WRITING TEAM: Civis Romanus, Clifford, Czech Centurian, FD2, Micah Aragorn, Nimmanu and Rayotep.
All members are welcome to join
[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 07-17-2006 @ 09:15 PM).]
WRITING TEAM: Civis Romanus, Clifford, Czech Centurian, FD2, Micah Aragorn, Nimmanu and Rayotep.
All members are welcome to join
[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 07-17-2006 @ 09:15 PM).]
Lusius found a table and sat down quickly his eyes looking from face to face at the others in the room. Maximus Sevrus had only minutely been describe to him and there was no guarantee that he would appear today.
Walking amidst the tables and mixed crowd the owner, Cassius Hilarius, talked with those he knew and politely acknowledged those he didn't. His motive was finding new gossip or gathering information for the highest bidder.
Cassius, in making his rounds, came to the table Lusius sat and looking down at him said," I know most of my patrons and to those I don't I like to be hospitable and offer small conversation. My name is Cassius Hilarius and this is my place, welcome."
Lusius with a slight smile nodded to the owner not really wanting to make any conversation at all and keeping his eyes on the entrance as to not miss anyone who might enter.
Not getting a response he liked Cassius tried again," And your name is?"
Lusius turned and lifting his head slightly said," Does it matter who I am as long as I pay the price you offer for your drink?"
Cassius' slightly taken back by the reply but still curious of the stranger replied," Why no, it was just common courtesy. I meant nothing more but to be friendly. Besides I see no drink in front of you, may I get you something?"
Lusius nodded his head just to be rid of the bothersome oaf. He knew far well what Cassius was attempting to do. But as the owner strolled off to get that drink Lusius thought to himself that maybe a little conversation might aid him in finding out if Maximus Servus was here or may show himself.
Cassius returned with a goblet of wine and placing it on the table accepted payment for it and turned to leave the obnoxious stranger to himself.
"Please, don't go," Lusius said while grabbing Cassius arm.
"I was rude and apologize. I had other things on my mind. Perhaps you could sit a moment and converse."
Cassius looked first at the hand that had grabbed him and then at Lusius his curiosity getting the better of him and said," Alright for a little while."
"Good!" answered Lusius
"What brings you here stranger", Cassius quick and to the point.
"Actually I am looking for someone," Lusius eyes looking straight at Cassius and picking up the wine goblet to drink.
Cassius staring back answered," You have come to the right place. Many a citizen of Roma frequents my establishment. Who is it you seek?"
"He is known by Maximus Servus."
Sitting back in the chair and with a slight chuckle Cassius said," Maximus? Why by the gods would anyone want to find or even talk to him. He is of no consequence to anyone."
"That maybe so but I have business with him. Business which is my own."
Cassius cocked his head slightly down and to the left and holding up his right hand palm out facing Lusius in a manner as to suggest his intentions were honorable," I meant no insult, dear friend. What business you have with Maximus is between you and he. It's just that he never seemed to have any friends or anyone that might be considered any sort of acquantance. A loner if you may.
Lusius lifted the goblet and sipped the watered down wine. He was not fooled by the aloofness of Cassius. He always knew more than what he let on especially for a price. But Lusius' urgency was wearing his patience thin and he asked,"Is he here or do you expect him today?"
"No! He is not here in this room nor have I seen him actually for several days. Probably has come to his demise somewhere. Should be expected someday. He comes and goes for days at a time. No one knows where or on what business but.......
Cassius stopped and looking at the entrance to his establishment looked at Lusius and pointing said," The gods have made this your lucky day. He enters as we speak."
Lusius put down the wine goblet and following where Cassius pointed was the man he sought...Maximus Servus.
[This message has been edited by Micah Aragorn (edited 12-27-2006 @ 02:21 AM).]
Finally his eyes started to roam the room looking for the proprietor of the thermopilia his vision meeting the stare of both Cassius and a stranger sitting at a table in the corner. He motioned at Cassius who acknowledged him but turned to the stranger and said something to him. All the while this stranger continued staring at him not with a look of harm but as someone who needed conversation. But Maximus would still be cautious.
Making his way to Maximus and with sarcasm in his voice Cassius said, " I see you have survived another few days, Maximus. You seem to surprise me everytime you show yourself here."
Maximus stared back and answered, " I sometimes wonder myself how I do it. It must be the thirst that I have for your cheap and light flavored liquid you call wine my throat and belly crave." His face showed a hint of sarcasm with slightly curled up lips that represented what smile he could muster towards the meddling and obnoxius keeper.
"I suppose you have coin to pay for it this time?" replied Cassius annoyed at the banter he received.
Maximus' slight grin had turned to a full smile and hesitating just a moment shrugged his shoulder,"I always pay. Sometimes not right now but you always get paid."
"Not this time, my paupered friend.", Cassius answered as a smile now came upon his face in some sort of playful revenge," I can't continue this drink now pay later with you. You are a bad investment!"
"Now is that anyway to treat a loyal patron?"
Cassius looked Maximus in the eyes and plainly said," Maximus looking up at Cassius with a pleading in his facial expression was unaware of Lusius walking up behind them. "I will buy his wine!", said Lusius glaring at the owner. "Fine!", replied Cassius. "Seems you have a friend in this world after all." And Cassius left to bring back the wine. "Thank you, sir. Do I know you?", Maximus watched as Lusius walked around the table and sat. "You and I have business.", replied Lusius."I am Lusius Falco." Maximus eyes widened at his name.In deed they did have business but just not here. "This is not the place for us to talk.", keeping his voice low but leaning in towards Lusius so he may hear him. "Is there somewhere else we may talk?" "Yes, return with me to my home and we can talk more privately there", replied Lusius. Cassius brought the wine as both men stood up to leave,"Wait, don't you want this?" Lusius paid the owner and Maximus took the glass and without stopping until it was gone emptied the glass of its contents and then put it down on the table turned and walked away with Lusius. Cassius followed them both with suspicions of their business. He would have to find out what those two had in common. He was sure it would be worth quite a bit of danari. The day was over and the thermopilia was finally closed for the evening. Cassius put the last of the coin for the days business away putting where only he knew where it would be. He closed the doors and started to walk to his home. Turning into a side street to make his traveling distance shorter he was grabbed from behind. A gag was quickly put into his mouth to keep him from calling out and his hands bound. And to keep him from seeing his assailants a cloth sack which smelled of dry hay was put over his face. A voice which seemed familiar but which was muffled from the sack over his head said in harsch tones,"Don't cry out or try to escape because the blade now resting against your back will find a home in it. Do you understand?" Cassius life was precious to him and he did not wish to forfeit it at this time so he nodded his answer all the while trying to figure out what was wanted of him. [This message has been edited by Micah Aragorn (edited 04-04-2006 @ 08:42 PM).]
She couldn't tell how long she had been asleep but it had been daylight when she laid her head down and now the lamps were lite and the window outside was showing darkness.
She sat up streching her arms above her head and felt her bones return to their normal positions with a little of popping back in. At the foot of the bed she found clean garments which she presumed were for her although unaccustomed to being this fully clothed. As she dressed herself she glanced about the room viewing the painted vases and velvety tassled pillows that adorned elongated couches and a table that had numerous items that looked as if they might be for grooming one's self.
Hunger was setting back in and the cooking frangrances being more than she could bare had her leaving the room and following each delectable scent.
As her nostrils led her in one direction her eyes wandered from top to bottom and side to side taking in each room she passed by or through until turning a corner....
"I see you are finally awake!", Barcus the housekeeper sightly growled at her. She was a stranger in this house and definately not an invited guest even though the Master had told the household to watch her but not treat her as a household servant.
Jacqueline said nothing but stared back at Barcus' direction with a wide eyed cat look not sure of what he was saying nor what he might try to do. She would be sure to watch him.
Barcus seeming a little irate at not being answered once again spoke to Jacqueline. "Would you like to eat something?",he said as his hand went to his open mouth gesturing what he was saying.
Jacqueline still with eyes following every movement he made finally nodded her approval as her growling stomach would not let her do elsewise.
Barcus led her to a kitchen area where other's were busy making breads, stiring pots, and yet others turning a slow roasting carcas of something unfamiliar over an open flaming pit. With each step she moved further into the kitchen and with each step the other servants stopped what they were doing and starred at the newcomer. Most, if not all, were unfamiliar with the lands Jacqueline had come from so she was therefore a novelty or someone to be fearful of. The looks on their faces were a mixture of curiosity, fear and hate.
Barcus finally led her to a wooden table in the corner of the kitchen area. Pulling out the bench she sat herself down still ever watchful of her surroundings and ready to react to any unwanted circumstance.
She heard Barcus speaking to a servant girl who within moments had a wooden bowl and spoon with some sort of hot substance sitting in front of Jacqueline. This was followed by a plate of carved meats from the roasted beast that was on the open pit. All of which she washed down with a glass of sweet liquid.
A large belch erupted from her at being overfull and getting the attention and annoyed stare of Barcus. As she swallowed the last bits of liquid she heard a familiar voice approach the room and with it a voice she could not recognize.......
[This message has been edited by Micah Aragorn (edited 02-16-2007 @ 06:31 PM).]
Save Water, Drink Beer
[This message has been edited by Czech Centurian (edited 11-17-2008 @ 11:32 AM).]
[This message has been edited by Micah Aragorn (edited 11-26-2008 @ 04:28 AM).]
Save Water, Drink Beer
Save Water, Drink Beer
Save Water, Drink Beer
Save Water, Drink Beer
[This message has been edited by Micah Aragorn (edited 01-19-2011 @ 01:16 AM).]
Save Water, Drink Beer
[This message has been edited by Micah Aragorn (edited 02-07-2009 @ 02:42 PM).]
[This message has been edited by Micah Aragorn (edited 08-21-2018 @ 01:30 PM).]
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