Maximus leaned in close, lips slightly parted as Ajax spilled his soul to him, presenting it openly, honestly is if they were close friends reuniting after years of painful distance. His face grew somber as he listened to Ajax's story, noting the pensive tone in the young man's voice that seemed to gradually shift into one of resentment and anger. Dark red brows furrowed together, sharing in the bitterness glowing in Ajax's eyes like hot coals. Too many times had men and women Maximus met during his travels shared in similar fates, disrespected and abused only because they had not been born into the right family. Maximus had chosen his life of wandering, of dirt, poverty, and disdain, but many did not have such an opportunity. He felt passionately for this young man who had lost his life, but even more he felt for the man left behind, the one forced to have to relive a memory of meeting a star and watching its light be burnt out prematurely by a system that only catered to the sun.<br/><br/>“Please, Ajax, do not apologize for having felt something deep within yourself,” Maximus countered, shaking his head and reaching out to grasp at Ajax's hand. It was a bold move, some would consider inappropriate based on their relative social standings and cleanliness, but Maximus couldn't bring himself to continue adhering to arbitrary social norms when Ajax had shared a piece of himself, a piece Maximus was positive many hand not seen.<br/><br/>“Your heart speaks to me. You have suffered, I can see it in your eyes. Many of the wealthy have not felt their heart beat in their chest and strongly as you have, and for that they are lesser. It is the poor, the weak, the broken, these are the ones who are truly human, not some pompous senator who bathes in the tears of virgins.” He scoffed, amused by his own hyperbole but meaning his words despite the exaggeration. “This suffering of yours, you did not deserve it, but it makes you whole in a way others of your standing can never be.”<br/><br/>He smiled sadly, pulling himself away. “I saw this in you, I think. You stood there among the crowd, watching a crazy man ramble on marble steps. I scanned a sea of faces, some hostile, some friendly, others too confused to settle on a single emotion, and when I saw you... you glowed like gold among granite. It was impossible to ignore you. This is why I called upon you, because I felt the truth of you, here.” He lifted his fingers and pressed them softly against Ajax's chest. “You are a true person here.”<br/><br/>After a breath, he pulled away once more, laughing sheepishly. “Ah, it seems now I am the one who must apologize for his rambling. You have connected with something inside of me. Makes it difficult to just sit still and politely nod my head. Admittedly, the wine does help in loosening the tongue.” He reached to grab cube of cheese and popped it into his mouth, chewing slowly and enjoying the pungent flavor. “As addictive as I find these discussions to be, I do not wish to sour your mood. Perhaps a nice bath to relax? I recommend we bring the wine.”