Maximus followed Ajax quietly as the handsome man weaved through the streets. It was apparent by the way he moved that he had most likely grown up in Athens, or at least lived there a very long time. By the look of his clothes and the cleanliness of his skin—especially compared to Maximus' own dustiness—it seemed as though Ajax was well established. It was rare for citizens bearing the same economic and social statuses as Ajax to offer the wanderer more than a few coins and a scrap of bread, but Ajax was welcoming Maximus happily, with wide open arms that left him feeling an unusual warmth growing in his belly. He enjoyed the way Ajax held his hands at the small of his back, gentle, delicate, two words Maximus never equated with himself.<br/><br/>There was an easy silence shared between the two men as Ajax lead him through the now mostly empty agora. The only sounds accompanying them on their little journey to the Athenian's abode was the melodic sound of the rain paired with the rhythmic jingling of the pouch at Ajax's hip. When the dark haired young man did open his lips again, Maximus listened carefully, enjoying the pleasant way Ajax spoke.<br/><br/>“Tired of seeing your face? I find that incredibly difficult to believe, my friend,” Maximus laughed, feeling his tired body come to life, as if his muscles were absorbing energy from the cleansing rain. “I do not presume to know your lovely wife, but I know I would never bemoan the opportunity to wake up next to someone as fetching as yourself. At most, I will be a curiosity to her. I hope my grisly appearance does not offend.”<br/><br/>Perhaps Maximus was being too bold with his new acquaintance, but boldness was never something Maximus worried himself over. Those who did know of Maximus and his teachings were spattered across Greece, residing in various city-states where attitudes differed and the handling opinionated men varied from apathetic to downright disdain, though Maximus never stayed long enough for that hatred to follow him far. Those who knew him knew Maximus to be a man of unusual beliefs and stranger attitudes, though he was innocent enough on the surface. Those who knew Maximus better were aware that innocence he maintained his simply a ruse to keep himself from attracting attention from those with the power to punish him.<br/><br/>While Maximus wasn't unfamiliar with large, impressive Greek homes, he found himself slightly taken aback by the size of Ajax's residence. The man lacked the superior attitude of most with similar wealth, and it had appeared to Maximus that Ajax dressed modestly for what was steady income.<br/><br/>“I am honored by your generosity,” Maximus stated, his deep blue eyes staring up at the estate. Ajax even held the door open for him, something unheard of for a man of his status, and Maximus nodded appreciatively in response. “It is beyond stunning.”<br/><br/>Maximus' attention was snatched away by the sound of a distinctly feminine voice ringing from the top level of the house. When he looked up, a beautiful woman stood in one of the doorways, a child at her chest. Maximus admired the woman, who he assumed to be Ajax's wife, with a soft look, knowing his own ragged appearance typically didn't sit well with rich wives. Indeed, the woman stopped speaking when her eyes settled upon Maximus' offensive, dirty visage.<br/><br/>Ajax encouraged his wife to come downstairs to greet them, and she did so, though a bit reluctantly it seemed. Maximus bowed deeply at Eirene's approach. “It is my pleasure,<i>déspoina</i>,” Maximus offered, instinctively using a subservient title for the lovely woman, though it would most likely be considered odd considering Maximus' status as a free man.<br/><br/>When Ajax took hold of the child, the wanderer noted how quickly the child quieted. Apparently the little girl was quite fond of her father, and Maximus certainly couldn't blame her. The stranger seemed to have a soothing presence about him, even he could sense it.<br/><br/>“Elpis is a lovely name. Hello, child,” Maximus said softly, not knowing whether the child would react positively or negatively to his disheveled appearance. Although he enjoyed speaking with children (their imaginations were something to be envied), Maximus did not have much experience with infants. He kept his hands to himself and his eyes low, his mouth soft, not intending to cause much of a stir lest Ajax rescind his invitation.<br/><br/>“You wouldn't happen to have some wine on you, would you, child?” Maximus asked playfully. “Your father said there was some around here, and you seem like quite the trustworthy sort.”