Post by Nicole on Apr 3, 2011 23:01:35 GMT -5
Lucius Verus
Pontus was vanquished. The enemies of Rome had again been sent reeling into the darkness.
It was time to return home.
Back to Rome.
Lucius Valerius Messalla Verus did not view himself as anything more than an agent of the Republic; as a simple soldier doing his duty to fatherland. For his victories against Mithdridates there would be talk of a triumph.
And Valerius Verus would bring his three legions back to Rome, to parade them through the streets as a testament to his own glory and prowess.
But to others, it would be a signal. It would mean danger. The Seventh, Tenth, and Twelfth were legions that had been raised primarily for the campaigns in the east, and he'd been their commander for close to seven years. There was no question about it; they were loyal to him.
Verus sighed and looked out across the Euxine Sea, its breadth drowning the land before it and presenting Sinope with a breath-taking view, especially from the heights of the Propraetor's offices.
There were those in Rome that would view him as a threat. For his skill; for his victories. And for ambition he wasn't sure he had.
Then again... His was the power. His was the glory.
For the first time in his life, Verus realized he suddenly had the power to begin dictating politics instead of being influenced or subordinate to them.
The question was -- how to use this newfound influence?
Lucius Verus
Pontus was vanquished. The enemies of Rome had again been sent reeling into the darkness.
It was time to return home.
Back to Rome.
Lucius Valerius Messalla Verus did not view himself as anything more than an agent of the Republic; as a simple soldier doing his duty to fatherland. For his victories against Mithdridates there would be talk of a triumph.
And Valerius Verus would bring his three legions back to Rome, to parade them through the streets as a testament to his own glory and prowess.
But to others, it would be a signal. It would mean danger. The Seventh, Tenth, and Twelfth were legions that had been raised primarily for the campaigns in the east, and he'd been their commander for close to seven years. There was no question about it; they were loyal to him.
Verus sighed and looked out across the Euxine Sea, its breadth drowning the land before it and presenting Sinope with a breath-taking view, especially from the heights of the Propraetor's offices.
There were those in Rome that would view him as a threat. For his skill; for his victories. And for ambition he wasn't sure he had.
Then again... His was the power. His was the glory.
For the first time in his life, Verus realized he suddenly had the power to begin dictating politics instead of being influenced or subordinate to them.
The question was -- how to use this newfound influence?
On the field below, his three legions were encamped, their normally ordered rows of castra tents crammed pell-mell into the courtyard of the Propraetor's palace. The coming Triumph would be theirs, too. It was not to be questioned that they should return to Rome to share the glories. What would be questioned were his intentions. There had been men before, who, bringing their legions home for the triumphant march, had instead used them as erstwhile shocktroopers to suborn the Senate.
Were there any legions remaining in Italy, any way? None that could stop him, he was sure. The Seventh was a legion that had served under his banners since his first Consulship in Illyria. The Tenth and Twelfth had joined his command only once he'd taken control of the Mithridatic Wars, but they were veteran formations. The Tenth had seen much fighting in the Servile Wars and the Twelfth was blooded by dozens of engagements in Spain. They were, unquestionably, the cream of the Roman army.
It was these things he pondered as he stood alone on that balcony, watching the Pontic sunset. His destiny, at last, was truly his. But he did not know where to forge it.
Alyssa
Alyssa hadn't always been a slave, her earliest memories were of Athens, the ornate architectures, the statues of various gods. Looking up at one of them while her mother worked to get she and her siblings to stay together. That was when things had been more difficult. It was ironic, life of freedom was more difficult than one of slavery. With debts unpaid, her family found itself sold to slavery. Parents, even brothers, sisters gone to where? She'd not seen them in so many years she doubted she'd recognize them even if they were before her.
She'd found fortunate graces to be sold to some who hadn't abused her as property often was. It was those eyes, a smile which left unmarred could brighten a day. She'd learned her place early on, finding the life of a slave less burdensome than that of freedom. As a slave, choices were made for you, you were fed, and had lodging as long as you behaved, did what you were told, and pleased your masters.
In the end she found herself servant of one of Lucius Verus enemies. It wasn't long before the powerful man had crushed her master, spoils of war - she heard the soldiers say. To the Greek, Verus was as though a god among men, crushing anyone who stood in his path in the name of a greater power, Rome.
That had been a year ago.
She'd since adapted to the Roman culture, their way of doing things. One had to learn quickly least be punished. She had accompanied him during campaigns, though she found the luxuries of the palace were more comforting. At least she hadn't sleep on the ground anymore. Things just felt better there, at least to her. Unfortunately it was not to last, she had heard the words she understood well enough. Home. Perhaps the Proconsul would be done there. It wasn't certain what would become of her fate, she'd tried her best to stay out of Lucius' way least she displease him.
When he'd gone to the balcony, she'd been quiet, letting him having his privacy, certainly he was thinking in ways she'd seen him do a few times before. Reflection on things of the past, things to come. Finally she quietly approached him, fine goblet of wine within her hand, freshly filled as she approached, the crisp white clothing she wore, a ring around her neck, wording upon it reading her owner, the man before her.
She tilted her head, presenting the cup before her as she softly spoke.
"Dominus. I thought you may enjoy a cup of wine."
Lucius Verus
"Thank you, Alyssa."
Verus accepted the cup of wine with a winsome smile, body arched like a sinuous serpent as he stretched this way and that. He brought the goblet to his lips and drank deeply of the dark wine, savoring its taste and even more reveling in the sweet buzz that followed.
He regarded his slave for a moment, eyes creeping up and down her body. She was an unassuming one, Alyssa. Never had he needed to discipline her unjustly or raise his hand. Outside of the bedroom, of course; the mere thought brought a fleeting, if rapacious grin to his face and pristine teeth were bared as his lips curled idly back. But that expression sobered quickly and he leaned with his elbows against the rail, body almost precariously stretched out like a great beast lazing in the sun.
"I am to return to Rome," he said to her, voice half-drawn, "I must, for the campaign is concluded and should I wish a Triumph, I must return. The legions are owed a triumph and I would not deny them. So I must go to Rome. There, many of the Senate will see me as a threat. They will be jealous of my glories and success. They will call me an ambitious man; a pedagogue and tyrant that seeks to rule by the sword. I do not. But if I defend myself from their attacks, I will become the very thing they accuse me of being."
He smiled and raised the cup again, "And if I do not defend myself, it is likely I will not be re-elected to command of a province. I will lose my proconsular imperium. My legions."
"What to do, serva. What to do."
Alyssa
Alyssa's head was tilted, subserviently to her master. Hands clasped before her as she listened to him speak. Her eyes moreso focused to the backs of the muscular legs of Verus. She didn't offer her opinion yet, listening as he told her of all the things of Rome, how the Senate would see him a threat, how they'd conspire against him. It sounded quite the brutal place to be. Then again, she was but a servant to a man, she didn't have to worry herself about politics too much, aside from how they might affect her master and then progress to his property, her.
"Dominus.." she finally spoke but soft, "I have never been to battle as you, nor have I seen Rome."
"But I have seen how your men regard you. To discredit you is to discredit them. And there are far more of you than Senators, as I'm told." she quietened. "The people love you, to destroy you, they must destroy you in the eyes of the people." for a slave she had grown quite insightful.
Lucius Verus
She had grown quite insightful; Verus was taken aback by the depth of that particular comment. It struck him, and he blinked several times, jaw set in deep contemplation. It was true. He had never considered the people of Rome; there was more than just the Senate. There was the mob, the assemblies of the tri--
His eyes widened suddenly and a grin sprouted on his face that was positively rapacious. Hundreds of years ago, Scipio Africanus had been refused command in Iberia by the Senate. Realizing that the senatus consultum was not law, merely that -- consulting -- Scipio had simply gone to the Centuriate Assembly, circumventing the Senate entirely. And the Centuriate had been all-too-happy to grant Scipio proconsular imperium in Spain.
And, look at that. Scipio had gone on to defeat Carthage, Hannibal, and win for himself eternal fame and glory.
"Brilliant, Alyssa," he said softly, trying not to laugh: "Simply brilliant. The Senate is not the end-all-be-all and they never will be." He frowned and tipped his head. "And what of you, girl? Had you not been taken as a slave, what would you seek to do with your time on this world?
Alyssa
Even Alyssa's diverted eyes couldn't miss the grin on Lucius' face. She had of course quite the experience of watching leaders come and go, how people turned against them first. Senators had no true power, they were representatives of the people. There were far more people than representatives, keep the love of the people and leaders be d**ned.
Whatever conclusion Lucius had gained from her words he almost glowed with happiness now. She much displeased to see her Dominus looking with such a weight upon his shoulders. His smile was much more a thing she'd come to enjoy than his reputation.
His question had infact taken her off guard. It was something every slave thought about, what they'd do if they were not a slave. She had been one long enough those thoughts rarely ever filled her mind. Not to mention her Dominus was not abusive, she had no reason to particularly want to leave.
"I do not know Dominus. I suppose I would attempt to find what has become of my family, if I have any left." she carefully replied, " Though had I not, I likely would not have found myself in your mercy for the last year, Dominus." ever grateful.
Lucius Verus
Again, he smiled. This time there was no attempt to hide it and he tipped his head back and laughed; a full-bellied laugh that caused several sentries in the courtyard below to briefly startle and look upwards. But they just grinned and shook their heads. If the Proconsul wanted to cackle, that was his business. He'd earned it.
"Alyssa," Verus stated calmly, though he was still grinning, "You find yourself in my mercy because Tigranes was an idiot, and decided to attack up-hill against entrenched heavy infantry." The Battle of Tigranocerta, fought earlier the previous year, had been a close-run thing -- at first. The Armenian cataphracts, charging up hill and in the hot sun, and still almost managed to break the line. Until the second of the triplex acies was brought into action, driving back the enemy horse in disorder and allowing the Roman flanks to wheel inwards and crush the enemy. It had been a bloody day, and in the end, a victorious one for Rome.
"Not that I mind your company," Verus added with an airy wave of the arm, a shrug rolling across his shoulders. Even in the evening he still wore his uniform tunic and the burnished, muscled leather cuirass that benefitted his rank and station. "I simply think of the future. I was not raised to keep slaves for simply frivolous reasons."
That grin turned wolfish for a moment, lips turned up: "Not to say you're a frivolous thing. Especially when naked or kneeling. What I question is the future. Once I return to Rome, things will change. I will seek out another governorship for I am most comfortable in defeating the enemies of Rome on the field of battle. But I do not think you would wish to accompany me into the depths of Germany, or back to the bleak coast of North Africa or even further east into Parthia, would you? The risk would be... inordinate. And it does not seem fitting to risk your safety for a convenient blowjob."
Alyssa
Alyssa's eyes shifted slightly upward as she heard him laugh, explain how she'd come to be his slave had been due to a tactical error. Even further more he humored her thoughts as he mentioned her company, her private attendance to her Dominus' needs.
Then she drew a deep breath, held it, her lips fell to a small frown, she knelt down before him, placing herself close to the floor, his feet, looking up to his eyes she spoke her truest feelings. "Dominus.. my safety is inconsequential to your own. I would serve you to the very ends of the world if you wished it so." she replied, eyes fell after a moment.
"Dominus could have sold me or had me killed upon his victory, he allowed me to live to serve him, and that is what I wish to do."
Lucius Verus
"So be it."
Verus pronounced his judgment with a wave of the hand. She had decided her lot and would not be persuaded from it, an admirable trait in this day of duplicitious senators and meddling eastern potentates. "You will need an official function in my household, then," he added after a moment. "And something menial will not do, nor will it be tolerated. My slaves -- " the first time he'd used that word -- "are not to waste their time attending idiotic things such as an empty glass outside of dinner." His brow knitted and he wrinkled his nose.
"Do you have any skill with accounts? Numbers?" Verus rubbed his temples. It had been so long since he'd bothered to attend to domestic matters that he'd forgotten them, for the most part. Applying all of his energy to the campaign had more or less warped his staff to that need. There were precious few secretaries the legions didn't provide. The legions saw to their own supply, as well. What bothered him was the matter of directing them. That meant maps, dispatch riders. Engineers for siege works.
"After all," he added with a mild grin, "It cannot be said that you are merely a toy for me to f*** as I please. That would not sit well with certain senators, I imagine. They'd accuse me of becoming some neoPersian despot."
Alyssa
With Lucius approval she was allowed to remain, his wave of hand had her rise back, an equal bow of her head remaining as she placed her hands back before her, "Thank you Dominus.." she replied.
She had picked up his first usage of "Slave". Something she'd found moreso odd in the beginning than as of recent, though the recollection of the term came back to her quickly. She listened to his statements of her uses, what she was to do. His question drew a nod of her head.
"Yes Dominus. I oversaw the household of a former master once." she told him. It had been a few masters prior though, even so, she was moderately educated for a woman, and a slave to boot. She'd taken every opportunity to learn as she could as the children of former masters with their tutors learned.
Her lips curled to a small smile as he mentioned she had to be more than a toy to f***. She quietly replied, "I have enjoyed serving in that function also Dominus." even the look she tried to hide even said she wanted it now. Perhaps wanting to thank him for his generosity.
Lucius Verus
"Then you will see about forming a household for me," Verus decided with a curt nod. "Formulate a list of requirements and any additional persons you require; they will be purchased." It was a little odd, the flippant way he referred to purchasing people. But he was a Roman and there was nothing odd about utilizing the talents of captured people.
He turned in place, back placed against the marble rail of the great veranda. "I possess two houses in Italy, the first in Rome and the second is an estate in the foothills of the Appenines. They will require refurbishment as well, for they have not been utilized in quite some years." He'd really been away that long, hadn't it? It was odd; those were the places where he'd grown up and they didn't even feel like home. He didn't even think of them as home.
"I know you enjoy it, by the way," Verus added with a rakish grin, tongue providing the lascivious afterthought: "With the sounds you often end up making."
Alyssa
Alyssa listened to the orders of her master, the things he wished she do, to form, to gather. Two houses was quite the achievement, not to mention the opulent homes he held during his campaign. She bowed her head in acknowledgment. "Yes Dominus, it will be done as you command." she replied, her eyes lifted up only briefly towards him as she smiled some, a hinted color at her cheeks as he mentioned the sounds she made while he was railing her. Even so she tried her best to restrain the grin that followed to no avail.
"Dominus is quite skilled at making me enjoy it." she swallowed slightly, confessing.
Pontus was vanquished. The enemies of Rome had again been sent reeling into the darkness.
It was time to return home.
Back to Rome.
Lucius Valerius Messalla Verus did not view himself as anything more than an agent of the Republic; as a simple soldier doing his duty to fatherland. For his victories against Mithdridates there would be talk of a triumph.
And Valerius Verus would bring his three legions back to Rome, to parade them through the streets as a testament to his own glory and prowess.
But to others, it would be a signal. It would mean danger. The Seventh, Tenth, and Twelfth were legions that had been raised primarily for the campaigns in the east, and he'd been their commander for close to seven years. There was no question about it; they were loyal to him.
Verus sighed and looked out across the Euxine Sea, its breadth drowning the land before it and presenting Sinope with a breath-taking view, especially from the heights of the Propraetor's offices.
There were those in Rome that would view him as a threat. For his skill; for his victories. And for ambition he wasn't sure he had.
Then again... His was the power. His was the glory.
For the first time in his life, Verus realized he suddenly had the power to begin dictating politics instead of being influenced or subordinate to them.
The question was -- how to use this newfound influence?
Lucius Verus
Pontus was vanquished. The enemies of Rome had again been sent reeling into the darkness.
It was time to return home.
Back to Rome.
Lucius Valerius Messalla Verus did not view himself as anything more than an agent of the Republic; as a simple soldier doing his duty to fatherland. For his victories against Mithdridates there would be talk of a triumph.
And Valerius Verus would bring his three legions back to Rome, to parade them through the streets as a testament to his own glory and prowess.
But to others, it would be a signal. It would mean danger. The Seventh, Tenth, and Twelfth were legions that had been raised primarily for the campaigns in the east, and he'd been their commander for close to seven years. There was no question about it; they were loyal to him.
Verus sighed and looked out across the Euxine Sea, its breadth drowning the land before it and presenting Sinope with a breath-taking view, especially from the heights of the Propraetor's offices.
There were those in Rome that would view him as a threat. For his skill; for his victories. And for ambition he wasn't sure he had.
Then again... His was the power. His was the glory.
For the first time in his life, Verus realized he suddenly had the power to begin dictating politics instead of being influenced or subordinate to them.
The question was -- how to use this newfound influence?
On the field below, his three legions were encamped, their normally ordered rows of castra tents crammed pell-mell into the courtyard of the Propraetor's palace. The coming Triumph would be theirs, too. It was not to be questioned that they should return to Rome to share the glories. What would be questioned were his intentions. There had been men before, who, bringing their legions home for the triumphant march, had instead used them as erstwhile shocktroopers to suborn the Senate.
Were there any legions remaining in Italy, any way? None that could stop him, he was sure. The Seventh was a legion that had served under his banners since his first Consulship in Illyria. The Tenth and Twelfth had joined his command only once he'd taken control of the Mithridatic Wars, but they were veteran formations. The Tenth had seen much fighting in the Servile Wars and the Twelfth was blooded by dozens of engagements in Spain. They were, unquestionably, the cream of the Roman army.
It was these things he pondered as he stood alone on that balcony, watching the Pontic sunset. His destiny, at last, was truly his. But he did not know where to forge it.
Alyssa
Alyssa hadn't always been a slave, her earliest memories were of Athens, the ornate architectures, the statues of various gods. Looking up at one of them while her mother worked to get she and her siblings to stay together. That was when things had been more difficult. It was ironic, life of freedom was more difficult than one of slavery. With debts unpaid, her family found itself sold to slavery. Parents, even brothers, sisters gone to where? She'd not seen them in so many years she doubted she'd recognize them even if they were before her.
She'd found fortunate graces to be sold to some who hadn't abused her as property often was. It was those eyes, a smile which left unmarred could brighten a day. She'd learned her place early on, finding the life of a slave less burdensome than that of freedom. As a slave, choices were made for you, you were fed, and had lodging as long as you behaved, did what you were told, and pleased your masters.
In the end she found herself servant of one of Lucius Verus enemies. It wasn't long before the powerful man had crushed her master, spoils of war - she heard the soldiers say. To the Greek, Verus was as though a god among men, crushing anyone who stood in his path in the name of a greater power, Rome.
That had been a year ago.
She'd since adapted to the Roman culture, their way of doing things. One had to learn quickly least be punished. She had accompanied him during campaigns, though she found the luxuries of the palace were more comforting. At least she hadn't sleep on the ground anymore. Things just felt better there, at least to her. Unfortunately it was not to last, she had heard the words she understood well enough. Home. Perhaps the Proconsul would be done there. It wasn't certain what would become of her fate, she'd tried her best to stay out of Lucius' way least she displease him.
When he'd gone to the balcony, she'd been quiet, letting him having his privacy, certainly he was thinking in ways she'd seen him do a few times before. Reflection on things of the past, things to come. Finally she quietly approached him, fine goblet of wine within her hand, freshly filled as she approached, the crisp white clothing she wore, a ring around her neck, wording upon it reading her owner, the man before her.
She tilted her head, presenting the cup before her as she softly spoke.
"Dominus. I thought you may enjoy a cup of wine."
Lucius Verus
"Thank you, Alyssa."
Verus accepted the cup of wine with a winsome smile, body arched like a sinuous serpent as he stretched this way and that. He brought the goblet to his lips and drank deeply of the dark wine, savoring its taste and even more reveling in the sweet buzz that followed.
He regarded his slave for a moment, eyes creeping up and down her body. She was an unassuming one, Alyssa. Never had he needed to discipline her unjustly or raise his hand. Outside of the bedroom, of course; the mere thought brought a fleeting, if rapacious grin to his face and pristine teeth were bared as his lips curled idly back. But that expression sobered quickly and he leaned with his elbows against the rail, body almost precariously stretched out like a great beast lazing in the sun.
"I am to return to Rome," he said to her, voice half-drawn, "I must, for the campaign is concluded and should I wish a Triumph, I must return. The legions are owed a triumph and I would not deny them. So I must go to Rome. There, many of the Senate will see me as a threat. They will be jealous of my glories and success. They will call me an ambitious man; a pedagogue and tyrant that seeks to rule by the sword. I do not. But if I defend myself from their attacks, I will become the very thing they accuse me of being."
He smiled and raised the cup again, "And if I do not defend myself, it is likely I will not be re-elected to command of a province. I will lose my proconsular imperium. My legions."
"What to do, serva. What to do."
Alyssa
Alyssa's head was tilted, subserviently to her master. Hands clasped before her as she listened to him speak. Her eyes moreso focused to the backs of the muscular legs of Verus. She didn't offer her opinion yet, listening as he told her of all the things of Rome, how the Senate would see him a threat, how they'd conspire against him. It sounded quite the brutal place to be. Then again, she was but a servant to a man, she didn't have to worry herself about politics too much, aside from how they might affect her master and then progress to his property, her.
"Dominus.." she finally spoke but soft, "I have never been to battle as you, nor have I seen Rome."
"But I have seen how your men regard you. To discredit you is to discredit them. And there are far more of you than Senators, as I'm told." she quietened. "The people love you, to destroy you, they must destroy you in the eyes of the people." for a slave she had grown quite insightful.
Lucius Verus
She had grown quite insightful; Verus was taken aback by the depth of that particular comment. It struck him, and he blinked several times, jaw set in deep contemplation. It was true. He had never considered the people of Rome; there was more than just the Senate. There was the mob, the assemblies of the tri--
His eyes widened suddenly and a grin sprouted on his face that was positively rapacious. Hundreds of years ago, Scipio Africanus had been refused command in Iberia by the Senate. Realizing that the senatus consultum was not law, merely that -- consulting -- Scipio had simply gone to the Centuriate Assembly, circumventing the Senate entirely. And the Centuriate had been all-too-happy to grant Scipio proconsular imperium in Spain.
And, look at that. Scipio had gone on to defeat Carthage, Hannibal, and win for himself eternal fame and glory.
"Brilliant, Alyssa," he said softly, trying not to laugh: "Simply brilliant. The Senate is not the end-all-be-all and they never will be." He frowned and tipped his head. "And what of you, girl? Had you not been taken as a slave, what would you seek to do with your time on this world?
Alyssa
Even Alyssa's diverted eyes couldn't miss the grin on Lucius' face. She had of course quite the experience of watching leaders come and go, how people turned against them first. Senators had no true power, they were representatives of the people. There were far more people than representatives, keep the love of the people and leaders be d**ned.
Whatever conclusion Lucius had gained from her words he almost glowed with happiness now. She much displeased to see her Dominus looking with such a weight upon his shoulders. His smile was much more a thing she'd come to enjoy than his reputation.
His question had infact taken her off guard. It was something every slave thought about, what they'd do if they were not a slave. She had been one long enough those thoughts rarely ever filled her mind. Not to mention her Dominus was not abusive, she had no reason to particularly want to leave.
"I do not know Dominus. I suppose I would attempt to find what has become of my family, if I have any left." she carefully replied, " Though had I not, I likely would not have found myself in your mercy for the last year, Dominus." ever grateful.
Lucius Verus
Again, he smiled. This time there was no attempt to hide it and he tipped his head back and laughed; a full-bellied laugh that caused several sentries in the courtyard below to briefly startle and look upwards. But they just grinned and shook their heads. If the Proconsul wanted to cackle, that was his business. He'd earned it.
"Alyssa," Verus stated calmly, though he was still grinning, "You find yourself in my mercy because Tigranes was an idiot, and decided to attack up-hill against entrenched heavy infantry." The Battle of Tigranocerta, fought earlier the previous year, had been a close-run thing -- at first. The Armenian cataphracts, charging up hill and in the hot sun, and still almost managed to break the line. Until the second of the triplex acies was brought into action, driving back the enemy horse in disorder and allowing the Roman flanks to wheel inwards and crush the enemy. It had been a bloody day, and in the end, a victorious one for Rome.
"Not that I mind your company," Verus added with an airy wave of the arm, a shrug rolling across his shoulders. Even in the evening he still wore his uniform tunic and the burnished, muscled leather cuirass that benefitted his rank and station. "I simply think of the future. I was not raised to keep slaves for simply frivolous reasons."
That grin turned wolfish for a moment, lips turned up: "Not to say you're a frivolous thing. Especially when naked or kneeling. What I question is the future. Once I return to Rome, things will change. I will seek out another governorship for I am most comfortable in defeating the enemies of Rome on the field of battle. But I do not think you would wish to accompany me into the depths of Germany, or back to the bleak coast of North Africa or even further east into Parthia, would you? The risk would be... inordinate. And it does not seem fitting to risk your safety for a convenient blowjob."
Alyssa
Alyssa's eyes shifted slightly upward as she heard him laugh, explain how she'd come to be his slave had been due to a tactical error. Even further more he humored her thoughts as he mentioned her company, her private attendance to her Dominus' needs.
Then she drew a deep breath, held it, her lips fell to a small frown, she knelt down before him, placing herself close to the floor, his feet, looking up to his eyes she spoke her truest feelings. "Dominus.. my safety is inconsequential to your own. I would serve you to the very ends of the world if you wished it so." she replied, eyes fell after a moment.
"Dominus could have sold me or had me killed upon his victory, he allowed me to live to serve him, and that is what I wish to do."
Lucius Verus
"So be it."
Verus pronounced his judgment with a wave of the hand. She had decided her lot and would not be persuaded from it, an admirable trait in this day of duplicitious senators and meddling eastern potentates. "You will need an official function in my household, then," he added after a moment. "And something menial will not do, nor will it be tolerated. My slaves -- " the first time he'd used that word -- "are not to waste their time attending idiotic things such as an empty glass outside of dinner." His brow knitted and he wrinkled his nose.
"Do you have any skill with accounts? Numbers?" Verus rubbed his temples. It had been so long since he'd bothered to attend to domestic matters that he'd forgotten them, for the most part. Applying all of his energy to the campaign had more or less warped his staff to that need. There were precious few secretaries the legions didn't provide. The legions saw to their own supply, as well. What bothered him was the matter of directing them. That meant maps, dispatch riders. Engineers for siege works.
"After all," he added with a mild grin, "It cannot be said that you are merely a toy for me to f*** as I please. That would not sit well with certain senators, I imagine. They'd accuse me of becoming some neoPersian despot."
Alyssa
With Lucius approval she was allowed to remain, his wave of hand had her rise back, an equal bow of her head remaining as she placed her hands back before her, "Thank you Dominus.." she replied.
She had picked up his first usage of "Slave". Something she'd found moreso odd in the beginning than as of recent, though the recollection of the term came back to her quickly. She listened to his statements of her uses, what she was to do. His question drew a nod of her head.
"Yes Dominus. I oversaw the household of a former master once." she told him. It had been a few masters prior though, even so, she was moderately educated for a woman, and a slave to boot. She'd taken every opportunity to learn as she could as the children of former masters with their tutors learned.
Her lips curled to a small smile as he mentioned she had to be more than a toy to f***. She quietly replied, "I have enjoyed serving in that function also Dominus." even the look she tried to hide even said she wanted it now. Perhaps wanting to thank him for his generosity.
Lucius Verus
"Then you will see about forming a household for me," Verus decided with a curt nod. "Formulate a list of requirements and any additional persons you require; they will be purchased." It was a little odd, the flippant way he referred to purchasing people. But he was a Roman and there was nothing odd about utilizing the talents of captured people.
He turned in place, back placed against the marble rail of the great veranda. "I possess two houses in Italy, the first in Rome and the second is an estate in the foothills of the Appenines. They will require refurbishment as well, for they have not been utilized in quite some years." He'd really been away that long, hadn't it? It was odd; those were the places where he'd grown up and they didn't even feel like home. He didn't even think of them as home.
"I know you enjoy it, by the way," Verus added with a rakish grin, tongue providing the lascivious afterthought: "With the sounds you often end up making."
Alyssa
Alyssa listened to the orders of her master, the things he wished she do, to form, to gather. Two houses was quite the achievement, not to mention the opulent homes he held during his campaign. She bowed her head in acknowledgment. "Yes Dominus, it will be done as you command." she replied, her eyes lifted up only briefly towards him as she smiled some, a hinted color at her cheeks as he mentioned the sounds she made while he was railing her. Even so she tried her best to restrain the grin that followed to no avail.
"Dominus is quite skilled at making me enjoy it." she swallowed slightly, confessing.
