Thread: Sweat, Blood, and the Arena (Athene & Eyesoffire)

Lux Aysu 304 BC It had taken twenty-four long years. But finally, the Samnite Wars had come to an end. With the treaty renewed, it seemed like, at least for the time being, all was well. All was as it should be. Yet, no one was foolish enough to forget the unfortunate truth. This peace simply wouldn't last forever, no matter how badly anyone would pray to the gods. Still, tempus fugit , and thus waited for no one. And so, people continued with their customs, their way of life. The slaves continued serving their dominuses and dominas, said rulers kept their houses and reputations as high as possible, and the Emperor watched over all of the Roman people. Whether it was done in an effective way or not would depend on one's point of view. Our story begins not with the Emperor, but a caravan ... Aysu! Come now, hurry up! The new slaves should be arriving soon enough! A tall man , likely in his late thirties or even early forties, paced while waiting for the person in question. He clicked his tongue disapprovingly, not appreciating how long his own slave was taking to comply with what should have been a simple request. Aysu! I'm not repeating myself again! Get over here,now, or --- A rushed set of footfalls echoed throughout the halls and soon, a woman no more than five inches over five feet ran in. Her head lowered, gaze immediately moving to the stone floors. I'm sorry, Master Iulius. Please forgive me. ... Done. Now, come. Slowly, the two exited the villa and began walking through the streets of Rome. The walk would be mostly silent. About half-way towards their destination - the town square - Aysu hesitantly started muttering under her breath. Hmm? Iulius inquired, Speak up if you have something to say. Otherwise, be silent. My apologies but I was wondering ... do you not have enough slaves? True. Under normal circumstances, I would agree with you. However, we are not looking for only a slave. We are seeking a gladiator, one who will fight for me and my name. My sake. My reputation even. And that is why I wanted you to join me. You, my dear, have always had a good judge of character. I feel certain you will be able to help me determine whom would be the best gladiator to purchase. Aysu fought off the urge to frown, merely nodding instead. She knew her Master was right. She just wished he wasn't. Moreover, the fact she was aiding in someone becoming little more than what she was - a slave - didn't sit well with Aysu. When her home of Macedonia had been raided, she had been one of the few spared and purchased. Her situation was a simultaneous blessing and curse. But because it had some good at all, she tried to embrace and accept any and all blessings given to her rather than tossing them away like an ungrateful child would. I understand, she finally replied, Thank you for the praise. Iulius offered little more than a Hmph in response, the two finally arrived, standing in front of a line of mostly men, though a few women as well. All seemed ... barbaric. Wild. Ready to attack the first chance they got. Even the chains keeping their wrists and ankles secured seemed so ... frail. Likely because each body was accompanied with some amount of muscle, no matter how small or much. Slowly, Aysu began walking past each individual, studying them quietly. Carefully. All while knowing that any of them trying to attack would result in the slavers holding them back. Otherwise, she would no doubt look and act much more hesitant on obeying her master's orders.