<span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 10pt;"><em><strong>Ludus Villa</strong></em></span><br/><br/><strong>“Yes Domina”</strong><br/><br/>Her steps were light as feathers as she made her way over to the small table that held a large vase of water and two silver cups. She poured the water into one cup and handed it over to her Domina. Previously she had known her mistress by another name, but with the title of wife a great many changes had come.<br/><br/><strong>“Your water”</strong><br/><br/>Her voice was soft and subtle as if she feared it would crack if she were to speak higher. Returning to her proper position her head began to swim with thoughts of today’s events. Waking up early in the morning to tend to chores of the house and other slaves were her secondary duty, her primary were the needs and concerns of her mistress. A woman she had become a trusted individual too.  She could sense the waves of change that floated about the ambience and it could only mean one thing. The Dominus would be expecting a new shipment of slaves  to arrive soon if they were not already here. However these new arrivals would be more than just slaves. They would be gladiators. Well those who earned the mark would become gladiators and for the less fortunate pickings possibly sold off to market.<br/>It didn’t excite her like some of the other slaves in the household.  The arena stood for everything she didn’t believe in. The thought of people taking the lives of others for sport left a sour trail on her tongue. However she did respect the arena for what it did for this house. Asine was always able to see both the good and evil in a situation and it didn’t stop just beyond the ludus.<br/><br/>Following  Valeria out onto the balcony, she too couldn’t help but to curiously peer over into the sandy mesh as nearly naked men practiced and trained below absent of Doctore.  Her bright orbs lessened when in vitality when she saw the load of fresh recruits arrived. She couldn’t help it as the corners of her mouth began to on her lips as flesh after flesh began to unload on the sand of the arena. So maybe she was a being a bit stubborn when her eyes trailed over sinewy lines of tight muscle and tanned skin. It would be interesting to see what these new slaves would offer to this house and whether they could stand against the champion.<br/><br/>Luckily Asine’ was the type to think ahead and had filled the Domina’s second cup with water to quickly replenish her thirsty mistress.<strong>“Water” </strong>she said slightly bowing and handing the noble woman another glass. The heat was baking her honey complexion, but it didn’t bother her at all as she returned her attention down below to the ludus.<br/>~~~~~~<br/><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong><br/><em>Ludus</em></strong></span><br/><br/>These days had begun to run back and forth and in between. He could not recall how many times this day had come.  Shipments of slaves had arrived to promise this house with glorious victors or piss and shit of the fallen.  He hadn’t slept all night, praying in silence in his solitaire room with only his gods to hear him he prepared his mind. Inhaling deeply he rose to his feet and grabbed the raw hide leather whip at his station before exiting his room.<br/><br/>His locks tied strategically into a ponytail as the muscle of his shoulders rippled under his skin he stepped out onto the sand of the ludus. Minding the current gladiators who bore the mark proudly, he  himself having an intimate history with the brand on his shoulder and the various scars and markings that surrounded them reminded everyone on the sands what it is like to live as a gladiator. To serve the crowd and respect the sands, these sacred sands, was more than just a game.<br/><br/>Suddenly the sound of a whip cracked , snapping the air so that the sound would reach every ear in attendance.  He stood in the middle of the ludus as the new shipment of slaves arrived and his sharp gaze narrowed in anticipation.<br/><br/><strong>“GLADIATORS, FORMATION!”</strong><br/>