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Remove her dress.
I did not want this,
if what I feel for you.
.
I have heard your house spoken of.
And the, um pleasures
contained within
A rogue such as
this craves rough hands.
Come then, I'll have
your *** quickly.
For a single night, you are
the masters of this house.
An enticing offer.
Tullius will give voice of this
until the din
reaches Titus' ears.
Then we must keep
his tongue occupied.
A Roman citizen.
Dead in my house.
You would dissolve my marriage?
No, you must make
that choice for yourself.
Or be gone from
this house with her.
How did you get
beyond the gates?
They are a weak thing, against
such strong purpose
You risk discovery.
I would risk everything.
For you.
We cannot do this.
No.
We cannot
You *** ***.
Apologies.
Domina summons you.
Apologies.
I did
not hear you calling.
Gather Gaia's belongings.
Titus would have them removed.
I know how close you held her.
It was an unfortunate accident.
She was taken from us too soon.
Yet blessed to count you as
friend, while she was among us.
She was more than friend.
She was family.
Titus has ordered
Gaia's slave removed.
And commanded that salt
and spelt be scattered.
Decision and ritual, to cleanse
all trace of Gaia
from beneath his roof.
I asked Quintus to speak
to his father.
To not let Gaia be so easily
swept from memory.
But a wife's desires
do not always mirror
those of her husband.
Then she must keep them hidden.
We will tell them ritual
was performed,
even in absence of the deed.
Naevia and Diona to attest,
if questioned.
Gratitude.
I am assaulted on all fronts!
Tullius spills blood
in our own house,
yet my father
condemns innocent son!
The blame is mine.
If only I had stayed
a while longer
You might have joined
Gaia in untimely end.
No.
The fault rests
with Tullius alone.
Listen to them.
Cheering the final games
of the old arena.
Yet here we stand.
As removed from them as
Gaia from this world.
Courtesy again
of *** Tullius.
It appears I will be making
appearance after all.
You gain invitation
to the games?
At request of the magistrate.
A minor position, the effort
far exceeding the reward.
It stirs heart,
to know you unscathed
from association with me.
Petronius seemed quite
pleased with your offerings.
Perhaps there
is still opportunity
for you to gain placement
in the opening games
of the new arena.
*** the new arena.
*** Tullius,
*** the *** gods!
None of it matters now.
My father gives ultimatum.
Lucretia must no longer
hold title of wife.
Titus dissolves your marriage?
That would be a kindness.
He demands that I dissolve it.
Or find myself put
to street with her.
Perhaps it best
If she were to find
another husband.
I would sever ***
from *** body,
than see her from my arms.
I would hold the same
at first, in your position.
Yet it would crumble
to simple reason:
if you still intend
to run the Ludus,
what other choice remains?
Your friend,
he seems of a mood.
As would you, if trusted
brother presented your ***
to a Roman for rough pleasure.
You speak of ***.
And your fortunes shrivel,
absent Dagan.
Much like his ***.
Friend.
What do you make of Dagan?
Size and skill an advantage.
If dull wit can be honed,
he will prove asset.
Gannicus.
Work the palus,
if you are able.
Schemes plotted
while back is turned.
And there stand the results.
Apologies, Dominus.
You but did as commanded.
The burden lies
with errant son,
cast adrift upon churning sea
of impropriety.
I would navigate this house
towards calmer waters,
your hands to aid me.
Speak, and see them
set to task.
A good count of these men were
acquired in my absence.
Arrange competition,
so that I may determine
true worth
of all beneath my roof.
Our champion should be absent
such contest, until recovery.
I hold no man champion,
until proven so to my eyes.
Those who stand victorious
at ranking's end
will find honored position
within these walls.
Those who do not will
be sold to the mines.
Harsh reward, for men
already bearing own mark.
I remain unconvinced all here
are deserving of it.
You are clear to your purpose?
Yes, Dominus.
Gladiators!
Attend!
Diona.
.
Where is Lucretia?
I will fetch her, Dominus.
No, leave her where she is.
You may answer question.
Has salt and spelt
been scattered?
Yes, Dominus.
We have swept it
from the villa.
A step towards proper path.
Should have let the ***
tell her own lies.
Diona.
Lower voice.
So now you command me?
Will you decide who
*** me as well?
I did not mean
Do not think you
stand above me.
Cossutius could easily
have chosen you,
had your *** not
been so loose.
Why would you say such things?
We have been as one since
we were children.
I count you dearest friend.
Friendship is a privilege.
One not deserving of a ***.
Gnaeus!
Pollux!
Take position!
What is this?
Contest, to rank the men.
My decision yet
to be given voice,
and you proceed as
if I am already absent.
This house must
be turned to order,
regardless of whether
you happen upon your senses.
Lucretia is my wife.
A word that should lift a man,
filling his life
with ease and children.
She gives you neither.
You seek to tear
heart from chest,
and expect gratitude
it no longer beats.
I seek only to call you son,
absent shame in the title.
And I only ever wished
to make you proud,
father.
The rankings will be decided at
contest's end, two days hence.
I will grant you
equal time to prove
that you have moved beyond
past transgressions.
Dissolve your marriage
Or call me father no more.
I bow and scrape,
eating his ***
and thanking him
for the pleasure.
And this is reward?
To be turned
from my home? My husband?
You must make greater show.
Ply him with dutiful words,
see his cup always
filled with wine.
.
To what end?
He's already made his decision.
No.
He places it in my hands.
To prove that I am worthy
of being called
his *** son.
And what response
have you given?
I have managed to delay
the presenting of it,
until the men have been
ranked in contest.
I would have thought
your answer immediate.
Well, we need time to convince
him of your worth.
Is he the one that needs
convincing, Quintus?
I will not have
that *** tone.
I defend you at every turn.
And I have made
every sacrifice,
I have borne every
duty asked and yet
here I stand on the brink.
What more can I do?
I've given you everything.
Except a child.
I speak without thinking.
No, you speak your heart.
Lucretia.
.
***.
.
The gods call you from our bed?
I seek their guidance.
Return to sleep.
I would only dream of you.
My own are filled
with troubling image.
The walls alive with secrets,
condemning those privy to them.
We have borne witness
to unfortunate events,
removed from our hands.
Yet this is an honorable house.
You truly love this place.
My life held no meaning
before I was brought here.
This house is the foundation
upon which I was built.
I feel nothing but
the weight of its beams.
The burdens placed upon us
often overwhelm.
But it remains our duty
to bear them.
Come.
Let us pray,
and together see weight lifted.
*** him up.
Perhaps I should throw
the *** tadpole back.
Gnaeus continues to gain
in skill as retiarius.
Soon he will ignite
the crowd, as I promised.
Apologies for the hour
of my rising.
Sleep came with
difficulty last night.
Your absence was not noticed.
Yet the apology stands.
A noble gesture,
well appreciated.
The mulsum more so.
Let me fill your cup.
Duratius!
Crixus!
Take position!
Begin!
Crixus appears of a form,
does he not?
He has proven a wise addition.
One Gaia favored
from first sight.
Apologies.
Tullius arrives.
Tullius?
See him to my office.
Dominus.
What is that man doing
in our house?
My house.
And he comes in response
to invitation.
Tullius should be hurled
from *** cliffs.
Instead my father
takes knee to swallow ***.
And you do nothing to stop him.
Save lay blame where
none should rest.
I am a fool in such regard.
Allowing frustration to strip
sense from tongue.
And spilling truth
as consequence.
I would not hurt you.
Oh everything spins
from *** control.
You desire a son of your own.
To carry your name
and make you proud.
I would do anything to give
you such a treasure.
I must give him
my answer tomorrow.
It is too late for such dreams.
It is never too late.
When will is set to purpose.
What would you have me do?
Whatever we must to rid
ourselves of this problem.
I recalled your fondness
for mulsum.
Varus assures the vintage
to be his finest.
I am plied with honeyed wine
at every turn this day.
A simple gesture.
To smooth edge
from jagged events.
Jagged?
A woman is dead, Tullius.
A Roman woman, in my house.
You go too far.
I have come to make amends.
With a gift.
You offer wine
to wash away blood?
I offer position.
In the opening games
of the new arena.
Why would you do this?
In honor of history.
Capua has marveled
over many champions
from the house of Batiatus
over the years.
The storied victories
of your men
were part of the old arena
as much as its wood
and its sand.
Yet its final day passed
absent the house of Batiatus.
An unforgivable tragedy.
Caused by the actions
of a foolish son.
He knows my mind
towards this regard.
Yet his actions do not stand
alone in deserving
condemnation.
The past cannot be changed.
Let us turn eye towards
horizon of glories untold.
Ones to be shared in together.
And what is it you
seek in return
for such generosity?
The only thing
I have ever sought.
Gannicus.
My son believes
the man a champion.
Above all others.
You are a reasonable man,
Titus.
You always have been.
All I ask is that you consider
what is best for your house.
Enjoy the wine.
Domina calls for food and wine.
Diona?
Pause a moment, if you need.
I will say I could
not find you.
Naevia?
My words.
I did not mean them.
I know.
Your friendship
Your love
It is constant reminder
of what I have lost.
I pray to the gods every night.
That the next man I am forced
to lie with takes my life
Gannicus!
You are the Victor.
I nearly had you.
Nearly.
Asher.
Dagan.
Take position.
Begin!
Good Tullius has
taken his leave?
He has.
And what has he carried
from our house this time?
Ashur, *** Victor!
Rest, and tend wounds.
Tomorrow brings end of contest.
And appropriate reckoning.
I would have words.
As would I.
Accompany me to town,
and let us break them.
Melitta.
Once they have departed,
there is something
I would ask of you.
I have felt your
eyes lingering.
Yet they always turn away
when I meet them.
As should yours.
Then I must tear them out.
If they are to obey
such a command.
You must stop this.
I have vowed to,
a thousand times a day.
To return to drink
and ***,
forcing you from my mind.
Then I catch glimpse of you.
And my world ends.
I have never felt
greater love
Than when I hold my husband
in my arms.
Gannicus.
What seizes you?
You drop guard,
allowing Barca advantage.
The man almost had you.
I was lost in a moment.
Caught by a dream.
Then wake from it.
Leave us.
You are a Gaul, are you not?
Yes, Domina.
Many believe the seed of a Gaul
to rival that
of Jupiter himself.
Tell me.
How many sons sprang
from your father's ***?
Five, Domina.
And from his father before him?
The same.
Your subligaria.
Remove it.
You are never to speak of this.
Do you understand, slave?
Yes, Domina.
Well, I would not
look upon you.
The sight turns stomach.
Enter me.
And do not cease until
you have spilled seed.
My very first memories were
formed within this arena.
Attending the games as a child,
upon my father's knee.
Too young to yet form words.
Yet even then I knew.
That I would give
my life to this place.
A noble calling.
Um.
One I had dreamed
you would share in.
Was I not raised here
as well? Upon your knee?
You were.
I fear it is the one thing
we hold common now.
And you stand me at fault.
As you always have.
I stand you accountable
for your actions.
You have caused much heartache.
Never heeding my words.
Fighting me at every turn,
your ambition the bolt hurled
against my wishes.
And here is where it has led.
Two men at constant odds.
Mired in the ruins
of what might have been.
Ruins I aided in creation.
I wanted you to join me here,
to see them buried.
You are my son, Quintus.
And I will always love you.
No matter the path you take.
What moves such downpour,
after eternal drought?
Tullius makes offer.
Position in the opening games.
At what price?
Gannicus.
And your response?
Without meaning, if you are not
by my side upon
the day's arrival.
You give me until tomorrow,
and yet now press for answer?
A day, a year
A man either knows
his heart or he does not.
Stand with me.
And we shall
rise together, huh?
I will not turn from my wife.
You really did not
want this life, did you?
Well, whatever one
you find in this world,
I pray it brings you peace.
Father.
A memento.
Of days past.
I could not do it.
Sit beside me.
I had instrument in hand.
His back was turned.
One simple motion, and our
troubles removed forever.
But when the moment came
He spoke to me with affection.
Giving voice to sentiment
I was wrong to push you
to such thoughts against him.
Some actions carry
too steep a price.
Even in refraining,
the ground beneath us pitches.
Tomorrow we must prepare
to leave this house.
You've given your answer?
The only one my tongue
could ever speak.
You honor me.
I attempt to gain the sun,
only to plunge into the depths.
While Tullius
rides with Apollo,
bribing his way with
an amphora of mulsum
and promises to the air.
It does not matter.
We must leave this house.
With nothing but our clothes,
a few possessions.
Not even a slave to attend us.
We have lost everything.
Not everything.
It pains to lose Dagan.
The Syrian had shown
much promise.
Yet Dagan is now blind
to attack from the right.
Well, let us shift from
the unfortunate to the blessed.
Who holds the pinnacle?
Two men own equal victory.
Crixus and Gannicus.
They are to face each other
in the final contest.
Oh, Gannicus is removed
from contention.
I have sent word to Tullius
agreeing to terms of sale.
Sale to Tullius?
Well, he makes offer.
I had thoughts towards refusal,
but they have dimmed.
I would speak
towards reigniting them.
Oh, strong words Oenomaus.
Quintus has plied me with many
upon the subject.
He inflates Gannicus' worth,
at great cost to this house.
Apologies, but in this your son
and I are in agreement.
None stand more worthy to hold
the title of champion.
Uh.
You allow personal
relation to cloud judgment.
True, Gannicus
is trusted friend.
Yet I speak from position
of Doctore.
If I pull acceptance
to Tullius,
we will be excluded
from future games.
We would be forced
to beg for matches
in the lesser venues
of Nola or Neapolis.
A heavy price.
As is often that
of the honorable choice.
Let the gods show us
the way then.
If Gannicus proves himself
against Crixus,
he shall remain.
Yet if he falls,
he shall leave this house.
Following the others that
have failed to honor it.
Dominus.
I am to be sold
to *** Tullius?
Only if you fall.
Clear mind.
Prove yourself the man
I know you to be.
Doctore.
Let us begin.
And know who truly stands
champion of this house.
Crixus.
Gannicus.
Take position.
A second chance to prove
myself against you.
The gods have heard my prayers.
And they curse you
in the answering.
Begin!
Father.
We're near ready to leave.
Pause a moment.
And see contest ended.
Finish preparations.
Domina.
Crixus again shows form.
As does Gannicus.
Both men you
have often praised.
Perhaps you have learned
something after all these years.
Perhaps.
You have lost sense.
All attention
is upon the match.
No one will notice your
absence for many hours.
They will brand me fugitivus!
They will not find you.
Buy passage far from Capua.
And the things that
have been done to you.
Where did you get this?
Spirited from Gaia's things.
They will not be missed.
You fade with each day.
Do not make me bear
witness to your passing.
Come with me.
I attend Domina.
My absence would be noticed.
Go.
Before contest
is ended.
I will see you again,
one day.
I swear to you.
Go.
A match for the ages.
I shall miss this.
Water.
Crixus, Victor.
Why did you drop guard?
You are champion now.
That is all that matters.
I would not thought
it possible.
To be said of many
things this day.
Quintus, it's not too late .
.
Father?
Fetch the Medicus!
Your father burns high fever.
A worrisome condition,
for a man of his years.
Well, is there nothing
to be done?
I have not the herbs.
And the hour is late
for us to procure them.
Go.
I'll watch
over him.
I'll pound on every
door in Capua
until we have what is needed.
And I would aid in the effort.
And be welcomed for it.
Come.
Keep him still until we return.
A little wine,
if seized by fit.
Drink.
Move Tullius' wine from sight.
Apologies, Domina.
I would have permission
to see Gannicus.
You ask this now?
I know he is to be sold
tomorrow.
I would have final words,
before he departs.
I would share drink.
With an old friend.
Is that all that I am?
A friend?
Gannicus
I do not care for honey
in my wine.
It serves only
to mask bitter taste.
A blessing, in such moments.
You are to be sold to Tullius.
Oenomaus warned of it,
should I fall to Crixus.
You let Crixus win.
Why would you do such a thing?
Because I cannot stay
within these walls.
To gaze upon you every day
And be denied your touch
I have never turned
from challenge.
Yet I am without strength
to face this one.
Then it is for the best.
Because despite my words
I stand as weak
I want no wine.
Medicus gave order.
Drink.
Should help you rest.
My son gives up
everything for you.
As I for him.
You truly love him?
With all my heart.
He is never happier,
than when he is by your side.
Tell me I have been
mistaken about you.
Tell me you are not the serpent
I have thought you to be.
I am not.
I'm far worse.
I never cared
what you thought of me.
My lack of breeding.
The absence of family
or a name of worth.
These things I cannot deny.
But how low you
considered your son
A man I love more
than life itself
That could not be tolerated.
So I began poisoning
your beloved honey wine.
My intent not
to rob you of life.
Only to mimic illness.
A cough, increasing
in its discomfort,
easily blamed on Capua's
dust and heat.
It brought much joy
when you departed
for the wet shores of Sicilia.
And Quintus,
how he flourished when removed
from overbearing shadow.
And then you returned.
To torture him, as you
did all those years.
So I began bringing you
your honeyed wine again.
To force you back to Sicilia.
Yet it was not enough.
You were not moved,
despite ailing health.
No.
A more permanent solution
was required between us.
One that I added to Tullius' gift.
Quintus will not
forgive Tullius this.
He will strike in your name.
And Gaia's death
will be avenged.
Breath.
Breath.
Breath.
You curse this house.
No, father.
I elevate it.
Breath.
Melitta.
Melitta.
Breath.
Melitta.
Breath!
Noooo!
Domina.
Melitta.
.
The wine
It was the wine
Take her.
Oenomaus must not know
she came to your cell.
She was never with you.
Return to the Ludus.
Go!