Blood of Rome: Bad Blood (High-Free)

[lovelust]

Sadera - City of Slaves and Wine

Hundreds of slaves from outlying territories shuffle into the city, all bound together by their wrists and ankles. Other slaves, tied to stallions, are forced into Sadera by Roman Soldiers. Thousands of Roman citizens walk the streets among them, some spitting in the slaves faces as they are led to public auction. Among these slaves, tied to a soldier's horse, was a Syrian slave with the name of Asher. He looked no older than 19 years of age, and his body is well fit and toned.

A carriage arrives in the center of the city with 12 lictors on horseback protecting it on both sides. The carriage door opens and a mid-forties Lucius Antonius, Consul of Rome, steps out. Consul Antonius is escorted by eight lictors who drop down from the horses and gather around him. The other four lictors are ordered to stay with the carriage and watch over it. Any plebeian who turned to look, stood aside as Lucius and the lictors passed by. After arriving at the front of the line, Lucius waited for the auction to begin. One of the sellers was standing beside the public official, Livius Marinus, the leading Quaestor of Sadera.

Livius was the first to speak, "Consul Antonius." He bowed respectably. "I will see to it that the seller satisfies your interests." He said clearly. The seller eyed Lucius and bowed quickly before signalling his men to bring up the first slave on auction.

"Thank you Livius, I appreciate your watchful eye." Lucius replied. "However, I'm sure the seller will handle the auction fairly." Lucius smiled kindly at the slave seller.

After the first slave, a persian slave girl, stepped onto the stage, the auction began. Lucius was primarily there to buy a few gladiators for the Urdante arena, but he still checked over each slave carefully. Each slave stepped onto the stage and the seller read off an informative description of their history from a scroll.

Asher followed behind the other slaves and watched as each of the slaves before him were ushered onto the stage. His turn was coming up shortly and he was for certain that he would be chosen by a powerful Dominus. Afterall, he was in good enough shape to be trained as a Gladiator, but most importantly he had prior skills in combat. The Dominus who owned him before being recaptured as a slave, was a well respected lictor who trained Gladiators for the gladitorial games. He had died after making Asher a free man, but there were no witnesses so Asher was recaptured as a Syrian slave. Asher glared at the Consul and wondered if this man would be the one to claim him.

---

Meanwhile in Lucea - The Land of the Fortunate

House of Benedictus

"Where is mother?" A little girl asked one of the house slaves. The slave just bowed her head and walked away. Little Avela walked down the dark and dreary hall toward her mother and father's bed chambers. When she made it to the doorway, she poked her head inside to see her mother lying in bed. Her mother layed like this every morning, but it was now evening time and she hadn't come out of her room. Avela, almost 12 years old, walked to her mother's bed side and placed her hand onto her shoulder. "Wake up mother, why are you sleeping so late?" Avela tried to wake her, but she wasn't even moving. "Mother?" Her mother's body rolled over to reveal her blood splattered face, she was lying in her own blood. "Mother?" Avela's eyes grew wide and her heart froze. She tried to breathe, but it felt like a dagger had been shoved into her stomach.

"Don't fucking touch her!" A loud, almost demonic sounding voice demanded. Ulixes, her father, stepped out of the shadows from the corner of the room. He wiped his blade clean of Aemillia's blood. Aemillia was Avela's now murdered mother. "Did you touch her dead body?" He yelled loudly in Avela's ear. Avela just stared at her mother's body in shock. "Did you?" He yelled, slapping her harshly in the face.

"Nooooooo! Nooooooooooo!" She screamed at the top of her lungs. Her screams almost sounded inhuman. "Noooooooo! Nooooooooo!" Her screams grew even louder and more psychotic. She flung her head from side to side and slapped at her tear filled eyes. She held her hands to her head and screamed even more intensely, in shock of her dead mother. Her cries grew so abnormally loud that Ulixes had to knock her out cold with his fist in order to silence her.

"I want them all out of my fucking house!" Ulixes yelled. He marched through his estate and ordered his slaves to gather all of his children. "I want them gone. They all shame my name! I will kill them if I have to!"

"Where do we take them?" One of Ulixes' servants asked after he had calmed down.

"Take them to Decimus and leave them there. I do not care what becomes of them." Ulixes said, walking back to his chamber. But before he entered, he shot a glance at Avela who was being carried by another servant. "That wretched Bitch is cursed now and I will not have her stay in my house." With these words, he disappeared into his room.

The servant understood what this meant, Avela had touched her dead mother and Ulixes had no intentions of burying the body.

[Marcus XVI]

Urdante, the Land of lust and blood

The estate of Marcus Cornelius Falco

Marcus Falco paced around the inner garden of his estate and recited greek poetry with a faint smile on his lips. He wore a simple red tunic and sandals this day - for there was no need to be formal in your own home. The orator glanced over his shoulder towards a man who was writing on a tablet. "You reckon this is enough poetry for now?" He asked with a slightly amused tone.

Cato glanced up from the tablet and shrugged his wide shoulders "Guess it is. Care for a drink? I don't know about you, but all those sweet words made my throat dry." The greek slave picked up a jug and handed it towards Marcus "It's a bit warm, but still beats the urine they serve in subura."

Marcus rolled his eyes and took a large sip from the jug "Any words make your damn throat dry..." He tossed the jug back to Cato, who caught it mid flight and took his share of the liquid "So it does, friend. So it does." The tall man stretched his arms and rolled his shoulders as he did his best imitation of Marcus "You reckon, old friend - if there would be a chance of heading to the sands?" He tilted his head slighlty and made a little hand movement "For I look forwards to bringing thee money and honour by spilling my blood if need be."

Marcus spat on the ground and grinned "May the gods have it so that your sword is allways sharper than your tongue. Perhaps before the sun sets you'll have a chance to stretch your muscles and make the crowd cheer, oh Sword of Mars." He made a very exaggerated hand movement and both men burst in to laugher. Cato shook his head and turned on his heels "With your permission I'll go and prepare something to eat." Marcus simply nodded and continued pacing around the garden.

The orator sighed and glanced to the sky "We have a Dictator, for six moths he'll hold supreme power in all of Rome... I hope it doesn't affect my life in the slightest."

[lovelust]

Flashback.

"I hereby appoint Faustus Manius Justiniun to serve as the new Dictator of Rome," Lucius Antonius announces. The background is blurred, but there are outlines of the witnesses.

"Thank you Lucius." A moment passed before Faustus spoke again. "It has been many years since Rome has been under attack by a neighboring nation. Therefore, I understand that Rome need not a Dictator strictly for military affairs. It is my causa to officiate at the Public Games, and I will do so effectively. Rome's publicity is at it's lowest depth and I will take it upon myself to make sure it rises again."

---

Caidus - Land of Hellfire

(A few hours have passed, the auction in Lucea is still going on.)

An elderly patrician walks the brick streets through the unbearable heat toward the temple of Bacchus. The city is rather small with only a few other plebeians walking to their homes. It was usually a more crowded place during the morning time when it is a lot cooler outside. By this time, most of everyone were safely in their homes away from the threatening sun. The old man, Decimus Leontius Benedictus, enters into the temple and removes his sandals. He places a goblet of his best red wine and a few flowers onto the alter. He kneels down to pray below the statue of Bacchus, "My only prayer is that you bless my wine and keep it abundant within my household. I offer to you my finest wine, so that you may taste it with your divine lips and make all of my wine pure."

Decimus stood and exited the temple after appropriately presenting his offerings. He walked outside into the blazing sun and made his way back to his estate. Just as he arrived, a carriage awaited out front and a servant with red and green garments stood at the open court in front of the main entrance. Beside the servant was Avela who just stood there with a solid unchanging expression. Before Decimus took notice of Avela, he took another glance at the Servant's clothing and decided it was a servant of his younger brother Ulixes. The trip from Lucea was only a few hours considering both territories are beside eachother. "What is your business here?" He asked the servant with a dry voice.

"Ulixes no longer claims his children. I was told to bring them here." The servant girl said. She bowed respectably and waited for his response.

Old Decimus coughed hoarsely and then looked back at the servant. "Very well, but they are not my responsibility. Where are the other ones?"

"They are already inside. I tried to -" The servant was interrupted by Decimus who threw up his hand to silence her.

He looked down at his troubled niece and then back up to the servant "What is wrong with this one?" He coughed again hoarsely then looked at the servant demanding an answer.

The servant girl lowered her eyes, but then quickly answered "She hasn't said anything since her mother passed."

"Aemillia is dead?" Decimus said casually. "I figured the time would come. Bring the little one inside." He said referring to Avela. They entered into the atrium and Decimus led the way to the farthest room at the end of the left hall. "This'll be her room." The servant walked Avela over to the bed and sat her down. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaghhhhhhhhhh! With one loud shriek to end her cry, Avela fell down onto the bed holding her head with closed eyes. The servant backed away quickly and almost fled the room before Decimus grabbed her arm.

"Blessed be the gods!" Decimus shouted after witnessing such a hellish scream. He turned to the Servant with fearful eyes and asked, "What evil has Ulixes brought upon my house?"

[Rumiko]

Acantha wanders Urdante bored out of her skull as she searches for a bit of excitement to break the dull environment.
Her father had gone back to Judea and her guardian thankfully hard little interest in overseeing her activities.
That's when she spotted two girls she knew would help break her boredom only to be thwarted by the appearance of their father who was chaperoning them today.
She would have approached still if not for the fact he'd shown great displeasure a week ago when he'd caught his twins making love to her as if they were her slaves.
Acantha sighed and looked elsewhere but smiled as she remembered that day and how she'd enthralled the twins under her sexual spell.
}They'll find a way to me, my girls always do{ she thought as she recalled several other girls and matrons she shown her Egyptian taught talents to.

[Rumiko]

Gallus sat drinking wine and discussing old campains with two gray and balding legionary whom he'd met in the baths that day.
Andenos: [ I ] We were commanded by Publius Cornelius Scipio perhaps the grandest general the Republic ever knew.
The damned Carthaginian war elephants which opened the battle with a charge were turned back in panic by the pandemonium of shouts and trumpet blasts which we raised. The rest were allowed to pass through gaps in the ranks which we been ordered to open [/I]
Cletus: Aye an our maniples were ranged directly behind and in front of each other, not in the usual formation. The way was now clear for a cavalry battle and what a bloody battle it was.
The two gray haired veterans showed in their eyes that as they spoke those bloody memories had returned, once more they were young Equestrians ahorse and the fire of battle burning even now in the withered forms.
Andenos: While in Spain, Scipio had captured and won over the young Numidian prince Masinissa to the Roman cause. Masinissa was a Roman ally and as a result Scipio possessed a strong Numidian cavalry contingent which, with which we routed Hannibal's horsemen, already thrown into confusion by the rioting elephants.
Cletus: The two front lines of the Carthaginian army were scattered and forced out on to the wings by those behind, who refused to let them retreat any farther. Scipio took advantage of the chaotic situation to give us breathing space rather than press his attack. He then had us reform in a single line with principes and triarii on the wings and hastati in the centre, because he expected to be outflanked in an infantry battle.
We faced the remaining Carthaginian line, veterans of the wars whom Hannibal had till now held in reserve and with the dammed run off in pursuit it looked to be a dark day
Gallus could see the battle now and in his eyes the fire of Mars burned as he wished he'd been there with them facing death or glory.
Andenos: But, fortunately for Scipio, your grandfather managed to reassemble ours and the Numidian cavalry and turned them back towards the battlefield just in time to decide the issue in Rome's favour. Outflanked on either side, the Carthaginians were cut to pieces. Hannibal, with a few horsemen, escaped first to Hadrumetum on the coast and the to Carthage, where he advised the government to make peace, what a day of glory we had.
Gallus roared and toasted to those long dead heroes of the Republic with the two comrades who'd known his grand father.
Gallus: Were the day longer I would listen to your tales of campaign, but I must inspect the Merchant who my sister has snared.To assure your throats are not dry next we meet I'll see to your comfort
They embrace him briefly giving thanks that his house still stands and also the fat jug of fine Spanish wine.
Gallus leaves the tavern and heads back to his house and what he hopes is the solution to his trouble with his

[Fedested]

The House of Sandrum - Caidus

A sigh could be heard through the quiet hallways of the House of Sandrum. A man, sitting in the balcony of the training courtyard, drinking wine and watching his dozen of gladiators practicing their swordsmanship. He could hear the shouts of the Doctore, correcting errors and lecturing with a cold and cruel glare to the unskillful new recruits. That man, Gracius, the one watching the show, was wearing light robes due to the scorching weather. 'Father,', He thought, 'Why did you choose such a place to live?'

Perphaps he wanted a cruel enviroment for his gladiators, in order to make them more endurable. But he sure wasn't thinking on his only son, the current Dominus of the House. Or at least that was Gracius's reasoning. He neared his cup to his lip, and realized that it was empty. He looked behiind him and commended, "You, the Tongueless one, pour some wine in my cup."

[Rumiko]

Urdante
Acantha walked into her Villa sill terribly bored and now frustrated, she met obstacles at every turn.
Calling her slave girls together she began assigning tasks to each in turn as she thought perhaps housework would take her mind off things but alas it did little to distract her.
Snapping her fingers as she entered her bedchamber Acantha caused her maids to begin her daily ritual bath followed by a message during which her entire body was coated with scented oils.
She could if she wished use any of her slaves to blunt her appetite but the thought of giving them so intimate a gift repulsed her.
She knew others saw nothing in using their slaves but their subservient nature reminded her of pets and not human beings.
”Better to lay with dogs than a slave” her father had often told her, it was one of the few subjects she and her father shared in common.
After she finished her tasks Acantha lay nude in her sumptuous bed clad in silk from faraway lands

[WhiteAngel25]

Urdante

Nelia sighed as she wandered through her garden out back. Her eyes fell upon the town just a few miles away. The town looked peaceful now, it always did after the Arena was finished with its blood bath. Nelia licked her dry lips wondering about her current plan. It was surely the greatest one she had ever came up with; and yet, she doubted it. Her father was racing about the house ordering slaves to do work in order for Nelia to have a coming out party; she had become of age to be in a courtship.

Nelia didn't want this, however, marrying a powerful man would protect her after fatal accidents occurred. She turned back towards the house as a smile stretched across her lips. Yes she would get a rich and powerful man to love her one way or another.

[lovelust]

Sadera - City of Slaves and Wine

The sun began to lower in the sky above the city as the auction proceeded. There were still many slaves to be sold before the slave auction would come to a close. Lucius stands with his lictors, and looks over the next slave carefully who is ushered onto the stage. The slave is a dark african slave with broad shoulders and a bald head. Lucius notices his thin calves and decides he isn't suitable enough for purchase. He waited for the next slave to be forced on stage and looked back at the Algerian slave he had already won. The Algerian slave was built like an ox with large biceps and shoulders. He had dark eyes and dark shoulder lenth hair with brown skin. He was the perfect candidate to be trained for the Gladitorial games.

It was now Asher's turn to take his place on the stage. Two of the slave seller's men grabbed onto Asher from both sides and, after cutting the rope that kept him tide to the chain of slaves, led him up the wooden steps. Asher clenched his teeth and looked around at all of the roman citizens who stood to watch the auction. How can they just stand there and pretend like this is normal? Am I not just as human as they are? Asher thought. Damn them all to hell. Asher was stripped of his garments and stood naked in front of all of the crowd. His face remained hard and unafraid, he had been through this before. He knew how this thing went. He glanced over at Lucius who was eyeing him with interest. The slave seller read off a description of Asher from a scroll and began the bidding.

"We'll start at six hundred denarii for the Syrian slave." The slave seller said.

There were several other bidders including a middle aged Domina who was highly interested. Asher's body held a lot of potential for muscle gain and he was well endowed which sparked the Domina's attention. The middle aged Domina offered seven hundred and thirty denarii after the first offer of seven hundred. There were others who bid higher and Lucius waited for the right moment when the bidding seemed to stop at eight hundred and fifty.

"Any higher than eight fifty?" The seller asked, pausing a moment for anyone to speak up. The bidding looked to be in favor of the Domina.

Just before the seller was about to finalize the bid, Lucius spoke up. "Nine hundred denarii." He said, smiling. He wasn't the least bit worried about the price. Afterall he was consul, one of the most powerful men of Rome.The Domina just looked over at Lucius and bowed her head respectably. She ended her bidding, because she didn't need Asher that badly.

"Sold! To Consul Antonius." The seller announced.

The whole time during the bidding, Asher was debating whether he could make an escape or not. His teeth were still clenched and he wasn't the least bit surprised that Lucius had won the bid. He turned his attention to an opening between the crowd that was big enough for him to run through. This was his chance if he were to try and make a run for it. "I will not live as a slave!" Asher shouted, before shoving one of the men off of the stage and sending him into the crowd. The whole crowd came to an uproar and everyone around the auction began to panic! Asher jumped from the stage and as he landed wrapped his long arms around the closest plebeian and broke his neck. Three of Lucius' lictors tackled into Asher and brought him down before he could escape. Asher spit in one of their faces and in result was beaten down harshly by all three of them! He got up with all of his strength to head butt one of the lictors, but was just shoved back to the ground and stomped on.

Lucius walked over while the Lictors held him up and smiled with a satisfied expression. "You will make a fine Gladiator young Asher."
Asher just glared back at the man who would one day make him a powerful Dominus.

[Rumiko]

Gallus walked the streets in a simple short toga popular among those of equestrian rank thinking how different his city appeared.
As he passed his fellow citizens he drew more than a few glances as his dark hair caught the light.
Entering his house he spotted first Turan the chatelaine of his home wearing an amused expression.
Greetings Dominus I do hope this evening finds you in a generous and good humored mood says the old slave with a chuckle.
As if I'd just entered the temple of Venus & Flora, is the cause I need worry grins Gallus happy to see the old man still here as he'd been since his earliest memory.
Your sister Claudia and her suitor Delros arrived a bit ago and await your pleasure Dominus.
The poor young Merchant cannot hold his wine it seems but it was my fault, I thought it would steady his nerve. Turan says his tone laced with good humor.
Was none of your fault if he has not developed the strength to drink my wine Turan.
Well let's have a look at this young man
Gallus stepped into the room where his sister sat with a slightly young man who glared at him defiantly.
Is this he sister, is this the man you've so talked of with praise? Gallus says with a look of amused pity
Gallus this is Delros and he would have made a better showing if not for Turan pouring that dammed Persian wine into him Claudia says giving Turan and Gallus an angry look.
Claudi, my love please silence I..I ..as a .. Man need talk, this is the talk of men. slurs Delros as he stands swaying like a rope in the wind.
Gallus laughs softly as he watches both his sister and Turan try to steady the man.
This, this is no laughing matter sir, I Delros Setus a man of no small wealth and with good intention do say here.here, an, an now name her dowery an I shall meet it. I love this women an my sister,no your sister not my sister Delros laughs at his own mistake the adjusts his robes.
I love Claudia an it would be my fondest wish to know she is my wife.
I ask your Blessings Gallus and make known my in..intentions that you should agree to this for beyond all things I treasure her smile
Before Delros can finish his plea he stumbles and is caught by Turan
Tell him to sober up Sister and ask again, oh and inform him it is only a formality
Claudia squeals in delight throwing herself at her brother then showers his cheeks with tearful happy kisses.