In Veritas Memento
Rating: NC 17
Disclaimer: I own nothing. All aspects of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena are owned by Steven De Knight and Starz. This is for pure entertainment value alone.
This story takes place after the episode Missio, yet it veers completely into an A/U after the events of that episode. I am a huge fan of the series Spartacus; however, my favorite character is Gannicus. This is his story.
Warnings: M for a reason. This story is much like the show. It contains bad words and smut! If that is not your cup of tea, turn back now. Although, if cussing and nude scenes offend, are you sure you're a fan of Spartacus?! ;) Hehehe. Kidding. Anyhow, you've been warned.
Pairings: There are multiple pairings, and Gannicus has more than one partner in this story, however, Gannicus/Melitta is endgame. If reading Gannicus with multiple pairings offends you, again, turn back now.
Chapter 18: vincit qui patitur: He who conquers endures.
The celebration banquet was being held in Cossutius' domus just outside the city limits of Capua. It was a grand villa, with a large open aired atrium designed for entertaining, and Cossutius obviously enjoyed being the host. He flitted from group to group ensuring all his guests were well satisfied, while nude slave girls with flowers as their only adornment served wine and an assortment of fruits, breads and cheeses. The guests were enthusiastic as they discussed the success of the Floralia. Gannicus's defeat of Negrimus was already being heralded as an epic and storied battle; one that would live on for years to come; and Quintus and Lucretia were the toast of Capua.
Batiatus saw opportunity presented to reach heights far beyond a mere lanista. With Octavia clearing the way, and Gannicus's continued victories and ever rising popularity among the public and nobility alike, Quintus had plans to ride that wave of success right into the heart of Rome and possibly to the very steps of the Senate itself. With Gannicus' cooperation, agreement with Octavia would stay in shadow, and Quintus was relieved of worry relating to overbearing father. Moreover, if Gannicus followed through with plan and exposed Tullius' plotting to Octavia… Batiatus was positive worry over Tullius would become a thing of past as well. His main concern presently was discovering the means to secure Gannicus' willingness to stay with the House of Batiatus if he received his freedom in Rome. The thought was tormenting Quintus. He was so close to achieving his dreams of true glory. If it was stripped away because he lost Gannicus prematurely, it would devastate both himself and the ludus.
Quintus, Lucretia and Gaia were speaking to the Magistrate over procuring Gannicus for the opening games of the Vulcanaria at the new arena when Quintilius Varis approached the group.
"It'll be a spectacular showing," Sextus was saying. "Gannicus against Vettius's man, Caburus, in the Primus to see who truly holds title of Champion of Capua."
Quintus kept the scowl from his face by sheer force of will. He had no doubt Sextus was parroting what Tullius had instructed him to say. "I favor the sound of that. However, the people already see Gannicus as their Champion," he said. "What might be a better showing would be The House of Batiatus versus The House of Vettius. An all-man sine missione battle for the Primus. Gannicus will, of course, be among the men, since he is our Champion, but an event such as opening day deserves more than just a single contest between two men, would you not agree?"
"An idea of some merit," Varis said, having come upon the last of their conversation. "An all man battle for supremacy."
Cleverly seeing where Quintus was headed with his idea, Gaia added her two cents to the plot. "I know, throughout the day, have men from both houses compete for position in the Primus. And in the end, you present epic battle between the best gladiators from both Houses."
Varis applauded the idea. "Now that would be an event worthy of the Vulcanaria to be certain."
Quintus could have kissed Gaia! She had just created an avenue for every gladiator Batiatus to have position in opening games. It was a brilliant move and he was well pleased.
"What would be an event worthy of the Vulcanaria?" Cossutius asked joining the group.
Varis explained the notion for opening day events. "Concluding with a sine-missione match between the very best crop from both Houses."
Like Varis, Cossutius wholly applauded the idea. He turned to Sextus. "Surely you can arrange such a thing?"
Sextus nodded. "I would favor such an event. Of course, Tullius would have to approve his men…"
"And why would he not?" Varis asked, a frown weighing his brows down. "What reason could he have not to participate?"
Cornered, Sextus could do nothing but agree. "I cannot think of a one," he said, his smile brittle and forced.
Quintus could not believe his good fortune. It was as if Varis and Cossutius were working with him as well. "And, it would give the people a chance to see Gannicus in the arena twice in same day."
"A thing to inspire attendance to be sure," Gaia said.
"And Caburus as well," Lucretia added. "He gave a good showing today."
"Yes," Cossutius agreed. "His bout was quite gruesome. He is being hailed as the Beast of Capua."
"A title of worth for one such as he," Lucretia said. "And would it not inspire if we were to bear witness to the Beast of Capua, as well as the Champion of Capua take to the sand twice in one day."
"A rousing thought, Lucretia, and well received." The man turned to Sextus. "I will speak to Tullius on the matter," he told the Magistrate taking it out of Sextus' hands. "Certainly, the man would not deny us such an event!"
Relieved of his burden to Tullius, Sextus' smile no longer appeared forced. "It would be an epic battle and perfect for opening games." He glanced to Quintus. "I would have further discourse on the matter upon your return from Rome."
Batiatus nodded, smiling. "Of course." In truth, Sextus was out of the bargaining now that Varis had decided he desired such an event. With Varis and Cossutius both desiring a Batiatus versus Vettius event, it would be difficult or Tullius to naysay the idea. Quintus wanted to cheer. Finally, the Gods were favoring him.
*8*
After Octavia bathed him from head to toe, keeping to her role as slave to his master, she had proceeded to suck him off with an enthusiasm that would rival the most accomplished whores at the ludus, without (surprisingly) seeking her own pleasure in return. Which, in the relaxed mood Gannicus was in, he would have happily provided, yet she insisted she was there to serve him, not vice-versa.
It had been a highly erotic interlude and if her desire was to please him, she had done so. Gannicus was hard pressed to recall he was not there willingly.
After their prolonged bath, she had had inspected his wounds and was not satisfied with the skills of the arena's medicus. "These will scar terribly," she said, frowning at the ugly gashes on his chest and belly. "You are too beautiful to be scarred so," she told him, biting her lip. "I will have my man, Seppukus, replace these stitches." She ran a hand gently over his injuries. "At least the animal did not burn flesh to heal these."
"They are not serious enough to warrant the necessity," Gannicus told her, enjoying her petting for once. He was relaxed and mellow because she was being so sweet and light of heart. It was an appreciated change.
"The Gods favor you," she said softly. "Come." She got to her feet and took his hand. "Allow my man to look at these and see if he cannot improve on the stitching."
Gannicus did not argue as she led him to a small room behind the villa. Gannicus climbed upon a flat table in the middle of the room, while Octavia stood next to him, still holding onto his hand. Seppukus, a huge beast of a man with a long thin nose and a shock of snow white hair covering his huge head, replaced the quick mending of the arena's medicus with superior, tightly woven stitches that would be less prone to scar. The man then applied a healing salve of various herbs and plants to all his injuries as well as the numerous cuts and scratches he had.
To Gannicus' surprise the pulpy salve did not smell horrible like the rancid paste Batiatus' medicus, Horatio used. It had a fresh scent and, to Gannicus' shock, he felt the throbbing sting leave his wounds almost immediately. His eyes widened in awe. "Like fucking magic, it has soothed painful injuries!"
"Would you like some delivered to the ludus for your use?" Octavia asked Gannicus, still holding his hand.
"Yes," he said, giving her a genuine smile. "Gratitude. The paste Horatio slaps upon us smells like piss and shit!" He made a face and Octavia giggled. "My brothers and I would be most appreciative to wear this in its place."
"I will ensure the entire ludus is well stocked."
In this, he did not mind accepting her charity. The salve was exceptional and every man in the barracks would benefit from its healing capabilities. "I am in your debt, with promise to reward and balance scale shortly," he said with a wink, bringing their joined hands to his lips and placing a kiss on her knuckle.
Her breathing hitched, and her face flushed with desire. "Look upon me in like manner again and I shall see you not only receive healing balm, but the man who made it as well."
Gannicus chuckled as he picked up the jar and peered inside, then smelled it. "What is in this?" he asked Seppukus, astounded that his injuries no longer throbbed in pain.
"A blend of Aloe Vera plant, root of hibiscus sabdariffa, arak, panthenol, a few local herbs and ground poppy."
Gannicus nodded as if following the man's words, but in truth Seppukus had lost him with all those ingredients. He had no fucking clue what all those things were, but he was appreciative of the lack of pain.
"I mix the blend by my own hand," the man said, continuing his explanation. "And each plant and herb are designed to assist the healing process, reduce swelling and numb the pain of injury." He finished spreading the pulp on Gannicus' numerous scrapes and wounds and then sprinkled some golden-brown powder to each wound and smeared it atop the salve. "What I am applying now is a mixture of crushed oak leaf and chamomilla. It will help with inflammation of the flesh."
In quick work, Seppukus had the majority of Gannicus' injuries cleaned and dressed. There were only the two most serious, the slash to his pectoral muscle and the deep cut on his back, left to bandage. Gannicus lifted his arms as the man wrapped a long cloth around his chest and back, covering the wounds with the soft linen bandage to keep them clean and free of dirt. "His bandages must be changed every four hours and I should like to see him tomorrow to inspect stitches," he told Octavia before handing her a jar of the salve.
Gannicus thanked the man sincerely for taking such good care of him. "He is a fucking gift from the Gods for a gladiator!" he commented to Octavia once he was discharged from Seppukus.
She looped her arm through his as they made their way back to the villa. "You were so curious about his salve. Do you have any idea what is in it?"
Gannicus chuckled. "Not a fucking one," he admitted, "but I know it works. That is of importance."
"I could send him to your ludus as a gift, if you would like."
"That would be up to Batiatus, but I can guarantee my brothers would appreciate that man's skills."
As they walked through the halls leading to her bedroom, they passed the tapestries that Gannicus had noticed on his previous visit. He paused by the one off the woman gladiator. "This is interesting to me," he told her. "I have heard tales, but I have never witnessed a gladiatrix in battle."
"I have," she said, and Gannicus turned to her in surprise, brow raised. "In Pompei," she added. "Adrena. She was a retiarius, and quite an accomplished one at that. She bested several men before being taken down by the man you fought and killed today, in fact."
"Truly?" he asked. "You witnessed this event?"
She nodded. "It was not a long match and she went down fast under his skill." She put a hand on his jaw, rubbing her thumb along his stubbled cheek. "I was worried for you when I realized Negrimus was your opponent. I have seen the man fight on several occasions. He was a beast and undefeated before today."
Gannicus gave a low laugh. "I am well-aware. He earned the moniker of un-killable for certain." He glanced to the bandage on his bicep. "There was a time when his blade caught my arm that I feared I may fall my arms felt so fucking heavy I could barely swing my sword."
Octavia shuddered. "Thank the fucking Gods that did not happen," she said heatedly.
Gannicus' gaze shot to hers. "Would you have mourned my loss?" he teased.
She stopped dead in her tracks and turned to face him, her cat-like eyes fierce. "I would have purchased the man and driven a fucking dagger through his breast myself had he bested you!"
Her words should have caused concern, but her ferocious defense of him had his cock swelling instead; her savagery rousing the gladiator in him.
Just then, they came to a halt outside her doors. "But, the Gods favored you and you were triumphant. A true God of the Arena," she said, her desire for him apparent on her face. "The crowd adoring you." She licked her lips. "I adore you."
Gannicus stared down into her face, feeling some of his resentment towards her fading in light of how pleasant this night was turning. He cupped her face in his hands. "Show me," he whispered, brushing her lips with his.
Octavia nodded and took his hand. "Allow me to service you further Dominus," she said softly and opened her bedroom to him minus guards or slaves.
*8*
Having returned from the celebration early due to a sudden migraine, Lucretia immediately retired to her bed chamber. "Make sure the wagon returns to Cossutius' villa for Quintus and Gaia, Melitta," she said as she began to remove her jewelry herself, so distraught was she over the pain she was in. "I did not want to spoil his night of triumph by leaving, but this damnable pain. It simply will not stop!" she cried, sitting on the edge of her bed and rubbing her temples with her fingers.
"I have already sent the wagon back, Domina," Melitta said, once again, proving her worth by anticipating her Domina's needs and taking care of them before being asked. "And you did not spoil Dominus' night. You are an asset to him and he knows this. Ease mind, he understood you were in pain and was not upset by your departure, except in his worry over your wellbeing."
Melitta got Lucretia prepared for bed and handed her a glass of the wine she had poured from a carafe found within Gaia's room. It was tainted with opium and Melitta knew Lucretia could benefit from the drug this evening. Lucretia drank half the glass before handing it back to her body slave, who then set it upon the table next to the bed.
"Are you of comfort? Can I bring you something?" Melitta asked, sitting next to her Domina on the bed and gently placing a wet, cool cloth upon Lucretia's brow.
The opium combined with the cool cloth soothed, and Lucretia's ache eased somewhat. "No. I am fine. Gratitude, Melitta. I know not what I would do without you," she said, patting Melitta's hand. "Will you bring Titus his honeyed wine before you retire? His cough appears worse once again and the medicus insists he should have a drought before bed."
"I will, Domina," Melitta said with a nod as she rose from her position on the bed. "Call for me if you require anything more," the brunette slave said before exiting the room.
*8*
Gannicus' grin was wide and pleased as he allowed her to lead him into her opulent bedroom where she once again resumed her role as obedient slave girl. Her demeanor aroused him, and he disrobed quickly to climb upon the downy softness of her massive bed, laying down on his belly as she straddled his waist and used scented oils to rub down the areas of his flesh not bandaged. His low groans of pleasure could be heard as she massaged sore muscles, as well as each time she called him 'Dominus' with the proper submissiveness and the lowering of her gaze. He found her obedient stirred an animalistic lust in him, perhaps because she could be such a callous—he stopped himself and banished thought before he spoiled mood.
After she had thoroughly rubbed down his shoulders, back and the backs of his legs, Gannicus had rolled over and revealed the erection that had been absent sight during her massage. "There is a more pressing matter I would see your touch solve," he said, wrapping his hand around his cock and stroking it as he met her gaze.
She licked her lips as her eyes roamed his aroused body. "Would you prefer my mouth or my hands, Dominus."
Gannicus gave a soft growl of hunger. She was making him a bit crazed with this role playing. "I would have your mouth, with your moistened thighs around my head so I could return the favor in kind."
Her nipples hardened, and her entire body flushed with raw desire at his suggestion, and yet, she hesitated. "But you are injured. This is about you, tonight," she told him.
"Then satisfy my craving by allowing me to taste the nectar that flows so freely when my cock is inside you."
"Gods!" she moaned.
Gannicus chuckled. "Come," he said, calling her to him. "Feed your master with bountiful cunt!" His eyes took in her mound, covered only by that tiny scrap of silk with a string between her thighs. He licked his lips. "I find I am fucking starved," he added huskily.
Her answering smile was far too bold to be deemed submissive. "Yes, Dominus," she replied and straddled his head, her mound at his mouth and her face aimed at his cock.
Gannicus wrapped his arms around her hips and thighs and brought her to his lips and tongue, groaning deeply when her hot, wet mouth reciprocated and swallowed half his length down her throat in one smooth motion.
Their play was a most satisfying adventure for them both, and later, after they had shared multiple orgasms with fingers, lips, mouth and tongue, Gannicus found he was not as tired as he thought when she had gotten down on hands and knees and presented herself to him for fucking in a manner he had never imagined her willing to try, let alone enjoy so thoroughly...
*8*
After retrieving the mulsum from the pantry, Melitta made her way to Titus' room. She paused in the doorway, a small smile on her face. The old man was sitting up in bed reading. When he noticed her there, his face broke into a smile.
"Melitta," he said, waving her in, obviously pleased to see her.
She held up his wine. "I thought you might care for a glass."
His smile was almost boyish. "You know my weakness," he said, holding out his cup. "I would see it exploited." Melitta chuckled softly as she poured him a full glass. Titus then handed her one as well. "Share drink with an old friend," he said to her.
"I would be honored, Dominus," she said, pouring herself a healthy drought as well.
Melitta pulled a chair next to the bed and sipped wine with Titus, enjoying conversation as he told her stories of past glories of the House of Batiatus. It was much like old times before Titus left for Sicilia, Melitta used to have a sip of wine with him many a day before retiring for the night. Titus treated his slaves far differently than Batiatus. When the old man's eyes started to droop, Melitta settled him in for the night. She went around his room and blew out all the candles but one.
"Gratitude Melitta. This was a most pleasant evening. Reminded me of old times."
"For me as well, Dominus. Good night," she said softly and left his room to seek her own for the night.
*8*
The next morning Gannicus awoke, a smile on his lips, until he caught sight of Octavia sitting next to him, staring at him with an enraged expression on her face and her green eyes burning with fury.
'Fuck the Gods! The Roman bitch was back!', was his first thought. Immediately following was intense disappointment as he realized the extremely pleasant fantasy world of last night was apparently over.
"Who the fuck is Melitta?" she hissed.
It took all his will and limited acting abilities to keep his face clear of the shock and fear Melitta's name falling from Octavia's lips brought forth. With the enjoyment from their role play fresh in mind, he had almost forgotten what a cruel bitch Octavia could be, especially when threatened or jealous. He could still recall her attacking her own body slave just for looking at him. If she realized he had love in his heart for Melitta, it would be disastrous. Octavia would turn her wrath towards the woman he loved and that was something Gannicus would seek to avoid at all costs, even if he had to sacrifice of himself—he would not allow her to hurt Melitta.
"Why do you ask?" he questioned warily, instead of answering.
"Because you call her name in your sleep!"
Fuck! Gannicus could have slapped himself for doing something so foolish as to speak Melitta's name and place her within Octavia's sights. He had no recollection of dreaming of Melitta, yet he must have to call her name in his slumber.
When Gannicus did not respond right away, she became enraged. "Is Melitta another of the whores who clamor to climb upon cock? You know I will not share you. If you are fucking this woman, or any other whore in that ludus, I will line them up one by one, strip them naked and stand witness as every one of your whores is fucking crucified before your very eyes!"
Cold, clammy fear slithered along his spine at the evil in her dire words. How could he have forgotten what a ruthless cunt this woman was?
"If you value your cock attached to balls, you best speak!" she snarled, her face twisting into a mask of rage that made her utterly unattractive to him. "Which one of your whores is she, Gannicus?"
"Melitta is no whore," he bit out.
It irritated him that Octavia did not know who Melitta was considering the wreckage she had caused in the beautiful slave's life. It showed how callous the Roman woman truly was. However, her lack of decency was beside the point. He had other, more pressing problems…how did he explain Melitta and his relationships with her without alerting Octavia to the true nature of his feelings? He would have to lie, but it had better be convincing. Gannicus stuck as close to the truth as best he could.
"She is a brother's wife." He let that settle for a moment before adding, "the woman you and Varis had me fuck the first time Batiatus entertained you."
"I remember her. Pretty with dark hair and eyes."
Melitta was far more than pretty, she was breath taking, but he wisely kept that thought behind his teeth. Gannicus was more concerned with her lack of emotion to the degrading acts that had been forced upon Melitta and himself. It was as if Octavia did not see how heinous her behavior was and some of the anger he still felt towards that first meeting seeped into his voice as he added, "We were commanded to fuck and now there are…complications within our relationship due to those encounters."
"If I remember correctly, you were very attracted to her." Gannicus did not deny the statement. Octavia had witnessed it with her own eyes. "Does tender feeling stir within your breast for her?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest and staring at him with suspicious eyes.
He was not surprised she had missed or ignored the meaning in his words. Like most Romans, she was utterly self-absorbed and turned sight to her own worries first.
He tried to keep his face neutral, but something must have given him away, because she suddenly looked crazed again.
Her face flushed, and her lips twisted angrily as she grabbed him by the chin hard enough to leave a mark and draw blood. "I asked fucking question! Do you fucking love this Melitta, Gannicus?"
Her voice was deadly quiet, but the venom that dripped from every word practically screamed danger. Gannicus grimaced at the pain from her nails digging into his jaw, but that was nothing compared to the fear that gripped his heart. "I have lay with Melitta twice and each time it was not by my own design," he said as calmly as he could, despite wanting to grab her by the wrist and forcibly remove her hands from him.
"Then why do you dream of her?"
"I have not a fucking clue, Octavia, but one thing is certain, I am not fucking Melitta," he said, protecting his love as best he could while he tried to soothe Octavia's hysterical tirade. "I have shame and remorse attached to her and what we were forced to do. What you forced me to do with her," he told her with brutal honesty, hoping to place her in position to defend her actions rather than placing blame upon him or Melitta. "I was coerced into fucking a brother's wife in a crude manner, betraying the man I hold dear to heart, so yes, there are times I dream of the events. My guilt…it haunts me, causing nightmares."
It was the perfect thing to say.
"I did not know," she said softly, her fury gone as quickly as it had been thrust upon him. She released his chin and petted him, wiping the blood off his cheek as if that would heal the wounds she had created. "Apologies," she said cupping his face in her palm, the tenderness in her actions in direct contrast to the callousness of her earlier touch. "I am a fool. My emotions…" Tears filled her eyes and her voice turned husky. "What I feel for you… I cannot bear the thought of you with another, it causes me to behave like mad cow! Forgive me. I place blame for circumstance absent your control."
Once again, her mood had swung wildly about, making his head spin with the speed with which she went from rage to apologies to tears. The pleasantness of last night's fantasy was brutally extinguished in the wake of her crazed jealousy and relentless, obsessive need to possess and control him. Gannicus had never chafed at the chains of slavery as he did now. The bitter taste of his reality held tongue lest he give voice to the disgust he was feeling towards her presently.
When he did not respond, Octavia took his hand in hers and brought his palm to her lips. "Forgive me?" she asked, but it was not really a request.
Gannicus was well-aware he did not have the freedom to refuse. He could only imagine her reaction if he did. The disappointment of having her revert to the Roman bitch he detested sat heavy upon him. He had let his guard down and had enjoyed his time with her last night. He still needed to break words with her regarding Tullius. Perhaps this might be perfect time to do so. She was in a mood. For once, he could exploit tempestuous emotions and make them work for him rather than against him.
"Let us turn thoughts from unpleasant misunderstandings," he told her, forcing a smile upon his face and, once again, slipped on the mask of lover. "I would not spend the morning arguing over nightmares I neither remember nor control," he murmured as he wrapped a hand behind her neck and pulled her head down until her lips were an inch from his. "I am sure if we put our minds to it, we can find more pleasurable ways to entertain ourselves…" He brushed her lips with his. "If this is the last time I am able to spend a night with you, I would not see it mired in disagreement."
As expected, she lost mind at his words. "Last night with me? Break fucking words and explain meaning behind that statement, Gannicus!"
He shrugged and adorned a worried frown upon brow. "I have heard the elder Batiatus may yet sell me to Tullius after the man whispered in the Dominus' ear information relating to our arrangement."
Her jaw dropped, and her eyes widened. "He did fucking what?!"
Gannicus repeated the part about Tullius breaking words with Titus regarding their relationship. "Titus would not care that I am content now. He would see it as improper and seek to have our arrangement voided."
"Now I understand why the old prick was so suspicious. Tullius thinks he can slander my name and no consequence shall touch his brow?" Her rage was palpable. "That little fuck! Like rabid dog he dares bite the hand that feeds him."
He was quiet, and she turned her attention to him, cupping his face in her hands. "Do you wish to have our agreement ended? Is that something you covet?"
After what she had just put him through? He wanted to shout "yes", to the heavens above, however, that would serve no purpose, and it would not change circumstance. So, he lied. "No," he told her, "I do not." He rubbed his beard roughened cheek into her palm. "I am more than content presently, but if Tullius has his way, I may no longer have choice in the matter. The man has a fucking hard-on for me and has pursued me for months, obsessed with purchasing me to improve his fucking ludus."
"Put mind to rest, Gannicus. Tullius forgets his place. I shall remind him."
Mission accomplished. "Enough talk of fucking Tullius," Gannicus said, leaning back into the pillows and pulling her down on top of him. "I would not have that shit eater ruin my time with you. Not when there are so many other…more pleasurable pursuits to be had," he told her with a grin and a suggestive buck of his hips.
She melted into his touch like he knew she would. He had pointed her like deadly arrow towards Tullius, now he wanted to quit her presence, but he had another day to spend with her. He would simply keep her on her back and engaged with his cock since that was the only time she did not become jealous fucking shrew that made skin crawl! He was so angry with her for revealing her dark side again. He had almost forgot how cruel and crazed she could be due to the delights he had found with her the previous evening. Perhaps it was for the best, it would not do to lose sight of how dangerous the woman could be.
Gannicus made a note to himself to never allow memory to fade again.
With Lucretia still abed with her headache, Melitta spent the morning watching over Titus. She was on the balcony delivering him some honeyed wine for his cough when her husband arrived after being summoned by the elder Dominus. As the two men walked through the atrium, discussing matters of the men and their training, Melitta trailed after them quietly. She listened to their discussion with only half an ear, her mind drifting, until Dominus once again broached the topic of selling Gannicus to Tullius. She nearly stumbled in surprise as shock and pain lanced her breast simultaneously. Quickly she averted gaze before someone took notice of her aggrieved expression. Selling Gannicus would solve present issue and remove temptation, yet she was hard pressed to keep heartache from making itself known at the idea of him leaving the ludus forever.
Surprised as well, Oenomaus frowned. "I had believed in light of recent victories and position gained in Rome that all thought to his sale had been removed."
"I also had thoughts to refuse sale, but they have dimmed in light of what I suspect is taking place between Gannicus and the Severus woman."
Oenomaus stopped short and the guilty expression the Doctore wore told Titus all he wanted to know.
"If you have information relating to the matter, bring it to light, Oenomaus."
The bigger man looked uncomfortable, but he would never give false tongue, not even to protect his brother. "They are…involved," he finally admitted.
Behind him Melitta winced at the anger on Titus's face.
"The man brazenly lied to me!" he growled. "I broke words with Gannicus on the subject just yesterday at the Floralia. He told me there was no such arrangement between them."
Titus' words surprised Oenomaus. "Gannicus denied he is involved with the woman? I do not understand why he would do such a thing, he says he is happy with their relationship."
Titus erupted in anger. "He is happy with his circumstance?! What kind of champion would find happiness in receiving esteemed position in the Apolloinares on the merits of his cock?!"
Taken aback, Oenomaus hastened to deny Titus' presumption. "Dominus, you cannot believe Gannicus was awarded the Ludi Apolloinares by virtue of his pretty face and size of his cock. The man is a lion in the arena. His last two contests were epic showings. Both Danaos and Negrimus were gladiators of tremendous skill, yet Gannicus defeated them, and he did not do so with either his charming smile nor his cock."
"Then why does he bear false tongue when asked direct question, Oenomaus? If there is no impropriety would it not be simpler to admit truth and see suspicions fade?"
"I cannot speak on his reasoning, but place yourself in his position, Dominus. Your son pressed this relationship upon him and then you ask him to confirm or deny such a thing exists, angering Batiatus in the process if he confirms relationship."
"Yet, you say he is happy with this relationship, Oenomaus. Is he being forced or is he a willing participant? It cannot be both."
Oenomaus was uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was going, but he continued to speak the truth as he knew it. "I believe he is a willing participant, presently. I do not believe it to be so in the beginning."
Listening to them, Melitta knew he was not willingly fucking Octavia, however, Titus' reaction worried her. It appeared admitting such a thing might force the man's hand and he could sell Gannicus simply to rid himself of what he viewed as an improper situation. The thought caused Melitta's heart to seize in chest painfully. In fact, she wished she had never broken words with Oenomaus regarding Gannicus' circumstance. Her husband, in a valiant effort to help Gannicus, was hurting him instead.
After a moment of silent deliberation, Titus let out a long sigh. "I suppose you are right. Despite his value, the man is still a slave and bargain struck by errant son is not his fault to bear. However, I will not be party to one of my men plowing noble cunt to receive positions within the arena." He nodded to Oenomaus. "I would see this relationship Gannicus is having come to an end or he can continue it in Tullius' care."
"Dominus—" Oenomaus began, but Titus cut him off.
"In this I am firm. I will not have my house dragged into carnal waters, Oenomaus. You know this." Oenomaus sighed as he nodded. "And Tullius continues to make offers for the man. I spoke with him the day of the Floralia. His bid for Gannicus now stands at five thousand denarii and a promise that this house would be equally featured with Vettius in future games at the new arena."
"Five thousand?!" Oenomaus exclaimed, stunned. "That is an unheard-of price for a slave—even a gladiator of Gannicus's standing."
"It is, but Gannicus will earn much in the arena, especially after Rome."
"And if sale is refused?" Oenomaus asked.
"Then all but Gannicus will be excluded from games in Capua indefinitely."
Oenomaus nodded gravely, that was indeed a steep price to pay, however he wanted Dominus to realize Gannicus's true worth before making such a rash decision to sell him. "Apologies Dominus, but does it not trouble mind Tullius's obsession to possess Gannicus?"
"Do you think me a fool, Oenomaus?"
"Never Dominus," Oenomaus hastened to reply.
Titus smirked. "I see Tullius's numerous offers for what they are. His need to obtain the man lies in as much with his anger at my son as it does with his desire to acquire Gannicus on his gladiatorial merits. While I admit, Gannicus possesses far more skills than I had originally given him credit for, Quintus and Tullius tug over him like two children fighting over a favored toy, each determined to best the other. And now we have Severus' interest in the man. With the power her family wields, if Gannicus were to bruise the woman's heart, she could turn her wrath to me and this ludus. It is a situation I would choose to avoid, old friend."
Oenomaus had never considered that aspect of Gannicus' affair with the Roman woman; with his wandering eye, it could be troublesome indeed if he were to anger the woman.
"Just as I would choose to avoid political aspirations far above my station," Titus said. "Tullius seeks to have Octavia's coin and favor fall to his purse, and I am of a mind to let him have it, rather than place this house in dire struggle for a man whose value in the arena is unquestionable, yet whose strength of character outside those walls is debatable."
"You question his honor? Why?" Oenomaus asked, surprised.
"The man takes nothing seriously," Titus muttered, "not even the truth! And while I understand why he bore false tongue, it is not excuse. A true champion is more than his victories upon the sands. He is the sum of his actions. He must be strong in mind as well as heart and body, Oenomaus. Every decision made…"
"Speaks to the man, and the balance of his heart," Oenomaus finished.
Titus chuckled. "I see you do remember lessons taught long ago."
"Not to be forgotten through guiding hand and the bite of Doctore's whip," Oenomaus said, but he was smiling fondly, and the bond between the two men was obvious.
"A method that took animal from the pits of Neapolis and shaped him into the man that stands before me today. A man whose honor is above reproach and whose mind is not easily swayed wine and women."
Melitta lowered her gaze as she listened to Titus speak on Gannicus' character. His words appeared true, at first glance, but he did not truly know Gannicus. The blonde gladiator was flawed, yes, but he was far more than the Dominus realized.
"You see Gannicus as weak of mind?"
"Of weak mind?" He shook his head. "No. I do not. However, Gannicus does not strike me as a man who weighs decisions wisely either. He seeks his own desires first, then laments upon poor choices later."
"In this we disagree, Dominus," Oenomaus said quietly. "Gannicus plays the jester. He drinks and does enjoy the women, but that does not tell the tale of who the man truly is. His heart is far deeper than he would have anyone know. He seeks love and acceptance—often in ways he should not, but that is also why he is such a warrior in the arena. There, he can receive the love and admiration he so desperately wants. The roar of the crowd feed those desires. Believe in him, show him that acceptance, and he will honor this house in ways you have not seen before. I can promise you this."
"A bold statement, but one I fear comes from the heart of friend, rather than the mind of Doctore."
"No, Gannicus is trusted friend, but in this matter, I do speak as Doctore. Losing him would see the House of Batiatus lose a Champion unlike any that has come before him. Including myself," Oenomaus added.
Oenomaus' words surprised Titus. "Oenomaus, your contests upon the sands brought this house tremendous accolades. Your match with Theocoles is still considered one of the greatest matches ever seen. The crowd favored you to such an extent, they spared your life, a fate no other of Theocoles' opponents have ever received. If not for that, I believe you would have won the rudis that day as well. Why do you believe Gannicus superior to that?"
Oenomaus weighed his words carefully. "Because Gannicus possesses a rare quality that cannot be learned or taught. It must come from within."
"And what would that be?"
"The ability to have the public worship you," Oenomaus said softly.
*8*
A/N: Thank you again to people reading. So glad you are enjoying it. :)