But I Won [o]

[usagi2]

[bg=333333][atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/1z4ze4p.jpg][atrb=style,border: 4px solid #efefef;][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,440,true] This place is always such a mess SOMETIMES I THINK I'D LIKE TO WATCH IT BURN His body was one miserable twitching ache, a sign of a good workout or a need to reconsider the undertaken training regiment. It was a wonder that he was getting on as well as he was with the Spartan regime he forced on himself and his subordinates. Though it was certainly an improvement from days of old where crawling to his barracks had been the extent of his strength. At least now he could walk with arguable dignity. Not in the least bit graceful with his stiff-legged gait, ambling down the trodden streets of the forum looking like a novice who had sat improperly in the saddle until he’d chaffed the insides of his thighs. Had that been the scope of his discomfort his pain would have been less apparent and more easily hidden from view in contrast to the effort he was putting in to seem little more than sore. Seliane had tried for the careful neutrality he often wore and had failed at holding the impression though he was surely due some credit for trying. Especially when it felt like someone was taking a not yet cooled poker and playing it across his calves and ankles. Instead the Legatus looked sullen and vexed and in desperate need of a bath under the late noon sun gleamed though a diaphanous overcast. His strides were shorter, mindful of bruises hiding behind his clothing but feeling as though every inch of his body were covered in blistering welts so it made little difference. All he could do was clinch his jaw and combat the need to whimper whenever the occasional pedestrian brushed a particularly sensitive area or leaned too heavily to one side. It was miserable work but there was a silver lining to his battered body – he had won in the end. How many of lesser or like stations could say they battled against trained for the sake of practice?

[VALERIA CASSIA]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,100%,true][atrb=cellPadding,15px,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0px,true][atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/11uul8l.jpg] memories fade , LIKE LOOKING THROUGH A FOGGED MIRROR decisions to decisions are made Valeria did not have to worry about walking through the crowded streets of the forum. She just reclined leisurely in her curtained palanquin while her family’s slaves carried her safely through the streets of Rome. The litter’s pale gossamer curtains scantily shielded the Roman noble from the chilled winter air, however the blanket of fur beneath her was warm enough for her to venture outside of her cozy villa. Her lithe body was swathed in a brilliant emerald green garment similar to the Greek chiton while a white palla trimmed with little gold beads was draped over her head, covering her long blond hair. Her moonstone necklace adorned her neck, and a pair of cork sandals were strapped to her feet. If the palanquin was enough of a signal to denote her status, then her clothes certainly were. As she drew closer to Curio’s Amphitheater, Valeria peeked through the sheer curtains. Peering at the round building, she silently wished for a cure to the boredom that would soon ensue. How she dreaded the reason for her being in the forum this afternoon. Her father had requested (more like ordered) for her to join him after the meeting of the Senate. Then her father would subtly show her off while he was conducting business with the clientis that he patroned. Of course her brother, Alerio, would be there, but he wasn’t much fun to have a conversation with. Every conversation they had always ended with the political status of Rome. Now while Valeria did not mind a bit of political conversation, she could not talk about it all the time. Her elder brother was certainly following in his father’s footsteps. ‘Why can’t he parade me at a party? At least I would have Aemelia and Caecelia for company.’ She thought, as she started to close the curtain. Before the curtain fully closed, her vibrant green eyes caught the sight of a dark hair man rigidly making his way through the street. Parting the curtain until it was entirely open, Valeria tactfully examined the man, slightly curious as to the cause of his surly expression and stunted movements. In particular, she noted that the man wore the vestments of a Legatus. ‘What is such a high ranking military official doing walking, and why is no one getting out of his way?’ wondered Valeria, as a few citizen bumped into the commander. Then the noblewoman thought up a scathingly brilliant idea. Then she ordered her slaves to follow the man. Luckily they were going the same direction. Having to turn the litter would have drawn to much attention. Commanding her slaves to walk faster, Valeria near the Legatus she could tell that her men were getting tired of the pace, but she did not tell them to slow down. The young noblewoman grinned artfully when the litter-bearer in the front-left position begin to stumble a bit. He was a sturdy boy, no older than nineteen, who had come from the slave market this morning. Obviously Valeria would have to tell her father to give him a new job or sell him. She couldn’t have him dropping her palanquin in public. Especially in the forum. That would be too embarrassing. However it would be quite useful now. Within moments, Valeria and her palanquin were practically on top of the Roman commander. She softly directed her slaves to pass the Legatus, and that’s where her plan reached its climax. As she predicted, the new slave tripped over his feet and bumped into the dark haired man. He also almost dropped his side of the palanquin much to Valeria’s displeasure. Fortunately her other slaves were not as green and balanced the litter before their domina fell from her perch. The new slave boy swiftly retook his position, apologizing profusely. Valeria did not hear any of his pleading, and scolded with calm fury, “You fool, how dare you knock into a military commander.” She then turned her attention to the man her slave had bumped into. Valeria was once again her sweet, obedient self. It was like someone flipped a switch. Sitting up, the noblewoman demurely smiled, and said, “I’m so sorry, sir. I pray the boy did not injure you in any way.” Valeria paused for a moment, as if thinking over something. “Please, allow me to take you to wherever it is you are going as an apology. The litter is certain bid enough for two.” tagged , open words , 733 notes , i assumed he was in his military clothing since he had just trained. don't hesitate to correct me, if i'm wrong =] credits , post template by vitriol of on the edge.