<strong>Aulus once again in the Outer Courtyards, amongst Antonious, Liliana and company</strong><br/><br/>It seemed that even despite such close contact, Aulus lacked the common mentality of most men.  Such is the cost of devotion to duty.  Soldiers like Aulus were so very rare because of their stubborn obligations.  His duty was to Rome and to the legion, which usually left most like him dead on the battlefield satisfied by the conquests of their time.  Pompey dared though to break this cycle by honorably discharging the young soul before he could dabble in the sins of conquest.  Most Roman commanders would be shocked in dismay by Pompey’s strange decision.  For one why release such a fine soldier to civilization when he could be more useful on the battlefield.  Not to mention since he was still young and innocent unfamiliar with the social graces of nobility, let alone skills in being a merchant.  If Mars was seeing this he would be laughing from his red throne at his zealot failed to face even a woman.<br/><br/>For now though, Liliana seemed quite fed by Aulus’ abridged history and left her with only more intrigue from what it seemed.  For a while they had taken sanctuary in the inner courtyards, now they would retreat to where they had first met, within the outer courtyards where Liliana’s curiosity had moved to both gladiators and Antonious’ wares.  He seemed to notice though that her enthusiasm was not just because of her enjoyment with him, but it was also amplified by the lack of invitation from the masters of this estate.   Though neither she nor even he would make an audible note of it, it did seem rather awkward that the three of them were not graced by a messenger or even a guard to escort them.  The chain of thought would be interrupted however by Antonious’ harmless question regarding Aulus’s company.  “Antonious, you must jest! Aulus was of course the most gracious of escorts, and I have thoroughly enjoyed his company. In fact, I would like to bend your ear with an idea we were discussing...”<br/><br/>Antonious’ and Liliana’s discussion would be cut short as she excused herself to grab the attention of a slave of the estate to inform the masters that they had guests in wait.  Meanwhile Aulus stay behind Liliana keeping a proper earshot distance to Antonious.  “Well m’boy it looks like she seems quite taken by you.   I wonder what she has in store for you?  It seemed she had something interesting for you telling by the look on her face.”  The old merchant chuckled at the young boy, only contemplating the plans that Liliana had in store for him.  Aulus was easy to read, much like any parchment or book.  Combined with his innocent yet proper behavior it the minds of nobles could see far many uses for such talent and purity.<br/><br/>“Antonious do you still bear that letter I gave you?”  Antonious searched a pouch on his garment to pull out a letter bearing Pompey’s personal seal.  “That I do m’lad.”  Aulus approached the man nodding politely, “Thank you for holding it Antonious, I think though perhaps I should take a hold of it now.  From the looks of it I can complete the second half of my purpose here.”  Antonious could only laugh at his rebuttal, “Ever the polite young man.  It’s no wonder the lady Liliana took such an interest in you….” a chuckled escaped him, “…however I know you’ll be fine.  Just have confidence m’boy.”    Aulus could only respond with a hand on Antonious’ left shoulder,  his grip firm but not painful symbolizing a more brotherhood form of gratitude, “Surely you don’t think I’m not going in their without you.  You started this journey, and by Mars’ grace I’ll see to it that you are with us when we are granted……”<br/><br/>His dialogue would be interrupted by the sound of a gong that caught not only the attention of Aulus, Antonious, and Liliana, but also another group; a man and woman, the woman seeming to be of the higher class.  Within moments a massive door would open revealing a small figure of a man.   Perhaps a servant of the estate perhaps, “Welcome to Ludus Leonis Scopulus Tarraconensis.”  Though his voice was soft and raspy he could make out the words that came from his lips.  He did follow up however on bringing the guests into the main halls of the estate.  Aulus remained by Liliana’s side so to provide proper escort for her.  Even with returning to Antonious he was still responsible for keeping her company and protected as well.  Antonious remained behind them carrying the remainder of his available wares.  "Apologies... I.... please come inside and shade yourselves... quench your thirsts"<br/>