SRP in ancient Rome...

[Destiny]

Cassandra

She stood with her back to Ardal and watched the girl dancing still. Only ocassionally looking at the Prefect and then Quintus. Her husband was not in sight and she was beginning to feel slightly hungry.

A gong sounded and then again. The fest was arriving on delivered tables. WHole roasted Hogs still steaming and shiney. Peacocks cooked and then refashioned back with the tail feathers and the stuffed head. Fruits and vegetables of every variety cooked in every way. A Half a cow was brought out on the backs of two male slaves followed by another. 10 turkeys and two more roasted pigs joined the feast. for it was indeed a feast for the gods of Roman. Slaves began to prepare the food for master's that had beckoned them too.

Cassandra caught a passing slave girl and ordered two plates of pig with raw tomatoes and roasted potatoes. She looked abck at Ardal and then nodded to the girl to go and do her bidding.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

The Vandal:

The cup is lowered to where she can reach it and pour the water. He watches her movements and sees that they seem languid and sensuous.
'This one is either well trained or naturally very sensual. or perhaps both,' he thinks to himself as his eyes roam over her face and body.

 

[Remec]

Aegus

OOC:Aegus is a man trapped by the expectations of society. He comes from power and prestige and was married off to the daughter of one of his father's rivals to increase both. And to cement his own entrance into the political arena.

He is tall, but not overly so, and is still rather athletic among a host of senators that have grown thick with the bulk that privilege and leisure can allow to run rampant if left unchecked.

He has the typical dark hair...the solid chin and jawline...the piercing eyes and straight nose. He had wanted to be a soldier when growing up, before he knew what the family business was, and has kept up some military-style training. He's not so effective with spetum or gladius...but his use of smaller blades is rumoured to be vicious.

Vicious rumours of another nature dog his step as well, mostly originating with his wife Cassandra. It is spoken about him that his tastes in sexual conquest lean towards the young and virginal...of either gender (indeed, he has a sleek, androgynous, almost fey way about himself)...that he seduces from the marketplace and/or picks up on the slave stands, uses as he sees fit, and conveniently loses track of afterwards. The truth is not nearly so scandalous, but would be a stain in his dealings with certain factions within the Senate, as well as with Caesar himself.


IC:The festival seemed to be rather tame and unoriginal, Aegus thought as he had slowly made his way about the circuit of the estate they were holding the function on. The musicians...the wine...even some of the food, all appeared to be leftover from any number of events held over the last several weeks.

Then the gladiators arrived.

Aegus thought they looked promising. And the dancers even moreso as they came along shortly thereafter. Then the various guests began arriving...men, women, slaves...and things actually began to pick up. He looked about for anyone he knew...correction, anyone he wished to talk to...and caught sight of the proud carriage of a woman with raven-hair in garb that mirrored in most details the colour and adornments of his own.

Cassandra...so she came after all...and who is she... With a hurried step, Aegus set quietly on his wife. Dressing her down vocally, even as he held her arm tightly within his grasp, she let her know in no uncertain terms how inappropriate her conduct with the gladiator was becoming. Not just him...or because he was foreign or a gladiator...but because he was a slave. If she wanted to go that route, she needed more sense of decorum.

Do we not have a villa of our own?, he thought as he stomped away, fearful of losing his temper and doing more to her than merely a slap. He heard the announcing of a dancer and took the opportunity to step away into the night for fresh air and to calm himself.

As he left, he let his eyes linger over a slavegirl sitting by two serving vessels. Hmmm...I wonder...no, not now... Aegus passed her by and went through an archway onto one of the outer balconies.

 

[Destiny]

Cassandra absently rubbed her wrist where her husband had gripped her so tightly and she looked down at it to see a bruise forming. She sighed a bit, It wouldn't be the first bruise he had administered to her, nor would it be the last she was sure. Even though his tastes ran to the young and innocent, he seemed to still enjoy his wife's body. IT wasn't love making it was merely use of her body. She couldn't remember the last time he had actually held her or said a kind word. She shook off the thoughts and turned to move back to her bench seat.

Aegus was gone from sight now, probably off chasing after some tunic clad girl. She sighed a bit and took up her glass again and drained off the wine, perhaps that is what made her talk to the slave. Perhaps she had had too much wine and no food and she was drunk she thought to herself. Ah the fermented fruit of the vine. So beautiful to taste so vile in the head. She resumed watching the circle of men and women writhing as one stillw atching the dancing girl with the sword. She had also noted Aegus' interest in the girl kneeling on the floor. She sighed again and thought once more of asking for a divorce from her husband, knowing he would merely refuse once more.

 

[Armphid]

Ardal

The warrior-slave had considered his words, carefully noting how the noblewoman's expression had changed as she watched the dance. He had noted that as well, the remarkable skill with whicht he dark-skinned woman handled the blade. Very impressive indeed...as was the bearing of the man that stood in the shadows near her. He had known several Nubians since coming to Rome...but never seen any like these two.

He again turned his eyes to Cassandra, sea green eyes following the shape of her body, of the stiff posture in which she held herself. The copper haired youth shook his head, knowing that he should just speak, that waiting would not make better words come to him. "I...should not care, Lady Cassandra." She had given him her name, so that should excuse his using it. "The matters of the nobles of Rome should be of no interest to a slave, to a gladiator no less." He took a deep breath, the smell of the roast pig making his mouth water even as he remembered the gruel that awaited in the cells under the Colessium. "I am however, of noble birth among my people...and it pains me to see a woman of such station treated to poorly." It was dangerous to criticize her husband, but he would not hold back for fear. He already expected some sort of retaliation from her husband, why hold back then? "He should be able to see how different you are from them," his eyes flickered from the ground to the feast table, "and treasure you for it."

He went silent a moment, then spoke again. "As with the slave who holds the pitchers, perhaps you do not see all the choices that exist." "To mix the water and wine, taking how much of Rome that you want, and keeping yourself clean of what you wish." "It would be difficult, I am sure, but your freedom gives you the choice, even if you do not see it." "Forgive my boldness in speaking, but my words are the honest truth of my mind."

 

[Destiny]

The slave returned with the requested plates and placed them on the bench and handed the Lady napkins and then moved to pour some wine. Cassandra waved the girl away and looekd up at Ardal," I would like you to serve me my food. Or is that to menial a task for a nobleman of Britannia?" My eyes sparkled as I played a devils game. If he refused me what would I do? I waited and watched and he turned to face me his head lowered as he looked at my feet and he placed his hands behind his back as I watched him. "well my noble Beast, will you feed a Lady of Rome her food or will you stand there and perhaps watch me poisoned?"

 

[Armphid]

Ardal

He made a slightly displeased sound, but bit back a refusal. She was baiting him...but he didn't know what the right answer was. This was not his battlefield. Nothing of what he remembered of home could help him, he had not learned all of the duties of a chieftan's son...but he knew those of a slave.

"I am no house servant, noble Lady." He moved to stand next to the bench, "I do not know how to perform what you ask of me, but," he choked his pride down, "I will serve you if you wish." What was she up to? He reached down to pick up the abandoned pitcher of wine, feeling uncertain of himself for the first time since coming to the walls of Rome. "Shall I pour your wine?"

 

[Destiny]

She was pleased he would serve her and she laughed gently,"for a starter and then I would like you to sip it to make sure it is not laced with anything."

She waited for him to pour the drink and was pleased when he brought the glass to his lips and then handed her the goblet."The wine is good m'Lady and you as sweet as the grapes they come from. She nods slowly,"Ardal I want you to kneel in front of me now." She looked at the gathering crowd beginning to get their food and similar food tasting was going on, but this was different. She did have TWO plates. She watched as he bent to one knee before her and rested his arms there on the other knee and took the plate. He lifted a hefty piece and she nodded,"Yes test that as well." She picked up the goblet of wine and took another small sip. She smiled at the pleasure that coursed over his face at the taste of the pork that was gracing his tongue. "Um I think you should eat that whole piece just to be sure."

 

[Armphid]

Ardal

He recogzined the gesture for what it was, and gave her a gracious nod. The meat was so fresh, tender, warm, and juicy. It has been so long since he had meat such as this...anything beyond the half rotten cast offs that he and the other newer gladiators recieved. He ate it slowly, with the little decorum he had, wanting to savor each bite. When it was done, he pushed the plate toward her. "You are cautious, Lady Cassandra, and kind as well." "It seems to be safe, and prepared well enough for one of your station."

He paused as she took a delicate bite. "I beg your pardon, but are there so many of your enemies here that you must fear poison in the house of ceaser?" "Is such a practice so common?" The thought was offensive to say the least. Poison was a weakling's tool, and to abuse hospitality was a sin against the gods. "I should not question..." though neither his downcast face nor his tone suggested that he was sorry for it, "what shall I do to serve your now, My Lady?"

 

[Destiny]

She smiled and took the plate and she smiled as she noticed half was gone. She then took the other plate and smiled and handed it to him as well,"can you test all of this as well?"
I watche and waited for him to take the plate and shrugged as I laughed gently,"we are a nervous crowd and any could be tainted here. But I personally have no enemies I know of, my husband however..." I trailedd of as if he would care if I were dead.

I lifted my goblet still not having touched the food and watched as Ardal took bites of each piece of meat and then the roasted potatoes and then the tomatoes. I knew the fare that the slaves got and I knew that the food he was eating was pure heaven to his senses. A man will rarely forget a kindness such as I was giving to him.

 

[Armphid]

Ardal

Why was she being so giving? Such food was the stuff of dreams to him, long years had passed since he had eaten anything like this. It endebted him to her, there was no doubt of that, but what did it matter if a slave owed a free woman a favor? What did she gain? She was Roman, and the Romans never did anything without a hidden reason. He was not about to pass it up, however. The taste of such food was a bliss he had thought long past him, a joy he expected only to find when he finally met his end in the arena.

He took smaller bits of food, knowing that it would be unwise to glut himself, or to steal too much of her meal. "It seems a lonely way to live, My Lady, always unsure of even your food." "To be so guarded, so threatened, all the time is not what I would have expected to free Romans." "But I am only a savage." He set the plate before her. "It is pure, My Lady, I would eat before it cools too much." He smiled a bit, still keeping his eyes down though he had an urge to look up at her face. "I have experience with cold food, and it seldom satisfies." He wanted to ask her why she was doing this, but knew that he must not. It would dare too much. Best to see if he could find the answer himself.

 

[Destiny]

She watched him eat and silently drank her wine, she even refilled the glass again herself. She had asked him to serve her and yet she hadn't touched the food and she had just poured her own wine. Why indeed was she being so nice?

"You are asking my reasons for feeding you such delicious food? I can see it in your face Ardal. I have also not called you by your slave name. "her voice drops a slight ocave and she smiles," I am glad you are enjoying YOUR food." She takes his plate and places it beside the first and waves the salve girl closer as she looks back into his eyes," Will you test my wine again? I think it tastes kinda funny." I handed him the goblet and waited for him to cleanse his palate.


"Well I don't want to answer any of your questions Ardal, and if you can not accept a gift from a free woman, then perhaps you are not what I was looking for after all." She looked into his eyes as she spoke and then took the goblet back from his extended hand.

 

[katalynn]

N'Abitha ~

As soon as I was excused from my masters side, went through the huge arena, crowds straight to the person that would instruct me on where we were to be seated. I had watched my master from a slight distance, just so I knew where to find him. Couldn't help but watch the dancing girl, wishing I was that good with the blade. I had danced some, it was better than most the girls in his household, yet I was just a slave. Never to be known for many talents I had picked up over the many years.

Secretly I even learned how to fight, just enough to defend myself of those that do not have permission to touch me, and will not give up. Those that knew the symbol I carried, dare not to touch me without his knowing, then there were those that just didn't care. When he was not around, it was up to me to teach these careless fools a lesson, specially in events like this. Though I will not fight less I had no other choice, and or my master came and wished otherwise.

Wondered towards the food area right after locatiing our seats, still had an awesome veiw of the dancer, I had to admire big time. Almost wondering what it would take to learn what she is providing for entertainment. She was so smooth, delicate in a way, strong in others. She danced with that sword careless and free as if she was born wit the sword in her hand.

Making myself a bowl of fresh fruit, cup of just water, not wanting to drink wine right at this point. Not with out being by my masters side. Glanced around for him once more to make sure he is where I had seen him last. Making my way to another part of the arena that was alittle more quiet with a better veiw of the dancer. I would wait a few more moments before returning to his side. Right now, just wanted to enjoy myself.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Olokun and Behedti

And once the food was served, she faded off into nothing. As usual. With a slight scowl, she wiped the sweat from her brow using her forearm. As she pulled it away, the limb shone with the added sweat and gold fleck, and she sighed, ever so slightly. All that lay before her was the sea of turned backs, and the smells of roasted -and more than likely grease laden- foods. The sword had been returned to the owner, and so, for the time being, she was free….to avoid the crowds, some way, some how….

Sensing her slight dismay, Behedti was at her side in a moment. Laying a hand on her shoulder, he smiled, shifting the scimitar in his hands. Touching her forehead to his, she gave him the slightest of smiles. You know, just in case anyone was watching and got the wrong impression...that she actually had smiles to spare them.

“When I was here earlier, I found that there was a nice spot towards the back of the garden for us to eat….” His eyes were bright, making him seem all the younger.

She sighed, and placed her hand over his in a fleeting moment of public affection. They weren’t at home, and open displays like hugs were looked down on here. How cold was this place - where one could be ridiculed for kissing his own wife? “It’s nice to you to go through the trouble, but you know as well as I do once the wine flows, there is no private place….” Her ebony pools darted past the crowd, and through the girl with the vivid green eyes. Turning her back to the girl and the rest of the diners, she turned her attention fully to the taller man.

“Are you sure that even the balconies are taken….?” He asked with a slight shrug of his fine shoulders. Her eyes lit up. He had a point. And they didn’t have much longer to debate over where to eat before…The announcer glanced towards the two. He hated it when he couldn’t understand them - like now. Speaking that ruffian language.

“The people still expected to be entertained while they eat, Numidian…” he oozed, a smug smile setting on his face. Anger rose in her eyes, but she quelled it. With a stiff bow, she showed the man that she had heard him, and had understood. But still…hunger twisted her stomach, helped none by the trays passed before her.

“A break?” asked Behedti for her, hand never leaving her shoulder.

“Fine. A break. But then you shall provide the entertainment, boy….” And with an idle wave of a ringed hand, the announcer dismissed the both of them.

Pacing back out to the main floor, she darted over to the edge, with little leaps, like the predecessor to a ballet dancer. Flopping down on the edge, she dug through the little pack they had brought with them to the smoked meat. As the boy strode out to take her place on the floor, he glanced back to her. Her eyes reassured him - she wouldn’t be that long.

Raising his arms to the jangle of his jewelry, he twisted his fine boned hands about each other, before the music soaked into his form, lending movement to his feet…And true to her word, she was there beside him shortly. Leaving her long enough to bolt down his share of the meal, he quickly rejoined her on the flickering floor.

Without words, without touching, the flips, cartwheels, pivots, and spins were perfectly in tune with one another….

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

The Vandal:

He stood getting another refill from the kneeling slave, the first hadn't lasted long as he found the water had been flavored with a citrus and sweetened with honey.

Unlike most of these Romans he didn't gorge, use the vomitorium and return to gorge themselves again. He'd have a bit of meat, some cheese and fruit later when they settled down to drinking.

 

[Armphid]

Ardal

The wine was sweet, washing the tastes of what he had eaten away. Ardal did not avert his eyes this time, as she sought out them out. "I accept the gifts you have offered, you have been gracious beyond what I would have expected from any Roman." "I did not mean offense, which is why I did not speak of my questions openly." "I do not expect an answer, though I will find one in the fullness of time."

The red haired youth did bow his head then, as he would have done to a noble of his clan who had given his worthy gifts. "Lady Cassandra, Though I have no possessions, and even my services are limited by my master, it is right by the ways of my people that I offer something in return for a gift." "Especially since you have given me a great gift indeed." He raised his eyes again, "You have treated me as though I were not a slave...and for that more than anything I am endebted to you." "How else may I serve you, My Lady?"

 

[Remec]

Returning inside

Aegus felt a bit better for the fresh air. The balconies, however, were more crowded than the rooms inside. It was perceptual thing, of course, not that they had more people...or even that everyone was packed up against one another...not that more than a few guests were trying to goad things in that direction. It was just that the balconies were smaller places...islands around the building's exterior...so, naturally, they seemed really full even when not holding many people.

He'd watched for a bit. But this was too open and the guests here were too ordinary and common. Besides...thought Aegus...it would discourage the gossip and rumours about my, leanings, to be seen dallying with just anyone.

Thinking of dalliances and leanings towards such, reminded him of what Cassandra was doing. Or whom, should she have persuaded that slave-gladiator to leave the crowds with her for a while. Even though part of him resented being saddled with a woman such as her, another part of him thought of the feelings she could provoke...feelings he'd thought lost with the way they treated each other of late, but only misplaced if the scene he'd made over her behaviour was any indication.

He wandered back inside, watching the warlike dancing from the darkskinned pair...she handles that sword quite well, I wonder if she wields it also. Foreign-born slaves with unusual skills were something to be worried over, depending on who you were and where the slaves were performing.

Aegus noticed that food had begun being served and looked about for Cassandra. They might never see one another at these functions except for meals...made for slightly less gossip and turmoil for them to be seen eating and being civil. Pehaps more. Perhaps not even that as he found her finally, still talking to the same slave...actually talking to him...and, Aegus squinted to be sure of what he was seeing, sharing her meal with him?

Seething, his breathing slow and heavy as he tried to keep himself in control, Aegus began to make his way back across the room to where Cassandra was.

 

[Destiny]

Cassandra

A small smile slid alongher lips as she nodded to Ardal and she shrugged and finally picked up a plate and looked at the gladiator that was kneeling on one knee before her. "Well I would rather that then to see..." Her voice fell silent as she noted a flash of the same color she wore moving closer and she straightened her back and her head angled slowly so that it was held higher as well. Her eyes slowly chilled to barely above freezing as if she were readying herself for another confrontation with her husband.

"Thank you Invictis for testing my food for me." Her tone was cool and she looked from the man kneeling before her to her husband moving slowly closer. Picking a piece of the meat she took a small bite of it and chewed it was dedication, she almost fooled herself into believing she was enjoying the taste of the meat. Meat she rarely ate at all when she was at home. Picking up a goblet of wine she washed the taste from her palate as she placed it beside her gown she looked up to see her husband still moving closer.

 

[Armphid]

Ardal

Ardal did not to look behind him to know that her husband was back. The change that came over her was too dramatic, from the hard glint of her eyes to the unyielding posture she took. The man was likely looking for her to explain why she was not among the other guests, given what he had said earlier. Still...if he suspected that Ardal had been doing anything other than what Lady Cassandra had just said, it would go very badly for the wild haired gladiator. He was not sure what to make of this husband yet...though what he had seen made him think that the man was just another soft bodied, weak willed Roman. However...even the most pathetic Roman could make the life of a slave very difficult, if not end it outright. Though it made his guts seethe with angry frustration, he must play the part of the obedient slave. She had provided thecue, he only need follow it.

Ardal bowed his head, his copper-colored mane brushing the ground as he did so. "As you commanded, Lady, so I have done." He remained kneeling, head bowed, as he had seen the house slaves do, waiting for further instructions or a dismissal.

 

[Remec]

Hmmm

The change in stance and attitude that Cassandra presented for all to see, should they be taking note of her, did not go unnoticed by her husband. Aegus heard her thanking the slave for being her food taster for the evening, even though he knew as well as anything that there was more food missing from the two plates before her than a taster would've required to eat.

He calmed himself, adopting a more stoic and control mask of expression and body language...although someone who knew him, or knew how to read people well, would've known he was seething and full of a tension that was on the verge of snapping. He nodded to the slave as he stepped beside Cassandra and slipped an arm about her waist lightly touching her hip and caressing her across the small of her back just long enough to lean in and kiss her cheek.

"Hello again...sorry I am late for the meal. Did you save me anything or shall I send someone to hunt me down a plate of food?" Aegus regarded the slave, his eyes lingering up and down the warrior-prince's form. "Invictus, isn't it? I believe I have plans to watch you fight on the morrow. I hear good things about you."

He smiled...one of those small, knowing smiles that politicians seemed to always have a mastery of. "I thank you for your assistance. Was there anything else you needed from Invictus tonight, Cassandra?" He met her eyes and let the fire of his anger smolder quietly against the frost of her indifference.

 

[Destiny]

Breath of cold air....

I waited for Aegus to move closer. When he placed a kiss to my cheek that he had only just slapped a little while before I almost flinch. As he moved to settle beside me his hand resting possessively on my hip, I didn't dare move. Looking back at Ardal I chewed my lower lip a bit and then shook my head to my husband's question.

"No my Lord I do not need his assistance further." I plastered on a smile and reached around picking up a plate. that would explain why two where there, knowing he would have come when the food was brought out and it would look more plausible now. Playing the dutiful wife I lifted a piece of pork from the plate and brought it to his lips and fed it to him slowly,"I was not overly hungry. I am sure Invictus, did not mind tasting the food for you or I, did you Invistus?" I watched as Aegus ate the food I fed to him from my own fingers and then he would lick each finger after every bite. He knew I hated public displays liek this and yet he didn't seem to care. continuing to hold my hip as he looked at Invictus and spoke to the slave.

 

[Remec]

Tasting

Aegus raised an eyebrow and cocked his head slightly, prompting Cassandra to answer his question and to stop looking at the slave before them.

"No my Lord I do not need his assistance further."

"You're sure?", he asked, almost sounding sincere. His eye seemed to smirk as he let Cassandra feed him what remained on her plate. It had grown cold, and did not have the proper flavour to it any longer, but Aegus bit off or accepted each morsel and ate them as if they were fresh and wonderful. As he took each bit's final portion, he sucked the sauce and grease from her dainty hand...pulling her fingers into his mouth and caressing them with his tongue.

"I was not overly hungry. I am sure Invictus, did not mind tasting the food for you or I, did you Invictus?"

Cassandra seemed to finding it hard to remain as still as she had been doing. Aegus knew she disliked letting others see them act like this...indeed, he discouraged it himself, finding such displays not so far removed from the fat slobs that fondled and sucked on anything that came within arm's reach of their little sofa-realms, but he needed to do something to match what he felt seeing her cozying up to this gladiator.

{Why does that bother me so?} he questioned himself for a moment, but aloud he asked,"Is that so, Invictus? Perhaps you might bring us wine and water and taste that as well? Go summon that slave with the pitchers to come pour for us."

 

[Destiny]

I continued to feed Aegus as he ordered Invictus to go an fetch the wine and water bearer and remained silent. Taking a deep breath with each of his bites. "why are you doing this to me?" I whispered only loud enough for him to hear. My eyes showed my anger as he continued to tease my fingers with his lips. His hand was hot on my hip.

I never took my eyes from his own as he continued to glare at me with each bite. I knew that if we were alone I would be getting more then a glare fornm the man tha was called my husband. If he hated me so why did he keep me as his wife? Why bother? But he never gave an answer.

 

[stalwartone]

~Cassius Meridius~

"I sincerely hope that such interesting entertainment will be in abundance tonight. I find it a nice change from our local forms. Anyway, I see that you have a good eye for art, prefect. Why don't you come and visit me at home when you have some spare time? I would enjoy a conversation regarding art and forms of entertainment..."

Meridius nodded calmly, his face betraying little. An invitation to a private meeting, and with one such as the Praetor, no less. His men would do their duties tonight with a vengeance, or he'd make sure that they spent long days in the foulest of the details, starting with cleaning of the baths. He thought of the last time he had been given such a task for a violation, and inwardly shuddered. Using the baths was refreshing, but being there as a worker was nothing he wanted ever again. The hot rooms with their heated floors were unbearable after an hour's time, the cold rooms were just as horrible when the chills sank in, the slave rooms where grooming was done were little more than sewers after the day. The tasks were horrible, from cleaning up after the skin scrapings and body hair pluckings to emptying the firepits, to sluicing and scouring the rows of benchlike public lavatories. The stench once the fires were banked was something that no man forgot.
His mind snapped back to where he was. "My studies of the arts are limited, my lord, but I would be honored to offer what opinions I can. With your permission, I will make arrangements for such a meet as time will permit."

Time will permit? Gods, he'd make the time. A potential position in a private houseguard was something he truly aspired to, and he'd make sure that the meeting was, if nothing else, a stepping stone to that job.

He swept the room again with his eyes, comparing faces and body postures to his mental list. More known faces, more known members of the city, more potential for trouble. He knew that his position called for not simply keeping peace, but occasionally covering a scandal. And there were potentials here. At least two of the faces he saw in recognized women were looking about at men other than their husbands or known protectors. He caught the eye of one of his subordinates, and sketched a brief sign upon his chest, ordering the man to expand the quiet patrol to the balconies. The man knew his business, and the patrol would simply be to put men where they could quickly respond. There had been rapes at these events before, or jealous husbands. And people generally asked little questions about a spouse "falling" from a balcony if they had been seen drinking.

The Praetor's comment about the feast was heard, and he nodded in reply. Naturally, food almost immediately began showing, and Meridius moved to the table set for the visiting servitors. While most was standard fare, he noted a few dishes from his training days, when young men were tested to their limits, even with their stomachs. He claimed a small dish, and chose a few finger foods. Sweetmeats, some dates, stuffed grapeleaves, and a rare delicacy, a honeyed butterfly, were chosen, and he then motioned to his men to begin their quiet rotations through the serving. As always, they kept themselves back from the main festivities, and worked in shifts.

 

[Armphid]

Ardal

The wild haired gladiator rose from his knee, "I hope that I do not disappoint My Lord in tomorrow's contest." "I will return with the servant in a moment, Lord."

He made nary a sound as he moved away from the apparently happy couple. He wondered if they believed that they were fooling anyone, thier body posture practically screamed out their feelings, though only someone who had been trained to recognize it would see it. Perhaps the charades of voice and manner would fool some, but to the eyes of the warrior, thier tensed muscles and forced movements showed the truth plainly. Here were two who may have once may have loved each other, and may still love some, but there was hate now. These people...to live so closely with someone and love and hate them so much seemed impossible to the young Celt. Was this another result of their civilization? If so, he was glad to be a savage.

He caught a slave girl by the arm, she carrying a pitcher of water in one hand, and a decanter of wine in the other. "The Lord and Lady over there," he jerked his head toward the two Romans, "desire wine." "Follow." Though he was just a slave as well, the girl responded immediately to the authority in his voice. To be so broken...he shuddered at the thought. He spoke to her softly as they came nearer to the nobles. "Be careful little one, the man is angry and jealous, he will punish the smallest mistake harshly." "Do not fear...perform your task well, and be cautious in your reply should either ask questions of you." As they neared, he sank to one knee again. "The drink you requested, My Lord."