Laeta was unsure exactly what was happening as Spartacus led her down to the shallow pool. He clearly had his mind set to purpose and was eager; however, Laeta did not have any clue. A few times as she stumbled as they walked briskly towards the water, and he turned with a concerned look, only for his face to break out in a sly smile. Oh yes, he has set his mind to purpose, Laeta thought to herself. Her skin tingled with anticipation for what would happen next.
Spartacus paused looking over the quiet place. He had found it while out hunting for game and taken note of its secluded location. One thing about a rebel camp, there was little privacy, and although he and Laeta had tried to be discrete with their relationship, it was not long before whispers could be heard. Even Gannicus, with his sometimes lascivious with the women, had questioned Spartacus regarding the rumors. None in the camp dare question Spartacus' decision to take a lover, but Laeta was a Roman.
"Is it wise to pursue such an entanglement?" Gannicus asked gingerly, recognizing his own behavior in the past not beyond reproach.
"Are my affairs so keenly noted?" Spartacus asked as Gannicus, slightly annoyed, as he peered at the map on the table before him, contemplating their next move. His mind drifted to Laeta in that moment, if rumors swirled about the camp, he wondered what would be or could be said in Laeta in his absence. He smiled inwardly as he realized he was considering Laeta, with her sharp tongue and quick wit. She could handle herself without him, much like his wife. The last thought brought him to pause as he considered many things about his new lover that reminded him of his wife. Lost in thought, he did not hear Gannicus continue speaking.
"…they do not take any issue with a lover; I believe it is in the choice. She is a Roman." Gannicus sipped from the cup of wine he was holding.
"Yes. She is a Roman." Spartacus answered as he walked to the opening of the tent, peering out over the camp. Laeta, in her red gown, could be easily spotted among the children, trying to herd them into one direction. "But like no other." Spartacus whispered as he watched her move along, smiling and chatting with each child as the excitingly engaged her company. He turned back into the tent, facing Gannicus squarely.
"Laeta is an asset to his army. She understands Rome, not as a slave, but as a citizen of privilege. Was she not valuable in the attempted capture of Crassus? Helping those who were to march into the belly of the beast to pretend to be Pompey's envoys be prepared on how to respond to Crassus?" Spartacus pointed out to Gannicus.
"Yes, but..." Gannicus tried to continue the discussion, when Spartacus cut him off.
"I will hear no more of this." Spartacus stated blankly as he moved to the table with the maps. "Have we had any word on the movements of Crassus' legions?"
That was the last time he heard anyone speak of questioning his relationship with Laeta. Undoubtbly, others around his tent in the camp heard the exchanged. News travels fast upon the wind of a rebel camp. Later Spartacus considered the fact that Gannicus may have brought the topic to bare to ensure the discussion was heard and the rumors squelched. The thought made Spartacus once again chuckle at the absurdity of all that had happened.
Laeta, standing by the water's edge, dipped her foot into the water to test the temperature. The water was refreshingly chilled, and she yearned to immerse herself to obtain a proper bath.
It was then as she noticed Spartacus removing his chin guards and shoulder armor, with some difficulty. She walked to him to assist with the buckles in the back.
"Gratitude." He stated as she moved the buckles and helped him remove the layers of armor from his body.
"You have become quite good at this." Spartacus noted with a devilish grin causing a dimple to present itself on his bearded cheek.
"One can become quite adept at such with enough practice." Laeta noted, blushing slightly as she continued with the other buckets on his back. Spartacus turned slightly as the she removed the other leather shoulder plate, noticing her blush.
"A blush upon cheek? I would not have thought a Roman would have such human emotion?" Spartacus teased lightly, brushing his fingertip along her soft pink cheek. Not to be out witted in a sparing of words, Laeta smiled coyly.
"And I would not have thought a Thracian capable of any human emotion." Laeta smarted back, chin tilted up in challenge. Spartacus mockingly slammed his hand across his chest as if hit by a mortal blow and stumbled back up against to the rock wall behind him.
"Such forked tongue has dealt yet another mortal blow." Laeta smiled at his antics. It was their way together; Spartacus loved to goad her into sharp rebuke, only to not so secretly enjoy her verbal jabs and barbs she threw in response to his badgering.
Spartacus, having removed all his armor except of his subligaculum, he pushed from the wall where he continued to lean in feign attempt to fend off any further attack. He moved to Laeta, his hand reaching for a lock of her red-gold hair, toying with it. "I know of a much better use for such a tongue." Spartacus spoke looking directly into Laeta's eyes as he spoke his challenge.
Spartacus had said they were going to make a memory worthy of remembrance long into her elder years, and Laeta was thinking this was definitely a wondrous start. Laeta moved closer to Spartacus, her lips hovering over his as their breaths mingled in the late evening shadows. Spartacus's fingertips ran up Laeta's arms in feather-light caresses, lingering on the shoulder straps of her dress. Spartacus fingered the once delicate and fine stitches that were not frayed and worn from traveling and rough work Laeta had done in the past weeks; yet, she had never complained, to him at least. She had endured much, and much of what she had endured due to his actions. He was wrong to think her naïve of the betrayal and suffering of being a slave. He had considered early on regarding Laeta's situation. Was it worse to never know freedom, or like himself, know what it is to be free and then have it taken from you?
"You should have more than this tattered dress to wear." Spartacus noted as he continued to stroke the once fine detail of the dress. Laeta, anxious for his touch, lightly touched his bare chest in encouragement.
"I have no need for fine things." Laeta explained, their foreheads touching, each leaning to the other in need. "They are just things to cage and trap a woman to believing she is free. I would rather have one tattered dress and know I am free to choose my own way, than have 1000 fine gowns and be at the whim of another." Laeta spoke from her heart, gazing intently into Spartacus deep green eyes. Laeta kissed him deeply at that moment.
"Gratitude." Laeta spoke breathlessly, "For opening my eyes and making me see." These same words were spoken from Crixus before he and Spartacus had parted ways. The memory of losing his beloved brother clinched his heart as he heard the same words from Laeta. He prayed silently that her life would not end the same as Crixus.
Spartacus pulled away, removing his final piece of clothing. Laeta, somewhat confused, watched as he waded into the water. The water only came to his waist as he walked father out, then dove under. Spartacus came back up with a splash.
"Remove clothing. And join me." Spartacus stated leaning back in the water and paddling about in careless abandon. Laeta looked nervously at the water, watching Spartacus swim effortless through the rippling water. How she wanted to join him, but could not. Realizing she had not joined him yet, or made a move to take her dress off, Spartacus paused in his enjoyment of the pool.
"Why do you hover a water's edge? Come in. There is no one about, Agron has assured me." Spartacus spoke assuming she was nervous they would be caught together.
"I do not worry about being caught. I…" Laeta stuttered, looking nervously at the water.
"The mighty Laeta, a loss for words?" Spartacus jokingly stated as he moved toward Laeta, suddenly noticing the real fear in her eyes as she looked at the water. He paused and rose to stand on the bottom of the pool, the water at his waist.
"You fear the water?" Spartacus stated as he walked out in all his naked glory to stand before Laeta, his wet body and hand wetting Laeta's dress.
"Water in a bath, no." Laeta noted quietly, "I never given opportunity to learn to swim, as you just did." Laeta pointed to where Spartacus had just carelessly paddled and drove in the water like a merman. Spartacus had never considered this when he had made his plan for this evening. Spartacus smiled and tilted Laeta's chin up to look into her eyes.
"Have no fear. I shall teach you this night." Spartacus smiled. Laeta, unconvinced her could do so, gave protest.
"The sun almost sets. It will dark soon, we will not be able to see properly for such instruction." Laeta protested.
Spartacus held up one finger in motion for Laeta to wait a moment. He silently walked to near the water's edge, to a place where it appeared a stack of wood had been placed. Spartacus knelt and swiftly started a large enough fire to illuminate the entire enclosed area. Spartacus, satisfied with his work, bounded down back to Laeta.
"Enough light to ensure Jupiter himself is aware of our presence." Spartacus teased Laeta as he held her close.
"Now, since this is you only dress….." Spartacus spoke as he pulled the strap of one shoulder down, "…I would not see if dampened further…" Spartacus pulled the second strap of Laeta's other shoulder, "…I must ensure…" The dress fell to Laeta's waist, "…that you are able to swim, before this night can end." The dress pooled softly at Laeta's feet. Laeta silently prayed that she would never learn to swim and this night would never end. Spartacus lifted Laeta into his arms and started forward into the water. Laeta in panic wrapped her arms tightly around Spartacus' neck.
"By the end of this night, I shall have you swimming like you are a maid of sea called forth by Poseidon himself." Spartacus spoke reassuringly. The water touched Laeta's naked bottom and it shocked her. Spartacus laughed at her antics and soothingly told her to relax in his arms.
"You ask the impossible! When you are frightened out of your mind!" Laeta excitedly exclaimed as Spartacus lowered himself and Laeta fully into the water. The temperature was shocking, but so refreshing, Laeta gasped loudly. She held onto Spartacus tightly, but slowly, in his arms she began to relax. Eventually, Spartacus allowed Laeta to stand on her own, although she kept her arms wrapped about his neck. Then she slowly move away from him and gingerly swim as he began to show her how. Much sputtering and coughing was incurred on Laeta's attempt to swim, but Spartacus was always there to assist her and reassure her that she was ok and to try again. After about an hour, it seemed Laeta's fear of the water had disappeared, and she and Spartacus frolicked and played in the water like children.
At one point, Laeta had jumped on Spartacus' back in mock attempt to bring him down into the water. His strength and size were no match for her, but he indulged her by faking a fall into the water. Under the water, Spartacus rolled over and rose out of the water with a laugh so genuine; his beauty took Laeta aback.
Laeta moved towards Spartacus, wrapping her arms around his neck, and began kissing him softly.
"I do believe this is the cleanest I have ever seen you." Laeta commented, kissing his lips and running her hands over his muscular shoulders and arms. Spartacus smiled softly at the comment and deepened the kiss.
"Gratitude. For teaching me to swim." Laeta whispered against Spartacus' lips. No words were spoken after that. Their kissing grew intense and forceful. It reminded Laeta of their first night together. Yet, there was a certain tenderness, both were want to show; it was a strange mixture of heated desire, yet passionate longing.
Spartacus drew Laeta to the side of the pool where a ledge naturally occurred. He sat upon the ledge and drew astride his thighs. Spartacus molded Laeta's body against his as he drew each of her soft, warm breasts into his palm. Massaging and kneading each globe, bringing each hardened tip to his mouth made Laeta moan in ecstasy. Laeta reached between them and took Spartacus' hardened erection in her hand, stroking it with experienced hands. Not wanting to wait any longer, Spartacus moved Laeta into his shaft and plunged into her heated depths. The feeling was wondrous as Laeta's inner walls tightened around Spartacus is silent need, drawing him deeper into her. Over and over, Spartacus thrust upward into Laeta with primordial need. Spartacus ran his hands up Laeta's back and over her shoulders, bringing her down onto his cock harder and harder. The feelings were intense, liquefying Laeta to the core as she succumb to wave after wave of orgasm. At the same moment, Spartacus spilled his seed within Laeta, speaking her name through gritting teeth as he continued to react to the powerful reaction to their lovemaking.
Minutes drifted by and Laeta was the first to move. Spartacus' head lay upon Laeta's chest as its heaving subsided. Spartacus held her to prevent her from leaving his embrace. Spartacus turned his head and softly, reverently kissed the place over her heart, looking upward to Laeta's face after. There were no words that needed to be spoken between them.
Laeta moved back out of his embrace, but pulling Spartacus with her towards the water's edge. The slope at the water's edge was covered in fine sand from the river. With her back to Spartacus, Laeta began to rise from the water. Spartacus had other ideas.
He stopped Laeta from exiting the water completely. He knew that the rocks were no place for them to continue what they had already started. And he intended to continue…for a much longer period of time than the first time…for this may be the last time they would have together…
As Laeta sat on the bench, 20 years later, remembering that night. As promised, they had created a memory that would last her into her elder years. It had sustained her on cold and warm nights when her empty bed was a cruel reminder of what she had lost. However, her son, Lysander had been what she had gained through that loss. And now, he would know the truth of who is father was. No more lies. Her heart clinched in fear of what she must do.