Disclaimer: Anything you recognize from the Spartacus Series is not mine. Lea and everyone else is.
A/N: THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THOSE WHO HAVE READ AND REVIEWED MY STORY! THIS ONE AND ANY OTHER! IT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME AND KEEPS ME MOTIVATED AND MOVING FORWARD! I HOPE YOU LIKE THIS NEXT CHAPTER! AND I HOPE YOU LIKE LONG ONES. ; )
Chapter Six: New Responsibilities
The morning rays slowly woke me. Smiling, my fingers ran along Varro's arm that lay draped over my side, my arm lying atop his. I could feel his breath against my neck, the tip of his nose gently brushing my skin as he breathed. Slowly shifting, I rolled onto my back, turning my head so I could look at him. He was beautiful even in sleep. Placing a kiss against his forehead, I rested mine against it, shutting my eyes again. He made a soft noise and he tightened his grip on me, pulling me closer against him. Kissing his forehead again he slowly pressed a kiss against my shoulder. Lifting his head, I opened my eyes, waiting to meet the blueness of his. He slowly opened his eyes and smiled sweetly before closing them again. Kissing his lips, he moved his hand to the side of my head, keeping my lips against his.
"Good morning." I smiled with our lips still touching.
"Mm." He said rubbing his nose against mine. Smiling wider, I kissed him again. "I'm all packed." He told me with a smile.
"Good." I said wrapping my arm around him, running my hand down the muscles of his back. "Then perhaps we have time to spare for other activities."
"I like the sound of that." He said rolling over me.
Laughing lightly, I took his head in my hands, kissing him passionately. "We should really join the others." I told him kissing him every other word.
"Yes." He sighed, resting his head against my chest. "Spartacus will want to leave soon."
"Yes." I said running my fingers through his hair with one hand, trailing my fingers up and down his back with the other.
"Though I'd be content to simply lay here with you." He told me wrapping his arms around my shoulders.
"Me as well, my love." I smiled, kissing his hair, letting my lips linger there.
"I am happiest in your arms." He said sweetly, pressing his lips against my skin.
My smile grew as I took a deep breath of him before replying, "As am I."
In the next moment he was off of me and pulling me to my feet. "Come." He said and quickly led me from the room.
Gripping his arm to keep close to his side, he led me to the bathes, finding it empty. Turning to me he quickly pulled the pins that held the dress together at my shoulders, pulling the dress down so it fell to the floor. My undergarments went just as quickly, leaving me naked in front of him. Smiling, I reached for his breeches, pulling them down to reveal a thin subligaria that I quickly removed. Ogling him, me took my hands and stepped backward into the water. It was still warm from when it was prepared, making my smile grow, wrapping my arm around Varro's neck as he sank into the water. Kissing him deeply, he seated himself as I straddled his lap. The water felt amazing. It had only been days since I had last been in a pool but this felt amazing. Any moment with Varro was the favorite of my life. Continuing to kiss him, I felt him harden beneath me. He paused his kisses, meeting my eyes. Smiling reassuringly, I dipped my hand under the water, gripping his cock, positioning myself above it. Keeping his eyes, I kissed him sweetly before pushing him up inside of me. Gently rocking against him, the water along with less vigorous movement gave both of us the pleasure we both craved. Continuously kissing, passions rose, making me slowly move faster, my body tingling as his cock rubbed against me. Feeling him release, my head was alive with pleasure, sighing happily as I rested my forehead against his.
"I thought you wanted time." He said softly.
"I'm not a patient woman." I smiled at him.
"Yes you are." He smiled back.
"Not when it comes to being with you." I added and kissed him deeply.
"Do not push yourself." He said with a slight frown as he ran his fingers through my hair.
"I won't." I said doing the same with both my hands, running them down the back of his head before resting them on his neck. "I simply can't control myself in your presence." I smiled.
Grinning at me, his lips found mine once more, gentle as we enjoyed each other's company. Each gripping a sponge we started to clean each other, talking all the while, laughing as we teased one another. Gripping my ankle he ran the sponge along the bottom of my foot, making me squirm and attempt to pull away from him. Yanking me back to him, dipping under the surface, I came up to find his face just inches from mine. Pulling my body against his he kissed me deeply.
"I love you." He told me sweetly.
"I love you." I said and kissed him again.
Grabbing towels, wrapping them around ourselves, we laughed, groping each other all the way back to our room. Stepping inside we both stopped, seeing Mira pacing the floor.
"Mira." I smiled at her.
"Lea." She smiled stepping up to me. "I've brought you clothes and a few other things."
"Gratitude." I grinned at her, taking her hands in mine.
"I'll put it with mine." Varro said stepping around us.
"Is everything all right?" I asked Mira.
"Yes." She told me. "I'm simply anxious for what's ahead."
"We will all be fine." I smiled at her. "We have men who love us that will keep us safe."
She grinned and nodded at me. "Well, I'll leave you two to prepare."
"We'll join you and Spartacus presently." I told her, placing a kiss against her cheek.
Smiling, I watched her leave before I dropped the towel that was around me, picking up one of the dresses Mira had brought. It was basically rags, something that would feel more comfortable than the stolas I had been wearing. These were something I was used to. Though I did decide to keep a dress or two in case disguise was needed, but I knew that this would be what I'd be wearing. It was a dark red in color with strips of a dark orange and brown, a tan belt to go along with it. Putting it on, I placed my hair in a side braid, keeping it out of the way.
"You look nice in rebel clothes." Varro said putting his hands on my hips.
"You think so?" I said moving against his still naked form.
"I do." He smiled kissing me gently.
"And you look astounding in nothing." I smiled up at him. "I think you should forget wearing clothes all together." Laughing, he kissed me again before pulling on a pair of breeches. "Why wear breeches?" I asked him. "Spartacus continues to wear a cuirass with very little protective garments. I'm curious why you changed your appearance."
"When I was still just a common Roman I wore their normal attire." He answered as he put the final items that Mira had given me amongst his things. "As a slave I wore a cuirass and subligaria as everyone else. Now that I'm free again I simply wished for another change to signify that."
"I understand." I said wrapping my arms around his waist from behind.
"And they're easier to travel in." He smirked, looking over his shoulder. "But I have other clothes for whatever we should come up against."
"Good." I said kissing him between his shoulder blades. "I want you to be protected when the fighting breaks out."
"I will be." He said putting his arm over mine.
"That and I've always enjoyed seeing you in less." I smiled slowly placing another kiss against his skin.
Shouldering the bags, Varro was quick to take the one I had slung over my shoulder, putting both bags over his before placing them by the door of the room. It wouldn't be long before we moved out. Whether it be this day or the next, moving on was inevitable. Frowning at him, he simply smiled and kissed me before leading the way through the villa. The rest of our company was still looting and packing up what would be useful from the house. Some of the newly freed slaves were distraught over the fall of their master, yet most were grateful. One in particular seemed to be watched more than the others. He was of medium height but held a strong build, with shoulder length black hair and dark eyes. Syrian. I'd seen him before but thought little of him. Now there was something in the way that he looked at Spartacus, Crixus, and Agron that told me something had happened.
"Who is he?" I asked Varro.
"Nasir." He replied.
"You say his name with contempt." I stated.
"The first night we arrived he made attempt on Spartacus' life. It's hard to forgive such an act when we freed him of bondage." He explained further.
"How could he do such a thing?" I frowned at him. "Did he love being a slave so much?"
"He had standing within the house." Agron said stepping up to us. "He fears that without it he is nothing."
"That is not true." I told him. "We are free. What is better than that?"
"You should know." He told me. "Was being a body slave really as good as it seemed to be?"
"It had its moments." I replied. "It wasn't until my heart knew what true love was that I questioned my station. However it gave me the opportunities I needed to pursue what my heart wanted." I added wrapping my arm around Varro.
"Mine needed a little convincing." He smiled at me sweetly.
Laughing lightly, I rested my head against his chest before smiling as Spartacus approached. Wrapping my arm around him, I leaned up and kissed his cheek. He smiled, returning the gesture, his arm finding my waist as he smiled at his brother.
"Are we moving out?" I asked him.
"Soon." He smiled.
"Shall we go over the plans?" Agron asked.
"We shall." Spartacus said before leading the three of us to a more secluded area.
Standing amongst the men, I listened to Agron speak of Vesuvius. It would do well to place the camp there. Spartacus agreed and was also pleased to be in striking distance of Pompeii and also Neapolis. I listened again to the plan to attack the slave ships. We would also do well with an increase in numbers and the strength a ship of trained men would bring would be most advantageous. Though as they spoke I found myself losing myself in thought, afraid of losing the things I cared about most. Placing a kiss against Varro's shoulder, I excused myself from the meeting, finding myself wandering the villa halls until I discovered Crixus sitting alone. Without saying a word, I sat next to him, wrapping my arm around his as I rested my head against his shoulder. A wave of sadness moved over me, feeling tears as I hugged myself closer to his side. Turning his head, he placed a kiss against my forehead, resting it against mine before he looked at the sun shining through the window.
With the sun shining upon us, unable to feel its warmth, we sat in silence, both of us still dealing with the death of Naevia. Crixus more than I, for he lost the love of his life, something that I couldn't touch despite the love I had for my sister. Tears welled and fell as I thought of her and the pain that Crixus was feeling. Reaching for my hand, he took it in his, squeezing it tightly as he placed a kiss against the top of it. He didn't need to say anything for me to understand. Kissing his shoulder, I sighed, wrapping my arm around his shoulder, wanting to comfort him in any way that I could.
"Lea." Spartacus said gently. "May I have a word with Crixus?"
"Of course." I smiled at him. Putting my hand on Crixus' face, I turned his head so he would look at me. "I love you, Crixus." I told him softly. "There are no words to lighten the burden you bear. Know that I share it and will do all I can to help you through this devastating loss."
"The loss is yours as well." He told me with furrowed brows.
"Yes." I nodded with a smile. "But the love the two of you shared outshines the love her and I had. We were family but you were the love of her life. There is little that can touch a love such as yours."
"You have your love." He told me. "Hold on to him. Never let him go."
"I never will." I smiled kissing his forehead.
Standing up, I put my hand against Spartacus' chest, smiling at him before I walked away. Soon I felt a hand on my shoulder, looking to see Caius. Falling in step with me, we walked the halls of the villa, neither of us saying a word.
"We haven't spoken very much since we've arrived." He stated with a soft tone, breaking the silence. Nodding, I didn't reply. "I knew things would be different but I didn't think you'd forget the people who followed you here."
"I haven't forgotten." I frowned at him. "I also have always been straightforward about my intentions. I told you and everyone that this was personal for me. I came looking for Varro. I found him. I'm not letting him go and I won't apologize for it. Not only him but Spartacus and Mira and Crixus and Agron as well, they are my family and I am happy that I am reunited with them."
"I didn't mean to upset you." He told me gently. "I'm simply stating that since we've been here we don't see you anymore."
"It's only been a few days." I frowned harder at him. "I think I'm entitled to that and more to reunite with Varro and my family."
"You are." He nodded.
"Then what are we talking about?" I shot at him.
"We miss you." He replied softly. "That's all I'm trying to tell you."
My frustration melted away and I couldn't help but look at him apologetically. Smiling, he placed a kiss against my cheek and walked away. Feeling guilty, I stood, mentally punishing myself for being so absorbed in Varro and my family. Though the feeling passed as soon as it had come, I shouldn't have to feel guilty. Soon there was an arm around my waist and I leaned against Varro's chest, calming at his touch.
"Is everything okay?" He asked.
"I'm not sure." I replied turning so I could look into his eyes.
"What did Caius want?" He asked with furrowed brows.
"To make me feel guilty." I told him with a hint of sourness, leaning against his chest, resting my hands on his hips.
"For what?" He frowned.
"For spending too much time with you and the rest of our family." I replied feeling more irritated by the minute.
"He's been far too fond of you since the first time he laid eyes on you."
"Stop. Jealousy will not help anything."
"I'll break words with him. Remind him of his place here." He said with a raised voice, pacing away from me. "Just because he found you first doesn't mean he can claim you as his own. You're mine."
Gripping his arm, I stopped him, speaking softly, "Varro, it doesn't matter what he thinks. He's a friend and things are different now. We all need to adjust."
"I have you back, there is nothing more that I need to adjust to." He retorted, bringing his face close to mine.
"He's not going anywhere, Varro." I stated. "You need to get used to having him around. As well as the others I brought with me. I have grown close to several of them. I am more than content at simply being with you but we have to get used to the people that are close to us."
"I don't like him." He said shaking his head.
"I need you to try." I told him as gently as I could, holding my hands out in front of me. "I owe him and I won't turn my back on him. Or the others. I've told you that."
"And I thought I could accept it." He nodded with his hands on his hips. "But he always comes to you when you're alone. He speaks to you as if you were his lover. I don't like it and you won't let me do anything about it."
"I can handle him."
"You shouldn't have to."
"What would you have me do, Varro? Please tell me." I asked him exasperatingly. He just looked at me. "There is nothing between Caius and me. But the man saved my life, how can I not be grateful for that?"
"You could have waited."
"Waited for what?" I frowned, my stomach clenching, afraid of what he would say next.
"Me."
My stomach dropped as my throat clenched, my time with Paulus flashing in my mind. All the pain and agony I had endured under his roof. "You know not of what you speak." I told him with a small voice, the words being forced passed the lump in my throat.
"You are strong." He frowned at me. "You could have waited for me but instead you let a snake slither inside of you."
Shaking my head at him, he became blurred as I attempted to push back the tears that unwillingly brimmed in my eyes. "Varro, you don't understand what it was like. If you did you would never have spoken those words." I told him, my voice small and thick with emotion. Turning, I quickly walked away from him, hurt and frustrated.
Trudging through the halls, my anger was rising. He had no right to ask me to wait for him. If he had seen me in the condition Paulus had left me in the thought would never have crossed his mind. Even though I had explained what had happened under Paulus's roof, he still didn't understand what I had gone through or what it had felt like. It was pure luck that I wasn't emotionally and physically scared beyond repair. I had kept my mind sound for when I was returned to my love's arms. Only now we were at odds because of the man who had rescued me when he could not find me. Moving without purpose or destination, I didn't stop until I heard my name being called. Turning, I saw Appius rushing toward me.
"Appius, what is it?" I frowned at the boy.
All he replied with was, "You are needed."
Following him as he moved away from me, there was commotion ahead. Entering one of the rooms, I saw Caius fighting against Nasir, both with feral looks on their faces. Rushing forward, I moved between them, feeling pain across my shoulder blade as I shoved Caius away from the Syrian. Spinning, the back of my fist collided with the Syrian's face, forcing him to the floor.
"Enough!" I yelled, the room falling silent. "All of those who traveled with us remain here. As for the rest of you, leave at once." I spoke with a hard tone.
"Apologies." Nasir told me.
"I will have words later." I told him, before he swiftly left the room.
The room grew quiet as I moved in a circle, looking at a hand full of the people I'd left alone since we'd arrived. They all looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to break words. Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, when I finally spoke it was with a kind but even tone.
"Apologies if you think I've abandoned you. I've been preoccupied with the reason I went on this venture. Something that I have not hidden from any of you. My purpose was to find my love and I have done that. I make no apologies for wishing to be with him. However, it seems as if some of you are causing unrest amongst those who already follow Spartacus. This cannot be. We are not to make rifts with those that follow the Bringer of Rain. I have already broken words that he is the true leader and that I will not hold such position within these ranks. So I beg all of you to cease the trouble being caused and fall in line with Spartacus and his followers. For it is only there that you will find what you seek."
"We disagree." Appius spoke with a frown on his face. I looked at him with a deeper frown. "You've led us for weeks. Why should we suddenly disavow you now that we are with the mighty Spartacus?"
"Because he is mighty. He is strong. He is the true leader. I cannot give you what you want." I shot at him, before looking at all the faces in the room. "Have all the words I've broken with you fallen on deaf ears?"
"You have yet to lead us astray." One spoke up from the crowd.
"We have no desire to follow another." Vita added.
"You are all fools." I stated shaking my head.
"Why?"
"What?" I asked turning my head toward Caius.
"Why are we fools for choosing who we want to lead us?" He said stepping up to me, still breathing hard, wiping blood from his lip.
"Because I know nothing about leading people, making the hard decisions, or finding what we need."
"You have been for weeks now." Appius stated.
"Caius has done more than I." I told them, attempting to sway them.
"Not as much as you'd like to think." Caius stated matter-of-factly.
"Do not assist them in making a horrible mistake." I shot at him. "You've already caused enough trouble for one day."
"We don't know it's a mistake." He told me sadly.
"And when you finally realize that it is?" I asked looking from face to face.
"We'll just have to wait and see." Lucius responded as he pushed through the crowd.
"You of all people should want to follow Spartacus." I told him with furrowed brows. "You should want to be with your own people. Brothers. Gladiators."
"I protect you." He told me with a nod.
"I don't want this!" I yelled at them, seeing a few jump. "Why would you push leadership on me when I do not want it?" They all remained silent. "Answer me!" When no answer came, I sighed, wishing they would just leave me alone. "All I want is to be with Varro. This would be a burden to me. Is there nothing I can say to change your minds?"
"Nothing." Vita replied, a murmur of agreement following.
Knowing that this was going nowhere, I scoffed, shaking my head at them as I looked at those around me, seeing their stubbornness. I knew nothing about leading people and here I was, put in the position because people wanted it that way. "Fine. I see there is no persuading you at this time. But from now on there is to be no quarrels with another person under this roof or any roof in the future. We are all fighting for the same cause. It's the Romans we are fighting, not each other. Am I understood?" A unanimous 'yes' moved through the group. "Now go. Make yourselves busy with helping the house prepare for departure."
"I will remain here." Lucius stated, folding his hands in front of him.
"No. Go." I told him. "You're strength is needed elsewhere." He bowed his head before leaving the room. "Caius." I said stopping him from leaving. Antonia and Felix also lingered in the room. "You are intentionally provoking Varro and it needs to stop now. You do not seek me out in shadow and you need to stop speaking to me with as much affection as you do. You are friend and friend alone to me. That has to be enough and if it's not, then perhaps you need to take leave of us."
"Your boy is easy to make jealous." He commented.
"Enough." I told him harshly. "He is the love of my life and the only reason I survived as long as I did. You are simply the friend that rescued me from a horrible situation. Nothing more."
"So you are simply going to go back to ignoring us?" He retorted.
"No. But I will not stand for any more of your antics. You are a friend, a good one, however Varro means more to me than any of you can possibly imagine."
"We miss you." Antonia told me with a small smile.
"You all will be fine with or without me." I told her. "I miss your company but nothing compares to the company of Varro. If that pains you, I apologize. However the words I speak are the truth. My one purpose was to find him and be with him. Little else matters."
"We understand." Felix nodded. "We simply wanted some of your time."
Sighing, I nodded at him, forcing a smile. "Apologies."
"We don't need apologies." Antonia said sadly. "We simply miss the pleasure of your company. We may not be the family you sought out but you are as family to us. You saved us and have made us feel important in the world. We're used to your presence."
Feeling emotion start to catch in my throat I moved to her, taking her hands in mine. "I did not mean to make you feel unimportant. You too are a part of my family. I am simply enthralled with being reunited with Varro and all the others I hold so dear. I will attempt to do better in the future. For it was you, both of you, who helped keep me alive when I was taken from my home and sold to that monster we all called Master." Felix smiled, putting his hand on the side of my head, his thumb moving back and forth across my cheek. "Are you hungry?"
They both nodded, the four of us accompanying each other to fetch a bite of food. Sitting side by side on the steps, we all ate, making small talk about things that didn't matter. I would have been happier talking with Spartacus or simply working through my frustration with Varro. Even hearing the plans of our move would be more satisfactory than the talking I was doing now. But it was necessary. If they were going to make me lead them, the least I could do was oblige them in their wish for my company. It wasn't that I disliked their company; it was just that there didn't seem to be time to spare for it.
"I should apologize for the feelings I hold for you but I can't do it." Caius told me from my side, his voice low.
"And I should apologize for being so cold toward you but I can't do that either." I told him with a kind tone.
"Can we simply promise to do better?" He asked.
Meeting his eyes, I saw the truth in them. "Yes."
When I finally took my leave of them, I meant to seek out Varro only was caught up with angry talk from my people, a fight breaking out in the garden room of the villa. Onlookers called out with excitement as they watched, some moving to shadow to avoid any confrontation. Attempted to call a stop to it, my voice held no meaning to these men; it was Spartacus' voice that finally saw commotion ended.
"We must not fall to quarrel! Vesuvius will serve purpose well. Agron speaks of fighting men to be liberated from Neapolis not far from its banks." Spartacus told them, though they weren't so easily disarmed.
"Agron can suck the piss from my cock." A gladiator shot back at him.
"Too small a drink for a man."
"Fuck you."
Jumping back, I narrowly avoided a collision as the fight was renewed. Spartacus' raised voice once again rang over the sound of them. "Vesuvius offers advantage. From its shadow, we can strike as the ports of Neapolis, ships heavy with warriors captured by the Romans, as many of us once were."
"Let us hear from Crixus!" Liscus exclaimed, the Gauls calling out their agreement.
Turning I saw Agron look at Nasir, a warning in his expression. Frowning, I caught Agron's eye only to have him quickly avert my gaze. The murmuring amongst the men ceased when Crixus' voice filled the air.
"And what would he say?" He asked of Liscus and the other Gauls. "What words would make difference? The ones I have told myself? Ones of hope…and promise of better days. Throat can no longer make such empty noise. It is choked with loss." He said stepping toward the center of the room. "An agony familiar to many of us. Spartacus lost his wife. Yet his fire still burns. Agron, a brother. Yet his fire still burns. We have all lost. We have all seen those held as friend…as family…as lover…fall to the Romans. Yet our fire still burns. And together, we shall ignite and inferno. I move to Vesuvius with Spartacus."
All cheer. Both leaders are in agreement of their course of action. There was no point in staying any longer. Spartacus stated plan to leave come daybreak. We would move to the mountain and then build our forces, spilling as much Roman blood as we could. The group started to disperse and I stood alone with Crixus and Spartacus.
"I find I have little taste for leading people." I told them. Both looked at me questioningly. "The people who followed me here are intent on having me lead them. I am no leader. The two of you are leaders. Even Agron is a better leader than I and now I am faced with the task myself and it turns stomach."
Spartacus smiled and took my hands. "I fear you may be better at it than even I. Your words could move mountains if you so wished it. Every time I make speech I think of you and hope my words hold even an ounce of the power that yours do."
"You flatter." I smiled at him. "There is no need for it. Especially when you speak with false tongue. My words aren't nearly as powerful as you think they are or I would not find myself in the position I have."
"You will do well for them as leader." Crixus said putting his hand on my shoulder. "You will also have brothers willing to offer advice and assistance along the way."
"Gratitude." I smiled at him before it faded from my lips. "Though I fear the weight of it is unbearable. Varro is my only concern and yet these people demand time and words that I do not wish to give."
"Those are the most selfish words you've ever spoken." Spartacus grinned at me. "I've only ever known you to be selfless."
"I've been practicing." I smirked at him.
"A love such as yours and Varro's will see you well satisfied. But you may also find satisfaction in leading those who follow you. You are far more important than you realize. Something I've known since I first met you." Crixus added.
"Again with flattery." I frowned at him. "I wish to be of worth and to help with the rebellion, however leading people has never crossed my mind."
"You are a changed woman." Spartacus smiled.
"Not as much as you'd think. I've always been selfish where Varro is concerned." I told him. "I am selfless; however I have never been in a position such as this."
"Embrace it. You may yet find surprise in yourself." He stated.
Sighing heavily, I nodded at him, finally replying with annoyance, "Fine."
Both men laughed, both wrapping an arm around me. "Where is Varro?" Spartacus asked me.
"I do not know." I told him. "I left him in our room."
"I've seen that look before." He frowned. "What has he done to upset you?"
"He spoke jealous words about Caius' and my relationship. I attempted to disarm him with pleasing words but the words he spoke in return stung deep. He claimed that I could have waited for him to arrive while under Paulus's roof." Both frowned at me. "If you know even a fraction of what happened to me while there you can understand that waiting was not an option. It was gift from the gods that Caius appeared to rescue me."
"His jealousy will pass." Spartacus told me. "You were too long from his arms."
"I will kill him." Crixus said, his eyes moving toward where Caius and Antonia were walking past.
"I am almost swayed to let you." I told him. "I call him friend and yet fear I do not know the man as well as I think I do."
"If he makes offense against you again I will have his life." Crixus stated.
Smiling, I put my hand on his face. "Gratitude."
"I will also see it done." Spartacus frowned, his eyes moving to the man.
"I appreciate your concern but I am capable of taking care of myself. I've been learning from a gladiator during nights past. I am not as weak I was when I was sold." I smiled at them.
"I long to see you put to the test." Spartacus smiled.
"I would most certainly fail." I told him. "But I am learning."
"Good." He said putting his hand on the side of my head. "Now go make amends with Varro. We both know that you cannot stay mad at him."
"Even now I am not mad at him." I told him with furrowed brows. "I am hurt by his words. There is difference, Spartacus."
"He didn't mean anything by it." He told me. "Believe me when I tell you that he would do nothing to risk his relationship with you. You are the reason he yet breaths. And he is yours. A bond as strong as that is not easily broken."
Smiling, my eyes fell upon the frown on Crixus' face. Putting my hand on his face, I rubbed his cheek as I smiled at him. "Naevia felt the same for you." I told him. "Even now she watches over you, ever your guardian." He smiled but I knew it was only for my benefit. Kissing his cheek, I wrapped my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. "We will have our revenge." I whispered in his ear, his arms tightening around me.
Soon both men were called away, leaving me standing alone. Hoping to remain so, I was always disappointed when my name was called. Turning toward its sound, I saw Otho approaching.
"Lea." He said with a bow of his head.
"What is it?" I asked kindly.
"There is complaint of not having enough space to rest." He told me.
"Your thoughts?"
"There is plenty. Spartacus has been more than accommodating. They are simply used to too much space back at Caius' villa. I fear it will take your voice to see quarrel to its end."
Smiling, I nodded at him, following him to where our people stood huddled, shoving beginning as the fighting started to commence. Rushing forward, I shoved two men apart frowning at the lot of them with disappointment.
"Spartacus welcomes us with open arms and this is how you fucking repay?" I shot at them. "The space provided is more than enough. We are the last to join ranks and we will willingly accept what is offered to us. You have food, water, clothes, and protection. What more could you ask of the Rebels? Or of anyone else for that matter? We are far from Caius' villa. There is no luxury here or anywhere else we are going. Spartacus himself stops quarreling amongst his men. I thought highly enough of you all to not expect the same." There was a murmured apology. "Enough with your bickering for you will find no tolerance of it here. Heed my words or you will all fall to ruin and I will do nothing to stop it. There is no time to fight amongst ourselves. If it's a fight you seek, save it for the Romans. Am I understood?" They all murmured their agreement. "Do not disappoint me or you will find your lives here even further diminished." Walking away, footfalls followed, looking over my shoulder to see Appius close at heel. "What is it?"
"Are you in need of anything?" He asked.
"I am not." I told him. "If you wish to be useful be my eyes and ears amongst our people. Come to me with anything you hear so I may take action if necessary."
"Gratitude." He told me with a broad smile.
"And Appius? Put Lucius and Otho to the same task that I have given you. Tell them that they must keep the peace. I trust them to do what's best. But if anything concerning occurs, come to me."
"Lea." He said with a bow of his head before rushing back to our people.
Taking a calming breath, I remembered my wanting to break words with Nasir. Seeking him out, happy to find him packing his things alone in his chambers. Making myself known, he looked at me with apprehension, seemly already knowing why I was there.
"Hello." I smiled at him.
"Lea." He said softly with an air of respect. I couldn't deny that the sound pleased me, despite my thoughts on leading the people and being important. "What can I do for you?"
"I am simply curious about the man who made attempt on Spartacus' life, yet seems to have found high standing with Agron. A Syrian no less. I will admit that I have never known a trustworthy Syrian."
"I was a fool to make attempt on Spartacus. My eyes are now open to his cause." He told me.
"What opened your eyes?" I asked him, crossing my arms. He smiled, a gentle blush coming to his cheeks. Grinning, I nodded at him. "Agron tells me you were your Dominus' body slave. Is that true?"
"Yes." He replied. "I had position and worth. It was a hard thing to let go of."
"I understand." I nodded at him. He simply looked at me. Turning, I reached my hand up, touching the top of the mark of my former Domina upon the back of my shoulder. "I understand better than many among us."
"You too were body slave?" He said with a small smile.
"I was a trusted body slave." I nodded at him with a smile. "I was trusted to overlook all happenings of the house. I was sent to market alone with only guards to escort me. There were moments where I felt as if I held as much worth as the Romans who visited our home. I felt as if anything were possible." He nodded at me with a sad smile. "It was also my position that allowed me to meet Varro. To meet Spartacus. It was my position that allowed me to be close to them and I have never been more grateful for anything in my entire life." His smile grew and he nodded again. "I understand how hard it is to let go of." I said stepping toward him. "But the difference in our life before and our life now is that we are free. We are free and are able to feel everything that we were denied of before. I am free to love Varro like I was never able to before. You are able to fall in love like you were never able to before." I told him now with a broad grin on my face. "We are able to fight for it. To make our own decisions. To have a say in how we live our lives. No one is telling us what to do. We answer to no one but ourselves. Spartacus has given us all of that and more. To not see what he's doing and follow him would be an injustice."
"I wasn't questioning you." He smiled.
"Apologies," I smiled, blushing.
"I have a feeling that you needed to say it more for your benefit than mine."
Sighing, I nodded. "You're probably right. But I am also passionate about the cause we're all fighting so hard for."
Putting his hands on my arms, he smiled, "I am with you." Smiling, I nodded at him. "Agron has spoken of the power your words hold." Shaking my head at him, I now found it hard to form words. "It's a pleasure to feel their power for myself."
"Varro does not care for you." I told him honestly. "But I must admit that I have a feeling that I will grow quite fond of you." Laughing, he nodded and turned back to his things. Something crossed his face and I couldn't help but find my smile faltering. "What is it?" I asked him. He turned back to me, opening his mouth to reply, when we were interrupted.
"Nasir." Agron said appearing in the doorway.
"Agron." Nasir replied, the look disappearing from his face.
"Lea." Agron smiled, putting his hand on my arm as he kissed my cheek.
"Agron." I smiled up at him. Looking between the two, I knew it was time to take my leave. "Enjoy the night." I told them before walking away.
It seemed the day passed without me realizing it. Night had fallen and most took to their beds, others lingering to take part in a game of chance. Part of me thought I'd find Varro partaking in their antics but I had yet to see him since breaking words this morning. The look on his face and the tone of his voice lingered in my mind, making forgiveness hard to come by. It was late into the night when I returned to the room I shared with him. He was sleeping, my place at his side open and waiting for me. His words moved through my mind and I found myself turning from him. I didn't think I could sleep next to him tonight. Moving through the villa, I quickly entered where Crixus lay, knowing he was alone and just as in need of comfort as I was. Lying next to him, he stirred and looked at me. Smiling at him sadly, he simply wrapped an arm around me and fell back asleep. Attempting to do the same, I let the sound of his breathing be what lulled me to sleep.