Post by Nicole on Mar 2, 2011 20:03:51 GMT -5
Victor
Smells of sweet incense lofted not only through house and courtyard, but carried far through city streets well in advance of celebration. Still, it was no power to mask the hogs and sheep roasting or the burning oils spewed forth from the fire breathers' lips. Trumpets blare as envoy arrives, thought to be the Emperor himself but at least playing host to other dignitaries of the state.
As nobles of war and nobles of politics raise drink together, slaves of the house move swiftly to refill wine goblets and plates. The clatter of porcelain sets a serving girl to alarm, but falls unnoticed beyond the clamor of wine gorged guest. She scrambles to clean the pieces before the lady of the house takes notice, pulling lap of dress into a shelf and then hurrying away. Meanwhile, slaves of another nature continue their exercise, unaware or uncaring of the rejoicing within the walls.
Gladiators, only the first group induced into brotherhood; they battle on the sands with wooden sword and shield. Only recently have they received their marks, or had former marks burnt over for one anew. They work through their own yard in preparation for days of glory, or nights of death. Of them, only 4 have seen the inside of arena before; 3 of whom were gifts from another lunesta, the other their unyielding trainer.
The smells of the lunesta drive purpose for the incense far beyond the opening of doors for guest. Inside, the master of the house enjoys his wine, but only hours earlier had he brought protest to his wife for the construction without his consent. A lunesta within the prime of the city? Madness and disgrace. Victor would have preferred to hire a house to lead his new warriors, but that time was past. Senators brought praise on an endeavor they gave sole credit to Victor for. To place this one Kerina's back, this would serve nothing to elevate his house. No, instead this would be a new way of life, until gladiators brought fame, or all perished to hands of another lunesta.
"Sentry, doors. Should knees wait to bend for orders as well? Hurry then, keep doors to spectacle unsealed. Why hire dancers upon the water only to have the pool unseen?"
The guard hurries to task, unlocking and opening other parts of the vast manner for guests to move about.
"Kerina, where it she? I have need for greetings to member of the senate, I have no idle tongue to sip on wine myself!"
As Victor takes a moment to sit upon his chair of the great hall, dear friend advises calmness. Victor is no friend to being host, but does so for his own status. A sigh as senses clear, Victor takes hand to drink as his eyes search both for wife and for whom he must next greet with false smile.
Kerina
Kerina was no creature of ignorance, she knew how to make an entrance. She was quite the regal lady of the villa, and while Victor had only just returned, she had entertained in this manner for some time, using any excuse to further the family name in glory, or rather, all in Victor's glory. Rome was not a woman's world, and Kerina knew this well. Had she been born a man, what a mighty ruler she would have been by now, instead, she had been born female, married to a brute of a man, who had gained some fortune in battle, glory, honor and sat them carefully on the edge of elite status.
While he was gone to battle, she had done everything she could to further themselves in name and political standing. It was only upon Victor's triumphant return that things had really started to fall in place. She'd done everything in her power to build up Victor, but she knew he wasn't one of political mindset as much as military. She had to play it carefully, least she frustrate her husband and he make some slip of the tongue.
Even so, as Victor called for her, the doors to the hall leading to their bedchambers were drawn open, the graceful figure of Victor's wife adorned it, clad in fine clothing, graceful wraps about her, and fine jewels ornately rest upon her neck and her ears. Even while it was quite expensive, she understated herself, purposefully, afterall, if the Emperor and his lovely wife did show, she certainly wished not to outshine their beloved guests of honor.
Kerina's eyes lingered on Victor's as she approached him past the recessed garden area in the center of the villa, past the trickling fountain and up the ornate steps towards the chair where he sat. She forced herself to smile at him as well, a softness in her eyes, so convincing, such a lie.
She tilted her head, giving her husband a brief smooch before she looked to his eyes, a soft touch of flowery perfume drifted from her neck, her wrists.
"Forgive my delay. "
Victor
"Ah Kerina, so lovely this day, truly a regal creature with grace of eagles. Such a wondrous gathering beneath your roof as well. Blessed are we to see such a gala!"
Attilius gushed on, with luck only bringing forth abundant praise rather than return the drink he had enjoyed letting flow freely. Victor glaring daggers at the man tenses his fingers upon the arm of his chair. Attilius was known for pursuing wives of others, and Victor would aim spear long before Attilius could aim that weapon granted naturally by Jupiter's grace. He stands, limbs tensed. Despite having retired his helm and shield years ago, his keen senses would still focus on the target before him. A strategy of war befitting him more in days as Captain than General, but his bloodlust had been known across nations.
Before the Juggernaut of Veii could separate drunken tongue from coveted wife, a hand settled upon his shoulder. Silver flashes, a decorative weapon from his diplomacy to the west, but sharp regardless. Victor spins, seeing the flash of another blade as it parries his own. A heavy breath, and then the sounds of laughter reverberate through the hall.
"Praetorius, you son of a rental unit. You have no mind better than to sneak upon me? Or do you wish the mind severed from body?"
The young captain bursts to laughter as he embraces his brother in arms. "Was my mother not dearly close with your own? Caution on your words, for you give your own mother ill association!"
The two move towards Kerina, hands clasped on shoulders. "Kerina! It is timed well you arrive now, this is Praetorius, new Captain of the 2nd Legion where our nephew fights now. He has returned to join feast!" Victor shoulders Attilius from his path, raising drink, oblivious to the newly arrived senator standing at his back.
Kerina
Kerina smiled appropriately, thankfully to Attilius' praising words to her ears. Her head tilts slightly as she smiled even larger.
"Attilius! What a wonderful pleasure it is to see you again." she approached him, giving him a quick cheek kiss one to each side before she stepped back to Victor's side as was expected, all show and games, a fine little dance.
She didn't have to look to Victor to know he was enraged, his anger was well known by his wife, as was his jealousy, and she loved to make him jealous, it was the only time she knew he cherished her more than her skills. She squeezed on Victor's bicep just slightly enough for him to feel it, but less that none would notice more than a wife taking her husband's arm, adoring his side as she urged her husband to calm mind.
She however, was quickly discarded as Victor drew his sword, spinning about in a brilliant flash of metal and a loud clang of metal as gladius meets gladius. She stood there, frozen in shock, almost fear as it appeared her husband be attacked. There was a silence from all there as attention focused and then laughter pursued.
The tension was so thick it could be seen as it released and guests went back to their merry making. She smiled, trying to whisk away her own look of concern as she realized whom it was, rather was told as the two soldiers greeted each other. Such was reason she had not wanted to invite the soldier, but upon her husbands demand, had relinquished.
She was as diplomatic as usual, stepping forward to greet the man Victor introduced her to with a small bow of sorts and and extend of her hand.
"Captain Praetorius. It is a pleasure, welcome to our home. Victor has told me much of you and your heroics in battle."
Aureliana
She stood quietly in the entry, eyes roaming the crowd below her in the great hall, seeming idle in their casual gaze.
There was, however, nothing idle about this woman standing almost as still as a statue – indeed, the only thing that marked her as a living, breathing creature of flesh and blood was the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she inhaled and exhaled, the stir of her dark red hair in the evening breeze and the sparkle of challenge in the hazel eyes as they slid over form and figure in the crowd.
Few would mark her as a familiar face, but Aureliana always banked on that. Beauty of form was easily lost and just as easily forgettable. Beauty of spirit lasted well into old age. Those in possession of both? They were the blessed of Venus.
Truly, then, Aureliana was blessed. Wit and intelligence clothed in as fair a form as the gods alone could produce. Indeed, many suitors has thought her goddess-born. The mind of a man, in such a person was truly a prize for any well-deserving prospect.
Sadly, few prospects enjoyed the challenge of Aureliana. Far too many had felt the sting of her wit and the cold of her scorn when unable to match her in a battle of words. And so it was that she remained unmarried.
Back in the present, Aureliana took a deep breath. She paused a moment longer, waiting. The slaves of her father’s house stood in rank and file behind her; chaperones necessary for any unattached woman. Her sharp eyes had not missed the subtle interplay between Victor and his wife, Kerina. Or the careful maneuvering of the officers and dignitaries surrounding the host and his chosen wife. Likewise, she did not so much as raise a querying eyebrow at the clash between the Captain and Victor. The master of the house had a jealousy that was well-known around the empire. And the lady of the house was well-known to aid and abet it at all times.
Into her carefully considered pause came the silence that always accompanies beauty. It opened gloriously before her as she silently lifted her hand to the two slaves behind her, indicating that they should follow, and started down the stairway into the chamber below her. The soft, gilded leather sandals encasing her feet made no sound on the polished floor as she crossed it, and the silky fabric of the glorious red dress she wore brushed the floor in such a way as to give observers the impression of floating. Like the hostess of the party, her ornaments were simple, yet elegant.
Ignorant of the approving stares of the male onlookers among Victor and Kerina’s guests, Aureliana continued steadily on. As her father’s representative at this gathering, it behooved her to carry herself well. She stopped in the small opening created around the host and hostess and waited, patiently…silently…waiting. She was used to drawing attention to her before acting. A tactic garnered, no doubt, from her military-tactician-turned-senator father.
Victor
At the arrival of Praetorius, the senator, thus unaware of the hosts behind him, steps forward and right past Victor, separating the two and paying no heed. Victor puts teeth to tongue at being ignored for Praetorius. A friend yes, and well welcomed by Victor, but he was still youthful and of no position. Victor narrowed eyes, but with luck his wife's touch halted harsh action.
"Ah, young Praetorius, son of Galiocus, a pleasure to see you returned home from battle. I know you left from station in Pompeii and are new to the Capital, but I am Otrus. I knew your father for many years when he sat upon the Senate. A shame he would leave position to command battle once more, and a further shame that the battle was not shone upon by the gods. Still, I have hopes that you would follow in his path to sit upon that same seat."
Victor gives a smile, albeit hollow, and rests free hand upon Praetorius' shoulder once more.
"No doubt, the youth will do many great things in days, standing now in position as I had once stood in the 2nd Legion. A dear friend and very worthy of all that he had gained thus far, I would hope us to share like positions in old age."
Praetorius takes a slight breath in, raising drink with his arm nearest Victor to part the condescending hand. Only minutes between being greeted as brother, and then referred to as child. Unlike the host himself, Praetorius knew when better to keep words from loosening. He had no time to draw tongue regardless, the senator continuing upon his own mindset.
"Ah yes, you did hold title as Captain..."
"Genera..."
The senator clears his throat at the interruption. "You held ranks within the 2nd legion...luckily Praetorius treads heavy to leave footprints where the wind blows over yours. Yes, Praetorius will make a fine edition to the Senate in time. Ah! Beauty arrives to deter drollness of a party gone stale. Dearest Aureliana, I thought you absent today."
The host, his wife, and the captain are left to turned back. Praetorius turns spiteful eye to Victor, while in turn Victor moves pleading eye to Kerina, knowing not how to conduct himself after such insult.
Kerina
Kerina's otherwise cheerful look seemed to fade as she stood next to Victor. Her hand on his arm tightened a little, she too was on edge. More known was Victor's anger, but more restrained and sharpened to a point was Kerina's, and unseen to the public, but even the obvious insult to her husband cast shame upon his house, and her in doing so.
She looked to Victor's eye, she saw that look, she wasn't sure if he was begging her to let him have vengeance, or for her to restrain him. Either way she cast a soft brush of her fingers along Victor's arm as she left his side as Aureliana came to view.
"Aureliana!" she cast her voice a bit higher, stepping past the Senator without as much as a concern to brush him aside, meeting with her lovely red-haired beauty with open arms as she drew her close, placing an affectionate kiss to each of her cheeks and a smile.
"And none too untimely an entrance either! I feared the Senator would speak of times long past all night. You must come in, join us for celebrating Victor's triumphant return from Lusitania where he forced the Spaniards to submit to the might of the Empire. He's returned with many exquisite items for us to see tonight." she smiled, sliding her hand behind the woman's back as she guided her right past the Senator and towards Victor and Praetorius.
"I also believe Victor has some entertainment planned for us tonight." she smiled towards her husband, drawing the focus back to him, shedding praise on him for his acts to the Empire.
"Victor, you remember Aureliana, daughter of the former General and now Senator." she introduced her beloved friend, a smile forming as she looked to Aureliana again.
"I keep telling Victor he should be a senator, citing your father's example, but he keeps aruguing that his place is with the men who defend the Empire."
Aureliana
Curiousity kept her in place. She was now near enough to hear the talk that transpired between her father – whom she had been unaware would be attending – the captain, a truly handsome specimen, and the master of the house, Victor. Propriety dictated that her father take precedence over her in greeting and in social standing, yet Aureliana felt a momentary pang of impatience and irritation with her father. A favorite of the emperor? Yes. Tactful?…Not usually. The girl waited, watching again the interplay of all involved. Noted was the captain’s expression flung carelessly at Victor, noted was her father’s exuberant greeting of one, but not the other, and noted was Victor’s irritation and helpless look at Kerina, eyes begging for rescue and her favor.
It crossed her mind to step forward and offer rescue for Victor, but she did not think the lady of the house would appreciate such a gesture from a young, lovely woman. It also crossed her mind to step forward and make herself known to her father, rescuing him from further faux pas while at the same time offering an out to the captain and Victor.
Too long she stood, considering her options. Aureliana came back to reality with a small start – visible only to the closest observers – when Kerina spoke her name. Quickly, her face arranged itself with the seemingly-warm, yet empty smile worn by both Kerina and Victor. Her politician’s mind calculated the slight to her father while she stepped forward to acknowledge the other woman’s welcome with open hands and kisses of her own.
“Indeed Kerina, he would make a fine senator. Though, perhaps he would feel out of place.” She flashed a womanly, conspirator’s smile at Kerina. “He is, I fear, an honest man…something desperately needed in Rome. If the gods are willing, he should be an example to us all.” Flattery couched in acknowledgement of her father’s position and reputation. Aureliana turned her smile on Victor, the brightness of it dazzling even the most cynical and hardest of hearts into weakness.
“I give you good greeting, sir. But perhaps you would not mind if I welcome also my father?” She tilted her head slightly to one side, prettily questioning. Her conduct and manner proper and perfect in all aspects, yet still carefully, politically contrived.
Aureliana disentangled herself momentarily from Kerina’s clasp to kiss her father’s wrinkled, sunburned cheek before turning once more to Kerina and Victor. “My father too believes he would be best served fighting at the side of the men in the field. I frequently need to remind him that there is more than one way to defend our empire and glorify our Mother, Rome.”
Again, the girl lifted her hand to the slave/chaperone behind her. The man stepped forward at her beckoning and opened a small, wooden chest he had been bearing silently behind the young lady of the house of Aurelianus. “I beg you accept a small token of my esteem and that of my father’s household, good sir. I present this gift in honor and celebration of your glorious return.”
Aureliana turned and lifted a small object from the depths of the chest, holding it gently across her palms. Resting there was a small, beautifully forged and carved ceremonial dagger. Set in the hilt were precious stones taken from her father’s treasury storehouse specifically for this gift. An amethyst, symbol of high honor in the empire, occupied the place of honor at the crosspiece of the weapon.
Victor
Deep breath in to clear thoughts before pulling a pitcher of wine from a slaves hands, topping off Praetorius' goblet before finishing the fill of his own. A humbling gesture but one of apology for the moment tensed between the two men. Victor had many enemies already, he had no use to make more of dear friends. He shoves the pitcher back in the slaves' hands and turns body towards Aureliana, but head snapping back to slave.
"Hurry girl, a new guest arrives, why does she have no drink in hand?" His head turns to the Senator's daughter, looking back and forth between the old man who had tarnished his name and the daughter his wife calls friend. "Ah! Dearest Aureliana, most welcome under our roof!"
The slave girl fumbles with the pitcher and tried to regain composure. She tips the edge to goblet, but sees no red to spill; the last being drained to Victor's own goblet. The girl hurries away, filling from a fellow servant's pitcher to offer to Aureliana, eyes averted in a bow, before the girl rushes off to fetch fresh wine.
"Ah yes, the entertainment! The first of our bouts within the house. I wish I could take credit, but it is my dear Kerina who has worked so ambitiously to bring about tonights exhibition. We shall get to that momentarily though...Invicta, see to that."
The head of Victor's guard and trusted personal bodyguard nodded and turned, vanishing about his errand. The senator pays to heed to the guard and his duties as he returns his daughter's warm greeting.
"Oh the girl does jest...I speak of my days of glory upon the battlefield, but my age reminds me of presence daily. I am certain the march would end me long before heathen spear finds my chest."
The laughter emitted from the senator held an ounce of bitterness at daughter's words, and seconded by his failure to realize a gift was being brought to the house without presenting it himself. A foresight the senator was grateful his daughter took care for. It was Victor's actions to move the senator from this line of thoughts though. Despite his upfront demeanor and brutish tendencies, Victor still had enough grace to represent the republic to other nations. A skill not often thought to use at home, but one he saw fit now.
"It is true rumor occasionally circulates the streets, pushed forward by dishonest tongues out of envy and greed; but it is good that your dear father stands strong within the senate to see that no snake's tongue dares to find means in to speak of ill intent. I have no doubt that you would stand equally as strong upon command post of a legion; for it is of youth's favor to move blade, but an elder's wisdom is what shall guide his arm."
Victor bows as he accepts the dagger, holding it to light and turning slowly so that all nearby might witness the shine of the gems. He holds the dagger to Kerina that she might take hold and find proper place for the dagger.
"My gratitude for both father and daughter, as I hope that my house will not be pushed from your minds for this party, know that yours will linger in ours for this exquisite gift."
Invictus returns to Victor's side, standing and attention and looking to his master. "They are prepared and await order. Doctore recommends that Verus Rex be shown to guest. They await in the courtyard."
Kerina
Kerina returned to Victor's side, opposite the side Praetorius stood as she watched Aureliana greet her father and present the gift to them. It was well played, well played indeed. On both sides. While Aureliana and she did not hold the exact friendly relationship that they let on, there was no need for displeasantries between them. For the moment anyway. All parties of the sort were times when people would make plays, both seen, unseen and mired in confusing tongue. Only the best played it. Kerina was a champion.
She stood submissively as Victor moved to take the blade, drawing it. She had desire to watch him slit the Senator's throat with it, but alas, wishes and occurrence were two different items.
She took the ornate blade as Victor gave it to her to dispose of properly. She handed it off to one of her servants and smiled as she looked back to the Senator and his daughter.
"Thank you both for your exquisite gift. Please, have wine and make yourselves comfortable." she offered them as well as had Victor, a soft rest of her hand against Victor's back as she moved back to his side as the guard returned, her keen ear hearing of the gladiator's preparedness.
As Victor made his announcement, and cast praise upon her, to the claps of those in the room she smiled with laughter and raised her hand slightly.
"Thank you my dear husband, but it is a rare thing when I might surprise you with warriors and fighters fitting to bare the crest of the Vitella." she spoke.
"For it was not a time too long ago that you bore the title of Champion. I see it but only proper that your house once again enters the arena."
There was once again clapping to Kerina's words, for it was true, Kerina's eyes settled on Victor's for a long moment. She knew as well as any, Victor had the best chance himself of teaching them how to be a warrior, and if they were successful, more power and glory to Victor's name. Oh yes, Kerina played the game well, d**n well.
Aureliana
Aureliana stepped back as Victor accepted the dagger from her, accepting the goblet of wine from the serving girl as she did so, casually observant of her father’s slight darkening of mood and expression over her words, yet equally aware of his flush of gratitude that his daughter’s grasp of social and political niceties saved him for a potentially harmful situation with an exceptionally powerful man.
“It is I who should be grateful that my humble gift is so graciously accepted, Victor.” Her head bowed slightly in regal inclination as she turned her attentions back to Kerina standing submissively at her husband’s side and watched as the flash of resentment flashed through her eyes. Kerina occupied the same position as did Aureliana, only as a married woman. Seen as inferior by many – her father included – the gentler sex were often overlooked. Clearly Victor understood the worth of his wife. Aureliana looked up to catch Kerina’s eye, lifting her cup slightly in salute and acknowledgement of the other woman’s recognition of the game both played so deftly and in mild camaraderie.
Her father, the senator, offered his hand, and Aureliana rested one hand gently atop her fathers, her wine goblet still in her other hand as she followed Invictus, Victor, Kerina, and Praetorius into the courtyard. For now, she and her father were honored with such close proximity to the host and hostess while observing the evening’s entertainment. Silently, wisely, the girl took a small sip of her wine, sharp eyes missing little of the actions and unspoken language of those around her, keen ears hearing scraps of conversation which would bear further consideration later.
Bored, for the moment, Aureliana turned her eyes once more on inspection of the handsome young captain at Victor’s side: Praetorius. For all her intelligence and wit, Aureliana still was a young girl with a fine eye for the handsome specimens to be found among Rome’s best soldiers.
Victor
Invictus returns to where Doctore waits with the gladiators. As practice weapons are placed in each of their hands, Doctore issues commands to arrange the men, placing the strongest gladiators near the doors of the manor to exhibit their forms. Doctore himself holds shield and light mace, both which serve as means to keep the men without rebuttal. The mace means the shield, a loud clang as the gladiators shout and move into practice forms. Wooden swords beat against shield and each other. Each of the men attempting to show their worthiness without tiring out prior to exhibition.
Inside the manor, Victor stands upon stage. His arms open wide in gesture as booming voice carries through the hall. Guests silence quickly under echoes of the host.
"Dear guests, I give many thanks in your attendance to my home this day. It is humbling to see so many pay homage to my return. I wish never to leave my people and my city and it moves hearts and mountains to return to you. As you each are aware, I have been on campaign to Lusitana in hopes of gaining more favor for the great republic. While my cause has been most successful, I know it is not my efforts through the western regions that brings you to my home. It is to my return and to celebration! To the courtyard my friends, for I have special presentation for you this day, and would rather us enjoy it before the gods remove our sun for evening."
The guards form in a circle in case gladiator falls too close to guest. The main gates are sealed as the courtyard is filled from inside the manor. While the gladiators are well trained, the house is still new as a ludus and there will be no risk of attempted escape.
Victor moves with his wife, along with the senator and his daughter, out to the courtyard to behold the final spectacle of the day before the night would turn drunken. The gladiators practice for 15 minutes more at the crowd watches on. The delay in purpose to endure every cup is filled to brim.
Once each guest had full cup, Victor's single word "Doctore!" set plans to action. Two bangs from mace to shield and the gladiators silently sat weapons to ground to be swiftly retrieved by servants. The gladiators themselves moved into an arch around the pool near the entrance to the courtyard, stationed for all the guests to observe.
Verus Rex stood near the middle, clear view to the Dominas and Domina. He listened at the crowd murmured awe at the gladiators. For while this would be common to another ludus, this was a house of far elevated station. Many of the guests were far above seeing a ludus first hand, save if they were in the business or were close to those that were. At that, for the guests that were familiar with the operations of a ludus, this was a house fresh to the art. Seeing gladiators fall in so easily was most pleasing.
Verus watched as Victor cleared his steps, allowing those of higher rank, including the senator and his daughter, to remain up high with the rest shifted downward. Verus watched further as Victor stepped down in front of the gladiators to address his guests.
"Today, you witness the birth of legacy. To dear Oenomaus and Barrius, esteemed men of the ludus for many generations, I hope that I will follow in same honor. For on this day, I reveal my own gladiators, who shall rise up and be known throughout every city in the republic!"
The ludus owners clapped while the other guests cheer, hearts racing to see combat even which intent is for no blood.
"Honored senator, I would see it fit that you choose who might have their exhibition on this day."
The senator smiles at his praise and nods head, but holds hand out to respectfully decline.
"My thanks, but I shall give that honor to my daughter this day. Aureliana, who might you find fitting to battle?"
Victor nods with respect and the power is turned to daughter, as he himself rises back up the stairs, joining his wife with arm to waist. A lean and a whisper to her ear.
"That whom found us as foe in the afternoon turns friend in the evening. We have won this day my love."
Aureliana
Distracted by her perusal of Praetorius’ form, somewhat moving toward flights of fancy as to what manner of man he might prove to be should he be invited to her bed of a night, Aureliana at first does not grasp the delicacy of the situation she has just been put in by her father. While it was well and good that she obtain the honor of notice by Victor, it was Kerina who presented her with it – as is proper – she was caught unawares by this new turn of the tides in the evening’s honors.
She had no trouble drawing every eye to herself on her own terms, but as with any other young girl, she was momentarily and charmingly befuddled by Victor’s preference and command.
A moment passed, and then another. Aureliana took a deep breath and stepped forward, toward the warriors that would garner even greater honor for the house of Vitella. Slowly, she looked up and down the line of men before her. The significance of the moment could not be lost on the gathered mass, nor indeed on the master and mistress of this house: a small, solitary yet dignified figure before the great, almost brutish, line of men. The contrast would amuse some and intrigue others.
Aureliana chose first a young specimen, golden-haired and lanky. Yet his lack of heft was belied by the gentle play of wiry muscles beneath his burnished skin. Her gaze traveled farther down the line, crossing the taller men in the center. Eyes slid past him at first.
Slid past, paused, and slid back. Unconciously, her head again tilted to one side. Endearingly innocent in the childish gesture of curiousity and question. She considered for the span of a few seconds before turning back toward where her father and Victor were and raised her voice slightly. Not loud, but clearly, Aureliana called out as she lifted a finger to point at the second man she selected.
“Good host, and charming Victor, I choose this man as my champion for the evening.” Her finger still raised, pointed directly at Verus.
Verus
The lanky gladiator steps forward first. He had both height and speed...the later being so useful in his days as a thief, the former being his downfall. The man had been caught while those with him vanished to crowd. Thief had been tattooed across his cheek and thus his name as a slave was born Saccularius. Shield and gladius were handed to the Roman as he took his ground.
Saccularius stood uncomfortably as he watched the woman carefully consider the second man for the match. He had been chosen in haste, and she would declare him lost before the bout begins. No matter, he would battle on and see to it that victory be his.
Verus stood tense, staring forward. He could not help but notice the girl's linger draw upon the guard and how she knew not how to respond when placed upon the courtyard. Still, after choosing opponent, she thought for more careful consideration. Verus remained fixed upon his Dominas as he awaited the decision, but could not help to follow her when she would pass before him.
Verus tensed muscle as Aureliana chose him, mentally prepared to be claimed victorious already. "My thanks, I shall give life to honor your choice." Verus accented words with a slight bow. Raising his head, he noticed now the guard staring back to their position; watching him, watching the girl.
Verus moved forward to be given similar blade and shield, one of stock choosing, not his personal weapons he fought with in the arena. Both men stood at attention until the word was given by their Dominas before they turned to one another, clashing steels together.
Aureliana
For a few seconds, long enough for him to speak and to offer his respects, Aureliana locked eyes with the stranger. Spellbound, and mildly horrified that a gladiator would think to speak to a lady of noble birth, she accepted his simple statement with a nod of her own.
Her part done, Aureliana stepped back to her father’s side and into the presence of Victor and Kerina. She had, perhaps, chosen the first gladiator in haste. But, on closer examination, he would like make good account of himself against the second man.
What she wasn’t expecting was the careful speech of the second one chosen. The larger man had both height and reach on the young one. He also had something of a foreign cast to his features. Could he be a born Roman? His language was as precise as born courtier. Her curiousity piqued and her attention drawn away from her former attraction to Praetorius, Aureliana turned in silence to watch as both men selected weapons and faced one another.
Verus
Praetorius did not go without notice that the girl who had eyes on him
before had turned away now. Surely it was due to her excitement of the
honor of choosing the men, but after being scorned once in the day, he
was easy to rouse. Did he not just see the gladiators lips move tot he
woman, if not briefly?
Praetorius stood on ground level, watching as Aureliana returned tot
he steps. A foolish notion to have sure callous thoughts of a woman
above his station, though she was there only as his father had gone
before her could raise his own name. A task to beset upon after the
campaign on the eastern front had finished.
In the courtyard, grunts of men and clanging of metal filled the air.
Saccularius proved quickly to move as a coiled cobra. He stayed hidden
behind shield to make Verus push forward, then using the time to lash
out.
Verus was not afforded the same luxury. There was at least 4"
difference between the tip of his sword to heart and his opponent's.
To avoid the swing of a giant, one must run in beneath it. Verus had
not the speed over Saccularius, but he had more precision. Each
returned strike by the Roman allowed the Celt to push his footing
forward. Even with Saccularius retreating in his own steps, Verus
gained an inch per strike. He ensured the press to be repeated with
swiftness, never allowing Saccularius time to bring his long arm back
inward.
Saccularius used the awkward stance to advantage, bringing the blade
down overtop of Verus to draw blood from back. An anguished yell from
Verus, but his tempo increased. The Celt pushed in, finally exploiting
an opening in Saccularius' guard and taking advantage. The shield was
left agape, Verus swung in his own shield. The metal cut inside,
tearing flesh from Saccularius' arm before following through to cut
the straps. A well placed kick and the shield flew free.
Saccularius drew back, gripping sword with both hands now. A wiser
move would be to keep his shield hand free in attempts to grapple
shield or arm of his opponent but as a wolf matron circles her pup
with injured leg, so too did the man guard his injured arm to place
two hands upon a hilt intended for one.
"I am sorry brother...we are of but a single brotherhood and the first
to bear the mark of this house, but I gave word not to lose this
contest."
Verus swings his sword in a high arch, only to be parried by
Saccularius. The Roman then inverts sword, punching with the hilt to
the chin of Verus. Verus stumbles backward, shaking her to clear mind
and Saccularius lets loose a laugh.
"Speak even sooner next time, and you'll find the blade to your
tongue. I am your friend inside the ludus, but his courtyard has
become our arena. Fight or fall."
With his scorning words, Saccularius takes advantage of Verus'
disorientation to press, striking outward beyond his grasp. Too far.
With balance thrown off, Verus bring his sword down upon Saccularius'
hand. Verus falls in as Saccularius falls down, landing on the stone
pavings. Verus, with foresight not to sever the man's swordhand and
have him sent to drudgery, turns his blade so that flat presses
against hand. He catches balance himself only by pressing foot to the
back of the blade to push himself up.
A sickening crack as fingers break and a yelp follows, but Saccularius
draws blade with his offhand and swing upward. A killing blow if done
with his practiced hand. With his less practiced hand it was still a
deep laceration, but falling shy of fatal. Verus knocks the blade of
his hand and kicks knees inward. Pulling Saccularius up to kneel by
the hair he draws blade to neck, looking to Aureliana for the decision
of fate.
Aureliana
The fight was heated, that was certain. Among the crowd, she heard the
word “Celt” murmured. Was the larger of the two truly one of the
Briton lords who had proved so difficult to conquer? Aureliana had
hear stories of these men, how their bravery was very nearly a match
for the soldiers of her beloved city.
Gone now were thoughts of fancy regarding the young captain who would
– metaphorically, but for the moment literally – stand at her feet and
ask little more of her; far be it for Praetorius to ask for her hand
to form a union when his fortunes had not yet risen high enough in the
world to claim such a prize. In those minutes, Aureliana’s sole focus
was on the cut and thrust of the struggle between the two men. It was
struggle enough to maintain her composure so that she was not gasping
and exclaiming like many of the less well-born members of the crowd
below the platform.
Still, she could not conceal the small wince at the blows dealt the
big one with the strange accent and courtier’s tongue. Yet it appeared
she had chosen her champion for the day well. As unexpected as it was,
she had almost been anticipating that he would look at her for her
permission before dealing the death blow.
These were the moments Aureliana truly shone forth in. Drawing breath,
she stepped forward, fully aware of the eyes of all present weighing
her down, awaiting her decision.
“Stay your blade, gladiator.” Goddess help her, she could not help but
favor this man with her true smile as she looked at him. He had fought
well on her behalf, and yet she could not in good conscience betray
her upbringing.
“Your training serves you well, but as this is a demonstration, let
there be no further blood. The more the men, the greater the glory to
be won for your master.”
Verus
Both gladiators break into slight laughter of relief. Neither men
expected contest to end in blood, but as the first bout in a new
house, neither could be certain. Verus plunges his sword into the
ground and drops shield, stepping around to aid Saccularius to his
feet and clasp arms. Both men then turn towards the steps and nod
respect before falling into line. Whispered words from Victor to
Invictus are swiftly taken to Doctore, who leads the gladiators from
the courtyard. With that, the guards open the great gates of the
manor back to the street.
Victor steps to the center of the courtyard, raising arms to address
guests once more.
"A most kind showing Aureliana, for I am certain both gladiators shall
see many victories upon the sands of the arena! The celebration rages
on friends! Eat! Drink! My house is open to all!"
The crowd cheers as cups are refilled. Some guests depart through
those great gates while others prepare to not leave at all. As the
last of the day's light fade, so too does the attempts at political
sway and presses for position. Insults forgotten to be placed with
laughs. The wine clouds judgment and begets haze, causing the night
to fade to darkness.
Smells of sweet incense lofted not only through house and courtyard, but carried far through city streets well in advance of celebration. Still, it was no power to mask the hogs and sheep roasting or the burning oils spewed forth from the fire breathers' lips. Trumpets blare as envoy arrives, thought to be the Emperor himself but at least playing host to other dignitaries of the state.
As nobles of war and nobles of politics raise drink together, slaves of the house move swiftly to refill wine goblets and plates. The clatter of porcelain sets a serving girl to alarm, but falls unnoticed beyond the clamor of wine gorged guest. She scrambles to clean the pieces before the lady of the house takes notice, pulling lap of dress into a shelf and then hurrying away. Meanwhile, slaves of another nature continue their exercise, unaware or uncaring of the rejoicing within the walls.
Gladiators, only the first group induced into brotherhood; they battle on the sands with wooden sword and shield. Only recently have they received their marks, or had former marks burnt over for one anew. They work through their own yard in preparation for days of glory, or nights of death. Of them, only 4 have seen the inside of arena before; 3 of whom were gifts from another lunesta, the other their unyielding trainer.
The smells of the lunesta drive purpose for the incense far beyond the opening of doors for guest. Inside, the master of the house enjoys his wine, but only hours earlier had he brought protest to his wife for the construction without his consent. A lunesta within the prime of the city? Madness and disgrace. Victor would have preferred to hire a house to lead his new warriors, but that time was past. Senators brought praise on an endeavor they gave sole credit to Victor for. To place this one Kerina's back, this would serve nothing to elevate his house. No, instead this would be a new way of life, until gladiators brought fame, or all perished to hands of another lunesta.
"Sentry, doors. Should knees wait to bend for orders as well? Hurry then, keep doors to spectacle unsealed. Why hire dancers upon the water only to have the pool unseen?"
The guard hurries to task, unlocking and opening other parts of the vast manner for guests to move about.
"Kerina, where it she? I have need for greetings to member of the senate, I have no idle tongue to sip on wine myself!"
As Victor takes a moment to sit upon his chair of the great hall, dear friend advises calmness. Victor is no friend to being host, but does so for his own status. A sigh as senses clear, Victor takes hand to drink as his eyes search both for wife and for whom he must next greet with false smile.
Kerina
Kerina was no creature of ignorance, she knew how to make an entrance. She was quite the regal lady of the villa, and while Victor had only just returned, she had entertained in this manner for some time, using any excuse to further the family name in glory, or rather, all in Victor's glory. Rome was not a woman's world, and Kerina knew this well. Had she been born a man, what a mighty ruler she would have been by now, instead, she had been born female, married to a brute of a man, who had gained some fortune in battle, glory, honor and sat them carefully on the edge of elite status.
While he was gone to battle, she had done everything she could to further themselves in name and political standing. It was only upon Victor's triumphant return that things had really started to fall in place. She'd done everything in her power to build up Victor, but she knew he wasn't one of political mindset as much as military. She had to play it carefully, least she frustrate her husband and he make some slip of the tongue.
Even so, as Victor called for her, the doors to the hall leading to their bedchambers were drawn open, the graceful figure of Victor's wife adorned it, clad in fine clothing, graceful wraps about her, and fine jewels ornately rest upon her neck and her ears. Even while it was quite expensive, she understated herself, purposefully, afterall, if the Emperor and his lovely wife did show, she certainly wished not to outshine their beloved guests of honor.
Kerina's eyes lingered on Victor's as she approached him past the recessed garden area in the center of the villa, past the trickling fountain and up the ornate steps towards the chair where he sat. She forced herself to smile at him as well, a softness in her eyes, so convincing, such a lie.
She tilted her head, giving her husband a brief smooch before she looked to his eyes, a soft touch of flowery perfume drifted from her neck, her wrists.
"Forgive my delay. "
Victor
"Ah Kerina, so lovely this day, truly a regal creature with grace of eagles. Such a wondrous gathering beneath your roof as well. Blessed are we to see such a gala!"
Attilius gushed on, with luck only bringing forth abundant praise rather than return the drink he had enjoyed letting flow freely. Victor glaring daggers at the man tenses his fingers upon the arm of his chair. Attilius was known for pursuing wives of others, and Victor would aim spear long before Attilius could aim that weapon granted naturally by Jupiter's grace. He stands, limbs tensed. Despite having retired his helm and shield years ago, his keen senses would still focus on the target before him. A strategy of war befitting him more in days as Captain than General, but his bloodlust had been known across nations.
Before the Juggernaut of Veii could separate drunken tongue from coveted wife, a hand settled upon his shoulder. Silver flashes, a decorative weapon from his diplomacy to the west, but sharp regardless. Victor spins, seeing the flash of another blade as it parries his own. A heavy breath, and then the sounds of laughter reverberate through the hall.
"Praetorius, you son of a rental unit. You have no mind better than to sneak upon me? Or do you wish the mind severed from body?"
The young captain bursts to laughter as he embraces his brother in arms. "Was my mother not dearly close with your own? Caution on your words, for you give your own mother ill association!"
The two move towards Kerina, hands clasped on shoulders. "Kerina! It is timed well you arrive now, this is Praetorius, new Captain of the 2nd Legion where our nephew fights now. He has returned to join feast!" Victor shoulders Attilius from his path, raising drink, oblivious to the newly arrived senator standing at his back.
Kerina
Kerina smiled appropriately, thankfully to Attilius' praising words to her ears. Her head tilts slightly as she smiled even larger.
"Attilius! What a wonderful pleasure it is to see you again." she approached him, giving him a quick cheek kiss one to each side before she stepped back to Victor's side as was expected, all show and games, a fine little dance.
She didn't have to look to Victor to know he was enraged, his anger was well known by his wife, as was his jealousy, and she loved to make him jealous, it was the only time she knew he cherished her more than her skills. She squeezed on Victor's bicep just slightly enough for him to feel it, but less that none would notice more than a wife taking her husband's arm, adoring his side as she urged her husband to calm mind.
She however, was quickly discarded as Victor drew his sword, spinning about in a brilliant flash of metal and a loud clang of metal as gladius meets gladius. She stood there, frozen in shock, almost fear as it appeared her husband be attacked. There was a silence from all there as attention focused and then laughter pursued.
The tension was so thick it could be seen as it released and guests went back to their merry making. She smiled, trying to whisk away her own look of concern as she realized whom it was, rather was told as the two soldiers greeted each other. Such was reason she had not wanted to invite the soldier, but upon her husbands demand, had relinquished.
She was as diplomatic as usual, stepping forward to greet the man Victor introduced her to with a small bow of sorts and and extend of her hand.
"Captain Praetorius. It is a pleasure, welcome to our home. Victor has told me much of you and your heroics in battle."
Aureliana
She stood quietly in the entry, eyes roaming the crowd below her in the great hall, seeming idle in their casual gaze.
There was, however, nothing idle about this woman standing almost as still as a statue – indeed, the only thing that marked her as a living, breathing creature of flesh and blood was the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she inhaled and exhaled, the stir of her dark red hair in the evening breeze and the sparkle of challenge in the hazel eyes as they slid over form and figure in the crowd.
Few would mark her as a familiar face, but Aureliana always banked on that. Beauty of form was easily lost and just as easily forgettable. Beauty of spirit lasted well into old age. Those in possession of both? They were the blessed of Venus.
Truly, then, Aureliana was blessed. Wit and intelligence clothed in as fair a form as the gods alone could produce. Indeed, many suitors has thought her goddess-born. The mind of a man, in such a person was truly a prize for any well-deserving prospect.
Sadly, few prospects enjoyed the challenge of Aureliana. Far too many had felt the sting of her wit and the cold of her scorn when unable to match her in a battle of words. And so it was that she remained unmarried.
Back in the present, Aureliana took a deep breath. She paused a moment longer, waiting. The slaves of her father’s house stood in rank and file behind her; chaperones necessary for any unattached woman. Her sharp eyes had not missed the subtle interplay between Victor and his wife, Kerina. Or the careful maneuvering of the officers and dignitaries surrounding the host and his chosen wife. Likewise, she did not so much as raise a querying eyebrow at the clash between the Captain and Victor. The master of the house had a jealousy that was well-known around the empire. And the lady of the house was well-known to aid and abet it at all times.
Into her carefully considered pause came the silence that always accompanies beauty. It opened gloriously before her as she silently lifted her hand to the two slaves behind her, indicating that they should follow, and started down the stairway into the chamber below her. The soft, gilded leather sandals encasing her feet made no sound on the polished floor as she crossed it, and the silky fabric of the glorious red dress she wore brushed the floor in such a way as to give observers the impression of floating. Like the hostess of the party, her ornaments were simple, yet elegant.
Ignorant of the approving stares of the male onlookers among Victor and Kerina’s guests, Aureliana continued steadily on. As her father’s representative at this gathering, it behooved her to carry herself well. She stopped in the small opening created around the host and hostess and waited, patiently…silently…waiting. She was used to drawing attention to her before acting. A tactic garnered, no doubt, from her military-tactician-turned-senator father.
Victor
At the arrival of Praetorius, the senator, thus unaware of the hosts behind him, steps forward and right past Victor, separating the two and paying no heed. Victor puts teeth to tongue at being ignored for Praetorius. A friend yes, and well welcomed by Victor, but he was still youthful and of no position. Victor narrowed eyes, but with luck his wife's touch halted harsh action.
"Ah, young Praetorius, son of Galiocus, a pleasure to see you returned home from battle. I know you left from station in Pompeii and are new to the Capital, but I am Otrus. I knew your father for many years when he sat upon the Senate. A shame he would leave position to command battle once more, and a further shame that the battle was not shone upon by the gods. Still, I have hopes that you would follow in his path to sit upon that same seat."
Victor gives a smile, albeit hollow, and rests free hand upon Praetorius' shoulder once more.
"No doubt, the youth will do many great things in days, standing now in position as I had once stood in the 2nd Legion. A dear friend and very worthy of all that he had gained thus far, I would hope us to share like positions in old age."
Praetorius takes a slight breath in, raising drink with his arm nearest Victor to part the condescending hand. Only minutes between being greeted as brother, and then referred to as child. Unlike the host himself, Praetorius knew when better to keep words from loosening. He had no time to draw tongue regardless, the senator continuing upon his own mindset.
"Ah yes, you did hold title as Captain..."
"Genera..."
The senator clears his throat at the interruption. "You held ranks within the 2nd legion...luckily Praetorius treads heavy to leave footprints where the wind blows over yours. Yes, Praetorius will make a fine edition to the Senate in time. Ah! Beauty arrives to deter drollness of a party gone stale. Dearest Aureliana, I thought you absent today."
The host, his wife, and the captain are left to turned back. Praetorius turns spiteful eye to Victor, while in turn Victor moves pleading eye to Kerina, knowing not how to conduct himself after such insult.
Kerina
Kerina's otherwise cheerful look seemed to fade as she stood next to Victor. Her hand on his arm tightened a little, she too was on edge. More known was Victor's anger, but more restrained and sharpened to a point was Kerina's, and unseen to the public, but even the obvious insult to her husband cast shame upon his house, and her in doing so.
She looked to Victor's eye, she saw that look, she wasn't sure if he was begging her to let him have vengeance, or for her to restrain him. Either way she cast a soft brush of her fingers along Victor's arm as she left his side as Aureliana came to view.
"Aureliana!" she cast her voice a bit higher, stepping past the Senator without as much as a concern to brush him aside, meeting with her lovely red-haired beauty with open arms as she drew her close, placing an affectionate kiss to each of her cheeks and a smile.
"And none too untimely an entrance either! I feared the Senator would speak of times long past all night. You must come in, join us for celebrating Victor's triumphant return from Lusitania where he forced the Spaniards to submit to the might of the Empire. He's returned with many exquisite items for us to see tonight." she smiled, sliding her hand behind the woman's back as she guided her right past the Senator and towards Victor and Praetorius.
"I also believe Victor has some entertainment planned for us tonight." she smiled towards her husband, drawing the focus back to him, shedding praise on him for his acts to the Empire.
"Victor, you remember Aureliana, daughter of the former General and now Senator." she introduced her beloved friend, a smile forming as she looked to Aureliana again.
"I keep telling Victor he should be a senator, citing your father's example, but he keeps aruguing that his place is with the men who defend the Empire."
Aureliana
Curiousity kept her in place. She was now near enough to hear the talk that transpired between her father – whom she had been unaware would be attending – the captain, a truly handsome specimen, and the master of the house, Victor. Propriety dictated that her father take precedence over her in greeting and in social standing, yet Aureliana felt a momentary pang of impatience and irritation with her father. A favorite of the emperor? Yes. Tactful?…Not usually. The girl waited, watching again the interplay of all involved. Noted was the captain’s expression flung carelessly at Victor, noted was her father’s exuberant greeting of one, but not the other, and noted was Victor’s irritation and helpless look at Kerina, eyes begging for rescue and her favor.
It crossed her mind to step forward and offer rescue for Victor, but she did not think the lady of the house would appreciate such a gesture from a young, lovely woman. It also crossed her mind to step forward and make herself known to her father, rescuing him from further faux pas while at the same time offering an out to the captain and Victor.
Too long she stood, considering her options. Aureliana came back to reality with a small start – visible only to the closest observers – when Kerina spoke her name. Quickly, her face arranged itself with the seemingly-warm, yet empty smile worn by both Kerina and Victor. Her politician’s mind calculated the slight to her father while she stepped forward to acknowledge the other woman’s welcome with open hands and kisses of her own.
“Indeed Kerina, he would make a fine senator. Though, perhaps he would feel out of place.” She flashed a womanly, conspirator’s smile at Kerina. “He is, I fear, an honest man…something desperately needed in Rome. If the gods are willing, he should be an example to us all.” Flattery couched in acknowledgement of her father’s position and reputation. Aureliana turned her smile on Victor, the brightness of it dazzling even the most cynical and hardest of hearts into weakness.
“I give you good greeting, sir. But perhaps you would not mind if I welcome also my father?” She tilted her head slightly to one side, prettily questioning. Her conduct and manner proper and perfect in all aspects, yet still carefully, politically contrived.
Aureliana disentangled herself momentarily from Kerina’s clasp to kiss her father’s wrinkled, sunburned cheek before turning once more to Kerina and Victor. “My father too believes he would be best served fighting at the side of the men in the field. I frequently need to remind him that there is more than one way to defend our empire and glorify our Mother, Rome.”
Again, the girl lifted her hand to the slave/chaperone behind her. The man stepped forward at her beckoning and opened a small, wooden chest he had been bearing silently behind the young lady of the house of Aurelianus. “I beg you accept a small token of my esteem and that of my father’s household, good sir. I present this gift in honor and celebration of your glorious return.”
Aureliana turned and lifted a small object from the depths of the chest, holding it gently across her palms. Resting there was a small, beautifully forged and carved ceremonial dagger. Set in the hilt were precious stones taken from her father’s treasury storehouse specifically for this gift. An amethyst, symbol of high honor in the empire, occupied the place of honor at the crosspiece of the weapon.
Victor
Deep breath in to clear thoughts before pulling a pitcher of wine from a slaves hands, topping off Praetorius' goblet before finishing the fill of his own. A humbling gesture but one of apology for the moment tensed between the two men. Victor had many enemies already, he had no use to make more of dear friends. He shoves the pitcher back in the slaves' hands and turns body towards Aureliana, but head snapping back to slave.
"Hurry girl, a new guest arrives, why does she have no drink in hand?" His head turns to the Senator's daughter, looking back and forth between the old man who had tarnished his name and the daughter his wife calls friend. "Ah! Dearest Aureliana, most welcome under our roof!"
The slave girl fumbles with the pitcher and tried to regain composure. She tips the edge to goblet, but sees no red to spill; the last being drained to Victor's own goblet. The girl hurries away, filling from a fellow servant's pitcher to offer to Aureliana, eyes averted in a bow, before the girl rushes off to fetch fresh wine.
"Ah yes, the entertainment! The first of our bouts within the house. I wish I could take credit, but it is my dear Kerina who has worked so ambitiously to bring about tonights exhibition. We shall get to that momentarily though...Invicta, see to that."
The head of Victor's guard and trusted personal bodyguard nodded and turned, vanishing about his errand. The senator pays to heed to the guard and his duties as he returns his daughter's warm greeting.
"Oh the girl does jest...I speak of my days of glory upon the battlefield, but my age reminds me of presence daily. I am certain the march would end me long before heathen spear finds my chest."
The laughter emitted from the senator held an ounce of bitterness at daughter's words, and seconded by his failure to realize a gift was being brought to the house without presenting it himself. A foresight the senator was grateful his daughter took care for. It was Victor's actions to move the senator from this line of thoughts though. Despite his upfront demeanor and brutish tendencies, Victor still had enough grace to represent the republic to other nations. A skill not often thought to use at home, but one he saw fit now.
"It is true rumor occasionally circulates the streets, pushed forward by dishonest tongues out of envy and greed; but it is good that your dear father stands strong within the senate to see that no snake's tongue dares to find means in to speak of ill intent. I have no doubt that you would stand equally as strong upon command post of a legion; for it is of youth's favor to move blade, but an elder's wisdom is what shall guide his arm."
Victor bows as he accepts the dagger, holding it to light and turning slowly so that all nearby might witness the shine of the gems. He holds the dagger to Kerina that she might take hold and find proper place for the dagger.
"My gratitude for both father and daughter, as I hope that my house will not be pushed from your minds for this party, know that yours will linger in ours for this exquisite gift."
Invictus returns to Victor's side, standing and attention and looking to his master. "They are prepared and await order. Doctore recommends that Verus Rex be shown to guest. They await in the courtyard."
Kerina
Kerina returned to Victor's side, opposite the side Praetorius stood as she watched Aureliana greet her father and present the gift to them. It was well played, well played indeed. On both sides. While Aureliana and she did not hold the exact friendly relationship that they let on, there was no need for displeasantries between them. For the moment anyway. All parties of the sort were times when people would make plays, both seen, unseen and mired in confusing tongue. Only the best played it. Kerina was a champion.
She stood submissively as Victor moved to take the blade, drawing it. She had desire to watch him slit the Senator's throat with it, but alas, wishes and occurrence were two different items.
She took the ornate blade as Victor gave it to her to dispose of properly. She handed it off to one of her servants and smiled as she looked back to the Senator and his daughter.
"Thank you both for your exquisite gift. Please, have wine and make yourselves comfortable." she offered them as well as had Victor, a soft rest of her hand against Victor's back as she moved back to his side as the guard returned, her keen ear hearing of the gladiator's preparedness.
As Victor made his announcement, and cast praise upon her, to the claps of those in the room she smiled with laughter and raised her hand slightly.
"Thank you my dear husband, but it is a rare thing when I might surprise you with warriors and fighters fitting to bare the crest of the Vitella." she spoke.
"For it was not a time too long ago that you bore the title of Champion. I see it but only proper that your house once again enters the arena."
There was once again clapping to Kerina's words, for it was true, Kerina's eyes settled on Victor's for a long moment. She knew as well as any, Victor had the best chance himself of teaching them how to be a warrior, and if they were successful, more power and glory to Victor's name. Oh yes, Kerina played the game well, d**n well.
Aureliana
Aureliana stepped back as Victor accepted the dagger from her, accepting the goblet of wine from the serving girl as she did so, casually observant of her father’s slight darkening of mood and expression over her words, yet equally aware of his flush of gratitude that his daughter’s grasp of social and political niceties saved him for a potentially harmful situation with an exceptionally powerful man.
“It is I who should be grateful that my humble gift is so graciously accepted, Victor.” Her head bowed slightly in regal inclination as she turned her attentions back to Kerina standing submissively at her husband’s side and watched as the flash of resentment flashed through her eyes. Kerina occupied the same position as did Aureliana, only as a married woman. Seen as inferior by many – her father included – the gentler sex were often overlooked. Clearly Victor understood the worth of his wife. Aureliana looked up to catch Kerina’s eye, lifting her cup slightly in salute and acknowledgement of the other woman’s recognition of the game both played so deftly and in mild camaraderie.
Her father, the senator, offered his hand, and Aureliana rested one hand gently atop her fathers, her wine goblet still in her other hand as she followed Invictus, Victor, Kerina, and Praetorius into the courtyard. For now, she and her father were honored with such close proximity to the host and hostess while observing the evening’s entertainment. Silently, wisely, the girl took a small sip of her wine, sharp eyes missing little of the actions and unspoken language of those around her, keen ears hearing scraps of conversation which would bear further consideration later.
Bored, for the moment, Aureliana turned her eyes once more on inspection of the handsome young captain at Victor’s side: Praetorius. For all her intelligence and wit, Aureliana still was a young girl with a fine eye for the handsome specimens to be found among Rome’s best soldiers.
Victor
Invictus returns to where Doctore waits with the gladiators. As practice weapons are placed in each of their hands, Doctore issues commands to arrange the men, placing the strongest gladiators near the doors of the manor to exhibit their forms. Doctore himself holds shield and light mace, both which serve as means to keep the men without rebuttal. The mace means the shield, a loud clang as the gladiators shout and move into practice forms. Wooden swords beat against shield and each other. Each of the men attempting to show their worthiness without tiring out prior to exhibition.
Inside the manor, Victor stands upon stage. His arms open wide in gesture as booming voice carries through the hall. Guests silence quickly under echoes of the host.
"Dear guests, I give many thanks in your attendance to my home this day. It is humbling to see so many pay homage to my return. I wish never to leave my people and my city and it moves hearts and mountains to return to you. As you each are aware, I have been on campaign to Lusitana in hopes of gaining more favor for the great republic. While my cause has been most successful, I know it is not my efforts through the western regions that brings you to my home. It is to my return and to celebration! To the courtyard my friends, for I have special presentation for you this day, and would rather us enjoy it before the gods remove our sun for evening."
The guards form in a circle in case gladiator falls too close to guest. The main gates are sealed as the courtyard is filled from inside the manor. While the gladiators are well trained, the house is still new as a ludus and there will be no risk of attempted escape.
Victor moves with his wife, along with the senator and his daughter, out to the courtyard to behold the final spectacle of the day before the night would turn drunken. The gladiators practice for 15 minutes more at the crowd watches on. The delay in purpose to endure every cup is filled to brim.
Once each guest had full cup, Victor's single word "Doctore!" set plans to action. Two bangs from mace to shield and the gladiators silently sat weapons to ground to be swiftly retrieved by servants. The gladiators themselves moved into an arch around the pool near the entrance to the courtyard, stationed for all the guests to observe.
Verus Rex stood near the middle, clear view to the Dominas and Domina. He listened at the crowd murmured awe at the gladiators. For while this would be common to another ludus, this was a house of far elevated station. Many of the guests were far above seeing a ludus first hand, save if they were in the business or were close to those that were. At that, for the guests that were familiar with the operations of a ludus, this was a house fresh to the art. Seeing gladiators fall in so easily was most pleasing.
Verus watched as Victor cleared his steps, allowing those of higher rank, including the senator and his daughter, to remain up high with the rest shifted downward. Verus watched further as Victor stepped down in front of the gladiators to address his guests.
"Today, you witness the birth of legacy. To dear Oenomaus and Barrius, esteemed men of the ludus for many generations, I hope that I will follow in same honor. For on this day, I reveal my own gladiators, who shall rise up and be known throughout every city in the republic!"
The ludus owners clapped while the other guests cheer, hearts racing to see combat even which intent is for no blood.
"Honored senator, I would see it fit that you choose who might have their exhibition on this day."
The senator smiles at his praise and nods head, but holds hand out to respectfully decline.
"My thanks, but I shall give that honor to my daughter this day. Aureliana, who might you find fitting to battle?"
Victor nods with respect and the power is turned to daughter, as he himself rises back up the stairs, joining his wife with arm to waist. A lean and a whisper to her ear.
"That whom found us as foe in the afternoon turns friend in the evening. We have won this day my love."
Aureliana
Distracted by her perusal of Praetorius’ form, somewhat moving toward flights of fancy as to what manner of man he might prove to be should he be invited to her bed of a night, Aureliana at first does not grasp the delicacy of the situation she has just been put in by her father. While it was well and good that she obtain the honor of notice by Victor, it was Kerina who presented her with it – as is proper – she was caught unawares by this new turn of the tides in the evening’s honors.
She had no trouble drawing every eye to herself on her own terms, but as with any other young girl, she was momentarily and charmingly befuddled by Victor’s preference and command.
A moment passed, and then another. Aureliana took a deep breath and stepped forward, toward the warriors that would garner even greater honor for the house of Vitella. Slowly, she looked up and down the line of men before her. The significance of the moment could not be lost on the gathered mass, nor indeed on the master and mistress of this house: a small, solitary yet dignified figure before the great, almost brutish, line of men. The contrast would amuse some and intrigue others.
Aureliana chose first a young specimen, golden-haired and lanky. Yet his lack of heft was belied by the gentle play of wiry muscles beneath his burnished skin. Her gaze traveled farther down the line, crossing the taller men in the center. Eyes slid past him at first.
Slid past, paused, and slid back. Unconciously, her head again tilted to one side. Endearingly innocent in the childish gesture of curiousity and question. She considered for the span of a few seconds before turning back toward where her father and Victor were and raised her voice slightly. Not loud, but clearly, Aureliana called out as she lifted a finger to point at the second man she selected.
“Good host, and charming Victor, I choose this man as my champion for the evening.” Her finger still raised, pointed directly at Verus.
Verus
The lanky gladiator steps forward first. He had both height and speed...the later being so useful in his days as a thief, the former being his downfall. The man had been caught while those with him vanished to crowd. Thief had been tattooed across his cheek and thus his name as a slave was born Saccularius. Shield and gladius were handed to the Roman as he took his ground.
Saccularius stood uncomfortably as he watched the woman carefully consider the second man for the match. He had been chosen in haste, and she would declare him lost before the bout begins. No matter, he would battle on and see to it that victory be his.
Verus stood tense, staring forward. He could not help but notice the girl's linger draw upon the guard and how she knew not how to respond when placed upon the courtyard. Still, after choosing opponent, she thought for more careful consideration. Verus remained fixed upon his Dominas as he awaited the decision, but could not help to follow her when she would pass before him.
Verus tensed muscle as Aureliana chose him, mentally prepared to be claimed victorious already. "My thanks, I shall give life to honor your choice." Verus accented words with a slight bow. Raising his head, he noticed now the guard staring back to their position; watching him, watching the girl.
Verus moved forward to be given similar blade and shield, one of stock choosing, not his personal weapons he fought with in the arena. Both men stood at attention until the word was given by their Dominas before they turned to one another, clashing steels together.
Aureliana
For a few seconds, long enough for him to speak and to offer his respects, Aureliana locked eyes with the stranger. Spellbound, and mildly horrified that a gladiator would think to speak to a lady of noble birth, she accepted his simple statement with a nod of her own.
Her part done, Aureliana stepped back to her father’s side and into the presence of Victor and Kerina. She had, perhaps, chosen the first gladiator in haste. But, on closer examination, he would like make good account of himself against the second man.
What she wasn’t expecting was the careful speech of the second one chosen. The larger man had both height and reach on the young one. He also had something of a foreign cast to his features. Could he be a born Roman? His language was as precise as born courtier. Her curiousity piqued and her attention drawn away from her former attraction to Praetorius, Aureliana turned in silence to watch as both men selected weapons and faced one another.
Verus
Praetorius did not go without notice that the girl who had eyes on him
before had turned away now. Surely it was due to her excitement of the
honor of choosing the men, but after being scorned once in the day, he
was easy to rouse. Did he not just see the gladiators lips move tot he
woman, if not briefly?
Praetorius stood on ground level, watching as Aureliana returned tot
he steps. A foolish notion to have sure callous thoughts of a woman
above his station, though she was there only as his father had gone
before her could raise his own name. A task to beset upon after the
campaign on the eastern front had finished.
In the courtyard, grunts of men and clanging of metal filled the air.
Saccularius proved quickly to move as a coiled cobra. He stayed hidden
behind shield to make Verus push forward, then using the time to lash
out.
Verus was not afforded the same luxury. There was at least 4"
difference between the tip of his sword to heart and his opponent's.
To avoid the swing of a giant, one must run in beneath it. Verus had
not the speed over Saccularius, but he had more precision. Each
returned strike by the Roman allowed the Celt to push his footing
forward. Even with Saccularius retreating in his own steps, Verus
gained an inch per strike. He ensured the press to be repeated with
swiftness, never allowing Saccularius time to bring his long arm back
inward.
Saccularius used the awkward stance to advantage, bringing the blade
down overtop of Verus to draw blood from back. An anguished yell from
Verus, but his tempo increased. The Celt pushed in, finally exploiting
an opening in Saccularius' guard and taking advantage. The shield was
left agape, Verus swung in his own shield. The metal cut inside,
tearing flesh from Saccularius' arm before following through to cut
the straps. A well placed kick and the shield flew free.
Saccularius drew back, gripping sword with both hands now. A wiser
move would be to keep his shield hand free in attempts to grapple
shield or arm of his opponent but as a wolf matron circles her pup
with injured leg, so too did the man guard his injured arm to place
two hands upon a hilt intended for one.
"I am sorry brother...we are of but a single brotherhood and the first
to bear the mark of this house, but I gave word not to lose this
contest."
Verus swings his sword in a high arch, only to be parried by
Saccularius. The Roman then inverts sword, punching with the hilt to
the chin of Verus. Verus stumbles backward, shaking her to clear mind
and Saccularius lets loose a laugh.
"Speak even sooner next time, and you'll find the blade to your
tongue. I am your friend inside the ludus, but his courtyard has
become our arena. Fight or fall."
With his scorning words, Saccularius takes advantage of Verus'
disorientation to press, striking outward beyond his grasp. Too far.
With balance thrown off, Verus bring his sword down upon Saccularius'
hand. Verus falls in as Saccularius falls down, landing on the stone
pavings. Verus, with foresight not to sever the man's swordhand and
have him sent to drudgery, turns his blade so that flat presses
against hand. He catches balance himself only by pressing foot to the
back of the blade to push himself up.
A sickening crack as fingers break and a yelp follows, but Saccularius
draws blade with his offhand and swing upward. A killing blow if done
with his practiced hand. With his less practiced hand it was still a
deep laceration, but falling shy of fatal. Verus knocks the blade of
his hand and kicks knees inward. Pulling Saccularius up to kneel by
the hair he draws blade to neck, looking to Aureliana for the decision
of fate.
Aureliana
The fight was heated, that was certain. Among the crowd, she heard the
word “Celt” murmured. Was the larger of the two truly one of the
Briton lords who had proved so difficult to conquer? Aureliana had
hear stories of these men, how their bravery was very nearly a match
for the soldiers of her beloved city.
Gone now were thoughts of fancy regarding the young captain who would
– metaphorically, but for the moment literally – stand at her feet and
ask little more of her; far be it for Praetorius to ask for her hand
to form a union when his fortunes had not yet risen high enough in the
world to claim such a prize. In those minutes, Aureliana’s sole focus
was on the cut and thrust of the struggle between the two men. It was
struggle enough to maintain her composure so that she was not gasping
and exclaiming like many of the less well-born members of the crowd
below the platform.
Still, she could not conceal the small wince at the blows dealt the
big one with the strange accent and courtier’s tongue. Yet it appeared
she had chosen her champion for the day well. As unexpected as it was,
she had almost been anticipating that he would look at her for her
permission before dealing the death blow.
These were the moments Aureliana truly shone forth in. Drawing breath,
she stepped forward, fully aware of the eyes of all present weighing
her down, awaiting her decision.
“Stay your blade, gladiator.” Goddess help her, she could not help but
favor this man with her true smile as she looked at him. He had fought
well on her behalf, and yet she could not in good conscience betray
her upbringing.
“Your training serves you well, but as this is a demonstration, let
there be no further blood. The more the men, the greater the glory to
be won for your master.”
Verus
Both gladiators break into slight laughter of relief. Neither men
expected contest to end in blood, but as the first bout in a new
house, neither could be certain. Verus plunges his sword into the
ground and drops shield, stepping around to aid Saccularius to his
feet and clasp arms. Both men then turn towards the steps and nod
respect before falling into line. Whispered words from Victor to
Invictus are swiftly taken to Doctore, who leads the gladiators from
the courtyard. With that, the guards open the great gates of the
manor back to the street.
Victor steps to the center of the courtyard, raising arms to address
guests once more.
"A most kind showing Aureliana, for I am certain both gladiators shall
see many victories upon the sands of the arena! The celebration rages
on friends! Eat! Drink! My house is open to all!"
The crowd cheers as cups are refilled. Some guests depart through
those great gates while others prepare to not leave at all. As the
last of the day's light fade, so too does the attempts at political
sway and presses for position. Insults forgotten to be placed with
laughs. The wine clouds judgment and begets haze, causing the night
to fade to darkness.
