Thread: Ancient Rome (blushing-rose and casketslinger)

Antonia laughed when he heard Aurelia mention Maelstrom 'running'. Then she switched to Gaelic, and although he wasn't as astute as his father in the foreign tongue, he did know some, mostly from what he'd picked up from Maelstrom himself. Even though Maelstrom was a slave, Antonia was still very friendly with him. His mother never liked it, but his father never discouraged the friendship. From what Aurelia was saying he picked up the words 'run', 'fight' and 'prisoner'. Let us leave Maelstrom to his practice, there is a large tournament coming up and he'll have to be in top form. Antonia said as he escorted Aurelia away from the balcony. I didn't glean it all, but I heard some of what you said and I think it prudent to clue you in. Maelstrom is a slave, yes, but he is also happy. We feed him well and give him woman. You claim you come from a proud warrior culture and I admire this, but Maelstrom gets to fight to his hearts content here. He doesn't want to leave, he likes it here, and so shall you if you'll just give it a chance. Antonia stated as gently as he could. Of course he knew she wasn't going to accept such a strange notion, but hoped she might open her mind to such a possibility as time passed. Come I can see you are hungry and this hot, dry air is probably making you swoon abit, let us go inside now, we'll talk more on the subject more after you've filled your belly with delicacies and take a cool dip in the pool. Antonia said as they walked down the veranda and into the side door of the house. It was then that Aurelia asked about the houses slaves. Yes we have a full staff, a day maid and night, a cook, and groundskeeper, also my mother has her own handmaiden, I'm sure you'll meet her soon, she is rarely ever anywhere but by my mother's side. But no...now that you ask, none of them are being treated as guests in our house. They aren't treated badly, but none are allowed to live inside the main house as my father has afforded to you. I think it's strange, but he is the head of our house and what he says goes, regardless of what my mother thinks. Antonia said as the casually strolled into the dining room. The room was brilliant rose marble with a brass oil lamp chandelier. Several large statuary ringed the grand rooms walls and a huge over sized oak table filled the center of the room. On this ornate table was a feast of hors d'oeuvres, fresh grapes, cheeses, sliced smoked lamb's meat with yogurt dipping sauce as well as several bottles of wine. Antonia walked up and poured himself a goblet of red wine. Help yourself He said as he swept his hand over the table. Eat as much as you can, all this get thrown away, before dinner is served. He said, informing her that this wasn't even a real meal, just throw away food. It was then that the yelling started, and coming this way. From the hall the bitching and griping intensified until its source entered the room. Chloe stormed into the room, her face red and her eyes furious, behind her trailed her handmaiden, listening and nodding along. Now here she is eating my food and standing in my dining hall like she owns the place, can you believe what travesty has befallen my house Saloninia? Chloe shrieked. Please Anton, take her away, I simply can't bare this right now. Mother, father said Aurelia was to be treated as a guest, behave yourself. He rebutted, casually sipping on his wine. NO I will NOT! Saloninia, take this ....this....thing and show her to her room until dinner. Chloe demanded, and her handmaiden nodded and walked over to retrieve Aurelia.