<strong>~ Domina Valeria ~ Leaving the training grounds, relaxing in the inner courtyard, &amp; finally greeting Bastian and Matriana within the <em>inner</em> villa courtyard. ~</strong><br/><br/>While the new slave stock were causing a commotion amongst themselves, Valeria was exactly where she liked to be; positioned between the meat shield of two, highly capable, deliciously all-male specimens. To her left, and slightly in front of her, the armoured presence of her husband, shimmering in gold. Behind her and to her right, the slightly less attractive yet still alluring stature of the Guard Captain. Suffice to say, she was a very happy woman. Even when the horses and dogs briefly escaped, leaving Burrus to finally take action, the Domina felt more than safe beside her husband. And so her stoic expression rarely changed. Despite the chaos, she managed to uphold her high-status. First, with unaffected glare, then with egotistical smirking as the new slaves were put back in line. A woman to be reckoned with, all things considered. It was important to both herself, and her husband, that the slaves were instilled with that first impression. That they knew<em>exactly</em>what they were up against, from day one.<br/><br/>But<em>oh</em>, when her husband roared! It was definitely not the blazing of the direct, midday sun, that caused Valeria to swell with a sudden flush of uncouth heat. Some were instilled with instant silence, while others may even have felt fear at the sight of such an imposing man. Even the guards stood upright at the change of authority. The Domina meanwhile, beamed with pride and as an immediate result of such a fine visage, her own wanton cravings flickered to the surface via dilated pupils in the depths of her caramel gaze. The wrist that lazily flicked her circular wooden fan to and fro, paused a moment as she held her breath, only to release it upon a silent sigh. As her modestly voluptuous breasts rose with the re-filling of her lungs, more alert fanning continued. Tongue flicking across her pout as she fidgeted a moment; the positioning of her knees alternating with the transferral of lightly agitated weight. She<em>adored</em>these displays of pure masculinity at its finest, and though Guard Captain Burrus had been entertaining with the Pict creature, it was merely the foreplay. Watching her husband work the arena, was the main course. This was exactly the reason why it was oh-so-hard to stay vexed with the blasted man...<br/><br/>Alas, she was not to be fully satisfied, and so another more audible and lengthy sigh ensured after the Lanista's suggestion. Indeed, they were expecting the arrival of Bastian Grandis Fascinum and his Matriana, together with the usual visiting merchant who she presumed could be arriving at any given time of the day. Besides that, she was never really required to stand upon the sands. So, snapping her fan shut with clear irritation, her lips pursed with the clenching of her jaw.<br/><br/>“My<em>wants</em>are neither here nor there,” came the colder snap. A reminder to the Lanista that separate from undeniably base attraction, she was still less than pleased by the fruits of his expenditure.<br/><br/>The household servants would follow in tow behind the Domina in a grand exit, through the well guarded door that would lead her back into the villa's inner courtyard. Time to return back to normality, and though she was already feeling the weight of stress upon her shoulders, it was the house servants who would suffer most. Many scuttled away to have wine and food at the ready, while her personal selection of handmaidens would wash the Domina's feet. To be out on the sands that held blood, sweat and piss, was more than enough cause for cleansing. As one maiden massaged her feet, and another expertly pressed fingertips to the pressure zones at her forehead, Valeria read a most unexpected letter. It had arrived in the morning chaos, and she had not been in the right mind set to read it. But now that she had a moment, the exquisite pen work and the name that followed, brought a lump to her throat.<br/><br/><em>Liliana Nerva</em>. Surely it could not be the same Liliana? It had to be some foul trickery or coincidence. As she read on, it became more and more clear that<em>this</em>Liliana spoke of business opportunity rather than old past times. There would be no harm in arranging a meeting then, though Valeria would have little time to consider the letter more, as a quiet and young voice tore her attention away from elegant writing.<br/><br/>“Domina,” the timid servant came to stand before the woman of the house. “Bastian Grandis Fascinum awaits -”<br/><br/>“Ah -” ...Yet the girl was not quite done speaking.<br/><br/>“- Together with another, unannounced guest.”<br/><br/>“<em>What?</em>” Thankfully, the accidental interruption was greatly overlooked by the content.<br/><br/>“Apologies Domina.” The servant was quick to try to mediate the situation, but mostly tried take the blame away from her own neck. “I bring word of the guards only. I do not -”<br/><br/>“Hold your tongue! I care not for either failings.” Draining the contents of her goblet, Valeria held it out for a swift refill. All the while, her stare did not leave the messenger. “Nor do I care for un-announced cocks, no matter the size of coin-filled balls.”<br/><br/>“It... is a noblewoman, Domina.” At that, Valeria barked a single chortle. As if that would make a difference.<br/><br/>“Then pray her husband's cock has not shrivelled.” A pause as the most trusted handmaiden offered refilled goblet. After quenching her agitation with sweet, red wine, Valeria continued to glare at the lingering servant. “What news of the merchant?” A pause as the poor serving girl struggled to find words whilst under the strict Domina's glare.<br/><br/>“M-Merchant Antonious has prepared his stall for your attentions, but would also seek aud-”<br/><br/>With a loud shriek, the highly irate Domina threw her goblet at the floor near the servant's feet. Of course, it bounced and spilt the red contents over her sandals and the tiled mosaic floor itself. Then, pressing the back of her hand to her forehead, Valeria unleashed a highly dramatic sigh. As she reclined back against her chaise longue daybed, the nearest servants were quick to fan her while others rushed to clean up the mess. The timid messenger remained as she was, thought quickly averted her eyes once more. What a mess, and not just in the most literal terms... It seemed the Ludus would need to replace yet another ill-fitted guard, but at least all these visits might result in profit. A solution had to be made, and fast. It would not be wise to keep a former Primus Pilus waiting. Nor would it be wise to assume that the mystery guest was not of equally important means. Besides, her husband would soon be done with the slaves, she hoped. That would take the weight of socialising and business arrangements solely from her shoulders. He owed her that much, at the<em>very</em>least.<br/><br/>“Don't just stand there gawping! Fetch Grandis Fascinum, and be quick about it.”<br/><br/>“Yes Domina, at once.” Relieved to be given the chance to flee at last, the timid servant made her swift escape. Meanwhile, the spilt wine was cleared with equal haste, especially now that the clock was ticking. Rising from her daybed, Valeria descended the three stone steps, and proceeded away from the sheltered veranda towards the centre of the<em>inner</em>courtyard, where she would greet Bastian and Matriana. The<em>outer</em>courtyard would remain the waiting area for the other guests, where the merchant's stall might provide stalling occupation.<br/><br/>When the main doors opened and the married couple were led within, the Domina would approach as a vision to behold in the subtle floating of airy violet and lilac materials as she walked. Her dark, almost-black hair was styled in the latest, piled high fashion absent wig or extensions. Two, corkscrew curls framing the sides of her oval-square face, and falling down to blossoming cleavage behind soft tunica. There was a clear confidence in her gait; dark eyes homing in firstly on the short man, and then his rotund wife. Despite what her inner thoughts might be, she wore a pleasant smile upon her dark pout. Stopping in the centre of the courtyard in front of her guests, she clasped her hands together across the light swell of her abdomen. Delicate wrist adorned with gold threads and amber jewels that caught the glint of the sun from time to time. Two servants stopped behind her; one carrying a tray of assorted grapes, the other carrying a clay wine pitcher.<br/><br/>“Welcome to Ludus Leonis, Scopulus, Tarraconensis.” Valeria always made sure to enunciate the title with great pride. “You are<em>most</em>welcome. Please, sit.” She gestured gracefully to the set of outdoor daybeds that rested to the left beneath the shelter of stone pillars. Embroidered cushions from Carthage and matching blankets covering the dark wooden structures. “Share the honour to which you grace us with.”<br/><br/>The inner courtyard consisted of two, perfectly square ponds of ankle-high depth. In the sheltered veranda were the seating areas, where the small, again perfectly square garden, could be admired. It was here that Valeria led her guests towards, but she would not sit until she saw that they were seated and well attended to first.<br/><br/>“My husband shall be joining us shortly.”<br/>