The pirates arrived at the port were a squirrely and untrustworthy bunch. Of that Mira was sure. Yet, Spartacus chose to conduct some sort of business with them. In this Mira was excluded from the negotiations, however as the night wore on and drink increased, so did the rowdiness of the pirates. Mira wished to have no part in it. It was only until after everything was settled that Crixius informed Mira of the deal.
Mira picked her way through the streets as the partying continued. She had no need of this foolishness. She was dead tired from all the work that need to be done and directed throughout the day. She passed by Spartacus' villa hoping to speak with him about pressing matters. As she entered, she froze as she saw the pirates and the gladiators cavorting about the villa's courtyard. Mira searched the crowd in hopes of spotting Spartacus, and did not notice the pirate approaching her.
"A delicate flower in my mists it seems" the pirate drunkenly spoke. Mira turned toward the intruder of her thoughts and realized it was Heracleo the leader of the pirates. He staggered towards Mira, making avoidance easy for Mira. She clenched the dagger at her waist in defense.
"Go back to your drink and whores." Mira spat at the pirate leader. "This one has fangs and fire. I like it!" The pirate leader exclaimed, drawing the attention of the others. Boisterous laughter and yelling increased as the pirate leader continued his approach. Mira back off and draw her dagger, bringing the point to the pirate's jugular on his neck.
"Go back to your drink and your whores. Or find your life spilled on the floor." Mira gritted with fierceness at Heracleo who continued to smile menacingly at her. Heracleo, knowing there was more willing females around for the taking, backed away slowly. Many of his fellow pirates jeered at the retreat.
All the commotion had caught the attention of Spartacus who watched with discerning eye at the interaction between Mira and Heracleo. It was clear Mira was not needing assistance from anyone, which made Spartacus chuckle as he watched Heracleo back away. Mira launched herself out of the villa quickly, and Spartacus wondered if perhaps she had need of him. Spartacus had taken note that Mira rarely engaged him except to speak of pressing matters within the camp. He knew that their relationship was ended from what it once was, however he found himself wishing it had not ended. He missed Mira kind words of encouragement, and frankly her presence in his bed was also missed on some chilled nights. Yet he knew her presence by his side marked her for certain death. He often found himself arguing with himself about the fact she had been given choice to leave some many months ago, yet she had not left; she had stayed by his side if not literally, but figuratively. Mira and her archers had been a great asset to them in battles past.
"Apologies, King Spartacus." Heracleo stated, half bowing to Spartacus as he sat on the bench across from him. "No need for apologies." Spartacus stated as he sipped from the cup of wine provided by the pirate leader.
"I was unaware the fiery one was claimed by you." Spartacus blinked surprisingly at Heracleo, curious at his comment. "I do not lay claim to anyone." Spartacus replied flatly, his eyes intently watching the doorway where Mira had just exited. Heracleo turned around toward the retreating back of Mira into the shadows, laughing heartedly and taking a long swig of wine from the pitcher on the table.
"I have travelled to many places, see many things. The look of a man desiring a woman is universal in all tongues and cultures. In this I am sure." Heracleo smacks Spartacus on the shoulder in jest.
"What was is no more." Spartacus spoke sourly as he peered into his half empty cup in contemplation of its contents. Heracleo seeing Spartacus' mood change from the simple jest, acknowledging that he had stumbled upon a delicate subject, spoke softly.
"Life is short, King Spartacus, to deny that which is so obvious a need. Go to her." Spartacus looked up from his glass and peered straight into the pirate leader's eyes with deadly purpose.
"She is not for sport. She is a leader in this army who had stood by my side regardless of consequence. Do not think you can advise me in this matter." Heracleo knowing he had stepped too far, held up his hands as Spartacus retreated to the interior of his villa.
Leaving the villa, Mira marched towards the city walls. She would take a shift on the walls to clear her head.
Several hours later Mira stood shivering on those same walls. She had forgotten her cloak in her rush to get away from Spartacus' new found allies. She had meant to stop by the villa she shared with Naevia and Crixius. Her mind raced as she rushed toward the wall. Many there were not surprised to see her. She spent many nights on the walls in order to give Naevia and Crixius time alone. Some nights, she would hear their laughter and sounds of pleasure, and it was too much for her to bare. She found solace on the walls; here she had purpose.
Mira wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing them briskly to try and ward off the cold wind. The wind numbed her mind from thoughts of sweeter times; times with Spartacus. Now he only speaks to give command, but a rare occasions he would jest with her and others. Any intimacy was nearly non-existent now, which made Mira heart both break and soar when she felt the heat of Spartacus' gaze upon her. She silently cursed, wishing she had brought the damn cloak. No matter, she thought, she had suffered through much worse.
The hours had passed and still sleep had not come to Spartacus. His mind was restless with thoughts of what was to come in the battles against Rome. He was no fool. He knew time was running short, but perhaps the winter would allow them to gain advantage and move to safer ground. He rose and walked through the streets of his city. The words in his mind seemed strange and alien. The boisterous behavior of the pirates, coupled with idle gladiators and slaves was a dangerous mix. Yet, the night had settled down nicely, with only sounds of the night breaking the silence. Spartacus climbed the city walls at a remote point. Perhaps here he could find inspiration for sleep or victory. Either one would be acceptable at this point.
As he climbed up the wall, his eyes fell upon Mira, peering steadily forward into the night. She seemed lost in thought, yet she was shivering greatly. Spartacus brow furrowed with concern. She did not seem to hear his approach. He stopped for a moment on contemplated her. Without Mira, none of this would have been possible. She had given him opportunity to kill Batiatus and Glaber by ensuring the gate from the ludus to the villa was open. She had given honest counsel when needed. Without her…..Spartacus' mind wandered. Mira's continued shivering brought Spartacus' mind back to the present. He moved toward Mira.
Mira was so deep in thought she did notice Spartacus' presence on the wall. Simultaneously, she felt his presence behind her and the heaviness of his cloak upon her shoulders, his voice drifting softly past her ear.
"You should not be without warmth at this frigid time of the night." Spartacus' hands ran up and down Mira's arms over the cloak to generate more warmth. Mira smiled kindly over her shoulder, drawing the cloak closer to her body. Its scent drifted about, reminding her of the man she once shared her bed with; the man she still loved.
"In my haste to arrive at the city walls on time, I forgot my cloak. Gratitude." Mira explained as Spartacus moved to lean over the wall, contemplating the night. "Undoubtly, you move swiftly in order to remove yourself from Hercaleo's grasp." Spartacus peered back of his shoulder, a sly smile upon his lips. A jest, Mira thought, one that in other times she would have laughed with him about. However, Mira's heart broke at the memory of those times, contained in a simple jest. She would not allow herself to feel that pain again.
"Why do you consort with him and his kind? They are not men of honor." Mira whispered fiercely. At this fierceness, Spartacus turned around, peering directly toward Mira, arms crossed upon his chest. It was, before he could speak, the moon above which chose to show itself which made him pause. He meant to rebuke Mira, but he knew she spoke the truth, but the moon had other plans it seemed. The sight he saw took his breath. Mira's face had been hidden in shadow before, but now in the full moon light, Spartacus could see her clearly. The beauty of her skin and hair, the soft smile which barely touched her lips, the glistening within her eyes from tears long shed and her tear stained cheeks. He noticed the way she clutched to the cloak with white fisted effort, as if to try and control the wind with her strength. Spartacus moved forward taking the sides of her face in his hands, peering deeply into her eyes.
Mira was shivering for entirely different reasons now. She had come to the wall to escape her raging feelings. When she stood at the wall, the wind high and strong, she could cry without notice. She did not want to feel the pain any longer. The times of battle kept her mind racing and did not allow her to think of what she had lost. But now, in these idle times, she felt the pain keenly. Spartacus' arrival on the wall and his kindness towards her had been unexpected. And the damned moon had betrayed her with its light to the man she wished she could remain hidden from. Now he stood in front of her, in her place of refuge, with hands that could kill holding her face delicately and softly, his eyes seeing directly into her soul. Mira wanted to throw her arms around him and beg him to return to her. But her mind told her that his heart was not able to give all that she wanted, needed. She could no longer look at him, she shut her eyes and breathed deeply of his essence. It was enough to know he cared for her still, if not to the point of returning to her. It is enough, Mira thought.
Spartacus saw the pain and hurt in Mira's eyes as she tried to withhold her tears further. He knew the tears were for what they had lost. He watched as a tear overflowed from her eyes and trailed down her cheek. This woman, who he had seen face down Roman legions, seemed so delicate in front of him now. Spartacus wiped Mira's tear stained cheeks softly with each thumb, trying to sooth her tatter emotions. With that her eyes shut softly, and sigh of deep longing escaped her. Spartacus moved forward and pulled her to his chest. He kept his hands softly holding her face to his chest, he kissed her forehead gently. It is enough, Spartacus thought.
Time seemed to stand still as they stood there, the wind blowing around them. The moon, having done what it sought to do, retreated behind the clouds again, shrouding them in shadows. Neither moved away, nor towards one another. They just stood, together. It was Agron who came upon them silently, looking to relieve Mira from her duties. As their embrace ended, there was a sense of disappointment. Spartacus was first to move down the wall, leaving Mira with his cloak. Agron smiled at Mira, not noticing the tears on her cheeks, as she moved in the same direction as Spartacus had went.
Spartacus paused at the bottom of the wall, waiting for Mira. No words were exchanged, just a glance as Mira removed his cloak to return it to his shoulders. Her arms were about his shoulders as she fastened the cloak back in place which allowed Spartacus to once again revel in the moment of having Mira back in his arms. But it ended too quickly. Mira touched Spartacus' cheek, rough with beard, and left his presence. Spartacus did not follow.