<strong>~ Liliana strolling in the outer courtyard with Aulus ~</strong><br/><br/>This time Liliana could not contain her amused laughter at Aulus’ flustered antics in reaction to her overtures, and the soft sounds of her humor bubbled over her smiling lips and twinkled in her violet eyes.  His wide blue eyes and furiously flushing cheeks made it obvious to her that Aulus’ thoughts were running wild at her simple invitation to stroll and converse.  His lean, strong fingers which no doubt skillfully wielded a killing sword were suddenly fumbling and unsure with his own uniform. His body which was no doubt kept gracefully in control under most circumstances, failed him in the task of simply walking, and his kneecap paid the price, along with the tender flesh of his lip.  Liliana’s gaze lowered to the crimson teardrop at the corner of his mouth, and her tongue darted out to run along her own full lower lip. The constraints of being in public, in the home of somebody she didn’t know, restricted her freedom to do exactly as she wished. So, she settled for raising her hand to Aulus’ lip and gently brushing away the small bead of blood with her fingertip. “These sands must call to the blood of any man who paces atop them, it seems” she gracefully tried to avert causing the discomposed young man any further embarrassment in front of his guardian.<br/><br/>As they strolled in silence at a comfortable pace along the perimeter of the outer courtyard, Liliana glanced up at Aulus briefly from beneath her lashes to gauge how the nervous young soldier was faring at having a woman close on his arm. As they approached one of the small, open anterooms of the inner courtyard, Liliana’s pleasure glowed on her face at discovering such a luscious oasis within the scorching sand and sun of the ludus. The greenery of the leaves and vines, punctuated with a riot of color everywhere the eye came to rest, the scents of the flowers weaving a floral tapestry of aural pleasure.  A long curved bench nestled within the verdant foliage, and Liliana moved to take a seat. Sensing his continued nervousness, Liliana’s lips curved softly upward as she spoke teasingly to Aulus, patting her hand beside her on the bench.  “Come, my Rabbit. I promise to not molest you beyond your endurance, brave soldier.”<br/><br/>When a lovely young slave made her way toward them focused intently on her destination, Liliana’s keen eyes noticed Aulus’ immediate fascination. Grinning to herself, Liliana indulged her impulse. Speaking loud enough to be assured the slave would hear her, Liliana called out, “Slave girl - come to me. I have need.”  She did not speak with condescension or dismissiveness, but any slave having training of any measure would instantly recognize the natural authority in her tone and instinctively know she was of position and power and must be obeyed - stranger or no.  Liliana watched with approval as the beautiful young slave approached her unhesitatingly and yet with appropriate deference. “Very good, many thanks. What is your name?” Liliana showed her approval outwardly, as the girl’s posture and movements spoke of her fine training and quality. She had obviously been hurrying to her destination not out of fear of reprisal, but from desire to accomplish that which she had been charged to do. A well-trained, confident yet obedient slave was indeed of value...possibly even to herself as opportunity may present.<br/><br/>“Nakia, I find my valiant companion has need of your nimble fingers to assist him with a task he has found...hard.”  Her eyes glistening with mischief, she continued to play with her newly found diversions. Making sure the girl knew she would accept no hesitation, even should Aulus object with shyness, she spoke directly to the slave girl, sliding her slender fingers beneath the girl’s chin and holding her gaze for long moments. “Nakia, the soldier’s buttons on his tunic have somehow been fastened incorrectly.” Softly releasing her chin, Liliana pressed her palm gently but firmly into the small of Nakia’s back, as she guided the girl to stand in between Aulus’ opened legs where he sat, until her body was almost touching his. “I have need of you to undo them and then rebutton them correctly.”  Smiling at Aulus with exaggerated innocence, she lounged back on the bench to watch the entertaining interaction, her fingers stroking absently down the silky folds of her gown as she stifled soft giggles every so often at his expression and posture as the beautiful and dutiful slave did as she was asked.<br/><br/>After she had dismissed Nakia to allow her to continue on her course, Liliana smiled warmly at Aulus, leisurely twining her fingers in her long dark hair as she watched him try to compose himself, finally croaking out his first words to her since she had touched his arm,<strong>“If I may ask m’lady, what is it you wish to know about the Legion?”</strong>“Ah, Rabbit...I have little familiarity - where do you suggest we start?”<br/>