Thread: Decadence (As Day Fades x PixxieGrrl)

As with anything, the Emperor was in a slightly leaned position, face stoic, mind at thought as all was presented forth to him. And, as with anything, there was brief pause before he responded, mulling over the moment in his mind so as to make the best decision. A bejeweled hand rose to stroke briefly the short hair on his cheeks and chin. He stood, wordless, the din of the room going quiet, all but the sound of his steps and the clattering of the sword as he reached to lift it. This lack of else made the sounds feel magnified, the ting of metal upon marble floor as it was lifted, he standing up fully, holding its handle gripped with two hands. I accept these gifts, Caelius spoke lightly, eyes looking up the length of the blade he held outward with both arms before him. Louder now, And congratulate you all on a hefty task now complete. Rome is not grander for your might - it is grand because of it. Octavius, he said, turning to the youngest of the Senators. Octavius immediately stood, hands at his sides, head dipped forward in respectful incline. As Commander of our army you bear the brunt of all failures, as you do the respect of all victories. Come. Turning back to those standing before him, Emperor Marcellus walked forth. Marcus Septimus, and all of you. I commend you on a job well done. Tell me, General, the sword pointed down now, tip on the floor, both hands on its hilt, can you say to your Emperor that your men conducted themselves well, the truth of victory aside? Turning his gaze to the legionnaires, That they did not pillage for themselves, rape nor murder unnecessarily? That Rome is not to be known outside its walls as the same type of barbarians we nobly risk ourselves to fight against? That I can, my lord, humbly. Good. The hefty two-handed sword was brought to his left, tip again let to set upon the smoothly carved marble floor. Octavius, turning head to the man, See that one third of these claimed goods make it to the royal treasury, and that this sword is placed in my personal armory. The Senator nodded again, accepting the extended weapon from Caelius' grip. He continued, though, See that another third be spread among General Septimus and his men, in my own tribute to them for their deeds. He looked among the chained girls. Pointing one out, Have her hung in town this afternoon. Let it be said that ours is a mighty nation, one who all may join and be better for, and one that those who take stand against will know what it means to be conquered. Then, pointing to the girl directly next to her, Repeat the same with this girl, only have men return her to her barbaric lands let them understand the price they have chosen to pay. ...And when that is done, have the barbarians presented with one third of these spoils back, to show firmly that Rome is a benevolent master, worthy of being served. As you wish, Emperor, Octavius spoke. But first... He looked now to the most beautiful of the plundered girls. This is the one that was his daughter, you say? A moment. Then, a hard, sudden smack, slapping her across the face. In chains, he sneered. The back of his hand came from the other direction now, striking across her other cheek. Befitting. His hand gripped the young, barely-a-woman's face, gripping so firmly around both cheeks and chin that it caused her lips to purse. Glaring directly at her, Your family was shown opportunity how oft to steer its peoples' course towards Rome? To avoid bloodshed? And yet your father killed my last messenger and took arms. If two direct slaps from a man to a woman wasn't controversial enough for television, the spit that came next, the mouthful of saliva crashing humiliatingly on Ariana's face was certainly over that perceived, social line. Octavius, he spoke, see by day's end that this one is had in all the ways a woman's body is able. Then, finally, he broke gaze, brushing her face to the side. Turning to the Senator, Continue with the slaves. He then turned back to the circle, ascended each of the two long marble steps, and returned to his seat at its head. The Senators, as Caelius passed, all either seemed pleased, or pleased enough to be silenced. Aside from the two chosen, Octavius spoke, hands together, clasping the handle of the large blade, the rest shall henceforth become slaves to the royal palace. Such is an honored, sought-after place in life, repeating himself from before, to be servant to the greatest building in all of Rome, the greatest empire the world has ever known. To serve its Emperor, its Senate, its guards, its scribes, nobles and guests - it is to serve Rome herself. One at a time you are to discard your worldly belongings to the flame, taking one hand temporarily from the sword, using it to gesture to the lit brazier. No traces of Cassia's life before her willful enslavement remained already that merchant girl from before had no turning back. It would be similar for each of these ones, in a few minutes' time. For you need only what you are given here, from the Emperor's bosom. As slave you retain only your given name, and you are to approach your new lord, speak it as you bow and kiss upon his feet, offering yourself lifelong to his service. ...Those who cannot humble themselves to graciously embrace their new life will come to know this blade instead. General, looking to Marcus Septimus now, please unshackle all but the two prisoners.