arched from her temple, under her eye and across her cheekbone from one of the men's fists and where it had collided with the rough wall the second time. Her split lip which reopened periodically as she gnawed on it in nervousness, was also a consequence of the latter. 

About to change the subject, she was interrupted by Hector who glanced between the two women almost suspiciously. Charis had successfully managed to avoid the young man as well as she had avoided his master, and she caught the surprise and curiosity on his face as he surveyed her appearance. "Domine wants you." She felt her stomach drop and she glanced almost instinctively at Rhoda, who for her efforts, kept her face down and on the herbs she was chopping. They might have been friends, but Rhoda knew her place well and knew better than to try intervene in anything involving the domine, particularly as Hector's hackles were already raised after the...incident the other week.

"Do you know what for?" She asked cautiously, but not fearfully. Hector only shrugged in response and gestured for her to follow him. Shit shit shit shit shit! She swallowed. Either way this would not be a positive encounter; either he wanted her body again (the thought of which made her almost cling to the curtain as she moved into the main house) or something else...something else which would mean he saw her face. Stupid girl! You should have gone to explain as soon as it happened! Instead she'd hidden herself away, both afraid of what he'd say and...out of embarrassment. As Hector stopped outside the tablinum, Charis hesitated figuring out exactly what she should say. 

In a last ditch effort to disguise what had happened she pulled down some of her hair from the loose bun she wore, and arranged it across her face. Stepping inside, she kept her head bent low in another effort to get this over with without an interrogation. She had no idea she was making it more obvious. "Domine you want to see me?" She'd rarely been in his presence since it happened and she had to will herself not to run out of the room.

 

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[Atrice]

It took long enough for her to arrive. Had she been busy, perhaps? Elsewhere. When she should be busy in the gardens, with the flowers drooping now… and he hadn’t seen her really, the last few days, which was odd in itself. She knew he wanted her in the gardens because he liked looking at her. And well, because she did keep the garden quite nice, but that was just another bonus. But she was a good-looking young woman and how could he not enjoy seeing her there?

Finally she stepped into the tablinum, with her head bent quite low and her hair in a weird fashion, hanging down in front of her face, which honestly wasn’t all that appealing. There were some odd shadows, judging from what he could see of her face, but honestly she did very well in trying to hide her face and her eyes. If that was the case. And why would she do that? She had such a pretty and sweet face. Had she stopped taking care of herself to look good, or something? But she just went to the baths a few days ago? Maybe she’d been seeing that Briton slave friend of hers again and she’d given Charis ideas or something. Something was definitely off here. He inhaled a breath and she spoke up first.

“Yes, I did.” Tertius said, “You know I don’t want to keep you hidden. But it appears you have been in hiding, the last few days. Other slaves tell me you think you’re not needed in the garden. Which I don’t quite understand, since you yourself asked to work there. And since you think you’re not needed there, I just have to ask something…” He trailed off and held the wilted flower in his hand up, so that it would be clearly visible to her. She’d have to lift her eyes a bit though, in order to see it, “Do you see what I’m holding in my hand? And can you guess where I got it from?”

@Sara

[Sara]

Charis bit at her lip for a moment, feeling nervous. Although she stopped herself quickly, not wanting the skin to break again on her lip - that would be the last thing she needed. Instead, she listened patiently and quietly and had to fight the urge to tuck her hair behind her ear. Their last few conversations had been short and abrupt, and she hoped he'd dismiss her this time before he got a good look at her. "Not hiding domine, helping Rhoda, learning how to be good in kitchen." She added as he paused, although quietly. She knew he didn't like to be crossed or interrupted. 

As he asked a question she sighed a little and raised her eyes which in turn raised her face up. She glanced at the flower in his hand. Shit! And quickly dropped her face again, trying to hide it. 

"Yes domine. It from garden, those flowers...fickle." She added weakly. Blinking, and resolutely not looking up or at the pretty, wilted yellow bloom in his hand she added for good measure; "I sorry domine, I water them in morning and evening but sun is getting hotter now so they wilt..I thought they be okay." The infernal heat in Rome which was only getting worse made harsh work on her (admittedly fairly limited) gardening skills. It wasn't like at home where she'd grow her medicinal flowers and plants - these ones in Rome were reared for beauty. She tried to explain herself, but instead settled on an apology and hoped that would be an end of it. She forgot herself briefly and glanced up at him (although respectfully didn't meet his eyes - settling her gaze for a very brief moment on his chest). "I make sure to tend to flowers as well as learn from Rhoda." Remembering herself and the state of her face, she dropped it quickly back to the ornate mosaic floor. 

 

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[Atrice]

He gave her a look when she tried to excuse her behavior, claiming she wanted to learn how to be good in the kitchen. Charis asked to work in the garden and had from the beginning said she was not very good in the kitchen. It didn’t seem to be in her interest at all, so why this sudden change? Besides, it was no excuse. She was of course going to help out the other house slaves when needed, but when that wasn’t needed… she ought to be where he expected her to be. He didn’t respond to that comment though, but continued about the flower and wanted her to look at it.

Charis raised her eyes with a sigh and although she quickly looked down again, there was something not right about the shadows on her face. Not right at all. Charis tried to pretend like nothing and went on about the flower, saying she’d watered the flowers but the warmth made them wilt. But if they were wilting, shouldn’t she remove them to let the other flowers grow better and get the water instead? He’d heard his sister talk about that sometime, back when they still lived in the same house.

“It seems they are not okay.” Tertius simply pointed out and then she suddenly looked up at him again and promised to both tend to the garden and learn from Rhoda. Tertius went quiet though, when she looked up. The water fell away from her face because she’d lifted it all up and he saw the green and yellow bruise on her face as well as the split lip, which didn’t look too good at all. What had happened here? Who did this to her? To his slave? Whom he wanted in the garden because she was pretty to look at, and whom he’d been so careful to not harm even when she deserved a proper punishment, because he didn’t want to ruin her fragile beauty. Someone had done this.

He inhaled a deep breath, “Charis… look up at me. And remove your hair from your face.” Tertius then said, honestly feeling a bit upset that she’d been hurt and his voice was almost tense with the emotion, “And tell me what happened to your face and why. Who hurt you?”

@Sara

[Sara]

Charis inhaled sharply almost at the same time be did, realising her mistake. At his command she hesitated a moment before raising her face slowly, almost ashamed? She had no idea why she should be concerned about his opinion of her but she was, for some inexplicable reason. Cautiously she tucked the hair behind her ear so he could have a full view of the deep bruise and the beginnings of a black eye. Still, she respectfully kept her eyes lowered even with her raised face. Partly because she knew he preferred it and partly because she didn’t want to meet his eyes. 

The emotion in his voice confused her and she frowned a little. She expected him to be angry at her, but it didn’t sound as if he was? Then again, she could read him as well as she could read Latin which was to say...not at all. 

“On my way back from baths night before last, it was dark and two men...” She winced, “They wanted money but I no have any.” Because you don’t bloody give me any, she thought. “When I say no money they hit me and try to...” She struggled for words and gestured with her hands hoping he’d catch her meaning. “But they not...someone come to help me but there was fight and...” She touched her fingers to her lip and cheek. She wanted this to be over with as soon as possible. “It not so bad, it go down...”

 

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[Atrice]

Well at least she behaved now, followed orders. She looked up at him when he demanded she should and she tucked the hair behind her ear. Her face looked… terrible, and that was an understatement. The bruise was bad and then there was her cracked lip. She kept her eyes lowered despite looking up, while he examined her from where he sat on the edge of his table. Honestly this shocked him! Who would do this to her?

But then she explained that she’d been attacked by thieves in the night, the day she’d gone to the baths and since she had no money, they tried something else. Of course they did. They saw a woman and easy game and would take her for their own. He was at least pleased to hear that didn’t happen, because she was saved. Then she claimed her bruises weren’t so bad.

“Not so bad?” Tertius exclaimed with a huff. But of course she hadn’t seen herself, “I don’t think you’d recognize yourself, if you saw your face. You’re… badly hurt, Charis. You should have come to me right away.” He inhaled a breath, confused about what to be more upset about. Some strangers hurting her and almost violating her lovely body or the fact that she hadn’t come to him as soon as she could, to tell him what had happened. If she’d done it in time, they could have traced who was behind the attack and those culprits would have been meat for the lions next time they were to appear in the arena. Now instead, they got away with it and Charis… she had seen better days.

“I don’t like seeing you like this. I mean…” It came out wrong. He didn’t like to see that she was hurt! But that didn’t mean he didn’t like looking at her, that didn’t mean she should hide herself, it meant that for some reason, it upset him that she’d been hurt. But how could he explain this, and still remain respected as her master? He inhaled another breath to steady himself and then he stood, moved closer to her and with gentle fingers he just barely touched her bruise and then her lip, “I’ll send Rhoda out to fetch some healing salve for that lip. Beeswax might even be good for the lip, maybe we have some. The bruise will have to go down on its own, it’s too late to do much about that. How have you been sleeping these nights after?”

@Sara

[Sara]

Charis swallowed. She'd seen her face briefly in a copper plate in the kitchen and it had been warped and she couldn't get the full measure of it. Rhoda's reaction had suggested it was bad, but his words made her worry. Was she scarred for life? She'd never been particularly vain (she didn't really know what she looked like, after all) but the thought scared her. By way of trying to explain, she said after he had finished; "I went to Vigiles with woman that help me, after but...I thought you be angry." And I know what you do when you're angry with me. She added in her head. "And did not want you to worry, domine." She did add for good measure.

His next comment surprised her though and she bit her lip. He didn't like looking at her? Good! She almost smiled but caught herself just in time, but had no time to collect her thoughts as he came closer to her. She didn't know what she was anticipating but his gentle touch wasn't it. She swallowed and looked up at him, listening. What on earth is this? Concern? She thought to herself, deeply confused. Then again, perhaps she shouldn't be. Even though she hadn't wanted it (and he knew that full well) when he bedded her he hadn't been overwhelmingly unkind - he had been as considerate as a man bedding somebody against their will could be. Perhaps this was much the same? 

"Thank you domine." She said blandly, not used to this intimacy after weeks of not really speaking to him at all. "I sleep okay but have ache in head." She touched her own fingers to the side of her head that was injured. It wasn't crippling, but the constant pressure in head was painful. She risked another glance up at him and asked plainly, "You not angry with me domine?" No point beating around the bush. 

 

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[Atrice]

Charis explained that she’d gone to the Vigiles with a woman who’d helped her out, but she didn’t tell him because she thought he’d be angry and she didn’t want him to worry. Gods, really? She didn’t want him to worry, when she was literally his property? What kind of master would he be if he just didn’t care whether his slaves were maimed or murdered in the streets at night?

“It’s good you went to the Vigiles, I hope those bastards will get what they deserve. And don’t be afraid to tell me such things. You live here. You belong to me. You’re my responsibility.” He said but was still not sure it came out right, what he meant to say. It was just difficult to explain. Also that he didn’t like seeing her like this, that also didn’t come out right, so he decided to just forget that comment and then he went over to look more closely at her bruises. Tertius had been at the Germanian border once, he’d seen battle before and had been bruised. Many years ago, true, but he knew what it was like.

She thanked him for wanting something to heal her lip with, and then said she had a headache when sleeping. He nodded, she must have gotten quite the punch to her head. It was almost a miracle all she had was a headache. Then she didn’t understand why he wasn’t angry.

“If I should be, it would be because you didn’t come to me about this right away.” Tertius said, “It’s not your fault you got attacked. You’re lucky this was all they did. The streets in Rome aren't safe at night. You shouldn't be out so late.” He added, because this was the truth. An attack on her was an attack on her master. And if they’d violated her… gods! But it sounded like they hadn’t, so he went on… “Now, you need to make sure you drink plenty of water. And eat when you feel hungry. It’s important to stay healthy when you’re healing.” Tertius sat back on his desk, seeming thoughtful, “I’ll also allow that you don’t have to get up as early as the others. The blow to your head and the headache, that’s bad.” It was all bad, really, but the headache and her big bruise there was what worried him most now. People could die if concussions weren’t treated right.

@Sara

[Sara]

"You live here. You belong to me. You’re my responsibility.” Ah. So it wasn't concern for her, it was concern that his property could be damaged. She would have laughed if she thought she could get away with it without further bruises. She only dropped her eyes and nodded at his chastisement. "I am sorry, domine." Was all she said, blandly. She was no longer with her tribe where she felt safe, where she could go out alone and feel safe and secure...Rome was a beast and if she wasn't careful it would swallow her whole. 

She sighed in relief as he moved away to lean against his desk, nodding her head respectfully at his suggestions but she arched a brow in surprise. "That is very kind, thank you." Gods why was he so difficult? Forcing her and exerting dominance one moment, being sweet, attentive the next. She pitied his poor late wife having to try and untangle it. 

"I'll be okay, though?" She asked, almost piftully. If he thought it was bad and he'd been to war...the worst she'd ever been injured had been when she was seven and she fell out of a tree that she climbed and cracked a rib or two. And of course the miscarriage, but that was a different kind of injury. She'd never even been hit before. This was new territory and his concern confused her. She looked almost frightened...what if it was bad? What if something happened to her? Gods she didn't want to wither away and die here? Stop it Erea, you're fine! She touched the side of her face again and hissed a little in pain. She glanced up at him, a little bit sheepishly. "I...never been hit before. Not like most slaves." Who would have hit her? Back in Britannia she was safe and loved, not like here. "You know about this though?" She added with a bit of curiosity.

 

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[Atrice]

She dropped her eyes and nodded when he said that he was most upset with her not telling him about her injuries right away. He could have helped her or protected her somehow. He could have tracked down the idiots who attacked her and made sure they knew what happened, if you crossed Tertius Quinctilius Varus! His ancestor might have been beaten by barbarians, but Tertius was not going to have his slaves harmed by brutes!

 Right now though, he went on about how she should make sure to eat and drink and stay healthy and that he’d even allow her to sleep in. He wondered shortly if she had something soft to rest her head upon. Meanwhile Charis thanked him for his kindness and then suddenly worried about whether she’d be okay or not. She went on explaining that she’d never been hit before and wondered how he knew about the headache.

 “I’ve not experienced such a headache myself… but I was a soldier, a long time ago, and I saw what happened to the others.” Tertius explained, “But if all you had so far is a headache, I think you’ll be fine. Just let me know if you ever feel dizzy or queasy or if the headache becomes worse. Then I’ll make sure a medic comes to see you.” He said and gave her a little smile, hoping it wasn’t too much for her, but he was being honest, “I don’t like to see you harmed, Charis. That’s what I meant to say before. You’re a very attractive woman and I’d hate for that to change. Do you understand that?”

@Sara

[Sara]

Charis listened patiently and clasped her hands together in front of her waist to stop fiddling with her cheek. Rhoda was right, the more she prodded it, the worse it was likely to get. "In Germania..." She remembered, but wasn't sure where from. Maybe Teutus had mentioned it? Or Tertius himself? She half-wondered what he thought of it there, in a land not so dissimilar to her own home country but now was not the time to think of it. 

She was oddly perturbed by his concern. Even if it was just out of concern for an investment that was depreciating in value, rather than in her as a person, it was still unusual. She hadn't seen this side to him before - not even in their intimacy. "I will domine, thank you." 

She did not see his smile, her eyes respectfully on his chest rather than his face but as he spoke she frowned a little to herself. "I...y-yes domine." She nodded, confused. Was her face that bad that it repulsed him? Made him concerned that she'd not be worth bedding again? She could only hope. "I sure it won't scar, like my back." She added for good measure. She'd seen Turi and Calporunus when they got in their youthful scrapes, and their bruises always healed. "That was from whip..." She supposed he never asked about, was he not at least a little curious? Swallowing, she fiddled with a thin scrap of linen she had tied around her wrist. Since Tertius had taken her bracelet from her, she had found herself desperate for something to habitually spin, and remind her of the leather and a nondescript piece of fabric was all she could find. "I met gladiatrix, she one who save me." She offered with a little smile, trying to redirect the conversation; "I never met fighter like her before, maybe she should teach me in case it happen again, men here..." She was joking and  risked a glance to his face but didn't meet his eyes, "Seem more interest in me than at home." Tertius, Alexius...Gods even Teutus had thought she was flirting...was she suddenly so irresistible in Rome?

 

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[Atrice]

When he mentioned he’d been a soldier, Charis said he’d been in Germania and he gave her a look – how did she know this? Someone must have told her. Maybe Teutus? What else had he said? “Near Germania, rather… in Northern Gaul. Not far from the wall and the border.” Tertius said and wondered if that would interest her at all and why. It wasn’t often he spoke of that time; not that it had been bad, well except for the weather and those bloody barbarian German tribes, but more because of the whole ordeal with his brother. Whom he’d rather not think about.

She promised to tell him if she experienced any of the symptoms he described and then said she thought it wouldn’t scar, like her back. He had noticed her back, when he bedded her, but hadn’t asked about it. It wasn’t the right time or place and what happened before she came here, shouldn’t matter. The whip must have been because she misbehaved at some point, but now, she seemed much more obedient. That was good. Did she want to talk about though? Was that why she mentioned it? Gods, women could be so hard to read!

“I doubt you’ll be scarred. It just needs time to heal.” Tertius simply replied, unsure of what else to reply to that. And then Charis suddenly went on explaining more about what happened the night of the attack. Apparently she met a gladiatrix, who saved and helped her and she joked about being taught how to fight. But she wasn’t a gladiatrix! She was meant to be here, working in the house and looking pretty for Tertius, she was not meant to fight.

“You simply need to stay in when it’s dark outside. But maybe I should meet this gladiatrix, thank her for saving you.” Tertius said then and she’d looked up at him and said men seemed more interested in her here. He could see why, but since she mentioned it, that would actually worry him a little bit. She was his, after all… “Really? Other than me and your attackers?” 

@Sara

[Sara]

She wanted to snap at him that when else was she supposed to find time to visit the baths, if not in the evening? But she bit her tongue. There was no point stoking an argument, not after he had finally shown the faintest bit of human compassion for her. Instead she only looked surprised; “She famous I think, Thessala.” That was how the Thracian woman had pronounced it, wasn’t it? 

Not the most skilled liar, Charis had never hid her emotions well, but the months she had spent in Rome thus far had helped and without missing a beat she only offered a little smile: “Men in market sometimes make comments.” Well, it was more men that she’d met on the way back from market but he didn’t need to know that. But she added, with good nature albeit boldly; “But you should not be jealous, domine, I know I’m not theirs.” Because I’m a married woman, and I belong to a man named Immin, not a confusing, cold Roman- she added in her head. 

Venturing, given he didn’t seem a particularly bad mood today, to dare a little further she asked: “Can I ask question, domine?” She paused for a little bit for him to answer before continuing; “What is it you do? I know you important, but I don’t know.” She really had no idea what he spent his days doing. Come on Erea, be bold, they deserve it, “Because Vigiles...weren’t kind to me or Gladiatrix, they make lewd comments, and were cruel.” They had been unpleasant - if anything they were just as frightening to her as the men who had tried to rob and violate her, and if there was one good thing to come out of her present living arrangements, maybe it could be that they were taught a lesson. Gods, was she becoming just as cold and cruel as the Romans? 

 

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[Atrice]

She told him about the gladiatrix, whose name was Thessala. That name did ring a bell. He really should see her, thank her for saving his slave and making sure she got home safely. She was quite fierce looking, as far she recalled from the arena. Not quite his type. But he knew of her, “I think I do know her name.” He simply replied, and then Charis explained further about which other men had been interested in her. Said men at the markets made comments, but he shouldn’t be jealous. Her words made him smile, it was good to know she would stay clear of sleeping around, when this was where she was supposed to be.

“That’s the right way to think, Charis.” He complimented her, or at least he thought he did. Then Charis dared to asked a question and he gave a nod of approval, she could do that… she wondered what he did for a living and said the Vigiles hadn’t been kind to her or Thessala and had been cruel. If she'd mentioned whom her owner was, it might have been different, but of course that wasn't for certain...

“I suppose you didn’t tell them about me, then.” Tertius said, a little irritated that they hadn’t treated her nicely. On the other hand, he wasn’t surprised, they weren’t senatorial of rank and could be quite rough… “I’m a praetor, a quite important office to hold. A praetor is a kind of judge, I judge legal matters between citizens of Rome, mostly… and then I partake in the Senate, of course.” If she even understood that, did they have judges in Britannia? Did she know what the Senate was, even? It sounded like a very civilized thing and he still couldn’t picture Britannia as a very civilized place… it was of no matter though. She’d wondered what he did and then mentioned how the Vigiles had been cruel to her.

“Do you want them reprimanded for their behavior? Is that why you’re asking?” He tilted his head, watching her, this was a kind of new side of her. He didn’t know she had it in her, but he supposed after what happened to her, who could blame her for wanting some kind of revenge?

@Sara

[Sara]

She shook her head, “I did not domine, I want to be out there quickly and did not want to disturb you.” And I was terrified of what you’d say or do...Charis listened with concentration as he explained his role. It seemed so alien to her, but she was grateful that Teutus had at least explained the basics so she wasn’t totally lost. Besides, she was familiar with judges - they were just usually the tribal elders or druids. The thought of him as a druid was almost laughable, but fortunately she managed to keep a straight face. All she said in the end was, “I understand domine, you important.”

Still, as he asked the question she glanced up at him and met his eyes briefly with an arched brow and a small smile. Now how to play this? She knew he liked her sweet and innocent, he’d said as much before and this new vengeful side was probably intriguing - but would he like it? In usual circumstances she doubted any woman who had been through what he’d doled out would care what he thought, but she also knew (deeper down, in the pragmatic core of her) that his good opinion of her was one of the only things she had that was making her life easier here. And she wasn’t going to risk it just for petty revenge. 

Respectfully lowering her eyes again she shook her head and said; “No...I know they have right to be unpleasant.” They were far above her in rank, after all. And as much as she wanted to keep up the facade that she was sweet and innocent and kind (which she was mostly...), there was no harm in seeing if he would understand or jump on her light suggestions. “I just wonder if they should be treating important people slaves like that. I don’t want them punish.” Yes you bloody do Erea! “But I know you have power, and want to know if you think it was right, domine? The way they treat me?” She bit at her lip, “Because I don’t think it was.” This was a test of sorts, to see just how easy he was to influence, and to see if he cared for her...or his property rather, much at all. 

 

TAG: @Atrice

[Atrice]

Charis explained she’d not told the Vigiles about Tertius, since she wanted to get away and didn’t want to disturb him. He could understand her point, but on the other hand, she should have mentioned his name and where she belonged. It was too late now though and he’d have to try and explain to her how important it was for him to keep her safe. If she wasn’t safe, was he safe? She was his slave, after all. But they went on and Charis suddenly wondered what exactly he did for a living and he explained it. She said she understood he was important. Well, he was… maybe not the most important senator in the empire, far from it, but important enough. He was a praetor and had been one for a very long time, so by now, he knew what he was doing. And he actually liked it, which was why he hadn’t moved on much. You could say he was a senior praetor now. He would instruct younger men on what to do.

He wondered though why she asked what he did and right away then saying the Vigiles hadn’t been nice to her. It didn’t matter about the gladiatrix, but Charis mattered, somehow. He slept with her, as the first woman in months, so for some reason, he couldn’t pretend she meant nothing. She was his property and his lover, now. Not that he’d tell her she mattered that much, he wouldn’t want it to get to her head. Didn’t want her to think she was in control.

After he’d asked if she wanted the Vigiles reprimanded, she’d looked up at him with a small smile, as if she was at least considering it. Interesting. Sweet and pretty Charis wanted revenge… but she quickly lowered her eyes again and claimed they had the right to be unpleasant. He arched a brow now, “I don’t know if they have the right to. It’s just that no one will tell them not to.” And understandably not a humbled slave like Charis.

However, she went on, musing about how they treated people, she didn’t want them punished, although she knew Tertius could probably do something. She wondered if it was right and said certainly that she didn’t think it was. This was very interesting. She did want revenge. And he honestly considered dealing it out, perhaps without her knowledge, but just to make sure such a thing would not happen again…

“The way I see it… you’re my slave, Charis. It’s not up to them to do anything to you or to order you to do anything. That’s in my power, not theirs. If they harm you, they indirectly harm me, do you understand?” He said and paused as he thought about it, then continued… “It depends though, on what exactly they said to you or did to you. Please understand that you must be honest with me. If you’re not, how can I be a good master to you… I’m unable to take good care of you, if I don’t know the whole truth. So, how exactly did they mistreat you?”

@Sara

Edited October 14, 2019 by Atrice

[Sara]

She listened to him, genuinely. It did not escape her attention that this was possibly the first (and who knew - maybe last?) proper conversation they had had since she arrived. Even before the sex, or that night in the garden it had been virtually all mono-syballic answers from her, if he asked a question at all. Now, however, he was actually asking her opinion - giving his, and showing a little more of his personality outside of the domine she saw. It intrigued her. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't catch his question until too late and she blinked, pulling back her thoughts. Ah. So he didn't mind treating her like a piece of dirt on his shoe, as long as nobody else did. Small mercies, eh? She nodded with a little smile at just how ridiculous it sounded; "I understand domine." 

She glanced up at him, the little, mischievous smile still playing on her lips. Well, he wanted her to be truthful, didn't he? And who knew - his mood seemed better than it had in a while. Besides, if she lied now and he found out about it later...she coughed and winced, dropping her eyes back down. "I...did not handle it best, I swore at them." She grimaced, but continued almost immediately; "But only because he call me a bitch and suggested I was having..." She tried to remember the word he used, "Ind-indescretion with Thessala and was just," She wrinkled her nose, "Lewd. He was looking at us both like he would want to...you know." Not that she thought the pudgy little man would have tried anything, but he certainly looked like he wanted to and would be thinking of it later... "So I told him truth, I got attacked and he called me fucking bitch so I called him...fucking prick and then I-I left." She swallowed again but couldn't help the little smile still on her split lip. She was...proud of herself. He might not be, but it was a triumph for her; she could have so easily been trampled by Rome and what she'd been through but a little part of that fiery Charis was still there. And who knew? Maybe he'd be impressed or, rather, enjoy her honesty? Foolishly, she didn't even consider the implications of what he'd do if he wasn't impressed by her little outburst. Stupid girl.

 

TAG: @Atrice

[Atrice]

Tertius’ slaves belonged to him. He was their master and they were his responsibility – and they were responsible for keeping their master pleased and happy, so that he in return could be good to them and take good care of them. Tertius didn’t want to be a cruel master. He just wanted to do what he was supposed to do. And he wanted to be kind to his slaves, so as long as they fulfilled their jobs and purpose, he could do his. It seemed as if she understood that, now. She said she understood that others could not mistreat her, because she was his slave, not theirs.

But then he’d wondered what the Vigiles said to her, that was so bad and if he should punish them somehow… for mistreating his favorite female slave. Because apparently, that’s what she was. She glanced up with a mischievous smile again. This was a side of her he hadn’t seen before… and while he enjoyed her sweetness and her innocence, it was also oddly fascinating that she wasn’t always like that. Women were… unpredictable beings, really. Often it was just annoying, but with Charis right now, he rather thought it intriguing.

She explained how she hadn’t handled their treatment well, because she swore at them. Charis swore at them? Then she explained why and he had to arch a brow again, when he heard that the Vigiles had suggested indiscretions between Charis and this Thessala. Really? That was also kind of a fascinating thought. Gods! But he tried to focus and was again almost shocked at what she’d said to the man who insulted her. At least it seemed like she really was being honest and truthful. She did as he told her to… she told him the truth. She wouldn’t say such things unless they were true, right? There was a silent pause when she stopped talking and he was thinking. Tertius stood and walked over to his pitcher to pour himself a cup of wine and had a drink from it, while she was waiting for his response.

“Gods, Charis… you’re full of surprises, are you not?” He said when he turned towards her again, “I suppose that was… brave of you, to speak to him like that, with you being a slave and all that. Maybe too brave. He could have followed you, beaten you up again or worse. I hope you didn’t make an enemy for life there.” Although knowing Roman men, that might just be the case. He wouldn’t soon forget that a slave like Charis called him a fucking prick!  

“But of course, he should not have said such things. Especially not if they were untrue, which I assume they were. I expect you’ve not been intimate with anyone since…” He trailed off. They hadn’t really spoken about that night at all since it happened. She’d been gone in the morning and then life went on as usual. Except he bedded her. And he couldn’t forget that. But what should they talk about anyway? Tertius decided to leave the subject and move on here too, “I agree that he offended you and... that he ought to receive at least some kind of a warning.”

@Sara

[Sara]

Charis inhaled a sharp breath as he moved, as if expecting him to lash out. But nothing came, and instead she watched him walk to pour himself a sip of wine. Silence echoed around the room and she awkwardly spun the thin linen strip on her wrist. Well...silence was better than anger, wasn't it? His voice, when he did finally speak, made her jump and she blinked up at him. But a slow smile spread across her lips and she murmured, "A lot of surprises." Well, this couldn't have gone much better surely? As he continued speaking she only nodded, but added - "I will be careful. And..." She considered her words, "You said you take good care of me so," She shrugged thin shoulders, "I will be alright." Gods Erea, pandering to him like this! But it was working. And that's all she needed right now.

His question made her frown though in confusion. Intimate with anybody? She hadn't wanted to be intimate with him, let alone anybody else. She quickly shook her head but her stuttered response was as awkward as the silence that followed his trailed off question; "N-no. Of course not domine." Who would I be intimate with? And what on earth makes you think I'd be in the streets with a gladiatrix having a fumble? Men, she mused, were really clueless. Or perhaps just this one.

She couldn't, however, deny she was pleased by his response. This was a new side to Tertius Quinctilius Varus to her - one that listened to somebody's opinion and thoughts rather than just doling out orders. She wondered, for a moment, if this was what he was like with Hector but cast it off. Gods only knew how that 'relationship' worked. "Thank you domine, I glad you agree." She breathed with a smile but kept her eyes down and span the linen around her wrist. For somebody that had been petrified of even stepping foot in here for fear of what he'd do once he saw her face, she was a remarkably happy woman. She decided to push her luck; "What will you do domine?" She didn't understand the limits of the powers here in Rome, nor their laws or customs. It wasn't like at home with their tribes, and the intricacies of Rome had so far evaded her. But after asking her question she added, "And can get you anything domine? Do anything?" As a sort of peace offering. He might be treating her with more respect but she needed him to believe she still understood her place - firmly under him. She just hoped that it wasn't literally under him anymore...

 

TAG: @Atrice

[Atrice]

She was brave for speaking up to the Vigiles like that. Perhaps too brave and it made him worry what could have happened to her. As if someone attacking her and bruising her face and lip like that wasn’t bad enough! But he decided that if someone had violated her, that would have been worse. It didn’t seem as if that happened though and now she promised to be careful, because he took good care of her. Tertius nodded, “I do… if you take good care of me, I’ll be able to also take good care of you. That’s how it works best… and I think you understand that now.” She hadn’t in the beginning, but things had changed. She’d understood that if she pleased him instead of thinking she controlled him, she would be taken good care of.

The thought of so-called indiscretions or intimacies with anyone else but him was however both interesting and much less so, at the same time. It made him think of the night he spent with her. And how that had felt… and how a part of him wanted more of that. He knew that as her owner, he needed no excuse to bed her, but on the other hand… he had Hector. And Hector kept him well-satisfied. So why should he want her? Yet he did, didn’t he?

She was shocked, it seemed, that he could even consider that she’d been sleeping around and promised that hadn’t happened – after an awkward and long silence. Gods they should just move on from that subject, really! So he did, deciding the Vigiles should not have offended her and needed a warning or something. Charis kept her gaze down, but he noticed her smile and then she wondered what he’d do about it. And soon after, before he could answer, she wondered if she could do anything for him. Such a good slave she’d become!

“You can focus on resting and feeling better, Charis. I want the bruise to heal well and your head too…” He couldn’t very well bed her again when she looked like that and possibly had a concussion! So she really needed to spend more time on recovering and following his instructions. Eat well, drink enough, get some rest. He’d make sure that Hector told the rest of his slaves these new rules for Charis. They shouldn’t hold anything back from her. She should have what she needed in order to mend, “If any of the other slaves in the house give you any troubles, make sure you let me know instantly.”

Concerning the other issue… “I don’t know what I’ll do about the issue with the Vigiles. I’ll have to think about it. But you don’t have to worry about that or them again. You need to recover… and then of course you need to tend to the gardens.” That’s why he called her here in the first place. The wilted flower. And now he knew the reason and she’d told him the whole truth, it seemed. She had really improved.

@Sara

[Sara]

His concern would have meant something to her had she thought it was for anything but selfish reasons. He wanted her to heal quickly and look better so he could enjoy her. She didn't, for a moment, think he wanted her recovered for her own health. Not that she said anything about it - it served her well for him to think she was grateful. Her mood had improved over the last few weeks and whilst she was no longer supremely confident in her abilities, she at least felt marginally less guilty about what had happened. It took a lot of reminding that it was not her fault. And she was getting there, slowly. She only nodded with a little smile, "Thank you domine, I will rest and other slave be fine, I'm sure." There would no doubt be grumbling, and she wasn't one to shirk her tasks, but the promise of a lie in and decent sleep was tantalising. 

She listened patiently to him consider his options, but as usual, she felt the walls go up. Of course it wasn't her concern. Who was she to have a say in how others treated her? Nobody, at least according to her domine. As he finished, she couldn't help the little laugh that left her lips. That bloody garden. She nodded, playing the sweet Charis he liked. "Yes domine I..." She sighed, at least this bit was true, "But I no think it right to be out there in day...like this." She sighed and span the linen bracelet, "Antonia Varia has taken liking to the garden, she's very sweet girl and," She sighed again, "She talks to me sometimes." A lot, as it went. "I don't want her to see...this." She waved a hand to her face, "And scare her. Because then she ask what happened and..." And either I tell her the truth and petrify a nine year old girl, or she thinks you did it... "And I like her a lot, I don't want to worry her." She half-wondered if the little girl had spoken of her to her papa. She had asked, after all, about visiting the baths with the older Briton woman to her, herself.

 

TAG: @Atrice

[Atrice]

Well he didn’t want her to heal quickly just to satisfy his own desires and needs. How could she work very well if she had a concussion; how could she do her job if she was not well? And he bought her, she was his now, and she was here to work. If she ended up feeling worse because he made her work more than she ought to, with her current condition… well… that wouldn’t be very useful. So he wanted her to feel better. She thanked him for his concern and promised to rest and thought the other slaves would be fine. Well he hoped so.

When he then told her to just feel better and keep up with her work in the garden, and that he’d take care of the Vigiles… she said she would do as told, but she trailed off, sighed and then mentioned his daughter. How she liked the garden now too, how Antonia talked to her and she didn’t want Antonia to see her face like that. Gods! He inhaled a breath, feeling a little bit frustrated, because she was entirely right about what she said. And he completely forgot to think about how others would see her like this, when he decided what she should do and now… really?

But he didn’t want to keep her hidden away in the kitchens or in the slave quarters. He wanted to see her… she was being so well-behaved now, she’d been attacked in the street, he felt an obligation to take care of her suddenly and even then, he still wanted her near, somehow.

“That’s understandable and you make a good point here. The garden does need to be tended to, but… not at any cost. I don’t want Antonia to worry, she’s still so… young.” He said and ran a hand through his hair, as if he was now feeling a bit tired. He’d just wanted to see her and hear why she hadn’t been working in the gardens and that turned into a longer conversation and now he suddenly felt he didn’t know what to do… Tertius sighed, looking at her again, “What am I to do about you then, Charis? Keep you hidden away in darkness until you’re fully healed? That’s not very expedient either. Gods…” He trailed off, hating to say he didn't know what to do... and picked up his cup again to empty it. Why did he always feel that need to drink when he was frustrated… but he was. That was the problem with getting too close to women; they could drive a man mad!

@Sara

[Sara]

"She is." She agreed with a little smile, and before she could stop herself, continued as if the conversation was the most natural thing in the world; "I remember that age, I want to know everything, I remember I follow my father and brother around the forge asking if I could help and try to get them to teach me smithing." She laughed a little, although was a little surprised at her honesty. He'd never given her any opportunity to talk about herself, and realised in that moment the only things he did know was that she was a Briton, she had been married and she had lost a child. Not that he asked about any of it. Maybe she had just needed him to know she was a real woman, and not just 'Charis the slave', although that didn't help and she felt her stomach sink. It felt almost...wrong to think and talk of those happy memories here. 

She didn't fail to notice, however, as she glanced up at him through her lashes that he seemed...perturbed. She hadn't really ever seen him rattled, even that night he seemed firmly in control. As he sighed she lowered her eyes so he wouldn't catch her looking. She couldn't help but feel amusement spread through her body at his frustration, at his words. Hah! How does it feel Tertius? To feel so frustrated and constrained? That's how we feel all the bloody time! She wondered if he saw the irony but doubted he did. 

After a pregnant pause she sighed and tucked her hair behind her ear from where it had fallen. "I could say you punish me," She swallowed, "She understand that?" This was a test - to see if he had done it before, to see if it was common in this household and therefore a believable story. And to see how he'd react to her suggestion he would hit her - if he was disgusted, that would only be to her good. After a little bit of faux contemplation she continued; "Or I say I fell? Accident? But she's clever, she probably know I lying..." She sighed, but secretly was revelling. Let's see what you come up with, Tertius. But she added, for good measure (she had to keep up the pretence, after all!); "I sorry for putting you in this position domine." 

 

TAG: @Atrice

[Atrice]

He looked a bit surprised when she suddenly told him that when she was young, she’d followed her male family members around the forge and wanting to learn how to smith. A woman, in a forge?! That sounded very strange and more or less wrong. He knew that in the northern countries, so-called shield maidens were found, but for the most part, Romans weren’t so stupid that they’d put weapon in the hands of women. Unless they were gladiatrices, but that was different. They were slaves, after all… he wasn’t sure how to comment on her tale though and honestly he was frustrated now, because he wanted to see her and didn’t want her to hide away, but with that face… what to do with her?

Without thinking, he actually asked her what to do. She suggested she could pretend he punished her and Antonia might understand… there was a pause and he considered it, “She might. But I’m not sure she’d believe it, with you. I think it’s no secret in this house now, that I have taken a liking to you.” He said, looking at her, wondering if she understood that and even more, did she understand what it meant… it wasn’t so often he took a liking to a slave like that, after all.

Next she suggested she could say she’d fallen, but Antonia would guess that one too. Then she apologized for putting him in this position. Well she should be! Now it wasn’t her fault she’d been attacked, but it was still an issue that she put him in this odd position. What to do about her?

“Rhoda will have to put up with you for a while longer.” Tertius finally deemed, “But every day, I want you to come and see me. So that I can see how you’re doing. And remember what I told you about your health. Eat, drink and get some rest. And work when you can, of course.” He said and paused as he had another idea, “Can you read and write, Charis?”

@Sara