Surpriiiseee, lovelies! I know I said Friday evening but some of you wrote in your reviews that are not going to make it until then, plus I got one new reviewer and a susbscriber, which made me happy, so I busted my brain to finish this chapter. Although, I just had two major exams and one even bigger coming, your love and support just kicked me into gear. Boy, oh boy, what I have planned for this story…you guys just inspire me and push me to limits! I just wished more of you would review but I am never losing hope of that :D. Now to my most awesome reviewers:

luvdcag: No, I thank you for leaving me such an AMAZING review! I mean to message you, I promise but now I have been busting my ass to finish this long chapter and I had no time. Yet, I still am planning to do so after my major exam next week when I will be able to breathe free and ramble free :D(pretty sure you might begin to hate me…hope not, though :)). Thank you for pointing out your favourite parts and for giving me such great compliment that I have managed to capture Agron completely. Also, I will give Varro more time soon, yet now the events haven't called for it. I love him as well but he would definitely would have preferred some quality time with wifey rather than getting wasted, if you know what I mean. :P Thank you again, love! You are great reviewer!

eloquent dreams: Aww thank you so so much for the Via love there! I am soo happy that you like her and you agree with her proceedings towards Ganni. Also, about Lucretia, she was trying to give her advice, yet she did not know the fucking fury that comes with jealousy. As well, it was kind of a wake-up call after she has almost forgotten that she is a slave and her life is not what a normal person should cherish…that's all I am saying. I am scared to give more away because it will spoil it. I love your comments and your reviews, and I thank you deeply for them! They push me to think more about the story and its future development. In sum, you give me inspiration as anyone else who gives such whole hearted reviews! :)

Sandyk: Thank you so much for the kind words and I cannot believe that you really like my story so much! I mean, I am literally jumping now (no joke) because you share such great interest for my little creation. So, I as a gift, I give you the Picona matches :D. Enjoy!

gabby: new reviewer! Thank you for the question, which I am answering with this chapter. It is so nice to see that you bothered to drop me a line, which made me very happy to read at 9 30 pm yesterday after my brain-burning exam! Enjoy, love!

Disclaimer: I own nothing that belongs to Spartacus TV series but my own original characters and story line!

Matched

During the morning of the day of the Picona ritual, Batiatus gave his final instructions to the slaves and gladiators. The gladiators' training would be cut after the sun has struck highest in the sky, as well as, the duties of the ten chosen slaves. The rest of the house slaves would be divided into groups. One group would attend after the ten gladiators in bathing them, shaving them, tending to their hair and dressing them all in white subligaculum. Another group would attend after setting up the training sands as ritual grounds. Third would attend after the slave girls and the rest of the slaves would serve after their masters in absence of their body slaves.

"The Dominus of each house stands as the father figure in the Picona ritual," explained Batiatus to Via as he was having his morning meal on the balcony after the instructions has been distributed and gladiators began their training. "I shall be your physical aid during the ritual until Cupid has guided your hands upon the face of your Gods chosen match. My hand shall serve as a blessing for fortune and success as I give away your hand, placing it in the grasp of the man before you," smiled with pride Quintus.

"Then I would argue that "physical guide" is not title you carry, Dominus. A physical guide does not stand equal amongst the Gods with the power to spread divine blessings," smiled softly Via.

"Ah, your words flatter my humble soul, yet such power you speak of would be granted to me by the Gods, as it is but a part of the ritual," said Batiatus. "Before the ritual, I will be bathed in waters with vine leaves, just as all of you will, and I will drink wine from a the Concordia my father has drunk a decade ago. This Concordia has been preserved in a small temple part of the house since the very construction of this very ludus by my ancestors. The Concordia in itself is a symbol of fortunes and successes, yet this one is believed to holds all of the ones this house has ever been blessed with. Thus, this one simple object is able to transform the mortal body of a man into a living son of the fucking Gods," spoke Batiatus with grandeur. "Yet, of course, temporarily," he finished with a humble smile.

"And yet, every man remains such son of the Gods in the eyes of those who hold him dear, respected, loved or feared, Dominus," tired to make him feel better Via

"Then I am one but for few many," he replied with a sad smile. "Yet, this is ought to change as a man grows in the eyes of the heavens. These Games are bound to elevate some of those Godly sons into the fucking eyes of the Republic as the Gods claim them kin," exclaimed Quintus truning his face towards the sky. Via smiled at his determination, glad that his mood stayed unchanged. "Yet, this is not why I brought the subject of my role, flower," he turned with a smile towards her. "I am aware that you shall still serve me as my body slave after the ritual but if this house is chosen to set path to Rome, your services will be strongly limited. You shall fully embrace your Picona role, which often shall keep you away from my side. So, I have decided that you will bath with me before the ritual and after, you will join the rest of the girls in dressing and hair preparations," he finally voiced his command.

"As you wish, Dominus," obeyed Via without questioning his intentions scared that they shall bring another punishment as Lucretia's the day before. Batiatus's struggles and worries clearly showed upon his face, so she did not wish to provoke them. Via knew that he always strived for recognition and elevation, and most often than not, when he was granted even little more so, it was hard earned from his part. It fascinated her how even after all the spitting and pissing that he has been put under, he still loves his wife unconditionally, respects and takes pride in his gladiators and values his slaves – traits rare amongst many Roman masters.

The noon hour came and the dynamics of the house shifted with it. Groups of slaves moved throughout the house, each one tending to their tasks. Via walked into the hidden chamber seeking Naevia to join her in her meal. She spotted her friend's light purple dress among the tables, yet, to her surprise, as she approached the table, her usual group of three friends has suddenly expanded to nine. All of the girls that were to be matched that evening were sitting, chatting excitedly and giggling. Via sat next to Mira who seemed to be the only one that shared her surprise and was not fond of the whole girl-bonding meals.

"What Godly force has brought the snakes to bite on their tongues and suck on their own venom," asked Via quietly her friend a very much rhetorical question.

"Let them suck it. I pray it shall burn through the layer of stupidity that surrounds their brains," said Mira.

"Ah, the venom secrets from that very place, my friend. After all, one does not kill the one that has birthed it," objected Via jokingly and giggled.

"And now my ears shall bleed to such unfortunate misconception," commented Mira with straight face, which brought very much laughter from Via's side.

"Then I thank the Gods to have Dominus requested me to bath with him. I shall save some of my abilities to comprehend speech, which, dear sister, I shall divide in use for both of us," she placed her hand on hers as a sing of promise. Suddenly, they both began laughing loudly as the image of two of them aiding each other in speech and hearing like fools formed in their minds.

"Via, the slave that always stands highest," interrupted their laughter Angela. "Now she even baths with her master. Haven't you learned your position, "filthy slave"," she asked quoting Lucretia's words and pouting her lips at Via.

Via looked towards Naevia shocked by the fact that her friend would talk openly about the event.

"Ah, do not place the blame for loud spoken knowledge to Naevia. Yet, I should not be surprised for such action of yours, considering you have forgotten the invisibility that a slave is dressed with and commanded to always carry as long as she serves this house," spat out Angela.

"I have neither forgotten position nor characteristics, Angela. You are the one who buries memories of times when my position, the one Naevia and Mira hold, as well as Aurelia, have vouched your safety and secrecy of many actions that invisibility fails to cover," responded Via.

"Such are the actions of stealing food from the master's table, Mila," said Mira and looked at the girl with deep red coloured hair and brown eyes sitting next to Angela. The girl's eyes widened in terror and colour flushed her cheeks from the exposure of her secret and the laughter from Angela's turn.

"Or being the late night guard's whore, Agela," spat out with anger Via. "Once I see your legs closed and you kneeling not before the cock of some guard or other slave of higher position in this house, but before the Gods in gratitude for even the little we possess, then I shall fucking take any word as white pearl falling from your dirty mouth."

Angela's yellow-green eyes started at Via with hatred, yet she gave her no word of objection. Via picked up her food and looking at Mira said loudly: "It is indeed unfortunate misconception that the venom of the snake lingers in sweetness upon her own fucking tongue." With that she stood up and walked towards more deserted table with Mira following.

After her meal with Mira and Aruelia, who joined them shortly after the dispute, Via felt a lot better. She still did not understand why Naevia stayed with the rest of the girls but did not bother to put any further thought about it. Mira and Aurelia managed to lift her mood by playing psychics and trying to predict who the Gods have assigned for her, yet the whole thing turned out a crazy game with weird scenarios that made them laugh until they lost breath. Now she stood in the warm waters of the bath next to Batiatus who was getting massaged by a slave while drinking wine. Via silently scrubbed her skin and giggled at the crazy stories she, Mira and Aurelia came up with during their meal.

"Have you ever loved a man, flower," asked Batiatus making Via snap out of her thoughts and look at him as he stared back at her with curiosity.

"Three men have occupied my heart, Dominus. A father and two brothers," she smiled at the thought.

"Your heart has not held any other love than the one for kin? It is but a rarity with the beauty you possess," exclaimed Batiatus.

"The love and attention of two brothers was but more than enough to keep a woman's heart and gaze overwhelmed. Plus, no man has ever dared to hunt for my attention that has always been guarded by the fire of brotherly protection," she laughed a little.

"Ah, love birthed from love itself is the sweetest, most guarded and immortal blessings of all. Kin always grants us the first, yet the one that truly infects the heart, blood, mind and body, and gives meaning to the very air you breath, is the one granted by Cupid in a human form," said Batiatus moving closer to her. He motioned to the slaves to leave allowing full privacy for Via and him. "Its power tames the greatest beasts, even the ones with most rational minds, such is the man created by the Gods themselves. Love has the power to turn a man into slave and a God, give him power to command and to be commanded under its leash, and to fight and to tremble for its touch."

"It seems that such love takes form of the deadliest weapon, Dominus," commented Via staring in his eyes, which were inches away from hers.

"One that has spilled most blood and that has lead men to battles against the heavens above," he said extending arm towards the ceiling. "Love is the reason that puts the most fear, excitement and rarity in the Games of the Gods. It is the reason the Picona matches are compelted, as well. These Games are beyond a sport when love stands as a shield, a weapon and ground. These Games are a battle where odds do not matter," he said excitedly moving even closer to her. "It stands most irrational reason to plant a delicate flower, blessing from the Gods, into the blackest grounds of such battle. Yet, irrational turns selfish when the Gods demand it," he said with eyes full with regret. "Love shall only make you bloom, flower, turning you from a blessing from the heavens to a symbol of their will," he finally whispered after a longer pause and leaned forward kissing her lips and forehead.

Via stood in loss of words. She saw his conflicted mind for having to put her in the games, which stood as yet another choice that may bring him nothing like many other efforts he had put before in seeking recognition. She knew he was terrified of his decision because it again left him alone with nothing but hope, and she knew that if this decision failed him, it would drag his mind into failure as well. So, she smiled at him sweetly with the decision that she will not see a man losing his mind and whispered: "A symbol that shall carry your mark upon the back of her shoulder." With that, Batiatus's doubt quickly disappeared from his eyes and pain was replaced with happiness, more hope and pride.

Via knew her position very well despite her knowledge being questioned from Lucretia's and Angela's turn. Via knew that she was a slave and Batiatus was her master, where she was robbed out of her life and locked into a house to forever serve the man. Yet, she knew that this man, and all others of his position, is but a slave to himself. He was a slave to his standing and to the others like him, who always secretly seek that, which those who serve them – their slaves and gladiators - already have in their possession: love, memories, recognition and purpose. Via knew that all the coin, clothing and freedom they held were just covers of the chains that enslaved their hearts and souls.

After the bath, Via found the rest of the girls in a chamber where they were being attended in preparation for the ritual. First, each girl's skin was oiled and hair braided into single braid. They were all dressed into simple red dresses that resembled the ones Via and Naevia wore during the Silent night. Finally, they were escorted closer to the training sands into the ludus where they stood waiting for the ritual to begin. They were allowed to look at the training sands before the gladiators were escorted and lined, as well. Via noticed that the sun has already settled and the only means that brought much light onto the training sands were the extra torches and the moon. She saw all the gladiators that were not chosen to be matched lined up next to the temples of the house before the meal tables. There were slaves among the gladiators but she knew that most of them were on the balcony waiting for the ritual to begin along with Lucretia. Not long after, the girls that were attending after them approached them with white cloths in their hands, and they all knew that the ritual was about to begin. Via tied the cloth around her eyes and the illuminated sands before her disappeared in darkness. She felt a hand upon hers, which began guiding her forward to whatever she was supposed to stand. Shortly after, she felt the sands underneath her bare feet and was stopped in place. She listened to murmurs around her from the slaves and the gladiators. As they began rising in voice, she knew that the ten gladiators were on the sands as well.

"These sands soaked in blood, sweat and tears stand sacred tonight as the Gods lead us through a ritual that shall unite two slaves into one match, which is destined to bring honour to this house as it dictates the will of the heavens," listened to Batiatus's voice Via that moved from left to right indicating that he was walking before them. "The Picona ritual is believed to allow the Gods' will to be freely practiced upon the world of slavery, stripping the power off the Roman hands. Tonight, the Gods shall bless this house with ten of the most powerful Picona matches that will have the strenght to climb the heavens, if opportunity from the favouritism of Sponsors presents itself. Once a woman has selected her man, he shall remove the cloth that blinds her eyes and kneel before her in gratitude to her and the Gods. He shall grant his match with the denarius blade that shall signify their union. The denarius stands as symbol that links divinities of love and desire with success and victories of men power in wars, as it shall link these men and women with the strongest bond forged by love and blood. Once the blade has been tied around the tight of the woman, she shall not strip it off her flesh unless the night calls her in her sleep or her match falls breathless upon the arena," he gave final instruction and paused. Via's heart began picking up in pace as she sensed the tension, anticipation and power the silence around her. "It is already known that among our chosen men and women there are some that the Gods have already matched. Let us put to test their guidance now and witness Cupid lead the woman to her match once again. Aurelia, step forward," Batiatus commanded and Via heard a movement on her right. Again silence grew through which Via listened to the soft steps upon the sands from Aurelia and her Dominus, and some quiet reactions from the slaves that observed the first matching.

"Ha! Cupid's hand once again guides Aurelia into Varro's embrace," exclaimed suddenly Quintus and whispers among the slaves picked up in excitement. "The Gods stand here among us! Via step forward," he almost yelled with power in his voice. Via's heart began pumping loudly and her feet suddenly felt as if they were made of stones. She made a small, slow step forward in fear that she will stumble and fall, if she moved any further. Stronger fear overwhelmed her as she remembered Lucretia's words of instruction. She mentally prayed to Cupid to have not matched her with Crixus, which she realized sounded very stupid. She almost began giggling at her own stupidity that was strongly urged by her growing panic. Yet, before the panic took over her completely, she felt Batiatus's fingers intertwine with hers. Her heart slowed a little and her body relaxed under his firm touch. She remembered his words of being her guide and let him lead her further. Several steps later he stopped her, placed her hands upon someone's chest and whispered in her ear: "May Cupid guide you, flower." She lifted her hands slowly towards the face of the first man before her. She lightly touched his face and traced his skin, yet despite her racing heart, it all felt wrong to her. She made a step to the left and placed her hands against the arm of the man standing next. She began the similar process of exploring, yet she felt nothing, again. As she walked from men to men, hear heart slowed that made her move with more certainty. After the sixth man, who she was almost certain was her brother after he has deliberately quietly snorted in her palm as a joke, Via moved onto the man standing next to her. Nonetheless, she used all of her internal strength not the laugh or slap her brother's face as she moved away from him. She casually laid her hands upon the chest of the men before her. Suddenly, her hear began to pick up again as she moved her hands up towards his face. She slowly and softly traced his skin, which, in difference with others', felt electrocuted and warm. Her breath caught short as she placed one of her palms against his chest, above his heart and her other hand traced down the skin of his arm until her fingers touched his. Via knew that this was him. Yet, she also knew that there was only one man who made her feel this way. She turned her face towards his, stepped a step back and said: "Cupid has chosen." She felt movement from her right side and Batiatus again grabbed her hand. He lifted it up and with approving voice whispered: "And the Gods have certainly blessed us!" Via felt the man before her lifting his arms and untying the blindfold. As he removed it, Via's heart almost jumped out of her chest: "Gannicus," she whispered with relief as Batiatus let him take her hand and kneel before her with a big smile upon his face. She watched him as he took a small golden knife from the side of his white subligaculum, pulled the slit of her dress revealing her right leg, and tied the knife around it with a leather strap. Yet, Via paid no attention neither to the blade, nor the whispers of the audience or the actions happening before her. Her eyes stared mesmerized at Gannicus as he worked on the knot wound her leg. His hair was pulled back into two braids and away from his face. His tanned skin glistered from the oils it has been scrubbed with and his eyes glowed like the stars. After he rose on his feet, he took her hand, smiled happily at her, and pulled her towards the end of the row next to Varro and Aurelia.

The rest of the ritual for Via passed in a blur, yet soon beside her stood Mira and Spartacus, Raskhos and a blond girl Via knew as Eria, Barca joined them with Mila, and her brother was picked by Era - a slave the same age as Via with long black hair, green eyes and lightly tanned skin. Via has never spoken to her since she was more of the quiet types of slaves, yet this determined Via even further to get to know the slave. Verios was matched with Agela, which was no surprise to anyone, and of course, Naevia picked Crixus. Via's eyes turned towards the balcony where Lucretia's satisfied smile greeted her. After all the matches have been completed Batiatus raised his voice again in gratitude towards the Gods.

"The Gods have blessed us tonight and let us pray that they shall also bless us with a path to Rome. The Picona matches stand tall, yet their union has not been sealed. Such union is sealed after the women grant a piece of their dresses the first night they lay with their match," he turned towards the Piconi. "However, the sealing shall be done only to one of the houses in honour to the Gods' choice. If the Sponsors choose the house of Batiatus to carry the name of Capua upon the sands in Rome, only then these men and women shall be allowed to intertwine their hearts and flesh as the Gods lay down the path toward their destiny."

Well, ladies and gentlemen, we have our matches! What do you think about them? I mean, I know there is porbably no surprise that Via is with Gannicus but that is the whole point of the matches. If Via did not end up with Gannicus then I would just have written "aaand the Gods decided that this relationship is doomed, so there is no point to continue with my story. Finito." Right? Please let me know what you guys think. Also, what do you think about Batiatus and the new characters? I am waiting impatiently for your comments!

X.O.X.O.

Missavia

P.S. Can you guys write me if any of you have followed me on tumblr, so I know :). If you haven't done it…well, what the heck are you waiting for? :P :D