Marcus nodded, “They forget the only place a Gladiators aggression is valued is the arena. Otherwise we are just slaves and have to act like such." He gave Maximus a wintry smile, “Something my last master was well versed in.”<br/><br/>Dusting his hands down, “No doubt there will be the usual pissing contest between the Gladiators until the pecking order is re established after the new influx.” He winced, “And no doubt your existing champion will consider me a threat to his hallowed position.”  Then he grinned,” As far as I am concerned he can have it, true you get your pick of women and the like but it means you get pitted against another Ludus champion. Me I prefer to be up against their second raters. Live longer that way and who knows one day I may hold the wooden baton and walk out of the gates.”<br/><br/>Marcus smiled when the man mentioned women, “Tell me, the Doctre here, is he skilled in Herbal lore?” After all Marcus thought to himself no point in the other Gladiator giving him the names of women that might if the little soldier will not come to attention.<br/>