Gladiator Dreams

[musicankane]

Rome, the grandest city in the world. A place where one could achieve anything they could imagine if only they worked hard at it and knew the paths to take. Darius Alverian came to Rome to be a blacksmith for the army. He was good with steel and hammers, having honed his skill from his father's place out in the country. His father made horseshoes, Darius made swords and shields even when it upset his father to do so.

When he became old enough to be a man, Darius left the farm and came to Rome with a few blades and shields, samples of his work to show the army. He had hoped they would like his work and put him to work crafting for the glory of Rome.

Instead they accused him of being an assassin and sent him to the dungeons. He protested night and day that it was all a mistake. They misunderstood his reasons for being in Rome. He swore it at the guards over and over again, but they didn't listen.

One day a man came down to the dungeon. He needed fodder for a Gladiator event that night. Darius caught his eye, due to his build. Darius' work on the farm and the forge had given him a fairly chisled body, muscles hard with the efforts of his labor. So he was put in chains and sent out before the roar of the crowd.

Darius had never seen so many people in one place. HE had heard the Gladiator events were popular but to see so many it was mindboggling. Then he was freed from his chains and given a sword. The guard smiled and said, "I hope you practiced this while you crafted boy, or you're going to have a short night."

Darius didn't understand, were they really going to make him fight? In the ring? Surely they wouldn't try to kill him for a misunderstanding.

Then he was shoved through the gate and faced with six heavily armed brutes all looking very eager to pierce his flesh with their axes. Darius tightened the grip on his sword and stepped forward. His heart pounded, he didn't want to kill anyone, but he also didn't want to die.

This was a glorious sport, the winners were rewarded and respected. Perhaps this was what Darius was meant to do. The first man charged and Darius had no time to think. Only react.

He spun, dodging the blade and countering with his own. He felt the contact of flesh, and the spray of blood on his chest. His blade had severed the mans spine, paralyzing him until he bled out on the ground.

Darius couldn't believe what he had done, and he didn't have time to process it. The next man came at him with a roar. Darius blocked the axe swing meant for his head somehow. Then sidestepped the next attack. He reached out and grabbed the axe shaft with his free hand and cut the man's arm off with the sword.

Jerking free Darius had two weapons now and four men left to face. He became aware that the crowd was going nuts. Somehow they hadn't expected him to be able to face these monsterously big men.

Two came at once, Darius charged toward them. This through the men off-rhythm as they didn't expect him to advance. Axe and sword met stomach and two more men fell to the ground. The rush of power Darius felt made him smile. Perhaps he had found his glory. He felt powerful, untouchable. They roar of the crowd consumed him until the last two men were dead. He didn't even realize he had finished them, he only became aware that he was standing in a trail of bodies with blood dripping from his weapons.

The crowd cheered and the announcer turned to the Ceasar and his daughter. "The prisoner was supposed to be killed sire. But he has bested six men in the ring. Do you grant him mercy? Or shall he die by archers?"

Ceasar turned to his daughter, "What do you think Darling? Shall we let him live to compete another day?"

 

[Perplexia]

Catalina de Macetti was the first of four daughters of Caesar Caludius de Macetti. She was well sought after by most of the noble families.

Instead of marrying her off, the Caesar would offer up one of his other three. For she was his favorite. Her mind worked like his, her face was that of an angel, her body shaped like the goddess Athena, and mannerisms as gentle as a lamb.

However for that time period she was too independent, and often flustered her father by doing as she pleased when she pleased it. Her mother had much love and affection for her other girls, but Catalina was too headstrong like her father. She was simply an embarrassment.

Not being the common woman did cause some talk at court, although if it reached the Casers ears he would make an example. He'd considered sending her abroad, but could never bare to be apart from her. Her mother pushed for it by withholding favor. However instead it pushed him to get several servant who were more then happy to favor him as often and as many times as he pleased.


She stood as her father asked the question of whether this man should live or die. He auburn curls sashayed as she bent over the Caesars stand and looked to the crowed. They were all chanting Live, Live, Live. Guards came into the dirt floored ring and turned him to face her forcing him to kneel..

Her emerald eyes still searched the crowd for their decision. Then she looked down to the dirt floor where the man was forced to kneel and look up to her. Her jewels clanked together "what is your name Gladiator?" she questioned as the crowd silenced when she held up her hand.

There was no answer and the guard spoke for him Darius Alverian is his name. The guard said smugly as he began to raise his hand to the man."Stop" she commanded him. He looked up and bowed as well. "did i order you to raise your hands to a person in which I was addressing?" she questioned the guard with a clam but deadly voice."

"No Miss, But he did not answer." the guard tried to explain and stopped with just a look from her.
I want this man given a bath and a good meal, for today he shall Live as a victorious Gladiator, and I will address his lack of responding once he is cleaned." she waited for a moment and looked at the guard. "If you miss treat him because i scolded you i will have you shackled and put in the next match."
that was definitely not her place but the response from the crowd was such that the Caesar did not mind.

 

[musicankane]

Darius was surrounded by people. After being shoved into a tiny room with the first hot bath he had seen in months he was forced to strip and climb into the water in front of two old woman who somehow kept blank expressions at his nudity. Once he was in the water they began to paw over him with rags, scrubbing his face and body as if it were the most important task they had ever be given.

Guards watched from the door keeping a careful eye on him to make sure he caused no trouble. Darius couldn't believe that Catalina de Matcetti wanted to speak with him. Had he done really so well in the ring? He didn't think his performance was noteworthy, but he wasn't going to fight her choice.

So maybe he wasn't going to be given the chance to earn his honor by making weapons. Instead he would become a champion. His honor gain by becoming the weapon. If that was how he would be famous, by killing the brutes thrown into the arena, then he would be the best Rome had ever seen.

Once he was cleaned he was given a rather nice pair of pants and a noble vest to wear for his meeting with the Ceasar's daughter. He wondered what she wanted from him, why she would want to meet a simple man. Sure sometimes the most famous Gladiators were given dinners with the Ceasar himself, Darius was nothing more than a man who had one good fight.

Dressed and ready to be put into the presence of loyalty, Darius was shown to a large room, normally served as a dining hall, but empty at this hour. The sight of a grand table and the smell of food in the kitchen reminded Darius that he had not eaten in weeks, at least nothing more than prison gruel.

 

[Perplexia]

Catalina was told that he was awaiting her in the dining hall. She ordered a large plate be created for him and brought out with wine for his drink. Profiling was critical upon her status, the kitchen believed because they served the Caeser and his family they were above serving someone like him scraps.

Walking through the back of the kitchen and watched and listened. "i'll give him what i feed the dog, that will be large enough meal for the likes of him."The chef advised the staff.

The kitchen stopped dead as she walked out from the shadows and picked up the plate that was full of dog scraps.

"You are not fit to stand in that mans presence. I want you to crawl to him and apologize for thinking yourself a better man. Then you will tell him what you have been caught doing, and ask him what your punishment should be.

The chef looked horrified. "if you fail to ask, or he fails to give one, then i will choose. I hope you're convincing when you ask for his forgiveness."
Looking at the staff she spoke again. "I said i want him to be fed with a large mean, are you going to stand there?"

The kitchen rushed around and got his place of ham, lamb and beef ready with vegetables and fruits. A large chalice was Set before him and filled. The food brought to him with a smile and curtsy to the place he was to sit at the table. After them came the crawling chef that mumbled and apologized humbly begging his forgiveness at his feet.

She stood at the door listening to the response before appearing and walking out. The Gladiator knelt and bowed his head. "Please sit and enjoy your meal" she stated motioning to his chair. She waited until he sat and then did so as well on the side of him. "I am not accustom to men not responding when i ask them a question. Perhaps you would do me the honor of advising me why you didn't respond when i asked your name."

 

[musicankane]

Darius was confused when the cooks began to bring food out to the table. It smelt so good, and he was so hungry that it was like a large tease. Would they bring him into the palace, and give him a wonderful bath, wonderful clothes, and flaunt all this good food in front of him, only to send him away?

Then a man came to him crawling on his knees. Darius looked in utter shock, what was happening? The man grabbed his pant legs, and tugged at them, "Dear Gladiator sir. I thought you a lesser man and I came to humbly apologize. I did not know you had the favor of the nobles, I mistakenly thought little of you. Please sir forgive me, ask me any favor to grant your forgiveness and I will make it so."

Darius was stunned, he really didn't know what to do about it. He wasn't a noble and he didn't know what was the correct thing to do. He wasn't special so the chef wasn't exactly wrong in his assumptions.

Darius bent over and pulled the man to his feet. "Sir you need not worry. I am not a noble, nor am I a great man. You were right in your opinion of me, at least mostly. I am a weaponsmith, and I guess a Gladiator now. I hope to bring myself glory and honor."

The chef nodded, "I see."

"But if you were sent here to apologize, then perhaps I have already earned someone's favor. Tell me who sent this up for me and you are forgiven." Darius said.

The chef bit his lip and looked around, then said, "Lady Catalina sir. She ordered almost a feast prepared for you."

Darius eyed the food sitting on the table. "That's for me?" His stomach roared with need.

"Yes sir. I shall go finish it up sir." The chef gave a light bow and darted back toward the kitchen.

As the man disappeared Catalina de Macetti appeared with a beauty and grace that was hard to truly appreciate from afar. Darius dropped to his knees and bowed, "M'Lady you honor me with your presence."

She smirked and gestured to the food, giving him permission to eat. Darius was only to eager to do as she asked, darted to a seat and grabbing a chuck of bread with one hand and a piece of roast in the other. He ripped open the bread and stuffed the meat and a slice of potato into the bread then took a huge bite. He moaned, it tasted like heaven after eating nothing but slop for the past while.

She asked him about his lack of response in the ring and he blushed. After he swallowed he sighed and frowned, "I am sorry about that. I wanted to think of a good Gladiator name to call myself. But the guard answered for me instead." He explained. "I did not mean to offend you. But I must have done something you liked for you to reward me with the first real food I've had in weeks. I cannot thank you enough for this."

 

[Perplexia]

"Do they not feed you in the dungeon?" she asked her eyes growing furrow. She didn't wait for a response instead, advised him "stay and eat, do not leave i shall return." She walked quickly with a determination and fierceness that caused the guards standing at the door to stand straighter and suck in their stomachs. You could almost hear them exhale as she was out of distance.

She made her way down to the dungeon. Definitely a place she should not go, but she never was one for formalities. Behind her came one of her personal guards. He never was far behind in case she pulled something as rash as this.

Passing the guards she looked in the cells covering her nose and mouth with a silk scarf. There were having to relieve themselves in the corners, they had no cots just straw. Some looked ready to die at any moment.

"I want to know who is responsible for this, and i want it fixed now" she told her guard. He then began to order people around as she went back up stairs. She walked back into the dining area. He had almost finished his meal. "I'm sorry for my rudeness. Your conditions as far as living arrangements will change, and you will be fed well. You fought well today, you bring honor to my fathers house. Taking the scarf she used below she shows it to him. "If you need anything you can notify me is i see a piece of this on the inside of your wrist." She walked over the guard and had him hold out his sword. She dropped the scarf over it, and it sliced it in two. Returning back she handed him the smaller piece.

"if you feel like doing anything for the kindness I've shown you, I ask you not to die. Her emerald eyes looked to him softly."
and offered her hand for him to kiss.

 

[musicankane]

Darius didn't know why she got up and left him there, he did know that she looked pissed and was glad that wrath wasn't about to be thrown down upon him. He took the time to eat his fill while she was away. He didn't know when or what his next meal would be, but he wasn't going to let anything go to waste.

He feasted on roast, fruits, peppers, breads, ale. Everything he could ever want in a meal was before him. He ate like a mad man. By the time Catalina came back, he was stuffed, over stuffed, but he felt good.

She told him that things were going to change for him around here but he didn't see how. When they parted ways he had no doubt he would be sent back to the dungeon and right back on square one. Part of him was sadden by the fact that he had become a killer in order to have the simple pleasure of a good meal. But he knew the glory and honor in Gladiators, many would rather die in the ring then grow old and feeble. They fight and relish in the rewards of food, drink and any woman they wish to bed.

Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Darius just had to make sure he kept his wits, and practiced with his sword everyday, just like when he was growing up.

She explained her request for him as she sliced a piece of her scarf off and gave it to him. He didn't know what to when she offered her hand. But he remembered seeing nobles kiss the backs of their ladies hands when held out in such a way. He assumed that was what she wanted, so he took her hand ever so gently in his and brought it to his lips.

"Thank you for your kindness, and the food your Highness." Her hand was soft, delicate, yet warm and comforting in his. He kissed the back of her hand gently then took a step back as a pair of guards came into the room.

"Alright prisoner, time to go to your new home." He said with a chuckle. "You're going to the Gladiator camps."

Darius turned toward them and nodded slightly. "I guess that would be best. Better learn how to use a blade then rely on getting lucky again." He glanced back toward Catalina. "Thank you again."

* * * *

Darius was thrown into a cell with a dozen other men, after being stripped of the nice clothing and put back into rags. Over the next week Darius was taught how to fight in the ring, not just with swords but a complete varity of weapons. The camp itself had its own forge in which they made the equipment for the trainees to use.

Darius watched the forge carefully, trying to spot mistakes in the temper of the steal. The blacksmith was good at producing lots of product, but Darius could see the flaws in his work, weak points in the metal. Weakpoints would be good to know in the arena, especially if he could get a chance to make his own swords.

He remembered the piece of Catalina's scarf. It made him smile, and he was able to picture her beauty when he held it.

Maybe she would get him some time at a forge to back his own weapons.


Then time came a week later for Darius to fight again. He held twin swords in his hands, a piece of scarf tied to his left wrist. The battle he was in was between him and a partner, a tall man named Niles, against a battle chariot, with two riders.

"Gotta love a fair fight." Darius told Niles as the chariot began it's first charge.

 

[Perplexia]

Catalina hadn't forgot about her Gladiator, as her sister teased her. "I would make him my personal love slave if father would let me" her younger sister teased. "the question would be, would he prefer death or servicing you" Cat snapped back at her walking away and letting her feeble brain work it out.

The next Gladiator show was coming up. The dungeons had been cleaned and the prisoners were now on a good food regiment. But unfortunately it didn't affect Darius any. He had been taken to the camps to train. Women weren't allowed to visit unchaperoned, so she had her servant Philippe go and check on his status for her. He reported back that he was well fed, and taken care of.

Each of the houses had their gladiators sent to the camps to bring honor to the houses. She wished she had known her fathers plans to take him away. Not that it mattered. He was merely glad to have eaten and be kept alive.

----------

The day arrived for the next match as always she sat by her fathers side. Her sisters hated to come out in the heat and watch the blood and gore. She had always rooted for the underdog.

Their fight began and she saw him. Her scarf around his wrist, The chariot headed with its spiked wheels towards him and the guy he was chained to. There was an archer in the chariot an the other held the reins. An arrow barely missed him and the whole crowd gasped. He had quickly become a favorite among the people.

They ran out in front of the horse causing it to rear up breaking its latches from the chariot. The bucket skidded in the sand and flipped over throwing one man and pinning the other under. The crowd cheered going wild. The rest of the match went quickly with Darius and the other man slaying the other two.

Her father didn't even ask and gave two thumbs up for life for them both, as they knelt before him and his daughter. She tried to look dis interested but gave a slight nod that would be noticed by no one else. Letting him know she received his message and would see him when she could.

 

[musicankane]

Darius felt the power course through him as he rose triumphant over the men in the chariot. Knocking out the horse was intense and for a moment he thought he would be trampled, but alas they won and as a token of their victory the Ceasar gave him a thumbs up as they bowed.

Darius looked up on the dais in hopes to see Catalina again. She was there and she noticed the scarf on his arm. If he blinked he would have missed it, but it was there, the slightest little nod given to him to show she saw his message. Darius smirked, now all he had to do was wait.

As it turned out, Catalina couldn't exactly just come to him. She did not have quite the same freedom in the camp as she did in the rest of Rome. Of course it was a male prison camp in which the prisoners were given a bit of freedom. For a beautiful woman to come to him alone would risk and invite rape. A little bonk on the head by a desperate gladiator and she would be taken and ravaged.

Not that they really were wanting for female company. Darius was offered three woman as a reward for his victory. All of which he turned down in case Catalina came to see him. Not that he expected desires of the flesh from the Ceasar's daughter, but he merely wanted to be able to show her some tact when she did arrive. Her approval of his request would ensure that he would have a much better chance at survival during his next fight.

 

[Perplexia]

With two of her most skilled bodyguards she sneaked in to the camp. Its amazing what a little coin would buy. He was taken from his cell and brought to a clean well lit one. His arms were placed in shackles and he was placed on long chains. It was the only way she could get her escorts to agree. They were like older brothers.

She wore a cloak that his her face arms and hands. His cell door was opened and she walked in closing it behind her. The guards stepped away and blocked all other access. She was as good as alone with him as she could be.

Turning to him she pulled down her hood revealing her exquisite hair and auburn curls. "I risked a great deal coming here. Are you being treated well, fed well? she asked whispering getting closer to him. If he wanted to reach her he could have but she believed he had more sense.

 

[musicankane]

Darius didn't know why he was being punished. Normally the men who fucked up or got someone killed while they acted as cowards were put into this cell. He stood against the wall, his wrists chained so that he only have four feet of space to move away. He didn't bother though, whatever had been done wrong he wasn't going to add to his problem by struggling.

Then a cloaked figure walked in lef by two big guards. Once she was inside they left the cell and locked her in with him, alone. Darius felt himself turning red, they were going to force him to be with a woman. They wanted to make sure they were breeding the good fighters after all.

HE opened his mouth but the woman moved her cloak before he could say anything. "Catalina!" He hissed in pleasant surprise. Then he shook his head, "I'm sorry, I meant your highness."

"Everything here is as good as it can be. I am still a prisoner though. If I continue to win though I will soon be moved to the palace in a servant room and given some general freedoms. That will be nice, to have a bed instead of a pile of hay."

He noticed that she was standing close to him. Close enough to touch if he wanted to touch her, but that would not be right and it would also be stupid. He could do nothing of interest with her before her guards killed him. Besides he wasn't one to harm a lady.

"I'm guessing you are here about my request." He told her. "I want a chance to use the forge here on the ground to make my own swords. I've watched the smith here, and he makes things with haste not with quality. I could break any sword in this building with the right strike, and I don't want to bet my life of shitty steel." He explained. "If you can let me make a pair of my own swords, then I will be able to fight with less risk. I can become famous, then I can buy my freedom."

 

[Perplexia]

She looked at him blankly when he said her name and then quickly changed it. He did know his place, but oddly it was nice to hear it from him. "I'll get you a bed if i can, have my father require it as a reward for your gallantry. I will try to get you access to a forge, but that will be harder. Have patience. If anything i can get you a pair of swords made by our smith. They'll be quality and quite expensive. So be careful not to advise where you got them. Of course i was never here. I'm sure by now you found out women are not allowed."

Catalina looked solemn for a moment. "I shouldn't be taking this risk, If i am caught no even my father will be able to save me. If you betray my trust i will have you killed while you sleep. Do you understand?" she asked with more authority.

Her eyes looked into his and she backed away. "stay safe Darius of Alverian", she whispered as she went to the gate of the cell pulling up her cloak. Her guards escorted her safely home.
___

The next day she had a game of chess with her father. "Father?" she asked as she played stumped on the board. "Do you not think it would be an incentive if you were to reward that Gladiator we sent to the camps with something? It would make the other ones try harder and perhaps bring more honor to the house."
"That is a well thought out idea Catalina" he said lightly as he studied the board. "what did you have in mind?"
She smiled moving the wrong piece on the board. "Perhaps a bed, so he's more limber to fight better, and the weapons he was given, i know i don't know much but they did look a bit..well cheap. Could we not get him some armor of the house and a set of swords to match? Think of how fine he'd look fighting for you."

"If only you thought so well on the game" he said calling checkmate.
She smiled. "you won again father you are as magnificent a strategist as you are a Caesar.
"ahh you always build my ego that is why you are my favorite. Go ahead and see to the upgrading of your gladiator."

She smiled "Thank you father."

A messenger was sent to the prison that he was to get his own room with a bed. She also set the blacksmith to work on armor for him, as well as swords.

 

[musicankane]

True to her word, Catalina made the arrangements. Darius was given a room in the headmaster's home, complete with a bed, and a fireplace. He was brought a pair of very nice swords, not as good as what Darius could make, but much better than the shit he had been given.

Problem was, the rest of the men in the camp didn't like that he had become someone's little Gladiator pet. When he ate with the men, he was not allowed to join in with their jokes, as they saw themselves being treated like crap compared to them.

Still it didn't matter to him. Darius couldn't help everyone, and something he had done had gotten Catalina's favor and through that favor she made his life more comfortable. The least he could do was make sure his fights kept her nice and entertained.

The arena at the end of the week was Darius against a big hulk of a man wearing armor. The Caesar annouced that if Darius bested this foe, he would be given the armor as a reward for use in future battles. The crowd roared at this announcement and started routing for Darius, wanting to see the little man take on the big brute.

The big guy had a huge morning star, but Darius at least had his to upgraded blades. He smirked and began to make circles around the big bastard, "Alright ugly, let's dance."

 

[Perplexia]

Of course she was there to watch. But she sat back so that she couldn't see everything that was going on. The crowd loved him, when they cheered she knew it was good. When they booed she looked forward to be sure he still breathed.

Going out of her way for the less fortunate was something she always did. Her sisters could tease her about him all they liked. The point was that he deserved better then to be treated like a dog. Whatever his crime, it was his business, not hers. It didn't change that he still represented the most powerful mans house.

Why shouldn't the Caesars Gladiators be treated special. If the others had done half as well as him in gaining the peoples favor, she would be recommending the same for them.

The brute he faced although large and strong, he was also very slow. It didn't take much for Darius to figure out a way to best him.

 

[musicankane]

Darius had moved in, striking with his blades quickly then running away. He didn't hit at vital spots, instead he chose to strike at the hulk's legs, and arms. Making it hard for the big guy to swing his weapon or even stand up. After a few minutes of striking and running, the big guy couldn't stand up anymore and simply fell over.

Darius took off the armor from the man and slipped it on. To the roar of the crowd he walked toward the Caesar's booth and held up his swords, letting the ruler see him in his new gear. This was the fame Darius had wanted. He felt great, so great in fact that he thought he would request a woman to come to him tonight.

He had his own bedroom now, he could have a woman in privacy and on the comfort of a bed. It would be wonderful, he supposed. Though part of him wondered what Catalina would think of him just bedding any whore they through into his room.

 

[Perplexia]

She stood a step behind her father as he rose to congratulate his Gladiator. This time Darius held no scarf upon his wrist. She caught his eyes briefly and turned and walked away. Her guards escorted her back to her caravan where they swiftly picked it up and carried her back to the palace.

He lived and brought honor to her father. That was the important thing. He had succeeded in gaining her fathers admiration and that of the crowds. Her mood however was on edge. When she reached home she took up a sword and fenced for a few hours. Wearing out three of the instructors.

Not even her sisters would come around her. At 18 she had her pick of suitors from many different worlds. She had the looks and the admiration. She knew the feeling it gave her to be her fathers daughter.

 

[musicankane]

Darius spent that night alone. Though he felt good, his thoughts kept going to Catalina the woman who had taken care of him. He wished he could see her more often than the arena, and more than just from afar. Instead of summoning a woman he wrote Catalina a note, asking her to have dinner with him.

HE gave it to an errand boy and told him the only eyes to look upon the letter better belong to CAtalina or he'd have the boy's fingers made into a necklace. Of course Darius was joking, but sometimes a little fear made the job get done.

 

[Perplexia]

A note was delivered to her in the wee hours of the night while she sat awake in her chamber over looking the enormous garden. The boy had managed to slip to her room. She took the note from him and read it. "arrogant fool" she mumbled under her breath writing her reply as simple as

'No, its inappropriate. If you wish to see me you know the protocol. Good luck on your next fight. Stay alive. C'

Give him this message as well. Burn this.

She gave the boy a coin and had one of her guards take him safety back to be sure he wasn't caught and the letter confiscated.

"highness, not that its my place, but he's hardly worth the risk you place yourself at." She frowned at her guard and shut her door.

 

[musicankane]

Darius frowned at the note, he couldn't tell the inflections of her words but it did seem that his note had upset her. He meant no offense by anything. But ok she wanted him to use the scarf he would do that. He would get her to come to him and he would apologize. He forgot that she was royalty and he was nothing, it wasn't right that he tried to treat her like a normal girl because she wasn't.

He sighed and tied the scarf around his wrist. He wore the scarf all week, making other people used to seeing him with it. That way nobody would think anything strange about him taking into battle.

His next fight was the easiest fight he ever got. It was a massive battle between his team of twenty and another team of twenty. Yet he wore armor, and so did one guy on the other team. He didn't like that he men still had shit for equipment while he along was special. So he fought like a madman, taking risks he should not have. He wanted to make sure none of his men fell.

He was successful, except a blade caught him. The final enemy standing slashed him just under the lip of the armor, right above his groin. The wound burned and bled, but was shallow. Still he made it hard for him to stand. He hobbled over toward the Caesar's balcony and knelt.

To his surprise his teammates helpping him up, know that Darius alone helped them all make it out alive.

 

[Perplexia]

Finding that she couldn't watch while he fought she simply listened to the sound of the crowd. A giant cheer followed by a gasp. She gripped her chair tightly, Then another cheer and the Caesar stood of course granting him life. She stood as well a step behind him looking only at the one that was held up. His wrist wore her scarf. A slight nod on her part to acknowledge again.

"I think father" she advised as they rode home. "We should send our doctor to him. Again it shows he's a valued commodity for the house. Look how much he's improved since the first time we saw him. Others as well have started to strive for greatness. If you treat them like prized horses, they shall prance like it." she advised.

Her father agreed sending their own personal physician to look after him. He also added a week off from fighting so he could recover fully.

She waited till the house settled and she was taken to him. It was easier now that he had his own room. Her cloak shielding her she entered his chambers as her men stood outside the door.

Turning to him she pulled down her cloaks hood. "Are you being properly looked after?" she questioned with some concern as she stood back against the door.

 

[musicankane]

Darius had his shirt off when she came into the room. Bandages covered the wound which had nicked his hip bone and then merely scratched the rest of the flesh. There was a chip in the bone though and that is what made it hurt to walk.

The door opened and she came in covered in her cloak, though this time he knew exactly who was coming to see him. He smiled when he saw her eyes, she had the most beautiful eyes. He couldn't help himself around her, though he knew it was wrong to feel such ways toward her, she had shown him such kindness that it was hard not to feel affection for her.

"I am treated very well, I mean considering I am still little more than a prisoner in a fancy cell." He told her. "But the fame is nice, people cheered for me when I was being helped through the streets."

He stood and winced as he did so, "Catalina, I want to apologize for the note. I didn't mean to upset you, I simply thought it would be nice to eat with some company who didn't try to grovel at your every whim. You seem to be interested in my company. It was my mistake, and I apologize."

 

[Perplexia]

"you made a great error." she said lightly. "what if he had been caught? going or coming one way or another. He would have sang like a bird on a spring morning. How could I continue to help you if they executed you for being familiar with me?" A tear came to her eye for a moment and she suppressed it.

She walked over to him with deep breathes and helped him to sit down. Her hand touching his forearm and back. Feeling his muscles beneath her hand which caused a strange sensation to go over her. She released him stepping back as her face flushed and she turned her head away.

"I should probably let you rest" she said softly in almost a whisper.

 

[musicankane]

Her touch was as soft as a feather, yet warm as the morning's sun. He felt himself heat up with her touch, then she promptly jerked herself away. Darius reached out for her, "NO wait please!" He cried.

He lowered his hands in shame and frowned, "Don't go. I never have anyone pleasant to talk too, and I'm lonely here. I know they would bring me a woman if I asked for it, but I want company not just a warm body to hump against." He explained. "I train and I sleep, that's all I'm allowed around here, the men don't talk to me much, though they like me better after that last fight, and it gets depressing to be all alone. That's why I asked you to join me for dinner the other night. Please just stay a while and talk. I can send for bread and ale."

 

[Perplexia]

"no you can't send for bread and ale" she said lightly her arm burning where he grabbed her. "Don't you understand Darius, this is dangerous, if anyone sees me its a forfeit of your life. Not to mention a disgrace to my father. I don't know why i feel so compelled to be near you, to help you." she sighed softly staying near to him. "I'll have a woman of quality brought to you. She will challenge your mind and fulfill your carnal desires. You will soon forget me. As i need to forget you"

She didn't dare to look in his eyes, nor did she step away either. She simply stood there quiet. Her eyes facing down so he could not see the sadness she had to endure.

 

[musicankane]

Darius hissex at her, "Im not after that! I dont want a woman for simple cardnal pleasure. I want company. You have been very nice to me, and i dont see the danger in us being friends. Are you not allowed friends? Dolid your father murder your playdates when you were little."

He sighed and sat back. "That was cold i didnt not mean that. You dont know what it is like though. I dance when im told and every other moment i am expected to be silent and not cause trouble."

He closed his eyes, "They act as if they let me out of this room Ill go around killing people. I kill because it is expected of me. Not because i want too. How much coin has your father made betting on me? Surely he would not deny me a harmless friendship. After all the happier he keeps me. The better killer i can be for him."