<span style="font-family:Assistant">"To leave me on my name day, Maximus. Not only Juno, but both Venus and Vesta will look down upon you with furiosity. You should be deeply ashamed of the treatment you are giving me." The sharp voice was filled with a reproachful tone, and a woman who was wearing a lilac tunic that had been decorated with an expensive looking, golden belt wrapped around her waist - had crossed her arms in front of her chest as she glared at the man who was standing on the other side of the room. He was dressed in a similar, wealthy style - although more sober, and far from flamboyant. A frown had appeared on his forehead as he showed his palms to the woman; his wife. Many, even the slaves of the house, believed that Maximus Naevius was experiencing difficulties regarding to keeping his wife under control. She was outspoken, stood up for herself and refused to bow down to anyone, not even the higher men of the counsel of Rome. Dangerous, they called her. Dumb, even. And yet it appeared as if one could not care less. The more they spoke about her, even in such negative ways, the bigger her smile became and the more prominent her pride seemed to be. <br/>
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"My beloved Cassia," the dark-haired male began, his eyes focused on the lady who was still sharing her anger with him. "As much as I adore you, you are aware of my occupation, do not become venomous. I have arranged something special for your name day while I am to disappear. My ludus is to be yours, and you shall receive the most outstanding gift that I have to offer. Please, my love, follow me." Upon finishing his last sentence, Maximus left the room and started to walk outside - towards his ludus, a curious Cassia following him on his heels. A much younger female, dressed in a linen, olive-green dress, rushed after the couple. It was Diona, Cassia's personal body slave. There was not a single moment that she left her Domina's side, much to the other woman's delight. Diona had been a gift as well. A gift that Cassia cherished with surprisingly much care. Even if she could be stern, demanding even, she would never misuse the young woman.<br/>
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Once the three of them had arrived at the ludus, Cassia's husband immediately called for Doctore - the trainer of the gladiators. She gazed at the broad, muscular man with a sense of fascination as he approached them. Her husband was a Lanista, a good one even, but this would be the very first time that she would actually start and mingle. She had witnessed the fights, she attended the events in the arena regularly, but to bring an opinion about the most important part of Maximus' life to voice, was entirely new to her. This had been kept away from her reach for such a long time. And now, with his departure, he was finally putting the trust into her hands. <br/>
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"I demand the presence of my most recent purchase: Aelius. This ludus will remain mine, even with my wife being in charge during my leaving, but this particular gladiator, will become hers. Cassia, to celebrate your name day, I wish to present you Aelius, an upcoming gladiator who is to fight for your honour." </span>