Thread: The Concubine     (Fanatic/Nika)

Alicia noticed the change that overcame the general's face and demeanor as he looked upon her. She forced herself to remain still as she felt his eyes traversed over her. The General stood and offered her a seat, and Alicia moved forward, aware of the shifting silk gliding across her skin and his keen eyes. She took her seat quickly and stiffly, her hands folding upon her lap. Always having been covered from head to toe in the company of others, especially men, this could not have been more of a struggle for the young woman. As the complement dropped down upon her head, Alicia's chin dipped in the slightest. She was not worthy of such finery having no title to her name, no family, only the Vestal Goddess' hearth to thank for her life and her home. In another sense, a tingle wormed up her spine he had looked upon her, he had called her beautiful, and he was doting upon her. So strange, to be spoiled with individual attention, and a man's voiced attention to her physical form. Her eyes set upon the table, Alicia nodded once, her voice hushed, My thanks, General. Her lips set themselves into a firm line, but she glanced up as he took his seat. His smile surprised her it was bright and genuine. Alicia stared, as such a sight was so unexpected after what had recently transpired with the golden-skinned slave. It made his face brighten. She looked away as the serving boys entered. He must have been blessed by the gods, for he had a charm unlike most when he smiled He was handsome. She could not envision such a man not getting his way. Her hands tightened in her lap. Two boys had entered, not yet of the age to wield a sword, instead carrying in their arms platters of food. A soup was set upon the table, a bowl of it's thick stew ladled out for her, and a cup set beside it. A fish was brought next, it's belly flayed open and drenched in sauce and spices. Steamed vegetables and a bowl of berries next. Alicia glanced to the General, waiting for him to take his food and begin eating. As he did, she looked back to the food. Her eyes widened when she saw the small cakes, sweetened with honey, set down upon the table right in front of her. Before Alicia touched anything else, her hand reached out for one of these small cakes, as if she was worried it might disappear. Tentatively she bit into the soft, gooey desert, and then her eyes lit up, a hint of a smile tugging on the corners of her mouth as she chewed slowly, marveling at the taste. Without another thought except for this joy she took another small bite, and then realized what she was doing. Quickly Alicia set the half-eaten cake down on the side of her plate, and frowned as she regarded her now-sticky fingers. A minuscule pause, then she wiped them clean upon a cloth. She turned to her cup, as if she had done nothing, and sipped from it. However, this too was sweet, a honey-wine Mead. Alicia quickly set it down, focusing on the main meal. Alicia ate slowly, and little, despite her hunger. The knots within her stomach could not be placated by the fine food before her. The moments dragged on as she ate in silence, until her hand wavered above her plate. She took another sip of mead, looking over the rim at the General as she decided to dare a question. Setting the cup down and placing her hands onto her lap, Alicia turned to look fully at the General, General Rome's great General of the North, She tilted her head, her eyes falling once more as she contemplated her next words, May I know your name?