<div align="center"><strong>Cariad walking with Patrocles</strong></div>Cariad was bemused at the goings on in the house. The balcony was hot, beyond comprehension. The fight below was bloody and vicious, much to the amusement of the Domina.<br/><em>"Come with me… as Domina commands"</em>Cariad lifted her head and nodded respectfully to the hulk of rippling muscle before her. Cocking her eyebrow as she walked next to him, not behind him, making a point about being equals. Whether it was noticed or not would be another thing. The lashings on her back were still welts, the scabs now forming a deep contrast against her pale skin.<br/><br/><em>"Do you speak?  Do you understand my words?  I am Patrocles, Gladiator and Champion of House.  More over, I am servant to my lady, Domina.  I do as she commands and I would know if you will do the same. What is you name?"</em><br/><br/>Cariad looked at him and smiled. This was her opportunity.<br/><br/><strong>"I am Cariad O'r Nant, I have come from Wales. I was sent here to relieve the Head House Slave of her duties. I do not know the layout of the house I am afraid."</strong><br/>Cariad spoke with broken Latin. Her heart thumping beneath her ribs, fearing she would be found out. She didn't have the faintest recollection as to why she had been brought to this Ludus, nor did she understand why. Make the best of an opportunity. Her Father had always taught her that. Looking over to the mountain who had spoken so softly to her.<br/><br/><strong>"Patrocles? Is there another female who serves your lady? I think we need to check the living quarters first, then move through the Ludus from the baths, to the medicus' room and then the servant quarters."</strong><br/><br/>Cariad was hoping that her brief knowledge of the house would come to her benefit, even if she didn't understand the layout. She had told him of this and was prepared to remind him if the matter arose.