<div align="center"><strong>~Aelia speaking with Gaius~</strong></div><br/>She munched silently on her grape while watching Gaius' facial expression, noting the second of interest on his face before it vanished completely. If she blinked, Aelia knew she might have missed such a signal from his body. The man was almost unreadable at times, and some might be so foolish to believe that he worked solely for coin. No, it was her assumption that there were other things at work in this man’s mind. He didn’t seem like the type to be satisfied with materialistic wonders or fine cunt to sate his masculine needs. Aelia learned how to read people from her father, a vicious man who did whatever possible to keep his family and estate protected from harm and to expand his wealth, and she admired his qualities. If she had been born a man instead of a woman, Aelia would have been more use to him other than becoming marriageable property.<br/><br/>“Your apologies are accepted,” she mumbled softly to him while contemplating this new information on her friend, Livia. They were friends through their shared childlessness and insatiable need for knowledge. She started to question him about Livia’s reasoning for being at Ludus Leonis Scopulus in the first place but decided to hold her tongue. It was unlikely that his mistress shared such information with him since Aelia never bothered to share such information with those of lesser blood and fortune. “How interesting. I can only wonder why she seeks to have my company at such a barbaric establishment full of vulgar men.” She twiddled her thumbs as her eyes turned skyward in contemplation, relaxing slightly in the presence of Gaius.<br/><br/>The invitation to visit Livia at this ludus was sweetened by the reminder of her appointment. It wasn’t really a business appointment, but more of an exchange of ideas along with little theatrics to entertain themselves. Aelia relished such exchanges since her talks with other women involved simple gossip along with other frivolous conversation that didn't enrich her mind. Her nose wrinkled in annoyance at the thought of traveling even though she craved to have excitement in her life. “She wishes for me to travel with you. Do you intend to guard me along the streets of Rome like precious cargo for your Mistress?” A pleasant smile came on her face that did not met her eyes since she felt rushed by Livia and this man in front of her. How dare that she thrust this event in front of her without proper warning?<br/><br/>Yes, Aelia understood that Livia wanted to keep their appointment, but to request for Aelia to travel so far from home unexpectedly was both inconvenient and rude. It was just like Livia to make her own worldly schedule seem important, more important than those around her. She remained quiet for fifteen minutes, eating her grapes while contemplating the matter silently in her mind. The only matter that pushed her into agreeing was the prospect of watching the barbarians fight or train with each other. After coming to her conclusion, she rose from her position before gesturing for Valoria to go pack her belongings. “I intend to visit Livia.” Aelia started to walk away but turned back to him suddenly with keen interest in her eyes.<br/><br/>"On our way to this ludus, I intend for you to tell me just how exactly one of these places operate. I hope that Livia doesn't have these gladiators roaming free where anyone might bump into them. I wish to leave now rather than wait until tomorrow morning. I shall follow your men and yourself in my own travel arrangements." With that said, Aelia walked away to oversee the packing of her belongings, leaving Gais under the watchful eyes of her other servants. She took the time to write a letter to her beloved so that he can know her whereabouts, sealing the letter with wax and the press of her ring. It was about an hour and a half before she returned to the man, outfitted in suitable travel clothing for the weather. Her hair, fully covered, was protected from the still falling rains.<br/>