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 foul language and smut! If that is not your cup of tea, turn back now.
Pairings: There is multiple pairing in this story. Gannicus has more than one partner in this story. However, Gannicus/Melitta is my end game. If you are offended by multiple pairings of the characters, then this story is NOT for you.
If you are like me and just want Gannicus naked as often as possible, then read on. LOL
Chapter 64: Panem et circenses: Bread and circuses
The days leading up to the Apollinares passed in much the same manner as opening day of the festival. For the Romans, each day was filled with events held at the Circus Maximus and the grand parties Octavia and Claudius hosted that followed the day's specific event. For the gladiators, their days were filled with training for their prospective Primus contest, and being gawked and pawed at by the Roman elite at said parties.
Each night, after the festivities ended and the household slept, Gannicus and Melitta managed to meet at the arena to share a few stolen moments to hold each other, speak of their day and even make love a time or two. Gannicus would return to his bed a smile upon his face. Her love was the constant inspiration for the Celtic gladiator to keep in mind what or who he was fighting for.
The morning of the gladiator's Coena Libera was especially warm. Barca was having last minute adjustments to his armor, so Batiatus had taken him to town, while Gannicus and Duratius went to the arena to spar. The heat was merciless, and they paused in their training to sip water within the covered shelter built next to the amphitheater. It was a nicely shaded area that boasted a long wooden bench, a table and four chairs along with a large terracotta amphora of fresh water and a cup for each gladiator. The shelter afforded the gladiators a welcomed respite from the heat and the sun.
Duratius nodded his head towards two young women approaching the short outer wall of the arena. "Your fans are back," he teased, rolling his eyes at his brother's ability to draw women to him like bees to honey.
Gannicus turned to look, and his brows drew down when he saw who it was. "Fuck!" he cursed, "the girl takes to heel like errant pup." He shook his head in confusion. "This last week, she has found way to appearing wherever I am," he confided. "When I first set eyes on her, I found her in our quarters about to knock on fucking cubiculum door."
Duratius' eyes about bugged from head. "You fucking jest!" He glanced again towards the two women and asked, "which one?"
"The blonde," Gannicus replied wearily. "The only time I have not seen her lurking in the shadows is when I'm in Octavia's bed!"
Duratius snorted as he set his cup aside and grabbed his hammer. "One noble cunt is not enough, you greedy fuck?" the big Egyptian teased. "You must have two?"
"Bite fucking tongue brother," the blonde Celt shot back, a look of mock fear upon his handsome face. "I have not asked for, nor do I seek this girl's attentions."
She had practically stalked him the last week. Always lurking. Always watching him. Although he did know who she was now, which did nothing to ease anxiety. Cecilia, as she was called, was Octavia's fucking cousin, and apparently, according to his lover, wanted all that Octavia possessed. Gannicus had rolled eyes upon hearing that. Perfect. He had no desire to be object the two women fought over. He had tried avoiding the girl after that, but she managed to find him despite efforts to distance himself. Funny thing, apparently, she had not mentioned how he taunted and crowded her. He supposed, she realized to expose his actions, would bring to light her own. And now they shared a secret. Gannicus did not favor the sound of it. Not at all.
Finishing the rest of his water, Gannicus tossed the cup aside, before picking up his swords to follow Duratius back into the arena. As the two gladiators began sparring again, Gannicus could feel the girl's eyes upon him.
"Fuck the Gods!" He cursed under his breath.
Livia watched her mistress as the girl's eyes remained glued to the beautiful blonde gladiator. Cecilia's obsession with the man was becoming troubling. "Cala, let us leave," Livia said, attempting yet again to talk her mistress off the path she had set upon. "You have set gaze upon who you seek, now, let us absent ourselves before we are discovered."
Cecilia scoffed. "You do not know who I seek? Perhaps, I came to view the handsome Egyptian, Duratius, swing his hammer."
This time it was Livia who snorted. "Yes, and that is why your eyes have not left Gannicus since we arrived." Livia suddenly caught sight of Octavia and Claudius, making their way towards the arena. "See gaze averted, Cala, or feel Octavia's temper unleashed upon head!"
In the Arena:
A sudden trill of laughter filled the air, and Gannicus recognized the sound immediately. He should, he had heard it just his morn when she playfully tried to wrestle him in bed.
Octavia was nearby.
He paused, and nearly took a blow to his head from Duratius' wooden hammer when he spotted his lover and her husband coming to stand alongside his stalker and her slave. "Fucking kidding me," he muttered, suddenly uncomfortable beyond belief.
Duratius, having caught notice of the nobles gathering to watch them, put it together with Gannicus' sudden lapse in concentration, and began to laugh. "Ah, it does not make cock rise when they come together to share words. And with husband of noble lover in attendance as well." The big Egyptian made a tsking sound. "One can only imagine what they speak of."
Gannicus did not respond to his brother's teasing. His eyes met Octavia's for a moment, before she turned to the young Roman following him about. They looked like twin Goddess bookends.
Gannicus turned away, but Duratius was in no hurry to return to sparring and drew Gannicus' attention back to the Romans. "Does he shout words of encouragement as you plow noble wife?"
"Close fucking mouth brother," the blonde gladiator returned, heavy brows lowered. "Fucking ridiculous suggestion!"
The big Egyptian winked, obviously enjoying watching his brother squirm. "Imagine if every cunt you plowed found way to meet and speak to one another?"
The comical expression of true horror that appeared on Gannicus' face made Duratius burst into gleeful laughter. "Oh brother, I see there is truth in too much of pleasurable thing is no longer pleasurable!"
Gannicus turned gaze from the Romans again. Watching nervously, would not change whatever was to take place. He would work off these feelings by pounding his brother into the sand!
"Words fall from mouth like shit from ass!" Gannicus growled, getting into position. "Quit braying like donkey and bring hammer to purpose. I shall make you eat your words!"
"Ha!" Duratius replied, "Words of truth fall from mouth." He grinned and pointed his hammer at the blonde gladiator. "Yet it proves difficult thing when foolish cock fails to heed wisdom and still finds way to one too many cunts."
Duratius' words struck a nerve. They were too close to reality. With a grunt of annoyance, the contest began in earnest as Gannicus went on the attack. His dual swords moved fast as lightning as he beat Duratius backwards, not giving the big man a chance to gain advantage as Gannicus' swords wailed down upon him again and again upon the virgin sand of Octavia's gift.
Outside the Arena:
As her and Claudius approached her arena, Octavia was not surprised to see Celia standing at the rail watching the gladiators as they trained. The girl, like herself, had a love for the gladiatorial muneras. She began to smile at her younger cousin, until she noticed something in the way Cecilia was watching them... Octavia recognized the glazed look of desire in the young woman's face, and her ever watchful gaze turned to find Gannicus within the arena and her suspicions arose.
"She wouldn't dare," she hissed, her nails digging into Claudius' arm.
"Ouch, love." He glanced down at the wounds on his arm. "I would gladly stand for such treatment if needed but break words and explain why you are scratching furrows into flesh," he teased.
"Apologies my love," she said softly, giving him a smile. "It is Cecilia," she said as they got closer to the girl. "Set gaze to whom her eyes are focused upon."
Claudius followed the girl's line of vision and sighed. "Foolish girl," he said. However, upon seeing his wife's reaction, he would not let it stand. He paused, causing her to halt with him, and put his finger under her chin. "You are a woman with no equal," he told her, blue eyes shining with love. "She is but pale imitation. Set mind at ease, Tavia, your gladiator is not going to leave loving embrace of a woman such as yourself for a mere girl." He grinned. "I do not favor cunt and even I can see yours is by far superior."
Her laughter carried across the yard. "You bless me," she said, her smile now radiant.
He kissed her cheek. "It is I who is blessed, love."
Spirit restored, Octavia was still smiling when she and Claudius reached Cecilia and her slave. She inclined her head towards the arena where Gannicus and Duratius had paused their sparring. Octavia met her lover's eyes for a moment before she turned to her cousin. "He is exquisite, is he not?" she said casually, too casually.
Cecilia, who had torn gaze from Gannicus before Octavia reached her, tried to play false. "Which one?" she asked, blinking her big blue eyes innocently.
Octavia rolled her eyes dramatically and chuckled. "Please Celia, I am no fool," she said softly, using her own nickname for the girl. "Do not treat me as such."
Livia pinched her mistress on the arm, not hard, but with enough force to get the girl's attention. "Yes, he is," Cecilia admitted. "They both are," she added, in last ditch effort to throw Octavia off her scent.
The older blonde was not having it and gave Duratius a mere passing glance. He was attractive, but he was no Gannicus. "The Egyptian is a handsome beast," she agreed with a shrug. She then took hold of Celia's arm in firm grip as she leaned in and whispered in her baby cousin's ear, "but my lover's charms rival Adonis himself." Octavia let go of the girl's arm. "And he is not for you."
Cecelia trembled and quickly nodded. "Apologies, if I have offended, Octavia," she hastened to say. "It was not my intent." She took a hesitant step forward. "I am beholden to you and Claudius' generosity. I would not have you think me ungrateful."
Just then Gannicus seemed to come alive in the arena, attacking Duratius with a force usually saved for true match upon the sands.
Claudius joined the conversation. "It appears your gladiator knows of your arrival, Tavia and seeks to impress."
All eyes turned to the arena where Gannicus did indeed seem inspired as he drove Duratius from one end of the small arena to the other, his swords constantly swinging with a fluid grace that was as beautiful as it was deadly.
"He never fails to do so," Octavia purred. Out of sight and amidst the flowing length of her palla, her hand found her husband's and gave it a grateful squeeze.
He squeezed hers back and leaned down to brush a kiss by her ear. "You are the most stunning woman in Rome, my love. Of course he desires to impress you," he said in voice just loud enough to be overheard.
Claudius' words caused doubts to rise for Cecilia. She glanced from Octavia and Claudius to Gannicus and back and sighed dejectedly. "Apologies. I believe I shall read in the garden for a while."
The young blonde and her slave started to leave. Octavia turned to Claudius, and they had a brief conversation. He nodded and told her "It was time." The older woman halted her cousin before the girl left. "Celia?"
"Yes?" she asked, wetting her lips, obviously nervous due to having been confronted.
"Do not take your cena in your cubiculum tonight," Octavia told her, meeting the pleased gaze of her husband. "Tonight, you shall join Claudius and I at the gladiator's Coena Libera."
Cecilia's face brightened at the invitation to join the adults and the festivities. "Truly Tavia?"
Octavia inclined her head. "Truly. We leave at midday," she instructed. Octavia briefly glanced towards Livia, knowing how close the two young women were. "So, be ready."
Livia was nodding along with Cecilia. "Oh, I will," the young Roman assured. Because her father had never brought her forward to be married, Cecilia had never been included with the adults at parties. This was a first. she ran over to her cousin and hugged her and then Claudius. She was beaming. "Gratitude," she said to them both, and then, on impulse, she returned to Octavia, hugging her once again as she brushed a kiss to the older blonde's cheek. "Apologies for setting gaze to man not my own He is enticing, but you are right, he is not for me. I will find another."
Curious as to what she meant by the comment, Octavia watched as Cecilia hurried away. The girl's voice had sounded choked, pained even. It made Octavia wonder if she had been crying? Her keen gaze continued to watch her young cousin and her slave and spotted Livia brushing tears away from Celia's cheeks. She wondered at the cause, but a part of her, the part that remembered living with Lucius, was terrified she already knew.
In the arena:
After a blow to the side of his head that hurt more than just pride, Duratius ended up flat on his back, staring up at Gannicus' two swords aimed for his neck. "I yield, brother," he said, wiping the blood from his lip. "I stand mistaken. Your cock is intelligent beast that would never stand foolish enough to plow several cunts at once!"
Gannicus laughed at his brother's nonsense and put out his hand to help Duratius to his feet. The big Egyptian limped off to get water, while Gannicus turned towards Octavia to gauge situation between his lover and the younger version of her. Octavia was smiling at him and clapping. She appeared happy and he was relieved to see young Octavia was no longer present.
Occtavia waved for him to come to her. Gannicus complied, coming to stand where the arena wall was short enough for him to lean a hip against it and set his swords next to him on top of it.
"Quite the sparring session," she said, taking hold of the galerus strap across his chest and pulling him forward to press a kiss to his lips.
He returned her kiss, while his gaze went to her husband, to measure reaction to his wife brazenly kissing a slave right before the man's very eyes. Gannicus did not favor having the man watch, but once again, his lover's curious husband surprised. He was smiling! He did not understand such a reaction, even if the man preferred cock to cunt; Octavia still held title of wife.
When she moaned and deepened kiss, sliding her tongue into his mouth, Gannicus pulled back.
"As much as I enjoy a pleasant diversion to break up monotony of sparring..." He gave her the smile that had made many a woman forgive his trespasses. "Perhaps such displays might best be kept to your bed chamber. One never knows who might be hiding in shadows watching," he said, reminding her that her brother could lurk nearby.
Octavia shook her head at him. "He shall no longer present issue," she said, giggling as she shared a glance with her husband before she explained. "Claudius hired over a dozen workers to clean, refurbish and restock my family's city domus." Her green eyes danced and sparkled as she told the tale. "With a fully staffed and stocked domus at his disposal, Lucius shall no longer darken doorway with surly presence. It is by invitation only that he shall present himself now."
Gannicus nodded. That was good news. Her brother sent every instinct into high alert. The man had bragged about how he could kill Gannicus, absent punishment because the gladiator was a slave. It was relief to know he need not worry any longer that he might awaken from Morpheus' arms to find Octavia's brother standing over him, blade in hand.
"Our Coena Libera is this night," he said, changing subject and diverting her attention from publicly groping him.
"It is," she confirmed. "It will be a grand showing, to be certain." She ran a hand along his muscled chest. "Dress in your finest tunic, Gannicus. Your adoring fans shall line the streets to bear witness to the Mighty Gannicus."
"They shall moisten at the sight of me," he teased, with a wink.
She giggled. "Of that I have no doubt," she said. "We leave for the Forum Romanum prior to vesperna."
"I shall be ready." He paused, then asked, "Are my brothers' celebration to be held with mine?"
"All shall be held within the Basilica Aurelius. Each gladiator shall have their own Ceona within the basilica." She smiled up at him. "Yours shall be upon the dais of course, as you are representing Apollo."
"Gratitude," he said softly, genuinely grateful to her for the chance she was offering, not only himself, but his brothers as well.
"None required, my love," she whispered. "You deserve it and more." She took his roughly calloused hand in her pale soft ones and placed a lingering kiss on his palm. "I would give you, Rome, and all the glory that comes with her. If you but allow me."
Claudius took that moment to interject. "Please allow her, for if you refuse offering, I shall be the one to suffer her temper."
"Claudius!" she cried, but her laughter quickly followed. "Pay him no mind," she told Gannicus, rolling her eyes at her husband. "He believes it sweet to play the fool on occasion."
Gannicus kept quiet. He simply did not understand their relationship and felt awkward being in the middle of it. Awkward was definitely not his natural state of being, and he did not appreciate the feeling.
"Tavia love, I'm loathe to interrupt, but if you are to be your radiant self for the festivities, I would suggest you make haste to your bathing chamber." He clapped Gannicus on the shoulder and gave him a conspiratorial wink. "You have also borne witness to the sheer volume of time she would spend in the bath, yes?"
Gannicus had no desire to be part of the conversation considering his experiences with Octavia and her bath were of him joining her in the pool and the bathing generally came after the fucking was over. Yet he could not risk offending either of them by his silence, so he shrugged, flashed the grin that saved him countless times and agreed. "I have. Although why she spends such tremendous time is beyond understanding." He waved a hand at Octavia, his eyes darkening with lusty appraisal. "She is perfection. She could roll from bed, present herself, and all would bow to her beauty."
Octavia flushed with pleasure at his words, while Claudius threw his head back in laughter. "And I thought I was a charmer," he said to his wife. "Your gladiator's tongue drips honey."
"Yes, his tongue is quite clever," Octavia said, licking her lips as if she were a predator and Gannicus stood her prey.
Unaware of her regard, Gannicus looked to where Duratius stood in the shade, sipping water. The big Egyptian began making hand gestures towards the blonde gladiator, annoying him and making him want to pound his brother into the sand all over again!
Octavia regained his attention when she called his name. "Gannicus! Have you heard a word I have said?"
"Huh?" When she raised a brow at him, he again fell back on his smile and charm to get him out of trouble. "Apologies, I was thinking of pleasures to be had after my last meal." He winked at her. "Thoughts of you cause brain to seize."
Gannicus realized he was becoming quite glib with his lies. He was certain that was not necessarily a good thing.
His words pleased her tremendously, and he was instantly forgiven. "I was asking you to wear the eagle's claw, along with the gold arm bands," Octavia said, and Gannicus agreed easily. She offered a few other suggestions on his attire for the night. "The black pants and white tunic, with the gold stitching."
He nodded. "I will be ready, Octavia," he promised.
"Darling, I hate to rush you..." Claudius said, reminding Octavia she needed to make haste. "As hosts, we must arrive before the public, Tavia. It is important that we are present to hand out the extra rations of grain and the corn to the masses."
She sighed. "Apologies," she told Claudius. "You are right. It is vital for your campaign."
"Not just for my reelection. You know how important my charity work is to me."
"And it is to me too, darling," she said. "Go." She kissed him softly. "I shall be along presently."
Claudius hesitated a moment, before nodding his consent. He glanced to Gannicus. "Please do not allow her to tarry too long." The gladiator nodded his agreement and Claudius turned and headed back to the main villa.
Octavia buried her fingers in his blonde locks at the nape of his neck and pulled his head down for a deep, sensual kiss. "I must leave, but your words..." She bit her lip, and breathlessly admitted, "they make heart race."
He gave her another kiss, before saying, "It is your kiss that makes me forget all logic." He glanced to where her husband was walking up ahead of her. "Best you absent yourself or..." He wriggled his brows at her suggestively. "I foresee the two of us missing my Coena altogether for more adventurous pursuits upon your sheets."
She giggled. "Mmm you are feeling naughty." She brushed one last kiss upon his lips. "Go. Make yourself spectacular. I shall see you when we leave."
He watched her go for a moment until the blunted head of his brother's hammer poked him in the back. "Your cock may be genius, brother, but your mind has lost all sense. Tell me you have you not lost heart to a fucking Roman?"
Gannicus shrugged, recalling rumor he himself had started through Oenomaus. "I have no dreams of a hand fasting ceremony with the woman, Duratius, but she is gorgeous, the most incredible fuck, and she loves me." All this was true. "I am content with what she offers," he lied, knowing he had no choice but for his brothers to believe.
He hopped the wall of the arena and picked up his swords when he landed on the other side. "Count yourself blessed I am content brother else I would be giving you yet another beating for fucking hand gestures."
Chuckling, Duratius hoisted himself up and over the wall as well. "Only Mad Gannicus could find contentment in the honeyed trap of Roman cunt!" he said, shaking his head at the blonde gladiator. He swung his hammer upon his shoulder. "I shall pray the Gods take pity on you brother."
"I am the artisan of my fate, Duratius," Gannicus insisted as he and his brother began walking back towards their lodgings to bathe and prepare for their upcoming "last meal". "One day, I shall have everything I desire," he said softly.
Gannicus imagined a place where Kleos was free to run and play like he did as a child, where Diona, and her exquisite green eyes, could tip cups with him and beat him at tali. A true home, where he was free to love Melitta. To lay in bed with her and taste her lush red lips, stare into her dark, compassionate gaze and run his fingers through her soft hair, the color of which reminded him a raven's wing.
It was magical dream. "Until that day, I shall not wax poetic," the Celt finished with a sigh.
"You mean, until that day, you shall drink and fuck and fight without care in the world," Duratius inserted, laughing.
"A valid argument for simple life," he agreed with a laugh, swinging his swords as they entered their domus to change for their coena libera.
Later that day:
The front courtyard of the Aurelius property was a hive of activity. While the Romans and gladiators were standing around waiting, or putting final touches on appearances, the Slaves were bustling about, bringing the many sellas that were needed to accommodate all parties for the trip from the Aurelius domus down Palatine Hill to the Forum below.
Claudius and Batiatus were discussing who was riding with whom and in which sella, while Octavia, Gaia and Lucretia were sitting in the shade of one of Rome's beautiful Umbrella Pine trees (1) sipping wine.
"Care for some gifts from the Cypress?" Gaia asked, holding up her little clay jar and shaking it.
Lucretia grinned and held her cup out. "A region I am becoming quite fond of," she said.
Octavia's gaze went to Gannicus where he was standing with the other gladiators. He looked stunning in fawn colored barbarian pants, the white tunic and golden arm bands she had suggested, and of course, the eagle's claw. His hair was clipped back and braided down the back of his head with sheer gold ribbons interwoven into the braid, while the rest was hanging free to his shoulders in golden waves. He made breath catch. He also was not paying her any attention presently, so she felt it safe to hold her cup out for Gaia to add the opium. "A region I have some affection for as well," the blonde Roman said, keeping an eye on her lover until Gaia put the clay pot away. She did not want him to see her. She did not partake as often as she once did because Gannicus did not care for the narcotic and let it be known he preferred her absent its influence.
The gladiators were gathered together discussing Barca's trip to the armorers earlier that day. Gannicus and Duratius were laughing at Barca's story about his fitting and the man who tailored it.
"The man had more hands than the little fat man, Appius," Barca said, smirking at Gannicus. "You recall Appius do you not? The little man who measured you for Apollo costume."
"Memory has yet to fade, brother," Gannicus said, thinking of how many times the man had groped him during that fitting. "Batiatus finally told the man I preferred cunt and to leave off grabbing my cock!"
"I remember," Barca said, chuckling. "You were not pleased when the man found cause to adjust subligaria time and again."
"There was no need for adjustment," Gannicus insisted.
The three gladiators shared laughter at the story. After a moment Duratius brought it back to Barca. "You do not mind cock," he pointed pointed out to The Beast. "Why so appalled?"
Barca shot his brother a look of surprise. "You jest right?" He snorted when Duratius shrugged. "Brother! Do you find all cunt to your liking?"
Gannicus scoffed. "What cunt? Duratius' only bed companion of late has been his own hand!"
"Fuck off," Duratius returned, while Barca and Gannicus laughed gleefully at their brother's expense.
Duratius shot Gannicus a rude finger gesture. "We are not all blessed to have cunt stalk us begging to be fucked!" The big Egyptian caught sight of something behind Gannicus and suddenly grinned. "Aaaahh, speaking of stalking cunt..."
The blonde Celt glanced over his shoulder where Duratius was looking and muttered a curse under his breath when he saw Octavia junior and her slave entering the courtyard, dressed up in preparation for the Coena.
Barca noticed the girl as well. "She yet seeks you out?" he asked. "And you have no idea why she has been like shadow all week?"
Gannicus shook his head, keeping quiet while Duratius was more interested in spilling tea.
"Oh brother, you have no idea," the Egyptian told Barca what had transpired earlier, his joy at breaking words regarding Gannicus' business obvious; especially after the 'hand over cunt' comment.
Gannicus rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to demand Duratius keep tongue still, when Barca shook his head, and held up a hand to keep Gannicus silent. "He is going to speak. You know he is. Why bother arguing over the deed, brother?"
Gannicus shrugged. "Valid point," he consented, and turned to Duratius. "Well, go on. Tell your tale."
Duratius did just that. He explained how the nobles had all gathered at the arena... "Mind you, there is the cunt he's presently plowing. the cunt that wants to be plowed and the cuckolded husband all in attendance and gathered to discuss our Champion," he crowed, clapping Gannicus on the shoulder. "Sight so distressed our brother, he nearly lost head to my hammer over the matter!"
Barca gave Gannicus an "I'm sorry, brother," before he threw back his head and laughed with Duratius.
Gannicus wished he had his swords. "Fuckers," he muttered, before he sighed and good naturedly admitted humor himself. He chuckled at situation but clarified one point. "Your words speak true, except one thing... that was not what nearly had me lose head, brother," the Celt corrected. "Mind went south when you asked me how I'd feel if every cunt I'd ever plowed were to break words together." Barca's eyes widened, and the blonde gladiator nodded with a smirk. "Yes, imagine the horror of that brother. That is what made mind seize and saw wit removed."
Barca shook his head. "I can see why such a thing would cause true concern, brother."
Gannicus rolled his eyes. "It could cause problem, yes."
Just then, Octavia Lucretia and Gaia entered Gannicus' line of vision followed by Anya, Melitta and Gaia's body slave Ivanka. All of the slaves were wearing new dresses. Melitta's was a creamy white wisp of a dress that glittered and shimmered as she walked. The provocative garment fastened at the nape of her neck, and it left her entire back bare.
Gannicus' mouth watered as his gaze devoured her in her new finery; his cock rose to the occasion as well. "Sweet Venus," he breathed under breath. She was exquisite, and he had to force himself to turn away lest he make public his hunger for her.
The Celtic gladiator was relieved when it was finally time for everyone to get into the sella that would take them to town. He had assumed he would ride with the other gladiators, but then an Aurelius slave came to fetch him.
"Am I not to ride with my brothers?" he asked, confused.
Barca and Duratius had paused as well, surprised. This was a gladiator event. They had believed the three of them would arrive in town together.
The boy was young, but he had an air of superiority about him. "No, as I said, you have been blessed with invitation to ride with the Domina and Dominus," the slave said, speaking slowly as if speaking to a child or a simpleton.
Gannicus' eyes widened in reaction to both the riding arrangement as well as the tone of the boy's voice. "With both of them?!" he nearly shouted it, so shocked was he. He lowered his voice. "Both?"
The blonde gladiator cast a quick glance at his brothers and wanted to snarl when he saw the beginning of further laughter brimming in their eyes and the twitching of their lips. "Shut fucking mouths or feel my swords tomorrow to such extent you will be unable to fight your primus!"
Barca and Duratius wiped grins from faces, while the slave coughed conspicuously to gain Gannicus' attention once again. "Come gladiator. They are waiting for you." When Gannicus hedged, the slave put his hands on his skinny hips and glared. "Are you refusing the graceful invitation of my Dominus and Domina? An invitation far above your station, I might add."
"Juno's cunt!" Gannicus muttered, but there was no choice. "I am not refusing," he told the boy. "But do not take that fucking tone with me." He pointed a finger at the boy's skinny chest, nearly poking him with it. "I am no fucking house slave for you to order about."
The deep growl in Gannicus' voice, as well as his reputation upon the sands had the boy taking a hasty step back from the gladiator. After that, the boy just stood there, in fear or shock, Gannicus did not know, but after a moment the Celt waved a hand towards the colorful sellas lined up. "Well, are we to stand here all fucking night? Lead the way," he told the young slave.
He had taken no more than ten paces when he heard his brother's laughter following him. "Fuck!" He should have known they would not let situation go without ridicule, it was the nature of the brotherhood, they pranked and teased each other without mercy. However, when the young slave glanced over his shoulder smirking, Gannicus took offense. "Best keep tongue behind teeth boy," he gritted out. "You, I will beat senseless!"
The young slave boy quickly turned eyes forward and picked up his pace as he led the gladiator to Octavia and Claudius.
Capua: The Arena
Magistrate Sextus' games to honor Apollo were going well for the House of Batiatus. The afternoon sunlight was turning a burnt orange as Oenomaus stood alongside Titus in the stands of the old arena watching Crixus as he laid waste to the retiarius Spraxa. It appeared as if they were about to win another match.
This pleased the Doctore, as well as his master.
Gnaueus' match against the Murmillo Greggo had ended with a victory for the Ludus as well, although, the Dacian had won through sheer luck, rather than skill. He had been seriously wounded, moving towards defeat, when Greggo had attempted to use the wall as a springboard, much like Gannicus often did during contests. However, he landed wrong, snapping the bone in his leg in the process. Greggo had gone down with a scream and Gnaeus had used the man's accident to rebound. He turned and tossed the net, catching the broken gladiator within. It was then, the Dacian's trident finally found flesh when Gnaeus stabbed the man in the face, jabbing prongs through skull and killing Greggo instantly; giving the crowd a gruesome death to cheer over. While it was not a glorious win by any means, it was a victory, nonetheless.
Crixus' battle was proving to be a much better showing for the ludus, and the Doctore was pleased with the brunette gladiator's performance. "Words of instruction have found way through thick skull. See how he waits for the bigger man to come to him, then takes advantage." He smiled as he noted the reaction of the audience. "The crowd favors the Gaul as well."
"They do," Titus agreed, listening to the cheers of his gladiator's name. "Although they do not scream for the man as they do for Gannicus."
The Doctore chuckled softly. "Ahh, do I hear another admission you misjudged your champion?"
"It is," he admitted, with a shrug. "I have admitted Gannicus is the Batiatus Champion. Continued denial of his abilities after such impressive victories in both the Vinalia and Floralia would be foolish." The elderly Batiatus gave a cagey grin. "I am many things old friend, but foolish is not among them."
"No, you are not," Oenomaus heartily agreed. Just then, the big Doctore noticed Magistrate Sextus waving to them. "I believe the Magistrate is trying to gain your attention, Dominus."
Titus turned and took note of the man waving them up to the Pulvinus. "It appears we are to be invited upon the pulvinus."
He did not sound enthused by the invitation. Unlike Quintus, who felt the bitter sting of insult if excluded from such elevated seating, Titus preferred to be amongst the plebians, enjoying the roar of the audience surrounding him during contest, rather than the mild clapping from the patricians seated upon the raised dais of the pulvinus.
The elder lanista sighed. "I suppose we cannot refuse such esteemed request."
Oenomaus smirked at his Dominus' expression, as if Titus hoped he might say they could refuse. "No, we cannot," he replied.
"What are the odds this request has to do with Gannicus and the Vulcanalia in the new arena?" Titus said.
"I would say, even odds, Dominus," he replied with a smirk.
The elder Batiatus rolled his eyes. "Exactly. Hopefully, Crixus shall make contest a brief one and we will not be forced to stay overly long."
Oenomaus laughed softly as they made their way to the pulvinus. "A request I shall offer to the Gods as well," he said as they walked up the steps to the box seating above the arena.
Titus proved prophetic. Words of greeting had barely left Magistrate Sextus' mouth when Spraxa threw his net to ensnare Crixus, but the Gaul dodged the trap, and slashed the Murmillo gladiator along his stomach, opening a terrible wound to his belly and side. It was a gruesome injury and blood sprayed everywhere, covering Crixus' arm and chest as he swung his blade. Spraxa's hand went to his side where his intestines leaked from the ugly wound, as if trying to keep them inside. Crixus took advantage and leapt into the air, attacking the other gladiator. With a roar, he brought his sword down, landing a terrible blow just below the other man's shoulder. The force of the strike took Spraxa's arm off, sending a shower of blood everywhere; the limb dropped to the arena floor still holding the three-pronged trident he used as weapon. The audience screamed its approval as Crixus spun about and sliced the other gladiator's head off, ending the match in brutal fashion.
Upon the pulvinus, Titus and Oenomaus paused just outside the pulvinus as they watched Spraxa's head tumble to the arena floor to land in a puddle of congealed blood. The arena erupted. The crowd's favor of Crixus had improved exponentially with the dramatic win, and they roared his name with great gusto.
Oenomaus waved a hand towards the audience and how loudly they cheered. "Perhaps not the deafening roar Capua's champion draws, but Gannicus has long been fan favorite," he told Titus with a smile. "Crixus is fresh recruit; brand barely healed. I believe he has the potential to be a champion, one the crowd will shower with great cheers and affection."
"I see your vision as well. It is in the man's eyes. That desire to be champion."
Since Crixus was the last Batiatus gladiator fighting for the day, Titus made excuses to leave. "I would see my men back to the Ludus."
However, Sextus would not hear of it. After the debacle with Gannicus nearly being murdered at his event, Sextus had been horrified. When he had issued invitation, he had half expected Titus to refuse, considering the disrespect Tullius had shown, but when the man had accepted his offer to have men in this festival, as well as the Ludi Saeculares, Sextus was enthusiastic. The Magistrate wanted to secure Gannicus for opening games of the new arena, and was not about to allow opportunity to do so slip from grasp so easily.
"Nonsense." Sextus signaled a slave to bring another seat brought to the front row. "Come," he said, "sit here next to me. We have much to discuss."
"You honor me," Titus said as he took valued seat next to the Magistrate, while Oenomaus went to stand behind the seating, with the other slaves.
"It is I who am honored. You stand lanista to Capua's celebrated Champion. Who, as we speak, is set to represent our fair city in the Apollinares, a most dignified event." He waved his slave over signaling wine. Sextus' body slave poured them each a glass, handing them both to Sextus, who then offered one to Titus. "I have heard it said you prefer a bit of honey in your wine?"
Titus grinned as he accepted the cup. "I must lend validity to said rumors and confess a weakness towards mulsum."
Sextus laughed. "Let us indulge your fondness while we discuss Gannicus appearing in the Primus of the Vulcanalia."
Titus turned over his shoulder where Oenomaus was standing, having obviously heard what Sextus said. "Yes, let us discuss," he agreed, winking at his doctore.
Oenomaus bit back his laughter and inclined his head to his Dominus for being right, and proceeded to watch the rest of the games form the premier seating of the pulvinus.
Rome: Palatine Hill
On the ride into town, Octavia would not leave him be. It appeared she had set mind to arousing him to an impossible degree. Gannicus was already worked up after seeing Melitta in her new dress. His cock had become rock-hard monument to her beauty, and now, with Octavia rubbing on him like cat in heat, kissing him and brazenly fondling his cock through his pants, he was so rigid it was excruciating.
"Octavia!" he said, gritting his teeth as he pulled her hand from within his pants for what felt like the hundredth time. "If you do not stop," he warned. "I am going to toss you upon back and give you the fucking you are asking for, husband or not." Gannicus watched her cat-like green eyes darken after he broke those words, and it dawned on him that was what she wanted.
"You desire this?" he whispered to her.
"Please," she whimpered, rubbing against him again.
Gannicus bit back a groan when one of her breasts was exposed during her undulations against his body. She did not fix robes, instead she allowed its twin to appear. He licked his lips as he took in the sight of her magnificent breasts laid bare to him. She was making him crazed by her wandering hands and nudity. He glanced towards the husband, Claudius. The man was staring intently, obviously enjoying scene unfolding before him. Doubt was removed. He gave it a moment's thought, before he shrugged and acquiesced. He would not be able to walk soon if he did not find relief from painful erection.
He leaned down to whisper into her ear. "Does honorable husband know how much you enjoy being on your knees for me?" He kissed and nibbled on the fleshy lobe, grinning when she caught her breath, and shook her head no. "Shall we show him, slave?"
She moaned softly and nodded.
"Use words," he prompted.
Octavia bit her lip. "Yes," she said softly.
He chuckled. She was making him drag it out of her. It made the game more interesting. "Yes what?"
Her green eyes went to her husband for a moment, before returning to Gannicus. "Yes Dominus," she breathed.
Claudius' small, but audible groan could be heard within the sella.
Having her call him that in front of her husband made his cock throb in lusty gratification of his power over her. "Octavia," he muttered roughly. "Drop robes, let us begin."
Gannicus shoved her robes out of his way as her legs spread to accommodate him. His hand slipped between her thighs to test her readiness; she was drenched. "I see it pleases you, thought of being fucked in front of noble husband. Is this what you desire, slave? Tell me in words."
Out of the corner of his eye, Gannicus measured her husband's reaction to their game. The last thing he needed was to offend the man because his wife enjoyed being dominated. He released breath when it became obvious Claudius was nearly as eager for him to take control as Octavia was.
"Please Dominus," she begged, writhing under him. "I would have Claudius see me climax upon your cock."
Her words caused lust to escalate, and Gannicus could take no more. He suspected they had concocted this scenario between them. He cared not. They had achieved goal. He wanted to fuck, and he wanted to fuck now. He took a moment to devise positions where everyone, Claudius included, achieved glorious finish in the relatively short amount of time they had before they reached the Forum Romanum.
After he had clear plan in mind for this threesome, Gannicus shoved his pants down his thighs, giving Claudius an enticing view of his magnificent cock before he brought Octavia to her knees before him. He turned her so that her back was to his chest, then pulled her robes from her body, casting them aside to a corner of the sella and exposing her nudity to his hungry gaze. "Look at him," he demanded, brushing his lips along her cheek, inhaling her need. "Meet your husband's gaze. Let him see your pleasure as I fill you with my cock."
Octavia shivered as she turned her head and focused on Claudius. Their gazes met and held as Gannicus pressed forward. "Gods!" she gasped, eyes going wide as he entered her from behind, his impressive length filling her so completely, she could not control her cries of ecstasy.
Claudius' hand was under his tunic touching himself and her focus remained locked on him as her talented lover began to fuck her from behind.
"Aaahh!" she panted when he gave a particularly hard thrust of his hips, hitting that spot deep within her belly that made her cum in rivers of fluids. "Please more."
Gannicus put his hand on her shoulder and pressed downward, placing her in the same position she put Melitta in. "Hands and knees," he told her, wanting to have the visual of seeing his cock sliding in and out of her to hurry his own satisfaction along, as well as place her in submissive position for the next act of this play.
Octavia instantly complied and he rewarded her with a particularly strong forward thrust, fucking her in hard, powerful strokes that made her gasp with every move he gave. "Yes! Gods! The feel of you..." she whimpered, fingers curling into the pillows beneath her as he drove her higher and higher towards the precipice of climactic end.
Now, it was Claudius' turn to receive compensation. Maintaining his role as orchestrator, Gannicus leaned down over her back, while still moving inside her and told her to "suck him". "Swallow every drop," he demanded.
Octavia gave a throaty moan in response and Gannicus raised his eyes to meet Claudius' blue-eyed gaze, once again, determining the man's willingness to participate.
"Jupiter's cock! Yes," Aurelius whispered and could not produce cock quick enough.
Careful not to destroy her intricately designed hair as he normally did during their adventures, Gannicus guided her head to her husband's cock. "Open mouth," he ordered.
Octavia bit her lip. "What shall you do to me if I refuse?"
Gannicus chuckled. So, she wanted to truly play, did she? Unfortunately, they did not have time. He turned her face towards him and kissed her, dipping his tongue into her mouth to dance with hers, tasting her lingeringly. He pulled back and licked his lips. "You know I enjoy it when you disobey, and I shall punish you later, but for now, suck your husband's cock because he desires it, as do I," he told her, brushing his lips against hers once more before turning her face towards Claudius.
Octavia raised her eyes to meet her husband's burning blue gaze. "Oh, you are enjoying this, are you not?"
He nodded. "I have never been so excited by you," he admitted. He raised his gaze to Gannicus' naked figure kneeling behind his wife. "Or by another."
Gannicus paused his movements to watch noble Roman lover, on hands and knees, take her noble Roman husband's cock into her mouth, while being impaled from behind by a slave.
The sight of her being fucked between them enthralled both men, and simultaneous groans from both husband and lover could be heard from within the sella.
Alternating his gaze from where he was joined with her, to watching her suck her husband's cock, Gannicus enjoyed the visual. It made him even harder, and he gripped her by the hips, fucking her with quick, powerful strokes, eager to bring her to climax and find his own. He noticed how each thrust of his hips propelled her forward, forcing Claudius' cock deeper down her throat. It was an arousing sight and Gannicus plowed her harder, giving her ass a slap in his lusty pleasures. In response, her passage spasmed, signaling she enjoyed that. "You like being spanked, don't you, slave?" he whispered to her as he gave her another brutal thrust of his hips as well as another slap to her shapely rear end.
Octavia moaned deeply in response, letting him know she did indeed enjoy it. She lifted her mouth from Claudius' cock. "Dominus please," she panted. "Allow me to come." After she broke her words, she immediately went back to pleasing her husband with her mouth.
Gannicus smiled at her asking permission to come. She was truly invested in the game today. He responded by giving her what she needed. He used his fingers to tease that hard nub between her thighs while his cock stroked her insides. It did not take long, and when her climax hit, her channel gripped him so tightly for a moment, he lost breath, and his cock was flooded with the hot, wet proof of her ecstasy as she came around his cock in geysers of cum.
He reveled in his control over her. "Your cunt floods my cock," he groaned as he pounded into her, feeling his release coming hard and fast.
"Sweet Venus!" Claudius murmured breathlessly as he watched the gladiator plow his wife, aroused by his masculine beauty; Aurelius guided his wife's mouth along his shaft, panting softly as his summit approached.
It was the perfect storm. The sella shuddered as the three passengers found their dazzling end, with Gannicus and Claudius achieving their release at nearly the same time. Octavia gave a muffled moan when she was filled with cum in both her mouth and her cunt.
"Fuck the Gods!" Gannicus groaned as he watched his noble lover swallow every drop of her husband's release. It was a sight he would not soon forget.
Afterwards, Octavia reclined between her husband and her lover, exhausted. Claudius handed her a honeyed candy to remove the taste of cum from her mouth. "Gratitude," she told him with a smile and popped the candy into her mouth. "Would it be too terrible if we were to turn the sella around and return home?"
Gannicus chuckled and gave her a playful slap on the rear. "Round two will have to wait," he told her. "Best make yourself presentable." He lay on his back and lifted his hips as he tugged his pants up. "It would not do to have you tumble from sella in such a state."
She made a comical face and stuck her tongue out at him. "Think of the scandal," she said getting a glass of wine for herself and Gannicus.
Gannicus grinned at her as he accepted his wine. "It would set tongues to wagging for certain," he teased, reclining upon the pillows of the sella, relaxed and spent.
"Perish the thought," Claudius said as he helped his wife back into her clothing. "As much as I am certain the men of Rome would appreciate seeing you in all your glory, my love, perhaps it would be best if they only dreamed of what lies beneath your robes, rather than see it with their own eyes."
In moments, Octavia had righted herself. "When we stop, send Anya in to me for a moment," she told Claudius.
Instead of waiting, Claudius had the procession pause for a moment so Anya could climb aboard the litter and attend to Octavia. If anyone wondered why she needed her cosmetics and hair refreshed, they did not ask.
Rome: Forum Romanum
The gladiator's Coena Libera was being held within Rome's largest Forum. The Forum Romanum, situated between Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill, it was a bustling hub for many religious, legal and commercial activities and ceremonies; it was also the location for the Senate House, where most political business took place. Many of the city's largest basilicas, places where the public gathered for speeches, courts of law and lower-level gladiatorial contests could also be found within the Forum Romanum. (2)
Batiatus, Lucretia, Gaia and the other gladiators were already there waiting when Gannicus, Octavia and Claudius exited their Sella. Claudius immediately began setting up his stand to hand out free bread, grain and corn to the masses. Octavia gathered the slaves, ordering them to bring forth bags of bread and sacks of grain to Claudius, ensuring her husband had the supplies he needed to be successful.
Upon exit of the sella, the blonde gladiator caught the gaze of a certain brunette standing behind Lucretia, and she gave him that sweet, serene smile of hers. He looked around to see if they were being observed, when he confirmed they had no attention directed at them presently, he returned her smile, wishing he could do more than smile, but he could not. His time was not his own.
Melitta ate him up with her eyes. He was so attractive; he made heart pound and breath seize. Her smile widened when he returned hers with one of his own. She looked around, biting her lip for a moment as if debating something internally. After deciding they were indeed unobserved, she puckered up those luscious lips of hers and blew him a quick air kiss.
He had just climaxed, yet Melitta, with an air kiss, had him riled up all over again. His eyes were dark with lust as they stared at one another. Then she winked, fully aware of how she affected him, and Gannicus' cock rose up, aching to be within her, his true love. "Fuck!" he hissed under his breath and adjusted his pants.
He could see her small, wicked little grin as she followed Lucretia towards the open aired forum, and he felt a tug at his own lips curl in return to her teasing. He enjoyed Melitta's saucy side. She never failed to keep him on his toes. He wished he could spirit her away for private time, but that would not be happening, and he banished the thought before it fully formed.
*IVM*
The Basilica Aurelius (3) was built to honor Claudius' family. It was located off the Via Sacra, the paved thoroughfare that led from Palatine Hill into the Forum. The basilica was a grand, open aired venue situated next to the triumphal arch of Fabius Maximus. (4) and the Temple of Castor and Pollux (5). It could house several hundred people at once and was the perfect place to host three gladiatorial "last meal" banquets simultaneously.
Inside the Basilica Aurelius, the place was set up with numerous tables in line within the open-aired courtyard for public seating. There was seating enough for several hundred guests to come share the "final meal" of their favored gladiators. There were also several tables with a huge selection of exotic foods placed upon them for the Nobles hosting event, the gladiators as well as the public. Foods such as roasted pork, fresh and saltwater fish, oysters, legumes such as chickpeas and lentils, fruits and cheeses were also available. A special, exotic delicacy of grilled and peppered ostrich was provided for the nobles and gladiators only. The meat was rumored to increase male stamina, so Octavia had ordered it made available to each gladiator. Also set upon the floor, but removed from public seating were the long tables for each gladiator, their lanista and any relative guests. Two of the long tables were situated upon the ground floor with the public seating and the third was upon a raised dais behind the first two tables. Barca and Duratius' banquet seating would be held upon the ground floor, while the tables set upon the platform overlooking the basilica would serve for Gannicus' celebration. Since Batiatus was lanista for three of the gladiators, he chose to sit on the dais, overseeing all his gladiators.
As hosts of the event, Octavia and Claudius took their seats upon the dais first.
Claudius turned to his wife. "Gratitude," he said to her placing a lingering kiss to her cheek. "That was spectacular."
"Did I not tell you I would arrange it?"
"You did," he agreed. "And he is everything you have said and more. Jupiter's cock, Tavia! The man is fucking attractive." His blue eyes darkened. "And this game you play..."
Octavia bit her lip. "Please say it does not displease you."
"On the contrary," he said, his voice husky. "I would very much like to use the secret room to watch you play, love."
Octavia kissed him. "An enticing thought. I shall make it happen."
Claudius kissed her back. "Has a husband ever had such a wife?"
She chuckled. "Absolutely not."
Quintus and Lucretia were all smiles as they found their seats upon the platform. They were on Octavia's left, with a chair open between them, saved for Gannicus, so he could be seated between Octavia and his lanista.
"Have you ever seen the like?" Batiatus said. "The very path we took within the forum was paved by Sulla in white travertine!" (6) His excitement was palpable as he took her hand and placed a kiss upon her knuckles. "We are walking the path of Roman conquerors, Lucretia!"
"Where you have always belonged," she told him, pride for him in her voice evident.
He gave an enthusiastic nod of his head. "Finally, the House of Batiatus has arrived to take rightful place where it has always belonged, but could never be, due to forbearing shadow of my father."
Lucretia shared an excited smile with her husband. "Your father is not present. Do not allow his shadow to darken your triumph," she reminded. "And I for one never doubted your dreams of Rome." She brushed a kiss to his cheek. "The Gods have blessed us."
"Yes, they have." Batiatus noticed Tullius seated far down the row of nobles and chortled with glee at seeing the man's downgrade in level of importance. "In divine measure," he added with a grin.
Just then the gladiators were escorted in by several guards. Each combatant was taken to their tables but kept separated for fear that they might attack one another before proper match.
Duratius was fighting a large Nubian slave who was built much like Oenomaus, a large and powerful body with toned, well-defined muscles rather than massive bulk. His name was Quasir, and he fought in the murmillo style. It was a form Duratius had much experience with.
Barca's challenger was a Dacian by the name of Gato. He was shorter than the Beast of Carthage, but his body was sleek and leanly muscled for speed. He fought as retiarius, with a net and trident. Thankfully, Gnaeus had taken on that style, so Barca was familiar with it.
Gannicus' opponent, Argonaut, fought in the Provocator style. Provocator meant "challenger", and they were dressed and armored in a manner that resembled a traditional Roman soldier with a long, oblong scutum (shield), a full helmet with elaborate plumage, along with the traditional dual sleeved Galerius, Manica and Greaves to protect shoulders, arms and legs. In addition, they also wore the military style cingulum, as well as a full breastplate that covered the chest.
Upon the dais, with their lanistas and hosts between them, Gannicus and Argonaut feasted on a wide variety of succulent dishes as they shared their 'final meal' before they would meet upon the sands. Gannicus was returning to his seat with his second plate of food when the dark-haired Argonaut called out in a loud voice, how he was going to make the "God of the Arena" weep like a woman and give missio when they fought!
Gannicus' answering laugh to the man's words rang out clearly for all to hear. "Make your boasts now," he told the other gladiator, raising his cup of wine towards the man. "For come tomorrow I shall make you eat those fucking words."
The Celtic gladiator took a minute to study his opponent. The man was half a foot taller than Gannicus and outweighed him as well. While his size was worrisome, the man was a loudmouth who spouted shit from mouth like braying ass! The blonde gladiator understood being arrogant, cocky even, but Argonaut was disrespectful, and Gannicus had found that men who were braggarts who belittled their opponents with ridiculous boasts, usually did not back up words with action. Gannicus was determined to show Argonaut the error of his ways when they met in the arena.
Because the German fought as provocator, a style that wore more armor than most, it would be difficult task to get through the man's defenses, but it could and would be done. Oenomaus fought as Secutor, also heavily armored, and he had taught Gannicus tricks to be get past the armor such as what the Secutor and Provocator wore. There were weaknesses within the armor and Gannicus knew where they were.
(1) The Umbrella Pines of Rome were brought to Italy by Greek immigrants. According to Plutarch, the tree was sacred first to fertility goddess, Cybele, then to Neptune. they were also sacred to Dionysius,
(2) The forum Romanum was the largest forum in Rome. Along with the basilicas, the Forum housed many of the great temples, as well as the Senate House (Curia). According to the World History Encyclopedia, Lucius Sulla, the Roman General who conquered Rome in 82 BC, rebuilt the Roman Curia during his time as Dictator and made it larger.
(3) The Basilica Aurelius is a creation of my own and never existed.
(4) The Triumphal arch of Fabius Maximus was the first arch (of many) added to the Forum in 121 BC
(5) Temple of Castor and Pollux, the twin demi-god offspring of Jupiter and Leda, was erected in the Forum in the late 1st century BC.
(6) Sulla, while rebuilding the Roman Senate Curia, paved the road within the Forum Romanum with white travertine during his occupation from 82 to 80 BC.
A/N: I want to thank everyone for their support of this fic.