Aulus’ honesty was quite a unique trait, especially considering the fact that he was Roman.  He had always accepted the consequences of his actions starting from the day his unit was massacred in Armenia, and to this day he honored that trait even by confessing to his actions to the owner of the estate.  In the military depending of the severity of the atrocity the punishment could range from lashings to imprisonment or even being thrown off a cliff.  The difference in this situation however was that this was not the military but a private estate with an owner having almost one of her treasures permanently damaged.  There was no excuse for his actions, but at the same time very little choice in his actions.  Regardless, he was prepared for any punishment that awaited him.  His lack of knowledge in politics left him oblivious to the fact that as Pompey’s personal messenger he was better kept alive then killed and invoke the wrath of the Senate.<br/><br/>When Livia had excused Aulus of his actions and in fact thanked him for his handling of the situation the soldier could not help but feel a significant weight be cast of his soldiers.  Despite this sense of relief the young man maintained his composure, daring not to show any sign of weakness in his mind.  Of course at the same time the internal sigh of relief was also due to the fact that he was able to conceal his curse thus far.  It was only evident that the matter had been put to rest when she moved to a different topic of conversation.  By all means she was the owner of this estate as it seemed and she was entitled to any information asked of him.  When she asked for his companion’s name, Antonious was happy to answer for this formidable woman.<br/><br/>“My name is Antonious Gavius, merchant extraordinaire.  I am this young man’s temporary guardian.”<br/><br/>It was as he said, the young man was under the guidance of this much older man.  How amusing it could be looked at from Livia’s point of view.  Here we have a man full of compliment and promise, yet kept under a small but visible leash by this so called “guardian”.  Whatever information this soldier bared however was only significant to both Livia and the soldier, hence the presence of Antonious was not essential.  At least that was how Aulus saw it, his mind behaving like a soldier as it tried to contemplate every move possible following up to this moment.  Does the woman dismiss his guardian or allow him to stay.<br/><br/><strong>"Rise, we shall find you a place to rest while Aulus Livius relates his most important message."</strong><br/><br/>Livia determined it seemed that the older gentlemen could perhaps use a rest.  Considering the travels he had endured, the wait, and the match itself must have worn the old soul.  Livia had been kind of enough to escort him to a private chamber where he be allowed to rest.  She insisted however that Aulus remained in the study, which he humbly obliged while awaiting her return.  When she had left the study his body collapsed at the pain that stabbed at his body endlessly, particularly at the neck and wrists.  The wound on his neck had reopened once again due to the tension of the environment during his trial, but fortunately his clothing would be enough to act as a rag to soak up the hot blood till he dried once more.  In addition his wrists had suffered as well, most likely due to having to use a weapon that  he had thought to have put away for good.  Even a weapon such as his is unable to separate master from enemy so it would be surprising if that whip had bite not just at that female gladiator.  Aulus only had enough time however to wrap one wound before Livia’s return and for the sake of appearance he choose the neck wound to bandage so to not disgust her with his seeping blood.  His timing couldn’t have been any closer for Livia returned the moment he tied the knot of his bandage around his neck.<br/><br/><strong> "Now ... I will hear this message."</strong><br/><br/>With Livia now able to focus on Aulus, she could note some of his more distinguishable features, such as the faint but visible scars that encompassed his arms, and the slight trembling in his hands and wrists despite a firm and stable core of his body.<br/><br/>“Pompey Magnus has grown very concern in regards to the Republic.  The latest wars have called upon us to offer more of Rome’s blood to challenge the barbarians that gather at our gates and the pirates that threaten our trade.  Pompey feels however that the people have given so much that they are to be reward for their loyalty and support.  Therefore the Republics believes that a series of games reminding the people of Rome’s glory is essential and advisable to restore that trust once more. As such the senate has decided to invoke the Republic’s first tournament involving every province of Rome’s sovereignty.  Each province is to hold its own tournament which will be financed and mediated by a pair of senators sent to each province.  Whichever Ludus wins the province tournament will be allowed to qualify for the tournament that will be held in the Rome herself.”<br/><br/>Aulus allowed himself a brief pause to allow Livia to gather her thoughts following the personal request of Pompey himself.  No doubt she would have quite a few questions to follow.  Which he would gladly answer.<br/>