*laughs* good - i didn't want to cause you trouble until later down the line. Then all bets are off! :) thanks - this has been a very good experience for me as well - couldn't have asked for a finer Mentoree.<br/><br/>- -<br/><br/>The brush of her fingers upon his cheek seemed to quell the tempest that threatened to rise up in Commodus' breast.  He held himself still, treasuring her touch and how it brought memories of a simpler time to him.  A happier time, when the cares of the world and all the darkness that seemed to settle upon him like a mantle were still many years away.  A soft sigh expelled breath from his lips, and it almost seemed as if evil vapors were carried away as well, lost in the shadowed alcoves, her chaste kiss erasing the pain that too often settled in his head, filling him with dark thoughts and grim emotions.  He wanted so much to fall to his knees and press his face into her belly and to weep as she consoled him, telling him all would be right.  He fought the urge, locking it away in his heart.  He needed to be strong. Fierce.  He would prove to his father that he was man enough to earn the laurels of rulership.  With Lucilla by his side, he could find the strength to prove his father wrong.<br/><br/>He gazed at her, a surge of tenderness flooding him, glad that finally, she wouldn't have to leave him to return to her husband ever again.   "It will be good to have Lucius back, dear sister.  I will treat him as my own son.  He will want for nothing, I promise you that."<br/><br/>"And yes, I agree.  Rest would do you good."  His smile seemed genuine, concern touching his eyes, as he matched her steps, closing the doors for her in order to shut the world out and give her privacy.  Only, it was from within that he closed them, the sound filling the chamber with a soft echo, leaving them alone, him standing between her and the doorway.<br/><br/>"Come, you should lie down while I pour you some wine.  I will take care of my dear sister as he deserves."  Gesturing towards the bed, he crossed the room and began to fill a bronze goblet with wine the color of blood.