Fight for life, or love (closed)

(( Closed for Silver_Wyvern ))


Rome, Summer 98 AD. The great general Lucianius has recently delivered news to the Senate. The uprising in Dacia has been repressed, the leader of the rebels has been captured and she is being brought to Rome.

"She?.. A female rebel leader?" The senator scoffed at the librarian "What faerie tales are these? After Queen Boudica there have never been any female threats to the Empire." The librarian gazed back with anger in his eyes. "So it was written, so it will be told. Now please senator, be quiet."

According to Lucianius' report, this woman had the potential to be a real threat to the Roman delegation in Dacia, were it not for her timely capture.
The streets of Rome flooded to welcome their soldiers back home, bask in Lucianius' glory and see this female leader with their own eyes.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Atleast he gave me a horse..." Varinanna muttered to herself in her tribal Dacian tongue. "Quiet, prisoner! You disgrace the streets of Rome with your barbaric words" came the rough reply from the Roman guard riding at her side. A pompous brat, barely out of training she figured, quite possibly a nobleman's son.

As the parade rode closer to the Senate, the barely clothed, bound woman looked at the people that were standing in rows at the side of the streets. 'The poor blind fools, cannot see what my people have realised for years. Corrupt.. Rotten to the core.. Self-centred pigs..' There were more then enough words to describe the Romans.
"Halt!" came the call from the General, stopping the legion as the reached the Senate. "The prisoner shall come with me and my personal guard, the Senate wishes to see her before casting her fate."
She was roughly pulled down from the horse, chains wrapped around her wrists and a long hemp rope was strung around her neck. Stumbling a little as she was pulled onward, the smaller group walked into the majestic, marble building that house the Senate.

Political leaders
Second in power behind the Emperor...
All corrupt to the core...

Beside the Great General Lucianius was Manius. A hardened veteran of many of Lucianius' campaigns. He stood ready beside his general, dismounting when he saw his genral do so in front of the senate.

Manius gave a brief scoff at the woman's treatment. Such a worthy adversary to be strung along like that..especially by that upstart brat that barely even got his sandals dirty in the conflict. Manius was a veteran of over 20 years, fought along side the great emperor Cesar when he still was fit for military command and earned his place as Lucianius body guard. A tall man, armored suit hiding the battle scars, the badges of honor he earned for his services to Rome and her people. His helmet hid his graying hair, a fact he was glad for. Regardless of his body not giving out on him yet, he does not eagerly await the day he would be to retire. He'd rather die with honor in battle, not as a aged old man. The military was his life, his dedication to this carrier has even caused the man not to marry..

As they walked along the marble halls of the Senate, his eyes stayed forward, but drifted from time to time to the captured Varinanna. This woman..proved to be a match to him..the two squared off in battle, he protecting his general from her final ambushing advance. Manius almost dying at her hand, but he through what he would even admit as luck was able to overcome her. Before his blade struck her down, he was given orders to halt..to bring her in as a trophy..a example. He could not help but feel pity..the rest of her sisters were killed, worthy of a warriors death..but she was to be taken alive and paraded before the fat and spoiled senate.

((
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UaLWp72nij4/S_ho5Vf6RWI/AAAAAAAAMX0/Rc-gUKy0E3s/s1600/alina-vacariu.jpeg
))

The chains kept rattling softly as she was nearly towed along the group, her hands trying to find a way out of the binds. She'd rather die fighting a dozen of armed Romans, dying a warrior's death like her sisters, then be put up for show like somekind of prize animal.

"Introducing General Gracius Lucianius, returning from campaign in Dacia Romania." The speaker at the entrance to the Senate Hall called out as the group walked in, with loud applause from the dozens of Senators assembled.
Varinanna looked up slightly, they were all as she had envisioned.. fat.. spoiled.. loud-mouthed and corrupt. She spared a glance to the decorated helmet to her side, the man she nearly slew, and yet captured her. There was something about this man though.
'He's not like others.. He doesn't revel in the glory from these pigs...' the thought crossed her mind.

"Ouf!" She grunted out as a boot from behind forced her to her knees. "On your knees, barbarian pig." The youngling again.
"Easy Barinus, this is not a time for rough actions." Came a more soothing voice from the crowd. "Yes Senator, forgive my brashness." The upstart guard quickly apologized before retreating a little.

((Do appolgize if I don't have a image. If you want me to search for one I will, I am one who prefers to let description paint the picture.))

Mainus walked beside the group down the familiar hall..the polished marble, the groups of meeting upper classmen and senate..rich pompous slobs and senators trading secrets to bump aside and poison each other if not messily eating their prepared meals or finding young roman woman to sleep with behind their wife's back. For a man who had lived in the elements of the "barbarians" for so long, he thought if he was the only one that saw the irony in it all. In his mind Rome was devolving into something worse..yet like the loyal guard he bit his tongue.

His mind was snapped from his thoughts when they entered the senate itself..the long rows of men lined the bleachers as they watched the triumphant group enter, they talking amongst each other..no surprise that many had lecherous eyes upon the woman...regardless of she being a barbarian, she had a exotic, almost primal beauty to her..and it being natural and genuine compared to the wifes and painted up whores they slept with. The soft spoken Senetor that called off this cowardy boy spoke up a stronger voice:

"So this is the leader of the barbarian rebels that for the last month split the blood of Roman men..solder and citizen..within our holdings up north east..to see her myself I still can not believe that this is the mere woman that struck fear in our frontiers..if this was the threat..I'd imagine it would have been taken care of a long time ago." A smile grew on his face as he let out a hearty laugh "So now you are before us..your fate in our hands..you should be dragged naked through the street and stoned by the very citizens that you terrorized..I'd find it only fair."

Manius saluted, slamming his fist across his shoulder . "Senator..if I may speak." he paused as he awaited his permission, hoping his status would be enough to be payed attention to. Surprisingly he got is wish "Yes? You were the man who captured her..correct?" Manius nodded "Yes..and she was a worthy adversary.." taking a moment to pull his decorated helmet from his head, he revealed his face. Stern but fair, his graying hair and short beard brought to the light "She fought with the ferocity of beasts we have captured from our empire..I feel that it would be more for Rome's benefit that we have her fight amongst the gladiators. She would not need to be trained..and she would repay her debt to Rome through blood and sweat.." His eyes, a cold grey like the blade he wielded looked to Varinanna..at least she'd die that warriors death within the arena..if any man would be able to bring her down that is..

(( That's fine, just wanted to share it as a reference))

As the Senator spoke, she could feel the rage starting to boil up inside of her. What kind of snobby boy-lover was he, and who did he think he was to know anything about 'fairness'.
It was only as the leader's right hand, the man that defeated her in combat spoke, that she managed to take control of herself once more. Bloodlust often ran through the veins of her tribesmen, it was one of the reasons why they were respected allies of the Romans.. when they were paid it time, that was.

She glanced from her kneeling position to Mainus, as his ageing looks became apparent. He was different, she realised that, but how.. what would make him so different from all the others?
"fight amongst the gladiators" He said, causing Vari to grin lightly. 'The chance for a warrior's death, the chance to join my sisters in the afterlife. Sweet mother earth, thank you..' She whispered to herself, careful not to raise her voice above the murmuring of the Senators.

"While your offer is highly intriguing, Centurion, I do not see how you can be so certain of her battle prowess. After all.. if one such as you can capture.." The Senator was cut off by the sound of unsheathing steel.
"Not one more foul word out of you, Senator." Came the rough, icy cold voice from Lucianius himself. "Mainus has led battles before many of you were even part of the Forum. He has fought along the Great Ceasar. I would value his judgement many more times over yours."

He smiled a little as he looked down towards Varinanna. "However, I could always ask Emperor Tiberius of his opinion. I am certain that he would not want to miss the chance of seeing 'Boudica's heir' in action, would he?" The sleek tongue with which he spoke betrayed the many years of experience the General had.
A true diplomat, together with all it's disgusting tricks.

The Senator was about to speak again in retaliation for Lucianius before, almost as if speaking his name summoned him..a guard was seen walking into the Senate hall..surrounding a entourage of aids..and within the center, the Emperor Tiberius. Almost immediately the Senator stood with the rest of the senate, and the men turned to salute the man. The Senator began to speak again backpedaling like the coward he was "Ah! Yes, my dear Emperor..your timing is impeccable. Lucianius has returned with great news! Our holdings within the northeast have been secured and the barbarian uprising has been quelled. We were just talking on what to do with our prisoner, the leader of the barbarians, and I was ab.."

Immediately, the slender hand of Tiberius raised to silence the Senator , which he did. "I heard the conversation.." his words were calm and collected, the room silenced so his voice could carry over the marbled halls "And our general is correct; To see the woman who with a band of under 1,000 women..who could hold out to the forces of roman might for over half a year in combat with our best gladiators would be the spectacle that would make this political mission worth while."

The Senator immediately nodded and looked down to the group "Yes! well..you heard our Emperor..bring her to the Colosseum..prepare her for combat!" he gave a dismissing wave to the the men before moving to attend to his emperor, he immediately moving to praise and agree with his leader, so to attempt to ask a favor or gain more power. Again, the guard around Varinanna brought her to the horses outside the Senate to ride her to the Colosseum, the vast building always within visual distance within Rome because of it's height and splendor..

'The Colosseum, the most honorable place to die for any soldier.. slave, gladiator or else.' Vari muttered to herself as the group rode into the archways. Most of the people had gone back to their daily lives, now that the parade of legionnaires had passed.


Back in the Forum, Lucianius raised his hand in apology to the Emperor before taking Mainus aside, away from the rumours. "My dear friend, I need you to go to the Colosseum and look after that Dacian. You know as well as I do how the trainers can be with new blood. And while I have the fullest confidence in this girl's abilities.. I doubt the Senate does as well.."
He smiled a little at his right hand man. "Make sure that she gets the same treatment as all other gladiators. And then, unless I'm mistaken, which I rarely am... both the Senate and the Emperor.. are going to be in for a treat."
Grinning widely, he nodded at Mainus, signalling him to go before the General rejoined the whole group.

"Calling Instructor Valinius Flavius, upon special order of His Greatness, the Emperor." A balding, round man walked out of the training grounds. "I am Valinius Flavius, what does the Emperor wish of me?" Vari looked through her hair that she had draped over her eyes at the man. Almost looked as disgusting as the Senators. "This prisoner has been entered into the Colosseum games. You are tasked to make sure she is worthy."
"What?. A woman?... " He sighed heavily.. "If it is the Emperor's wish, I shall do what he asks." "You heard him, Dacian..." She was somewhat rudely shoved off her horse, landing on one knee in the sand.

'Ugh... they'll regret that.. one day..'

Manius, like the loyal solder he was, turned to pay attention to his commander's order. He with a salute across his chest spoke in response "Of course. I shall make sure she will get the honor she deserves..she being the one that almost bested me." With that he excused himself from the group to back outside. His loyal steed awaiting along side his commander's. He mounted his horse and began to ride to the Colosseum.

Vilinius stood over the woman with a scoff as he looked over her in inspection. Taking a moment to stand her up by grasping her ropes. Though the man was shorter and out of his prime, he still had strength in his form to put up a fight if he was forced too..though not for long. Pulling her along into a large fourm of men, the gladiators..all turned attention to the woman that was pulled in. Some from spain and Gaul, Others from Britannia and Germanic Lands. Some Greek and fellow Romans.

They all turned their gaze on the woman as Vilnius spoke. "Now first..your attire is inappropriate.." The man spoke as he looked over her "A gladiator keeps his chest bare, as a badge of honor. Those who are talented warriors can fight and kill, even with such a venerable part exposed . " He taking a moment to point towards some of the more experienced gladiators, lines of scars and gashes line their chest. With that the man grasped the rag that acted as a covering over her chest and ripped it off. The sight now grabbed the men's attention.

The actions of the trainer caused many of the gladiators to whistle wolfishly as her naked chest was put on full display. She only sighed a little, looking down at the man.
"Is that all, Roman? I had expected something else." She smiled a little at the male while looking at the other gladiators. Many were seasoned veterans, like she also was in secret, but there were also a couple that could be considered to be rookies.

A chuckle went up with the others, some showing their amusement in the female's defiance of the trainer. None of them especially liked Valinius, but the round man was one of the easier trainers.
He glared at her, snarling in annoyance. "I'd have you fed to the tigers, woman... If only that fool of a Tiberius didn't hold me back, then.."
"Then what, old man?" She kept a little smile on her face as she crossed her arms underneath her chest. "You Romans see us as little more then lust objects anyway, so."

"Okay, okay. Stop it, Dacian." A scarred and grizzled man stepped forward. His hairdo and beard told her he was either Gaul or Barbarian in blood. "I believe our dear Valinius has understood the message. Right?"
The balding official grumbled. "You can have her... The tigers will feast next games.." He muttered before walking off, causing Vari to grin.

'That's victory number one. A good start'

The Gaul was larger then most of the men, thick form..scars and body pain on his body of the Clan he fought for. With a swift action he took the rag that was ripped off and he held it to her "Surprised me that he could not think of more then just attempt to embarrass you like that..sure you went through that when the Romans got their hands on you.."

As he awaited for her to redress herself he looked back to her "What was your prefered weapon Dacian?" He spoke as he moved to walk to the set of weapons, his larger form shifting through them as he paused to see the other gladiators still watching before they moved on to their own training.

Manius was seen at the gates, now roping up his horse he then taking a moment is that adjust himself as he walked into the halls. He felt many eyes upon him as he walked into the training grounds, looking for the trainer. Walking away from the grounds was Vilnius still seething at the defiant response of the woman. He then stopped to see Manius "Hmm? Oh yes..can I help you?" He immediately seemed to cover up his anger in front of the centurion. "I am here to talk about the new warrior..the woman.." Vilnius immediately had a reaction from the thought of the woman before he spoke "..Yes? What about her? She is being scheduled to be fed to the tigers..should not be too long." Manius gave a sigh as he spoke again "I am going to ask you to not do that..that woman is a talented warrior..nearly took my life when I brought her down..I think she should be paired at least with some of the more experienced men.."

(( spent all weekend sick sorry about the lack of posting ))

She smiled softly at the man, nodding her head. "Oh, you bet. But, it's a Roman, can't expect much more from people like him. The majority of these pigs wouldn't even be able to fight their way out of a wooden barrel."
Several of the other men snickered and nodded in agreement, the Roman gladiators shrugged mostly, choosing to ignore her comment.

As she tied the ripped bra over her chest again, she walked up to the rack of weapons. "I don't suppose that they have a Falx here, do you?" She looked over the weapons, searching for her signature weapon. The fact that her sisters used this small, yet deadly weapon so effectively was the main reason that they had lasted so long, against the experience of the legionnaires.

She smiled gently to herself. "If you don't, I wouldn't be surprised, it's a signature weapon from Dacia and Thrace." She picked up a broadsword and weighed it. "This will do for the moment, I suppose."

Outside the arena, Vilinius sighed to himself and rubbed a few fingers along his temples. "She really that good, Centurion? No disrespect for you, but she's only a woman.."
He glanced over his shoulder, back to the entrance to the training grounds. "I had the schedule for the coming games nearly finished.. But I shall see what I can do. I suppose the tigers don't care if they get criminal or prisoner for dinner."
He smirked lightly in Manius' direction, before putting his hand against his heart in greeting and walking back towards the arena.



((Dacia and Thrace made up most of the East and South Eastern Balkan. Countries like Romania, Bulgaria, Armenia, etc.))

((I am sorry for my own lack of posting, and thank you for the note, I've heard the names of the two nations before, but don't know much on them))

The Gaul had a soft smile on his face, he letting out a chuckle. Her comment was true..their were the centurions, and then they were the milta and conscripts that the army hires..he himself cleared through many of those front line solders with his own clan. When he listened to her he responded "The Dacian blade? Normally we are just given what the roman's use so I doubt it.."
He's heard about the weapon talked amongst the roman guards during the uprising, seemed surprising even to the experienced warrior that such a small curved blade did so much damage to the roman armor, but he was not there..so he could not comment.

As she setteled on a gladus and tied the scrap of cloth around her chest he pulled from the sets of weapons a Trident. "Before your first fight, I'll be your sparring partner. Though I don't doubt your skill if you've been sent here, don't want you to fall just because you've gone out of practice." He, weapon in hand, walked to a open area of the training grounds..the others moving to watch, they curious of the Daciain woman's skills.

When Vilinius asked his question, Manius responded "She alone went through five of the general's gaurd in attempt to get to him..the rebels she lead and I presume taught to fight, though five to one, killed many of our number. Out of the men I have fought before..she was the closest one to send me to meet Pluto." As he heard his response he nodded "Thank you." He said nothing else as he walked into the actual training ground as he has many times before, he normally seen leaning on the conrner. Normally it would be just a few moments before he was asked to see Lucianius for another order. This time he was there under orders of Lucianius, to watch over Varinanna, to make sure she at least got the fight she deserved.

She snickered softly as she followed the Gaul into the sparring arena. "I would not worry about that, but I'm interested in seeing your own skills too." She shifted her feet, taking a stance that was very daring, her weaponless side exposed as her left side was foward. The gladius rested confidently in her right hand.

Under normal circumstances, the longer range of the Trident would've been an advantage, but Vari's quick feet negated most of that.

The war in Dacia had been a dirty one. The females, dubbed by the legionnaires as "The Dacian Banshees" fought a guerilla war. Ambushes, poisoning, assasinations at night. Only the last battle had been fought in traditional ways, where the lightly armored rebels were overpowered by the heavy Roman arms.

As Vari skidded over the sawdust floor, avoiding another stab of the three-pronged weapon, her back foot slipped away causing her to fall down onto her knees. "Ugh.. damnit.." As she looked up, the Gaul was already standing above her.
"Guess you win this one." She flashed him a brief smile as she saw Manius from the corner of her eye. Nodding gently towards the Centurion, she rested the gladius against her side.

'My style is my strength, I hope.. Sisters.. forgive me for letting you down that day.' She mused as she looked up to the ceiling.

The Gaul held the three points aloft her chest before the pulled away, the sound of the but end hitting the ground. His hand reaching out towards her to help pick her up "Think the problem is not you..it's the weapon..glaudis is too heavy for that style of yours.." He spoke "we do have lighter blades from former Persian empire..The curved blade seems to fit more of the style you fight in..lets you be more fluid. I will say I am impressed..never seen anything like it.."

After he helped her back up he walked to the rack of blades pulling from it a Scimitar and handing it over to her "Not exactly your choice of blade, but it is at least similar, won't slow your swings down..was able to take advantage of a brief break in your stance. Other then that, it was very solid."

Manius nodded to the woman, his senses sharp enough to pick up the brief look to him. If anything she had respect for him and he had respect back for her..a sort of connection between a pair of warriors that was unknown to this age of roman solder. He said nothing as he observed. Most of the gladiators milled about without noticing him..he was a common sight within the arena, he sometimes stepping up as a trainer.

(( Sorry for the late reply, been very busy lately ))

Vari accepted the blade with a short nod of her head. Twisting the handle in her hand, her lips curled into a smile as the whistling of air flowing past the curved edge of the scimitar reached her ears.
"Your praise is very kind. It sadly wasn't enough in the end though.. " She sighed a little. "Then again.. we all knew what was eventually going to happen to us when we decided to go through with the idea." It was quite obvious she was referring to the rebellion that she had been the leader of.

She smiled at him and extended a hand. "Since you said we'll be sparring partners for now, I think it's only fair to know eachother a little. Agreed?" She slipped the scimitar around the leather belt around her waist. " My name is Varinanna, but Vari will do. As you probably know, I'm a Dacian, former leader of the Dacian Banshees.."
She let out a soft sigh as she had to surpress the images of the final battle, they rose to the surface almost every day.

Why she had been drawn out into open filed was never known. Some suggested that she wanted to lose to Rome.. that this was a mere 'wake-up' call, so to speak. Others speak of a desperation act.

The truth.. that is a secret she carried to her grave, or so was thought.

((I can understand, same here. I do want to keep this going though.))

"It seemed the gods had other plans for you..Their had to be a reason why you only lived. You fought with bravery, and your small band had the ability to cause Rome to send their best out after you..

The gaul smiled a bit in response, his large hand taking her smaller one "Vernon. I did not get a name such as yours..I was a traner of warrior before I was captured into slavery.,though I of course gave a fight. Now I do as I did in my own village..test and train those who our Vilnius can't or won't train." He paused a moment at

Manius kept silent as he watched the two talk..still feeling intrigued by the woman. Then he heard voices from around the corner..the voice of someone he quite loathed. Soon, a older man came into the gladiator chamber. He was as much of a slob as many of the senate, but was in far less cleaner clothes.

"Manius." the man spoke with a smirk on his face "..Scipio" Manius responded with a note of disgust. Scipio continued to speak, same smirk on his face, knowing how he got under the centurion's skin. "I heard their was a slave accepted into these gladiatorial games..female..too beautiful for such things..I came to see her myself..see if we could find more...appropriate work for her.."
Manius gave a sigh..he had a gut feeling that senator would try to use the slave trade to undermine the decision that was made. "The woman proved herself in combat, and here she will stay..this is a order from the Emperor Tiberius.."

Listening to the commotion, Vari turned her head towards Manius and the new visitor. Another wretched slug of a Sentor most likely.

"Who is that?.." She muttered as the other gladiators had stopped as well because of the commotion.
"That's Senator Atticus Scipio." came the rumbling reply from a dark skinned African standing a few feet away from her. "He's responsible for all traffic in and out of the Empire... and as gross as they come.." The African gave her a look of know-how. "My bet, he's here for you Dacian.."

So.. another corrupted slug wants to get his grubby hands on me ey.. Well.. let's see him try.

She stepped forward, a slight smile on her face, scimitar sheathed through her belt. She gave a slight nod sideways to Manius, an indication of confidant control. "You asked for me.. Roman.." placing slight emphasis on the last word. "Because here I am. And.. unless you want to defy your Emperor's words, this is where I'll stay."
Her arms hung lazily along her side, but her hand was almost twitching for the hilt of her sword, ready to gut this corrupted slimeball.