Good morning, guys! I am presenting you with an early morning post (at least for me), which I am hoping to get you very much excited. I know this week is the final episode of Spartacus: Vengeance and I also know that probably many of you are trying not to even think about it because it puts you in panic mode. I mean, seriously, anyone can die and DeKnight said it. My heart is breaking at the possibility that even Gannicus has a chance…think about it: many people did not see Seppia's death and look at Varinius's hey- guys-I-am-back-in-the-game-! appearance how quickly was changed to ugh-oh-on-a-second-thought-not-so-much kind of death. Also, not to mention Oenomaus's hand and eye…that is all I am going to say on this part. So, pretty much yeah, I am trying not to torture myself in thinking that there is a chance of saying "Adieu!" to Gannicus or anyone else that I have grown on me for that matter. After all, DeKnight always has the tendency to kill at random. Yet, I still love the guy and his writing! So, now that I have expressed my pain, I would like to say thanks to the couple of new subsies (short for subscribers :)) and to those who took the time to review. This time I had three reviews rather than two, but I'd like to think this is a step forward. I still encourage you guys to pop up in the reviews just to say "Hey!" or "Me Gusta!" hahah…I am so lame sometimes…but any even letter makes me happy knowing that people are reading and liking my little fanfic. :) Now to my three reviewers:

Sharpie-Marker 1101: Gratitude, hyper soul sister! I love your comments: they always, always make me laugh a lot and excited to write more! I really appreciate how you take the time to share any thoughts or feelings on the events, as I said before! Ahem…ughh.. yeah, Ganni in a cloth…it was hard to type when I was writing this part, or even the one that he touched and kissed Veria…all I know it that when I need to calm my hyperventilation, I just picture Gannicus, in a cloth for extreme situations, and Voilà!, you have me standing and giggling at myself like an idiot or just sighing dreamy. :D

NightCraver: Thank you for the review! I am very happy to read that you really are liking it and I hope you will grow to like it even more…(mischievous smiling right now from my part :D).

CostaGril: Hey again! Your review was great and very sweet! I am happy to know that you still are following the story. Oh, and there will be a lot more spicy stuff going on..hehe…ahem, I mean, c'mon the Games kind of require it, right? :)

Ok, not keeping you any longer. Here is what chapter 8 holds:

Disclaimer: I claim no ownership over any Spartacus's character, except only over my original ones, as well as over my original plot events.

Favoured

"What madness has occupied this chamber," asked with anger Glaber. "Screams echo through the walls of this house!"

"I…" began stuttering Illyhtia with fear but was once again cut off, this time by Lucretia.

"…was giving justice by the weight of a hand to an unforgivable act committed by her slave, Veria," started explaining Lucretia with confidence.

"Veria," asked Gaius and turned his eyes toward the girl on the ground before him, who stared back at him with fear. Lucretia used this small distraction to signal to Illythia and her husband to calm down and act out whatever story was to follow.

"The slave was caught in the ludus by our guards, breaking word with Gannicus," continued Lucretia as she observed Glaber who was switching his gaze from Veria to Gannicus. "As you are well aware, no slave is allowed into the ludus without the permission of myself or my husband, especially one that does not carry our marks."

"To what purpose she broke words with the gladiator," asked Glaber with curiosity present in his voice.

"She claims that she questioned Gannicus of Crixus's whereabouts. The girl is a Gaul. She holds belief that she is his kin, a cousin. This is why I summoned both of the gladiators to confirm her story, yet she still had to be punished," finished explaining Lucretia.

Glaber grabbed Veria by the arm, pulled her up and put her standing next to Crixus. She begun to tremble with fear as he grabbed her throat with his other arm and tilted her head close to Crixus:

"So, are you the kin you claim to be," asked with anger Glaber furious at the fact that she has embarrassed him before Batiatus and his wife. Veria's fear escalated and tears started running down her face as Glaber squeezed her throat harder: "Answer me," he yelled.

Veria begun to answer but all that came out of her mouth were yelps of fear.

"Yes, she is my kin," lied Crixus with cool and husky voice, looking Glaber in the eyes with unmoving confidence.

Gaius held his gaze moments more looking for a sign of hesitation, but none was present. Convinced, Glaber dropped his grip from Veria, which made her fall onto her knees, and turned away from her and the gladiators. He stood before his wife and whispered with anger:

"Take a hold of your fucking slave or see her executed by her own fucking kin. Veria has received her answer, apologies for the disturbance of your comfort," he said turning his eyes to Lucretia and Batiatus.

"None needed at such fascinating news," exclaimed Lucretia with an attempt to avert the bitter mood of the Legatus.

"It is but a sign from the Gods to have us connected in such a way. My slave and your champion are cousins," exclaimed with equal enthusiasm Illyhia. She stood up and grabbed her husband by the arm and handed him a cup of wine: "Come, tell us all about the Senator's festive," she invited her husband.

"The night grows deeper, we should be taking our leave towards Rome," he said to his wife and his hosts.

"Ah, remain here tonight, if not to share a drink with me and my lovely wife, at least take comfort in one of the chambers our humble home has to offer. I shall not let a most noble Legatus and a most valued friend of my wife to set foot on the cold and dangerous road to Rome that the night holds," invited with a warm smile Batiatus.

Gaius looked at his wife who smiled enthusiastically at him, then at her slave who had regained her posture and now stood still before him. He knew that he could not refuse the invitation, not after the embarrassment Veria brought on him. He also knew that he did not wish to spend the night on the road, not after the most warming and elevating event he was part of moments ago.

"We remain then. Gratitude for your hospitality," he replied to Batiatus's invitation. His wife squealed and giggled with excitement

"Ah, none needed, the pleasure is all mine. Let us share a drink in the company of most beautiful wives until your chamber is ready. Via, escort the gladiators back to the ludus and fetch some more wine," commanded Batiatus as she automatically moved before him with the calling of her name.

"Yes, Dominus," she bowed her head in obedience and turned towards the direction of the gladiators.

"Via," she heard her name being spoken again as a question by Glaber. She stopped in place surprised and looked up into the eyes of Gannicus and Crixus that held as much surprised as hers. She had never been paid even a token of attention by another Roman, yet she had never been in the company of many, except Solonius, Astunius, the Majestre of Capua and his wife. Indeed, they had lay eyes upon her but with the only reason that she was a new contribution to the house of Batiatus, and that she is one that had been chosen to be Quintus's personal slave. Indeed, the Roman men had expressed admiration for her "pure beauty", as they did for Naevia's "exotic beauty", but no one had ever directly addressed her.

She turned in profile clasping her hands together, as Glaber approached her. He began circling her slowly, the same way his wife had done to the gladiators earlier in the evening, and observed her with interest.

"I was not aware that you hold a personal slave, a female, Quintus," stated questioningly Glaber as he traced the mark on her right shoulder with fingers.

"Ah, she is a blessing of the Gods, carrying untouched beauty and bringing only fortunes to this house," exclaimed proudly Batiatus.

"Via," Gaius repeated her name again now standing in front of her. "Do you know the meaning such name holds," he asked not specifically addressing anyone. "It stands for the Latin word of "a path". A strong name for a slave: it is a name that carries specific destiny of whoever responds to it," he said now looking at Baitatus. "She is one that knows the paths that can lead a man towards the arms of the Gods, or the whips of the underworld; towards the greatest fortunes of Rome or beneath the rotten walls of the pits; she knows the paths towards any desire, wish or purpose," spoke Glaber with fire and excitement burning in his eyes. He was standing before her, staring at her as she was some kind of valuable object. "It does not strike as a surprise that she has brought fortunes to this house and to you. I see you show her care, dress her well and keep her safe, in return she leads you towards your desires. Via," he said again, "indeed, she is a most extraordinary asset. One that has the power to capture the man's eye, and one that shall linger in the minds of the Sponsors, especially when paired in a Picona. Her name claims the paths of victory for any gladiator in her embrace. I certainly hope you have taken the decision to match her. If she is the blessing you believe her to be, if the Gods have created her from this one destiny to lead men to the heavens themselves, then they shall claim her in Rome," stated Glaber turning his eyes towards Batiatus.

"Indeed, he has," exclaimed Illyhtia. "Lucreatia already informed me of such decision."

Batiatus looked at his wife questioningly as Lucretia gave him a look that stated that it had to be done. Quintus had not planned on such action, he did not wish to give up Via from his side, yet Glaber spoke truths. This evening had brought him most fortunate events: the festive has given him recognition, Illythia chose to seek his wife this afternoon, rather Primelia, the majestre's wife, Glaber, one of the Sponsors for Capua, remains in his house this evening, and now he speaks promising advices of the Games as his interest was captured by his personal slave. Via was a blessing to him, destined to bring him even more fortunes once put in the right hands.

"My wife had spoken truth. Via shall be presented in the Games," spoke Batiatus with a smile. However, when Via turned to look at him after Glaber had moved away from her with satisfied face and burning eyes, she saw the pain in her Dominus's eyes. He nodded reassuringly at her and signalled for her to continue with the earlier assigned task.

Gannicus, Crixus and Via walked in silence until they reached the stairs leading to the ludus beneath the villa. Crixus grabbed Via by the hand and stopped her.

"Pass my words of apologies to Naevia for actions not desired by my own heart or mind. Tell her…"

"Shh. Those are words not meant for my ears to hear, Crixus," cut him off gently Via. "I will pass a message regarding a meeting between you two, here at the doors of the ludus, when the moon stays highest in the skies. Then you shall whisper in her ear whatever heart desires. Domina will be occupied tonight with her guests, as most of the guards, her path will be clear. Make sure yours stands as equally unoccupied," instructed Via as a reassurance when she saw the worry in his eyes. He nodded gratefully and followed her down the stairs, as did Gannicus. The guards opened the doors, but before Crixus stepped in, he turned to Via and whispered: "Yet, I believe that someone else's words are meant for your ears to hear. Not giving them freedom would only hurt the tongue and poison the mind of one who holds them." He looked at Gannicus standing behind Via, nodded at him with understanding, and disappeared in the shadows of the ludus.

Via stood before the open door with her back to Gannicus, considering Crixus's words. A guard appeared from the darkness looking at her questioningly.

"Give us a moment," she said with certainty and swiftness. When the guard was out of side, Via turned to face Gannicus, who significantly had closed the distance between them and began to whisper:

"Apologies for the actions you had witnessed tonight. This house is famous with the offers of views most desired and sinful any human holds, or at least the one with Roman blood," he spoke with guilt and anger burning in his eyes.

"I require non, Gannicus," replied Via softly. "I claim no exclusivity over your touch or lips. It would be foolish to do so, not now, after just days long in each other's presence. I cannot hold believe that my heart is ready to surrender in the palms of a man I barely know. Yet, I cannot refuse it the freedom to grow fonder of your presence," she whispered staring deeply in his eyes, slipping the mask off her face and letting him in, to see all that she felt.

Gannicus came even closer to her, lifted his hand and placed on her cheek. She felt his warmth against her skin that made her wish to stay a little longer in that position. However, she believed in every word she said. She was no longer confused. She knew what had to happen, especially now that she was going to be part of the Games.

"Have you heard the tales of the love between Jupiter and Juno," he asked her gazing into her eyes.

"We have no time for tales, Gannicus," she said fast averting her gaze from him. "Now the Games have begun and you have to fight through the quarter finals. You have to gain position among the ten gladiators of the house, or see yourself forever lost: without the freedom that you gave away, without glory, without favourite eyes of Romans upon you, and without brotherhood. Set your mind to the task and don't let your heart blind your eyes and weaken your strength," she spoke with certainty and eyes full with reassurance.

"Your words are commands in my ears," he whispered with understanding after they heard the guard approaching. Gannicus dropped his hand and stepped towards the door. Still holding Via's eyes, he smiled at her and said aloud:

"Yet, these Games I shall not fight for freedom, glory, brotherhood or fortune. I have tasted all of those and secured many of them with my name. These games I shall not fight on the path towards the heavens. These games I shall fight on the path towards the embrace of your warm body and the taste of your lips, and I shall beg the Gods for something they have yet to grant me - a loving heart."

Via smiled back at him as he gave her a smile bow, trying to hold her laughter before the guard that now was opening the doors. Soon after, Gannicus vanished in the darkness of the ludus and Via found herself walking towards the chamber she left off her Dominus, with wine in her hands. The evening passed fast as she and Naevia attended to the needs of their masters and the guests. After all four Romans were attended to their beds, Via pulled Naevia towards the ludus.

"They are but dreaming in a drunken sleep. You know man hardly awakes in the night form such," whispered Via to her as reassurance. "I shall keep watch over you, dearest sister," she said as she stopped at the top of the stairs before the ludus, where she remained until Naevia and Crixus parted with sweet whispers and burning kisses.

The next morning Via and Naevia once again found themselves in the very common position of standing behind their Dominus and Domina on the balcony of the villa. Underneath them, all of the gladiators had gathered close, their gazes turned towards their master and waiting for news of the Games.

"Last night's festive at the Senator's house here in Capua was an event that gathered every man, from a Lanista like myself, to the highest leaders of the Republic," addressed the gladiators Quintus. "It was an evening not only in celebration of the greatest games of the decade, but also in honour of the heavens and everything that they hold. Wine was spilled with no limits to lure Jupiter from his throne among us, and to drown the fires of the underworld, sending Pluto into everlasting drunken sleep. Yet, the reason why I stand before thee is to officially announce a new beginning in the house of Batiatus," said Quintus taking a pause and looking over his gladiators. "I stand before thee dressed in the very clothes I wore last night, holding a cup of the very wine that Jupiter shared with us. The Games of the Gods have begun and we shall fight here in Capua, on the semi-finals, against the houses of Marcus Decius Solonius and Adilius Rocus Astunius. There will be eight games held upon the sands of Capua, and you shall be evaluated by eight Sponsors. Each one of them is believed to be chosen by Mercury, messenger of the Gods, who shall bless them with an insight of the God chosen house after the Picona Displays are held," instructed Batiatus. "Fight as beasts, shine in glory, make the fucking sun weep and ten most worthy of you shall be chosen to continue in the Games. Set this house on the path to Rome and "a slave" shall no longer be your title! May the Gods favour you," said loudly with pride Batiatus and with forceful hand, he spilled the wine over the gladiators. They began chanting "Jupiter!" as if calling the God's attention on them. Via looked down, hypnotized by the strength, power and strange beauty those men held. Her heart pounded in her chest: It has begun, she thought. It is the Gods turn to step upon the sands of the arena and clash their heavenly swords under the roar of the crowd… May they be favoured!

There it is! The Games are on! What do you guys think? Did you like the chapter? Do you like what is happening with Via and everyone else around her? I certainly hope you are excited for more because I have planned out some very interesting stuff :). Have a not-so-nerves-wrecking Friday and when you cry during or after the final episode know that I am crying along. May the DeKnight favour us and our wishes! :D