Lyrics: 'Pompeii' by Bastille.
Chapter Three: The Villa
We were caught up and lost in all of our vices
In your pose as the dust settled around us
Lucretia invited me to walk with her back to the Villa, and we arrived not long before the setting of the sun. Quintus' Villa was similar to my brothers. I was shown to my chambers, with Cassia following close behind, to find my belongings already set. The chamber was similar to my own; a large, soft bed, with lavish, light material coverings that would not weigh down in such warm weather. It was a completely acceptable room.
The whole villa was open - perfect for the sweltering days when a divine breeze kicked up. That cool air would be able to flow all through the villa.
There was a soft knock on the door. "Enter," I called, and a woman with tanned skin and dark black hair, similar to Cassia's, walked in.
"Domina asked me to inform dinner is prepared and presence is requested," she said, frowning slightly at how Cassia sat on my bed beside me as she fixed my hair, before dropping her eyes as if she thought it were not for her to think upon.
"Gratitude for calling on," I smiled at her.
"Domina also wished me to ask if you require anything?"
I looked to Cassia, "Cassia packed my belongings, so I am unclear as to whether anything is required."
"Not presently," Cassia said and I nodded.
"Then I would return to Domina," she said, turning to leave, but I stopped her.
"You are Lucretia's body slave?"
She nodded in answer. "What are you called?"
"Melita."
"Well, Melita, gratitude if you would introduce Cassia to others," I laughed, smiling teasingly at the girl in question, "I would not want her lonely."
"Of course."
"Gratitude," I repeated. "May I ask one more question?"
"Of course."
"In which direction to where gladiators reside?" I asked.
Her eyebrows shot up, but she quickly rearranged her face to a more neutral expression, "Down the hall to the left. There are steps to follow down, you will come across the guards."
"Gratitude, but perhaps you mistake my intentions," I began.
"It is not of my concern," she said demurely.
"No! You do mistake; I wish to speak with one, and only speak, but I fear the matter is not favourable to cousin. It would be appreciated if you will keep this issue to self."
She nodded, biting her lip before saying, "If you wish to speak with gladiator, I could take you there, if you would like?"
"You know your way around where they reside?" I cringed when the question was out of my mouth, "I did not mean - ,"
"I know," she said softly, before explaining, "My husband, Oenamaus, prized gladiator of Dominus."
"I appreciate help in matter."
She nodded, before leaving. Cassia and I looked at each other, before leaving to where I would eat dinner.
The food was delicious; first starting with a small dish of fish and salad, followed by a pig cooked, sprinkled with light herbs, and mushrooms, olives, artichokes, turnips, then fruit, nuts and cheese. Lastly, small cakes sweetened with honey were brought out. Wine was offered to drink, as well as honey to sweeten it. The meal went well into the night, a few hours after the sun had fallen. Such a large meal left me feeling as though sleep would come easy.
Discussion abounded, particularly with Gaia's presence. She was gifted with talking on matters for long breaths, and there was rarely a lull in conversation. Quintus asked on my brother, how he was doing, his children, his business.
Decimus continued father's business; he was a merchant, rich and well invested, however, he held little sway over the magistrate, despite an avid interest in politics, the way Tulius did. His children were growing by the day, and his eldest son seemed fit to continue Decimus' work when he entered the afterlife. Venus had blessed his children and Plutus and Minerva seemed to guide his business decisions.
When dinner came to an end, I desired to wash.
I bathed before my cousins, washing away traces of the day, reveling in the relaxing warmth the water allowed after such a trying day, and Cassia rubbed the sweet-smelling ointment into my clean skin so the scent of lilac and roses lingered on me. When we returned to my chambers, Cassia gave voice to plaguing thoughts.
"Liana…" She began slowly, unsurely and I looked up at her, waiting. "Do you still…wish to help my brother?"
I frowned, "If I had not, we would not remain here." I looked closely at her, "What thoughts give voice to words?"
"I had thought, perhaps, after today…" She shook her head, "It is of no consequence."
"If you are sure…" I was not sure of her thoughts to be able to offer reassurance. I did not know what had transpired in the day for her to think I should not wish to help her.
A smile lifted her lips and she giggled, "How well Gannicus fights! If not for my brother…"
"You would what?" I laughed, "Take him as lover?"
'Perhaps…" she said slyly. Her fingers sought my curls, wrapping a ringlet around a finger absentmindedly. "If it were not for my brother," she repeated again. Loyalty to her brother would prevent her from any liaison with Gannicus until he was safe. "And if not for you."
This was how it was between us; affection and teasing, almost constantly. I did not know what I would do if Cassia was not with me.
"Me?" I laughed fully, going to sit on my bed and waiting for her to sit next to me, "The heat of day must have addled brain for such words to leave lips."
"Did you not see the way he looked at you?" she laughed softly, looking at my eyes. Her voice was deeper, slightly lower, so her laugh always made me smile because it was smooth and easy to listen to. Never was it forced or shrill, or of a pitch uncomfortable to listen to. This was what I valued about Cassia; the intimacy we shared, the easy talk, the gentle teasing. In times like this, it was easy to think she was a sister.
"I would have to be absent sight myself to not," I shook my head again, curls flying. "Too bold of him, to jest in such a way with me. Like we know each other! Like he is not a slave!"
"I am a slave," Cassia pointed out. "We jest."
"To the amusement of both," I replied, huffing at the memory of his forwardness, especially considering his station. "Gannicus sought only to discomfort. I am cousin of his Dominus, and yet he dared me with his eyes!"
"And what attractive eyes to dare with!" she burst into another round of giggles, my skin heating in agreement.
"Cassia!" I fell back, relaxing on the soft mattress, and Cassia laid next to me. We looked at the transparent canopy above my bed, the same material as that that hung along the sides of the bedframe, that I would close at night to cocoon me in a warm shell. Not that that the weather in Capua needed to be any warmer.
"Surely such thoughts reside in mind, too?"
"I…" a warm blush coloured my cheeks again.
"Did eyes not linger on rugged, unkempt, sweaty gladiator?" she rolled over, leaning on her elbows to see me better, and the effect of her words. That was how I knew she was teasing me; the wicked smile that curved her lips and the light of mischief dancing in her eyes. "My wrist contends that you worried for him."
"For the sake of cousin and elevation of this house."
"Surely you do not believe such falsities as they fall from mouth in guise of truth?"
"I must."
"Dearest Liana, there is no shame in compassion," she said softly, her dark eyes locked on mine. Did she, like Decimus, believe I was too fragile to watch with avid interest the violence of gladiator fights? My disposition too soft? If my closest confident thought it, then maybe it was true. I would have liked to think I was tougher than that, though.
"I am not ashamed."
"Then did eyes not find Gannicus appealing?" she laughed when I squirmed slightly, uncomfortable, so she continued to speak on the issue, "What else could you hope for in a lover than strength, control, size and skill?"
What gossip would abound in the streets if word of my finding Gannicus attractive were to spread? I was expected to be a virgin for my husband, and I was as yet unwed; and idle rumours could cumulate at rapid pace. To be an object of such speculation would be of great embarrassment, and any possible suitors would decrease in number; none would have me should they have any reason to suspect I was not a virgin. And while I did not presently wish to be tied to a man in that way, the day would come when I would, and I would not want word of non-existent dalliances to follow me, overshadowing and preceding me at every turn. The very thought stilled my tongue and I found I could not give voice to truth. "What I could hope for is irrelevant."
"But you can hope," she prompted.
I sat up, frowning at the light blue sheets as I ran my fingers over them. Only with Cassia could I freely speak on the topic, for I trusted none other more than she. "The only thing I could hope for," I said slowly, thinking it through, "is that my lover would love me."
In our youth, we had given many hours to discussing this very topic; the thrill of being caught conversing such things encouraged us further, and our lack of experience meant we had to talk on it, simply to discover what the other knew, and wade through the murky, confusing waters together. It was unknown and exciting. And not at all proper for a noble girl to debate on with a slave, or at all. Not that we ever paid much mind to any scolding's we received, because as soon as we were left alone, we'd be talking again. But in our youth, it was much easier to fantasize about; it was much easier to say that our husbands would be big and strong and would be gentle with us. That was what we hoped for.
With the course of time, though, it became increasingly clear that we could not always get what we hoped for. Life was far more complicated than just physicality, and when it came down to it, I would trade appealing body shape; muscle, and strength, for love. That was what I hoped for now, and even in that, I could not be sure I would get.
"Sweet words from sweet mouth," she said, kissing my cheek, making me feel younger and reminding that she had two years on me. "How could a husband not love such sweetness and compassion? You are a light of good in the dark," she said lightly, dramatically, reaching to rearrange my hair that had come loose of her elaborate styling, and I held still for her.
Cassia was many things; my confidante, my body slave, a talented hair styler, organized and efficient, she jested with me like no others, but she also had a flair for words; she could be dramatic and lavish with her words.
"You are blinded by friendship," I laughed. She could always make me laugh; she could coax me from my thoughts better than most.
"It is for that friendship I say it. You look at me as though sister than slave," she tugged on some strands.
I did not know what to say in response, so my response was awkward. "Because you let me."
"Who could refuse you?"
I was silent. She tugged bits of hair back and when she finished, I sighed.
"Perhaps it is time to speak with cousin, wife and friend. Though I much rather stay here and speak with you."
She laughed, "Then it is a shame it can not be."
I stood, walking out of my temporary chamber, but I paused in the doorway, "Cassia, you know I would only wed you to a man worthy of you, who you would desire as husband?"
She smiled softly, "I know."
"Good. Then let us continue on. We may speak more, later," I said.
"Yes, Domina," she said and I turned to her, lips compressing a smile.
"I'm practicing the word on my lips, as is fitting," she explained, and I nodded reluctantly. It is what a slave should call her owner, and it was what she called me when we were not alone.
I walked towards the main area, stopping just at the doorway. When Lucretia set eyes on me, she beckoned me over to where she and Gaia sat on a lounge, just as Quintus entered and two women, who I assumed were slaves, attempted to finish dressing him. He was too excited to remain still for them, though, and he turned around just as I sat down, next to Gaia.
"Gannicus' victory forges path to greater glory." He started to walk away and the girls scurried after him, "If Tulius supports, we might finally gain proper position in games."
I pressed my lips, frowning. Tulius left an unsettling feeling in my stomach that I couldn't place. It was something akin to fear and dislike.
"Maybe a place in the opening ceremony of the new arena," Lucretia said.
"After such a magnificent showing, I have no doubt Gannicus will be offered a place in the Primus," Gaia said, arranging her dress around her, her words sure.
"The Primus?" I asked at the same time as Lucretia. The thought had not occurred to me before now, but it was possible.
"Yeah," Quintus strutted slightly, bobbing his head like he was immensely pleased with himself. "I favour the fucking sound of that," he said, turning to his wife and kissing the side of her neck from behind. I smiled softly at the display of affection. "Expect late return. I would seek out Solonius afterwards to discuss extending advantage to his house as well."
"Send Tulius my regards and gage his response in remembering me," Gaia grinned slyly.
Quintus laughed, "How could he fucking forget you?" And he left, a skip to his step.
Gaia laughed before taking a sip of her drink and handing it to an attending slave. "It staggers mind, the change in him."
"Change?" Lucetia asked.
"You know my meaning," Gaia replied, "He always seems so demure and cowed and now he positively burns."
"He has always done so. His light was merely muted by the shadow of his father."
"Mine could turn day to night with disapproving frown. What of you Aureliana?" Gaia asked, her eyes taking up a remembering light.
I was slightly surprised at being drawn into the conversation; Lucretia and Gaia were clearly good friends, and I had assumed they would not want my company when they conversed. I was about to make my leave when Gaia had included.
"Mine…was an understanding, compassionate man," I said softly, thinking of the man in question, who I loved dearly and missed sorely.
"Is that truth? Or do you just not speak ill of the dead?" Gaia asked.
"Well, it is true," I began. "But they say he could not set eyes on me for eight years. Mother died in birthing, and they say he blamed me her death. Until I handed him a flower, and they said he could only see mother in me. He loved us," I said directly, to the point. I did not wish for my confessions to damper their spirits, and I did not seek their sympathy, so my voice was level and calm and straightforward.
"Mine never cared much for me, or I suspect, anything that smacked of enjoyment," she said, proffering a small bottle and twisting it in her aristocratic fingers.
"And what might this be?" Lucretia asked, though from the sound of her voice, I would think she had an idea.
"More gifts from Rome," she said softly, "The finest Opium carried from Cyprus," she lifted the top and sniffed lightly, offering for Lucretia to do the same.
"I have not partaken in many years," Lucretia said. Gaia stared to sprinkle some into Lucretia's cup, "My husband…"
"Will be gone most of the night," Gaia finished.
Opium. Tears of the poppy. It was used to relieve pain, and during medical operations. But, I knew, many used it recreationally. I had never, and I suspected I would never. Until now. Lucretia took sips from her cup, and Gaia took it from her, drinking as well. Then she handed it to me.
"I… would not," I said, staring at the cup and biting my lip. Curiosity overtook me, for just a moment, and I wondered what was so great about it for people, those who could afford it, to ingest it. But then I shook my head and handed it back to Gaia. Opium messed with the mind, changed perspectives so the one under its influence had an altered reality. I had no desire for my head to change in such a way. Surely, no good could come of it.
"If that's what you want," Gaia said, taking the cup from my outstretched hand. A large, gratifying smile lit her face and she pinned her eyes on me, "Are you as yet still virgin?"
"I am," I nodded.
Gaia turned to Lucretia, "She is a woman in all but one way; she had never felt the touch of man and his cock." She said it as though Lucretia had not heard my answer. Gaia laughed and turned her sly eyes back on me, "But has she moistened at the thought of it? Wondered what it would be like for a man to take her?"
My face flushed hotly and I looked away, focusing my attention on Cassia who stood back from us, at a respectful distance, but close enough that she could still hear. She pressed her lips together to hide her smile, and she was looking at the ground to hide her face. She found it amusing that they should embarrass me in speaking so crassly. I did not hold them in close confidence, and yet they asked questions easily and freely, questions I hesitated to answer even with Cassia.
Clearly, the opium was taking affect; loosening their tongues to speak boldly and freely. I suspected I would witness the spoken about effects of the plant's liquid myself, and from the way their behavior had changed, I felt relieved I had not drunk from her goblet.
"Gaia!" Lucretia scolded affectionately, before looking at me, "Highborn women do not undress for anyone but their husbands. Lesson in life, my dear Aureliana, one best not forgotten as soon as advice leaves lips."
"She is much too innocent," Gaia laughed, "Perhaps we should impart our knowledge on her. She is, after all, a woman."
Then began the onslaught on what they called their advice. It was certainly due to the opium. Though, in part, women did speak with each other on these topics, they did not speak in this manner and they did not speak like it with other women they barely knew.
In a matter of minutes, they attempted to tell me as much as they could about how to encourage a suitor to then marry. Because that was every woman's vocation in life, especially high born women; to marry and have children to carry on their line. And they assumed, like others, that I was unmarried due to lack of ability to hold a man's attention.
They would never guess at my lack of want of a husband. I was not the only one to feel such a way, but I suspected I was one of the few who would act on the desire, one of the few who were in a position to act on it. My brother did not push me too hard in the matter which gave me room to refuse.
Lucretia thought for a moment, before saying, "Always smell good. A man is tortured by the scent of a woman; it makes wild with desire."
"A man will always want to touch, should he be given the chance," Gaia said. "But should never give in straight away. A little teasing is always better."
"Appear innocent, in the way are now, and a man who does not want that for himself is rare. Given the chance, he would take that purity."
"A man likes to be in control," Gaia she knowingly, her eyes sliding to her friend. "It is mutually pleasing, though do not fear to be on top; that is also pleasing." I had a feeling they were no longer speaking of etiquette or ensnaring a husband in simple, innocent ways such as appearance and smell. "You will have to teach him what to do."
"Me?" I asked incredulously. I was supposed to be the virgin; how was I supposed to teach a man what to do, especially as I assumed he would not be a virgin? The notion made no sense to me.
Gaia nodded, "My husband was very quick and direct, but with teaching from me, the act became far more pleasurable for the both of us."
I blushed at such intimate detail she shared, and Gaia clapped her hands, grinning, "See how she turns the shade of a rose petal?"
"I see," Lucretia said, "Do you have more wisdom to impart?"
I hoped they did not. I had heard enough. My body was tense on the soft lounge, uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation, and I was vainly trying to concoct a different path to intercede with to divert their musings.
"Not presently," she sighed, "But fret not, little dove, mind will conjure more soon."
"Then I have one last bit," Lucretia said seriously. "You do not lie with a man who is not your husband. You do not suck a cock not belonging to your husband."
"Lucretia!" It was Gaia's turn to scold affectionately, "Do not tell her that! Do you wish her to have no fun?"
"I am simply explaining what is expected," Lucretia defended. "You would have her whore herself?"
"Well, only if she wanted."
"Gaia!"
Gaia ignored her, focusing on me, "If your husband can not satisfy you, and is inadequate as a lover, take another. But don't get caught!" she laughed, her head flying back, though I wasn't sure her words were as funny as that.
When she sat back up she turned her eyes to Lucretia, and kissed her shoulder. She paused briefly, before moving higher up her shoulder, closer to her neck and kissing her again. In response, Lucretia turned her head to Gaia, kissing her forehead.
I stood up, "I will go."
"You could stay," Gaia offered. My face heated again and I shook my head.
"Gratitude," I said, walking toward my chambers. I left the room just as Gaia's mouth made its way to Lucretia's and I scurried out quicker, Cassia right behind me.
She began to speak, but a sudden thought entered mind, and I spoke first, "Now!"
Cassia blinked, thrown, "What?"
"Now. Quintus gone, Lucretia otherwise occupied," I blushed and Cassia laughed, "no one to see us sneak to the gladiator."
Cassia was suddenly serious, the teasing smile slipping from her lips, "Are you sure?"
"What better time should present itself?" I nodded, glancing back towards where Lucretia and Gaia were, making sure they had not exited in time to hear me, or see us sneak down. My sandals made little noise against the floor, but the sound of material sliding against it seemed too loud.
Why was it that when one did not wish to be caught, even the smallest of noises seemed as loud as a scream?
Hi all!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Quite a bit of dialogue, I know. The language in the show was quite crass, and I tried to make it authentic in this chapter, particularly.
Venus is the goddess of love/beauty.
Plutus is the god of wealth.
Minerva is the goddess of wisdom.
But you guys probably knew that ;P
Next chapter has Gannicus in it! Yay! I'm excited to write that bit! I hope you're excited to read it!
Anyway, as always, thanks so much for reading! Let me know what you thought – I'm not really sure about this chapter…
Review Replies;
Caleb's babe: Hey again, thanks so much for reviewing the second chapter! I'm really glad you're liking my story so far and are interested in reading more! Seriously, thanks so much for letting me know your thoughts – it's good to know you're interested in it! Thanks again :D
HMFG: Hi! Thanks so much for such a great review! I'm glad you like it! Yeah, I love forbidden romance as well – it's so much fun to write! No, I'm not planning on having them die, but you never know, I may end up going in a different direction :D Mean, I know, but I doubt I'll kill them off; I love Gannicus too much, haha! I'm glad you're interested in reading more! Thank you so much for taking the time to review! I hope you enjoyed this chapter too!
Elena0928: Hey, thanks so much for reviewing chapter 2 as well! It means a lot to me! I'm glad you're excied, because I'm excited-hold onto that excitement, because I'm finally having Gannicus and Liana meet in the next chapter-that'll be fun to write :D Thanks so much and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Polly: Hey, thank you so much! I'm super glad you're in love with my story, haha! I'm definitely glad to know you're interested in reading more of Liana's story! Thank you so much for taking the time to review! It means a lot to me! And what did you mean about not stopping at Gods of the Arena? Did you want me to continue Gannicus and Liana into the Blood and Sand worlds as well? Or did you mean something else?
Ada: Aw, thank you! I'm so glad you like it that much that there ren't enough words to describe it! Haha, thank you so much! I'm really glad you're enjoying, and hopefully you enjoyed this chapter as well! Thanks so much for taking the time to review!
Camelotprincess1: Hey, thanks so much for reviewing again! And for leaving such a nice review! I'm really pleased you like my story and that the second chapter wasn't a disappointment, and that you like that I'm sticking to the series! Aw, you're so sweet-I'm glad you think y writing is amazing, though I wouldn't go that far :D You'll overinflate my ego :D Gosh, thank you! That's probably the biggest compliment anyone could give me – that I've managed to blend my OC's into the world well enough that they could have actually been in it in the first place! Sorry that there was no Gannicus/Liana interaction this chapter –but definitely the next, so I hope you enjoyed this chapter anyway, and that you're still looking forward to the next! Yes! They're definitely aware of each other! Well spotted- I was hoping that would be noticed, because that's the beginning of their romance thingie! Thank you so much for taking the time to review again!
Soulfulgypsy: Aw, thank you so much! I'm glad you like how my story is developing! And I'm stoked that you like Aureliana even with only two chapter, well, now three! Yes, I think that the Romans are demonized a lot too, because of how young and undeveloped the civilization was in that time, with the restrictions on women and slaves and making men fight in gladiator games for sport and entertainment! In comparison to Ancient Greece, they are much more rough-around-the-edges and crude than Greece! So I wanted to show a different side to the Romans than you don't usually see, and I'm so glad you like it! Thank you so much for taking the time to review! It means a lot to me!
