As Dania slept fitfully well into the morning, Civis Romanus, always the early riser, rousted Titus from his room and urged him into the late morning air for their seemingly traditional venture to the bathhouse. Titus always hesitated regardless of time of day wondering if there were any lingering effect of the incident three years prior. He did so once more.
"My dear Titus," said Civis. "I begin to wonder if you are truly concerned for my mental wellbeing or just fearful the water will for once not be refreshing or warm enough." Titus laughed and still suffering the effects of interrupted sleep walked a little unsteadily over the uneven ground. Civis continued to trudge to the bathhouse talking as he walked.
"No, Titus. It seems even Apolita is nearly over the trauma of that day, with one exception..." Here Civis paused for effect and to see if Titus was truly listening. The tribune was in fact listening.
"What exception is that?"
"She will only go to the bathhouse if I am there as well."
"At the same time?"
"Of course, and I really don't mind at all." Civis looked over his shoulder and winked.
Titus remained silent, a smile curving his lips. If only he would be so fortunate when he decides to marry that it would be one such as Apolita he finds.
They were both very near the bathhouse when girls' laughter interrupted his thoughts. Two girls, the very same he and Civis happened upon in the same circumstances three years ago walked out of the bathhouse just as the two men were about to enter.
Three years of maturity had made their mark. Titus remembered one of the girl's names. "Hello Lydia. We meet again it seems."
Lydia's eyes enlarged and as before she, like the other, clasped her robe to herself. Now 16, there was a fullness to her figure that was only hinted at before. "Master Civis, good morning," she said trying to retain her composure. "And good morning to you, Tribune Titus."
"Is the water warm?" said Civis.
"Very warm and comfortable indeed, Sir," said Lydia, glancing repeatedly at Titus.
"Very well... Oh, and I should mention the Mistress and I are pleased with your work at the villa. We shall talk about extra privileges before long."
"Why thank you, Master Civis," replied Lydia, blushing at the unexpected complement. "We must go now."
"Certainly," acknowledged Civis. The girls curtseyed and took the path to the servants' quarters, glancing back, but with different looks in their eyes than those they had as the young girls of three years prior.
"Still catching their eyes, Titus, I see." Civis smiled as his friend searched for words in response. Finding none, Titus merely followed Civis into the bathhouse.
Immersing themselves in the warm water, fed by the wood fires placed under the bathhouse, both men permitted themselves to relax and absorb the comfort to be found in the small pool.
"Peaceful and serene..." commented Titus.
"Always, it seems so," observed Civis. "But Titus, I have this very strange feeling that this period of "pax" will soon come to an end."
Titus gave a start and on reflex started glancing around the visible areas of the bathhouse. Civis noticed the movement of his friend and moved to ease his concern. "No, nothing like that. It's just that... Well, I've been having these dreams..."
"Dreams, not nightmares?"
"Not nightmares yet, Titus."
Titus frowned. "Portents, they say."
"Yes, and I believe it."
"And what to they portend for you, Civis?"
"I don't know, Titus. They are far too strange, too foreign. And what is more, it is not me alone."
"Who else, then?"
"You, Titus. You are part of it as well, and then last night... another dream and another among those I know became part of it too."
"Who was the other?"
"Roulv Dania."
The two fell silent and all that could be heard was the gentle music of the water as it responded to the few motions caused by the bodies of the two bathers that disturbed its surface.
[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 11-23-2002 @ 12:56 PM).]