<strong>~ Domina Valeria: meeting with Bastian and Matriana alongside the Lanista~<br/>~ Villa inner courtyard ~</strong><br/><br/>Once her guests were settled, further curt smiles were offered in response to complimentary words from the former Primus Pilus in regards to the hospitality of her household. The vain woman was accustomed to the eyes of men and women alike gracing her beauty, so her flattery was absent genuine feeling. In her younger years, Valeria may have felt both gratitude and humility, yet in her matured years she only felt indifference. Only when Bastian and wife were seated, did the Domina descend in one, fluid motion onto the daybed opposite. The mood was not informal enough for her to lounge fully, so she kept her back rigidly straight, pressed her knees together, and let her hands come to rest on the gentle dip of her lap. With a nod to the two slave girls, one circled behind the guests with the offer of grapes upon a silver platter, while the other filled three goblets with honeyed red wine, to be passed to each of the gathered party. All the while, Valeria would pay attention to Bastian, first and foremost. Though her gaze occasionally wandered towards Matriana, especially when he made reference to her.<br/><br/>Concerning the first request, Valeria's smile gradually lessened. There was plenty of room, for the time being, but that wasn't the point. Permitting guests residency required such time and effort on her part, not to mention finances. Then, one glance to the large woman had the Domina almost sighing in revolt; the Matriana was sure to eat them out of both house and coin in a matter of feeble days! For now, Valeria tensed her jaw, en-caging her loose tongue while attempting to remain civil, calm and collected. The three 'C's that usually secured pleasing temperament in these social situations. The only sign of her want to refuse the offer with politely manufactured excuses, was the caress of her palm across the smooth gold at the adjacent wrist. A minor fidgeting gesture, but one that her husband at the very least, would recognise as negative reaction.<br/><br/>At the mention of Amplus, who she presumed to be the male slave by his master's side, the Domina felt a light frown nudging at her dark brows. Already she was examining the contours of his semi-naked form, but mostly, she wondered if the master understood the dangers of Gladiator training alone. The glance towards the slave's groin caught her attention, and naturally, she answered it with her own lowered stare. Perhaps what lay behind the loincloth would allow her to better judge the potential of the male?<br/><br/>Then came the subject of payment, and naturally, Valeria's smile widened slightly. In the brief pause, she brought a violet grape to her lips. A gesture of intrigue to counteract her previous anxieties. If the man was going to pay for his wife's gluttony alongside further investment upon his slave, then she supposed she might find the strength to suffer the stench of the woman. The bath would need a firm scrub after her use though. Before she could speak however, the senate contender was exercising silver tongue once more. Reaching for another grape, the Domina held it elegantly poised between her fingertips, until the first was fully swallowed. A light chuckle lofted through the dry air at the man's wants. Outsiders always wanted to view her stock, so she popped the second grape upon her tongue, hardly put out by such an ordinary request. The only words that amused her, were his ample regard to coin and the obvious persuasion it offered.<br/><br/>“I am quite certain we shall be more than delighted to accommodate your requests.”<br/><br/>She was about to add more to her verbal arse-licking; the breath was inhaled to instil further words, and yet, she was forced to hold it within the cage of her ribs. For no sooner had she begun to wonder where her husband was, and what could possibly be keeping him occupied for so long, when the lion was upon her. First, she heard his footsteps approaching. Then, she felt the invasion of his unmistakable presence coming up behind her. At last, the touch of his possessive hand upon her lightly tensed shoulder had her releasing that bated breath at last. The manner in which her linen, lavender stola was fastened over cream tunica underneath her left bustline, threatened to unleash the bounce of her breast should she bend forwards too far. It also offered perfect vantage point from his towering position over her, and no doubt he would feel the way her shoulders lifted to accommodate the deeper breath she inhaled at the sound of his imposing voice once more. With a widening grin, she moved her right arm to cross between her cleavage, and rested her hand over the Lanista's. An equally possessive and challenging gesture, but also one that gave the illusion of a very happily married couple. Her thumb lightly stroking across the coarser skin, as she dutifully allowed Bastian to speak once more. The slave girl meanwhile, immediately brought a filled goblet to the master of the household, before stepped aside once more with submissively bowed head.<br/><br/>“As I was saying, my dearest,” the Domina at last interjected. “I see no reason why these requests cannot be met. The business of coin is no doubt to be discussed man to man, yet allow me to suggest one,<em>little</em>thing.” Her seasoned voice adopted a more matter-of-fact tone as she let her gaze settle on Bastion. Another grape being casually rolled between her fingertips.<br/><br/>“For one, I do hope you are aware of the dangers a gladiator might face, even upon the sands of training. Least not to mention the costs of training and upkeep... I for one would like to be assured of his worth. Let his loincloths be removed, so we may judge the size of his...<em>virtuous</em>.”<br/><br/>A light nod to her favoured handmaiden confirmed the order to proceed.<br/>