Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Kertaro on 17-01-2009, 23:43:06</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>17-01-2009, 23:43:06</strong>
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				Coughing in the dirt that was being kicked up by the wagons he walked. He should be dead. He should have the enemies heads on plates in front of him while he dined in the great feast. Instead he was in chains. A large metal collar was around his neck and leather bound his arms tightly behind his back. The end of his world and his people had been his last sight and now he knew the gods themselves had cursed him. This was his hell and as he plodded along he realized it was for all time. <br><br>&nbsp;He was staggering slightly having walked for days now. The water he got was the same as the horses and he could not remember the last time he ate. There was a large gash on his forehead and several other cuts and large bruises on his bare torso. Clad in only a loincloth the Romans who were leading the column had decided he was to valuable to leave to the crows pulling him along they decided they could make a pretty penny off his arms. <br><br>That is if he survived. <br><br>As the column halted in front of the large estate on the outskirts of Rome he finally could take no more and collapsed first down to this knees then onto his face in the dry dirt. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>18-01-2009, 00:23:33</strong>
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				Aurelia hovered around as her brothers 'hunting trophy' was dragged in. “Step away, girl” Livius snarled at his little sister. “He may be out cold but he is still dangerous”.<br>Mother and here had greeted her brother heartily after his return from the barbarian outposts. They had prayed to the gods for his safe return.<br><br>“Does that animal have to be brought here ?” Mother asked.&nbsp; “Can’t they take him elsewhere or at least outside, to the stables, Livius ? Is this absolutely necessary ?” <br>Aurelia’s big brother grinned. “He’s going to make a fine prize, mother” He said. “He is a prince of some sorts amongst his people. I haven’t quite decided yet what to do with him. He would make a good gift for any senator, or perhaps Caesar himself. And if that doesn’t work out, he’ll make a fine gladiator. Strong as an oxen and quite a fighter. For now, however we need him alive and traceable. Officially he is still a hostage, a ‘ward’ if you will. The battle in the new province isn’t quite over yet. But that shouldn’t take long.”<br><br>Aurelia watched from a distance as soldiers brought the barbarian to a small room with a cot. She bit her lip. He was dirty and his wounds looked gruesome. Asleep, like this he was quite harmless, but he still looked very intimidating. Boys her age around here never were this muscular. He did have the look of a wild animal. A wounded wild animal.<br><br>The unconscious man was tethered to the wall with a chain that was attached to the collar, giving him room to lie down and walk around a bit, his hands were tied before him, but the heavy chains were not taken from his feet. A servant girl came and started to wash the blood and the dirt from his body and Aurelia caught herself staring in fascination. Right at that moment her brothers stern voice called out.<br><br>“What did I tell you, Aurelia ? Stay away from him.”<br>“Come dear” Her mother called out far more gentle “Dinner is served”<br><br>The serving girl poured warm goat milk laced with honey and several healing herbs in the sleeping mans mouth and laid a cool cloth on his forehead.<br><br>“Will he be ok ?” Aurelia asked.<br>“Until he wakes up, yes.”&nbsp; The servant girl told her. “Once he does, he will wish he was dead, milady. Warriors fight to win or die. Imprisonment and servitude wounds them far more than any blade ever could.”<br>Too Aurelia that made no sense. She would much rather hear that her brother was alive and well with some barbarian family than to hear that he had died on the battlefields.<br>“Aurelia !” her brother called out sternly.<br>She sighed and ran to the dining area, leaving the prisoner to the good care of the servant.<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>18-01-2009, 00:41:19</strong>
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				Grunting he opened his eyes slowly and wished he hadn't. There was hardly any light as the sun was rapidly falling and the small window in the room was his only source of light, but it still made his head pound. He could smell and taste some strange aroma and thinking he had been poisoned he spat the odd taste from his mouth. This was followed by a coughing fit that made his head feel as though it was going to split in two. <br><br>He could feel the cold metal chains still on his neck and ankles and rolling slightly to the side he squinted and managed to look around the room. Realizing quickly he was still a prisoner he sighed and then collapsed back to the cot. <br><br>He was exhausted physically and mentally. The Romans had fallen on his small band of warriors and then taken him. They knew he was worth something, but they treated him no better then the dogs they took as well. He shook his head and reached up realzing someone must have wiped the dust from his face and wound. <br><br>The cut had not come during the battle, but later when he had refused to walk when one of the soldiers had smashed his head into the side of his chariot. Trying to bring his arms back down he found they were still bound and growled. <br><br>He needed to sleep. Sleep could bring his strength. Strength to show these Romans that his people would not be enslaved so easily. With that thought in his mind he tried to sleep again and ignore the pounding in his head. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>18-01-2009, 01:05:47</strong>
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				A young girl in a pretty red dress with long black hair came in as quietly as she could, followed by a girl in much simpler garb, carrying a big tablet with two copper bowls, a big one filled with water, one small and with an unclear substance, a goblet, some bread and some apples. The girl put the tablet down and picked up the cloth in the big water bowl.<br><br>"Leave us" Aurelia said quietly to the serving girl<br>"But, Mistress..." The girl said.<br>"He is unconscious and chained. As long as Livius doesn't find out I'll be fine, now go."<br>The girl left with haste and her Mistress picked up the moist cloth and slowly started to rub the warm body with secure, soft strokes, much like one would take care of a pet. The ointment she rubbed on the wounds made them tingle, sting and heat up, cleaning the blood and helping the flesh heal, or so she had been told. <br><br>Gently she rubbed it on the scab chest and the cut on his forehead. She brought the wine gently to the sleeping mans lips and poured some down. Then she sat back on her haunches and just watched him, the moonlight reflected on his moist skin and his breathing was even. She smiled a bit. Resting like this, the man her brother had captured didn't seem to fit the stories that were told at dinner at all. Was this a ruthless killer that singlehandedly and given Livius men a run for their money, even if he was vastly outnumbered ?<br><br>She bit her lip and touched the mans scar on the mans for head, then reached down to lay the cooling cloth on top of it, like she had seen the serving girl do earlier this evening.<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>18-01-2009, 01:22:36</strong>
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				Groaning softly and stirring slightly he reached out in his sleep thinking there was some kind of an angel working on him. In his haze of pain there as this soft warm touch on his wounds that brought a cooling and then soothing of the pain. He felt calmer and more at peace even tasting the sweet wine that came past his lips. <br><br>Finally the pain in his head was cooled and feeling better he opened his eyes again. His vision was still blurred slightly and he had a hard time focusing when he glanced over. There was a kneeling girl beside of his bed and she looked to be kind. A face he was nit used to seeing was there and there was a soft gentle glow of red around her. <br><br>Reaching out he took his bound hands and reached towards her seeking to have something soft to touch.&nbsp; <br><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>18-01-2009, 01:37:12</strong>
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				With a loud gasp, Aurelia dropped the bowl of water she had just used beneath the cloth to squeeze it out out and she scrambled backwards on her behind. "Don't touch me, you unclean animal"&nbsp; She hissed at him, wondering if he even spoke in a civil tongue.<br><br>Suddenly the man seemed really big again. And the room seemed very small and very dark and the door was on the other side of the tray, she could not get there while avoiding his reach. Water flowed over the tile floor into the cracks and over the surface, coloring it darker.<br><br>She pointed at the platter. "Food" she said, slower and a bit louder. "You eat." Perhaps he could preoccupy him long enough to avoid his reaching hands. She hoped he wouldn't try to eat the ointment, as it stood next to the food. This had been a very stupid idea. One of her stupidest ever.<br><br>Idly she watched his next move, as if she was trying to escape from a dangerous predator.&nbsp; Well not quite as if.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>18-01-2009, 01:55:35</strong>
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				Pulling his hands back to cover his face the noise of the tray falling and the bowl hitting the stone floor echoed loudly inside of his head. Groaning his covered his face and tried to ignore the pounding feeling returning. <br><br>Breathing heavy he tried to fight off the pain. The Romans called him savage and spat on him and at one point he could swear one of them was kicking him. Now there was this feeling of peace and kindness and then more pain from the noise. He could not take it anymore. His people were being killed his own men butchered in front of him and now his life was a haze of massive pain. <br><br>Opening his mouth he croaked out slowly "Please... no more"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>18-01-2009, 12:52:52</strong>
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				The clatter of the copper bowl that had fallen echoed through the room and the door opened at once “Mistress ?” The girl hurriedly came to check if she was alright. “I’m fine, Danea, just clumsy.”, she whispered. “Go check if I woke anyone. If I didn’t, go to bed. I’ll be fine.” The girl nodded and left again, not quite agreeing with her mistress, but it wasn’t her place to doubt her.<br><br>Aurelia inched closer to the man, on her knees, the bottom of her dress soaked up some of the spilled water, but she didn’t care. She knew she shouldn’t, but she came closer nonetheless. His soft words had touched her, much like the yelp of a wounded wolf would have. He spoke the civil tongue, even if he had spoken soft and with a heavy accent, she had understood.<br><br>“No one will hurt you here.” She cooed as she stroked his hair. Was that a lie ? For good measure she rubbed a bit more of the cooling ointment on his open wounds, then she took the cloth, wringed it out, and placed it on his forehead again. “You just need to recuperate.” What on earth had Livius and his men done to bring a man this strong close to tears ?<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>18-01-2009, 21:01:46</strong>
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				Soon there was quiet again and a stillness as he heard the door shut. Then soothing words and the pain easing. He did not reach out again that had been his mistake and he was not going to do so again. Keeping his eyes shut the pain going away he finally ventured to breathe allthough somewhat shakily. <br><br>Swallowing gently he thought about her words then spoke again. "Romans" he managed to get out past his cracked lips. He wondered if perhaps the Romans had been attacked. That someone else had found him. Perhaps some kind soul had come to his aid and he was ...<br><br>Stopping he then realized the chains were still on him. <br><br>Grinding his teeth his mouth closed and his jaw set slightly. He was still a prisoner. Still a prize for some bastard commander. Taking some small breaths he then slowly opened his eyes. Not certain what to expect he wanted to see what force was giving him this kindness in this hellish prison of pain.&nbsp; 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>18-01-2009, 21:15:26</strong>
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				"Yes, Romans" She whispered softly. "You are in Rome now"&nbsp; Her hand was still in his hair, scratching his skull softly. She sat on her haunches close to his head and gave him a little bit more to drink. "You need to become strong again." Her hushed words were pronounced close to his ear, she smiled a bit until she felt him tense with anger.<br><br>Her hand stopped and she watched him with care, as if the wounded animal had just started to growl. With his tension, hers grew as well and carefully she slipped out of his reach again, pushing herself up against the wall until she stood upright again. She smiled a bit as his eyes fluttered open.<br><br>The room was completely dark except for the moonlight that spilled freely from the small, high up window, illuminating her in a strange, almost ethereal manner, her dark hair had gotten a dark blue hue and a pearly shine, her skin seemed pale and her lip so much fuller. She had her hands flat against the wall and although he was the caged prisoner here, she did not look the part of his keeper at all.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>18-01-2009, 21:31:02</strong>
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				Turning his head to the side to get a better look at who was there he felt his heart soften again. She was a small woman and among his people she would already be a bride. Blinking slowly he looked at her and noticing her posture deduced that despite his bindings and the chains she was afraid of him. <br><br>Breathing in and out a moment he opened his mouth and licked his lips again to try and speak. He was still feeling parched and his stomach was cramping harshly from lack of food adding to his pain. She was away from him now and he moved very slowly reaching towards her. <br><br>"I am hungry" he said in a voice that was weak. His hands shook slightly as he swallowed and then added much softer "please".
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				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>18-01-2009, 21:47:43</strong>
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				Aurelia relaxed a bit as she saw his difficult breathing and his slow moves. He might be much stronger than she, but he was bound and in great pain. He wasn't a danger to her, she decided. Besides, even if she needed to endure the humiliation of calling out for help and being scolded at...that wouldn't be nearly as bad as what would happen to him. Perhaps she should tell him that. Or perhaps he had been through enough already. She could only imagine what had happened to him and she didn't care for those images.<br><br>"There is food on the floor" She said softly. "If you sit up straight and promise to make no sudden moves, I will give you some. There is bread and goat cheese and apples and wine. You should drink, you need a lot of fluid to get well"<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>19-01-2009, 04:26:24</strong>
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				She was speaking so quickly he had a hard time keeping up. The language was firmiliar to him the elders of the tribe teaching it to him for trade. He doubted they ever saw this situation arising for their prince. <br><br>Starting to sit up he winced in pain as he rose up slowly. The world was a haze, but the kin angel had told him if he sat up he could eat. That much he could piece together. It was with great effort and in a large amount of pain he finally reached the seated position. <br><br>The chains were rattling hard against the walls and making quite a bit of noise. He was thankful that they had not chained his hands he doubted in his weak condition that he would be able to even move them. As his feet hit the floor he felt the cool stone covered with water and actually sighed. His feet had blistered and cut during the forced march and the wet stone felt wonderful on the sores. <br><br>Keeping his hands in his lap he looked up at her with blue eyes that shown of utter defeat. "I promise"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>19-01-2009, 07:48:53</strong>
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				Aurelia had a weak feeling in her knees and stomach, now she saw how much effort it took him to sit up. She did not mean to make him go through this torture just for food. Halfway through his struggle she wanted to tell him he could stop and lie back down, but that seemed even crueller to her. She winced with each move and felt her stomach churn with each groan.<br><br>Now he sat upright, she could estimate better how much leeway the chains attached to his collar gave him, he could sparsely walk 5 paces. In the morning she would talk to her brother. She wouldn't tell him she felt sorry for the savage, but that simply wasn't enough room to exercise properly.<br><br>Her eyes moved to the mans feet, she had not even paid attention to those before. She gasped at the sight of their horrible condition. The look in his eyes was the final straw, however. She had never seen a man this broken and she couldn't even begin to imagine how one could break a man that looked this strong so utterly and completely. <br><br>"G..good." She affirmed with a soft voice after he had stated he would not make any sudden moves. She, herself moved slowly as well, as not to startle him. She slowly bent, the wet bottom of her dress clung&nbsp; to her calves as she got back up with the tray and she gently placed it on the cod beside him. She guided the cup of wine to his hands, her own, so many times smaller wrapped around his, and then encouraged him to lift it to his mouth. <br><br>His hand felt weak, even though they were muscular and she had no doubt he could kill a man by just using them and probably had. As she heard him swallow the wine she gently took the cup from him and broke a piece from the bread that she dipped in the wine before she gave it to him. “That should make it softer, not so rough in your throat” She explained<br><br>“After you have eaten, I will take a look at your feet. I think the ointment will help.” She spoke slowly. To wash and anoint a mans feet was the utter show of servitude, but even in the pale moonlight she could see the bad state they were in and they needed care. She doubted barbarians washed their feet at all, much less read anything into having them taken care off by another. So the irony of this all should be lost upon him. <br><br>“What is your name ?” She asked as she put a crumble of goat cheese in his hand.<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>19-01-2009, 15:04:38</strong>
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				The wine was red and smelled oddly to him. he was not used to drinking such things as his people usually chose to drink a honeyed form of mead with their meals instead. Drinking the wine though he was happy to note the warm feeling that was spreading to his limbs as he swallowed it and hoped that the feeling would help to drive away some of the pain. <br><br>"My thanks" he said to her as he let the wine glass be taken from his fingers. Drawing in a breath he then opened his hand and received the soft bread. He could not have cared what it would taste like and he fought the urge to swallow it down whole. He knew it would make him sick to do so. Instead he brought it to his mouth and chewed carefully swallowing very small bites and trying not to notice how much it hurt to simply swallow. <br><br>The cheese was familiar to him as his people made and stocked large amounts of it for the long winters they faced. This cheese was softer though and as he tasted it he realized it was much fresher then the hardened stores he was accustomed to. As he finished the piece she had given him he breathed slowly almost feeling the strength starting to return to his body. <br><br>Turning his head now he looked at her truly for the first time taking a moment to study her. She was Roman that much he could tell from the start. That meant she was his enemy, but the kindness she was showing here was not something he had ever expected from a Roman. She was soft and gentle her voice coming to his ears like a song on a darkened night. She was easing his pain instead of causing it and for that reason he felt he should answer her questions. <br><br>"Oris" he said with his voice sounding stronger now that some food was in his belly. She had asked no More and he answered no more, but his cool blue eyes looked upon her now and would not turn away. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>19-01-2009, 18:56:16</strong>
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				The house was quiet and for a moment there was only the sound of breathing, his heavy, pained heaves and her soft, rather shallow ones. “Oris” she repeated. “You are from the Northern Provinces, aren’t you ?&nbsp; My name is Aurelia.” She offered him half a smile, not quite knowing what else to say.<br><br>“My brother captured you and intents to either give you away as a slave or sell you a gladiator” didn’t seem quite suitable diner small talk. So she watched him for a moment as he tried to eat, a bit worried about the fact that swallowing seemed to hurt him so much. But she didn’t want to ask about his pain either.<br><br>The fact that he kept staring at her was a bit unsettling. She was young, barely of age to standards of the modern Rome. The biting of her lip and the insecurity in her eyes betrayed her age. Or perhaps that was just his initmidating nature, even if he was bound and close to broken. He was still an imposing man to look at. Although perhaps not through her eyes, they were downcast, but filled with empathy for his pain and his current state. She wrung her empty hands and looked away. “There are apples” She said hastily as she reached out to one and held it out to him in an effort to break the tension.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>19-01-2009, 23:48:07</strong>
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				"Aurelia" he said quietly the word sounding strange with his thick accent. Nodding he took a few breaths and looked again at the floor. He could feel the knots in his stomach loosening and he closed his eyes at the moment feeling so much less pain then he had in the past few weeks that he almost wept for the relief. <br><br>His mind cleared for a moment then and he looked out of the window. Trying to think of how much time had passed he kept coming up short. When they started the journey he had picked up small pebbles and placed them in his pocket for every day they had marched. Then when the climate was warmer he was stripped to his simple clothes and robbed of the pebbles. He could only guess now that it had been near to three months that he had been held prisoner. <br><br>Three months he had been ripped away from his people. His father would have not sullied them by trying to negotiate for his release. He was of royal blood, but in his world that meant being smarter, faster, and stronger then anyone else. The fact that he was captured by the Romans would shame his father so he chose not to think on it.<br><br>Bringing the militaristic side of his mind around he began to think about what he would do in the situation. The Romans would have surely told them they had the prince. Which would have forced his father into conflict. If he did not rise to meet the Romans challenge he would look weak and his people would lose faith. So his father would attack. The Romans would be waiting for the attack and well prepared. With what he had seen of their vast legions on the long march he was certain his people would stand no chance. <br><br>Putting his face in his hands he rubbed his eyes as the thought crashed into him. His people were gone. They would not allow themselves to be captured and become slaves. They would fight to the end and the children and women would be taken to sell off in foreign lands. Feeling his stomach start to knot again and the lump form in his throat he tried his best to steady himself. <br><br>Pulling his head from his hands he turned his eyes again to the one who had shown him such kindness. They were wet with tears as he bit his lip trying not to weep at what he thought had already happened to his home. His voice was barely a whisper as he asked her "What of my people?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>20-01-2009, 00:46:48</strong>
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				She followed his glance to the window. Surely he was not planning some kind of escape attempt ? The little slit in the wall wouldn't even fit her, let alone a bulky man like himself.<br><br>But then she recognized the longing in his eyes. He was thinking of his home, she could tell. It made her a bit sad and she felt stupid, holding out the apple so redundantly. Eventually she placed it pack on the tray next to him. For a while she leaned against the wall in silence, saw the expresion on his face change from calculative to angry and bitter and forlorn.<br><br>Was he thinking of his fate ? His peoples fate ? His family, perhaps ? A lover ? As she studied him she felt ashamed, as if she shouldn't be there, didn't belong there. Which was true in many ways. She didn't belong here. Perhaps she should go and leave the man to his thoughts. She should go to bed and perhaps ask Livius in the morning if she could go check on him. Maybe his mood would have brightened after his reunion with his favorite slave girl.<br><br>Just as she was about to sneak away and leave the prisoner alone with his contemplations, he spoke. Her heart broke as she saw the tears in his upturned eyes. <em>Don't cry...</em>, she wanted to say and repress the urge to touch his shoulder. In stead she answered him softly "I am sorry...I don't know about your people. My brother said, however, the battles are not over yet. I suppose that means they are still fighting." <br><br>Aurelia had never understood why the savages would want to stop the Empire from bringing culture and enlightenment into their lives. Why would they fight their saviors ?<br><br>"I am sure my brother will be able to tell you in more detail. Livius will propably come by in the morning to see how you are. He'll be glad you are feeling better. We were all worried you might not make it through the night." She caught herself babbling and stopped. "I should go" She said. "I should be in bed. And perhaps you should sleep some more as well."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>20-01-2009, 01:13:08</strong>
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				The mere mention of her brothers name sent a wave of anger across his face. Knowing who she was now he began to look at her in a different light. She was probably sent here to try and get him to soften up so he could question him again. In all the time they had been together he had been asked countless times about the strength of his people and their main fortress. <br><br>He had refused to answer all questions. <br><br>Most of the Romans he was sure thought he could not understand their language and now here he was showing his weakness to an enemy and he hated himself for it. <br><br>Steeling his face he nodded curtly to her and then spoke in a much gruffer voice "I thank you for the kindness. I will not mention it to your brother". Never a fool he was certain that one way or another her brother would be displeased with the way she had cared for him. <br><br>Turning away he rattled the chains and then laid down on the harsh straw cot his back to her laden with stripes of blood from the lash. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>20-01-2009, 07:55:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aurelia winced a the turned his back to her. Danae had not washed or looked at his back. Some of the lashes were still half open, crusts of blood and raw skin visible, even in this feeble light. Tomorrow, she told herself, she would let Danae see to it, as well as his feet.<br><br>She had seen the sudden hardening of his features and heard the change in his voice once he had gathered who she was and it made her feel as if she had betrayed both him and her brother, while she had done nothing of the sorts. She opened her mouth in her own defense, but said nothing, just watched his scarred back for a bit longer and then she left. "Good Night, Oris", she said softly and then she closed the door behind her, locking it with the bar that had been added to the former small storage room with great haste this morning.<br><br>Sleep did not come easily that night, even if it was rather late. Her thoughts raced through her mind like a Tuscan sand storm. Wrapped in her cool white sheets she could not stop thinking about the stranger, just a few rooms away, so far from his home and tortured so severely. This was as close to the war as she had ever been and she didn't like it one bit. She kept seeing his wounds, imagined how he got them. Somehowe she refused to picture Livius doing such cruel things.<br><br>But she knew he could and he had. After all he was an ambitious Tribunus laticlavius and if he succeeded in his warfare, his options were merely limited by Caesar himself. Eventually Aurelia dozed off, her dreams filled with the soft pleadings of the prisoner. "Please...no more..." he repeated inside her head. But most of all she kept seeing the look in his eyes, those haunting blue eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>20-01-2009, 15:01:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sleep came rather quickly for Oris that night, but it was met with even greater pain then when he was awake. The Romans killed and tortured his people. He saw their blood and heard their screams, but could do nothing to help them. Fighting hard he could not come to their aid weighed down with chains as he was. <br><br>His eyes blinking open suddenly he was aware of sounds outside of the tiny window. it had to be dawn as he heard people moving about. Closing his eyes again he considered letting himself go back to view the torture of his people in his mind, but then he steeled himself. Sitting up in the bed he swung his chained feet to the floor wincing slightly at the pain in them as he started to stand up. <br><br>His legs were still shaky, but having eaten and gotten sleep on something besides the raw ground he felt much more himself. Walking into the room he tested how far the chains would let him move before choking him off and discovered his captor was actually quite bright. Even stretching his arms he could not reach the far wall or the door of the small room and should someone be in there they could simply back away before he could reach them. He had assumed this from the start, but wanted to be certain of his limits as well. <br><br>Moving back to the straw cot he found the sides and stood to boost himself up upon them. The cot creaked, but was obviously new and held fast. Looking up high he was able to view the world outside his window and with strange precision began to map the courtyard area and count the number of people he saw. He assumed he was at an estate of some kind seeing mostly servants and little in the way of soldiers. <br><br>Stepping down from the cot after a few minutes he settled back to his seated position to wait. The demon would come. He would come and force an ultimatum. That much he was prepared for. His mind was clicking slowly now still dulled form the pain in his body and the march, but piece by piece he was starting to formulate a plan. First he needed to know if his people were still alive. <br><br>Second he had to find out how to hurt this Livius. How to tear apart his very soul.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>20-01-2009, 17:34:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The slip of a girl called Danea came in without making a noise. She had brought olives, sliced peaches and a bowl of goat milk as well more ointment and more fresh water. She did not speak, nor look at the man, but mechanically started to wash and anoint his feet, then gestured him to turn his back to her so she could take care of it. <br><br>As he laid on his belly, her hands roamed carefully over his scarred back. They were cool and capable, even though he could feel a slight tremor every now and then. She was more afraid of him than her mistress had been, but clearly also more used to performing tasks as these, taking care of wounds and cleansing people.<br><br>Outside the sun had started to rise and the bustling sounds of a new day were heard. The estate had countless workers as it was surrounded by a well maintained vineyard that sprawled over the mountain side. On the other side of the door he could hear the beginning of a discussion. A harsh, curt, loud male voice and a softer, subdued female one, some sobbing and then the male voice once more, softer this time, consoling.<br><br>Not long after that the door burst open and Livius strode in with big, secure steps. Without his breastplate and helmet and with a fully shaven jaw, he looked much younger and less imposing than the man Oris had learned to hate. His features were sharp and his muscles defined, clearly he was not just a milk mouth raised on the city outskirts. But after the long desired steam bath and shave, dressed in Patrician clothes, the tribune didn’t look half the warlord he was out on the field, but more like a seasoned politician.<br><br>He walked around, well out of reach and inspected his trophy. “So you survived. You are tougher than I thought, Teuton” he said with some disdain in his voice and smile. “I am sure you will become an excellent gladiator once you have recuperated fully.”.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>20-01-2009, 22:21:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ignoring the man when he first walked in he was calmly eating the food provided. It tasted strange to his lips, but he would need his strength in the coming days so he was consuming it all slowly. Chewing gently he licked his fingers and stood up. He stood nearly a full head higher then most Romans and you could see his life had been spent in training. <br><br>In fact from the time he could walk his father and others had instructed him on the methods of battle. In order to secure his proper place on the throne he was expected to fight better then five of his own men and so in a circle unarmed he had met that challenge. Clad in even less then wore now he had taken them down and once victorious shared a brew with them. Training with a sword and heavy mace he was more then capable of fighting anyone at any time. <br><br>Flexing his arms to test the soreness and perhaps make himself look larger he lowered his eyes at this man who he had learned to despise. He kept his face calm and passive and spoke in a very low tone. "I ask nothing for myself. Speak to me of my people. Do they yet live or have you crushed them out as one would a fire?"<br><br>Looking into the mans eyes he already knew the answer, but he wanted to see if this man had the courage to tell him the truth. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>20-01-2009, 22:56:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Livius had to crane his neck to look his prisoner in the eye, but that did not make him less of a man at all. He curled his lips into a nasty smile and smirked, keeping his voice low. He stood just barely out of Oris' reach, knew precisely how far he could go.<br><br>"I watched that quaint little village of yours burn to the ground, Teuton. I heard your farm animals scream, heard your children cry, watched my men as they raped your voluptuous, succulent women, while the still had the blood of their husband on their hands...."<br><br>Livius dark eyes seemed to shimmer with the fires of the underworld and the destructive flames of the war he spoke of.<br>"Your father and some veterans are still shacked up in that fortress they deem impenetrable. Perhaps it is. In that case they will slowly starve, so will your mother and your brother's pregnant widow.”<br><br>He had a smug grin on his face. Both men knew that Livius himself had killed the young man that was hardly a year younger than Oris.<br><br>“Enjoy your breakfast, Teuton”&nbsp; He said as he leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, one foot on the floor, one against the wall.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>20-01-2009, 23:47:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Swallowing his rage he bit down on his cheek until he felt blood taste in his mouth. It did not help him to calm his rage, but the pain reminded him of his training. Letting the enemy see where you are weak was never a good thing and so he condensed his rage in his tightly gripped jaw. <br><br>Finally able to draw breath again he stared at the cocky roman and raised his ice chilled eyes. "I swear on my ancestors souls my fathers life and the lives of all my people that have died to roman hands" he spoke quietly his voice only above a whisper. "I swear on all of these things that you will die to my hands". <br><br>It was a threat he was certain he could carry out and his eyes spoke that he carried that conviction to heart. He spoke no more to the infuriating roman and instead sat down upon his cot and continued to eat the food placed there for him. <br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>21-01-2009, 00:07:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Livius gave the man an insufferable smile and whispered at the same tone. "Good...nurture that anger...the people love to see rage...you will do wonderful in the arena." And he casually sauntered out the door with a bit of a chuckle.<br><br>The rest of the day went by and there were no more visitors, no attention, no food, no water. The room became warmer but not a scalding hot as the sun that had burned down on him during his journey South. It had been dark for a long time when the door creaked open and Aurelia snuck in. <br><br>She stayed close to the door and checked if he was asleep. As silent as she could she pushed a tray with food in his direction. Cold lamb meat, green vegetables, radishes and a whole leather sack of wine this time.<br>Quietly she sat down on the tiles, in the corner of the door and the far wall and she watched him silently, her knees pulled up, her chin upon them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>21-01-2009, 00:54:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Spending the day alone was fine with him. He spent the hours tryhing to stretch and work out the sore muscles that were all over his body. Testing the limits he could push things without splitting open his wounds. On more then one occasion he felt the sores on his back split open and begin to bleed. Ignoring that fact he made note by scratching at the floor a line where he could see the extent of his chains. <br><br>His life had now become about one all consuming thought. Surely by now his father had died. His people slaughtered or slaves. His home forever gone. Life became vengeance. He would have the blood of hundreds of Romans and one in particular. <br><br>Closing his eyes he was laying on his cot when he heard the door open. The heat had faded form the little room and he clenched his hand into a fist. He had long since bitten off the leather bindings his wrists, but he still held them as though they were bound. Hearing the scraping of the tray he opened his eyes and realized it was not a threat. <br><br>Turning on his side he looked over at the same woman who had been so kind to him. "Aurelia" he said softly to her as he sat up. "I again am in debt to your kindness"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>21-01-2009, 01:16:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As she smiled at him, one cheek on her knee, none upturned. He could see the dark mark of a bruise on her face even in the pale moonlight.<br><br>For a while she just watched him in silence.<br><br>"Danea said she wasn't allowed to bring you any more food or water, so when I go I will have to take it all with me again, or he'll find out. Why did you threaten to kill him ? It is no use and it only gains his ire. What ever happens next, I can't imagine it will be harder than what you already have been through. Why would you taunt him now ?"<br><br>Perhaps his first suspicions had been right. Perhaps Livius had sent his little sister to soften him up. She sounded sincere enough, but weren't all Roman women, even the young ones, raised like snakes, spies, temptresses and traitors ?<br><br>"Some gladiators please Caesar so much he sets them free, gives them their own piece of land. I have heard of such things..."&nbsp; Then she was silent again. She seemed pained somehow, pensive for a girl her age. "At some point you will be able to get your freedom back, if you fight well the arena. Isn't that chance worth fighting for ? Not everyone is that lucky."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>21-01-2009, 01:27:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Walking towards her he moved until the chains stretched and he was straining. The veins on his forehead stood out and he could feel the sores on his back breaking out as he strained. He spoke then and his voice was raspy as he stretched the metal around his throat. He did not reach for her, but his eyes burned with a fiery cold as he stared. <br><br>"You think I want freedom? Some roman spit of land? I can think of no worse torture then to win the Cesar's praise. I have lost everything. My home. My family. My friends. Everyone and everything I ever knew or loved is gone. Brought to a horrible and hideous end by the hands of men like your brother. Now I have nothing. NOTHING!" he roared the final word and then let the chains go slack. <br><br>Stepping back now he fell to his knees. Breathing heavily he shook his head. "I have no rage for myself. I was a fool and should be punished for not dying in battle, but I failed my people. I failed my ancestors. For that I must seek vengeance" he spoke much quieter then brought his eyes to hers. <br><br>"I did not threaten your brother. I told him how he would meet his end. I will kill anyone who they place in front of me if it gets me closer to him" he said and then raised his hand showing he was unbound and pointed to her. "What honor is held by a man who strikes his own sister? Someone who has shown him nothing but love. He is a monster and his end will come by my hands" <br><br>Standing back up he turned and walked to the cot and settled onto it. "I will not take your food or water if it means he will harm you again. I will not have you hurt because of me"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>21-01-2009, 07:53:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aurelia cowered in her corner at his outburst. He could see the fear in her eyes, but also the fact that she didn't understand, perhaps did not even believe him.<br><br>How could she ? Had she not been taught that the legions were sent out to explore and bring enlightenment to those beyond the border of the empire ? That they did meet resistance and had to deal harsh with the few barbarians that did not accept their faith for the good of the many ? That they only killed those that did not want to understand they should be happy that Caesar had smiled upon them ? This man claimed to be a fool not to have died by the hand of those he claimed to hate. How strange was that ? She understood his want for vengeance, she understood his anger. But not why he would rather be dead than given the chance to fight himself free in the arena.<br><br>She just kept her eyes cautiously aimed at him as he fell to his knees before her.<br>"But you didn't die. Hasn't it occurred to you that the Gods have other plans for you than to die in a senseless war ? Or in this room, for that matter ?"&nbsp; She blinked as she saw he had chewed his bindings loose. "You shouldn't have done that..." She said sadly and he could see the twist in loyalty. She would have to warn someone, but that would mean she would have to confess she had been here.<br><br>Her look at his wrist was almost hurt, almost accusing. As if he had betrayed her personally. As if he had forced her hand to do something she did not want. "This is not because of you" she said eventually, absentmindedly rubbing her cheekbone. "Not directly anyway". She cocked her head. "I don't believe your people do not strike their women when they are disobedient, ungrateful and out of line."<br><br>She was getting uncomfortable. With the conversation, with the fact that his hands were untied, with her position. Slowly she pushed herelf up against the wall, so she was at least taller than the nearing figure. "I deserved it. Please eat. And please accept your fate. There is nothing you can do against it." Was she talking to him or to herself ?<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>21-01-2009, 15:05:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Stiffening at hearing her words about his culture he shook his head. "You do not know my people" he said very matter of factly. "I assure you a woman in my home would not allow anyone to strike her in such a fashion without retaliation. The men may be strong, but the women are sharp and wise in my village. They are people to be respected and cared for" turning his head towards the window he drew in a deep breath and then added. "I know that when the Romans came more then a few of the women took up their fallen husbands sword and fought with his name on their lips."<br><br>Turning his eyes back to her raised his hands to her. "If your brother had wanted my hands to be bound he would have chained them. He only did so for the march. He wants me strong and fit and I agree. I will need to be if I am to pass these contests he has devised for me. You may think I am a dumb brute, but I do understand what is going on here. Perhaps I understand it better then even you."<br><br>His jab was not meant to be insulting, but still when he said it he felt he should apologize. "I can never repay you for the kindness you have shown to me. Even if you claim you were struck because of something else to me it maters not. A woman with your beauty and heart should never have to endure this sort of torture. It pains me to see that you were wounded and I am distressed I can do nothing to help you."<br><br>Standing up ha walked closer to her the chains rattling as he did so. Stopping before the edge of the length of his chains and not threatening he reached out towards her with a large hand. "You have shown me such kindness" he said and then slowly and deliberately he dropped to one knee. Looking up again she could see he was sincere "What can I do to repay the acts you shown to me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>21-01-2009, 19:55:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She had heard of savage warrior women in the outlands, but had never actually believed in them until now. The story interested her. But her curiosity did not cancel out her caution. Especially not now she knew he had freed his hands. Perhaps he was right. He probably was. Livius would not have left something like that up to chances.<br><br>He was also probably right about the fact that he knew better what was going on here than she did. Because she sure did not. Livius hadn't made up his mind about what to do with Oris, at least he hadn't told her anything else than the decision they had argued about earlier that night. And in theory, that had nothing to do with the prisoner.<br><br>"You have no responsibility for me or the state I am in." She said as he stepped closer. She cowered flat against the wall once he held his hand out, even if he didn't mean to scare her. She understood that, eventually, once he was down on one knee. "Please...don't" She answered him softly, her eyes frowned over as she shook her head. She took the outside of his outstretched hand and pushed it back with the flat palm of her own, very much smaller, very much cooler hand. "Just...stop this talk about killing and dying...I know you will disagree, and I understand that. But he is a good man and he will make a good senator, once he gets the chance. Please just say you will do what you are supposed to do. Get well...train...fight....set yourself free eventually. That is all I ask."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>21-01-2009, 22:42:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Taking a breath he took his hand and wrapped it around her wrist. It was small in his hand and so it was easy for him to hold it. He did not pull her closer but just held her there. Gripped so that she could not move away, but unless she struggled she would not be hurt by it. <br><br>"You have to understand. This is not something I can change. Your brother chose his fate. If you see good as murdering and killing small women and children then perhaps it id your own soul you need to look to" he said with a quiet grace that only a man of wisdom would have. <br><br>Tugging on her wrist gently to get her eyes to look into his he continued "Do not be the person who your brother wants. You have your own choices to make in this life. If they are to be cruel and heartless to people because you think they are worth less then you so be it. But you would not have come here to help me if that were the case. Be the person you are inside and do not fear the evil that men do. Change it" <br><br>Bringing her wrist up he kissed the back of her hand ever so softly "And again I am in your eternal debt for your kindness" he released her hand and stood up looking down at her "to a barbarian"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>21-01-2009, 23:30:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A small yelp escaped as he grabbed wrist, her free hand flew to her mouth and her first instinct was to tug it back, which she couldn't, his grip tighter than an iron shackle. Her breath grew shallow, every single muscle in her body tensed as her fight or flight instinct set in and singled her that flight was not an option at all and fight was a laughable one.<br><br>She didn't answer to his accusation of Livius killing women and small children. She simply did not believe her brother was capable of anything that cruel and senseless. She did understand a man like Oris would want to believe Livius was a monster, however. It made the hatred easier.<br><br>She looked up at him, exactly has he intended, shaking her head slightly. He did not understand. He could not understand. Once his lips touched her knuckles she got hot and cold a the same time, tugging a bit more before he let go. For a moment she just stood there, staring, tears welling at the rim of her eye and then she ran out the door, leaving behind the food, traces she wanted to hide so desperately. The door closed behind her, but was locked. Her footsteps were soft since she was on bare feet, but she was running and he could hear a stiffled sob before the night grew silent again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>22-01-2009, 00:14:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Standing up he shook his head. Wondering if all Romans were so blind to the truth he moved to his straw cot and drew it to the side. He had noticed earlier the proper height of the window and what he needed it for. Grasping the ledge he began to pull himself up and then lower himself down. He figure a few hours of working out his muscles then gorging himself on the food and resting should make him fairly lean for the morning. <br><br>The Roman would come again. He would come to taunt him and mock him. He would come to lord himself over the top of him and he would let him. The only exchange is that he get this show underway. If he was to be a fighter then let him fight. If he was to be killed then kill him and if he was to be a slave.... kill him. <br><br>Trying to pull himself up again his arms shook and he fell slightly to the floor panting. His arms hurt, but he did not care. It was needed to get himself back to his fighting shape. Pushing the cot back into place he settled down and started to eat. <br><br>His mind continually wandered tot he angel who had brough him these things. He tried not to think how soft and good smelling she was as he ate. It had been long since he had felt anything as soft as he skin and he sighed trying not to think about her sweet and scared eyes. <br><br>Finishing his food he took the tray and all evidence hiding it as best he could inside the straw of the cot and tucking an apple away for later. He turned onto his side and was soon asleep. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>22-01-2009, 08:29:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Just after dawn, the morning ritual started to repeat itself, workers falling into their routine. Just outside the window people were dragging with heavy furniture, placing most of it in the center of the peristyle, the open terraced garden space, surrounded by shaded columned walkway, that he could just peek into. The scent of honey thyme boar being roasted was already very strong.<br><br>Danea was a bit startled to discover that the sturdy beam was not in the proper place to keep the door locked. Gingerly she pushed against the door, peeking inside, showing great relief as she discovered that Masters trophee was still inside.<br>She frowned as she saw the remnants of his dinner. She had warned the Mistress about leaving the dishes. But it didn't matter, she seemed to be the first to discover them.<br><br>Danea offered a slight smile to the man on the cot and lifted the bowl of water so he could see she intended to cleanse his wounds again. Now most of the sand and other traveling dirt had been rinced off they didn't look as bad as they had, even though there were rather severe, except for the wound in his chest they were all rather superficial. She winced as she gestured him to turn his back. The skin was still raw and bleeding again in some places. His feet, however had begun to heal quite nicely.<br><br>Sure enough Livius made his appearance in the doorway, watching Danea as she her hands moved over his prize's body and he began to wonder if he shouldn't invite her into his bed one night. A small smile appeared. Danea startled as she noticed her Master and began to assemble the empty dishes, so they wouldn't stand out as much. <br><br>"You are a brave woman, Danea..." Livius breathed as he came closer to the girl, touching her shoulder, his mouth close to her ear. "But you don't need to worry. He won't hurt you." with a grin his mocking eyes moved to Oris. "Will you now, Teuton ? You are a man of honor...of discipline...who would never take advantage of a woman, even if you craved for her. How long has it been ?" He grinned. "Did you spend the night before battle in celebacy or were you worshipped by some mooncalf ?"<br><br>Livius paced the room, his hands folded in the small of his back. Danea scrambled to leave the bowls with food and get the empty ones away as fast as she could. "Do you like what you see, Teuton ?" He asked as he watched the girl take her leave. "If so, I have a little proposal. Tonight, I am entertaining some guests, and of course they are all awfully curious about you. But we both know your attitude is a bit troublesome and I don't care to have you bludgeoned into submission while people are eating or have you run through with a sword. You understand this ?"&nbsp; &nbsp;He cocked his head and raised a brow.&nbsp; <br><br>"Well now...you don't need to do much, we'll bring you out, walk you around, perhaps some will want to touch you, perhaps we can show off how strong you are. If you comply, I will send the girl into your room afterward, for your enjoyment.&nbsp; What do you think ?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>23-01-2009, 00:08:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Standing up he moved towards Livius and raised his eyebrows. Turning he looked towards the window then back at the Roman. Make no mistake he despised the very essence of his being, but he at least respected him. He was a clever mind and was able to manipulate people to get what he wanted. For that alone he deserved respect, but he had seen him fight as well. Not hiding behind his troops he had charged into the fray that had gotten Oris captured. Hateful as he may be he was wary of the Romans tricks. <br><br>"The girl is kinder then her breeding would suggest. I would assume she is a slave as well so that would mean she has been taught better then most Romans" he said turning his head back to stare into his enemies eyes. "On nights before battle we would feast and toast the gods and our ancestors. If we were soon to join them they they would be waiting for us with a feast as well. Usually we were far to tired to partake of the flesh". <br><br>It was his turn to lay out a plan and he countered the Romans idea with his own. "You seek to impress your onlookers. Why stop with simply showing them your prize. Give me a weapon and a strong man to use it on. I will break him. Then challenge you. Think of how glorious that would be for your guests" he said a mocking smile on his face as his eyes burned cold and full of hatred. <br><br>Turning he moved back to the cot and shook his head. "I will give you no trouble if you agree. If you try and take me out of here and parade me like some caged beast then" he stopped and looked up raising his eyebrows. "Well either way your guests will get to see men die"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>23-01-2009, 00:40:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Livius smiled with the small condescending smile that always seemed to play on his lips.<br>“Give you a weapon ? Why even with your hands shackled you’d be more lethal than most men they will put you up against in the arena. No no no, that won’t do. Besides, something that bloody is hardly good entertainment for an engagement party. No, it should be something more light hearted, breaking a few melons, perhaps some tiles.”<br><br>The playfulness disappeared from his eyes. “Believe me, I would experience great pleasure fighting you, as I have back up North. I would love to bring you to your knees and deny you the final thrust, keeping you on your knees. But this is much more fun. No, Teuton. You will not die a great warrior and ascent to the hallowed halls of your brave comrades. You will die in a sportsmatch, fighting a rhinoceros or a tiger, perhaps even a Gaulle. Fighting not for honor and glory but for the entertainment of others. Perhaps you will rot away in a prison cell or you will be flogged to death for disobedience or die of old age by the side of the road. But not by my hands and not as a warrior. You need to accept that that is over. I’m no longer a soldier and your breed no longer exists.”<br><br>All along he looked at him with a decisive, sharp cold look in his eyes, spitting words at him like jagged hail stones. Then all of a sudden the smile returned as well as an amused, relaxed expression.<br><br>“Besides, why would I want to harm you ? I have already defeated you. Why would I want to damage my sister’s wedding gift only to do so again ?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>23-01-2009, 15:10:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Stiffening at the mockery of his station he tried to resist the urge to leap across the room. Looking down carefully to make certain he was not inside the mark on the floor Oris had no choice but to endure the stinging words. <br><br>"A proud day for your family. I can only assume your benefiting in some way from you whoring out your sibling. I hope the rewards will be worth her tears." <br><br>Oris spoke without looking up. He suddenly felt very sad for the small girl who had shown him such kindness. Knowing her brother he assumed he had arranged the whole thing and that she had little if nothing to say about the matter. Closing his eyes he tried as best he could swallow down the bile that was welling up in his throat from even speaking to this man and raised his eyes again. <br><br>"Parade me to your guests Livius. Let them look upon the man who will kill you. I will cause you no trouble." His voice was cool and even and tired of playing the Romans game he simply turned his head away. It would mean he would be out of his chains. It would mean a chance to see the outside. A chance for him to plan his vengeance. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>23-01-2009, 18:19:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You can assume and hope all you want, Teuton. As long as I have your word, I will trust that." He nodded, and moved around the peripheries of Oris’s limits with a nasty grin.<br>“Of course… if&nbsp; you betray that trust…I will have you gutted and hung by your intestines and I will pull up a chair and watch you slowly bleed to death.”. He locked his eyes with his prisoner’s and let his words linger, then snapped into his usual careless cheer. “Excellent. I will see you tonight.” He said and stalked out of the door.<br><br>Outside the preparations continued, scents and sounds increasing as the day turned into night.<br>At one point he was certain he could hear soft footstep approaching, then halting, then moving away again. When it was almost dark, Danea came in to wash him and oil his body. She groomed him as one would groom a prize ox, silent as ever. At the end of the grooming session she slipped out and came back in some hot food, samples of tonight’s banquet, patrician food, festive patrician food.<br><br>“Mistress kindly requests that you will not force her brothers hand tonight. She asks you to be the strong man she has gotten to know and she beseeches you hold your tongue and your ire for another few days.”<br><br>The girl spoke slowly and pronounced her words carefully, as if she wasn’t sure the barbarian would get all of the message her mistress had told her to deliver.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>24-01-2009, 19:19:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Had the Roman gotten within range he would not have touched him that day. The thought of the party and his ascension to power were far to tempting. He also felt he was not back to his peak condition as his body had not yet fully healed from the ordeal and the forced march. After Livius left he had calmly sat down and started to think on his plan. Sheer vengeance was below him and he felt that his people deserved more then a simple death. <br><br>A new plan was forming in his head. One that would require him to be calm and wait for his moment to strike. For some reason his plan also began to include the soft young girl who had shown his such kindness. Finding himself in a strange position caring what happened to this Roman he was surprised to find he he truly felt sorry for her life. <br><br>By the time the servant came in he stood and let himself be adorned. This was not something he had experienced before and the feel of the soft feminine hands caressing him had him fighting his primal instincts. The Roman at least had picked up on that. He was used to being pampered and fawned by soft women. It was part of the joys of being a prince among his people. So as the soft hands glided so smoothly across his skin he felt his body start to respond and had to concentrate to not become aroused. <br><br>Raising his eyebrow as she delivered the message and the food he then simply nodded in response. Settling down on the floor he took the food and ate slowly. It would take all of his concentration and control not to fly into a rage this evening. He was needed to show the Roman that he could be trusted and his savior had asked him to control himself. So he would behave and learn more tonight about the prison and the people who held him captive. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>24-01-2009, 21:43:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Not long after he had finished his food, two soldiers with lances flanked a jittering servant, a smaller balding man, that obviously was not happy to be here. Carefully he took the chain from the collar and it scraped heavily against the wall as it fell back.<br><br>“Follow me” he said. As soon as they exited the room the soldiers followed suit, the balding man walked more aside than in front of him, sweat giving his head a generous sheen.<br>The complex was large, far larger than a family, any family would need. <br><br>He was led through corridors, a rather large atrium into the columned walk way of the peristyle, this was the out door area he could see from his window, in fact, they had just passed said window. The peristyle was the center of the complex and from there it sprawled out to several sections. There were several people, sitting, standing, lying down, talking in the uncovered part in the middle. He was led along the outer lines to the opposite side, but already drunken guests were making mocking jokes, gave approving sounds and gaped at him as he was marched in.<br><br>Halfway, they passed the hallway that lead to the exit. Here older men sat and spoke about things of grave importance or so it seemed. The room he was led into was filled with music laughter and guests in all states of drunken ship and (un)dress. The triclinum was full with tables and sofa’s where people ate, laying down. There were jugglers, dancers, musicians, but all of that fell silent as Livius got on to his feet. “Ah…our guest of honor” He joked and the laughter roared around him, from everyone, except from Aurelia, who sat in a corner, a laughing mans arm slung possessively over her shoulder.<br><br>She looked as if she, just as him, had been trimmed like a prize animal, covered in gold and jewels and a revealing blue dress with golden trims, but looking very luxurious. Her eyes had been rimmed with black lines and her lips and eyes had been accentuated by red colours. She looked happy enough, until his eyes caught hers. She quickly looked away uncomfortable.<br><br>Livius didn’t seem to see or care. “Come Teuton…awe us…show us what the Northerners are capable of….”.&nbsp; With a challenging look on his face he gave him his own sword, right into his unbound hands and nodded to his side, where a makeshift pen had been set up. A wild boar was held inside the wooden boundaries.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>24-01-2009, 22:32:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Swallowing his anger and bile he was escorted through the estate. His neck felt strange without the metal collar around it but he still had the metal shackles around his ankles. He could not have run very fast or far with them and escape would have been impossible. So he walked slowly the chains dragging on the floor until he reached the grand showcase. <br><br>Letting his eyes wander the area he took in the room until his eyes fell on her. Suddenly he looked away flushing and angry red color. He was hardly even paying attention as the sword was pressed into his hand. Looking at the metal in his hand and his hated enemy so close at hand he should have had vision of running him through. Instead he felt himself imaging slicing the arm that was around Aurelia. Then slicing open the chest of the smiling Roman who was laying claim to her. <br><br>Closing his eyes a moment he drew in and out a breath and tried to suppress his rage. He could do nothing now as he would be struck down before he could reach her. Gripping the sword tighter he spun it in his hand and then turned throwing the blade end over end across the room and sticking it into the far wall. <br><br>Turning back towards Livius he leveled his gaze upon him and then spoke in a soft tone "I need no weapon to slaughter beasts" he said as he stalked by him brushing him aside. Reaching the pen he turned and cast a glance at the flanking guards and watched them back up a step. <br><br>Turning his gaze to the hog he noticed it had been stuck several times with small arrows. It was in a rage charging around the cage in a haze of pain and anger ready to act upon its feelings. Recognizing a kidred spirit in the wild caged animal wounded and angry he knew he was going to end its pain. <br><br>Nodding his head the short fat man opened the door to the caged area and then locked it behind him as he stepped inside. Looking at across the twelve feet of the circular pen the boar was released and immediately charged him with a squeal of pain coming from it. <br><br>No hesitation was needed as he stepped to the side numbly. He moved much faster then one would expect of someone his size. Rolling in the dirt of the pen his glistening oiled skin was soon caked with the dirt of the floor. Spinning he came up in a crouch as the hog slid into the wall and then turned to him again. As it charged him he steeled his jaw and sent a crushing blow forward with his fist. <br><br>The hog so blinded with rage was in the perfect range as the meat sized fist slammed into the top of its head driving it down into the dirt in front of him. Reaching out with his free hand he grabbed the hogs tusk and then twisted it to the side. The animals soft throat was turned up and he took his other hand and drive it hard into the animals throat. There was a horrid crunching sound and then a small squeal. <br><br>Standing up he let go of the animal as it staggered slightly its jaw working to try and breathe and then fell into the dirt heavily. Twitching for only a moment before expiring the boar died with a dignity he was certain he would not be shown. Turning back to the gate he walked forward and waited for the cage to be opened. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>25-01-2009, 00:23:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The match attracted quite some attention, both the boar and the Teuton were cheered at, bets were placed and important looking men sought the nearness of Livius, congratulating him on his catch. This game would be the talk of the town for months.<br><br>It would be etched in her minds eye for ever. Her stomach churned as she heard the boars final antics and the sickening crack. Right at the moment Oris was allowed to leave the pen another, already roasted boar was brought in under a loud applause. Livius smiled contently as he was celebrated.<br><br>With a pleasant smile she excused herself from her groom to be, eldest son of a rather important official who had agreed to back up Livius’ claim to the senator’s seat. A powerful endorsement which would guarantee his success. She didn’t feel well and realized she should have retired before this sickening display. She managed to look graceful and mild mannered as long as she was spied by guests and only broke down once she was in her private apartment. <br><br>Livius patted Oris on the shoulder. “Good Man” He said with a contented grin. “Good Fight.” He signalled the guards and the servants who escorted him back to his cell. Danea was already sitting on the cot, there was wine, some pieces of the roasted boar and bread. He was not chained to the wall this night, but the door was barricaded as soon as he stepped in. Locking him inside with the girl, who started to undress without looking at him.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>25-01-2009, 00:34:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was disgusted as he walked past the cheering romans. He kept his head held up high though as he walked back to his cell. Stopping along the way he was allowed to rinse the dirt from his body. There was a small amount of blood on hi sback as he had ripped open his wounds rolling in the dirt. Returning to his cell he walked in and was not suprised to find her there. <br><br>Then she started to disrobe. <br><br>Raising his hands he shook his head "No please" he said as he walked to her. Touching her shoulders he slipped the clothng back onto her. "You are not a slave to me. My people do not treat others that way. To me you are a person. A person who does not want me. I appreciate that you have brought me food and cared for me" he said and smiled. "But I must refuse to take part in your masters plan to please me"<br><br>Sitting down on the cot he took some of the food and drank of the wine. He then looked up and offered some to her. "Will you eat with me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>25-01-2009, 00:56:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Danea nodded and smiled slightly, taking some of the offered food and nibbling it daintily. She watched him, sitting down on the floor as she ate. “You are kind” she said softly, still feeling rather confined in the small room.<br><br>The bar on the outside was moved aside and Aurelia coughed as before she peeked in, holding a bowl of ointment and water, diverting her eyes. Until she saw the distance between Danea and Oris and raised her brow. “Oh” She said with a bit of a blush, slipping in. “I noticed some of the wounds had opened and I thought you might want to have them taken care of.”<br><br>She put the bowls down, feeling a bit awkward. “You deserve your rewards. You were a very brave and noble man.” With that she wanted to turn away.<br><br>“Mistress, may I come with you ? The Teuton said he does want to claim his reward” Aurelia gave the two of them a strange look. “You go to sleep, Danea….I think I have things to discuss.” <br><br>Danea bowed and rushed towards her own bed and the arms of her lover, who had been seething with anger because of the task Master had send her out to do.<br><br>Aurelia plainly said “Turn around and put your arms flat against the wall. I will take care of your back. Do not try to touch me again.” Her voice was unsteady and her breath was shallow.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>25-01-2009, 01:11:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He blinked as he watched her come into the room. He had not expected her to enter and as Danea got up to leave he handed her some of the boar and bowed his head with a smile. <br><br>Chewing the food that was in his mouth he turned his eyes back to Aurelia. "You give me orders now like I am one of your slaves" he said after swallowing. Picking up the wine he took a drink of it then set it on the tray. Standing up from the bed he picked up the tray and moved it form his cot. Setting it to the side he made certain to stay clear from her. <br><br>"You seemed to be quite comfortable this evening did you enjoy the show?" he asked with disdain in his voice. Closing his eyes he tried not to picture the lecherous roman with his arm on her. The more he tried to not see it the more he did see it. The rage he felt boiled up inside of him again and unlike before he was finding it impossible to stop. <br><br>Spinning quickly he grabbed her arm and tossed her towards the small cot. Withing a delay he heard the bowl fall to the floor and shatter, but he ignored it as he fell on top of her. Pinning her body under his he used his hand to cover her mouth silencing her startled sounds or anyone she would alert. <br><br>His legs were around the outside of hers and squeezing in. His left hand covered her mouth with his palm and his right hand grabbed for her bracletted wrist pinning it down by her head with his massive strength. <br><br>Leaning down close to her face he whispered to her in a threatening way. "I tell you now. I am no ones slave and I never will be!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>25-01-2009, 01:32:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She frowned slightly as he commented on her demands. "That is not what I meant I just wanted to..." She gasped at his question. "No" She said with barely contained rage. "I most certainly did n...hmpf !" <br><br>Before the bowls she dropped hit the floor, she was already on her back, beneath him, overpowered by him. He had toppled her over and slammed her onto the cot, his hand forcing her head back, stifling her screams. His body, fresh from the fight, was warm and she could feel his heavy heartbeat against her skin as he pinned her down.<br><br>She struggled, bucked her hips, kicked her legs and pushed her chest and shoulders up. All with little to no effect…well little to no of the desired effect. A slip of a girl like her was no match for this massive man. The sounds she made after the initial muffled scream were protesting, small and high pitched. Pleading sounds, enhanced by the look in her big eyes, eyes big enough for him to drown in. As afraid as she was, he also saw her anger embering in them. <br><br>As her moved her hand, she started to struggle once more, fiercer this time, but that resistance stopped when he brought his face down to hers. She froze completely. She felt so soft and small, so breakable beneath him. He could crush her with ease, he could break her neck, if he just pushed harder with the hand on her mouth. But he wouldn’t. Somehow she knew he wouldn’t. But he was capable of things far worse then that and he had the opportunity now. No one would miss her, not for a good few hours. And who would look for her in here ?<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>25-01-2009, 18:32:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Breathing harder while on top of her squirming body he held her down easily, but the way she was moving under him was causing his mind to think of different thoughts. This was the first time in a&nbsp; long time he had been this close to a woman. She smelled of scented perfumes and her body was warm against his. She wore her dress, but still clad only in his loincloth he felt his skin against hers in many places. <br><br>Opening his mouth he whispered to her quietly. "I thought you were different. I thought you were kind. You came to me when I was in need and showed me kindness and I believed there was good here"<br><br>Snarling now he shook her slightly as his voice turned. "You know what he did and still you sit there. You sit there and let them touch you. You let them covet you and you smile at your brother"<br><br>He was raging now feeling his cheek twitching with rage. She smelled so very tempting and she was so soft. He could feel her breathing and squirming against him and his excitement started to grow despite his anger. His eyes looked into hers watching her for a moment more until he whispered meeting her eyes "You look at me with pity, but I am a man" and then as if to prove his point he released her mouth. <br><br>Grabbing her still flailing wrist he pinned it down, but it was his head that moved faster. Pressing his lips over hers he pushed her head to the cot with a smothering kiss. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>25-01-2009, 20:52:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Al through his tirade she wriggled beneath him, her free hand hitting his side with firsts and flat hands and clawing at him. She shook her head even as he held her mouth so tightly shut.<br><br>She was very aware of his muscles as every single one of them seemed to make its own claim on the part of her body it touched specifically. She was also highly aware of his growing state of arousal, pressing against the thin fabric of her frilly dress.<br><br>The black painted lines under her eyes began to smudge as tears started to fall. He had shaken her so thoroughly that some of her hair ornaments had fallen to the ground, strains of her long dark hair flowed freely. She bucked as to throw him off like an horse would do with an unwanted rider. The cot creaked omniously, obviously not build for two, certainly not for two people fighting.<br><br>She whimpered into his hand as he shook her so roughly, looking accusingly at her. She didn't understand his anger. His rage yes...but why was he mad at her ? She had done nothing wrong, especially not to him.<br><br>When the hand came off her mouth she had just enough time to draw a deep breath for a scream, but not enough to actually make a sound. She murmured her pleads into his possesive, overwhelming kiss. Her jaw clenched. This was not a kind of kiss to show affection. It showed his temporary dominion over her and it was meant to humble her.<br><br>After a good few moments of renewed struggle, she gave up, breathlessly, limp beneath him, her fingers curling and unclenching as she let out a helpless sob, tears streaking her cheek with black marks. An earring fell to the ground. And she stopped her moving, her hands flaw with their palms open, her mouth offered for him to take.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>25-01-2009, 21:09:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Feeling her fight him he was growing more angry. How dare she refuse his attention? Was he not better or more of a man then this Roman who had laid claim to her?&nbsp; She should feel honored he wanted her so badly. She should be welcoming his kiss. <br><br>It was these thoughts that went through his head right before he felt her mouth open. The soft warmth of her open lips suddenly embraced him and he growled. His hands relaxed from her wrists as he slid them down her body and wrapped them around and under her pulling her tighter to him. <br><br>Never had he been in such desperate need to take a woman. He had been pleased by women since he was small his father believing that he was to sire many children. Now here as a slave he should have been missing the caress of the willing women. Instead he was struggling with a woman he should hate. <br><br>And he had never wanted anyone more. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>25-01-2009, 21:18:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She resisted, unwilling to let him tug away her hands under the weight of both his body and her own, rendering her even more helpless. She protested into his kiss and her head started to thrash, unable to unlock his rough demanding lips from hers.<br><br>She blinked up at him begging him to stop with a beat of an eyelash and the blink of a shedded tear.<br>She belonged to another man, she didn't deserve to be treated like this, especially not by him, not after what she had one for him. Even if he didn't know.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>25-01-2009, 22:39:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kissing her mouth he was warm and cold at the same time. Inside of him and long his loins there was a burning need and desire. In his heart and mind he was cold. Opening his yes he looked into hers and saw her fear and the slow silent tear sliding along her cheek. <br><br>His heart suddenly clenched when he saw the fear in her eyes and he pulled himself back and then off of the cot. Grabbing his head with his hands he shook it growling as he walked ot the cell door. Turning his back to it he slid down the wood slowly the rough wood raking his back with fresh cuts. He welcomed the pain as a punishment as he looked at her and whispered. "I apologize"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>25-01-2009, 23:11:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aurelia jumped off the cot as soon as he let her go, cowering in the corner opposite of him, her knees pulled up, her arms around them. Her face was a complete mess of black, pink and red streaks, her hair fell around her face like tendrils of the shadows in this holding cell.<br><br>"I only asked you to keep your hands to the wall...So I would be sure things like this would not happen. So I could feel safe, taking care of you without being afraid you'd try to kill me."&nbsp; Her voice was barely audible.<br><br>"It is only for a few more days. I promise. After the wedding, you will belong to me and when the novelty and the attention has worn of I can send you away quietly. And you can go home. That is what I came to tell you tonight. There still is a home for you to go back to. There is a fortress up North that still has not fallen."<br><br>She rubbed her upper arms. "I had hoped to find you contented in Danea's arms and I'd be able to bring you good news." She closed her eyes. "And you are right. I am no better than any of them. Please remember that. Now please...move away from the door. Let me go."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>25-01-2009, 23:55:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Drawing in and out a slow long breath he stood up and started to move. Then he stopped and seemed to think for a moment. "No" he said calmly and turned to face her. He took one slow step towards her and as he moved he spoke in low soft tone. <br><br>"You would not be able to let me escape. Your brother and husband would know I had your help and you would be punished. I would be hunted and there would be no possible way for me to make it back to my people" he stopped now a few feet form her and looked down. "No Aurelia. I will not allow that."<br><br>He was an imposing figure looming over her and his shaft was still visible in his loincloth. It was thick and strong and he looked down at her. "You would have to come with me"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>26-01-2009, 00:07:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She lifted her hands over her head as he rose, trembling. She didn't know what to make of what had happened earlier, but she had no desire to repeat it. "I would talk to my husband and my brother wouldn't have a say in it. He will give you to me. I own once I am married and I get to do with you what I want. If it pleases me to release you, so be it."<br><br>Noticing he stayed at a distance she looked up at him, still rather intimidated by his form and this obvious arousal. "No...I can't come with you. That is impossible. And that is too dangerous. They would hunt for us with even more vigor. And I can't go back on my word."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>26-01-2009, 00:45:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sitting down on the edge of the cot he smirked slightly at her cowering like he would strike her. Intresting that she trusted her brother who had struck her and he who never had hit her she cowered away from. The irony was not lost on him and he shook his head. <br><br>"You are a strange breed. Your brother hits you. You choose to marry a man you do not love, who it looks like his very touch repulses you" he says appearing to be amused by the idea. "You are willing to destroy your life and live in misery, but the idea of trying to escape it all sounds too dangerous."<br><br>Moving down to the floor he noticed her still cringing and spoke in a clear even tone. "We will be going. Now I am willing to make an arrangement with you. A stronghold of my people exists as you say I will pledge my life that you will be able to return here. In exchange for your coming with me by your own free will I will spare your brothers life. If I have to take you by force" he paused here and swallowed "I have no reason not to seek my vengeance"<br><br>Straightening up he stood and looked down "And you know I can do what I say"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>26-01-2009, 18:51:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She watched him cautiously as he neared her, his taste still on her lips, his scent still in her nostrils and the lingering feeling of his touches all over her body. Even if he was not trying to be threatening, her was too close for comfort. She glared at him when he offered his proposal.<br><br>She snorted. "You ask me, no tell me, to go back on the word I gave to my betrothed lest you will murder my brother. And yet you speak of free will ? You shouldn't mock either of them. You are just as bad, perhaps worse." As he rose to his feet, so did she, even so she was so much smaller she had to crane her neck to look at him. The intensity of the look in his eyes made her shiver.<br><br>All she had to do was get past him, stop provoking him and walk out of the door back into her world, back into safety. She only needed to convince him to let her leave. "Taking me will only slow you down and make the hunt on you fiercer. You have nothing to gain from this..." she started
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>26-01-2009, 21:26:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nodding his head he tightened his jaw. He was taught many times how to handle diplomatic situations, but he had never had to handle one alone. Threatening her was not in his nature to do so, but he was feeling desperate. There was something more, but he refused to admit that to himself let alone to her so he instead spoke again. <br><br>"You would be saving Roman lives and your own. Refuse and you will be grouped with the rest who have stood by and committed murder in the name of greater good. Your better then that. Your better then this" he said and then stepped aside. <br><br>"Its your choice. In two days I will be here no longer, but I tell you this. It weighs on your head" he turned then and walked across the room and reached down taking the food he settled onto the cot to eat. Taking small pieces of fruit and such that would last and setting them aside. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>26-01-2009, 23:35:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her face blanched over as he spoke to her again and then simply stepped aside. She glanced at the door and then at the man that calmly ate his dinner after just threatening her life and that of her family. How dare he ? It was not just the insolence of his threat. But after all this he actually expected her to walk out of here and not do everything in her power to stop him ? <br><br>"You are not going anywhere." She hissed at him, her rage fed by sheer frustration with this man. A slave, pretending to be judge and king among his conquerors. He was nothing more. Nothing. Nothing.<br>"You...you....animal." she spat, her cheeks firey red even now the make up had been diluded. "Why if I were a man I'd..." She growled literally in frustration and then turned her back to him to stride to the door.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>27-01-2009, 01:24:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Standing up he strode to the door and blocked her with a firm look in his eyes. "If you were a man you would already be dead!" he said in a hushed tone leaning towards her. "Make excuses for your cowardice in some other way" he said leaning towards her. <br><br>He was inflamed now the food and what he had said early in the evening all forgotten. She had crossed a line it seemed now and he was not about to let her simply walk away. <br><br>"If you were a man your brother would have already had you killed or submitted to his will. If you were a man you would not bow to some monsters will to placate him" lowering his tone he growled through his teeth "If you were a man our conversation would be over because I would have already killed you for insulting my honor by calling me a slave"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>27-01-2009, 10:14:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He could see her recoil, taking two steps back as he blocked her way and loomed over her. But not for long. She was afraid of him but right at that moment she was even more angry with him and she didn’t know what made her tremble more. “Out of my way”, she hissed, fuming<br><br>Her dark eyes promised doom and destruction and she didn’t back down. She just stared at him angrily. Her hands were shaking. She barely repressed the urge to slap his face and scratch his eyes out. Her hands clenched and unclenched at her side. Her voice was calm, almost too calm. “You are right. I shouldn’t have taken pity on you. My mistake. It will not happen again.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>28-01-2009, 02:04:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Stepping to the side he lashed out at her one more times with his words. "Go. I do not keep company well with whores" he said as he crossed the room to his cot. All he could think about was how he had misjudged her. This angel of kindness who had come to him in his hour of darkest need. The soft voice that had come to him in a haze of pain now spoke to him like he was a beast. <br><br>In his mind he wondered if that was all he truly was. He did not belong here he knew that. How many men could have done what he demonstrated that night? Truth be told he could have made less of a show, but he was enraged when he reached the pen. He should have just let the boar come and killed it quickly. Instead he had made certain the Romans..... no that she could see him. He had thought she had watched and was surprised that she had turned on him in this way. <br><br>He wondered how one would apologize to an enemy. Their debate this night had been heated and he was certain she had not liked the way he had touched her. Thoughts of rescue began to drift out of his head. Thoughts of saving the Roman who would help him to save his people and instead the thoughts of vengeance came back. His future looked dark with the one light he had found got snuffed out. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>28-01-2009, 10:37:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She gave him an utter hurt look as she walked out, leaving the door open wide. Let him run. She didn’t care. All she had wanted was to make sure he could have his freedom. Fate had already decided that she would never have that. And the least thing she could do was to make sure that someone who didn’t belong here, who shouldn’t be chained and treated like a lesser being, would be able to leave her world. Being a patrician she firmly believed that people were born into their stations in life. But this man has not been born as a slave and he certainly was not bred to become one.<br><br>She thought she had given him a precious gift. But he had thrown her back in her face. And threatened to kill her brother. And he had threatened her. And violated her. But none of that had hurt as badly as the look of disdain in his eyes after he had let her go. He had called her a whore.<br><br>She had lost her earring and several of her hair ornaments in the struggle. They were on the floor in the cell. No doubt the Teuton would take them to finance his escape. The other jewels she tossed in the wooden chest that held them. She washed her messy make up from her face, but couldn’t rinse away the tears, because they kept falling. She laid down on her bed and covered herself with several layers of fine fabric. Eventually she cried herself to sleep. Tomorrow everything would be over. The Teuton would be long gone and life would go on.<br>It always did.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>28-01-2009, 13:21:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was a long time before he finally stood and walked to the open cell door. He wondered if she had done it on purpose or if in her haste to get away from him she had forgotten. He had long ago gathered up the jewelry she had dropped and was running his fingers over it slowly. Standing there looking out into the darkened hallway beyond he swallowed and wondered what the gods had divined for him now. <br><br>He had always known his path when he was young. Fight hard, drink deeply, become king. Life had been simple for him to make choices. Now he faced the truly difficult decision and as he stepped into the hallway beyond and the sound of his chains scraping on the floor accompanied him he wondered exactly why he was doing this. <br><br>It was strange feeling the way he did for a Roman, but he actually felt that he had indeed wronged her in some way and he wanted to make up for what he had done. Spying the guards around a corner he could smell the wine in the air and saw them both dozing in a heavy stupor. The night was late and the dawn but a few shorts hours away. His heart pounded in his chest as he reached down and grabbed the chain around his ankles lighting it slightly so it would not scrape. He was set in his course and he knew that there would be no turning back once it happened. <br><br>Creeping along it was not hard to find the living quarters. He had been able to follow the luxury to find the bedrooms. The largest of course would be Livius's and he spied that door easily. Keeping his rage in check he had slid by it to open one of the smaller ones to find what he sought. <br><br>Dropping the chain as he returned to his cell he shut the door and then returned to his cot. The jewelry had been set on a low table to show her when she awoke he was not a thief. That thought made him grimace though because as he had watched her sleep he had been unable to resist. There was a soft piece of fabric that he had seen earlier wrapped around her and as he touched it the soft caress of the finery made him think of her. <br><br>Now laying in his cot he touched it again and then smelled it. The soft perfumes of her came to his nose and he drew them in deep before closing his eyes an trying to find some peace in his sleep. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>28-01-2009, 15:00:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She woke up at dawn with a confused feeling and puffy eyes. When she drowsily opened her eyes she noticed the baubles on the table. Her heart skipped a beat and she glanced around. There was no one in the room.<br><br>Hastily, half dressed she ran towards Livius’ room, steeling herself in case she would really find the nightmare her mind’s eye was showing her. But he was sound asleep and alive, just like the two women that lied sprawled against him. He was unharmed and no one had woken him to tell him the prisoner had escaped. Perhaps nothing had been discovered yet ?<br><br>Her long dark hair was loose and tousled and she wore no adornments, just a thin white cloth, wrapped and held with a fibula. Her bare feet slid silently over the tiles. A few servants bowed, but she ignored them. The cell door was closed, but the bar stood against the wall next to the entrance of the make shift holding cell. <br><br>Her fingers were trembling by the time they wrapped around the side of the door. Surely, it had just been a smart move on his end. If the door was&nbsp; shut in stead of open wide, it was more easily ignored and that would buy him time.<br><br>When she peeked in she was startled to find him asleep on the cot. “Oris !” she hissed as she neared him, nudging him to wake him up. “What are you still doing here ?”, she whispered to the sleeping man. “Why didn’t you go away while you had the chance ?”<br>She sounded bewildered and accusing, but in a strange twisted way she was happy to see him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>29-01-2009, 01:07:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Waking with a small start he blinked slightly. H ehad slept longer then he thought he would and the sun was higher in the sky then he imagined. Taking a moment he brought his head up form the pillow. The soft piece of silk laying under his head was able to be seen looking as if he had lain with it all night. <br><br>Turning his head to see her standing there he stiffened and grabbing the cloth jamme dit under his pillow to hide it. Clearing his throat and rubbing his face he turned and sat with his feet on the floor. <br><br>"I told you two days. Had I left when I did they surely would have punished Danae for leaving the door unlocked. I will not have that. I will leave when I am ready because of my own strength"<br><br>Looking up at her he finally seemed to awake a bit "Why do you come to me? Your brother will catch you"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>29-01-2009, 12:42:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Livius is sound asleep” she said, watching him curiously as he tried to hide something under his pillow. “And he probably will be for a good few hours.”. Why did she feel angry about the fact that the reason he had stayed was to spare Danea ? <br><br>She sighed. “At least you were smart enough not to try to kill him.” She gave him a gentle smile with thin, pale lips and repressed the urge to touch his shoulder, in stead she fumbled with the hem of the simple white tunic she had slept in. She looked tired and somewhat defeated.<br><br>“You were a fool not to run while you had the chance.” She said somewhat stern. “Who says you’ll be able to leave in two days ? Why can’t you just wait ? One more week and it will all be over. I promise I will keep my word. As little as you think of me, you must know I would never break my word.” The wedding would held at day after the next full moon, when the month of June would commence. <br><br>“What is that ?”&nbsp; She said as she reached for the little golden trim with a tuft of blue silk that stuck out from beneath the pillow.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>29-01-2009, 22:12:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaking his head he looked at her. "I will not stay for your festivities. I am not part of this world and I will not be paraded as your prize bull" he said rubbing his head as he finished sitting up and looked at her. "As for your brother, my leaving my room last night was not to exact my vengeance. It was so that you would not be discovered. I told you that I will not have you punished because of me. Say what you will" he said raising his hand to stop her protest "I know you would be in peril if it was known what you have done for me"<br><br>Turning red as she pulled the cloth from his hiding place under his pillow he turned his eyes away. "I am no thief" he muttered quietly looking to the floor. "I would have returned it" he said now fearing to meet her eyes. Among his people this would have been a sign of affection. The exchange of something that was worn close to the skin and smelled of the person would be a move of courtship. Embarrassed that he had taken these things from her and not asked he swallowed hard and stood up walking across the tiny room. <br><br>"You may take it now. I am sorry I took it without asking"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>29-01-2009, 23:00:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aurelia pursed her lips a bit. "I am moved that you would care for what happens to a whore like me"<br>Why did she say that ? It was petty and he was clearly uncomfortable enough now she had spied the silks under his pillow. "You took my palla ? Why ?"<br><br>She took the offered cloth and wrapped it over her tunic. It was still warm and by now, to her nose, it smelled very masculine. She ran her hand over the soft silken fabric and the rougher golden trim. She eyed him curiously. "You brought me back my jewels, which would have kept you fed at least for the first few weeks of your journey, but you took my palla ? I don't understand." <br><br>Before he could answer there was a shimmer in her eyes, a realisation that came sudden and with an odd feeling of defeat. "You wanted to take it home with you." She said softly. "As a trophy...So you could tell the remaining men in your village and have something to show for it. A very good choice. Much better than a bronze statuette or my brothers head." It made sense. It was luxurious but light to travel with and no one would be suspicious of a piece of pretty cloth being stolen. She pulled the palla from her shoulders and offered it back to him. "I want you to have it. Give it to one of your wives so she can feel pretty and exotic."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>30-01-2009, 00:24:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Stiffening his back he kept himself facing the wall. She was misreading what he was trying to do again and he felt his jaw tighten. This was not a pleasent sensation and he had to bite his tongue in his mouth as she insulted him again.<br><br>"It was not a trophy" he managed between clenched teeth and then lowered his face to the floor. He would not be able to get out of this without the truth and so he steeled himself. <br><br>"I took it because it was soft and smelled of you". His voice was barely above a whisper as he flushed hotly knowing she would be staring at him. There was nothing he could say and now he laid himself bare for her mockery and ridicule. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>30-01-2009, 09:52:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She did stare. For a long while she watches his back, his tensed shoulder muscles in silence.<br>What to say ? What to think ? She lowered her eyes to the cloth in her hand and rubbed her <br>thumb over it in an absentminded fashion. Memories of what had happened last night surfaced <br>and made her shiver. She had had suitors, young men, shy, awkward kisses, a few less awkward, <br>stolen kisses. But the sheer possessiveness, aggressiveness in this kiss, his kiss, had completely <br>overwhelmed her. <br><br>"I see." was all she finally managed to say, lifting her eyes up. Her voice trembled. <br>"I still want you to have it. I didn't mean to offend you. I..." her voice became softer. <br>"I never meant to." <br><br>As young as she was, as much as it hurt her, she knew she needed to be clear, perhaps more to herself<br>than to him. They were not only from different stations, they were from different worlds. She was betrothed<br>and she was sure he had his own obligations in the North. And that was where he would go back to tomorrow <br>night.<br><br>"I will probably be too busy with my wedding preparations to come and visit before you leave. I... I will make sure that you get some food and some money and that your door will not be locked tomorrow night."<br><br>She moved closer to him, almost touching his back as she pressed the cloth into his hand.<br>"Be well, Oris. May the Gods smile down on you and guide you home safely, both yours and mine."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>30-01-2009, 23:27:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"My gods do not smile upon me. They have cursed me" he said keeping the cloth and her hand in his. His grip again was firm and commanding, but not harsh. He turned and his gaze feel upon her his voice changing to a saddened tone.<br><br>"I hurt you lat night and for that I am sorry. The words I speak now may indeed be felt as harsh and stinging but I say them with no malice in my heart. My people believe in freedom. No one who lives among us is a slave. Man or woman we make our own choices as we journey through this life. Your choices are not your own. You marry a man who you do not love for your brothers own ambitions. You try and free me so that I may leave when" <br><br>He stopped and drew himself up now. Despite the shabby clothes and the setting he gave himself a regal bearing. He was indeed a prince a commander of men and armies. He was strong independent and fierce. Men should fear his temper and women should covet his bed. He was strength and honor, but in that moment when he turned to her he said simply.<br><br>"I chose not to leave because of how I feel about you. I will not go while you remain. If you remain. I remain"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>31-01-2009, 00:17:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She didn't pull her hand away, in stead she just stared until he was done talking.<br>Aurelia started to shake her head "No....no.no.no.&nbsp; You cannot stay. Staying means you have to fight and kill until you die or are set free." Her dark eyes were pleading and red rimmed. "You have to go."<br><br>She could hardly compare him to a nursed bird, but she still did. The bird didn't want to fly away. She had left the cage open and it came back and she didn't know how to chase it out again.<br><br>"You can't feel anything for me. I am your enemy. A Roman. A Patrician. A betrothed Roman Patrician."<br><br>She put her hand on his shoulder and swallowed. "And I...I don't return your feelings. It is useless. You <em>have</em> to go home. I beg you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>31-01-2009, 00:47:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaking slightly he listened to her speak of the other men, of what she was, and of his fate. <br><br>None of it mattered to him. <br><br>All that he wanted at that moment was her. He saw her last night and could not do what he had planned. The thought of her brother being slain and her despair was what had kept him alive. <br><br>Now stanidng here he had nothing left to lose. Praying to the gods that he was right he moved slowly wrapping his arm around her waist to her back. With his other hand he reached up and slid it around behind her neck cupping it slightly. <br><br>Then leaning in he kissed her again. This one softer and filled with his feelings. He only hoped he was right and that they were so strong that she could not resist. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>31-01-2009, 01:00:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oris..." She said with her eyes wide as he pulled her close "What are you hmpfh..." He silenced her with his kiss, his big hands felt warm on her frail, shivering body. She put two hands against his chest to push him away, but as soon as she touched him, nothing seemed to be as remote as the thought of fighting him, fighting this.<br><br>It was hard to tell whether her sigh was contented or frustrated, but her hands slid up higher, to his shoulders. Her blood rushed to her head so fast she felt giddy. Her knees buckled, and finally she drew out of his embrace, out of breath, leaning against the wall, blinking at him with a confused look in her eyes, leaning her head back against the cool wall, possibly unaware of the alluring posture she had taken, one foot against the wall, her hands flat, her body pushed out.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>31-01-2009, 01:16:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The sight of her eyes looking at him was all he needed. He had planted the notion in her head and she did not recoil at it. Now was when his mind shut down and instinct kicked in. <br><br>He moved his hands to either side of her on the wall and pressed himself in. Letting her feel his warm body against her tunic. He could feel her breath pounding in her chest and looked down to see her bosom heaving and found a small growl leaving his chest. <br><br>Taking one hand he tucking it under her chin and tilted it up to meet hers. "Aurelia" he said and let his eyes push into hers for a moment. Then leaning down he kissed her again and kept her pressed against the wall with his body. This time pressing down harder with his kiss. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>31-01-2009, 01:42:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aurelia watched him, her lips parted as he pushed her chin up, his eyes boring into hers.<br>"We can't...." She started weakly. But he silenced her with his kiss, a more aggressive one this time,<br>more resembling the one he gave her last night, though not filled with quite as much exasperation.<br><br>She placed her hands on either of his cheeks and hungrily returned his kiss, almost in a desperate manner, pressed between the cold wall and his hot body. Hers responding to the pressure by leaning back, hips moving slowly.<br><br>It was her who broke the kiss again, tears running down her face. "Oris..." she whispered. "This is impossible in more ways than I can even imagine..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>31-01-2009, 01:50:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moving his hands form the wall he started to touch her sides softly. Looking down with his eyes he glanced past her to the magnificent swell of her breasts. He was growing more and more hungry just from watching her and he could feel his cloth move as his manhood began to swell. <br><br>Reaching down he balled up the silk in his hand. "In my home" he whispered as his mouth moved across her skin down the side of her face towards her soft neck. "I would honor you day and night with my touch"<br><br>He was tired of hearing her protests so taking the ball of silk he moved it towards her mouth. At the same time as he sucked her neck he pushed the cloth into her mouth to silence her cries. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>31-01-2009, 02:11:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The hem of her palla was shoved into her mouth and she didn't seem to care, she was hypnotized by his voice, his touches. Most of the cloth fell down and between them. With a bit of a grin she unclasped her tunic, the top dropped, but her bosom was still veiled, by his own doing, the blue cloth shielded her breasts from his sight.<br><br>In his home, she would be despised, perhaps feared and she knew it. The roles would be reversed. She'd be out of place and unwanted. Perhaps just not by him, in the beginning. But eventually...<br><br>She didn't want to think of that or of leaving home or anything in the future. The future was complicated. This was easy. It was easy to sink into this feeling. It was easy to forget about the world outside this room, to only concentrate on his caresses, his kiss. She relaxed and gave in. She didn't want to know about tomorrow or even this afternoon. She didn't want to know about the world behind the sturdy wooden door.<br><br>All she cared for now were more kisses, more touches and his warm, musclar body pressed to hers.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>01-02-2009, 17:10:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I stayed for you" he whispered quietly again into her ear as his mouth moved in a hunger over her skin. She tasted sweet and still smelled faintly of the perfumes of last night. The feeling of her warm body and the unclasping of her tunic were sure signs that she was feeling what he was. <br><br>Letting his mouth travel lower across her skin he teased her neck with his lips then lower he began to bite and kiss along the full swell of her breasts. As he moved her pulled the silk to the side and bared her breasts. Pulling his mouth from her skin he pulled back and breathed in deeply at the sight. <br><br>"Your gorgeous" he managed in a deep northern accent before leaning back in. One of his hands covered her breasts squeezing the soft orb gently. His mouth moved to cover the other breasts with small kisses and bites showing his affection. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>01-02-2009, 18:10:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His lips, his tongue, his teeth, his warm breath, his whispers, they were intoxicating.<br>She had been touched, kissed by men before, but never had any of them invoked such a feeling, such a spark inside her. Never she had felt she wanted to return the touch, prolong the kiss, make time stand still.<br><br>She pulled the silk out of her mouth and bound the palla around her chest, below and in between her breasts, and around her neck, wrapping them in a blue silk ribbon, framing, showcasing them for him, her eyes lidded, her breathing shallow and rapid. "Oris..." She whispered. "I want you to desire me..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>01-02-2009, 18:23:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His mouth had moved form her when he watched her binding her breasts with the silk. The sight was highly erotic to him and found himself even more enticed by the framed globes. Panting slightly his shaft now desperate to be free he moved back in and pinning her to the wall with his body he attacked her mouth again. <br><br>This kiss was different. It was heated and animistic. Showing his rough barbarian nature. His hands came up and his fingers twined with hers until he gripped her and dragging her arms over her head pinned them to the cool stone wall. His lips leaving hers he nudged her head to the side with a growl and moved to her neck again biting this time on the white skin. As he claimed her neck with his mouth he pumped and pushed his hips forward letting her feel his throbbing desire pressed into her hips. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>01-02-2009, 18:47:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Too much. Too overwhelming. This man was more than she could handle. The was different than the boys that used to scurry around her or the lecherous men at Livius parties. He was...primal. A predator. And he had her with her back against the wall. Worst of all...she welcomed it.<br><br>She let him nudge her head aside, she offered her neck like an animal of prey. Her hips rubbed against his, sliding up slightly, canting as she pressed with her wrists, slowly guiding her pinned hands down, together with his, guiding them to her behind, sliding hers out of is grip and then around his neck as she pulled herself up.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>01-02-2009, 18:54:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cupping her firm behind in his hands he reveled in the fact she had guided him there. She was enjoying herself and if the way her body was raising and falling in his arms it was a sure sign she wanted to be his. <br><br>Amongst his people women had the sacred choice of choosing to mate with someone or not. It was a descision they did not reach lightly and it seemed she was choosing him. Bolstered by this thought he stepped back from her slightly letting hsi hands fall away. <br><br>Reaching down he unwound the cloth that was tied around his waist. Letting it fall to the floor he stood naked as the gods made him in front of her. His fierce gaze was on her as he panted slightly and flexed a small growling from his chest. Mumbling something in his native tongue he forgot she could not speak it as he waited seeking her approval. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>01-02-2009, 19:06:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aurelia looked down and felt tense. Like everything about him, his manhood was so big and seemed so strong. Her mother had instructed her a little about what would happen next and she was glad that Oris would be the man to do this, not her groom. No matter what would happen after this...she would always be his.<br><br>He said something to her in his own language, words she didn't know, but she did understand their meaning. She wrapped both legs around him and hoised herself up before lowering down again, his tip rested against her enterance. She shivered, her face pressed against his chest, as if she was bracing herself. "Please, Oris...I will die if you will not have me...."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>01-02-2009, 22:57:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The request need not be made. He was already working to position himself inside of her when she had spoken to him. He had taken women while standing before, but never one he wanted so desperatly. Sliding his hands under her backside he lifted her up and then with a small amount of manuvering pulled her down pushing his shaft into her willing body. <br><br>Closing his eyes he had to grit his teeth to keep from crying out in pleasure. He was certain the guards would rush in and his life would be ended. He was certain he would be tortured slowly and painfully should they be found out in any way. <br><br>It did not matter to him now and with a growl he began to pump his hips and arms moving more and more inside of her.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>01-02-2009, 23:19:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She buried her face against chest and stifled her cry as he pushed past the barrier, the searing pain tempered her want quite a bit, but she was trapped, spiked on his manhood, his growl in her ear, his movements wilder, so possessive. She didn't have time to adjust, but as the pain slowly flowed away, she was lost in the rhythm of his movements, kissing his neck, his ear, breathing against his earlobe.<br><br>He was so warm against her, such a stark contrast to the cool wall that scraped against her back. She wrapped her legs even closer around him, her soft front riding up against his broad chest. Her hair moved over her body as if it had a life and will of its own, as if it tried to make her even more alluring to him. Soft tendrils of darkness slowly sliding over her pale skin.<br><br>The sounds she made varied, the stifled cry of pain, her shallow breath, small noises, languish groans. She seemed to be trying to keep it down, but her muffled sounds grew louder.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>02-02-2009, 22:44:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Feeling her barrier burst as he had shoved himself inside gave him a small dawning realization. He had been with virgins before. In fact many men of his people had considered it an honor to find out the prince had broken in their wife. This however was different. She had reacted in a way he had not seen. A small cry, but no asking him to go slowly or to stop. Had he known she was virgin he would have prepared or acted more accordingly, but as the moment passed he soon realized she had come through the pain and now as feeling the full pleasure of two bodies joined. <br><br>Pumping his hips harder he gripped her backside and pressed her against the wall. His movements came form a need. A desire inside of him and it was not long before he quickened the pace and grunted fighting off the sensation that was threatening to to boil of out him. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>02-02-2009, 23:19:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her small cries followed eachother faster and faster until she had to bury her face to stop from crying out. She hissed and whimpered as her body rode him as much as he rode hers. She tried to say something, but nothing coherent came from her lips. "Yes" She whispered. "Oris"&nbsp; She hissed. "There" She groaned.<br><br>He could feel her feet wriggle behind his back as she leaned her head back for just one moment, but her moan was so loud she looked at him with a shock, her already tight tunnel tightening even more and she pressed her face against his neck again at once. She didn't want to do anything to discover them.<br><br>There was a small nervous giggle, right before he went to the brink.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>03-02-2009, 00:29:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Arching his back and pushing his hips up he closed his eyes and a fierce sounding growl rumbled from his chest. His shaft erupted deeply inside of her moments later and he continues to pump his hips back and forth riding out the waves of pleasure that swept through him. <br><br>As the sound left his throat he stood panting and trembling lightly as he held her up still with her back against the wall. Muttering in the quiet guttural tongue he spoke something she could not understand. Then blinking a moment he seemed to realize who he was speaking to and changed. <br><br>"I stayed for you"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>03-02-2009, 11:06:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She gently lowered her legs down, kissing his cheek, nuzzling his neck.<br>When her feet touched the ground, she pressed her cheek against his chest. “I know that now…”&nbsp; She whispered. She closed her eyes, almost sorry that the moment had passed, though this felt wonderful as well.<br>He was warm and strong and she felt sheltered in his hold.<br><br>Aurelia lifted her head to kiss his chin again, then laid her head back down, under his jaw and sighed. Doubts and questions started to make their way back into her mind, but she didn’t want to give in to that just yet. She just wanted this moment never to end.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>03-02-2009, 21:29:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Breathing slower now that his task was through he felt her soft touches and caresses and it gave him chills on his skin. He was now in even more danger then when he had first been taken. He cared for this Roman and that could prove to be his undoing. Already once he had passed his chance for vengeance because of her. Would he also stay chained and caged like an animal just to be near her?<br><br>Pulling back slowly he glanced to the door then brought his eyes back to her.&nbsp; "You should dress" he said in a whispered tone. "They might come soon and I would not have them discover you this way. The torture they would do to me I could endure" he then softened and stroked her cheek "I would not endure what they might do to you" <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>03-02-2009, 21:55:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Looking a bit distraught she kissed his chest and she nodded. It was over. She would get dressed and eventually would have to walk out. She bit her lip as she unwound the palla fro her upper body. With regret she pulled her top back up and fastened it at the shoulders. There were vague blood (and other) stains on the lower part of her short dress, as well as on his cloth.<br><br>She folded the blue silk over her arm and handed it to him. "To remember me by when you go home" she whispered sadly and she kisses his chin.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>03-02-2009, 22:00:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaking his head he placed the silk back on her shoulder. His own rudimentary clothing had been refastened and he moved to his cot. Looking up at the window as he stood beside it he turned to face her. His eyes were red as he spoke and it seemed he was deeply saddened. <br><br>"Aurelia my people are gone. It would take me months to reach them again. I have no knowledge of this land and even if I did it would still take long. By the time I reached them the winter will be upon them and without being able to hunt for months due to the armies holding siege" <br><br>He choked and bit his lip and then turned his eyes back to the window again. "I will not be going. The gods have chosen a different path for me"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>03-02-2009, 22:09:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"But staying here means your death, you stuborn man !" She exclaimed, halfway lowering her voice to a stage whisper. "One way or the other you will <em>die</em> if you stay here."&nbsp; She took his chin and cheeks in her hands and canted his head towards her. "Oris, I don't want anything bad to happen to you."<br><br>She suddenly realized, that is how men like her brother won their wars. With enough men to back up a siege and hold ground long enough until the locals were starved. It made her feel sick and dizzy. Perhaps not only that...she felt lightheaded and leaned against the wall with her eyes closed for a moment. <br>"Don't tell me everything I did was in vein ?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>03-02-2009, 22:31:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No" he said quietly once she spoke again. "My people were gone long before I even made it to this place. The Roman's way is to crush any and all opression quickly and with minimal loss of soldiers" taking in a deep breath he then let it out through his nose slowly. "They had this planned for years"<br><br>Turning he walked towards her and his features softened. "You have saved me Aurelia. You have restored my life when I would surely be dead. You have felt my passion for you" He spoke plainly now the way a man of his people would to a woman he had bedded. <br><br>"Now it will be my turn to save you. So I stay" he said flatly and took her shoulders and reassured her. <br><br>"I will not die"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>03-02-2009, 22:42:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She frowned "Save me ? Save me from what ?" She shook her head and leaned her cheek agains the hand on her shoulder, then kissed his knuckles. "Save me how ?"<br><br>She didn't know what to do about his determination to stay. She did not like the idea. There was no way she could keep him safe if he did not want to leave. Not in the long run.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>03-02-2009, 23:25:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaking his head he smiled. "Your life. The path that has been forced on you. You have saved me from death. I will save you from living a life that would lead you to misery"<br><br>He was steadfast and determined. His gods would not have made him keep his life and brought her to him unless they wanted more from him. More from him then what he had thought he was meant for. He was here for her. There was no doubt in his mind. If he had to be a gladiator and slave in order to earn the trust needed then he would. <br><br>If he need to spill the blood of a thousand Romans in order to save her he would wade through them like so many blades of wheat. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>04-02-2009, 00:07:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She looked at him, a bit of despair in her eyes, especially as she saw the look in his eyes.<br>Aurelia put her hands on his upper arms and shook her head. "You are strong, Oris...and very smart..." <br>Her hand moved to his cheek as she kept shaking her head. <br><br>"But there is nothing you can do... I am who I am and I have to do what I have to do. It is what daughters, what women must do. Marry a man that will add to the glory and possibly the wealth of the family. And then have children who will do the same. If I would not I would not be worth my dowry... What do you suggest ? To kill every potential candidate until...I die ? To keep me locked up in this cell with you, hiding under your cot ? There is nothing that can change the course of actions, Oris...Nothing. Not even your passion for me. "<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>05-02-2009, 00:29:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaking his head he stood fast. "I refuse to accept that. You are not some item to be traded as though your worth was set in stone. Why can you not see that you are worth more?"<br><br>Aurelia was without question the most frustrating woman he had ever met. She seemed to be strong like the women of his people, but then she would say things that sounded so foolish and foregin to him. No woman should be forced to marry a man that she would not love. Among his people such things were considered against the will of the gods and to dishonor your family in such a way was damning. <br><br>Growling he leaned in close and whispered to her "Choose to try and be something more. Do not be what your family tells you that you must". Hearing the sounds in the courtyard he sent a worried look at her. "They will come here soon. I have heard the guards starting to change"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>05-02-2009, 17:58:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She leaned her head back against the wall and sighed, rubbing a hand up in her long dark tresses.<br>"You don't understand...." Aurelia closed her eyes and shook her head. She opened her mouth to try and explain, but then she nodded. "Yes...I should leave." She whispered.&nbsp; "Good bye, Oris" she said and she pressed her mouth against his jaw.<br><br>As she walked out she pressed the palm of her hand against her forehead. A bit starteled she looked sideways as she spied movement from the corner of her eyes. Danea. She exhaled and cleared her throat. "After you have brought him his breakfast, I would like mine in bed." She said, a bit curt and commanding. Danea nodded and bowed her head but raised her brow as Aurelia walked away.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>06-02-2009, 01:46:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Watching her go he felt his heart twist in his chest. She did not understand what he was saying. How if she waned him was she pushing so hard for him to go away? The actions of this woman did not make and sense to him, but he knew his course was clear. <br><br>She was the reason the gods had brought him here. His people's time had come and they had been taken to the better place. The gods had seen it clear that he did not receive the honor that his people had of meeting the enemy in battle and fighting into the honored halls. He had been sent down a different path and now she was fighting him on it. <br><br>Turning to Danae he sighed and then walked to the cot. "She is a complex woman" he said as he settled in. "Tell your master that I wish to fight. I do not wish to die. I do not mind killing the animals for his amusement, but the crowds will enjoy it more watching me rip a man apart. Tell him that I will make it worth his time"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>06-02-2009, 16:09:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Danea obviously didn’t quite agree with the fact that her mistress should be complex, but she didn’t say anything. The slip of a girl just nodded at his request and quietly left, after the tray of fruit, goat milk and a pitcher of wine had been set to the ground.<br><br>The day went by with the sounds of people cleaning up outside. When the sun hung low in the sky the door sounds of determinate footsteps neared and the door was opened. Two guards, looking far more competent than the ones that had escorted him the night before had accompanied a stocky bold man.<br><br>He pursed his lips as he spotted Oris, looking him over with an examining glance.<br>“Stand” He just plainly said. “I want to have a better look at you, outlander.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>06-02-2009, 22:59:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He had spent some time sleeping to try and catch up on the rest he had missed out on the night before. Waking in the late afternoon heat he had stretched and then worked out the best he could in the cramped space. Knowing he needed to keep his muscles lean he worked up a sweat and then settled back down to think. <br><br>He looked up as the men entered his cell and locked eyes with the new Roman he had not laid eyes on before. Hearing the order to stand the rage threatened to boil out of him and he saw himself snapping the puny fool's neck and killing the guards before exacting his vengeance on the rest of the compound. <br><br>At that moment of filled rage a cool breeze came in through the door smelling of herbs and the compound and his mind went to Aurelia. The thought calmed him and he stood looking down at the guest and his guards. "Are you going to let me fight?" he asked calmly folding his arms across his broad chest. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>07-02-2009, 10:24:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Eventually. Perhaps."&nbsp; The man said as he walked around Oris, looking him up and down, taking his hand to check his fingernails.&nbsp; <br><br>"Both Livius, your current master and Cassian, your future master seem to have great interest in getting you into my school. I hear you wrestle well and you were some kind of soldier in your tribe. I also hear you are quite anxious to get your ass in the arena. I hope no one poured this 'Pardon' thing Ceasar does into your ear. It takes years of fighting and killing, great skill and stamina to convince the emperor you deserve to be a free man."<br><br>He nodded and seemed to be satisfied with what he saw.<br><br>"Sit back down and open your mouth." He ordered casually.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>07-02-2009, 16:13:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Settling back down gingerly on the cot he wondered how this was going to work into his plan. He had no intrest in working with or for this man and despite the fact that he was able to kill them all with minimal work he knew he needed a weapon and mount. <br><br>Resigning himself to doing what needed to be done without complaint he would allow this man to examine him. Take the needling poking and prodding before finally looking up. "Put me in the arena. Freedom means nothing to me. I want to sink my hands into flesh. I want to feel the sting of combat. My people live and die by it"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>07-02-2009, 20:03:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The man laughed. "You at least have the spirit." He checked his teeth and his ears and his hair, like one would when buying cattle. He nodded. "Alright. You get to show what you are worth tomorrow night. I have five applicants. I'm taking the last one standing." He turned and left, the guards following behind him.<br><br>It couldn't have been an hour later when he hears Aurelia's voice echoing shrill in the peristyle.<br>"You have no right....You promised..."<br>"Hold your tongue, sister. I discussed this with Cassian and he agreed, in fact, he was rather excited" Livius voice was calm, belitteling even.<br>"But you promised <em>me</em>. It was my gift." she yelled angrily.<br>The sound of a slap bounced off the shadowy walls.<br>"Stop acting like a spoiled child, Aurelia. If he succeeds, he will be worth far more as a gift. You'll be the only woman within miles with her own trained gladiator."<br>"But what if he gets killed." It was barely audible, her voice suddenly so soft and subdued.<br>"If he does, I'll find you another wedding present. But somehow I doubt it. I haven't seen his competition, but I've rarely seen anyone fight like him."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>07-02-2009, 20:51:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The wall under his window was solid. Built by slaves of brick and mortar. Hardened in the sun and fired in kilns it would withstand rain, sun, and wind. It had taken years and many skilled craftsmen to build this villa and it would stand the test of time. <br><br>Except for this one spot. Hearing the slap he had lost all control and with shaking rage had pulled back and slammed the wall with all of his might. A chunk of the wall cracking and sending a jarring feeling through his arm he could see the blood running slowly down the wall. The pain only adding to his rage he shook unable to hear anything past that. <br><br>Turning he walked to the door of his cage and raising his bare foot he slammed it into the door the brace wobbling, but not breaking the beam he then turned and backed off from the door. Lowering his shoulder he slammed himself fully into the solid chunk of wood but again the door refused to give. <br><br>Sliding down against the wood he clenched his jaw swallowing hard his hands clenched into fists as he tried to stop the rage. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>07-02-2009, 20:59:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Footsteps scurried, people called out. His agressive behavior certainly brought the quiet place to live. People were speculating about what to do and what was going on, right outside the door. Finaly there was a quiet wrap on door "Oris ?" It was Danea's soft voice. "May I enter ?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>07-02-2009, 22:26:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Standing up from the door with a growl he stalked across the room to the cot. Settling down on the bed he still had clenched fists blood dripping from the one that he had slammed into the wall. <br><br>"Enter" he said closing his eyes to control the rage. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>07-02-2009, 22:38:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The small slave girl slips in, closing the door behind her, gasping at the hole in the wall and the bloody streak below it. "Your hand !" She says as she kneels down, holding it in her fingers "Why did you do that ? Why are you so angry ?"&nbsp; She looks at the door, as another servant peeks in, she speaks in a different, rapid tongue. The young man nods.<br><br>Outside footsteps trott off and the mumble dies down. Danea looks up at Oris and sighs.<br>"You need to forget the mistress, Oris. She is not for you. She is a Patrician. It will only get you hurt more."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>07-02-2009, 23:24:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Turning his blue eyes on the girl he shook his head. "Do you recall the feeling you had when you began to give yourself to me? The sickness in the pit of your stomach?"<br><br>Clenching his fist the blood dripped from the cuts down and onto the floor. "You would condemn her to a life of that?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>07-02-2009, 23:34:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The boy didn't come in but rather waited for Danea to pick up the things he brought, keeping his eyes carefully and full of awe on the barbarian.<br><br>Danea took the supplies to take care of the wound and thanked him. She started to rince the hand with water, almost mechanically so. "Don't take too much pity on her. Women of her status, they are not helpless creatures. They may not marry who they choose, but they are taught young to wrap men around their fingers. And the men don't even notice. Married women are far freer than single ones, they do as they please and have the money to do so and no one to tell them otherwise, since their husbands don't pay attention anyway."&nbsp; Danea didn't approve of Patrician women, that was easy to tell. "You are a project to her, like a stray pet. She'll grow bored of you eventually."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>08-02-2009, 19:27:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sighing he let Danea work on his hand and decided she would not be able to speak with him about this. She was probably born into the life of slavery and saw no way out of it. Watching her work he changed the subject. "What do you know about the bald Roman who came here earlier?" <br><br>He was trying to set aside what he was thinking about doing. Breaking down the door and charging through the estate. He could see Livius choking to death as his hands crushed his windpipe. The thought brought him comfort, but did not stop his rage. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>08-02-2009, 19:33:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"His name is Bruno" Danea said as she cleansed and treated his scabbed skin. "He has a gladiator school, a very good one, it seems. His fighters are very succesful and bring in a lot of money. They sent their best slaves to him to train, but he takes on few. Most die before they are allowed to enroll. Many die during training. Others are lucky enough to fight enough fights to want to die." She shrugged. "They all die eventually. Except for the happy few that are pardonned, not even a handful a year."<br><br>She cocked her head. "Master thinks you are eager to kill men. Is that why you ran amok ?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>08-02-2009, 23:19:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Looking up he listened intentley to what she was saying. Taking it all in he grunted when she mentioned his eagerness then shook his head. "Only man I am eager to kill is him, but if my lot in life is to kill we should be getting on with it"<br><br>His hand bandaged he turned away from the girl and drew in a deep breath. "Why do you all allow yourselves to live like this? Why do you all not see it is better to die fighting an honorable death then groveling in servitude?" Turning his eyes back to her he hoped he could catch some inkling of understanding. Some glimmer why people live like this. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>08-02-2009, 23:28:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Because a life of fighting is not a life at all if you are not a warrior. It doesn't matter who we serve, eventually we end up serving someone anyway and if we don't, what do we do with our lives ?"&nbsp; She shook her head. "People need their food cooked and their laundry washed. It doesn't matter whose clothes I wash, whose meals I cook. It is the path the Gods have chosen for me and I will lead that life, not oppose it."<br><br>The door opened. "Leave" ordered Aurelia Danea, unusually haughty, a scurrying man behind her, warning her with wavering voice "It is to dangerous, Mistress, he is highly aggressive now, he might harm you." She just looked over her shoulder and glared at him. "I hear my marriage gift is damaged. I want to see." She hissed coldly and he cowered away with Danae in his wake.<br><br>As soon as the door closed, her posture changed. "What in the name of the Gods do you think you are doing !"&nbsp; She exclaimed, kneeling at his feet, looking at his bandaged hand and the bloody dent in the wall, that let through a little bit of sunlight.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>09-02-2009, 00:19:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After she had looked and chastised him in her tone he reached out with his non bandaged hand and caressed her cheek. She had this calming effect on him the moment she came in and he felt the rage inside going away slowly. <br><br>"I heard" he whispered as he leaned in closer intoxicated by her smell and the warmth of her body. "I heard him strike you" His hand no longer hurt and his shoulder no longer bothered him. All was easing and gentle as he took in her just being near. <br><br>Shaking his head slowly he closed his eyes and pressed his head down against hers "After that I could feel only rage"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>09-02-2009, 08:05:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aurelia sighed with a bit of a smile and wrapped her arms around him, stretching a bit to kiss his forehead. She too, relaxed, he could tell. Her hands moved gently through his hair, then over his hurt shoulder. "It was nothing, my love" She whispered. "Not as bad as the thought that they are sending you away to that horrible place. I won't allow it."<br><br>Outside, he could hear Livius closing in with perhaps as much rage as he had shown, but verbally. "...absolutely out of your mind ? I will have your hide for this and if anything happens to her, be sure you will feel it a thousand times worse...."<br><br>Aurelia quickly rose and gained some distance and a derisive, superior attitude he didn't know she.<br>Livius stormed inside and there was a look of relief as he found the slave calm and his sister alright. "Aurelia, get behind me." he simply commanded "This is no place for you."<br><br>"I'm fine as you can tell" she said stubbornly. All her grace and maturity she had shown, all the patrician supremacy, now she sounded like a little sister, a defiant girl with the crossed arms and the pursed lips to match.<br><br>"I will not tell you again" Livius said and took her wrist. "Get behind me." For a moment it seemed as of Oris wasn't even present, even though he was obviously the cause of the dispute.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>09-02-2009, 22:59:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He swam in her scent and her arms. He felt calm and at peace and it was not until she pulled away so quickly that he head her brothers voice. When the door burst open and he stalked in he reached down to grip the edge of the cot trying not to let himself shake with rage. <br><br>Standing up from the cot as he grabbed his sister he shook his head, but did not step closer. He was trying to keep his calm when all he wanted to do was reach out and break the Roman's arm. Jaw shaking slightly he narrowed his eyes and curled his lip. <br><br>"You are such a coward Livius" he nearly spat. "You hide away from fighting a man and chose to try and wound a female... your sister"<br><br>Spitting on the floor he then narrowed his blue eyes and muttered again "Coward"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>09-02-2009, 23:16:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Now now, Teuton...."&nbsp; Livius lips curled too, but into a thin smile, a sneering smile. "I have told you, my fighting days are over. And what I do or do not do to keep my hysterical sister from hurting herself is none of your business. Your fighting days, however are about to start."&nbsp; Livius' eyes were snakelike, cold and emotionless. "Keep away from her." <br><br>He looked over his shoulder at Aurelia "This is no place for you. This man can break you like a twig and he would, just to get to me. You are lucky I was here in time. Go play with your trinkets, love. Or arrange stuff for your wedding. Let me worry about this problem"<br><br>"No." Aurelia said. "I don't want him to go to Bruno's Academy."<br><br>"You don't have a say in this. Cassian and I agree, this is a great opportunity. What else would you have him do ? Peel your grapes ?" He snorted. "This is a warrior, Aurelia. A fighter. Not a pet."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>10-02-2009, 05:01:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Your word means nothing to you Roman?" Oris said moving away from the siblings and leaning on the far wall. He could tell his mere presence shook Livius despite what he would admit. <br><br>"If all has been told to me you gave me away. Therefore in order for you to send me to a someone else that would mean that you went back on your word" he added calmly waiting as he leaned on the cool stone. <br><br>"But why would I be surprised. You beat women. Refuse to fight a man in honorable combat. Piss yourself when faced with a fight. You are the kind of worm that would go back on his word. So hide behind your guards, but begone from my sight. Your stench repulses me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>10-02-2009, 08:23:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The man was not as broad as he was, but muscular and limber none the less. His jaw tightened and his fists clenched before he relaxed.<br><br>"You'd best hold your tongue, <em>slave</em>." He hissed, a little vein throbbing at his temple. "I have had men killed over far less subordenance. These are things you don't understand. This is not your simple society. I will strike my sister when ever I please. I have not gone back on my word, I aim to increase the worth of my gift. If you succeed, she will own a well trained gladiator, a valuable asset. If you fail..."&nbsp; He shrugged. "I will have to get her another bauble." <br><br>He grinned, looked down to the ground and then back up to Oris. "Listen to me, explaining myself to you." He shook his head. "I don't owe you explanations. You should not even look me in the eye. But believe me, as much as you detest me, I have even your interest at heart here. This way, you will get your fights. If she has her way..."&nbsp; He glanced over at Aurelia who was remarkably silent. "...you'll probably end up perfumed and oiled, showing off your muscles to her friends and fanning them. Is that how you want to end, Teuton ? A common house slave ? On your knees for spoiled girls ?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>11-02-2009, 00:09:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"So long as my days end after your days do how I live it is of little consequence. Fill your mind with that Roman. Before I leave this world to join you slaughtered, before the horns call me home, before the sun turns to red and the gods wage war" <br><br>He stopped there and turned his eyes back Livius. There was no rage. There was no hatred or anger. He was speaking fact as his eyes stared into his enemies. <br><br>"Before that day I will look down on your corpse...... and smile"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>11-02-2009, 07:08:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Roman watched him, his dark eyes gleaming with a belittling look, his lips pressed in a derisive smile. He shook his head a little, hands crossed over his chest. "If that is all you have left to look out for at the end of your life, Teuton, may the gods grand you that moment. And may it take many sunsets before they do."<br><br>With the smile never leaving his he looked him up and down. "But I'm afraid the last thing you will see is not my corpse, but an arena full of cheering people, right before another man slits your throat."<br><br>"Stop it Livius" Aurelia whispered with a frightened voice, laying her cheek against his upper arm, a hand on his shoulder, watching Oris.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>11-02-2009, 20:11:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Seeing her affection towards her brother he closed his eyes and turned away. He hated that he could not stand to see it and hid away his weakness. <br><br>"Taunt me no more Romans. Leave or kill me now. I will suffer no more of your insults this night" he muttered then turned to his cot. Settling onto it heavily he laid himself down and turned his back. <br><br>Biting his tongue inside his mouth his fingernails were digging into the palm of his hand giving him pain to distract himself. Focusing he tried to not let the lump in his throat get the better of him. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>11-02-2009, 23:19:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				They left quietly, outside the noise had died down as well. As he dozed off, time passed and it had cooled down considerably. As silent as possible Aurelia slipped in. On the ground she laid down a thin reed mat, a sheep skin, several small pillows and she nested herself on top of it, beneath two layers of satin sheet.<br><br>She didn't say a word, nor attempted to wake the sleeping barbarian. She just curled up on the floor in her makeshift bed, smiled and closed her eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>12-02-2009, 05:29:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The crunching of the of the reed mat as she lay on it gave her away. Stirring lightly in his sleep he then sniffed the air and caught her scent wafting to him. Rolling over confused he looked around in the darkness then down at the floor. <br><br>Smiling when he saw her he decided she looked comfortable and pulled his thin covering with him down onto the cold stone floor beside her. Wrapping his large arm over her protectively he closed his eyes again and started to drift. <br><br>The smell of her hair in his nose making him sleep much more peacefully. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>12-02-2009, 09:54:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As he wrapped his arms around her she sighed contentedly and wriggled her lithe frame into his hold, her head against his broad shoulders, her behind cradled against his hips, her legs intertwined with his. She pressed her lips against his arm and smiled, then closed her eyes again, feeling treasured.<br><br>In the course of the night she turned around and buried her face against his strong chest, her hand resting lightly on his hip. Half asleep she mumbled "Please don't leave me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>13-02-2009, 01:28:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sleeping comfortably despite the cold stone under him he was suprised to wake at a later hour then normal. The sun had already risen up slightly and the sounds outside the window had begun. <br><br>Blinking he growled gently and kept her small warm body close to him. His large arms encircled her and he actually smiled. <br><br>"Thank you for coming to me" he said in a tone soft and quiet. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>13-02-2009, 09:21:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aurelia canted her head and kissed his chin, then laid her head against his chest again. <br>"I wasn't sure if I'd be welcome. You looked so angry and I didn't know what I had done wrong."<br>She closed her eyes and wrapped her arm around his waist, leaning in closer.<br>"They say you specifically requested to fight. Is that true ? Cassian says keeping you around the house would be like trying to keep a lion as a lapcat. Is that how you feel ?" She sighed and kissed his chest, then pressed her forhead against it and whispered to him. "You don't want your freedom, I'm not allowed to keep you at home and I don't want you to die in the arena. I don't know what to do anymore."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>13-02-2009, 20:57:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Smiling he stroked her hair softly and kept his voice at a whisper. It was strange that a man who had such rage within could be so calm but being near her was soothing to him. <br><br>"My anger was at Livius. Knowing he had struck you and not punishing him for it required great restraint on my part. I am asking to fight only because I think it will keep people pleased with me. I do not think they will keep me as a ..." he paused and swalloed before adding "house slave"<br><br>Looking down at his chest he was ashamed to meet her eyes. "Freedom would mean leaving you. Forever. I do not think I could bear that. I do not wish to anger the gods again by throwing away this precious gift they have given me. If my fate is to be your champion in the arena so be it."<br><br>"So long as I am yours"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>13-02-2009, 21:32:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"But you are mine" She whispers anxiously and lays his hand on her chest. "Here. And soon you'll be mine to have. Just a few more days" she blinked at him and then lowered her eyes. The only way to keep him safe was to keep him in the house and he would never settle for that. Livius was right, she knew that now.<br><br>There was a short wrap on the door "Mistress...the envoy of the school is here to pick up your...slave." Danae sounded so formal she was sure there were people with her.<br><br>"Please don't get killed before I come and find you." She kissed him lightly. "Livius is going into the city with the envoy. He has some things to clear for his new function. Stay away from him...He won't hesitate to have you put down."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>17-02-2009, 05:35:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sneaking one more kiss he bit his lip. Reaching out he took a small silver charm that dangled from her wrist and snapped it easily. Holding it in the palm of his hand he smiled at her then turned towards the door. Lowering his gaze to the floor and closing his eyes he looked as a thoroughly punished. <br><br>"I am ready" he whispered quietly and waited for his new captors to enter. Gripping the charm in his hand he knew that the small chunk of metal would help him get through it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>17-02-2009, 20:48:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She blinked away her tears and tried to be brave, look uncaring. Aurelia quickly wrapped the palla he had kept with him over her sleep attire, so it at least wouldn't be so obvious she had spent the night. "Alright, Danea" She called out. "I will be right there." Quickly she tossed the cushions and sheets onto the cot.<br><br>She took his hand, opened the first and kissed his palm and the little charm in it. "May the Gods protect you, Oris." She whispered. She took a deep breath and bit down the urge to fall down at his feet and beg him not to go and she quickly opened the door before she would lose her nerve.<br><br>"Make me proud, Teuton" She said with a detached voice. "We didn't bring you in for such a far place so you would fail."<br><br>She leaned against the wall to let him past but also for support.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>18-02-2009, 05:31:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He dare not open his eyes to look at her as he shuffled past her. To do so would reveal the longing and desire in his heart. He could not speak it to her, but at the moment he passed he caught one last whiff of her sweet scent and then all was gone. Raising his head and opening his eyes the blue steel gaze took in the guards and then with a regal bearing he raised his chin and went escorted out into the sun. <br><br>At least this time he did not have to walk. There was a wooden cage built onto the back of a wagon and he was prodded to climb inside. Turning his gaze at the centurion who poked him he was pleased to see the man take a step back. Ducking his head to enter he sat down on the floor as the cage was shut and locked. <br><br>Turning his head he looked back towards the house as the cart bounced and was led away down the stone path. Muttering in his own language he was certain the Romans would not understand he called out to her one last time. <br><br>"I will return for you"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>19-02-2009, 10:53:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aurelia watched from a hidden, shaded spot right outside the villa complex with tears falling from her eyes, blurring her vision. She didn’t understand what he said as they lead the cart away, but she memorized the words by heart, knowing they were meant for her.<br><br>She watched Livius in his shiny horse drawn chariot lead the way for the oxen that pulled the cage they had put Oris in. Six men with spears in shiny steel uniforms walked along the wagon. Her blood ran cold as she watched them leave. It would be only a short journey to the city and before the day was done Oris would either be dead or slightly better off than before.<br><br>The only solace she had was that Cassian lived much closer to the city. From her new house she would almost be able to walk there with little effort.&nbsp; <br><br>Danea made an akward curtsy before her “Mistress, your mother requests your presence.” Mother obviously wanted to discuss her wedding plans. She nodded absentmindedly as she wiped her tears away. “Mistress…” Danea started carefully. “If I may speak frankly… it is better this way.” <br>“No, it’s not” said Aurelia and turned to listen to her mothers idle banter about food and flowers.<br><br>The sun burned by the time they had run over the most north-eastern of the seven hills that surrounded the city of Rome. Livius loved the impressive sight of the beating heart of the modern world. They passed the necropolis, just out of the outskirts with deemed respect and then made their way to a small arena, surrounded by fields, pools and low buildings.&nbsp; “Your new home, Teuton” Livius called over his back. The cart came to a halt. The short bald man called Bruno greeted Livius and then walked around to the soldiers. <br><br>“What are you waiting for ? Unload him. Follow my assistant, he knows where he’s staying for now. Teuton…” Bruno turned to Oris. “Eat and drink enough water. Later today, when the sun is not so hot, we’ll have the selection fights. Acting up now might cost you your life later and even if it doesn’t, I don’t waste my time on stubborn, stupid mules. Do you understand ?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>19-02-2009, 15:29:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The ride over the hills had been hot and by the time they reached the destination Oris was more then ready to stretch himself out of the cramped cage. As he stood and stretched his sore muscles his eyes fell on the man they had called "Bruno". Looking him up and down he nodded his head. Finally it seemed he met a Roman who he could understand. <br><br>His own people had fought amongst themselves, but never to the death and always weaponless. Should you even pick up a weapon in the battle circle you would be cast out. Losing for them held no shame and combatants usually embraced each other like brothers after a fight. <br><br>Looking around at the soldiers and weapons he knew there would be no embrace. <br><br>He kept his gaze far from Livius and spoke to Bruno. His eyes shown clear as he offered the words to this man. "I am ready to fight. I will offer you no trouble"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>19-02-2009, 16:37:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The compound was barren, but fairly open, considering the only locked fence was the one around the grounds. The gate in that fence was heavily guarded, however. <br><br>Livius turned his chariot around and let the horse trott past him.<br>"Try not to get yourself killed, Teuton. I'd hate to have to look for a new gift on such short notice."<br><br>Bruno's eyes hardened on the patrician, then watched Oris reaction closely.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>19-02-2009, 23:51:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Worry for your own skin Roman. I can hold my own in battle. A shame you can not say the same" he finished with a smirk and then added "You should go before real warriors catch your scent" Smelling the air and feeling the dirt of the compound was good. He may have been a prince, but among his people the rulers were warriors. The Roman, the one called Livius, his time would come. Turning his back on the man and his chariot he hoped the act in itself would show his disdain for the man. <br><br>He had lived his life among battle. His first hunt when he was but five years of age had taught him many things. The scars on his torso showed the many times he had felt the sting of a weapon and the way his eyes searched he showed he was more then simple brawn. <br><br>Spitting on the ground he nodded. This place would be better then the cage he had been left in. His soreness and wounds from that hard journey had healed and only the bandage on his hand still remained form where he had broken the wall of his cell. Adjusting his bracer on his left arm he smiled. He had taken a leather strip from his sandal during the ride and now under the bracer he could feel where he had hidden the trinket from her wrist. The cool metal pressed against his skin and was a constant reminder of the things in this world that were still worth fighting for. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>22-02-2009, 17:10:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bruno grinned at him as the chariot drove off with Livius in it.&nbsp; "You got on someones bad side, boy" and nodded to a door. "Head in, third door to the right is yours. It's locked during the night, don't give me troubles during the day, show progress and you will do fine. From now on you train, you eat, you sleep and you train. Eventually you'll fight and then you will fight, train, eat, sleep until you die. You understand that ? If you accept it, we'll get along. If you don't..." <br><br>He sighed and shrugged. "First disappointment of the day...you will not get to kill anyone today. There are no other contestants. It's a ruse. Makes this place look more exclusive and gives the owners a chance to brag. It's good money."<br><br><br>Away, in her own home Aurelia bathed as if it was any other day, as if she didn't feel like someone had torn her heart out of her body while it was still beating.&nbsp; She had held her tears for hours, listening to her mothers useless prattle. Now she was a lone and could let go, the warm water felt comforting and she pretended it was Oris holding her, touching her, everywhere the water was touching her. Despite of herself she felt aroused and started to touch herself, imagining it was him touching her.<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>23-02-2009, 23:19:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nodding his head to the man called Bruno he turned and walked into the compound. The dirt felt food under his feet and he looked around with his eyes taking it all in. He had no intentions of making an escape from here. The walls were built to hold men in. Not just men, but armed men. Men who were trained in the use of weapons and men who could best at least most soldiers in combat. It was set up to hold them in and he would wait for a better time and place. <br><br>As he settled into the cell made for him that night he was sweaty, dirty, and could feel the twinge in his lungs form a hard day of exercise. For the first time in weeks he was feeling a calm tired settle over him. <br><br>Stripping down he rinsed his body letting the water wash the dirt from his face chest and feet. It felt cool and refreshing and seemed to be in abundance here. Breathing in deep he lay back on a much softer cot then before obviously made for his weight. <br><br>Closing his eyes he thought of her. Sliding his bracer off he held it up to the light of the setting sun still filtering into his cell. Watching the small charm dangle he whispered a silent prayer in his language to keep her safe until he could see her again. <br><br>The gods had brought him here. They had made him walk through pain and march past death. They had taken his people and his culture, but they had brought her to him. <br><br>It was this belief that filled his head as he closed his eyes and fell asleep. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>23-02-2009, 23:50:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Weeks passed and life changed drastically for Aurelia. After the festivities she took her entrance as the mistress of Cassian's home. From the runt of the family, now she had become the head of a household. A woman, a wife. In all but one way. Cassian had not touched her. He had been civil, even pleasant company and her wish was his command, but he did not lay with her, not in the sense a husband and wife should. She didn't complain, but was worried he perhaps knew that she was not untouched, but they hadn't discussed anything. From her gardens on the hill she could see the small arena of Bruno's school in the distance.<br><br>Today, they would attend a full afternoon of fights and Oris would be competing as well. She didn't know wether to be excited or not. On the one hand she wanted to see him. On the other hand she didn't want to see him get hurt or killed. She had dressed herself up, a tad overdressed for the arena, but she was a wealthy woman and she wanted to look good in case he saw her. She wanted to look happy and be happy for him. Cassian, Livius and finally he himself, had convinced her this is what he craved.<br><br>Watching the fights had never been a great pleasure to her, but today it was even more tedious than others. Until she heard them call out the next fight. The Teuton... Her stomach churned and her eyes focused on the wooden panel that would move soon to let him in.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>24-02-2009, 23:37:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The weeks passed quicker then he thought they would. His days were spent in training and his night spent in longing. The sweat and dirt that caked his body as he rolled and toiled under the Italian sun would be washed away those cool long nights. He could not shake the feeling of emptiness at night and there was nothing to distract himself with. He refused the offers to tell tails around the fire. He refused the company of the slave girls who came to him. He even had very politely turned down Bruno's offer to dine with him one evening. <br><br>His nights were spent in solitude. He would pray, he would rest, and he would think of her. Raising his eyes to the stars and whispering his prayers to gods whose names only he knew the nights would sometimes seem longer then he could imagine. He had refused to shed a tear on those long nights though. Holding fast to the belief he would be with her again kept him strong. <br><br>He kneeled in the dirt his eyes closed. He was praying to the gods not for victory. He knew he would soon have that. He was praying that the men he killed that day would die swiftly and with little pain. As he rose to his feet he nodded to the slaves as they pulled aside the chunk of wood and he strode into the arena. <br><br>The noise was deafening with the drums and shouts of the crowd. He could smell the dirt steel and blood mix in the air. Dressed in a simple leather war harness he wore little in the way of armor. His simple bracers he wore still the small piece of metal against his skin under them. His leather shin guards and sandals completed it. His long red hair was pulled back in a simple braid behind his head and a beard was not visible on his face. He looked the part and he knew it. He had forgone the swords that were offered him and raised the mace that he had high in the air. Bruno had warned him the crowd loved blood, but he assured the man he would please them with the blunt weapon. <br><br>All he could see was bright light and swarms and he searched with his eyes trying to find the only Roman he was seeking to impress. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>25-02-2009, 00:56:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her heart skipped a beat as she saw him enter the dusty sandfilled fighting circle. The roar of the crowd froze the blood in her veins. Instinctively she reached for Cassians hand, a gesture that seemed to surprise rather than annoy him. Her other hand went to her mouth.<br><br>He looked so different in the bright sunlight of day, as if she saw an animal in the wild that she had only known as a caged pet. He looked aggressive, dangerous and she could hardly believe that the hands of a man that looked so violent had caressed her skin so softly.<br><br>His muscles were oiled and gleamed, the leather harness enhanced the already impressive features of his chest and the definition of his calves. It was the ugly mace that marred the sight. Or rather the knowledge he would use it on another man soon. As they released his opponent a menacing looking dark haired brute from a north eastern tribe, she held her breath. He looked perhaps less impressive, but more animalistic and wild.<br><br>She noticed he was searching the audience and hoped it was for her. Waving was out of the question, and not much use either, in the roaring masses so she just kept looking at his eyes and hoped he would find them, find her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>25-02-2009, 01:09:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Turning he closed his eyes and said a silent prayer to the gods while the other man saluted the platform. The bright shining sun made perring into the faces of the crowd impossible and he ceased trying in vain to spot her. <br><br>Turning his eyes to his opponent now he looked the man in the eye. He was smiling and he wondered quietly in his head how much pleasure this man took from what he did. Spinning the mace around fluidly in his hand he pointed it at him and nodded. <br><br>"For honor" he said loudly in the Roman tongue. <br><br>Striding towards him he watched him circle. He was smaller and much faster then Oris. Watching his gait and circle around him it was obvious he intended to use his blade to slice at his legs. He stabbed and prodded the air making small noises. Then with a flurry of motion he charged in and slashed wide for his knees. <br><br>Bringing the mace down he easily batted the blade to the side and stepped back out of the reach of his wild thrusting. Bruno's voice came into his mind calmling him slightly. "The crowd wants death" he had told him "but not a quick death" <br><br>Waiting again for the man to make his move he was not delayed long. Stabbing this time towards his stomach he spun to the side. He did not raise the mace instead he swung his large hand around and caught the man in the side of the head. Slamming his large fist he watched him stagger into the dust of the arena. The roar of the crowd meant they enjoyed what they saw and this time he strode forward backing up the staggering figure in front of him. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>25-02-2009, 23:14:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her husband was enjoying the match, roaring with the crowd, but all she could see was violence and rage, in both Oris eyes and that of his opponent. "Make them stop" she wanted to say. The world around her seemed to have gone mad. <br><br>Games like this deaths like this, were held everywhere in every day and while she didn't care for them, she had never opposed them. She couldn't bare too watch, but she couldn't look away either. Her eyes were drawn to his physique. He fitted in the arena, as if he was made for this, bred to drive the crowds insane. <br><br>Aurelia felt sick and excused herself, fleeing the seating area in favor of a shady place right outside the wall, near the entrance of the compound. She would wait for him in the living area. Cassian wouldn't miss her and it was not odd at all for Patrician women to 'visit' with the fighters and fraternize a little. She had all the more reason to be there since she owned one. <br><br>It didn't even occur to the guards to stop her. Good. Now all she had to do was wait. And pray that he would leave the arena alive.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>26-02-2009, 01:24:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The match dragged one for a few more minutes. Feints and a few occasional blows from Oris brought the crowd to a frenzy. Then seemingly surprised the other man rushed into him and sent the mace spinning from his grasp. <br><br>Snarling he reached out and grabbed his neck raising his fist he struck him in the face sending him reeling backwards. The sword in his hand was barely holding on and Oris raised his fist and brought it down onto his forearm. The sword clattering to the ground he then raised his foot and kicked the man in the chest. <br><br>Deciding he was done with this Oris reached down and grasped the sword from the dirt of the arena floor. Spinning around he turned his back to the man and heard him charge forward. With a might roar he spin and brought the blade down on the mans head. Cleaving the flesh he watched him drop to the ground in a pool of blood. <br><br>Raising his eyes to the platform reserved for the guests of honor he said nothing. Turning he walked to the edge of the arena and then walked out. <br><br>To thunderous applause. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>26-02-2009, 09:08:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Here, out of and away from the crowd, she relaxed a little, the queezy feeling in her stomach subsided. She was pacing, however, and fidgetting. Men that passed her glanced her over, nodded respectfully, but ignored her being there otherwise.&nbsp; She found a shady olive tree and sat down with her back against the bark.<br><br>Finally she heared the applause that went with the end of a fight. The death of a competitor. It suddenly felt as if her heart was covered in a layer of ice and her eyes went to the path that took the fighters to and from their entrance.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>27-02-2009, 04:26:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				STalking down form the ring he had lef this weapon behind. The fight did not end the wayhe had hoped and he had caused more pain then he thought. He was sweaty and covered with dust and a smattering of blood. His hands clenched he was headed back down to the holding area when he caught sight of her. <br><br>The walk area was lined with a wall of metal bars. It allowed the people to watch the gladiators with no danger at all to themselves. Sitting under the shade of a tree was Aurelia. His heart pounded in hsi chest and he suddenly felt he looked like a savage. Ashamed of what he had just done he dropped to his knee his head to the floor. <br><br>"I am dishonored you had to witness that"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>27-02-2009, 09:14:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His scent was rather pronounced, a Warrior fresh from the fight. His body was covered with sweat, dirt and blood. As he kneeled and ,&nbsp; bowed before her she couldn’t help but reach out for him, to touch his hair..<br><br>“I didn’t …” she smiled ruefully. “I couldn’t bare to watch. But you won, so I am sure you did well and did nothing to disgrace yourself. Her hand moved to his moist cheek, her touch lingered gently, her voice was soft. “Please sit back up, let me see your face ? I have missed you, Oris.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>28-02-2009, 00:36:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raising his head gently the sight of the warrior was gone. Instead his eyes were soft and as he took her in and breathed he shook his head gently. "The days have been long and painful since I last saw your beauty" he remarked his voice cracking slightly at the sight. <br><br>Sanding up he cursed the blood and dirt on his hands. How he longed to take her in his arms. To crush her to his chest and love her again. The faintest touch from him would be seen on her clothes though and the questions would be raised. He dare not act on his impulse or he would destroy both of them. <br><br>"Come to me tonight. I am staying in the city. The games continue for many weeks so I am being housed here" he said in a mad rush. Looking up the tunnel he wondered how much time they would have before being ripped apart. <br><br>"please"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>28-02-2009, 22:44:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her smile was weak, and that was how she felt, not knowing wether to laugh or cry.<br>"I have longed for you ever waking hour." She whispered, already hearing the crowds cheer for the next contestants. The fighter Oris had slain was dragged away through the tunnel and men picked up their pace to come congratulate him. Bruno walked in the wake of men carrying the dead and gave some orders, his dark eyes trained on Oris one moment, then back to his workers the next.<br><br>She had focused on being strong when she saw him again, but the look in his eyes was just too much for her to handle. "I can't..." she said, shaking her head, looking down. "As much as I would like to... I mustn't..... I shouldn't..."<br><br>"<em>Please</em>" he said and something snapped inside her, her dark eyes determinate.<br><br>"Yes."&nbsp; She said. "Yes...I will" <br><br>Fellow Fighters, including Bruno were moving into hearing distance and her whole demeanor changed. She rose to her feet and gave him a slight disdaining smile.<br><br>"As I said...You made my husband and me very proud, Teuton."&nbsp; She turned over his shoulder to Bruno and smiled at him as well. "Cassian was right...you <em>are</em> the best...."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>28-02-2009, 22:59:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raising up as she made her comment he simply inclined his head and closed his eyes. How he worried that someone might find out and make her miserable. He respected Bruno, but would not put it above the man to blackmail her to his own ends. The thought that she would come to him was enough. <br><br>Watching her walk away he felt dismissed and turned. Walking through the man extending congratulations he walked to the other warrior. Turning his head he looked at Bruno a moment then bowed his head. He mumbled a prayer for the dead in his own tongue then opened his eyes and headed down the corridor. <br><br>His people did not glorify death. They reveled in life. Taking an enemies life on the field was a serious matter to them. Just because his people were gone did not mean that he would lose their traditions. In fact now it meant even more to him to hang onto them. <br><br>Entering his large cell here for the games he began to remove his armor. Bruno entered and chose not to congratulate him. Instead he simply set down a bottle of wine. "Tomorrow... you will make it more bloody" he said and then shut the door of the cell. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>01-03-2009, 00:31:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After dark, there was a small wrap on the door. "Your guest." A gruff male voice just announced before the door opened and a figure dressed in a wide, hooded cloak&nbsp; moved in. The cloak was made out of bright red silk, the shoulders it covered were narrow, but the wide hood covered the face.<br><br>As the door closed she looked over her shoulder before she lowered the hood.&nbsp; Her hair was piled up in a fashionable way, her heavy earrings consisted out of more gold than a peasant would ever own in his life, her eyes were emphasized by a dark line and her cheeks were almost unnaturally pink, her lips were fuller, redder than normal.<br><br>"I snuck away from a party" She whispered. "They shouldn't miss me for a good few hours..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>03-03-2009, 21:03:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was no hesitation or pause in his movements. When her hood pulled back and she spoke he stepped to her quickly and without a word he took her in his arms. She felt light after his training and she smelled of such exotic scents that his head swam. <br><br>Leaning down he covered her lips with his. He needed to be with her again. He needed to feel her warmth surround him and her body melt to his desire. She was the thought and image that rose in fresh in his mind each day and now he had her in the flesh. <br><br>His arms still clutched drawing her closer into him as he took her mouth. His longing overtaking all other thoughts at that moment. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>03-03-2009, 23:57:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He clearly overwhelmed her with his sudden grasp and her first reaction was a surprised yelp and two hands pushing against his chest.<br><br>But as he kissed her, her hands moved up, her arms around his neck as she kissed him back, trying to give him what he needed, being what he wanted her to be. <br><br>His kiss was demanding and she could feel his passion, there was nothing sweet or gentle about it. But it told her he had missed her, he had longed for her, pined after her as much as she had after him in these long past weeks, that had toppled her world upside down.<br><br>She didn't protest any longer, just let him kiss her and tried to answer his passion even if she didn't quite know how. For now she was content to be in his arms and to feel him, touch him, smell him. But she knew he wanted more of her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>08-03-2009, 19:13:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Finally his lips pulled back form hers. Panting lightly and hands shaking he stroked her face and looked into her eyes. He was almost growling in an animalistic sound as he watched her gaze. He was pure war now. His life spent in training and combat. His nerves and senses were accustomed to that life.<br><br>But she was so different. <br><br>She was soft. Warm. She smelled of exotic scents and it filled his head with such thoughts.<br><br>"Aurelia" he whispered as his eyes took her in. He tried wiping the marks form her face with his thumb. He did not want to see the paint. He wanted the woman. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>08-03-2009, 23:19:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tiny and frail compared to his bulky mass she cradled against him, wrapping her arms around his waist and pressing her cheek against his chest.<br><br>"What do I do when one of those beasts actually kills you ?" She murmured softly, her face turned sideways. She clung on tigthly to him and shivered as she closed her eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>10-03-2009, 22:25:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaking his head Oris narrowed his gaze at the woman he loved. "It will not happen. The gods have brought us together and they would not be so cruel as to tear us apart now". His voice was strong and confident his resolve unshaken. <br><br>Turning he walked towards the far side of the cell. "Anytime I feel that I am not strong enough or that I should give up... I think of that Roman"<br><br>His fists clenched and he closed his eyes shaking slightly. His voice was barely above a whisper as he then added "I think of him touching you"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>10-03-2009, 22:43:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She wondered if she should tell him that Cassius had not laid a hand on her since their marriage. But she decided it was better to kept the fire stoked. She just nodded.<br><br>"Don't walk away." She whispered, following after him. "Not now..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>11-03-2009, 01:43:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Turning back to her he walked forward his face was serious and even. His gaze strong and fierce. The lamp lights flickering on his skin as he met her eyes. <br><br>"Are you willing to come with me now?" he asked in a hushed tone. His arms flexing and clenching into fists. He already knew the answer. He knew what he was going to have to do. The time was not yet right, but he would always give her another chance... to be his.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>11-03-2009, 02:53:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She touched his face and shook her head with a sad face. "Where would we go, my love ? Can't we just have here, now ? Isn't that enough ?"<br><br>It wasn't and she knew it, but she had nothing else to offer. He wanted to free her, but her cage was so more complicated than his. She would follow him to the ends of the earth if it would matter. But in the end, it wouldn't. <br><br>She kissed his lips. "Love me now, here..." She whispered.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>11-03-2009, 21:46:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Closing his eyes he breathed in her scent. She was overwhelming him. Stepping a pace away he held her at arms length then met her eyes. <br><br>The cold blue of his northern heritage held her gaze. He wanted to order her to run away with him. He wanted to tell her that tonight they would leave, but his plans were not fully in place. Tonight he was not going to snivel and shy away form who he was. Tonight he was no longe rin chains. <br><br>Tonight she would be his. <br><br>"Remove the Roman trappings from your body... I want you standing before me as the gods made you" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>11-03-2009, 22:06:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His look took her breath away, she was completely frozen, helplessly compelled to look into his eyes.<br><br>She unhooked her fibula and the clasps that held her lower layer up and slowly undid her wrappings until she stood naked before him, in a puddle of silk and fine linnen. <br><br>Slowly she pulled the ornaments out of her hair until it cascaded over her shoulders. She opened her mouth but didn't know what to say. She had half expected him to to deny her. She had expected that he would set an ultimatum, one she could never meet. But he did not. Tonight, it would be just them and the world outside was not allowed to intrude.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>12-03-2009, 03:46:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His hands gripped his arms as he watched her. Fighting the urge to throw her down and claim her he wanted to take his time. The first coupling had been quick and he was unable to fully appreciate her form. <br><br>Walking around her now he slowly circled her like a hawk does his prey. His eyes took her all in and he was more then pleased with what he saw. His breathing took on a growling type of tone and his shaft begin to fill the small cloth covering his groin. <br><br>"Tell me Aurelia" he said as he slid up behind her. "Have you been thinking about our time together?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>12-03-2009, 14:17:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She quivered as he started to round her, inspect her like a predator would sniff at a morsel of meat to see if it was tasty enough. She, Aurelia Minea of Trigoria, stood naked before this slave called Oris, the Teuton, quivering, feeling his eyes upon her as if she was about to be brought to the block and he was ready to bid on her. Her fingers fidgeted and her breath stocked.<br><br>As he stepped up behind her she gasped softly, feeling his warmth as he brushed against her back. He was so much bigger than she was and she imagined him, looming over her. "Every single night since you left" She whispered as she looked up at him, craning her head sideways and up.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>16-03-2009, 22:03:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Taking his hand he placed it beside her head. "Do not turn" he whispered. He could be dead come the morning. He did not think it was so, but the gods were fickle and he knew not what they had in store. Looking at the curve and swell of her backside he committed it to memory. <br><br>Taking his other hand he took two fingers and started to run the tips up her spine slowly. His other hand trailed off her face to her shoulder holding her in place as his hand stroked up and down. <br><br>"Have you been able to control yourself... or have you found yourself lustful for my touch again?" he asked as his fingers trailed down to the split of her backside and then along her backside swell. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>16-03-2009, 22:20:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moving her head back and not turning, just as he had asked...ordered she stood there, holding her breath, feeling his gaze on her spine and shoulderblades, moving lower over every curve the gods had graced her backside with. <br>&nbsp;<br>Aurelia hissed her breath in as he touched her, two fingers only, leaving a burning trail on her skin, slowly going down. "If I could have restraint myself, I wouldn't be out here, on a gladiators compound, in the middle of the night, naked with a man that is not my husband. How could I forget, Oris. You are my first...my only... lover and you hold my heart in your hands."<br>&nbsp;<br>And not just her heart, she pondered, groaning softly as his fingers trailed down lower.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>16-03-2009, 22:31:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His two fingers left her skin and his hand opened and he placed his palm on the curving swell of her backside. Sliding down lower his hand left her shoulder as he moved lowering his body down. Soon he was kneeling and he ran his hands up and down the backs of her thighs and then her calves.&nbsp; <br><br>Using his hand on each leg he turned her around slowly in front of him. Keeping his hands on her legs he started to rise. Both hands rubbed across her oiled skin as he reached the swell of her hips he was standing again. Hands moving up across her stomach he trailed them up and across her breasts. Then finally he reached her shoulders and his eyes bored into hers again. <br><br>"Kneel Aurelia. Tonight, You are mine" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>16-03-2009, 22:42:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She swayed on her legs as he lowered himself behind her, touching her, exploring her quivering body. As he turned her and slowly made his way up she felt she would asphyxiate for the lack of being able to breathe. Her head felt dizzy and light, his scent teased her nostrils, filled her core until there was nothing to see, feel, hear, smell and taste. <br>&nbsp;<br>Oris. A barbarian slave told her to kneel and she didn't even flinch, never hesitated to drop on her knees into the silks she had just been wearing. <br>Her eyes never lost contact with his as she dropped herself to the ground without thinking, her body aglow, her mind anticipating, her teeth biting her lower lip, her eyes dark, big and attentive.<br>He told her she was his tonight. He was wrong. She had been his from the day her brother had brought him into the villa even if society would think she was his mistress, she possessed him. Nothing was further from the truth. She was his. His alone. <br>&nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>16-03-2009, 22:58:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Looking down he no longer was the gladiator or the slave, he was a prince again. He was regal and his stance and chest bore it proudly. The growth of red beard he had adopted caught the torchlight and it made it seem as though it was on fire. His face glowed red almost save fore the cold icy blue of his eyes that stared at her. <br><br>"Aurelia... remove my cloth... and give me your touch" he said in a firm and even tone. He was clearly in control again. Not only of her but of himself and he folded his arms across his barrelled chest as he waited. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>16-03-2009, 23:17:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She smiled as she watched him. He had been a broken man when Livius had hauled him into the house. Now he was strong again, a mighty warrior Prince, like the ones she had read about. Her hands took care of the cloth that rested on his hips and she touched him, his buttocks, his thighs, his manhood his flat stomach. Her hands gently roamed over them.<br>&nbsp;<br>"I missed you, Oris." She whispered.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>17-03-2009, 05:47:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Looking down he smiled reaching out to stroke her soft perfumed hair. "And I you, Aurelia" he said as he touched her. She looked so small and frail down there, but it was how he felt it should be. <br><br>Reaching out he took his pulsing shaft in his hand and then touched her head. "Open your lips" he said. Among his people this was a sign of great giving. A woman placing her lips and using them on a man was a sign of true submission. <br><br>It was not about breeding nor about her pleasure. It was a sign of her truly give her all to him. He wanted that form her. He need it. Roman or not he was going to take her the way he knew how. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>17-03-2009, 12:09:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aurelia had seen the pictures of people, both men and women alike, on their knees, kissing their lover in this position. Gently she kissed the head of his manhood with a smile. Then she enclosed it with her mouth, warm and tight and very pleasing to the touch.<br>&nbsp;<br>With her mouth around his hardness she looked up at him, her dark eyes wide and adoring as she started to move her head. It was clear, she had never done this before, but she wanted to bring him pleasure, she wanted him to know how she felt.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>17-03-2009, 20:49:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Breathing in slowly he savored the sensation. He could tell she was new to this. He had been with several girls in his village who had wanted to marry the prince and their experience had shown. This was not the same, she was making mistakes somtimes doing things that bordered on painful. <br><br>It was perfect. <br><br>He smiled as he looked down at her and nodded. She was doing this for the first time and she was doing it with relish. It meant she was ready to please him and he wanted her to know how he adored her. <br><br>"Aurelia... you please me greatly" he said and then finally relaxing a long groan come from him as he brushed her hair gently to the side to watch her efforts. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>17-03-2009, 21:11:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was true Aurelia had no clue what she was doing, nor did she know that his approval was more to her behavior than the actual fruit of her labor. She smiled happily as she looked up at him her eyes wide, his cock in her mouth and her lips in a tight O around it.<br>&nbsp;<br>Her hair caressed her back and shoulders, her hands touched his thighs and her tongue slid over his hardness. She enjoyed it, found nothing demeaning or awkward in this show of affection.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>17-03-2009, 22:52:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Pulling back slowly he looked down to see his shaft glistening with her saliva and he smiled. She was doing very well tonight and he would show her how much he enjoyed it. kneeling down he grasped her hands and pulled her to her feet. <br><br>Walking gently to the bed he gently moved her to sit on it. This was not the straw cot from before. This bed was much nicer for a gladiator of renown. Pushing her back he spread her open and for the first time he looked upon her woman hood. Running his hands up and down her thighs he leaned in closer and then whispered. <br><br>"Open yourself to me Aurelia. All of you"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>17-03-2009, 23:09:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He led her to his bed and gently lowered her down, like a man should with his woman. She had hoped Cassian would had showed her this, though she had been nervous he would find out that he was not her first.<br>&nbsp;<br>With Oris, she didn't have to worry or hide, she could be herself and he would love her for who she was, love her as she was. Naked and spread, ready for him completely. She slowly spread her legs as wide as she could, offering herself to him as her hands moved lower, even spreading herself more.<br>&nbsp;<br>"Oris" She said with a soft voice. "I'm yours...and I will always be." the silly token gestures of a young girl in love.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>18-03-2009, 00:28:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Swallowing he leaned forward and placed a small kiss on the inside of each thigh. He could smell her perfumed skin and the scent of her aroused womanhood was mingling nicely with it. <br><br>Tilting his head up to face her he slid his hand ups firther and then his finger slipped into her body. He was rubbing the inside walls with his thick digit for a few strokes before adding another. His eyes were on hers and he held them there as he watched her reactions. <br><br>"Aurelia... Do you want to bear my child?" he asked wondering what her reaction t the barbarian baby would be. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>18-03-2009, 09:44:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She remembered those fingers and the feeling of extascy they had lead up to the other time. She had used her own fingers before, but the size and strenght of his digits made the sensation a complete different one. She let out a languish groan, her insides adopting the sweet intruders with sweet moist squeezes.<br>&nbsp;<br>Aurelia as not prepared for his question.&nbsp; "A child ?" She pressed herself up on her elbows and looked at him. Then she reached for his face, leaning her weight onto one arm. "I would." She said gently with a confused smile on her face, wondering why he was asking this. "But I am afraid Cassian would kill it as soon as it was clear it wasn't his."<br>&nbsp;<br>Which would be rather obvious since both he and Aurelia knew he had done nothing to concieve a child with her. And even if that changed, if the child would bear any resemblance to the father and it would be quite obvious it was not her husband. "Your child would not live long enough to get to know you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>18-03-2009, 23:12:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She of course was speaking the truth. His child would be easily recognized and he knew it would be destroyed. <br><br>But that was part of his plan. <br><br>She wanted him and that meant bearing his children when the time came he would use that to his advantage. Hooking his fingers he raised up and moved towards her face. His eyes meeting hers he smiled lightly. She was still feeling tight around his fingers and he did not wish to hurt her. Twisting his hand he slid his fingers in and out trying to help loosen her tight hole. <br><br>"I do not want this time to hurt you" he whispered watching her reactions. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>19-03-2009, 00:48:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She had her eyes slightly lidded and kissed the hand on her chin, rubbing her cheek against it. "You did not wish to hurt me the other time either, did you ?" She smiled and enjoyed his touches, teasing her carefully with her hips and inner muscles.<br>&nbsp;<br>"Would you like to give me children ?"&nbsp; She said with a dreaming look in her eyes. It was nice to fantasize about these things, even if the were impossible.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>19-03-2009, 04:09:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaking his head at her question he felt foolish. He had not known then she was a virgin. He had felt it and been a part of her being a true woman. Now he wondered if he had known if he would have paused for even a second. <br><br>He opened his fingers as he pushed in and out of her and then took in a deep breath. "Many. Daughters and sons" he said honestly Then moved up to stand his fingers slipping from her tight insides. He was kneeling hard and proud in front of her and he looked into her eyes. <br><br>"Are you ready to receive me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>19-03-2009, 17:21:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She chuckled at his answer. "Many ?"&nbsp; The thought brought a smile on her face. "Yes... I am ready for you, my love" She whispered sweetly and spread her legs even wider for him. "I want to feel you move in me again." she added shyly and turned her eyes away with a blush.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>19-03-2009, 22:19:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sliding along her body he pressed his body down into hers. He had experience with taking women and the ones he had known had preferred this position to others. He had taken her first pinned against the wall and this time he intended it to be more gentle. To let her feel him moving within him and not have the frenzied pace of being caught. <br><br>Feeling her warm and wet sex he breathed out and eased his head forward and into her tight and very warm body. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>19-03-2009, 22:28:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She hadn't lied. She was ready for him, very ready, very warm, very welcoming. As he pushed up into her she held her breath and closed her eyes, unafraid and actually savoring the feeling of being filled by him, he could tell so by the slight canting of her hips and the little bite into her lower lip.<br>&nbsp;<br>Aurelia moved beneath him, a bit insecure, trying to find a comfortable way to let him in deeper, to be even nearer to him. She opened her eyes and watched him, then reached out for his face with her hand, her skin looked golden in the soft light of the oil lamp and her eyes as dark as the night.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>19-03-2009, 22:38:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Wrapping his arms around her leg he pulled her up a little closer. The way her position was now opened her up more and he found he was able to push deeper into her body. He enjoyed the small groans and moans she was making and it spurred him to move more inside of her. <br><br>Sliding slightly to the side he was soon laying behind her on his side as well. Moving his hips back and forth he slid slowly in and out as his arm moved her her leg to slide under her. SOon he had lifted her body and she was sitting in his lap. Her legs off the edge of the bed with his he wrapped his arms around her middle and took in the sight of her golden backside sliding up and down. <br><br>He growled at the feeling and leaned in pressing his lips to the back of her neck and breathed deep the scent of her oiled skin. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>19-03-2009, 23:34:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her hands moved behind her, over his arms, holding on as she bounced in his lap, her cries growing louder, so loud that it would be hear along the compound, but most of all she was crying for him, because of him.<br>&nbsp;<br>Her inner muscles twtiched as he pushed up deep inside her, far deeper than she remembered feeling him.&nbsp; Her small, but wellrounded breasts bounced and she tossed her head back, flinging her hair against his face and chest, sounding as if she couldn't bare this another second, but also as if she would die if he stopped.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>20-03-2009, 01:14:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sliding his hands up he cupped her breasts in his large hands and squeezed pulling on the soft orbs. He leaned her body back against his chest forcing her to arch in the strange position. She was his and he was taking every inch of her body. <br><br>Rubbing his face along her shoulder he opened his mouth and bit her gently then turned his head. His eyes met hers and his mouth suddenly covered hers as he pumped his hips up to meet her. He was going to seed her. He was going to take her again. To claim what was his. Promised by the gods. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>20-03-2009, 12:00:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Their first time had been rather passionate but it was nothing compared to this. She wanted to see his face, but in this position the feeling was so much intenser, she was so much more aware of his touches and his manhood deep inside her. Her breasts were sensitive and started to hurt as he mangled them, but she could feel his every move against her, his belly against her buttocks, his thighs rocking her and his hips ever pushing into her.<br>&nbsp;<br>She screamed loudly as she felt a strange shudder well up between her legs, which caused bright flashes in front of her eyes. Suddenly her world was upside down and all she could do was cling on for the ride.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>22-03-2009, 17:02:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The cry of passion echoed in his chamber and he was pleased to hear it. Some maidens never gave in to the feelings their bodies put forth and laying with them was cold and sometimes pointless. To feel her body tremble and her tight hole began to clutch and pull for his seed made the feelings so much more intense. <br><br>A few heartbeats after her hard cry of passion he pulled don on her body impaling her deep onto his shaft. While he held her there a low guttural sound came from within him. He leaned back pushing harder up into her and releasing his seed into her warm and spasming body. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>22-03-2009, 18:15:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was hardly aware of his seed filling her as her abundance had made her unaware of her surroundings, but her body reacted to the sudden warm rush inside her.<br>&nbsp;<br>She squirmed against him, then collapsed, resting her back against his chest, her head against his shouldergrabbing his arms and pulling them around her for hold. "Oris..." She whispered breathlessly. "Don't let go of me...don't ever let go..."<br>&nbsp;<br>Her voice cried the plea as tears fell down her cheeks as she tried to regain her breath, his manhood still impaled inside her, her body trapped against his.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>22-03-2009, 19:50:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sweating slightly he held her body leaned back against his and smiled. He spoke no words,but his hands began to move and run all over her body. He touched her everywhere he could even leaning her forward to run his large calloused hands over her back. <br><br>When he had finally finished he reached for her face and turned her chin to face him. His shaft had not softened and he was still inside of her tight body his seed seeping out around his shaft. His eyes held hers for a moment and he snarled slightly. <br><br>"Again" he said and then covered her mouth with his. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>22-03-2009, 20:56:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her heartbeat picked up a little and she was actually slightly surprised and a little scared by the tone of his voice and his demanding kiss. His eyes seemed to look straight into her mind and she began to wriggle a little nervous.<br>&nbsp;<br>On some instinctive level she feared him, his fierceness and his brutish behavior, but strangely enough the fear didn't cause her to get up and run, no it compelled her to stay, the sheer danger of this man exited her. He was as close to an animal as he had ever behaved in her presence.<br>&nbsp;<br>It was not what she wanted, she wanted someone to hold her and caress her and tell her everything was going to be alright. But he offered her animalistic ravishment, treating her like her brother would treat their girls, how he was proably used to treating women up North. The thought should appall her, but it did not and she gladly, albeit carefully gave in.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>22-03-2009, 21:16:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He could feel her reluctance. Sensing that she was not used to being ravished he eased off his kiss and then lifted her from his body. His pulse still pounded in his head and he had to stand and walk to the water jug. dipping his hands in he splashed it on his face and let it run down his body as he closed his eyes. <br><br>Head swimming and eyes burning he turned to face her again. He had set her on his bed and now as he looked a low slow growl came from inside of him rumbling out for a moment. <br><br>"You should go Aurelia" he said in a low voice as he took a step closer. "If you stay... I will ravish you"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>22-03-2009, 21:43:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Don't send me away, Oris" She said with a small voice, glancing up at him, looking like a little bird that fell out of its nest, small and disheveled. "Please... I can't breathe if I'm not with you, I feel hollow and empty and useless"<br>&nbsp;<br>She fell on her knees before him and pressed her cheek against his knees, her fingers clammering onto his calves. "Please let me stay, Oris....I will try to be better for you." Tears started to fall and her glance was full of desperation. <br>&nbsp;<br>"Please....No one will even notice I am gone till sunrise...Don't make me go back there already..." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>22-03-2009, 21:59:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Looking down he glanced sideways at the chains on the wall. They were there in place in case he made trouble. They were there in case high ranking dignitaries came to him. He would be restrained in their presence. He was a trained killing machine after one who could easily snap the neck of a normal man before he could call for help. <br><br>Looking down at the cowering form in front of him he was suddenly reminded just how dangerous he was. <br><br>Reaching down he pulled her to her feet and glanced at the door. Spinning her around against the wall he attached the two manacles around her wrists pinning her up to the wall. Seeing her about to object or open her mouth he took his large hand and covered most of her face with it silencing her mouth. <br><br>"Yet you would leave and have me stay here as a slave" he said his eyes boring into hers. "Perhaps you should experience what it is like to want something yet not be able to have it... Is that something you have ever experienced Aurelia? Have you ever been told no?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>22-03-2009, 22:46:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As he grabbed her, pulled her up to her feet, she started to struggle and when she wanted to cry out he covered her mouth, pressing her against the wall, sliding her hands in manacles, holding her prisoner right there.<br>&nbsp;<br>He looked at her and she shrunk, shaking her head, not at his question but at the intensiveness, the beastly glare in his eyes. She had never been afraid he would hurt her but now she was. Very afraid.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kertaro</strong> on <strong>27-03-2009, 03:41:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Holding himself there pressing into her he could feel her trembling and he reveled in the air of power it gave him. Finally he released his hand and stepped away turning his back he walked across the room.<br><br>"You have no idea what it is like to live this life" he said with a growl. Finally turning a few feet away he folded his arms and his eyes bored into hers. "Tell me Aurelia" he said finally watching her "how does it feel to be helpless?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Barbarian at the gate (Kertaro and blue rose)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>blue rose</strong> on <strong>27-03-2009, 08:09:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The shackles were so high in the wall she at to stretch out to stand at all and as he paced in the room her frightened eyes followed him. She still felt the imprint of his touch over her lower face and jaw.<br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;"Oris...please don't do this..." She whispered. "You are scaring me..." Her voice sounded hoarse and breathy and she could hear her own heartbeat thumping in her ears.<br>&nbsp;<br>When he turned and faced her, however, she blanched and fell silent, averting her eyes after a few seconds because she couldn't bare the intensity of his gaze. "I never put you in chains." She whispered softly. " I've tried time and time again to get you out of them." Her lithe body quivered against the cold stone wall. "I am frightened." She said honesty as she lifted her dark eyes up to face his again.<br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;
			</dd>
		</dl>
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