Chapter 4

Fawkes flashed Hermione back into her room, just in time for dinner. She went behind a cloth screen she had placed in the room, to transfigure her clothes. Not a minute later, a slave came in.

"Domina, …"

"I already told you not to call me that when we're alone. It's Estel or nothing.", she replied mind absently, to the slave.

"Ahm… dinner is ready."

"I'll be right there. Two minutes, at most."

And in less than two minutes later, she was sitting beside Batiatus Senior, sipping honeyed wine. They were alone.

"I saw your son." The man nearly choked on his cheese and bread. He swallowed it down with some wine. "He was extraordinarily happy with his gift."

"Was he?", he grumbled.

"Hmm, hmm.", she nodded. "He's going to have some contest in the ludus with some of the crème de la crème of Capua present, and then deliver the sword to the more… competent gladiators."

"Well, it is good to have contests of skill."

"Right.", the Roman looked at her shrewdly.

"What is wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Nonsense."

"Fine. There was a man."

"There is always a man.", Titus grumbled, again.

"He was sad. No friends, no-one to turn to. The other gladiators were mocking him."

"What did you do?"

"Nothing special."

"Nothing dangerous, then."

"No.", he stared at her. "I left him a present.", his eyes narrowed. "Just a simple amulet, really."

"To a slave.", he said. "Why?"

"I felt it was the right thing to do.", the paterfamilias kept staring at her. "I think I know how he felt. You see, when I was younger…", she paused. It wasn't quite her, really, but her vessel's former life, Hermione's life, Estel was now discussing. "I went to a boarding school, hmm, I think people call it fostering, nowadays. I was so happy at first, being with people with the same gifts as I. I thought… it would leave behind all those years feeling inadequate and unaccepted among people who mocked me, either for my hair, or teeth, or being too smart or witty. But it was not so."

"And you stayed there?"

"Yes, I made a few more friends, in time. I nearly died in the process, though.", she smiled. "A story for another time."

"Were you seen?"

"I don't think so, apart from one man. But I had a cloak and a hood. I kept my voice in low tones. I don't think he realized I was a woman."

"Still, I advise to be cautious, if you are going to go back there.", Titus said. "Never betray or pick a fight with a gladiator.", she nodded. "I mean it. That man will not take kindly being made target of mockery, if what you saw…"

"I know.", she paused. "I wonder if he is going to be fighting soon enough."

"Did he have the mark of the brotherhood?", she looked at him. "A letter, a B."

"I'm not sure. I was mostly looking at his face, it was dark and it had begun to rain."

"Rain? In Capua! That is good. It rained a little bit here as well, but we have a river nearby, so we manage, but I know things were becoming dire in Capua."

"I did notice some chariots transporting water, delivering it to the ludus."

"Hmm… it must have cost a good amount of coin to pay for that. Alas, it is good that the Gods have blessed us with rain."

"Indeed.", said Estel.

"Tell me. When are you going back?", she blushed.

"Soon, I think. Oh, but I think I would like to go to Rome and see the temples. The Senate's building as well. In fact… why don't you come with me?"

"Me?! I could never."

"Why not. Are you afraid to be seen with a young lady of questionable behavior or origins?", she teased.

"No.", he replied gruffly. "I think that travelling method might not suit my health, that is all."

"Quite right, dear Titus. And it is good to see my reputation is commendable."

He smiled at her answer.

Dinner had ended, and each returned to their quarters. In the next day, Estel rose, excited, and apparated to Rome in the middle of the morning. The merchants would already be selling their merchandise and she had created some precious stones – thank goodness for permanent transfiguration – she would trade for a good amount of coin.

She had never attempted this before. Since she knew the Rome of the future, not wanting to splinch herself, she appeared kilometers above the city, over the sea. She joyfully screamed, falling towards the ground, and apparated again, close to the docks.

Her cloak hid her good quality clothes and she donned her hood. Entering a store, she conducted her business and left. After a while, she realized she was being followed.

Now close to the temple of the Goddess of Love, she noticed the man was not young. He was perhaps of more or less the same age as Titus' son, with tidy blond hair, and with rich attire. Soon, he accosted her.

"Greetings. Might I offer my assistance. You appear to be lost in this city. I myself have come to visit a cousin of mine. Rome can be a bit overwhelming.", she smirked. Had the man just made a pass at her? She plastered her most candid, innocent look and, perfectly aware she would make quite an impression, she removed her hood, and spoke.

"Not all those who wander are lost." There. The man smiled, resembling a predator momentarily mesmerized by a fat prey.

"Marcus Decius Solonius. I am blessed."

"How so?", she paused. "Oh, indeed, we have been blessed with rain last night."

"Ah, yes, though I did not mean that. I…"

"You seem familiar, sire. I believe I might have seen you before.", she looked pensieve.

"Perhaps we share friends or hometown. From where do you hail, my lady. What is your family."

"The Ancient and Noble House of Elrond, in Rivendell."

"I have never heard of it."

"You wouldn't. I am the last of my line."

"Oh, apologies.", Solonius was quiet for a bit, noting the regal pose of this young woman, older than in years. "I wish not to offend.", she smiled sadly and glanced at Venus' statue. "Have you come to ask the Goddess for a husband or love in your life?"

"Not exactly. Love, like truth, is a beautiful and terrible thing, and therefore must be treated with great caution." (AN – Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, JKRowling), she sighed. "I simply wanted to see her temple. It is quite the example of architecture, like all great Roman constructions are.

"Yes, aren't they?"

"Perhaps not all, but some will still partially stand in three thousand years.", she replied. He wondered what made her say that and asked her. "Common sense. Goodbye, Marcus Decius Solonius. Until we meet again."

"But, it is dangerous for a lady as delicate such as yourself to wander such a city by yourself. In fact, I even brought one of my gladiators with me.", she looked at the tall, imposing man beside Solonius.

"Gladiators?", she furrowed her brow. "Like Batiatus'?", he smirked.

"My stock is much better that Quintus Batiatus'."

"That is debatable. Titus wouldn't agree.", the man's eyes lighted up, asking her if he had met him. "Yes, I have. I must go."

"Wait, lady. It is dangerous.", she ran after the temple's stairs, and lost him in the streets.

She sighed, looking at the Senate, sometime later. She had almost made a mess. One could not know when she would meet the man again. He would soon write a message to Titus, perhaps even to Quintus, to find out her identity. She straightened. There was a small commotion nearby. A woman, with supermodel looks, with a thick iron ring around her neck, a slave, struggled against a man, her basket forgotten on the ground. Estel frowned and approached the perpetrator, standing close to him. (AN – quoting Catwoman in Batman. Loved that dialogue!)

"I just love a big, strong man who's not afraid to take on a woman half his size.", she said, smirking. He stopped what he was doing, releasing the woman, turning to her, and spitting on the ground. "Be gentle, it's my first time."

"Domina!", the slave yelled.

Estel grabbed the man's wrist, swiftly burrowing her knee in his genital area; something breaking. His high pitched moan made her grimace, offending her ears, and he slumped to the ground. She pitched his nerve, pressuring close to his neck and shoulder, and he was out of commission.

"Well. Let's see. Did he take anything from you dear?", the slave nodded, shocked. Estel took notice of a small bag, and opened it, revealing a nice piece of jewelry. "This looks like an heirloom."

"My Domina's." Noting the woman's arm and cheek, already bruising, she took a small tin out and approached her, smearing a bit of ointment over the rapidly forming bruises.

"It is unwise to travel alone, if you can't defend yourself." She looked at a nearby wall, a man , a slave, dead. "Your guard?", she nodded. "Are you alright. Did he injured you? Don't be shy, speak up. What is your name?"

"No, I had brought my Domina's necklace from repair.", she trembled. "Thessela. Gratitude. Gratitude."

"Well, Thessela." She took the woman's arm in hers and said, "Since you lost your company, I shall guard you. I will escort you to your Domina's home. She will, after all, require an explanation."

Arriving at her mistress' domicile, soon they were in her presence. Illithyia was her name. Blonde, of average height, she resembled, underneath her innocent appearance, a snake.

She thanked her assistance, frowning at her garb, hood on, and asked for her name.

"Estel, Lady Illithyia.", she bowed regally.

"Such a strange name. It is not Roman.", the blonde said.

"No. I hail from Rivendell."

"Where is that?"

"Too far away to mention."

"Hmpf. It must be a flee pit, compared to Rome."

"I shall not bother further. Good day.", Estel turned on her heel to leave. From the corner of her eye, she saw Thessela quickly whisper something to her Domina.

"Wait. I jest.", the Senator's daughter laughed. "Won't you stay for dinner?"

"Dinner? I am expected elsewhere, tonight."

"Well, then, perhaps a treat before you go."

"Apologies, I am not hungry. I really must go. Another time, then."

"Tomorrow, perhaps?", the little woman was insistent. Estel sighed.

"Very well. One hour after the sun sets, you will find me here. Good day.", she bowed again, and left.

Illithyia frowned and looked at her slave.

"Explain why I had to invite such a person to dinner? What will my father and Gaius think?"

"Domina, apologies. But Undomiel is more than she appears. My attacker was twice as tall as me. He was built almost like Theokoles, the Shadow of Death. And my bruises, Domina knows I bruise easily.", the slave showed her arm. "Gone, from the salve she put on me. As magic."

"Really?", she mused. "Interesting. Perhaps it will not be so bad. She did not reveal her face to me. Did you see it?"

"Yes.", she paused. "Brown light hair, kind violet eyes."

"Kind eyes?", she laughed at her slave. "You sound besotted.", the slave blushed. "Prepare the guest' quarters. I might have your savior stay the night."

"Yes, Domina.", replied Thessela, smiling.

-.-.-.

Hermione frowned at Titus.

"She is Senator Albinius' daughter, a noble. As for Solonius, he is a friend, a lanista of same standing as Quintus.", he gave her a bit of a sermon after that.

"Well, I came back because I did not want you to worry. I shall dine there tomorrow. She will probably make me stay the night. Or several."

And so it was.

She apparated above the House, in the air, disillusioned. Falling quickly, she decreased it with a spell and descended the roof stealthily. She passed the kitchen, nobody noticing her, careful not to touch anyone. A point me spell and she approached a lavish – all of the stupid house was lavish, really – room, with a inner garden and a pool, the stars blinking above it, Illithyia and two more men with her. One, clearly a Senator, Albinius, and her husband, in military garb. The blonde woman was retelling the previous' day story, her father not looking too amused.

Thessela was nearby, going away, perhaps to see if Hermione had arrived and she appeared behind her, no-one nearby. The slave shrieked.

"Apologies.", said Hermione.

"Domina.", she bowed a bit.

"Gods, don't bow to me.", she smiled. "Am I very late?"

"No, Domina. I…", the slave blushed.

"Well, let's rock this joint. Please announce me.", she told Thessela her full name. As the slave entered the room again, the Soul Wander remained two steps behind her, her hood on.

"Lady Estel Lasgalen Undomiel, of the Ancient and Noble House of Elrond."

Thessela turned to the woman, who removed her hood, and the slave took her cloak, removing it. Estel saw the look on the Roman's eyes, lighting up. She had a pretty dark blue dress, with a little trail and tasteful cleavage. A good sized heart shaped violet pendant adorned her bosom and a silver like circlet tiara around her head, of the likes they had never seen. For a minute, nobody spoke, so Estel took a few steps forward and bowed respectfully to the three.

"Lady Estel, how good to see you.", said the blonde woman. "This is…"

"Senator Albinius, I presume?", the man smiled and nodded.

"My husband, Legatus Gaius Claudius Glaber."

"It is an honor to be here. Gratitude for the invitation."

They proceeded to the dining room. Illithyia chatted about inconsequential things for a while. Her father was adamant in knowing where Rivendell was.

"Are you perchance dreaming of conquering it, Senator?", she said, making the man smirk.

"I am surprised that a woman of your standing has not married yet.", Glaber said.

"My family is dead. I have come out of mourning only recently."

"Oh. Apologies.", he replied. "Have you come to Rome to find a husband."

"I am not a Roman citizen. I have been… on an extended holiday, so to speak."

"And your paterfamilias allowed such an irresponsible thing?", asked Albinius.

"There was no one left. Those who did not die in the war, died of disease. The little who remained left. Rivendell is but tombs and ghosts now. I am the last of my line. A cursed line, I believe.", she smiled bitterly. "I took my wealth with me and thought of mourning first, and travel until I found a place I could call home. It appears, though, women cannot have property here. A pity, in my case."

"Where are you staying."

"I will be joining a friend of mine in Sicily, or perhaps in Capua."

"Oh, you know people in Capua?"

"Titus Lentulus Batiatus. And yesterday I met Marcus Decius Solonius, who is also a lanista."

"Hardly significant.", sniffed the blonde woman.

"But Titus is an honorable man, daughter. You have chosen a good friend in Titus, Lady Estel. May I call you Estel?"

"Yes, Senator, of course."

"Then you must call me Albinius.", he smiled. She groaned on the inside. Crazy old geezer. "Have you visited his ludus, yet?"

"I wait for a message of his. It would be rude of me to simply appear in the ludus without warning in advance, although…"

"Yes?", said Illithyia.

"Well… Titus sent several swords ahead to his ludus, warning of new company in the future. But still…"

"Swords? But why would his father send swords? Doesn't he have enough in his ludus?"

"Yes, he does."

"Then why?"

"I made them.", she cleared her voice. "In my travels I met an old man who made blades and swords called katanas, samurai swords, in the far east. The blade is sharper than Roman blades and gives reflection almost like a looking glass."

"Syria?", asked Glaber.

"No. Far away from there."

"I should like to see it.", the Legatus said. "Looking glass… very useful.", she snorted and he frowned.

"If you are against half a dozen adversaries, you can use it to see the ones on your back. But if you are trying to creep up behind a group of criminals in the moonlight, unsheathing the blade too early will probably reflect its light, thus shattering your tactical advantage, if they're not drunk. What are the odds of that?", the Legatus smiled.

"Indeed."

"The young lady has more intelligence in half her brain than your husband in his entire body, daughter."

So… Senator Albinus was that kind of father-in-law. Great. She could the tension accumulating on her neck and shoulders, and tried to discretely massage them. The blonde noticed.

"Do you have a stiff neck, Estel?"

"Yes. Apologies."

"You must stay the night… In fact, we have quarters for you, and I could have Thessela give you a massage."

"Oh, I do not want to intrude."

"I insist."

"Gratitude."

As she had thought, she was trapped for the night.

The quarters were spacious and comfortable. Thessela procured a night gown for her.

"Would you like to use the baths, Domina?"

"No. Tomorrow morning."

"And your massage?"

"I feel much better. Gratitude. That will be all. I should like to rest now. Good night."

She turned to the window, looking at the neighborhood, thinking of the ludus. And she wondered how Ashur was faring.