A Slave In Rome

[sojournerwolf]

OCC: here is sort of the flip side of Roman moon, another thread of an earlier time in Roman history involving a slave beginning with him on the auction block.

STATS: 6' 2", strongly built but supple, long dark golden blonde hair, blue eyes which smoulder with a dark inner flame, deeply tanned, age 23

BACKGROUND: second son of a British tribal chief allied with the Romans. His father saw the advantages of his second son gaining an education from the Romans and agreed to let him be their hostage if they would do this. The Roman General who had his charge saw to it he had a full Roman education, including physical, until the age of 16. At that time, Britannicus's father broke faith with the Romans. The rebellion was put down, Britannicus' people killed and Britannicus was enslaved.

For two years he served as a galley slave, only his hate of the Roman's and his father's betrayal keeping him alive. In that time, he developed great strength. When the General was recalled to Rome, Britannicus was part of the rowing crew. Once there, the General claimed him as part of his booty, and sold him to a gladiatorial school.

The combination of his strength and the coldly controlled rage quickly turned him into a winning member of the stable. The owner, to increase his ferocity, forbade him both any sexual contact with women or men. Selected to be a Tyro for his slenderness and natural grace, he developed great agility and won far more than he lost. Fortunately, the few times he lost early in his career, he was saved by the mercy of the crowd who was drawn to his youth and leonine good looks. After fighting in arenas in smaller cities, the owner decided to take him to Rome.

Britannicus's dream was to win the ludii, the wooden sword of freedom awarded by the Emperor Claudius.
Ten straight victories in the Games would almost certainly have assured that. Britannicus had won his ninth when the owner of the gladiatorial school went bankrupt and was forced to sell his slaves.

Since the auction was held by the creditors rather than by the owner, Britannicus ended up on the block in a general slave auction.

SCENE: Rome in the time of the Emperor Claudius, the great slave market.

IC: I stand among the others, and yet apart, chained because of my size and reputation. No hint of the rage within me do I let show on my face. So close...so very close to winning my freedom, or so I told myself, for indeed, there was no rule that said I would have been awarded the ludus after ten victories. Yet, I had told myself, it would have been mine if Aufidius, damn his black soul, had not spent himself into penury.

I watch from the cage the milling faces of these Romans, their lusts and hungers so easy to read. I feel only contempt for these soft worms, the men and the women who think themselves so superior behind the metal wall of their legions. I can smell the musky scent of unwashed bodies of the slaves around me, nearly as naked as I, mere rags covering us. Many look at me, but none approach, none speak to me.

The auctioner's slaves come for me, and I do not resist, for I have learned hard lessons about rebellion, and patience, yes, I have patience to bide my time until I can find my way free of this degradation.

I am led to the platform beside the autioneer who looks at me and smacks his fat lips. His hand drifts over my ass and squeezes. I clench my fists to keep from throttling him. Though I have known neither woman nor man myself, I have listened to the moans and cries in the night, the grunts and slap of flesh on flesh from the cells of my fellow slaves. I have heard their stories and curse within me that bastard Aufidius for denying me even that small solace in his ambition to create of me what he always laughingly called "the perfect warrior".

"Here is a fine specimen of manhood," declares the auctioneer. "A native of the British Isles, gladiator both strong and supple. His record of victories stands at nine, and no doubt he would have won his freedom soon save for his master's misfortune. Strong as an ox and supple as a snake, he would be a fine asset for any gladitorial stable, his potential as a bodyguard outstanding through training, or perhaps as a galley slave or mine worker or any need for hard labor.

"I also know," the actioneer continues, "that he has had some education in both reading and writing and sumes and...," he laughs, "it is said that he can sing and play both lute and harp. Not to mention his...other endowments."

With this, the auctioneer tears away the bit of cloth about my loins and I am exposed, naked to the crowd.

"Come," invites the auctioneer, "inspect this veritible Hercules!"

I watch as several move toward me, men and women. This, too, will I endure, as I will endure anything I must to one day be free. The first of them reaches me...

 

[dansemajik]

OOC: Porcia, age 30, a woman of wealth, and high stature amoung the romans. Her father had begun importing, and exporting in his youth, a career that proved to be lucrative. He had died and left his riches to his only child Porcia, to do with as she pleased. She had no use for the business, so she had sold it to the highest bidder.

Porcia is a small woman who seems much larger thans she is.
She has deep black hair that hangs like a curtain to the middle of her back. Her eyes are the deep blue of sapphires, and contain knowledge that man wish they had.
She is finely made, her bones are delicate, her facial features are nearly perfect, small straight nose, high sculpted cheek bones, a perfect line from forehead to chin. Her lips were full and sensuous. Her breasts were larger than one would expect from her delicate build. Her hips were slim, but evident.

she was a woman who knew what she wanted, and always had a plan. Her father had let her pursue her sholar. she was well read, and was always on a quest for more knowledge. Some whispered that she was a witch. It was not true, she was merely observant, and intuitive.

IC: She had just sent her servent back home with the proceeds for the business she had just sold. Her father had often told her she should have been born a man, as she was astute in business. She was often courted, and had many lovers, but could not find the man who could tame her as she tamed him.

She was restless. She should have gone home, but she kept walking thru the stalls, seeing goods, people, food, cloth, and suddenly she was drawn to a man standing on the platform. Chained. The fat auctioneer was leering, at him touching him. Portia stopped. She could see something in the mans eyes. She said aloud. "Well by the Gods, he wants to murder that ugly little man."

She listened as the bids rose around her. A lot of money was to be had for this stunning creature. She narrowed her eyes, checking out the bidders. Marcus Maxim was a mean spirited man, he was a skinny little whelp who would chain him up and beat him to make himself feel powerful. Then there were the usual Gladiator owners, and some fat ugly women who would use him as a sex slave.

she walked close to the dias, she looked up at this man. He had held his face in a benign expression, as if he didn't care that he was up there. His eyes crackled and burned with the rage. She met his gaze and the fire seemed to leap out at her. She wanted his history. She wanted to know his secrets.

She motioned for the auction master to come close. She whispered to him..."Whatever the highest bid is, double it. and have him brought to my house, without the chains post haste."

She turned and walked away.

 

[Sexygurl69]

OOC: Cornelia, cousin of Porcia, 19 years old. Porcia took care of her when she was 17, when her parents died at the eruption of Mt. Vesuvios. 5'4" strawberry-blonde, hazel eyes. her breasts were average, and she was slim. She looked different from the others since her grandparents were Brittish.

She'll come in when Porcia gets home

 

[TrippingBilly]

OOC: Izak. 18. 6'3 205 lb, long brown shaggy hair, dark olive skin, bright brown/almost baige eyes, very muscular. Hungarian prince forced into slavery by Romans when country was taken over at age 16. Bought by Porcia to protect her younger cousin, Cornelia. Extremely attracted to Cornelia, and dedicated to protecting her.

I guess I'll come in when danse come home, too?

 

[dansemajik]

Portia arrived home, walking, forgoing the chariot that walked beside her. Her servants were used to her not wanting to ride, they refused to go home when she decided to walk. Portia always assumed it was on the orders of her father. She had stopped telling them they could go on home.
Her relationships with her servants were one of respect. She respected the work they did for her, and in turn they respected her kindness, and her generosity. Many of the roman aristocracy looked down their hefty roman noses at her way with her help, but knew better than to utter a word in public where it could get back to her.

She saw Cornelia sitting it the gardens, with a scroll, eating grapes while Izac stood near by, the longing in his eyes was not concealed as he watched Cornelia. Portia watched in silence, her cousin was a beautiful young woman, she was independent, and strong willed. She was also intelligent that saved her a lot of trouble when the independence and strong will got in the way of other people.

She realized she was smiling, when Izak saw her, his face became a mask, hiding what he felt. Portia said to Cornelia, "I have procured a new slave. He is to be treated with respectful distance. I want no one to disturb him the first three days he is here." Portia then called to her house man, Otto. She had inherited him from her father, his loyalty was proven time and again. she instructed him to prepare the rooms on the west side, with clothing, and bedding, instructing him on the necessity for comfort. His eyes widened. He asked no questions, but she could read them in his eyes. "I will explain to you later, just instruct the servants to do it." he bowed and left, he knew she would tell him when she was ready.

She sighed, poured a chalice of wine and sipped waiting for the arrival of her new purchase.

 

[Sexygurl69]

I looked up curiously at Portia. A new slave? I thought. I looked up at Izak, he just shrugged. I put my scroll down and walked over towards the Atrium when Portia usually had the salves wait for her. She was no where in sight so I stood at the entrace looking at him. My eyes widened. He looked so familiar to me, have I seen him before? A very vauge memory of me in Brittan went through my head. I lived there for two years while, Rome and Brittan were Allies. I moved back and years later, they became enimies. He just seemed so familiar to me. I felt breathing on my neck and turned to find Izak.

I shreaked, because of being startled. "Oh my goodness, you scared me half to death."

 

[sojournerwolf]

OOC: Welcome all! *G* this looks like quite a good start for a story with the characters already involved and any others who join us.

IC: I listen as if disinterested in the bidding. Many hands have touched me, felt me, examined me as if I were some animal. Disgust roils in my gut until one Roman matron stands boldly in front of me. Her wealth is evident from clothing and care of person, yet without the gaudiness of the others around her. Unlike the others, she raises no hand and her eyes reflect something other than mere amusement or lust. There is a fire in them that seems to burn into my very soul. I feel more naked, more exposed within her gaze than I have ever felt before.

The bidding ends abruptly and I am led away, puzzled. The auctioneer gives instructions to his steward in a low voice I cannot hear, then turns to me.

"Well, boy, looks like you have a new owner. Pity. I was tempted to bid on you myself."

I smile faintly and strain as unobtrusively as possible while he describes in some detail what sort of use he would have put me to. He then turns to the steward and there is a sharp crack. The weak link in the chain I have been carefully working has broken. The auctioneer swallows audibly and I offer him a faint bow as the steward leads me away.

The walk across Rome beside the steward's litter is dusty. No provision for cleaning me has been made and I am delivered to the rear of a great mansio which rises with stately granduer among lesser dwellings of gilt and facade. I realize then who has purchased me.

and wonder if she has any idea she has bought not a slave, but a man who will not hesitate doing whatever he must to be free.

At the entry way, I stop, suddenly. A face from out of the mists of memory has appeared. I know her, somehow I KNOW her...if I could but remember. And for a moment, the impassivity in which I wrap myself cracks. And the slave beside her, moves closer to her, protectively with a warning I will not take lightly glittering in his eyes.

[Edited by sojournerwolf on 05-05-2001 at 06:08 PM]

 

[dansemajik]

OOC: sorry, seemed to be writing in the third person, forgive the change as I begin to write in first person...

I stand on the back portico, I order Otto to remove the chains. I ignored the bellows of outrage from those around me. I turned to look at Otto with one eyebrow raised. "DO you have something You feel you need to say to me?" He shook his head and gave the indication to do as I said.

I walked to the man and said to him, "Otto has prepared your rooms for you, there is access to the baths from there. I would ask that you maintain yourself to your rooms for the next three days. During that time, your food will be brought to you. After three days, I will explain why I wanted you here." I started to turn away and said, "What is your given name?"

 

[Sexygurl69]

I turn back to look at the new slave again. I needed to get out of the house. I slowly walked into the Atrium past Portia who now was in the room, and past the new slave trying to figure out why he was so familiar. I slowly came closer to the door when I suddenly stopped remembering. I saw him looking at me, my eyes wide with shock. He used to live in the house next to me. We used to play games with eachother. I used to fancy him until another girl came along. I turned around and ran out of the house into the fields.

 

[TrippingBilly]

IC: I was standing next to Cornelia when Portia had arrived home. She had a new slave, a British man, very strong in stature, obviously a warrior of some type. Portia had informed us of the new slave and told us to leave him alone until he had settled.

I looked up at the new slave and noticed him looking at Cornelia, I glanced down at Cornelia and realized she was staring back at him.

I instantly felt threatened, and stepped closer, trying to make the newcomer realize that she was mine, or atleast that I was pursuing her. He broke his stare from Cornelia and looked up at me. I glared, but not to offend him, just to warn.

I saw that he got the hint, but something inside me still felt threatened. Cornelia stood up and walked past the new slave, I followed. She looked up at him and a look of enlightenment filled her eyes and a slight smile formed on her lips, I felt my heart sink. The slave looked back at her and analyzed her closely.

As I walked by, he and I made contact, he had warrior's eyes, and I respected him for that. I knew this was somebody I did not want to be enemies with...but I didn't know what would happen if Cornelia married somebody else.

[Edited by TrippingBilly on 05-05-2001 at 10:23 PM]

 

[sojournerwolf]

I watch with contained amusement the people before me. Izak's desire for the woman I cannot quite remember is obvious. I know I must at some point remember who she is...it seems important to me. Evidently her memory is better than mine, for I see the shock of recognition as she turns and runs towards the house. the way she moves stirs something deep within me, something I have done my best to surpress in the years as a slave. I vow to myself I will find out who she is and, if possible, find a way to use her to escape this place. I find myself hoping this will not bring me into conflict with Izak, for I suspect he would be a challenge in both combat and mind. And, despite myself, I find myself almost liking him for his concern of his charge. It would be a pity to have to kill him.

The rich matron, Portia I have heard her called, my new mistress, studies me keenly. The respect she commands of her slaves, even this Otto, is evident. A strong woman, I deduce, she misses very little, this one, and I know she will prove a challenge to circumvent. Yet, even as I plot behind an impassive facade, I find myself drawn to her in a way no slave should feel.

She gives her orders, which surprise me as well, for a room and food and bath and clothing. I feel my eyes widen involuntarily before I again regain control. I almost missed her question and can see her face flush as if she thinks I am being impudent.

I reply to her question, "I am called Britannicus, mistress."

[Edited by sojournerwolf on 05-06-2001 at 11:06 AM]

 

[dansemajik]

I watch as Cornelia bolts from the room. It occurs to me that she had spent some time in her youth in the British Isles, her father being a roman ambassodor. Still it bothered me that her movement also caught the attention of the man standing before me. Izak fairly glared his challenge at the whole ordeal. I sighed, imagining fighting amoung my slaves over one young beautiful woman. I would deal with it when it happened.

I waited rather impatiently for the man to answer my question. I was losing my battle with my patience when it suddenly dawned on the man to answer my question.

He spoke with an educated voice. I could hear knowledge in his words. His respect was not real, though he was an exceptional actor. I bowed to him. "Britannicus, welcome to my home. You need not respect me yet, for you do not know me, or my home. I will remind you however that until you earn your freedom from me, you are my property. My respect for you will come in time, as you earn it." I turned again to Otto, "Take him now, and let him bathe, and dress, then bring him food." "Britanicus, I will speak to you three days from now, and we shall see what your position will be in my home."

I entered my rooms and stood looking over the city spread below me. My father had been a wise man. He had educated me, and let me continue to learn long after I should have wed and started bearing children. I had many suitors, but they all bored me. I had yet to find a man who respected my mind as much as he wanted my body.

I wondered if I could wait three days to talk to Britannicus?
we would see

 

[sojournerwolf]

I see I have surprised Portia as much as she has surprised me. Not many can look upon me and realize I have had the benefits of both a noble British and Roman education. I listen to her words with a respectful air, though I find my thoughts diffused, torn between the young woman who left so abruptly and this Portia. She has quite a confidence about her, bordering on arrogance, but not quite. Despite my general contempt for all things Roman, I find myself drawn to her and laugh within...here I am, a slave once a nobleman, on the one hand scarcely the dirt beneath her feet and on the other of a birth that would garner invitations from other tribal chiefs to be wooing their daughters....the pang of that thought, I quickly put away.

I follow Otto, whom I can tell does not like me all that much to the baths. I catch a glimpse of the young woman from a window and pause. Otto pushes me and then backs away when I turn to look at him. I must remember to control my temper.

I soak through the hot and cold pools, and submit to being scraped down with a strigil after. The bath slaves seem torn between wanting to stare at me and being afraid to do so. I hear several giggles, male and female. Though I try not to think of this, I find my thoughts turning again to that part of my education which has been neglected...and the thoughts turn from there towards the two women of the house....

as yet, I know not what tomorrow will bring, yet I know this, for it is the vow I took when the manacles were first placed upon me and I was chained in the bowels of the galley on that day I lost my freedom and my youth...I WILL BE FREE.

 

[dansemajik]

I find Cornelia lying on a couch with tears drying on her cheeks. I go to her and take her in my arms. "Talk to me child. Tell me what makes you run from the house at the sight of a naked dirty slave? You are not prudish." I knew that wasn't what it was at all, but I had learned in order to get her to talk openly, I had to get her on the defensive. I admit, it was a terrible act of manipulation, but I needed the information. I had a feeling the man I had paid a small fortune for was much more than a gladiator turned slave. I looked at my cousin as she struggled with the words.

 

[Sexygurl69]

I looked at my cousin wiping my eyes. "I...I know him Portia. Re...remember w..when I told you about a boy name Britannicus. Thats him, the one I liked. I vowed to never see his face again, but now I can't help it. I don't love him like I used to anymore though. But, it's an old reminder." I sniffled. I looked at Izak, he seemed to have hurt in his eyes which hardened as I looked at him, but a glint was still there.

 

[dansemajik]

I nodded. I understood now. Cornelia had come to me with a broken heart. The young man she had sworn her heart to had left her. I put my arms around her, drawing her to me. "I understand my darling child. You will survive this, and I think you know you have an admirer who stands at your service of every day." I looked at Izak, who was hurting and angry. I put my mouth close to Cornelia's ear, and whispered. "I think you best tell him what is in your heart. I don't want any bloodshed on my land." I let my eyes connect with hers. I think she understood me. I nodded to Izak so he could attend his lady.

Otto had come to me. He had informed me of a guest in the salon, when he told me who it was I rolled my eyes in frustration. "Why must he keep doing this? I don't want him. I have told him to stay away Otto, why does he insist on coming back?" Otto didn't answer, he knew I didn't want one. He looked at me with patience and walked me to the curtained salon. I saw him standing there. Aramis Mentanza. His physique was incredible. He worked hard on his stature. His chest, arms and legs were massive. He was an energetic lover, but not real bright. He turned and saw me enter the salon. His dark green eyes gleeming as he came to me, hands outstretched to greet me. I put on my company face and smiled at him.

 

[Sexygurl69]

"Izak please sit down." I said patting the space next to me. He sat down and I leaned against him resting my head against his chest. "Please tell me whats on your mind, your behavior today has been puzzling me."

 

[sojournerwolf]

the hands of the bath slave work wonders on my back, though I suspect they tend to linger a bit more than might be their wont.

Beneath me, my erection is growing uncomfortably stiff as the bath slave works down along my lower back and buttocks. I know the gladitorial trained muscles must be something of a challenge. I wonder how she might greet other challenges when her fingers brush along the inside of my thighs as if by accident grazing the sac of my balls.

Then, like a sharp pain to the head, memories come flooding back. That which I have put away deliberately to avoid inner pain while enduring what my body had to go through breaks through the dam of my resistance.

I KNOW THE GIRL

Yes, I do know her, I do remember. Cornelia, daughter of the Roman attache to Britain. When I came to the legion camp as a hostage to the General, I met her then. We were but children and with very few others around, our ages through us together naturally. We played and laughed, she told me stories of the great heroes, Aenas, Hector, Hercules and I showed her the ways of the forest, the secret altars and hidden places.

As we grew older, our companionship changed. There was a wariness in our elders, as it became apparent our interest in one another had moved to the regions of the heart.

I sit up abruptly, startling the bath slave. A chill takes me as I realize she may not know what happened. For I was taken from the General's house in the middle of the night, directly to the galley. And the long ride while the General poured out his bitterness towards my father's betryal...and how I would pay.

The chamber vibrates with a loud groan I hear as if from a distance as old memories, old feelings come flooding back into me. It is my voice, cracked and hars. She must have thought I left deliberately, slipped away without telling her good bye. Gods, how she must hate me, if that is what she has thought.

And for the first time in all the years I have been a slave, I feel tears burning in my eyes...

 

[TrippingBilly]

I stood there, listening to Cornelia tell about her first love. My heart hated this new slave for what he was taking away from me, but deep inside I knew that I could never hurt him. Hurting him would only hurt Cornelia and that would tear me apart. If needed, I would die for Cornelia's happiness.

As Cornelia lied there, crying, I pulled a cloth from my back pocket and handed it to her. She stuck her hand out, shaking her head, rejecting it. I slumped my head and stuck it back into my pocket. Portia looked at me and gave me a look that said "Thanks for trying." I shrugged my shoulders, and stepped back.

Portia then leaned down to Cornelia and whispered something. I dared not listen and stood there looking forward, my eyes began to burn.

Tears? I hadn't cried since the Romans had cut my parents down... What was happening? Just a sneeze coming, I convinced myself. Portia then stood up, I bowed, and she nodded and made her exit.

Cornelia looked up at me "Izak, please sit down." She motioned for me to sit down next to her. I did as I was told, and sat down, keeping my back straight, trying to stay as formal as possible.

Cornelia placed her head on my chest, I felt my heart melt. I looked down at her head, the sweet smell of her hair filled my nose.

"Please tell me what's on your mind, your behavior has been puzzling to me."

I opened my mouth, then closed it quickly and sighed, afraid of what I would say. "Forgive the behavior I act" I said in my poor Latin (ooc: english, WHATEVER ) "I want not to scare off you with the way I feel."

She took her head off my chest, looked into my eyes and arched an eyebrow at me. Maybe she didn't know how I really felt for her. There were still tears in her eyes from earlier. I reached to her face, my fist almost as big as her head, and whiped away the tear with my thumb. "Please do not be sad."

She smiled and sniffed. "Just tell me what you're feeling." I battled it in my head, should I or shouldn't I tell her? I sighed and began to speak.

"Ever since your Romans came to my home and killed my family, not much happiness has there been in me." I let out another sigh. "And I had much considered running away until I was found, but I meeted you, and I wanted here to stay forever." She closed her eyes slightly in confusion. I can't believe I had just told her, my body tensed up, how would she respond to that?

 

[Sexygurl69]

I opened my eyes again. I put my arms around his head and hugged him. "Izak, thankyou for telling. For I too am afraid that what I want, will bring my family to hate me, or some others because of social status. But after litening to you. I'm not afraid." I looked up at him and kissed him.

 

[TrippingBilly]

At first I didn't know what had just happened. After what seemed like an hour, I realized she had just kissed me. She slowly pulled her head away, a line of saliva kept our lips connected. She slowly opened her eyes and looked into mine.

My heart began to race faster and faster, I felt almost nauseated with nervousness and my hands shook. This is what I had been waiting for ever since I'd seen Cornelia. I then returned the kiss, but with a more passionate force.

I closed my eyes and waited for her to respond to what I had just done.

 

[Sexygurl69]

I returned his kiss. I passion I had inside was so unbelieveable, It was building up since I first layed eyes on Izak. His muscualar stature, and his unbelievable eyes, I had to have him. I was so afraid because of social classes, but now I didn't care.

 

[TrippingBilly]

I had my response, she shoved her tongue into my mouth and massaged my tongue with hers. Our kiss felt like it lasted forever, but even that wouldn't have been long enough.

I broke the kiss and stripped my toga off. Cornelia slowly rubbed her hands all over my body, the feeling of her cold hands took the breath out of me. We continued to kiss and lied down together, her lying on top of me.

 

[Sexygurl69]

I sat up on his stomach and took off my tunica. I looked down at him and smiled. I layed back down and started to kiss him again.

 

[TrippingBilly]

Cornelia's naked body pressed up against mine, the warmth of her skin felt incredible. Her pubic hairs rubbing on my stomach turned me on and I knew I needed her right now. I rubbed her breasts and she moaned into my mouth. I could feel her getting moist. I lifted her up and then brought her down onto my hot cock. We then moaned in unison.