Aelius hadn’t missed the ludus in the few days that he had been gone, and neither had the ludus missed him, that much was clear once he stepped inside. Waiting for him was Doctore, who immediately send him back to the sand pit after the guards had left. Without a moment to spare, a training sword got pressed in his hands before he joined the other gladiators in their practice.<br/><br/>As the sun made it’s way across the sky, Aelius repeated stance after stance, and attack after attack. While most gladiators were exhausting themselves on the training grounds, the ludus itself was bustling with life - slaves and gladiators alike walking all over, going about their tasks. Although they were of little concern to him, Aelius couldn’t help but unconsciously glance at them - only to catch the occasional glance of something red in the much soberly coloured ludus. Not thinking much about it, he pushed it to the back of his mind as training continued. Soon, however, it would become very relevant for the gladiator.<br/><br/>Later, when dinner was finally served, Aelius had found himself sitting alone, distancing himself from the other gladiators who, noisily chatting, ate their food all huddled up on a few wooden benches. As he watched over them, he again noticed something red in the corner of his eye. This time however, he could clearly see it was a piece of clothing that quickly moved away as he turned his head in its direction. Curious, Aelius got up and started to move towards the place he had seen it move, hoping no one would mind his absence. Although dusk had covered the place in darkness, he could easily find his way around the corridors - much easier than the person whose clothes he had seen. After turning a few corners, he found her, hesitating what way she should go. As soon as he laid eyes on her, he knew who she was; the slave that had taken care of him this morning.<br/><br/>“What are you doing here?”