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Shifting from foot to foot in annoyance, Neith glanced at the Romans milling about the room in their finery like peacocks, they crowed their own importance while attempting to look down on one another. And especially the slaves were looked down upon and jostled about. While Neith herself was mere decoration. A garland of knives hung upon a wall.
She stood with the other gladiators, decked out in full battle regalia. As always, Nevia's braids were a bit too tight but she would not be fighting this night. No, only Spartacus and Crixus would be performing in an exhibition match in honor of the magistrate's son, Numerius coming of age ceremony being held at the Batiatus ludus.
As the sport was about to begin, all were surprised the boy did not wish to see Spartacus and Crixus, but Varro instead. The look of pain of dismissal clear on the Gaul's face.
When the match began, the scrape of steel and clang of metal filled the villa. Neith smiled at the sight of her friends battling and chuckled a bit at Varro drawing first blood. But Spartacus quickly landed an elbow to the back of Varro's head and slashed him lightly across the chest. Within a few moves Spartacus had Varro kneeling before him, his sword raised for killing strike as he looked to the magistrate's son after Varro signalled the missio.
All assembled, clapped at the performance and Batiatus cheered Spartacus' victory and Varro's gallant attempt. He asked Numerius to pass judgment on the loser's fate.
Neith's blood ran cold when the boy gave the signal for death. Looking to her Dominas she silently begged him to intercede. But he did not. So she looked to the boy's father but his face remained as stone. Then her gaze came to Spartacus.
He too looked to their master for reprieve but none came. Neith let out a small cry of despair when Varro pulled the sword deep into his shoulder forcing Spartacus to finish the job.
As her friend fell to the floor and his blood coated the wood, she felt nothing beyond rage and contempt for the Romans around her who cheered and laughed at a death without honor, but for a boy's amusement.
After all were dismissed Nieth made her way to the champion cells hoping to find Spartacus after her armor and braids were removed. After what had just happened she knew he would need comfort and a friend to stand beside him.
Upon arriving at his cell she found Mira clutching the champion to her as he wept. Feeling her heart break anew for the man she stepped into the cell drawing their notice.
"Mira." Neith spoke spoftly motioning that she wished to speak out of ear shot.
Once they were farther away, Neith whispered, "Dominus requests you lend aid to Medicus in preparation of Varro to be returned to his wife."
"I can not just leave him." Mira insisted glancing to Spartacus' cell
"I shall stay with him. And offer what comfort I can."
Mira reluctantly nodded and left to do as commanded
Neith closed the door and made her way back to Spartacus and found him kneeling on the floor dazed as tears flowed from his eyes. Kneeling before him she wrapped her arms around this form and drew him to her.
After a moment he drew back saying, "You should not be here. Forget you ever knew me. I stain and cause death of any I touch."
"I am here because I am your friend."
"You just bore witness to what happens to those I befriend."
"You stood absent choice. If you did not do as commanded you both would be killed. And you are not alone in loss of everyone you have loved. My parents and older brother murdered in single night, my sister torn from me in a slave market. My former Dominus and lover. All now on the shores of the afterlife. I will stand beside you until I am to join them in death as well, and nothing shall shake my faith in you." she assured him pulling him close once more.
They stayed like that a long moment as she stroked his back shushing his tears. Once again he drew self from her and she readied herself for another argument but it never came. Instead he crushed his lips to hers and pulled her even closer. Surprise caused her to stiffen a moment but she soon melted into his soft but firm demanding lips. Drawing her into his lap he deepened the kiss and she couldn't help but rub against his growing erection causing both of them to moan with pleasure.
Leaning her back to the stone floor Spartacus settled between her legs and took her one nipple into his mouth. Neith arched against him silently asking for more and wishing the fabric of her tunic was not in the way. The next moment her wish was granted before Spartacus resumed his feast on her breasts. Pulling his face back up she hungrily kissed him back as her hands traveled across his back then down to his loincloth as she attempted to remove it.
Spartacus obliged her and moved back that she may complete the task. Once he was free of the cloth he gently pushed her back and took his place between her legs. As he entered her his eyes rolled back into his head and the tightness of her wet depths.
"It has been a long while since I have been with a man." she whispered in a gasp of pleasure at the feeling of being stretched around him.
Spartacus merely nodded and tried to regain control of his rampant emotions fearing he may come undone too soon.
Neith wrapped her legs around his waist drawing him in deeper and he began to trust. Slowly at first but then picking up speed, Neith's cries of pleasure soon filling the small space. Clinging to the edge of the precipice she stood upon Neith enjoyed the pleasure before the fall. As she came she raked her nails down Spartacus back and bit deep into his shoulder causing his completion as well.
In the aftermath Neith looked into his eyes and gave a slight reassuring smile. She did not regret what had passed between them but knew it would not be repeated. Spartacus still believed he would never love another woman and she deserved more then that. She had felt love before and would settle for nothing less. But she had ment what she said - that she would always stand beside him.
Standing up she redressed and kissed him upon the cheek before leaving to attempt rest within her own cell.
The next morning the sun for sorrow did not show it's head. Neith walked beside Spartacus as he and three other gladiators loaded Varro's body into a cart his wife standing near barely holding onto tears. After their friend was in place Neith and Spartacus walked around the cart to pay respects to the woman.
"Aurellia..." Spartacus started, seeming unsure of what to say to make sense of her husband's death.
"Is it true what they say? That he perished by your sword?" she asked voice cracking
Spartacus merely nodded in shame
"He loved you as a brother." she replied as if to throw it in his face and add to misery
As the woman walked away Neith stepped forward to tell the full extent of the incident. But Spartacus took hold of her arm and shook his head.
"She should know of true circumstances of his death."
"What difference would it make? Her husband is still dead, her son without a father. Because of me."
"Because of the whim of a child! Had you fought Crixus as planned perhaps it would be he laying in a cart. We are all bound by choices not just our own but others as well."
Spartacus said nothing and walked away to start the days training.
That night as she bathed, Neith felt a deep melancholy in her soul. For years she had guarded her heart against pain and sadness brought about by the loss of those around her. And soon after she reopened it she again felt the sting of grief. Yet she had no tears to shed. She had discovered them dried up after Gannicus had gone from the ludus, never to return.
As she rose from the water Mira stepped forward a towel at the ready, clean cloths laid out.
Neith nodded her thanks as she wrapped the towel around herself and began to wring out her hair.
"How did you fare with Spartacus last night?" Mira asked
Looking up Nieth narrowed her eyes at the other woman, trying to divulge her meaning. But the woman's face was open and merely showing questioning interest, not accusation.
"I stayed with him until he fell into exhausted slumber. Then I retired to my own cell for the night."
Mira nodded and a slight look of relief passed over her face. Neith then realised the woman held tender feelings for the champion though he had rebuffed her in the past. Neith felt a slight pity knowing her feelings would never be returned in the same kind.
"I still fear for him. The wound Varro delt has become swollen and discolored."
"Have you spoken your worry to him?" Neith asked concerned
"I made attempt but his response was bristling."
"Perhaps I shall speak to Medicus. Have him strap the man down if need be so he may tend the wound."
The next day she watched Spartacus closely as he trained with Agron. She could see that Mira had spoken the truth of his wound's infection and it gave him much pain, causing him to pause after nearly every series of attack. This went on for a few moments, her concern growing at each grimace on her friend's face.
But then after his latest pause Spartacus looked up at the German as if he had seen a ghost. He came at him again and again with such verousity he quickly had the man in a killing position.
"Spartacus!" Doctore called ripping the man from whatever vision grasped him.
The champion looked back at his opponent who pointed to the wound on his side that was now oozing dark discolored blood. Stepping away he whirled once and began to fall.
Quickly dispatching her own opponent, Rhaskos, Neith ran to him and cradled his head in her lap calling, "Some one get the Medicus!"
Agron and his brother Durro picked him up and carried Spartacus between them as they made their way to the infirmary.
Once there she assisted Medicus in the cleaning of the wound, bringing him herbs and clean water.
Hearing some one approach she looked up and saw her Dominus enter with Doctore.
"The man is half dead! Did you not notice he needed fucking attention?!" The lanista raged
"I thought him merely distraction from Varro's death." Doctore admitted
"Mira brought the state of the wound to my attention late last night. I made to discuss it with Medicus this afternoon if Spartacus did not seek it out himself." Neith spoke
"Will he be able to fight against Pompeii?" their Dominus asked looking to the Medicus
"He burns with fever. A miracle if he lives to the games." The man answered
"Provide a list of all that is needed. Ashur will see it filled. Do not a moment pass where he is not attended!" Batiatus seethed, "Fetch Mira from the villa if you need assistance. He has a feeling towards the girl. Her touch may aid in his recovery. Our champion can not fall!"
"Dominus." Medicus replied
"Neith see yourself back to training. You are to fight in the games against Pompeii and I would not have another one of my best fucking warrior's within death's grasp!" Batiatus ordered
Neith did as he commanded but not before placing a soft kiss on her friend's head. Nodding to her Dominus and Doctore she left the infirmary to take up her place once more in the yard.
While she did as commanded and resumed her training, every night she would assist Medicus and Mira in tending Spartacus. The man of medicine brewing healing draft to releave fever and mixing potions to be placed on the wound to draw out the infection.
For days there was no change, the champion was lost in fevered nightmares often crying out and thrashing upon his bed needing to be strapped in place that he would not do harm to himself.
When the games against Pompeii finally arrived, she almost welcomed them as distraction from worry over her sick friend. But after opponent was dispatched to the after life, like so many others, her mind resettled on Spartacus and her misery began anew.
After being returned to the ludus and once again stripped of her armor she made her way to the infirmary finding only Mira.
"How fares he?" Neith asked coming to the bedside
"His fever has broken but he still does not awake."
"Perhaps he does not wish to and it is not death who clings to him but he who clings to death."
Mira shrugged and made to gather linens needed to change the bandages around Spartacus' wound, Neith stepping away to give her better access.
Suddenly a large gasp was heard from the bed causing both women to jump and look towards the sound. Realising Spartacus was awake they both quickly rushed to him, Mira arriving first.
"I'm here. I'm here" She soothed touching his face, "Be still. Your fever has broken. The gods blessed you."
"Welcome back to the land of the living brother." Neith smiled realising that is what the man had become to her.
But the man paid neither of them attention but gazed upon the fat hairy man lying on a bed near by. Curious looks were shared by the women but they said nothing as Spartacus replied, "Yes. Yes they have."
"I will fetch Medicus." Mira said seeming a little frightened at the intensity of Spartacus gazed at the man
"Wait." Spartacus urged her, holding onto her arm, "Release the straps. I would speak to this man alone."
"Twards what purpose?" Mira asked suspicious
"Wait in the corridor." he replied, looking to both of them, "Sound warning if any one approaches."
Both women looked at Spartacus with concern but they were moved by his pleading gaze
"Do this for me Mira. I will be in your dept." he begged
Mira did as he bade and released his straps and removed herself to the corridor. Neith remained where she stood and when Spartacus sent questioning look she replied, "It is as I said before. I will stand beside you. And give whatever aid necessary." jerking her chin to the man yet asleep on the bed.
Spartacus nodded and quickly set on the man rifling through his cloths as if looking for something.
Awaking the man asked, "What are you doing? What are you doing?"
Pinning the man down Spartacus growled, "Tell me what happened!"
"Take your hands off me." The other man replied
"My wife, Surra. The slave you were transporting from Neopolus. Tell me what happened to her!"
Neith suddenly realised why the man seemed familiar. He drove the cart that delivered Spartacus his dying wife. She had barely noticed the man covered in blood, her focus being on the champion cradling his beloved, but looking at the man now she could see no scars to indicate the injuries needed to produce the amount of blood the man had been soaked in.
"We were attacked on the road. I tried to get to her." the man still keeping to the obvious lie
"Where is your wound? Where is the wound you earned trying to save my wife?!" Spartacus questioned
The man's eyes widened as he realised he had been caught. He made to tumble off the bed and call "Guard! Guard!"
But Spartacus was faster and grabbed the man in a choke hold, Neith punching him in the face to further his silence.
"Tell me! Tell me!" Spartacus raged
"I only did as commanded." the man choked
"Who spoke the words? Who?!" Spartacus demanded
"Batiautus." the man choked out with his dying breath as blood began to spurt from his mouth.
Spartacus released the dead man and Mira reentered the infirmary
"What have you done?' she asked
"Help me restore him." Spartacus replied breathing heavily, "Secure my straps, and never speak of this. Ether of you."
Mira did as he bade but Neith remained stone in shock. She knew her Dominus was of lofty ambition and low morals but this was beyond any schemes and underhand dealings she had ever seen any capable of.
"Your still here?" Spartacus voice roused her
"I have been in this house for many years under Batiatus and never thought him this cruel."
'He is a Roman. It is in his nature."
"And it is your's to act before you think. Varro spoke of a look that gave concern and I bear witness to it now."
"It is thanks to Varro I am able to see past the veil of lies. He and Sura visited me and showed what I had been blind to for some time."
"Just don't do anything stupid. To each there is a day of reckoning. His will come soon enough of that I'm sure."
Spartacus merely closed his eyes and shifted into a more comfortable position. Neith sighed and left the infirmary, hoping for a good nights sleep
The next morning's dawn found Spartacus working the pallus with the other gladiators. His wound no longer bothered him though his left eye was slightly bloodshot from a popped blood vessel while straining against his straps in the troughs of his fever.
"Spartacus!" their Dominus voice called from the balcony, "You are well?"
The champion turned to face the man and replied, "Yes Dominus. I am myself again."
From the look in his eye Neith could tell her words from the night before had gone unheeded. This house will burn and nearly all within shall perish under his wrath she shuddered.
Gratitude if you would read and review
