Those Whom Fall Must Rise Again ( Closed )

[TirithIre]

Dirt, sand, it was all mixed with blood. Even as he looked at the calloused hands that lay propped upon his bent left knee, Lucious wondered to himself how he had come to this point... sitting here, in the dirt beneath the roaring crowds above him. Clear blue eyes seemed to remain fixed upon the hands before him as he felt the first stirrings of trembling within his hands. A soft growl escaped him as he closed one hand over the other, wringing them out as he looked to the wall then as he recalled what had brought him to this place in chains, sentenced to die.

Two Weeks Prior​

Lucious Laconia... he had been one of the younger men of the village on the eastern borders of the Roman empire. After the defeat of the Spartans by the Romans, Lucious had taken to a small village, protecting it and hunting with it. He had come to know the touch of a woman by the name of Sura, whom had changed his life, though in more then one way. As the barbarians had time and time again invaded the village only to be pushed back, Lucious spoke with the Romans, whom agreed to help them kill all the barbarians, ending the threat.

Yet upon his leaving of his home, he had come to know betrayal, contempt of the Romans for his people... and so it was when the Romans turned their backs on Lucious's people... that he had spoken out, and not only spoken, but acted as well. Five dead Romans, the Legatus laying face down in the mud. A moment of mercy would not be returned, for as he returned to his home, he was captured as a 'deserter', and though in the eyes of the Romans this was true, to Lucious, he had been acting purely to protect those he cared about.

Yet they were all dead now... and even as he was dragged from his wife, the scorn of the Legatus demanding his submittance, he was informed she was to be sold into the slavery of a Syrian... later would he find out that she had died in a raider attack. He was left... with nothing... nothing but his life, a life that was to be ended... by order of the Legatus, within the arena.

The cry of a scream tore his attention from his memories into the present, and even as two guards came for him, he fought them not. Sura would not have wished him to die... so even as he had stilled his trembles of death, he came into the gated room, before the arena. It was one of the outlaying colonies, not Rome... Rome was far away... heedless of the troubles of the lands.

He was given a spear... and a shield. The shield was not as large as his people used, but it would have to do. He wore nothing but a loincloth, his form covered in dirt and grime... and even as he heard the trumpets, the announcement of his 'death' would come soon... though if he was to die here today, he would be damned if he didn't take a few of their 'gladiators' with him!

Death to them all... He would kill them all, and win his freedom!

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l596/Tanis32/glad-male-850-500.jpg​

 

[MadameNyx]

Zaphira looked around her, taking in the roaring crowd that filled the stadium, the shouts and stomps seemingly making it tremble. Her gaze stopped to take in her elder sister, her dark hair propped into - what she considered - a ridiculous hairstyle that was all the rage, involving fake hair pieces and basically making her hair look like an unkept, overgrown grape vine. That thought made her chastise herself. So many things had changed, but that was no excuse to think unkindly of Sera.

They had both come from a humble farm about two days' travel away from the capital. had grown up playing on earth where olives and grapes grew. As they got older, Sera moved away, marrying to a Legatus and bringing great honor to their family, while Zaph had stayed behind to care for their parents and, after their death, the farm itself. Only a week ago, she had received a message from her sister, summoning her to her estate to be her companion as she went through her first pregnancy.

Sera and her used to look alike. Petite build with a pronounced hour glass shape, skin slightly tanned from working outside, dark hair kept long but tied in a simple braid that flowed down her back to brush her bottom, the color accentuating her dark blue eyes and full lips. She was clad in a simple dress, pale green in color with gold trims.

Looking down at the middle of the stadium, she heard a horn sound before the gates opened. Zeph felt herself flinch, thinking the sport rather barbaric, and she watched uneasily at what proceeded next.

 

[TirithIre]

Zaph could see the magistrate of the area himself had come to oversee the execution rise from his seat, his white Toga covering his body easily, though as he looked out at the tall Spartan whom was walking towards his death, he held up his hand for silence within the arena, it taking a few moments for the entirety of the stadium to compose itself.

After all Zurich the Barbarian had just crushed the skull of an opposing gladiator beneath his feet, and even as he turned and left the arena, he was laughing at the 'little man', Lucious whom was standing facing his death. Yet when silence had been had, Magistrate Articulus spoke into the large horn that allowed his voice to be heard throughout the entire stadium.

" Today for our main event, I invite you to welcome the legatus along with his wife Sera to our humble gladiatorial arena to oversee a vile Spartan whom dared to oppose the will of Rome." He paused, knowing the loud heckles of the spectators would be coming... but even as Lucious ignored them, his long unkept hair covered his gaze as he stared directly at the shrine of an elevated seat.

" I give to you all, the Spartan Lucious!" The magistrates hand raised still for silence. " Deserter to the empire of Rome... betrayer of his own word. Today, he is sentenced to death within the arena!" The cheers rocked the entire walls, and even as Lucious looked around, four gates opened. The cheers turned into booing... after all, the crowd wanted a show, not simply a killing.

Yet as four gladiators came out, the arena quieted down. One man with a sword and shield, one man with a trident and net... one man with double axes... and one man, with a rather large and imposing looking battle hammer. These were the thoughts passing through Lucious's mind as he glanced around, though setting himself, his spear coiled as he crouched lowly, his eyes remained on the magistrate, who's hand was lowering in an arc.

" Begin!" It would seem like ovrkill... but the legatus, her sisters husband wanted the spartan humiliated. Instead, as the one with the net ran by and caught Lucious's foot, his heel dug into the small patch of ground he had formed in the last few moments. After all, he had needed to pass the time. The coiled spear struck, even as the one with the battle axes swung for him, the spear had struck into the first gladiator's belly, he falling to the ground clutching the gaping wound as Lucious spun, the blades whistling by his face.

" Not today." He growled slightly... one Down... three to go! Yet just as he thought that the one with the shield bull rushed him and knocked him off his feet, the crowd cheering as the three remaining gladiators made their hasty approach! He was to die... this was an exectution, not a match that he was 'supposed' to walk away from... but then again, only the fates would decide if Lucious would die this day, or whether the gods had grander plans for him then death!

 

[MadameNyx]

Her dark blue gaze was drawn to the man that walked slowly towards the center of the arena. He must be either very brave to not show fear or very foolish if he thinks the fight will be an easy one. she thought to herself as she heard the magistrate mention her sister and her husband were in attendance, at which both of them stood up and waved at the crowd, making her sink deeper into her chair. She had never liked to be the center of attention, unlike Sera.

Lucious, the Spartan.... It seemed fitting, or so she thought even as she flinched as the magistrate read his crimes. Her eyes opened wide at the number of opponents, understanding at once what her brother-in-law wanted to prove. It was brutal and unfair, but it was the way of things.

Even as the fight began and progressed Zaph felt herself lean forwards to get a better view, her long braid draped over a bare shoulder as her hands gripped her seat tightly, a golden bangle at her wrist shining lightly in the sun. Her eyes took in the fluid movements of the man, the controlled power of his muscles as he used the meager spear he held as an extension of his body, wielding it better than a seasoned soldier with a fine sword.

She continued to watch, her horror mounting as she realized that this man could be so much more valuable elsewhere, defending people that needed it. Seeing an opportunity, she turned to her sister's husband and caught his attention.

"Brother, stop this. The man is a great fighter. Losing his life here would be a waste of his talents." she said before biting her lower lip and adding conspiratorially "He would make a fine bodyguard and just think! Serving under the man he must hate most would be a fitting punishment for his crimes, don't you think so?"

His smile in reaction almost made her jerk away, but she felt a deep satisfaction as the Legatus stood and motioned for the magistrate to stop the fight and whispered his intent. Once that was done, he returned to the women, talking in a low voice as he decreed that the man would be her responsibility. If he failed, she would pay the price.

Nodding her ascent, she gave the man a brief glance as he stood undisturbed in the middle of the area, sweat covering his tanned muscles in a light film before she started walking towards the lower chambers, where he would be brought to her.

 

[TirithIre]

Lucious... he was on his back... even as she had spoken for him a sword had been stabbed towards him... he not even hearing the clamour of the spectators... instead his entire body heaved as he forced himself up to his feet, his spear dragging the sword aside from it's intent... the ground it's only friend right then.

Even as he moved, his hips lifted, power pushing his foot powerfully into the gladiator's face, though it was protected by a mask of course it still jarred the man back, forcing him to stumble. Lucious rolled... his spear about to strike into the man's gut as he heard the trumpets... the others within the arena heard it as well... yet he didn't stop... he wasn't Roman... his life was on the line... and though the men around him were Gladiators... he was not... Lucious was but a man whom was fighting for his life!

The man fell back dead as the fight was stopped... Lucious's chest heaved with sweat, dirt, and blood... though even as he looked up to the main area... he noticed that a woman was moving... he not knowing she was to be a domina... his mistress... his 'lord'.. the commander of his life so to speak.

Even as he glared at the other men, he allowed the spear to remain in the man's body as he was taken from the arena... to the cheers of Rome's citizens. It seemed that they liked Lucious the Spartan! This would prove to be both a good thing, as it had helped to spare his life that day... as well as a bad one as they would want more of Lucious. Yet he was taken from the arena.

Into a small cell where he was stripped and washed... he grunted slightly, a broken rib from the bull rush... it would heal. Other then that though he was relatively unharmed... a few cuts, something that would mark him but wouldn't impede him. Finally though, he was given his loincloth back, before he was lead to the lower chambers where she awaited him.

He did wonder what she wanted... he wondered just what the purpose of her saving his life was. He was sure though, that he would find out soon enough really. One way or another, their fates were tied to one another. The fact he had stood against five trained gladiators and had killed two... well that was impressive itself. He would make a fine specimen... though his hands were still chained as he was lead in, he looking her right in the eye, he unafraid.

He had faced death and still stood... today was not his day to die it would seem!

 

[MadameNyx]

Zaph watched as the man was brought inside the room and, with a small gesture, sent the guard away, leaving them alone. Slowly, she got up from her seat, her dress falling to drape along her form as she closed the distance between them and stopped barely out of reach, not wanting to crowd him.

"Lucious the Spartan," she said softly as she allowed her eyes to take in his bare upper body, taking care in memorizing the curves of his muscles, as she liked to draw in her spare time, before returning her eyes to his "Seems you got out of that bind well enough."

Turning, feeling her braid swing to follow he movement behind her, she walked to a window and sighed, taking in the fresh air and the sunlight that fell on her cheeks. "You have been spared today by the Legatus, at my counsel. You are to be his wife's and my own bodyguard, accompanying us wherever we go. In exchange, you will have a clean bed, clothes and plenty of food."

She waited for a moment to let that sink in before she turned to watch him. "Know this. You will be entrusted with a weapon and led into his home as any other soldier but you cannot serve as one in the army. Also, should you fail, you will die... And I will be punished severely. I know that last wont matter much to you, as I am virtually a stranger but, as your lady, I will do my best to ensure that you are treated humanely."

Walking towards him again, she took off the cloak around her shoulders and carefully placed it around his, closing the clasp at the hollow of his neck before she started working on freeing him from the chain. "I am not a harsh taskmistress unless I have to be. And I will not have you paraded around on your loincloth on the way to the estate as if you were a meager slave."

 

[TirithIre]

He did not know the woman whom stood before him. He could see that she was a roman woman, from the almost flawless tint to her skin... just as he could see that she held the only true power within her grasp, the power of her name. Unlike in Sparta, where power was dictated by the power of the man's blade and spear, here, in Rome, it truly seemed as though the power to these people lay in their words.

Even as she spoke his name, his eyebrow quirked ever so slightly. He wasn't sure if it was 'safe' to speak, but he felt it was necessary as she spoke such things to him. " I have nothing left to fight for... other then my life. When a tiger is caged and placed against a wall, one finds it rends even the most formidable of men to the ground." He spoke gently, though even gently his voice seemed to boom towards her, carrying his tone.

He sounded indifferent though... and indifferent was a good word for it. Even as she explained what his life would entain... he shook his head slightly. " I would protect you, if it meant my life was spared, but that man was the one whom took my wife from me, my station, my pride. He should die." There was a certain authority to his voice then... a venom that wasn't simply played upon. He sighed though as she took off her cloak, he watching her.

For a long moment he said nothing... but finally he shrugged. " There is nothing left, so I shall do as you command." He had nothing else to lose, so really... he had everything to gain. Even as she worked to free him from the chain, he watched her. She was smaller then he... but then many were, even some men were, though he was still outsized easily by the Ghal's. He chuckled though at her words, he looking to her as she mentioned him being but a meagar slave.

" Yet is that not what I am? I am a slave, your slave, to command. I will give but my life to you, since you spared it... you now own it. Know though that I will not bend... not to him... not to you." He would protect her... he would do as she wished, because it meant he would live slightly longer then if he did not... but she was a fool if she thought that he would do so simply because she spoke it... he did it, because he wished to, because it might mean that one day, he might exact his revenge on the man whom took everything from him!

 

[MadameNyx]

The young woman listened to his voice as she finally freed him and let the chains clatter at their feet, the sound echoing throughout the big room. She looked into his eyes, determination clear in them as she said "The Legatus you may take revenge on as you wish, but his wife, my sister.... You will not touch her. That I vow my life on."

With that she turned and made her way towards the door, stopping at the threshold to look over her shoulder at him. "The estate is not far. Once there, you can take a proper bath and have a good meal while I look for clothes. Then I'll take you to the weapons room for you to pick your weapon." she hesitated then before saying "For whatever its worth, I'm sorry you lost your family."

With that, she left, waiting for him outside before walking with him silently towards their destination.

 

[TirithIre]

He had chosen to defend his people, then to go to war against an enemy that were miles away from his home. If that was wrong... then he was a damned man as it was. Even as she looked into his eyes. Slowly though he nodded to her, understanding for himself already that revenge upon the legatus would not bring his family back... nothing would. He needed to find a purpose for his life now... a new one.

Even as she said that though he looked to her as she made her way past him. " I appreciate the sentiments." He said nothing more though, and even as she waited for him.. for a moment he was confused as to whether he was supposed to follow or if there was an actual reason for him remaining behind. He looked down to the chains silently for a long moment, before he turned and headed out.

" So I am to protect you. For that, you would spare my life?" He wanted to know her reasonings... surely it went beyond simply being enchanted with his fighting skills... or perhaps that was all that there WAS to it... perhaps roman women WERE that easy to woo... he didn't know... he had a slighted viewing of romans at the moment after all.

 

[MadameNyx]

Zaphira was surprised as, after a while of walking, he asked why she had spared him. She continued walking a while longer in silence, trying to put her reasonings into words. She knew she needn't explain herself to him, but she wanted to. He would be guarding her life and, as such, he deserved to know who he was guarding and what she thought of things.

"The Romans have always envied the Spartans. Their skill with any weapons is unmatched by any other race. Romans hate the fact that a small group of them could do what an army of Romans could not. It has always been so." she said in a voice only loud enough for him to hear. If any Roman were to hear her, it would be considered treason and the kindest fate that could befall her then would be a beating. "The Legatus is not the best of our soldiers. He got to his position by being cunning, by twisting situations to his advantage and always having control. And then you came along."

She took a breath then, and looked up at him, feeling even smaller next to him than she did with any other man. He was taller than most of the men around them, and his physique was obviously that of a fighter. He made even she feel delicate, even though that was not the way other Roman men saw someone that had worked the fields instead of always studying art and literature.

"You were gaining the respect of the other soldiers, when you were meant to be treated like less. I'm only speculating at this point, but I'm sure that when you left, he saw the golden opportunity. He would make an example of you, make you suffer for deserting you post as well as undermining his authority, which is how he interpreted you being liked by the others. So he was as cruel as he could be... is even still. He only allowed me to save you because he thinks it ironic that you are working, in a way, under him once more."

"I, on the other hand, have a much simpler reason. You are good at fighting, no matter if you're Spartan or Roman, and I don't share the blind hate most of us Romans have of you. There is no doubt in my mind that, should you truly chose to protect my sister and I, you will do everything in your power to not let harm come to us. Which is more than I can say for Roman soldiers with their hidden agendas and politics." she added as they walked through the gates of a decently sized estate, the main structure surrounded by gardens and a small field where grapes, olives and tomatoes were grown.

The young woman led him towards a simple room. It contained a bed, a simple wood table and chair as well as a large trunk at the foot of the bed and a tub made out of stone on a corner, to be used for bathing. As he entered, he could see it was already filled, a bucket with steaming water at it side for rinsing.

"This will be your room. Mine is next door. Sera's and the Legatus' is at the end of the hall. You may do with the space as you please." she said as she moved to the trunk, opening it so he could look at the contents inside. "These will be your clothes for now. Hopefully they will fit." hesitating for a moment, she asked "Do you have any wounds that need to be treated? I'm sure you weren't looked after as you should be in that arena..."

 

[TirithIre]

He was well aware that she didn't have to answer him... Lucious was well aware that everything that happened from 'here on out' was a gift from the gods... a gift that he was not to waste. He was no an idiot, hence why he asked her.. though he was aware that she may not answer, like she was surprised when he asked the question, he was surprised when she answered it.

He listened to her easily though, noting the lower tone of her voice and nodded to her. He knew that at the least her words would have gotten her beaten, at the worst her title taken and her life stripped from her as a full traitor. So he remained quiet as he strode with her, listening, coming to understand her intent for him.

He nodded though as he was lead to his room, though as he looked around, he nodded to her as he smiled ever so faintly. " Considering but an hour ago I was to be a dead man... these clothes shall do fine." He looked around though and finally stepped into the hallway, gauging where her room was, where the others rooms were. He wasn't plotting... simply examening.

Finally he stepped back into the room though and looked to her as he unclasped the cloak and looked to her as he let it fall. " There are a few wounds, but they will heal on their own. I was not truly tended to after the executionary match, but it is what it is. You may examine me yourself, if you wish." He was a tall man indeed, towering over her easily, and yet he was hers to command. He would not slay her, as she had spared his life, more then he could say for the others... but even as he looked to her he smiled slightly.

" Feel free." He remarked, he actually reaching out and gently taking her hand, he guided it unto his broad bared chest... he looked into her eyes even as he said it... his intents for the meaning clear... after all he knew he was hers... he could of course kill her, but killing her would accomplish nothing... so for now, he bided his time.

 

[TirithIre]

*bump*

 

[MadameNyx]

Zaph watched as he took off her cloak, listening to his words as he took her hand and placed it lightly on his chest. She felt her cheeks burn with her blush. She had seen many men in less as she had done many nude portraits and sculptures, but this was different. His gaze seemed to burn her skin, the suggestiveness in his words not lost on her.

"I will check you now." she said in a slightly breathy voice before she took a deep breath and slowly moved her hand along his chest, pressing lightly with her fingertips to check for any injury. She knew what she was looking for. It was another reason why Sera wanted her close now that she was pregnant. Moving her hands along his sides, she stopped, frowning slightly at what she found. Some of his ribs were bruised, the skin beneath her fingers starting to swell. Making a mental note of that, she checked the rest of his body for injuries before stepping back. "You've hurt some of your ribs..."

Looking over her shoulder at the tub, she realized the water was cooling fast. "Get into the tub. The hot water will help ease your muscles while I go get what I need to care for your wounds. I'll be back in a bit." With that she left the room, her braid brushing along her rear as she walked and headed for the garden to get the herbs she needed.

 

[TirithIre]

Lucien didn't even flinch when she found the bruised ribs... he was quite skilled and also blessed indeed to have escaped the arena's executary moment with but a few bruises and a cut from one of the metal boots whom had hit him when he had 'fallen'. He had of course fought with everything he had, but to overcome five men... that would have been too much even for he.

Even as she had flushed, he found it intriguing that she blushed, and slightly wondered why. Even as she checked him he nodded though, and moving he stopped though to watch not the braid but the firmly rounded backside of what he would come to call his Domina... for that was what she was to him now.

Even as he finally stripped the loincloth off, he considered that she had not, and instead he pushed the thought aside as he climbed into the tub silently, grunting only to himself as he sank into the water. The dirt and grime of the gladiatory arena still wore on him... the water began to loosen those aches though, releasing their hold on his body as he closed his eyes for a moment... relishing the feeling.

He still found it strange to be alive... but if serving her was his pennance... then he would pay it gladly... she was a lovely woman after all. His thoughts lingered on her as he ran his hands over his arms and slowly just came to rest... he hadn't relaxed in a few weeks now... nor had he honestly slept, always afraid of being killed... so well... he found himself falling into a light doze without even realizing it!

 

[MadameNyx]

Taking her time, Zaphira went around the garden, gathering the herbs she needed before placing them on a vase, pouring a bit of wine on it before starting to pound the contents into a paste to use on his wounds. She figured he would appreciate her taking her time. It had probably been a long time since he had a proper bath and a chance to relax. Once she was done, she grabbed clean linen to use for wrapping and headed towards his room.

Finding him dozing, she moved quietly towards the bed, placing the things she carried there. Hesitating for a second, she walked towards the tub and brushed her fingertips lightly through his dark hair to get his attention. It was a small touch, one that she remembered comforted her when she was younger, as she hoped it did for him now.

"I need to dress your wounds. They could get infected." she said in a soft voice.

 

[TirithIre]

Lucien hadn't even intended to doze... he was in a place that was foreign to him... and he half expected hidden roman traitorous assassins to come 'out of the wood works' to try and kill him still... but even as he had sat within the bath, he had found himself relaxing despite himself. He could not explain why he relaxed... he simply found himself doing so... but her instincts would have been correct... he was thankful she had taken her time.

Even as he felt a hand touch his hair, he instinctivly turned, a hand moved, clamping around her wrist not painfully, but securely as he looked up to her, though as he saw it was she, his grip relaxed, for a moment he had looked like a coiled predator, ready to devour his prey. Yet he nodded as she said that, he smiling as he released her wrist.

" Sorry..." He was used these days to people trying to kill him... and when caught unawares he had acted as anyone would, in self defense. She was lucky he had showed more restraint though... otherwise she would have ended up in the bath with him. He laid passively for her.. the water clear, she able to see the naked strength, unhidden by this strong spartan man.

He looked to her though and relaxed, allowing her to do as she needed to help him.

 

[MadameNyx]

Zaph had known he would react, but her body still tensed at the speed with which he turned and held her still, the look in his eyes making her heart beat faster in fear. Waiting until he had released her wrist, she went back to retrieve the things she had placed on the bed, also getting a towel for him before setting them carefully close to her as she settled herself at the side of the tub.

"I need you out of the tub so I can bind the wounds in place." she said quietly and waited for him to move before starting to work. Standing on her tip toes, she brushed his hair aside, dipping her fingers into the vase and applying the salve at a cut there as well as one on his shoulder. Moving quickly and carefully, she attended to cuts on his arms, one on his chest, a couple along his torso and some on his legs, not really paying much attention to his nudeness. She bound whatever she could, also taking the time to bind his ribs tightly so they would heal better.

Once done, she sighed and brushed slightly damp strands of hair from her face, giving him a look over as she offered the towel. Everything looked like it was bound correctly, though she had to admit that she allowed herself to finally take in the sight of him naked, the brush of his warm skin and soft, damp hair still alive at her fingertips.

"You should heal nicely." the young woman said as she pulled her gaze away from him and started gathering the stuff around her, the long braid of hair brushing along her shoulder as she bent "You may take off all of the bindings tomorrow, except for the one around your ribs. Those you'll have to wear for a couple of weeks."

Straightening, Zaphira watched him quietly for a few moments before saying "You may rest today and do whatever you like. Would you like me to bring you some food?"

 

[TirithIre]

( I apologize for the hiatus, I ended up getting very sick and as such have not been able to post. I am posting now in hopes that we might continue this thread )

Lucien hadn't an actual reason to react.. he should have known it was simply her coming back.. but really... he simply needed to make sure. She was lucky he didn't snap her wrist in his hand, though even as he met her eyes, and acknowledged that indeed she was not a threat that he released her.

Even as she told him that she needed him out of the tub, Lucien immediatly rose, and stepping from the tub he looked to her as she attended to him, he silently nodding to her as he listened to her instructions though. " Do you do this often? you are talented in healing." He remarked simply... because it was really the truth. Even as she took in the sight of him, he simply looked to her right back, admiring the look of her.

It would be some time until an emotional connection would form... he had just killed in order to survive, stayed from his execution by this woman whom now held his fate in her hands... which he knew really were the gods hands.

Even as she asked that though he nodded slightly. " I will be able to tend to my needs, if you will but show me where the cook is." He wasn't going to have her bring him food... he would need to learn the layout of this place if he was to protect her... or himself for that manner. He was strong and tall, muscular and handsome indeed... between his legs hung a very large cock that would certainly please any woman it entered... though he went and getting a loincloth from the chest, he looked to her as he wrapped it and regarded her.

" Shall we?" He wasn't a prisoner here... so far as he knew anyway... and he WAS hungry!

 

[MadameNyx]

(Oh geez. Forgive me. I forgot about this thread of ours.... hopefully we can get it back on track ^_^ )

"I do. I'm the healer for everyone at our estate a couple of days' travel from here. And I get plenty of practice with the little ones that get born there, the ones that like to run around and whatnot." the young woman had replied as she finished with his bindings.

She watched him as he donned the loincloth, tilting her head slightly as he asked to be taken to the kitchens. Feeling herself smile innocently, she brushed some stray strands of dark hair behind her ear. "I will lead you there. But any woman that sees you as we walk there might feel faint if you don't put more clothes on."

With that bit of information, Zaph turned around and walked down the hallway, turning to her right at it's end. Once there, she greeted a small elderly woman whom she called Pippa. She hugged the small woman as if she was part of her family though, clearly, they were not related. After presenting him to her, she asked for two bowls of stew. Bidding Pippa farewell, she grabbed both bowls and motioned for Lucius to follow her.

Once outside, she led him through the small garden, moving between the tall plants until they reached a stone bench and table. Placing the bowls there, she sat, patting the seat beside her. "I figured you needed to take a look at the outside as well."

 

[TirithIre]

Lucius listened to her though nodded... and even as he watched her watching him, he gave a slight smirk at her comment as she mentioned that, though he shook his head. " The gladiators wear no more... I do not feel the need to as of yet." He moved instead to follow her, and even as he did he looked around, learning a few of the rooms as they went, though as he was introduced to a woman named Pippa... he simply nodded in 'greeting' to her.

He walked outdoors with her, his lust to survive had served him well... though it was lost in his eyes at the moment. His wife was dead... his village long destroyed and naught from the Romans but the Northmen whom he had tried to protect his village from... it had been a waste in a way. Even as he held the wooden bowl though he moved and sat down, he looking to her.

" Yes... though the men whom stand guard at your gates are rather lax." He remarked quietly so that only she could hear, though he smiled he simply looked to her even as he admired her slight curves. She had saved him to protect her... a wise choice... though of course like anything it could backfire... but wouldn't.

Lucius had nothing to fight his way back to... he had naught a life yet... so making one here would be the wiser... and more prudent choice.

 

[MadameNyx]

"Somehow I have a feeling you will keep them on their toes." she replied with a soft laugh. Carefully, she brought the spoon close to her lips, blowing lightly on it to cool the liquid up. It wouldn't do for her to burn her lips. Finally putting the spoon in her mouth, she made a soft, appreciative sound, much like a child would do when they ate something they liked. She didn't excuse her behavior, just commented "Pippa is still the best cook I know."

Even as they ate, shaded by a pair of tall trees from the sun, she briefly explained the layout of the outside, going so far as giving him the names and a brief description of each guard. That might've seem strange to him, but she was observant. That she kept it mostly to herself was just the way she was.

Once she was done with her food, Zaph sighed and relaxed, taking in the light breeze that caressed their skin. She watched him quietly as he ate, not sure what else to say for the moment.

 

[TirithIre]

Lucious watched her slightly, her laughter ringing in the small open space that they sat within. At first he did not eat... mostly because he was watching her. Even as she explained that though he nodded slightly, he letting the food cool before he went about eating. " I am sure that they will not appreciate an outsider telling them that they are nothing but lazy slobs."

He smirked though, and even as he listened to her, he nodded slightly to her, though added at the end. " You seem to know this place very well. Yet you do not live here?" He was simply asking... and even as he watched her relax, he had to admit that she was a lovely woman... for a roman.

He was dealing with quite a bit of soul searching at the moment... watching her reminded him that this was the enemy... and yet... he was the last of his people. Even as he looked right back to her, his intense gaze 'looked her down' as he added. " Protecting you seems to look as though it shall be a simple task... you are a part of one of the most powerful civilizations around." He mused easily... though he wasn't complaining.

His chiseled and toned chest glimmered handsomely in the sunlight, he not paying nakedness any heed... though in full armor he might be a very intimidating person... for now, he was but a man... a man who's life belonged to her.

 

[MadameNyx]

"I am observant. A painter or sculptor is taught to pay attention to detail, to their surroundings. I just happen to apply that everywhere I go, specially with Sera..." she said, her voice turning soft as she mentioned her sister. Sighing softly, she ran her hand along her other arm, suddenly feeling cold with worry.

"I'm not afraid for myself. I believe that if I have to defend myself, I can hold my own. But I'm only one woman. A dagger can't hold three swords at bay forever." Looking down at her hands, she shook her head before she raised her face to look at him "You know how the Legatus is. He makes enemies everywhere he goes and, for all that we are Romans, that also means that any of the guards might be persuaded to leave their posts for some coins. Sera's husband thinks he's untouchable and only agreed to the guards after I insisted on it."

"If her husband wont protect her then I must. She and her unborn child are the only family I have left, and I will not see them hurt because of some man's foolishness." Zaph added the last with firmness, conviction. "I go out with Sera the few times she leaves the house so, in a way, in protecting me you are protecting her."

She watched him once more as they sat there. It would be a lie to say he didn't intrigue her, make her curious. He was a handsome man, a powerful man, who could probably escape without any trouble, yet he sat there with her.

 

[TirithIre]

Where was he to go? He had no family... he had no clan. He was a loner so to speak, someone whom had survived against the odds... but without an actual 'reason' to. Even as he listened to her he looked to her though and nodded. " At one time, you could have counted me as one of his enemies... but it is not his fault that the Syrian killed my wife." He remarked softly, he looking to his own hands.

If anyone's hands were stained with the blood of her death, it was he. He had chosen to try and protect his village, rather then uphold the 'agreement' made with the Romans. Of course the roman's had regailed upon their own side of the 'deal' but in the end, the agreement had been broken by he and some of his fellow men... and the others were all dead. He had seen them slain from his cell before his heroic fight before her eyes.

He nodded though as he finished the food, he setting the bowl aside as he looked first to her, then around the area. " I will protect you, as the gods have seen fit for you to do the same for me. Whether the Legatus thinks I am but your pawn is not my concern. You have requested this service of me... and I shall see to it." He was sure that the Legatus and her sister were in more danger from within... then without.. so he would be perceptive.

" What about you... you look as though you have questions... yet you do not ask them. What would you know of me?" They were on frank speaking terms... and he was almost naked... she could be sure if she wished it, he would do more then simply protect her... after all, he owed her his life, and by all rights in this world, she did own him!

 

[MadameNyx]

It would be months before they had enough trust on each other to talk freely and share many things. Wherever she went so did he, her shadow and her guardian, always armed, always ready. It had taken Sera a little time to get used to him walking around with them but, in time, she learned to accept him somewhat, though she would probably never get too close. The Legatus, on the other hand, mostly ignored him.

It was a cold night. Autumn had just rolled around, the leaves on the trees outside had turned from green to yellow, reds and brown. Everyone was asleep in their rooms, tucked under various layers of cloth to keep warm.

Zaph didn't know exactly what woke her but, when she opened her eyes, a man was standing above her, a knife glinting in the moonlight that filtered through her window. Automatically, her hand grabbed the hilt of the dagger she kept under her pillow and, as she swung, she cried out Lucious' name. Using her legs, she kept the man's body off of hers while she desperately tried to hold his knife back.

Even as she fought, her mind was running a mile a minute, wondering if Lucious was even alive still. What about Pippa? And Sera? Oh gods, Sera... she thought desperately, the distractions costing her as her right arm was nicked with the knife. The light gown she had worn to bed was both a help and a hindrance as the cloth allowed movement, but her feet could get wrapped up easily. The man took her hair in his hands, bunching it up and pulling on it hard, making her head snap back, leaving her throat vulnerable, the same arm trapping the arm that held her dagger.