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.
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.
A/N: Thank you for reading and reviewing. All the lovely comments feed my muse and keeps the chapters coming. :)
Chapter 53: laboris gloria Ludi: Games are the glory of the work.
Rome: Palatine Hill
The lower level of the Aurelius domus included indoor courtyards adorned with exquisite sculptures of the Gods, colorfully painted pillars lined the walkway and the walls, done in bold reds and purples added to the abundance of color found within. Multiple cubiculums split off from the atrium, these rooms were also painted in brash colors such as purple, red and elaborately decorated in golden furniture from Egypt, tapestries of Chinese silk depicting great battles from Rome's ancient past as well as gladiator contests and bejeweled bronze statues symbolizing the House Aurelius and it's worship.
Octavia pointed out many of these grand facets of a proper Roman home to a wide eyed Gannicus as they moved through the villa. They passed a well-lit cubiculum that contained a large marble altar with several candles burning upon it. The temple was designed to allow for worship of the household Gods. Around the room, marble statues of Apollo, Jupiter, Venus and Mercury took a prominent place in each corner, surrounding the room. While upon the altar itself, besides the candles, was a bowl of water used for cleansing the hands, and another smaller bowl for herb burning and blood offerings. There were dried flowers placed upon the altar as well as a smaller statue of Mercury, the God of commerce and financial gain. With two altars, Mercury, the God associated with financial gain, was obviously a focal point the house of Aurelius' worship, and considering Claudius' wealth, it seemed appropriate.
Claudius' tablinum was in the center of the domus, off the atrium, and as they reached the brilliant purple and gold curtains that separated the tablinum from the atrium, Octavia released Gannicus' arm to greet her husband, who was sitting at his desk bent over a parchment.
"Claudius," she said, coming up behind him and speaking quietly to keep from startling him.
"Tavia'," he greeted her with a loving grin. "I was unaware you had returned. I became distracted working on my speech for the senate."
She noticed the fresh bandage on his hand. "I see you have offered a blood sacrifice."
He nodded. "To both Jupiter and Mercury in hopes they will silence that cunt Magnus and cease his prattling." He leaned back in his seat so he could give her his attention. "His delaying tactics to my proposal are a pain in my arse."
She leaned down to brush a kiss upon his cheek. "I have no doubt the Gods will favor you as do I."
"Gratitude," he said, accepting her affections with a smile. "Have your guests arrived then?"
"They have," she said. "Will you be much longer?"
Claudius set aside his quill and parchment and got to his feet. "Apologies wife. I am being a terrible host, an error I shall rectify immediately." He glanced to Nepos as he came around his desk. "Would you please have some food and refreshments brought to the triclinium, old friend?" He grinned like a little boy, rubbing his hands together. "Oh! Perhaps if Haggitha has any honey cakes left from this morning, you could bring those as well."
Nepos bowed his head. "I will see. Anything else?" Claudius paused, and Nepos made a suggestion. "Would you care for some of the spicy chicken with garum (1)?"
Claudius chuckled. "You know me so well. Gratitude, Nepos."
Nepos inclined his head and left the room to accomplish his task as Claudius exited his tablinum and followed Octavia into the atrium where Batiatus and his party were waiting, taking note of the beauty of the impressive room.
Gaia stepped forward as soon as she saw the consul enter. "Claudius," she said, holding out both hands, which the tall blonde Roman took in both of his. "How wonderful to see you," the brunette gushed. "It has been far too long."
Claudius gave Gaia a charming smile and leaned down to brush a kiss across her cheek. "Gaia, you are even more breathtaking than memory recalls."
She flushed with pleasure. "I see your tongue still drips with honey," she teased. "Gratitude for allowing us to take up residence in your magnificent domus."
He shrugged off her praise. "Of course. A woman of your charm and grace is always welcome."
"Let me introduce you to dearest friends," Gaia said.
Claudius clapped Batiatus on the shoulder when they were introduced. "I look forward to seeing your men in my games," he told the lanista. "I will not soon forget your hospitality to my wife during her stay in Capua," he added, much to Batiatus' glee.
The consul's friendly manner set everyone at ease, and he took Lucretia's hands in his, his gaze going from Batiatus' beautiful wife to Gaia and then to Octavia. "I am surrounded by women blessed with the beauty of Venus herself!" he charmed. "I will be the envy of every man in Rome when they discover I have the three most captivating women in the capital under my very roof. Oh, how I will be celebrated."
Lucretia flushed under such lofty praise as did Gaia, and both women giggled at his words; Claudius could be very charming.
Octavia rolled her eyes at her husband's outlandish display. "You flatter, "she said, "but in this instance, we will accept statement as truth." She winked at Gaia and Lucretia. "We are spectacular. Are we not?"
"Most assuredly," Gaia agreed with a wink.
Claudius gave his wife a resounding kiss upon her cheek. "You are the sun, the moon and the stars, my love." His gaze finally settled on Gannicus. "Ah, and you must be Gannicus, the gladiator I have heard so much about."
Only his years in the arena kept Gannicus from squirming. "I am," he said warily.
Gannicus was very much aware Claudius possessed the power to have him killed outright for putting hands on his wife if he chose. Therefore, being introduced to the man after he had fucked Octavia less than an hour past made the gladiator's stomach churn. He had no idea what to expect from the Roman. However, what he had not expected was for the Noble to pat him on the back and thank him for putting such a spark in his wife's eyes.
"You have my gratitude," Claudius added much to Gannicus' shock and surprise. "Never have I seen such giddy joy on her face. I owe you a debt for the happiness you bring her, and I always repay my debts. If you need something from me, ask and it shall be yours."
There was an awkward silence for a moment after his words until Octavia smirked and said, "well, now that my husband has given my lover his blessing, shall we continue the tour?"
The Romans all laughed at her words, Claudius included, and they continued on through the domus.
Gannicus was not so content. He did not understand the Roman man's acceptance of his wife taking another to her bed. He decided Claudius either did not love his wife, which did not seem to be the case; or, he was the most understanding man the gladiator had ever met. No matter which, Gannicus was certain of one thing… Claudius Aurelius was a very strange Roman indeed; it made the gladiator wary and nervous.
*8*
After receiving the grand tour, in which they were indeed shown mosaic tiles along the central passage of the atrium that represented both Oenomaus' match with Theokoles and Gannicus' match with Negrimus, the gladiator was eager to escape to his own quarters. He was decidedly uncomfortable being included with the Nobles and suspected Lucretia was not pleased with his presence either; Gannicus had no desire to have her temper turned towards him at a later date. However, he had no idea how to broach the subject with Octavia in a manner that did not appear as if he were trying to rid himself of her company.
When they arrived back at the triclinium, Gannicus leaned down to Octavia so he could speak quietly to her. "I am tired. Would it bother terribly if I fell to my bed?"
"Claudius," she said, gaining her husband's attention. "Gannicus desires to see his quarters. Why do we not show our guests my gift at the same time. Would you mind?"
"An excellent idea, love," he said. "But first, let us at least procure a cup of wine and then we may proceed."
Claudius had no sooner said the words and Nepos was seeing his request come to light. Immediately, he had two of the slave girls pouring wine for everyone.
When the guests were served, Claudius patted Nepos on the shoulder. "Don't forget to have one for yourself, old friend," he told the elder Iberian, earning him a strange look from both Batiatus and Lucretia.
Gaia was unsurprised. She leaned in to whisper to Lucretia. "He treats his slaves better than most Roman's treat their children."
Lucretia's gaze went to Gannicus who was sipping his wine unaware of her observation of him. "I can see that."
Once everyone had drink in hand, the party headed back the way they came. When they exited through the exedra, instead of going right towards the back gates of the domus where they'd entered the estate, they went left towards the rest of the property.
They strolled along a paved tree lined walkway, and as they were passing a medium sized single storied domus located on the property Gannicus thought he heard Barca laughing from inside the structure. He paused but did not hear anything further. He shrugged, believing he was hearing things.
Octavia noticed his hesitation. "That is where you will be staying during your time here," she said.
His eyes widened, and he glanced over his shoulder at the handsome little villa, a tad astonished at being given accommodations so above his station. "Truly?" he asked.
"Yes." At his surprise, she chuckled. "Did you believe I would put you in a cell?"
He shrugged. "It would not be the first time I have been placed in shackles, Octavia," he said.
"I would free you from them while you are here, Gannicus," she said intently.
He was caught in her gaze for a moment, taken aback by the adoration he could see in her eyes. It never failed to startle him how much she cared for him. He shook it off. "Are my brothers already inside?"
She nodded. "I am certain they are. Why?"
"I thought I heard Barca. Now I am certain I did."
"Before you see your quarters, I wish for you to see Claudius' gift he had made for me…and for you too."
His eyes about popped from head. "For me?!" he exclaimed, a bit louder than intended.
"Lower voice," Octavia hissed.
Gannicus leaned in to her. "Why would your husband present me with a gift?" he asked in a fierce whisper. "He has already thanked me…a little more enthusiastically than anticipated, I might add; why is he giving me gifts?"
She chuckled. "I told you, Gannicus, my husband does not begrudge me my pleasures with you. You have witnessed with your own eyes my words are true. He has his tastes and I have mine. We are happiest when the other is joyful."
He shook his head. "Apologies, but it is strange to me."
"He loves me and is aware of the delight I find with you; that makes him happy, Gannicus. Why is that strange?"
"Because you find that happiness with my cock inside you!"
She turned on him and began poking him in the chest with her finger as she defended hr husband like a mother lion defending her cubs. "That may be, but Claudius is the gentlest," *poke* "most kindest" *poke* "and most wonderful man!" *poke* He is not weak!" *poke* "And I will not have you thinking badly of him!" She gave him one final poke. "Do you understand me, Gannicus?"
Gannicus' eyes widened at her heated defense. Her reaction did not displease. Claudius was obviously a good man and seeing Octavia defending him told Gannicus she did care for him. Her defense of her husband, more than anything, set Gannicus at ease. "Ease mind, Octvia, before you lose it!" he said, chuckling. "I mean no disrespect to him, Octavia. There is no need to lash me with your words or put your finger through my chest," he teased.
She flushed to the roots of her hair. "Apologies. I shouldn't have..."
"No. There are no apologies required," he told her. "It does not displease." He glanced around. "Where is this gift you speak of?"
She pointed towards what appeared to be a large theater of some sort.
"He has built you a…" He paused unsure what kind of building it was. Moreover, why should he care? And then his eyes widened as he realized what he was looking at. His jaw dropped. "Is that a fucking arena?"
Batiatus let out a whoop. "Juno's cunt! You built her a bloody arena?" he asked Claudius.
Claudius nodded. "As I am sure you have become aware…my wife is an admirer of the games." He shrugged. "Having an arena on our property would enable us to host private events here and hire gladiators as entertainment."
Batiatus shook his head at such a thing. "It's fucking brilliant. I can imagine Rome is in need of entertainment after the upheaval of Sulla invading the city and taking control as Dictator."
"Yes," Claudius acknowledged. "When Sulla enacted the proscription process…he listed over forty senators as enemies of the state and nearly sixteen hundred members of the patrician and equestrian classes were…" He hesitated and then said, "eliminated as threats to his reign." (2)
"I believe the word you're looking for, Claudius, is murdered," Gaia muttered. "It was dreadful. The city positively ran red with blood."
Claudius nodded sadly. "A difficult time for many to say the least."
"But your family supported Sulla. Did you not?" Batiatus asked.
"Like Crassus, Severus and Aurelius are both supporters of Sulla," Octavia said. "Lucius even served as Imperator to Sulla's legions for a time."
"Being on the right side of conflict does not mean you do not feel its burden," Claudius said. "Civil war is an ugly business," he added. "Some of the men listed in Sulla's proscriptions had been friends of my family for years. The city is still recovering."
"And it will continue to do so now that Sulla has resigned the Dictatorship and returned power to the Senate," Octavia announced. "With my husband as a consul to the Republic there will be considerable reform," she said, the pride in her voice obvious.
Gaia smiled. "If anyone is capable of restoring glorious peace in Rome, it is you, Claudius."
"My wife and Gaia flatter me," Claudius said, offering each woman a charming smile. "It is truth, Rome has been in turmoil but now is the time to set mind to rebuilding the Republic not harboring bitter rivalries." He sighed. "A weighty matter, one far above one man's capabilities."
"Nothing is beyond your capabilities, my love," Octavia said.
"I am blessed to have your support," he told her, before he turned to Batiatus. "The recent turmoil within the capital is why the Apolloinares are so vital this year."
Batiatus agreed. "As Romans, we must have means of alleviating the burdens that come with such important matters. The games honor the Gods and gives respite to the men who serve them."
"You speak as a politician, Batiatus," Claudius said, smiling. "Your gladiators will provide that respite. I am most honored."
"And having the ability to host private games in your own domus would be a feat that could not be outdone by any of your political rivals," Quintus added, thrilled with Aurelius' words and always looking for an angle with which personal advancement could be had.
Octavia's laughter sounded. "Absolutely. I see my husband speaks truth, you do have a mind for politics."
He shrugged, but his grin said he had more than just a mind for the intrigue of public office. "As any good citizen, I am concerned with matters of state."
Bored with the Nobles' political discussion, Gannicus was pleased when they finally came to the arena itself. The gladiator was impressed with the size and beauty of it; the sand called to him.
Gannicus looked to Octavia. "I would like to go inside," he told her quietly. "May we?"
She nodded. "Come let us have a proper viewing," she said and led the group through the archways and into the interior of the amphitheater.
*8*
Walking through the stands towards the arena floor, Gannicus could not believe how pristine the structure was. It must have cost a fortune to build and he was quite stunned at Octavia's husband's generosity. It was difficult for Gannicus to understand if the man loved his wife enough to build her an arena just to please her; how could he allow her to fuck another man? It simply made no sense to the gladiator. It drove him mad to think of Melitta with another—even when that other man was his oldest friend and her rightful husband! Gannicus still did not stomach it well. So, how did Aurelius embrace his wife's infidelities?
While the nobles examined the grand pulvinus and elegant imperial seating area, Gannicus went into the arena itself. He felt far more comfortable standing upon the sand than he did within the stands. He knelt down and picked up a handful of the soft dirt beneath his feet. Hallowed ground, Ulpius used to call it. And it was. Gannicus rubbed the silky grit between his fingers. It felt different than the sand in Capua's arena. Softer.
"Claudius had the sand imported from the Iberian coast."
Gannicus' attention turned to Octavia standing near the shortest side of the arena. She had her elbows propped on top of the short wall and was watching him.
"Imported sand?" He shook his head at such a thing. "What does that mean?"
She giggled. "It means Claudius had the sand for this arena shipped in from another country."
That seemed a ridiculously expensive endeavor to Gannicus. Why not use sand found in Rome? However, the location Octavia mentioned suddenly struck him, and he sucked in a sharp breath. "Did you say from the Iberian coast? As in Hispania?"
Octavia nodded. "Are you familiar with the region?"
"I am," he said softly. He could not tell Octavia how he was familiar, it would not be well received, he was certain, but his heart began to pound in his chest as he realized he was standing amongst a piece of her homeland.
Iberia was where Melitta was from. A small smile curved Gannicus' lips as he remembered her mentioning how soft the sand was when she told him about her homeland the incredible night she stayed with him. Gannicus reached down and picked up another handful. He could not take her home presently, but he could give her a part of it to hold on to until they could one day be free to return. He hoped she would appreciate sentiment behind gift.
Octavia noticed his handful of sand. "What are you doing?"
He shrugged. "It is something I do for good fortune."
"Well, since I would see you having the best of fortunes…" She removed her palla and handed the shawl to him. "You may place your sand in this until you can store if safely in your room within the villa."
"Gratitude," he murmured accepting her offering. Taking the silky piece of cloth in hand he folded it until it was much smaller, then he knelt down and grabbed a few more handfuls, just in case, before wrapping the sand within the confines of the soft blue fabric of Octavia's palla. His heart was beating hard as he imagined gifting Melitta with a reminder of the home she lost.
"If I had known sand from Iberia would make you so happy, I would have given you some months ago," Octavia commented, her eyes taking note of the near giddy expression on Gannicus' face.
He smiled. "It is simply a superstition of mine, Octavia. However, I do appreciate the use of your…" He floundered at the word to use for her clothing.
"Palla," she supplied.
"Palla to transport my sand," he said, flashing her his 'charm' smile, the one that reached his eyes and crinkled the corners of them attractively.
"You are truly beautiful," Octavia murmured, desire making her voice low and breathy.
Just then the rest of the party began to make their ways towards them. Melitta was following behind Lucretia and Gannicus did not want her to know the sand within the arena had been imported from her homeland—it would spoil his surprise.
He quickly exited the arena and made his way to Octavia. "I am tired," he said to her, allowing his lower lip to jut just a bit in a pout he often used when he desired to sway a woman his way. "Would you care to show me to my room?" He wriggled his brows for emphasis.
Octavia swallowed thickly, desire darkening her jade eyes. "I would, trust words, I would, but unfortunately I cannot stay presently," she said with a pout of her own. "I am obliged to entertain Batiatus and his party tonight."
Gannicus had (of course) known she had her guest she had to see to and would have to turn his offer down. He sighed as if aggrieved. "I suppose I will be forced to wait for your company then, but I am spent and would fall to my bed. If you do not mind?" he added, again with a smile.
"Come, let me show you the domus you will be staying in. I believe you will be most pleased with your accommodations." She glanced towards the other Romans still exploring the arena. Claudius was entertaining Batiatus and his party. Octavia looked at Gannicus and her blood stirred. "Perhaps we shall take a quick tour of your room while they are distracted. Yes?"
Surprised at her sudden change of plans, Gannicus could not turn her away after he had propositioned her. She placed her hand on his chest and his cock hardened. Despite his wishes, Octavia excited him. "Will you undress me properly if I take you to my rooms?"
Her breathing hitched and Gannicus imagined she was getting wet between her thighs. "Yes," she whispered.
He leaned in, coming close to rubbing his cheek against hers, but holding back just enough to make her ache for more. He inhaled deeply. "You smell needy. Perhaps you should lead me to my room, so I can properly thank you for your service."
"Venus, Goddess, help me," Octavia said, swallowing the lust that spiked at his tantalizing words.
Gannicus was not surprised when Octavia made excuses to leave the arena immediately, so she could take him to his housing alone. He also was not surprised when she looped her arm through his and practically dragged him along as they hurriedly made their way across the property to the small villa the gladiators were housed in.
*8*
"YES DOMINUS! FUCK ME HARDER! PLEASE!"
Duratius jerked upright in his comfortable bed, the screams coming from down the hall of his room waking him from his peaceful slumber. His room was dimly lit, with only one candle giving it light, so he could not see clearly as he blinked open his sleepy gaze searching for the sound that awoke him.
"Oh, Dominus yes!"
There it was again. Duratius was awake now and he puzzled over what he was hearing. Was Batiatus fucking a wench in their lodgings? And if so, why? He was master, he did not need to hide in the gladiator's housing to fuck a slave.
"You like my cock in you don't you, you sweet little slave?"
Duratius' eyes widened. That was not Batiatus' voice. It was his brother's. Who, in the name of Jupiter, was Gannicus fucking that they called him Dominus?
"Oh, fuck the Gods, Gannicus! I love you!" The woman cried, her whimpering moans familiar to the big Egyptian. He had heard them several times carrying upon the wind from Gannicus' wagon on their journey into Rome.
Duratius fell back to his bed in shock. It was the Roman; the blonde Goddess that craved his brother's cock like no other. He could not believe it. Fucking Gannicus had the noble calling him her master! His cock hardened as she started begging him to let her come.
"You will come when I say you can come, slave." Gannicus said, his deep rumbling voice harsh.
Duratius bit his lip. "Jupiter's cock," he groaned softly as he imagined the gorgeous Roman goddess laid out, naked, begging to be fucked.
It made his cock hard and his head spin.
"Fuck it," Duratius growled, and his hand went to his cock, stroking his erection. He knew he would hate himself for it in the morning, but when in Rome do as the Romans, he thought, and proceeded to get himself off while listening to his cocky brother fuck the nobility right out of his Roman noble…
*8*
The next morning, Gannicus, Barca and Duratius awoke bright and early to find a fine meal being served in the small triclinium by two of Aurelius' house slaves. For a moment they stared, unsure if the food was intended for them since none of the men had ever eaten a meal in Roman fashion, however, the slaves quickly let it be known that yes, the food was for them. Moreover, they were expected to eat it while sitting upon the plush couches provided.
Gannicus sat on one of the couches (he refused to lay down) and waved away the slave who offered to serve him, choosing instead to serve himself as he took up a plate and began piling food upon it. Barca, on the other hand, reclined as if he were a noble himself as he was served his meal by one of the slaves. Duratius chuckled at his brother's ridiculous behavior but found himself emulating it as he too decided to lie back and enjoy being treated like a nobleman.
"You act as fucking Romans," Gannicus scoffed, as he dug in to his plate filled high with fluffy eggs, grilled pork and dormice, crusty bread and fruits such as apples, pears and strawberries.
Barca tossed a grape in the air and caught it with his mouth. "And why should I turn down such generous offer?" He grinned. "Because you feel awkward? Not fucking lightly!"
Gannicus rolled his eyes. "I would not get used to such treatment. We will return to Capua and the ludus."
"Ha! You should talk, brother…or should I call you Dominus?" Duratius teased, winking at Gannicus as he bit into a honey cake, eating half of it in one bite.
The Egyptian let out a groan of pleasure as the warm sweet treat hit his palate, while Gannicus just stared at his brother, a bit confounded that Duratius had obviously heard him and Octavia the night before.
"You're practically a Roman noble, brother," he told the Celtic gladiator. "While Barca and I will most assuredly return to a life of shit in Capua, you appear to shit gold and fuck noble cunt until she begs you to be her master." He poured himself some wine and toasted Gannicus. "Which is why I plan on living like fucking noble for as long as we can!"
Barca chuckled at Gannicus' dumbfounded expression. "Surely you did not believe the woman quiet last night, brother?"
Duratius downed his cup, placed three more honey cakes on his plate. "Ha! She was loud enough to wake me and have me wanking cock half the night!" He pointed towards the grilled and stuffed pork. "Pass that will you, brother?"
Gannicus pushed the tray of meats across the table and accepted the platter of honey cakes in exchange. "You listened to me fucking her?"
"It was hard to miss," Duratius replied, taking another bite of his honey cake. He made a small sound of pleasure. "I am uncertain what those sticky treats are," he said pointing to the gooey cakes Gannicus held, "but you should have some. I would wager they taste as glorious as the cunt you gorged on last night."
Gannicus rolled his eyes. "Your words smack of jealousy," the blonde gladiator replied, picking up the warm bread like sticky treat before taking a small bite. His eyes widened at the sweet flavor. "Fuck the Gods these are good!" He put several more on his plate as before allowing Barca to have them. He grinned around a mouthful of honey cake. "Perhaps eating like a noble does have its benefits."
Duratius snorted. "This coming from the man who ruts himself between the moistened pale thighs of a Goddess who smells of roses rather than cum and calls you fucking Dominus."
Barca chuckled. "And don't forget he sleeps and fucks on silken sheets at night!"
"Drinks Falernian wine… probably between the slender thighs of his noble," Duratius added.
Gannicus rolled his eyes. "Close fucking mouths the both of you. You sound like jealous whores angry over being left unchosen for the night," he retorted.
"Jealous!" Barca chortled. "Ha!"
"Speak for yourself, Barca, I for one am fucking jealous," Duratius said. He shot Gannicus an envious look. "I told you, brother, I had to listen to this prick fuck his noble goddess until I was so fucking hard I had to jerk my fucking cock just to go back to sleep!"
Barca chuckled. "I heard the same, but was not so aroused."
"You blame me for this?" Gannicus asked Duratius, a tiny smile curling just the edges of his lips. He wasn't smirking, but he was close. "Brother, I cannot help it that she swoons and gets wet between her thighs when she sets gaze upon me."
Barca rolled his eyes. "Here we go," he said, pouring himself a cup of wine. "Are you happy brother?" He said to Duratius. "You just presented Mad Gannicus with opportunity to expound on why cunt follows him around like fucking mice to cheese. Gratitude," the Beast of Carthage said, shooting the big Egyptian an exasperated look.
A slow, cocky grin spread across Gannicus' face. "It is extremely difficult being blessed with so much to offer a woman, brothers. Truly." He winked and grabbed himself between the legs. "What can I say? She knows what is beneath my subligaria," he said with a shrug. "She will accept no other." He placed a hand on his chest and pretended to fall back. "It is exhausting, really."
Duratius threw a piece of meat at him. "Arrogant prick."
The pork bounced off Gannicus' shoulder and he in turn scooped a handful of eggs and threw them at Duratius. The Egyptian flung a honey cake at the blonde Celt, who ducked behind Barca. The Beast took the honey cake as a direct hit to the face. With a roar, he joined the fight, and this started an epic food fight that had food spread across the entirety of the triclinium.
Duratius looked at the mess and cringed. "Think you we'll be punished for this?" He asked. "If so, I say we blame Gannicus and let his cock get us out of trouble."
Barca burst into laughter. "Although, I can see the justice in allowing our champion to assume responsibility here…since he did fucking start this shit." Barca shrugged at the scene. "This does not look much unlike a fucking Roman meal. I doubt the slaves will say a word."
Gannicus and Duratius shared a surprised look until they realized what Barca's words meant. They both reached for the food at the same time…and once again, it the triclinium was full of edible projectiles.
*8*
Later that morning, Batiatus entered the gladiators' living quarters as the three men were preparing to head down to the arena to begin training for the day.
The lanista greeted them with a smile. "Ah, my finest gladiators living like fucking kings," he said glancing around at their opulent surroundings. "A reward well-earned for your loyalty. I owe each of you a debt for saving not only my own life, but my most cherished wife's as well."
He grabbed each man by their muscular arms one by one, thanking them. "You shall continue to hold most valued position. I promise you."
The gladiators accepted his praise awkwardly, unsure how to respond to Batiatus in such a carefree, gregarious mood.
"Are you eager to see the arena." He smirked. "It is virgin sand out there. Which of you shall be first to take its innocence?"
That question caused a round of wagering from the three gladiators over who would be the first to cause blood to be spilled on the never before bloodied arena floor.
The guards arrived to escort the gladiators to the arena, but Batiatus placed a hand on Gannicus, halting him from following his brothers from the villa. "Gannicus, remain," he said.
Gannicus frowned, watching Barca and Duratius go with a look of longing. He wanted to train, to be in the arena, sword in hand again and know his purpose. He wanted to be the first to spill blood upon the sand, his need to best his brothers driving him.
"I'm afraid it won't be you to spill first blood. Octavia was able to have the sculptor see you today, so we are to town."
"But Dominus. I have not trained properly in near a week! Is it not more important that I train for the Apolloinares, rather than pose for some ridiculous stone portrait?"
"That ridiculous stone portrait, as you call it, will be your lasting memory for my ludus, Gannicus. Not to mention, it is important to Octavia. You will do this for her absent complaint." His tone brooked no argument. "Are we clear in the subject?"
Gannicus nodded, but he was scowling, obviously displeased. "Yes Dominus."
Batiatus rolled his eyes at his pouting gladiator. "Jupiter's cock! Is it that important to you to be the first to spill blood? Important enough that you'd risk punishment?"
Realizing he was treading dangerous ground making Batiatus angry, Gannicus removed his scowl from his face. "No, Dominus. It is not."
"Good!" the lanista huffed. "Now go prepare yourself for town. We leave within the hour."
*8*
As she wandered through the gardens of Aurelius' property, Melitta reveled in a sense of freedom that she had never experienced before, or at least, one she could barely remember from her childhood. She had no one looking over her shoulder presently. It was glorious. She learned quickly that Claudius Aurelius allowed his slaves free reign to come and go as they pleased, not only within the walls of the villa, but within the entire compound as well and, to her utter astonishment, even into the city itself. It was unheard of, however, when Iliana, a sweet young woman who worked within the domus, explained to Melitta that Aurelius actually paid his slaves a wage, the reason for such freedom became clearer. The slaves had no desire to run away because they were not in fact slaves at all.
Melitta had not known what to think; Claudius Aurelius was an extremely rare Roman indeed.
So, on the morning after their arrival, while Lucretia was busy having her cosmetics done by Octavia's trained Cosmetae, Melitta took advantage of her newfound emancipation and decided to explore the grounds, especially the small domus near the arena. She noticed Duratius and Barca were away from their domus, sparring one another inside the small arena. She did not, however, see a particular blonde gladiator and wondered where Gannicus was. Thinking he might still be inside, Melitta hesitantly made her way inside their villa, heart thumping at being so bold as to seek him out in such a manner. She followed the atrium, looking into the small rooms along her way until she heard a muttered curse come from towards the back.
It was his voice. Her knees weakened just a bit at that gravelly tone. He was either upset or having sex. And since she was certain it was not the latter, (Octavia was with Lucretia) Melitta turned and headed the way of his deep timbred voice.
When she arrived at his room, she paused in his doorway, smiling as she watched him taking off his training gear. He was definitely in a bit in a mood, muttering to himself as he yanked at the lacings of his arm gear.
"...fucking tell me I can't fucking train! To what fucking purpose? I'm a fucking gladiator! I should be in the arena, not posing for some stupid fucking sculpture! Fucking ridiculous!" he snarled, ripping his manicae from his muscled forearm and flinging it across the room. His scowl was fierce as he went to work tearing at the ties on the other one.
Never had she heard him say Fuck so often and Melitta grinned at his temper. "Apologies for interrupting your tantrum," she teased, "but I appear to be lost."
Gannicus' head whipped about to spot her, his surprise evident in the widening of his eyes before a smile slid across his handsome face, lighting it up and making his eyes crinkle attractively. "Melitta!" He exclaimed. "What-how are you here?"
She gave a little shrug as she entered his room. "Aurelius allows his slaves to go wherever they please. I am…exploring," she said, allowing a smile of her own to grace her features as she went to stand before him.
"You take a great risk coming here," he said.
She took his arm in her hands and gently finished untying the laces to his manicae. "Someone once told me with great risk comes great reward." She handed him the durable wrist and arm guard. "Perhaps this one will not end up across the room," she teased.
He took the leather gear sheepishly and tossed it on his bed. "You use my own words against me," he said, but he was smiling, obviously pleased.
She brought his face down and kissed him lingeringly. "I use your words to remind myself you are worth the risk."
"You are a brazen wench," he said leaving her embrace for a moment to stick his head out his door to ensure no one saw her before he shut it. "But I cannot say I am complaining," he told her as he turned and quickly gathered her in his arms. "Especially since I have missed you," he breathed, peppering her face with tender kisses.
"And I you," she replied, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Their eyes met for a long moment before their lips crashed together, tongues dancing wildly in exciting reunion as they joyously reacquainted themselves with one another's taste. Gannicus let his hands roam her body eagerly as their kisses went on and on, arousing him unbearably. His hips bucked, pressing his erection against her belly as they continued to exchange wet, heated kisses
Finally, they broke apart, gasping for air and trembling with arousal.
"What put you in a mood earlier?" she asked, remembering him throwing his gear when she first arrived.
He sighed. "I wanted to be in the arena today, but instead I am being forced to go and pose for some ridiculous statue she wants made of me."
"The nude one?" Melitta asked, her voice breathy.
He nodded. "Yes. I do not wish it."
She bit her bottom lip. "I must confess the thought of viewing you in stone…unadorned is…arousing."
His eyes widened before a slow, entirely lascivious grin spread across his face. "You find it arousing?"
She nodded, raking her lush lip with her teeth, and Gannicus groaned softly, his cock pulsing with need for her.
"Then I will pose for it gladly and think of you the entire time."
She glanced down to where his subligaria was bulging and chuckled wryly. "That should make for an extremely arousing sculpture then."
He made a face as he imagined some strange man sculpting his hardened cock. "Perhaps not the entire time," he reiterated, causing her to giggle.
"When are you expected to present yourself to Batiatus?"
"We have time," he said before he picked her up and set her on the bed.
"Gannicus what are you—Gods!" Melitta gasped when dropped to his knees before her and spread her legs wide.
"I'm starved for you," he muttered and buried his face between thighs.
Melitta felt back on his soft covers, whining with pleasure as his hot tongue lapped at her folds before seeking out her clit. He swirled the tip around the tiny little nub with dexterous expertise, sliding two fingers inside her, pumping them in and out while suckling at her button, making her squirm and quickly bringing her right to the edge of orgasm.
"Yes! Oh, Gannicus yes," she cried softly as she buried her hands in his hair and pressed him closer, bucking her hips, and grinding her sex against his talented tongue.
He settled his lips around her clit, sucking that tiny nub of nerve endings while he quirked his fingers inside her, curling them and pressing against the place under her belly button, finding that spongy bit of tissue that every woman has and petting it; it was there a man could make a woman soar with pleasure and Gannicus brazenly made it sing for him.
Melitta's head thrashed side to side and she placed her feet on his shoulders, pressing forward hard and rubbing against his face as if her life depended on it. He nibbled gently on her engorged flesh and that was it, her body went rigid, and sharp, almost painful tingles radiating from between her legs made her jerk against him, fluid gushing forth as she came with a frenzied sob of joyous release.
It was nearly too much and Melitta was boneless as he crawled up her body, grinning from ear to ear and obviously quite pleased with himself, but she did not have the energy nor will to put him in his place.
"That was…Gods…" She could not go on. Melitta could not put into words the pleasure he gave her. It was beyond anything she had ever experienced in her lifetime. He took her apart and then rebuilt her. She put her hands over her face, utterly shattered. "I love you," she sobbed.
He pulled her hands away, using his thumb to eradicate her tears. "As I love you," he told her, pressing soft kisses to her lips. "Do not cry unless it is in pleasure, love."
"It is," she said. "It is just too much at times."
"It will never be too much," he disagreed. "Not with you. A thousand times is not enough."
Gannicus ripped open his subligaria, freeing his erection as he nipped at her bottom lip. She gasped, and his tongue slid into her mouth smoothly, mating with hers. Melitta tasted herself on his lips and tongue, it added rather than detracting from her pleasure and she slid her hands up his back to take hold of his shoulders, digging her nails in when she felt the head of his penis nudging her entrance.
"Mmm," Melitta moaned, as his lips trailed down her neck. "Yes." She arched her hips, panting when the head of his cock pressed into her. "Oh, Venus please…more," she moaned, digging her heels into his lower back, just above the dip in his spine.
He pulled back to stare into her eyes. He did not believe in the Gods as she did, but he believed in her. "You are my Goddess, Melitta," he told her passionately as he gripped his cock and aligned it with her opening. "The only one I would ever kneel before and worship."
His words hypnotized. The devotion within them captivated her and made Melitta even wetter, made her even needier. Their gazes locked. He pinned her hands above her head and interlocked their fingers.
"Tell me you are mine," he grunted, holding his cock at bay.
She dug ran her nails down his back to his flanks, digging in, she pressed him forward. "Gannicus…my love, I'm yours, take me."
"Melitta!" he groaned from somewhere deep in his chest, it was a guttural sound of love that connected him to her, and in one fluid movement she welcomed him as he thrust into her and they became one.
It was perfect.
"Yaaaaassss," Melitta wailed, nearly breaking down from the joy of having him fill her so completely.
"If ever there was a reason to believe in the Gods, it is this moment," he said, rubbing his cheek against her, loving her. He was buried deep inside her "You make me believe," he said, bringing her over her head and interlocking their fingers. "You've always made me believe."
And with that he began to move.
*8*
Oh my, Melitta and Gannicus cannot keep their hands to themselves. :) I have to confess, I love them, but Octavia is trying to wiggle her way into his heart too. smh Will she succeed? And what of Claudius? Will he be so happy if Octavia truly falls in love with Gannicus? And let us not forget Lucius...the evil brother who is on his way to Rome as you read this... dum-dah-dum... :) Please review and let my muse know what you think.
Footnotes:
(1) Garum was a very expensive and selective type of fermented fish sauce that could only be afforded by the patrician class of ancient Rome.
(2) When Sulla took Rome in late 82 BC and early 81 BC, he introduced a judicial process called the proscription. Essentially this concept was a list of names of people he deemed to be undesirable and a reign of terror ensued with rewards offered for the death or capture of any name on the list. At first the proscriptions, which included confiscation of property and often involved physical harm, were mainly focused on Sulla's direct enemies and his rival's supporters. However, eventually the death toll would reach epidemic proportions. In the first series alone, as many as 40 senators and 1,600 members of the equestrian and patrician class were murdered and their properties seized.
