<div class="floatright">(http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxl8lfdU8G1r7wrq1o1_250.jpg)</div><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: comic sans ms;"><strong>In the Midst of Battle</strong></span></span></div><br/>The sounds of screaming caused Aelia to pale to a death-like color as she covered her ears with her hands for a brief seconds as her teeth gritted together. The blood covering her breasts made her nauseas as she gathered the strength to look out of the opening. How many of those traveling with them were dead? She could not tell from the noise if the rebels captured those traveling with her or if Gaius somehow managed to combat them back. There was no point in sitting prettily while shaking inside of her sandals. Her hair fell loosely about her shoulders without the hairpin to hold it in place as she stuck her head out to peer at those surrounding them. Some of the servants ran around to retrieve items thrown to the floor while gladiators mercilessly broke the necks of the remaining rebels. She strained her eyes to see Gaius, and her stomach rolled at the possibility of him being dead. It was not as if she cared about his well-being, but the last thing she wanted was to be stranded on the road with barbarians.<em>Damn Livia!</em>She cursed and screamed in her mind since none of this would have happened if she’d never agreed to come visit her friend for this oh-so urgent matter.<br/><br/>“Mistress, have the rebels been forced back?” Valoria asked with a quiver in her voice, momentarily forgetting the fear Gaius’ threat. Aelia pulled herself out from the window as she rubbed her fingers against the sides of her head to ward away a building headache. “Yes, the men have done well in preventing them from…,” Aelia swallowed hard, pushing away the building sense of panic at not being home. “Raped and abused by these heathens. I will have both of you travel at my side as we inspect the damages. Also to see if Gaius still lives. We may be forced to part with this caravan if he has died at the sword since I refused to spend a minute alone with these beasts.” She managed to speak calmly before slipping her feet back into the shoes which fully covered them. It was pure instinct and habit since her appearance was already ruined.<br/><br/>Just as she stepped out of the caravan with the twins, the face of Gaius appeared in front of her. There was a sigh of relief behind her from one of the twins, but she did not have the presence of mind to slap their faces for showing happiness to see the man alive. And even though Aelia would never admit it, she was also pleased with his head was still attached to his body since there were many things left for him to do for her. Such as see her safely to the Ludus. Despite the fact that men lay screaming in pain around her and chaos reign free as servants tried to suppress it, Aelia held her head high, masking her appear with the dignity befitting her station. She refused to break down and cry like some of the women clinging to the gladiator’s shoulders while thanking them for seeing the rebels eliminated. When he was within hearing range, her voice was cool and neutral as she stared at him impassively. “Gaius, you have survived. How long will it take to clean this mess up so that we can continue with our journey?” She waited for some type of response before her eyes lowered to his attire.<br/><br/>The mental dots clicked in her head as she lifted them back to his eyes. "I nearly lost my belongings and life because your cock was in between some wench's thighs. It couldn't wait until we were safe in the ludus? You disgust me." Aelia glanced to her left to catch the sight of one of the servants handling a priceless vase intended as a gift for Livia. Regardless of feelings towards her friend at time, she refused to arrive at the ludus empty handed like an uninvited guest. Her face flushed with anger since it was being mishandled along with the circumstances. “Go get that vase from that idiot right now before I run him through with sword!” With the girls dismissed, she brought her hand up as if to slap him across his face but at the last moment, she lowered her hand as if attempted to calm herself down. It didn't work, and she stepped forward close to him before attempting to reach out to grab his cock in her hands while squeezing hard enough to cause pain. "The next time you want to screw around, make sure not to do it on my time." Her eyes narrowed at him before expelling a breath. Aelia glanced around at the gladiators before shivering since she hated being around them. Only the heavens knew how she would survive this visit. "I lost my hairpiece in the eye of one of these men, will you find it for me?" It was a ridiculous request, but she really just wanted to have it back since the piece of jewelry was a gift.<br/><br/><div class="floatright">(http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0uf7cjUqS1r7wrq1o1_r1_250.jpg)</div>Valoria and Latona nodded before rushing off to rectify the wrong. Valoria, however, glanced back at Gaius for a brief second, and it was clear to see that she was conflicted about his actual survival. His death would have taken the threat from lingering over her head away. Now alone with her sister, both girls carried the vase to one of the wagons. “I must speak quickly, because we have no time. The serpent Gaius has blackmailed us. I cannot speak on how this has happened, but he requires--” She paused while placing the vase securely on the floor as her face colored with embarrassment. “Sex.”<br/><br/>Latona positively preened at the suggestion without a hint of fear on her face. “What were his exact words?” Cautiously, her sister glanced around to see Aelia still fully occupied in front of the man. Valoria bit her lower lip as she tried to remember the conversation between herself and the man. It was a bit hard since she really did not wish to think of it. Finally, it came back to her. “When we arrive to the ludus, he wishes to meet with one or both of us.” That was all Latona needed to hear as she began to cup her breasts as if preparing them for the man’s touch. Valoria wrinkled her nose in disgust before recalling the question which caused her to fall fully into Gauis’ trap. “Sister, have you lain with a man?” Latona smiled as a mischievous look came on her face as if recalling one of the encounters. “Of course, why should I miss out on all of the pleasure to be had from a man’s cock? Don’t worry, sister, I will take care of Gaius’ needs. There is no need for you to join us since we both know you’re still pure and frigid.” The words were spoken teasingly with a dash of affection, but they still hurt Valoria. She managed to climb down from the carriage before helping her sister as well.