Catulus brightens at Sthenae's presence.  He smiles with additional warmth, the cloud of her absence having vanished to reveal the full brilliance of his appreciation for another person.  He extends himself to her the best way he can, which is to brush her fingertips out of the range of the fuming snakes.<br/><br/>He bends his brow down in confusion at her words, though.  Whisking a brisk summons to Leo, who was watching for it, he replies in a tone of concern.<br/><br/>"Whyever not, dear Sthenae?"  Catulus makes a point of presenting her name like a treasure.  He seems to actually think on her question a moment before continuing, while Leo crosses the room carrying a cutting board with dishes on it.<br/><br/>Verona, meanwhile, goes to clean an already sparkling part of the bar away from the Gorgon.<br/><br/>"She certainly won't stay in chains for long should she demonstrate that they're not necessary, which I am sure she will." Catulus continues.  "I hope you don't think I mistreat those that I own.  But I do own many - several hundred, in fact - as is normal for a man of my station."<br/><br/>Leo eases to the side of Galla.  His burly form extends its usual animal reek to seize on Galla and Sthenae's nostrils and give them a hearty, salty shake in greeting.  He drops a modest smile to Galla, then blushes a bit as he looks down to the bar.  There he sets the board.  Upon it is a dish with six pieces of flatbread so fresh that it is still steaming, with four smaller dishes containing sauces - a mint and cucumber yogurt, an olive tapanade, eggplant spread with spices and melted goat butter.<br/><br/><strong>"Enjoy."</strong>Leo mutters, speaking to Galla, then glancing up at Sthenae to include her in the wish as well.<br/><br/>As he scoots away, Catulus talks on.  "Most every person in the free world owns at least one slave these days, Sthenae.  There are errant cobblers who own three or four.  But the relationship is like any other in that good behavior is expected of both sides.  I frown on anyone who abuses their slaves by harming them or making tasks more difficult than they should be, just as I would condemn a slave for disobeying their duties.  We all have our responsibilities and stations in life, and our choice is to follow them with passion and honor, or to fail them and ourselves in the process."<br/><br/>With that, he turns his full attention to Galla.  "You are most definitely a slave, though, Galla.  You must accept that you lost total command over your life in battle, just as a warrior who lost her leg or eye must accept the loss.  Such a loss does not diminish the essence of who they are, but it demands that they adapt to the new responsibilities and conditions."<br/><br/>Breaking bread for both women, Catulus looks from one to the other.  After a moment of his customary consideration, he announces, "Galla is intended to serve only the Heroes themselves, at their pleasure.  Since you have an interest in her acclimation here, Sthenae, I would like you to take responsibility for her adjusting to her new home and station."<br/>