Title: Where they belong

Rating: T

Notes: originally written for the livejournal community bloodandsandfic's 2010 Drabble table. Prompt: Solonius.

Summary: Set between 1x12 ('Revelations') and 1x13 ('Kill them all'). Solonius meets her by the shores of the Styx.

OOOOO

Kneeling, and with his hands no longer caring for keeping his insides within the body soon to breathe no more, Solonius looked into the intense eyes before him and knew that the words spoken were true.

He will join you presently.

kneeled e had kneeled before him, his insides escaping through the cut made by a ruthless blade, arms open and laughing before death, awaiting to strike the final blow at the end of the sword resting against his neck.

Solonius did not smile in his final moments. He laughed, and looked at the man he had once called friend, that he now knew he would see again soon. Then the ruthless blade moved swiftly.

He didn't feel pain, nor recalled any sensation as his head was parted from his body. Everything just turned black, and the next time Solonius opened his eyes, he was no longer in the arena. The sound of water flowing caught his hearing. Ah. The Styx.

His wounds were still open, and a red thin line on his neck reminded him how he had been killed by the Thracian. But there was no pain. No more pain.

The silent woman standing in front of him also had blood staining her clothes. Strong features in what seemed a drained body. Beautiful, even in such state. Her body was covered in dirt and the remains of rivulets of crimson liquid that had once poured from the wound he could see over her breasts. An iron necklace revealed her status, yet her eyes were not those of a slave.

"Both born free, yet slain as slaves," he commented as he walked towards the woman.

Her voice was grave and firm. "You betrayed those you had once called friends, and fair or not, you paid the consequences. I was taken from my life by the likes of you. Do not dare compare yourself to me."

Solonius stared at the waters behind her, and saw the boat, slowly approaching. The woman extended her hand. "You are to cross over, Charon awaits." Her open palm held a coin.

Solonius took the round piece of metal. "Are you not to come with me?"

She shook her head. "I will cross over when he comes."

In her eyes, he knew. "You are his woman."

A nod.

Solonius took the coin and stared at her in the eye. "Many will come this way before you are reunited with him." He walked past the woman and stepped inside the boat, disappearing in the mist.

Sura smiled, the lanista was right. Her husband had found himself again. And he would kill them all.

Fin.