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.
Notes: I wanted to give a sincere thank you to all of you who have sent me pms and well wishes regarding my Sadie-girl. She is finally up and about and is doing better today. :) I cannot express how overjoyed I was to see her little tail wagging this morning as I took her out to the front yard for some quality her and I time. :) Since the last chapter was late, I have decided to post this one straightaway. Hope you all enjoy and thank you again for all your warm regards. They were greatly appreciated.
TJ
*XOXO*
Chapter 46: in harmonia progression: Progress in harmony
Palatine Hill, Rome: Claudius and Octavia's city domus.
Claudius Metellus Aurelius was not an average Roman. For one, he detested slavery. He simply did not believe one human being should "own" another human being. It was fundamentally wrong, and he worked tirelessly, albeit quietly, towards helping those less fortunate than himself. Finding ways to help individuals not born into the patrician class was why Claudius entered politics. And while he could not end slavery, he was determined to remove the stranglehold of power Sulla had given to the Senate when the dictator had invaded the city three years past. As consul, Aurelius could see the scales of power balanced by proposing the position of Tribune to the plebs be reinstated, thusly returning some control back to the common Roman by having their needs properly represented. It was one of his goals in life.
Another was pleasing his wife.
It was no secret he adored Octavia. They were childhood friends who married for the greater good of their families. It was a prearranged marriage. One that suited both houses. Her family wanted his family's sizeable fortune and his father wanted Octavia as a distraction towards what the old man called his son's more "feminine pursuits". Neither he nor Octavia had balked since she was his very best friend and he was hers. Their marriage was not of the passionate sort, but it was indeed a love match. He would do anything for her if it brought a smile to her face.
Which brought him to his mission of the day. The surprise he had for her. It was finally completed, and Claudius was pleased as he inspected the small arena he had designed for her specifically. Relieved that after nearly two months of construction, it was finished, especially since Claudius was finding it more difficult with each passing day to keep curious wife from venturing past the gardens of their outer courtyard to this section of their property and discovering for herself what manner of construction was taking place. As he strolled through the structure, he took note of the intricate marble work, the beautiful statues and opulent seating area of the amphitheater, he was well satisfied. The workers had done a superb job; it was exquisite. The white imported sand from Iberia that covered the arena floor was pristine and the walls were painted red, purposefully to keep it looking pretty even after blood was spilled.
Claudius could barely contain his excitement. He imagined Octavia's response as he admired the twelve-foot-high arches surrounding the arena. The artfully crafted walkways were constructed of lime mortar and aggregate concrete for stability. The multileveled platform on the northern end of the arena for seating was made up of the same. It was small compared to public amphitheaters, as the arena itself was a mere twenty meters by thirty meters in size, as opposed to one hundred by two hundred, but he was not planning on hosting twenty-five thousand guests like the arena in Pompeii; he had opulent theatre seating along the raised platform that could accommodate a hundred guests comfortably. The pulvinus was situated perfectly centered of the platform with twenty plush chairs for a select few guests to watch contests from the "royal" box. The surrounding walls of the arena were not as tall as a normal amphitheater either. At just over ten feet high at the tallest end of the arena and little more than four feet high at the shortest end, the walls were not the standard height; however, Claudius did not plan on having wild animal hunts either, so he did not feel the need for walls that towered twenty feet high.
In yet another manner in which Aurelius differed from many Romans…he deplored the cruelty shown to animals in the arena. Such events were disturbing and barbaric, and he did his utmost to absent himself whenever the games provided unpleasant entertainment of that nature. Claudius refused to provide such disgusting acts in his own domus. His arena was to be bright and lovely, like the woman he designed it for.
His eyes turned to the incredible marble temple at the southern end of the arena. It had four pillars and a ten-foot marble statue of Venus in flowing purple robes before it. He felt the need to further honor the Goddess of love for presenting him with his own goddess in Octavia. Claudius utterly adored his wife and could not wait to show her his surprise now that it was finally complete.
When she had returned from Capua alight with happiness, Claudius had decided he would do anything to see that giddy pleasure remain on her beautiful face. It was for that purpose that he had agreed to allowing her gladiator and his lanista to stay at their domus during the Apolloinares festival. It was also why he arranged to hire the most sought-after sculptor in Rome to carve a marble portrait of Gannicus for her as well. In keeping with his tradition of presenting his wife with outlandish gifts, he decided to honor her by building a small arena for her to entertain her guests, as well as give her gladiator a place to train.
Octavia would go mad for it, of this he had no doubt. Her hapiness was his greatest joy. It was that desire which made allowing her to bring her gladiator lover into his home an easy choice.
Unable to hold off showing her his surprise any longer, Claudius was about to go in search of his enchanting wife when Calia, a grey-haired slave who had run Claudius' household since he was a boy, approached him.
"There is a messenger for you at the gate, Dominus," she said.
"Calia, please do not call me Dominus," he complained with an exasperated sigh. "For Jupiter's sake, you used to wipe my arse! How many times must I tell you I do not wish to have you call me Master."
She chuckled. "We have had this argument, Dominus. I call you as such because it is what you are not who you are. And I will continue to do so," she said, lifting her chin. "Now, come you have a visitor and an unsavory one at that."
He never won when arguing with her. "Fine, I will accept defeat gracefully for now, but I swear to Jupiter, there will come a day when you will realize the Gods made all men equal, Calia, and the word Dominus does not belong between men or women."
The old woman chuckled. "If you say so…" She paused and then added, "Dominus," with a cheeky smile.
Claudius threw his hands in the air, but his answering smile was one full of affection as they made their way along the tiled walkway past the outer gardens towards the street entrance of the property.
They approached the courtyard and Claudius slowed his pace to match that of the old woman's. "Did you call my guest unsavory?" he asked, his brow rising.
"Yes," she answered. "And dangerous looking too."
Claudius was flummoxed. "In what manner?"
Calia shrugged. "The man simply appears unworthy of your company, Dominus." She gave him a warning glance. "Please tell me you are not associating with those thugs on Aventine Hill again."
Claudius sighed when he saw who was awaiting him. Damaius Vorsutius was a political leader for the plebs on Aventine Hill. How Calia realized such a thing was beyond Claudius' comprehension. "Apologies Calia," he told the old woman. "It appears you are correct. The man is unsavory." A scowl appeared on Claudius' normally gregarious face. "He also oversteps coming here. It will not happen again."
She shook her head at him, her concern obvious. "I have raised you since you were barely old enough to tie your own laces. I was by your side when your father died just after you donned your toga virillis and you had to assume command of his estate. It was difficult thing, but you are good man. You rose to the challenge with honor..."
Claudius could see she wanted to say more and he would have her speak her mind. "Gratitude Calia. You know your opinion is valued. Speak freely."
"You have strong beliefs on the rights of the people and of slavery. I know this, but I beg of you, do not endanger yourself for those beliefs. All would be lost without you," the old slave said softly, her tired grey eyes shining with affection as well as concern. "We would not wish it so. Your wife would not wish it so."
He patted her on the shoulder. "I promise you, Calia, I am not about to martyr myself for my cause and leave my people or my wife without protection." He winked. "I will remind Vorsutius to stay on his side of Rome. Apologies for worrying you."
Calia sighed. "It will do no good to chide you further. I recognize stubborn tilt to your chin, Dominus. Much like when you were boy and I told you no more honey cakes…only to find you had three tucked into the folds of your tunic!"
He grinned like a naughty boy. "You always did manage to catch me. I will proceed with caution then." Claudius leaned down and kissed the old slave's wrinkled cheek. "Speaking of honeyed cakes… Perhaps you would see if Haggitha still has some from the evening meal? Now that you have mentioned them, I find I am famished."
She chuckled and patted his cheek fondly. "Like small boy once again," she murmured. "I will bring you your honeyed cakes. You remove guest from domus. Yes?"
"I will, Calia," he agreed. "I promise." Claudius did not want her upset with him. The woman had raised him and stood more of a parent to him than either his father or his mother. Before she left, Claudius had another favor to ask. "Calia, please let us not mention this visit to Octavia," he said. "You know how she worries."
Calia sighed but nodded her head. "I will hold tongue to the Domina, but you must remind this man that his presence is a risk to all, Dominus. Including the Domina herself."
Claudius' jaw tightened. "Trust words, Calia. The man will get the message before he departs."
Once Calia was gone, Claudius made his way to the gates that separated his property from the streets of Rome. He frowned at Vorsutius as the man climbed from the back of his horse. "Juno's fucking cunt, man! You should not be here on the Palatine, and especially not at my fucking domus!" Claudius growled. "This had better be important for you to endanger not only yourself, but my position as well."
Vorsutius held his hands up as if surrendering. "Apologies Aurelius. I have done my utmost to minimize risk, which is why I have arrived under the guise of courier." He held up a rolled parchment. "I am simple delivery service."
Claudius took it from his hand but did not bother opening it. "Yes. Yes. Get to fucking point, Vorsutius. Why are you here?"
"Word has come that your wife's brother will be in the city for the Apolloinares…"
"Yes, Lucius will be staying under my roof during the festival," Claudius admitted, the hairs on his neck starting to rise.
"That shit fuck was Sulla's right hand when the tyrant invaded the city and removed power from the tribunes and placed it entirely within the hands the nobleman of the senate," Vorsutius said.
"Yes, but Sulla has since retired to the country absent the power of dictator. Crassus and I are working to return power of veto back to the tribunes and Lucius has returned to the campaign in Hispania." Claudius huffed a frustrated sigh. "What has any of that to do with your untimely and, might I add, unwise visit here today?"
"Many in the pleb community want Severus' head on a pike. Perhaps while he is here…"
Claudius could see where this conversation was heading and immediately disabused the Aventine leader of the notion that he would play a part in whatever scheme was being hatched. "I will not have a hand in murder, Vorsutius. If your people on the Aventine are putting such a plan in motion you can expect me to oppose it."
"Lucius Severus is a sadistic cunt! He terrorized Rome while Sulla was in charge. Why would you not wish him dead?"
"Because I am not a murderer!" Claudius replied harshly. "It goes against my very beliefs and if that is what you are about, then perhaps I shall withdraw my funding of your organization. I will not play treasury to a band of thugs and murderers!"
The Aventine leader shook his head. "We all respect you on the Hill, Aurelius. You are a patrician who truly cares for the people. We know this, but Severus…"
"I am well-aware the kind of man my brother in-law is, Vorsutius. I have known him for over twenty years. But every human life has value, even a demon like Lucius Severus has worth."
The two men faced off for a tension filled moment before Vorsutius sighed in defeat. The plebian movement could not afford to lose Aurelius' backing. "Very well, I will inform our friends in the Aventine of your opposition to any movement on Severus."
"You do that," Claudius replied, still put out by the visit and its purpose. "And Vorsutius…" The man paused in remounting his horse. "Never fucking come to my domus again. Such a thing threatens the safety of my wife, and I love my wife more than anything in this world. If any harm were to ever come to her due to your recklessness…" His features hardened. "You would unfortunately see I am not always the mild-mannered man who stands before you today." Claudius paused and then smiled charmingly as if he was not threatening the Aventine leader. "Are we of an understanding?"
Vorsutius nodded. "We are. Apologies again for coming to your domus. It will not happen again," he said, resuming his position upon his horse.
"See that is does not," Claudius said and signaled to the slave manning the gate to unlock and open the large wooden doors, allowing Vorsutius to leave.
Claudius took a moment to adjust his temperament before seeking out Octavia. His wife knew him well and if he found her while engaged in the foul mood he had presently, she would know something was amiss and question him until he caved and told her; he always gave way when Octavia set her mind to purpose. He had no desire for his wife to discover he was in league with the Plebian Community for Change (PCC) in the Aventine.
*8*
Capua: Batiatus Ludus
It was a relatively pleasant day in Capua, absent the dry heat that had been plaguing the city of late so, after their mid-day meal, Lucretia and Gaia retired to the balcony to enjoy their wine.
They were speaking of the upcoming trip to Rome and Gaia was expounding on the merits of the Trajan Market and the many forums available there.
"It is six glorious stories of the most wonderful shops, Lucretia," Gaia said, her eyes dancing with excitement. "It has been an age since I have been, but I am certain Octavia will desire a shopping trip and I cannot wait to explore Trajan's forums with dearest friend."
"And with the coin Quintus has received from Octavia, we shall not have to simply admire...we can purchase if we so desire," Lucretia added, her own anticipation for their upcoming trip seeping into her voice.
Gaia began rattling off the many shops within the massive marketplace, and Lucretia's eyes wandered to the yard below. With surprise, she noticed Gannicus down on one knee and interacting the young boy from the kitchens, Kleos. It dawned on her the boy was the gladiator's son, but Lucretia was still surprised to see Gannicus interacting with the child since he had never shown interest before. Lucretia turned gaze to Melitta and her ire rose as she took note of the captivated expression on her body slave's beautiful face. The fucking Celt had them all enamored of him. Her husband and her most cherished slave seemed to favor the man over her most of the time. It disturbed, and his arrogance annoyed her as well. As she watched the Celt avoid training to play with his child, Lucretia admitted, if only to herself, if he was not so important to Quintus and the House of Batiatus, she would happily see the cocky gladiator sold to Tullius, thus ridding her of his distracting presence.
Just then, Gannicus handed Kleos a sword and began to show the boy how to thrust and parry with the blade. Lucretia felt her ire rise. "Quintus…" she called to her husband in the tablinum. "Can you explain to me why Gannicus is training the kitchen boy as gladiator?"
Batiatus came out to the balcony from the side door that led to his study. He had a handful of grapes in his hand and was eating them one at a time. "The boy is his son and has aspirations to stand as gladiator one day." He shrugged and tossed another grape into his mouth. "Who better to learn from than his father and house champion."
'So Gannicus now has visitation with his child instead of training for contest?"
Batiatus muttered a soft curse under his breath and clever Gaia quickly noticed Quintus appeared ready to lose temper with Lucretia for her constant criticism of Gannicus. "Is it not beneficial to the ludus to have the child of a champion such as Gannicus learn the ways of a gladiator early?" Gaia nudged Lucretia and widened her eyes, letting dearest friend know she was treading dangerous ground with her husband.
Lucretia sighed and gave over, letting subject drop before she started argument. "I suppose you are right," she conceded, but it was grudgingly given.
"Lucretia," Batiatus said. "I allowed the man to spend some time with his son. Where is the harm in that?" He threw his hands in the air. "He has been blessed with the child—every man should have such an opportunity!"
Lucretia reeled back as if he had slapped her. "And since I have been unable to give you a son, do you now seek to live vicariously through your gladiator?"
"Lucretia…" Gaia began but Lucretia waved her off.
"Fuck!" Quintus snapped. "You mistake meaning behind words."
"Do I?" Lucretia asked, raising her chin. "I am well aware your father thinks I am worthless because I have not borne you a child, Quintus. The man has mentioned it often enough. I just never realized it bothered you as well. I thought I was enough. I suppose I was wrong." With that she got to her feet and strode from the balcony.
Melitta made to follow, but Quintus held his arm out stopping her. His expression spoke plainly how upset he was that Lucretia had been hurt by his words. "Melitta remain," he said. "I will speak to her."
"Yes Dominus," Melitta said softly.
Quintus quickly left to follow his wife, leaving Melitta free to make her way back to the railing to watch Gannicus and Kleos.
*8*
In the yard, Gannicus had Kleos follow him over to the palus in the shade (and far away from the cliff) to show the boy some basic sword training. The blonde gladiator watched as his son swung his swords at the palus, attacking the wooden structure with enthusiasm but little defensive action.
"Do not attack wildly," he reminded. "Hurry slowly, Kleos. Use your head as well as your swords when attacking." He took up his own blades and swung them the palus, his blows landing with deadly force. "When you strike, you must be prepared to counter your opponent." He immediately returned to a position of defense before launching another offensive strike. He repeated the movements several times. Attacking and defending his position. "Always remember for each attack you make; your opponent will counter. You must be prepared to meet that challenge and not be caught unawares."
He knelt down, so he was eye to eye with the boy. "In the arena, a good defense is as necessary as a strong offense. Without both, you will surely fall."
Kleos nodded. "Like this, tad?" he asked, and proceeded to copy some of Gannicus' movements near perfectly, much to the gladiator's surprise.
Pride caused chest to swell. "You are a natural," Gannicus said with a broad smile.
"He is," Oenomaus said, coming to stand beside them. He too, had observed how quickly the boy had caught on and imitated his father. The Doctore winked at young Kleos. "Not even your father worked the palus this well on his first try…and he was thrice your age," he added with a grin.
"Truly?" Kleos' eyes were huge. He turned to Gannicus. "Does he jest?"
"Doctore never jests," Gannicus said in a serious tone, barely keeping his grin removed.
"Never?" Kleos questioned with a frown. His gaze went to Oenomaus. "Do you not like to laugh?"
Oenomaus' eyes met Gannicus' over the boy's head. Gannicus grinned at the child's question and Oenomaus bit back his own answering smile. "I enjoy laughing very much, Kleos," the Doctore replied, "but I never find humor in gladiator training. It is life or death in the arena. Not a matter to take lightly."
"But is the arena not the place for a gladiator to find joy too?"
Oenomaus nodded. "It is, but it is not a place for laughter," he told the boy.
"But my father is always laughing during contest," the boy said, countering Oenomaus' logic with his own innocent understanding of truth.
"A thing I have warned him of," Oenomaus replied. "Losing focus in jest can be deadly in the arena."
"But, my tad is champion, and has never lost a fight. So, is laughter not sometimes allowed?"
Gannicus could not contain his mirth at Oenomaus falling under Kleos' curious brand of determined questioning. "He makes valid argument," the gladiator said.
Oenomaus rolled his eyes at Gannicus. "Your father is exception to the rule," the Doctore said dryly.
"What does exception to rule mean?"
Gannicus recognized Oenomaus' bemused expression. Kleos had a way of putting that look upon a face when he began his interrogations. The gladiator grinned, pleased it was not him under the boy's scrutiny this time.
Oenomaus sighed. He thought for a moment before offering explanation. "It means your father is uncommon. He can laugh while fighting in contest and be successful, when the rule is a gladiator must be serious or die in the arena. Therefore, your father is the exception rather than the rule where gladiators are concerned."
Gannicus was impressed at how well Oenomaus explained the matter to the boy.
Kleos obviously understood too because he nodded and said, "So, you are saying my father is not ordinary gladiator. He is extraordinary."
Gannicus' smile was shamelessly arrogant. "That is exactly what he means, Kleos," he said, chuckling in amusement at how the conversation had worked in his favor.
Admitting defeat to the boy, Oenomaus nodded. "Yes, he is extraordinary," he said, rolling his eyes as he ignored Gannicus' cocky smirk. "Would you like to see how gladiators truly train for contest now?"
Kleos nodded excitedly. "Will my tad be fighting too?"
Oenomaus glanced to Gannicus. "Most definitely," he replied with a smirk of his own.
Gannicus had a feeling his brother would like to take up sword himself at the moment and show Kleos a true contest between titans.
"Observe," Oenomaus said. He squared his shoulders and cracked his whip. "Gladiators attend!"
Kleos jumped and Gannicus placed a calming hand on his son's shoulder. "The whip is simply a tool to get a gladiator's attention and respect, Kleos." He winked at the boy. "Have no fear, you will not feel its sting."
*8*
Rome:
Claudius entered his home through the exedra (garden room) and made his way from the rear of the sprawling domus through the large open aired peristylium. He enjoyed the heady fragrance of the many flowers that bloomed within the courtyard of the peristylium before going inside the interior of the home. His step was light, jaunty even as he walked past his immaculate tablinum with its yellow and purple curtains and the six-foot statue of Mercury, the God of commerce and financial gain that stood prominent within the room, and into the massive two storied atrium. The room had ten two storied pillars along the open center walkway and was large enough to entertain a minimum of a hundred guests comfortably. He passed the long rectangular impluvium, pausing when he noticed the rose petals floating within the crystal-clear water.
He turned to Nepos, his body slave. "Ask Iliana to remove the petals from the water. It looks pretty, but I would not have my drinking water tasting of roses."
"Yes Dominus," Nepos replied with a chuckle. "I can imagine that might be unpleasant."
Nepos had been with Claudius for twenty years and the Roman considered the Iberian more family than servant. As with Calia, it irritated Claudius to hear Nepos call him Master. In fact, he would prefer it if none of his servants not called him Dominus, but Octavia had reminded him how many senators they entertained regularly. It would not do for any of his political rivals to learn Claudius did not see his people as slaves and actually paid everyone who performed duties within his domus a wage for his or her services.
"You know you do not have to call me that when there are no guests in the house."
Nepos inclined his head towards the triclinium. "Domina is entertaining."
"Oh," Claudius said. "I was unaware."
Claudius gave Nepos a teasing grin and motioned to the Impluvium. "What say you, old friend, ever tasted rose water before?"
Nepos made a face and shook his head. "If you must, but I would prefer not to."
Claudius chuckled softly. "Wise man."
"I will have Iliana remove the flowers presently."
"Gratitude, Nepos," Claudius said kindly as he watched the middle-aged Iberian man head towards the cubiculums on the lower floor of the domus in search of Iliana, the young Germanic woman in charge of keeping the impluvium and caldarium waters clean and fresh.
Claudius wished he could free all his slaves and openly pay them, however, much of the Roman economy depended on slave labor. To many Romans, both patrician and plebian alike, wanting to end slavery would be tantamount to aspiring to bring down the entire Roman way of life; even his co-conspirators within the plebian movement would balk at his ideas regarding slavery. If word was ever to spread that Claudius held such beliefs it would not only endanger his life, but Octavia's as well. He would never see her harmed, which is why he disguised his need to help the slave community by being overly generous with all communities within Rome; both noble and pleb alike. He donated millions of denarii each year to many causes, and in the doing, no one could accuse him of favoring slaves only.
After sending Nepos off to collect Iliana, Claudius once again headed for the triclinium, where Octavia was entertaining her guests.
Inside the Batiatus villa: Quintus and Lucretia's bedroom.
Quintus found Lucretia lying curled up upon their bed.
"Lucretia," he said, sitting down next to her, "you mistook meaning of my words. I care not about children or what my father thinks. If given choice between you and having a child, I would spend eternity childless if it meant keeping you by my side."
She rolled over towards him and Batiatus' expression turned grief stricken to see the tracks of her tears down her face. "Never would I want to cause you even a moments pain," he told her sincerely, using his thumb to wipe her tears away. "Without you, I am fucking nothing."
"Apologies for overreacting," she said and go to her knees. Quintus opened his arms and Lucretia took refuge in them.
He hugged for several long moments before asking, "what causes this anger you have towards Gannicus?"
She curled her legs to the side, sitting beside him on the bed. "He is taking everyone I hold dear," she finally admitted in a soft voice. "He has your affections and Melitta…" She snorted. "My dearest slave is so fucking in love with the man her cunt floods at the sound of his voice!" She frowned. "Even Gaia wants to fuck the man!"
"And how does any of this detract from you?" He cupped her face in his hands. "He is my champion and the means for this ludus to see previously unforeseen glory. No more. I do not love Gannicus, Lucretia."
"He has Melitta's heart. Her loyalty is no longer mine."
"That is not true. Yes, Melitta is in love with him, but that does not mean she is no longer loyal to you." He kissed her soundly. "You are her Domina and she will always serve you first."
Lucretia sighed, her temper settling. Quintus saw this and added teasingly. "And…as far as Gaia…" He shook his head. "Please keep her far from Gannicus! The woman is a force of fucking nature, one that has drawn many a man into ruin. My champion has enough cunt to whet his appetite and complicate life, I do not favor Gaia adding hers to his plate!"
Lucretia chuckled suddenly. "She would ruin him, wouldn't she?"
If that prospect made Lucretia smile, Batiatus cared not. The possibilities of Gaia and Gannicus coming together were slim to none. "She would, so keep her cunt far from his cock and we shall all find fame, fortune and glory in Rome. I know you favor the sound of that. Do you not?"
She smiled. "I do."
He kissed her tenderly. "And I favor seeing you smile. It is what I live for."
Lucretia gave him the smile he sought as she wrapped her arms around him. She fell back to the bed and pulled him down to lie with her. "And I favor having you inside me," she whispered.
"A plan I can get behind," he said with a smirk, kissing his wife with a passion he had only for her, one that still burned as bright as it had years earlier when they first met.
*8*
Rome: Inside Claudius and Octavia's domus: The triclinium
As he approached the triclinium, the sound of a man's jaded laughter drifted to Aurelius' ears, alerting Claudius to the identity of at least one of Octavia's guests. He recognized Cossutius' cackling laugh, considering it was usually sounded at the detriment of another human being, Claudius thought it best to hurry his pace and ensure his wife was not allowing the man to abuse any of his people. He pulled the curtain back, peering inside to get a glimpse of what he was facing. Octavia was indeed inside with the debauched Cossutius and his equally depraved twin sister, Cossutia Minor; fortunately, they were not involved in any acts of barbarism…yet. However, he was not pleased to see the siblings, as they were, each in their own right, the epitome of the cruel and sadistic Roman. Claudius knew from the man's own mouth that Cossutius had personally taken the virtue of every slave in his house, whether they be male or female. Cossutia was no better. The male slaves in their domus always bore ugly wounds upon their flesh, as if mauled by a dog. When he had questioned the marks, Cossutia had bragged it was by her own hands and mouth they came by their wounds. It had sickened him. There were even rumors that they were lovers as well, which could explain why Cossutius never arranged a marriage for his twin.
In truth, Claudius cared not if they slept together. What they did in the privacy of their domus was their own business, but how they treated those less fortunate did concern him. Their house was one of disrepute and every time he heard either of them speak of abusing their slaves, he was forced to excuse himself before he let it be known how they disgusted him. It was a true showing of his love for Octavia that he even tolerated them in his domus, much less deigned to speak with the despicable pair.
"I'm not interrupting, am I?" Claudius asked as he pulled aside the purple and cream-colored curtains of Octavia's triclinium to greet the trio inside.
Surprise appeared on Octavia's face for the briefest of moments before she smiled brightly. "Of course, not. Blessed am I to have the honor of your presence, my love." She waved him inside. "Come join me."
Claudius had no desire to sit with the siblings and listen to their course tales of torture and sadism, therefore, he hesitated at the curtain.
Upon seeing Claudius, Cossutius smiled broadly. "Aurelius," the smarmy Roman greeted, "I was just telling your wife how all of Rome is eagerly awaiting your offering for the Apolloinares and seeing Gannicus in the flesh. The man's reputation has spread across the capital. Half the Republic are now clamoring to bear witness to the marvel." He tipped his head back and finished his wine. "Surely you will be hosting events while you have the gladiator here at your domus? He will be quite a draw, for certain. I can assure, your political rival will have nothing of equal substance to offer."
Cossutia, who was an exacting feminine version of her brother, perhaps longer in the tooth even, sat up straighter at the mention of parties. "Yes. Octavia, what is your entertainment schedule during the festival? You have sent out no invitations."
Octavia gave a dainty shrug of her pale shoulders. "As is my way. You are aware I always wait until the last moment to announce my celebrations. Invitations will be delivered tomorrow to the selected few I have invited. No more. If you do not receive your invitation by tomorrow," she smirked, "you were not invited."
Cossutius arched a brow. "Surely we've made your cut?"
Octavia hesitated, drawing it out before she giggled. "Of course, you have idiot!" She gave Cossutius a smile to soothe harsh words. "If not for you and Varis, I might have returned from Capua with a gladiator from Vettius' shit stable!" Her expression turned to one of horror as she gazed at Cossutius. "Just imagine me trying to pass that brute Caburus off as Apollo!"
Cossutius threw back his head and laughed. "Not fucking likely," he replied. "Cacus, perhaps, but never Apollo."
Seeing he did not have his wife's full attention, Claudius sighed. "Perhaps now is not the proper time to show you what I have been building for you..." he teased before he turned and exited the triclinium. A smile curved his lips because he knew he would not get more than three steps before…
"Claudius halt!" she called out. "What do you mean building for me?" The extreme curiosity in Octavia's voice obvious. "Claudius!" she shouted. "Return! You cannot dare deliver intriguing message and then leave absent explanation."
Claudius knew Octavia loved being the center of attention and decided perhaps it was best she was entertaining when he presented her with her gift. With Cossutius and his sister standing as witness, they would spread the tale and Octavia would be the envy of Rome by the end of the day.
He returned to the triclinium. "Are you ready to lend me your attention?"
She giggled. "I am."
"Come," he said with a grin, holding out his hand for his wife to take hold of. When she placed her small hand in his he pulled her to her feet and into his arms. "You know how I adore you, do you not?"
"I do," she replied, excitement dancing in her green eyes. "As I adore you."
They shared a grin, like two naughty children. Their true affection for one another plain.
"Be prepared to be honored as the goddess you are, my love!" Claudius exclaimed. He glanced at Cossutius and Cossutia. "Bring wine. This is a celebration to give thanks to the Gods for most cherished wife."
*8*
A lot of you have expressed interest in Claudius, so I have fleshed his character out a bit. I rather like the man myself. ;) I had to consider not every Roman was a disgusting animal, so here is my version of a decent Roman living in a depraved society. I like to think he makes Octavia a bit of a better person because left to her own devices and she is just as twisted as Cossutius and Varis!
Any cookies tossed to my muse by way of feedback is greatly appreciated. :)
Footnotes: Lucius Cornelius Sulla (AKA Sulla) was a dictator who took control of Rome in late 82 BC and early 81 BC. He left the city for the country in 80 BC. Of course Lucius Severus is my own character, but the information included in this story relating to Sulla (e.g., eliminating the post of Tribune to the plebs) will be historically accurate (to the best of my ability). In fact, it was Sulla's actions that set a precedent for Julius Caesar to enter the city in 49 BC and declare himself Dictator perpetuo (Dictator for life) of Rome.
In addition, since SDK never gave a clear timeline for Gannicus' reign at the Batiatus Ludus, nor did the series state how long it was after Gannicus that Spartacus came along...I am placing this story around 79 BC. The Servile War was from 73-71BC which, according to my timeline, would place Spartacus' arrival and subsequent reign at the ludus arpound 75-74 BC at least four to five years after Gannicus, which sounds appropriate to me.
Trajan's Market was the 1st ever mall. It was six stories high and was actually built in 107 AD, but it suited my purpose to have it play a role in this story. So, while the time line is historically inaccurate, the structure did actually exist. I have mentioned this forum before-it is where Octavia purchased her marble for Gannicus' upcoming sculpture.
Gratitude again for all the support this story is getting. My muse and I are thrilled with the interesting comments and feedback. :)
