Standard Disclaimer applies anything you don't recognize is most likely mine.

A/N: Hi everyone, thanks for the reviews I was happily shocked to see how well received this story was and I'm sorry there's a super long delay. I don't really have a lot of time to write and it's actually been a while since I actually put thought and story to paper (so to speak). But I hope you enjoy this one!


"You not in your head." Tavi whispered furiously at her 'father' in the moderate privacy of their 'suite', if one could call it that. There were not really any doors separating the rooms, more like screens and curtains to section off the areas. Tavi wasn't entirely sure anything could be considered a secret within the villa, let alone the rest of the god-forsaken ancient world.

The cousins had allotted them with lavish rooms and Octavius' servants already unpacked everything of Tavi's for her extended stay. A stay she certainly did not want to happen. After removing the jewels and adorning frippery, Tavi was battle-ready to give Octavius a good piece of her mind.

"What's wrong, lamb? I thought you would be pleased." He frowned and set down his missives to watch Tavi pace.

"How…Why I pleased? No ask you me." She shook her head trying to get out the words. "Thought say visit." Tavi always had difficulty speaking correctly when she was stressed or angry. And boy was she angry, the man told her they would be visiting Capua for only two days and that was it. Now Octavius turns around and says she's getting dumped here. "Little visit. You told little!"

"This is a wonderful opportunity, Octavia. You will learn to be a proper lady with Lucretia without the distraction of business. You are my heir and you need a husband for your security." This was an old argument between the two, either had yet to win. "I can't let you follow me forever; it's not right, lamb."

Tavi felt more than betrayed at his words. True, if this was going to be her life she'd need the deportments of a 'proper' lady and she couldn't always hide behind Octavius. She had been noticed by far too many men, young and old alike. But she never gave up the sliver of hope that this, whatever this was, wasn't forever. Tavi gave her 'father' a wounded look as she plopped onto the lounging seat with her elbows on her knees, "But I…you leave here, no me? Here?"

Octavius moved to sit next to her and pulled her into his shoulder. "For you to learn. I can find you a proper Roman husband if you act like a proper Roman wife." He knew that the young woman had not completely accepted that she would never return to where the gods had taken her from, but in the time he had taken her into his family he never gave up hope. Octavius went so far as to make concessions for her odd behavior, he even allowed her to learn weapons training from a few traders from the east. "One more thing my dear…"

"Yes…" Tavi's eyes narrowed in suspicion.


"Your weapons lessons…" Octavius hesitated as her suspicion turned to disbelieving horror in anticipation of his next words.

"You want I do no more? But…bandits-"

"No, no, my lamb. I have arranged for your uncle to have Doctore continue your lessons within the villa." He watched as the corner of her lips lifted in a small smile, what he wouldn't do for the girl who brought family back into his life. It was at her urging that they even made this journey to see his cousin and wife, well not really. Octavius realized that his adopted daughter would never be a proper lady if she were always with him going from merchant port to merchant port. A wealthy family would never accept Octavia if she were not the least bit proper.

"The villa? Why?"

"Because your weapons training is not proper and I would not want to risk you being exposed to such savagery…" An elegantly shaped brow rose in question. "Any more than you already have, lamb."

"But the trainer will know I know more than I should. What do I tell them?" She asked as she curled her feet under her body and curled into the man's warm bulk.

"Smooth the brow lamb. I have already discussed this with your uncle, after the attack on our family, I vowed to never let you be unprotected and what better protection than oneself?" Octavius chuckle vibrated them both. She gave him a look before pressing a kiss to his balding head and getting up to return to her rooms.

"Sleep well father."


The day broke hot, muggy and early. But Tavi was mostly used to it, since living with Octavius, she'd conditioned herself to wake at dawn and be a light sleeper. Traveling in a caravan with mostly men for the past two years can do that to a girl. And just because she was staying with her "family" did not mean old habits die hard, besides it's not as though Tavi trusted Lucretia and Quintus. She found them to rather irksome, but it was important to survive.

Tavi quickly dress in a light gown in subtle grey and secured her hair with pins and a golden hair adornment that sheathed a blade from the Orient. Her last weapons instructor gave it to her when they parted some months ago when he learned of Octavius' plans for her to wed. By the time, Tavi was "presentable" the slaves and servants had awaked and already began making breakfast. She found a spot next to the pool in the courtyard and opened the scroll containing Octavius' accounts for the months. Tavi double-checked everything before entering the figures into the official ledgers, she knew Octavius had been stiffed before and she worried who would look-

"Octavia, dear niece, you are awake early. Whatever are you doing?" Lucretia interrupted Tavi's train of thought and she quickly rose to greet the older woman. Lucretia dressed in bold rough fabrics in red with golden trimmings. Her bold red hair artfully displayed to set off her striking face; Tavi noticed how the woman's smile did nothing to warm the ice in her eyes.

"Aunt. How are you? Father wanted me to learn figures, I was practicing." Tavi gave the other woman a dazzling smile that seemed to disarm her.

"That's very admirable dear, but you mustn't let men know how much you know. A woman is meant to bring up her husband with smiles and grace." Lucretia tucked Tavi's arm into her own and led her to a dining area in the villa where the men were just coming in.

"There you are lamb, sleepless again?" He helped Tavi into her seat as the meal was brought in. She motioned for light fruits and bread to eat while everyone spoke around her. Tavi let her mind wander to observe her surroundings, The slaves of this house seemed mildly well cared for, the recent rains helped some. But all these guys can't seem to stop staring at me. Goddamn it's creepy; I wish I could fade in anonymity. Fucking cree-

"What do you think, lamb? Will Quintus' man start your lessons today?" Octavius broke into her thoughts and she couldn't help the flush of being caught daydreaming.

"Apologies Father, which lessons?"

"Why the weapons ones dear."

"Oh yes. Today will do very well. I look forward to learning from your man, Uncle. When will we begin?" Tavi finished her plate and waited anxiously for the man's answer.

"Let us check the progress of the gladiators first. Then we will see if Doctore can spare the time." Quintus chuckled as he helped his wife from her seat.


Doctore was very unhappy. Dominus had ordered that Doctore instruct his niece the basics of weapon handling. He did not want to teach the fanciful little chit anything, and if he had his way, he would not do something so worthless. But Dominus was his master and he must obey.

The gladiators and slaves were training hard in the sun when Dominus and Domina came out to balcony with their extended family. Doctore snapped his whip against a slacking slave, whilst Dominus commanded attention. The young girl he was to instruct stood timidly behind her father and Doctore suppressed a groan. He really did not want to teach the little bitch anything.


Spartacus narrowly dodged the wild strike his friend Varro made when he noticed how the other gladiators' attention was to the balcony. Their Dominus stood with his wife and other Romans, why the others looked completely struck speechless, he did not know.

"Spartacus! How do you fare?" Dominus called down to him and the gladiator fought the urge to roll his eyes before turning to respond.

"Nearly complete Dominus." He replied coolly and faced the Roman. And there she was.


Well, hope that will tide you lot for a while. Not much going on in this chapter, but it should pick up. Please don't forget to review!