She takes the money back from Gravus except 3 Sestercius:
"Keep this for the drinks with the slaves tonight and make sure you loosen their tongues a bit so they speak."
To everyone:
"From what Gravus says, maybe this Valeriana can help us find out more on Severina if she is not who she says she is. She did drop some hints just now with helpful information. But I am not sure if we can trust her."
Saulius returns home with a bundle of kindling wood. He briefly hugs his brother (Meneus Anacreon) and welcomes all to his humble abode.
Meneus takes his brother aside and you can overhear him explaining quickly that you have come here to ask him about local rumors/lore.
Saulius nods in acquiescence. He orders his daughter back into the house and gives some distance (with his brother) so the PCs can discuss in private until he is needed.
Bjarturius, looking at Gravus, asks:
"vhat is tis trink you prepared? Te man died not to trink it? Who trank it?"
After a moment, he adds, looking at Valka more gravely than usual:
"I don't trust one or te oter Domina... Ve don't knov vat tey vant... But te Domina Severina, I don't tink she trust anyone! Or maype she just trust te Got of Enfy... Erytnul..."
Turning to Titus, he asks:
"Te Domina, she is family from te Prince, no? Te proter of te Emperor... So vat do you tink?"
I am not sure we can trust her either, but I think the risk to at least go down this path is the least of those offered to us. Does Kord show you another way, that has any chance for success? Titus shakes his head as he says this.
I see little chance of a more direct confrontation working out well for anyone but the Domina Severina.
Valka agrees with her head at Titus's words and looks a bit restless anyway:
"I agree. There is always risks but that one is the best one. Let's go and see this Valeriana and talk about this more along the way if we need to. We'll just have to be careful in talking to her."
Valka starts to go but thinks of something and turns to the 2 brothers and says:
"You both should stay here. But beside Nikanor, the Temple of Hextor and Severina, who in this village you would say is important or has knowledge?"
Valka thinks of something else:
"Also if you can tell us about who this apothecary Vilmia was, how she died and if she had links to Severina?"
Saulius answers: "Besides those three, I would say the most influential people in Eburacum are Eminius Deltugo who owns the general store and the philosopher and lawyer Decius Condarius. He handles most scribe duties. The local grain and wine merchants also have a lot of pull here, and the smith Brinno is well respected for being a good warrior."
Saulius pauses as he considers Valka's second question: "Vilmia was complaining wild rabid animals kept infesting her Domus and Taberna,"
(NB about the Suel word Taberna or Taverna: small office attached to the home -domus- and where you do business, or in big cities you rent it to others for that reason. FYI: its the origins to our word tavern because a lot of those in Rome sold wine.)
", ruining her life and trade. One dark day, a pack of wild rabid dogs r@ped and killed her."
Saulius makes a quick gesture to ward off evil spirits. His voice begins to trail off, heavy:
"Vilmia was an old hag, quick to complain about everything, especially the Governor and his sister. She was also quick to brag that she, born a prole, was more learned than patrician born Severina Berenia."
Saulius shakes his head, his face sad and dark. His brother puts a warm reassuring hand on his shoulder:
"Don't worry brother. We have a priest of Kord here. The harsh trials of life: that's what this is."
Bjarturius, Titus Albanus, Valka and Gravus leave Saulius's domus to find Valeriana Pia.
Entering the village forum, they quickly identify what must be Deltugo's general store and the domus of the philosopher and lawyer Decius Condarius. Half a dozen wine and grain merchants also make up the buildings of the forum's square.
Ballio is soon spotted talking to another slave in front of Decius Condarius's place. He is alone.
In a whisper to his companions Titus says, "While we need information, it will not do to cast to wide a net. it would not be in our interest if the good Domina knew we were interested in her affairs."
"That said, does anyone have a preference on what our next step should be?
Valka thinks about Titus's words and says:
"If we don't take some chances we won't get anywhere. Plus Nikanor said no-one likes Severina in the village and even if I don't think much of Nikanor I kinda believe that! Look Titus, 'Audentes Fortuna Iuvat' I heard recently: its a good saying, we should follow it!"
Valka thinks of a plan, looks around and says:
"This is what I propose: Bjarturius cuz you're a Priest you talk to that philosopher, you Titus you're a warrior you talk to the smith who's also a warrior. Me I'll go to the general store. We ask about Severina, about Valeriana and the curse if we feel its ok. We'll meet back here then go talk to this Valeriana."
Valka starts to go to the general store and tells Gravus:
"Come!"
When Valka and Gravus are alone she says to him:
"If you have ideas about what's going on here or what we could do I want you to speak and say what's on your mind. I don't know if you are a well trained slave yet but in stores or when there is money involved you take care of speaking about prices! Got that?"
Valka goes to the general store and enters. She is gonna look for something simple to buy to give her a reason to be there (something useful but not too expensive). But she's also gonna look around, specially if there is women's clothes to buy: she's basically gonna be shopping! And when she does that she's gonna try to get an idea about the merchant.
Bjarturius smiles as he says to Titus:
"Feisty warrior-maiten, isn't she? The breat of the Lort of Strengfh animates her!" He smiles larger...
Looking around, he says, eyeing Ballio:
"I vill talk to Pallio, and ten go see tis Philosopher... See you at Saulius!"
VALKA & GRAVUS at the General Store:
The general store is a 2 story building, centrally located in the forum. A wide vestibulum (entrance-way) leads to a large inner atrium. The atrium (square design) has a fountain at its center with a simple marble statue of Damarus, the God of Trade. Each of the 3 sides of the atrium closest to the forum are composed of various displays of sell-able goods: grain/wine/farm products on one, tools/common items on the other, clothes/miscellaneous on the last. The fourth side must allow access to the living/private areas of the merchant's domus.
The store is empty except for a male slave stacking grain sacks and a man (40s, light frame) sitting at the fountain with an abacus in one hand and a unfolded scroll in the other.
Upon Valka and Gravus's entrance he springs to his feet and greets both:
"Salve, Salve, I am Eminius Deltugo, proud owner of this store. Are you traveling through our good village? In need of some supplies? Perhaps an amphora of the fine wine these hills provide? I can have it sweetened to your tastes."
BJARTURIUS at the Philosopher/Lawyer:
Decius Condarius's domus is a 2 story home whose tabernae flanking his vestibulum (entrance) are rented to a local sandal/shoe maker.
Ballio is clearly uneasy at seeing the big priest of Kord and also eyes Titus Albanus, who is leaving the forum (on his way to the smith). The other slave simply bows his head.
Ballio stammers: "The Domina Valeriana is praying at the temple of Hextor should you wish to see her Dominus."
TITUS at the smith:
After a quick inquiry with a local prole, Titus finds out the location of the smith Brinno's domus: it is located on a street nearby, next to the local carpenter and wheelwright.
The place is easy enough to find (it is a village after all, really not that big). Brinno, a burly hairy man in his 30s, is pounding away on his anvil, reshaping a horseshoe. A young apprentice is assisting and watching. Titus notices an air of resemblance between the two: probably his son or nephew.
Brinno eyes Titus as her approaches, obviously weary of the fact Titus has armor and weapons. He remains silent and keeps working. When the young boy, clearly fascinated by Titus's legionnaire garb, stands suddenly wide eyed and mouth gaping, Brinno loudly clears his throat, the coarse sound reminding the apprentice to stay focused on his task.
Gravus nods at Valka's instructions, "Very well, Domina, I shall speak me mind should it seem prudent..." he trails off after that confirmation, apparently considering the rest of her words before tugging slightly at the thick beard growing from his face.
"Hmm, it's still there," he reassures himself with a low chuckle, then looks up at Valka and speaks to her in a flat voice, unsuccessfully trying to hide his amusement, "yes Domina, I shall be careful not to interfere with your negotiations over price."
Following into the store, the dwarf resumes his quiet observations. He acknowledges the enthusiastic shopkeeper's greeting with a short bow, then indicates his mistress by holding out his arm and speaks formally, "this is Valka Spartica, valiant heroine of Pulvis Pontum."
Titus laughs at Bjarturius's words. Good luck! he says as the big man turns to leave.
________________________
Hail Brinno, and also you young sir Titus calls out cheerfully.
I need a moment of your time, and if not yours, then perhaps the boy can be of help. Pausing for a moment to gauge thier reaction, Titus continues, I have heard recently a very strange tale about your town and I want to know about it. When I came to town I asked who here was a fighting man and I was sent here. We men of swords, we have a way of seeing things a little more clearly than most, no?
VALKA & GRAVUS at the General Store:
Deltugo makes an exaggerated smile at Valka's title: "Heroine is it? Hextor be praised to honor my store with a warrior of fame! Anything you see that catches your fancy?"
TITUS at the smith:
Brinno stops working at the mention of 'fighting man' and 'we men of swords'. He looks at Titus for a long time, takes a deep breath and says:
"If you are talking about Vilmia's death, the illness of Ferto's wife and Nikanor's .. Hmmm ... problem, I don't know much."
He resumes his work but the hammer strokes are widely spaced apart. His words come out slowly:
"Everyone talks and has his idea of what's going on. Since he couldn't go to the Temple and Baerix's men, Ferto came to me one night. That same night I ran into a hobgoblin, he was naked and holding an old curved blade: I felled him with my hammer."
He gives one final powerful stroke of his hammer, sending sparks flying. He looks up, his left eye twitching with nervous intensity:
"What happened next I swear by the Gods is the truth: he collapsed and turned to blood."
Valka first looks around and tries to find a few items she may need: a belt pouch, a sewing needle and some thread, a few sticks of chalk.
If she finds any of that she puts them in Gravus's hands and says:
"See what price I can get for this".
After she continues by looking at the dresses, sees what may fit her and also look good (avoiding all grays, beiges and maybe even browns: they won't go well with her long blonde hair and skin tone). She says to the merchant:
"I am thinking of getting something new to wear to see Severina Berenia. She invited me to her villa and I need to look good for that. Can you give me some advice about her? What she is like? I hear she can get upset at people easily is that true?"
Valka will take her time asking all this while she looks at dresses, touch the fabric, things like that. She also ask:
"I hear she has a guest, Valeriana Pia, do you know who she is? Is she from here or close?"
VALKA & GRAVUS at the General Store:
Valka finds all four items available (belt pouch, sewing needle, thread, sticks of chalk). There are no price tags so inquiries for prices will have to be made.
Choice of ladies stolas (dresses) are few, only 5 are available. Deltugo approaches as Valka examines one: "A good choice. The fabric if fine and the design suits you well."
Valka realizes at this point the man has no eye for ladies fashion: it is a terrible choice for her, way too baggy at the midriff and the color is beige with gray motifs.
"The Domina Berenia is a fine upstanding lady and we are most blessed to have her here in Eburacum." He carefully picks his words:"But, she can be temperamental and she does get upset easily. But I am sure she will be most pleased to entertain an actual Heroine! My advice would be that whatever glories you may have obtained don't outshine hers. But you need not worry: you are obviously a fierce amazon warrior and there will be no rivalry there!" He laughs forcibly. "A fine, fine woman she is, truly! We are most blessed to have her here in Eburacum!"
"I don't know who her guest Valeriana Pia is. She is certainly not from around here and I never heard of her before."
After having talked with Titus, Bjarturius slowly stretches his muscular arms, looking around the forum with his usual smile on his face, holding the great club horizontally above his head (a negligible weight in his large hands) as a stretching accessory… Then he unhurriedly approaches Ballio in conversation with the other slave. He listens to what Ballio stammers, and says:
"Ha, Pallio, no I talk to you… I rememper, you and Taquelius had goot talks... He vas goot te last time I sav him, te Lort of Strengfh keeps him facing his Trials vit courage until his last breat, like He keeps us all!"
He marks a small pause, still smiling... After looking up in the blue sky a moment, while clasping his Holy Symbol, he resumes:
"Taquelius told me you knov much..."
"So tell me! Soon ve are going to see your pored Domina, pring entertainment to make her happy!" He stretches again, a large grin on his face... Put te oter times she only talked to Taquelius, Seerka ant Fedrix..."
A bit more seriously now, he continues:
"Te Domina Faleriana sait to surprice your Domina, so tell me hov ve make her a goot surprice! Maype poxing, or vrestling, or diskuise like te Pulvis Pontum Feast wit te beasts? Ten she vill pe happy?" He smiles largely again...
He pauses, then adds: "Ant maype surprise te Domina Valeriana also... Vat surprices she ant her frients like?"
Titus's face clouds slightly and his smile drops. I believe you speak the truth and this is why I sought you, to know the truth of these things and I will tell you that watching is all we do, is it not? We watch for our opening, we watch for our advance, or our escape and we watch our backs. This is what fighting men do. I would rather hear the sworn word of a man like you than the word of a lawyer or a priest.
Can you tell me which thing happened first? Vilmia, Ferto's wife or Nikanor's problems? They say many things, but what say you? What do you think is the cause? These are dark times to be sure!
BJARTURIUS at the Philosopher/Lawyer:
Ballio's stammering and uneasy behavior decreases somewhat at Bjarturius's jovial demeanor.
"Taquelius Rylindarius, the diplomat's son. Yes, I remember: a charming, eloquent man. Be not offended, Priest, that my Domina paid you little heed. Warlike ways and athletics do little to entertain her. She prefer the arts, the sciences and most particularly magic. That is why the Nerullia Arcana Seerka caught her eye."
Ballio struggles hard to understand Bjarturius's words: "The Pulvis Pontum feast with the beast? Now that sounds like something that would interest my Domina. As for Domina Valeriana I'm afraid I know nothing of her, except she comes from Delaricum. I didn't know who she was until she showed up with her unruly slave and a letter of introduction."
TITUS at the smith:
Brinno evaluates for a long time whether to continue talking or not. He makes his decision: "I think Severina Berenia is behind it all, and the milites of Hextor do nothing to defend the villagers. She is the Governor's sister. Why help us?"
Brinno puts his hammer down. "It's hard to say what came first: Nikanor's problem is now 6 daughters long, 8 years now at least. Vilmia died the winter before the one that just went. Ferto's wife became slowly mad last fall, it took 6 long moons. Poor Ferto. There have been other things too: a few slaves disappearing, a few downtrodden proles too. Foreigners too some say. There is a curse there and I know nothing of curses."
Brinno looks at the young man next to him. "I tried to help Ferto. He was sure he saw someone, or something, roam around his domus, but couldn't say what. I went to his place and waited. We heard something so I checked it as fast as I could. That's when I ran into that hobgoblin."
"Thank you for your advice about Severina Berenia, I heard rumors about a curse and I wanted to be careful so I wouldn't offend her and end up like Vilmia."
Valka checks close how he reacts to that. Unless he reacts super defensively or aggressive, Valka will also say:
"Of course if you can give me some information about this curse, so I don't do anything I shouldn't do, I would be very grateful to you."
Valka will examine something EXPENSIVE in the store, like she would MAYBE buy it if she was happy with what she hears!
VALKA & GRAVUS at the General Store:
Deltugo swallows hard at the mention of Vilmia's name. His face turns a shade of pale. "Vilmia just couldn't let it rest. She was just stupid, stupid. You do not question your betters, let alone think yourself superior to them. Who did she think she was? Stupid old woman."
Deltugo shakes his head a few times, his face showing a new resolve.
"I do not wish to speak of this anymore. We speak trade, by Damarus, or please leave my store."
Gravus clears his throat quietly as Deltugo shows his discomfort, "Of course," he says understandingly, "a less dangerous topic may be for the best, no?"
The dwarven slave casts an appraising eye over the goods his Domina had passed to him, paying particularly close attention to the sturdy stitching on the pouch, before making his offer.
"I think seven Sestertii is a fair price for these, yes?" he proposes after a couple of long breaths, hoping to take advantage of the shopkeeper's distraction over the fate of the unfortunate Vilmia.
"And, of course, there is still the matter of me Domina's dress... the one she's to wear tonight? From what ye say of the Domina Severina it might be best to avoid selecting anything too nice? Lest she believe it an attempt to upstage her?"
"As ye say, questioning your betters is a dangerous business, and not anything we'd be wanting any part of, but surely you've learned ways to appease the good Domina, no?"
VALKA & GRAVUS at the General Store:
Gravus’s gross under-biding of the selected goods snaps Deltugo right out of his latest, somewhat uncooperative mood. He stares at Gravus in shock, as if Gravus had just said something truly preposterous, like the earth was round and orbiting Pelor’s sun. “I beg you pardon? 7 sertercii? are you out of your mind Dwarf? That offer would barely cover the sewing needle. That will be 19 sestercii and 2 assii not a brass obol less.”
Back in merchant mode, Deltugo presses on: “The stolas (dresses) vary in price between 32 and 40 denarii. I do have a small selection of jewelry and accessories too but they are under lock and key. I don’t get many costumers interested in such expensive goods, mostly the local proles.”
“And don’t worry about upstaging her in those. Severina Berenia gets her stolas directly from the city, much finer goods than what I carry here. To appease her I’ve learned to make sure Ballio gets outrageously accommodating prices on everything she gets for the villa, a noble sacrifice that has prevented me from getting the third slave I desperately need.”
Valka gives 2 Denarius to Gravus and says:
"Buy the items if you think the final price is right. Be quick about it: I'll wait for you outside."
Valka, a bit upset, turns to the merchant and says:
"You wanna speak trade only? This is what I have to say about that: you know nothing of women's clothing."
Valka leaves the store.
Bjarturius nods:
"Yes, maype tat vay she likes atletics, ven te Might of Kord vrestles te bloot of Erytnul, ha ha ha!" he lets out a great joyful laugh...
Bjarturius makes a large gesture, showing the whole forum and beyond:
"Maype ten she unterstant everyone... anyone... vho faces their Trials, ant vho follov te pafh of te Lort of Might... Tey get te strengfh ant courage tey neet! Te Lort of Strengfh has strengfh for all vho shov gootvill to Him!" He makes a large smile to the slaves...
"And efen more strengfh against His ennemies!" he adds, his big laugh erupting again.
"Put you sait..." he continues... "Domina Faleriana prought a letter? Ten she did not knov your Domina before?"
BJARTURIUS at the Philosopher/Lawyer:
Ballio, himself far from being an icon of athletic prowess or strength, listens to Bjarturius's comments on Kord with a skeptical frown. He smiles respectfully at the Priest's laughter, as if to partake in the moment.
"Domina Valeriana just met my Domina not even two days ago. She comes from Delaricum and neither my Domina nor myself knows her by family or reputation. I guess that's why she took the sensible precaution of bringing a proper letter of introduction."
Ballio fidgets in place, obviously in some hurry. "Apologies Priest, but I must attend to some pressing matters."
Ballio bows and takes his leave.
VALKA & GRAVUS at the General Store:
Deltugo doesn't seem to take offense at Valka's words nor her brisk departure, Gravus can't help but think he must be used to temperamental ladies. Deltugo looks at the stola, sighing at the lost sale, and turns to Gravus to settle the purchase of the selected goods.
Gravus watches Valka storm out, before turning to Deltugo with a resigned look. He looks down at the coins he had been given, sighs, and then looks back to the merchant, "you know, if I agree to your price she will be even angrier, and I shall be the one who suffers for it... let us settle on eighteen sestertii and two assi, and I will endeavor to appease me Domina so that she may come back for a stola."
VALKA & GRAVUS at the General Store:
Deltugo: "I'll take your price Dwarf. If your Domina changes her mind for the stola, tell her I'll give her a good price, maybe a denarius or two off depending on which".
Deltugo takes the 2 Denarii, fishes in his pouch for change and gives Gravus back a sestercius and three assi. He gives the purchased items (belt pouch, sewing needle, small roll of thread, 3 pieces of chalk). "Damarus's good fortune upon you Dwarf."
Titus approaches Brinno slowly and makes a point to look around and wait until anyone close enough to hear has moved on.
In a hushed voice he says, I have heard the same dark rumor myself. It is no way for the people of the empire to live! If I can, I aim to make it end. It would help me to know everything. Can you or the boy show me where these things happened? Who knows what clue may still lurk there. Is Ferto in a frame of mind to speak about this? Do you think he might be able to help? Any information, no matter how trivial it seems might be of vital import.
TITUS at the smith:
Brinno considers Titus's request. He nods once, as if agreeing with some inner argument pondered and decided upon, and steps from behind his anvil. That's when Titus realizes the burly smith has a crippled stump of a left foot, forcing him to trod along slowly and with some difficulty.
"I'll take you to Ferto. But don't get his hopes up unless you are sure of what you're doing. Nikanor and some of his thugs terrified Ferto once trying to find clues himself and learn more about the curse."
Almost as an afterthought, Brinno grabs his hammer. In the Empire trust only goes so far, Titus thinks as he is reminded legionnaires - like him - don't have a reputation for handling investigations and interrogations delicately or nicely.
"Stay here." Brinno commands the boy.
Along the way: "Did you bring a priest or a magician with you to look for omens, cast auguries and help you find more about the curse?"
In Eburacum’s forum, Valka, who was exiting Deltugo’s general store, sees Valeriana Pia leaving the Temple of Hextor alone. Gravus soon after exits the store (having completed the purchases) and notices the same.
Bjarturius is talking to the slave of philosopher and lawyer Decius Condarius (Ballio had left on an errand). The slave informs the Priest of Kord his Dominus is indisposed at this early hour but should be available to receive guests after sexta (noon). Bjarturius also spots Valeriana Pia exit the Temple alone.
Titus, crossing the forum with Brinno the smith on their way to Ferto's, also notices Valeriana Pia. Brinno, whose crippled foot makes walking difficult, tells Titus he will wait for him here if Titus needs to quickly talk to his newly found companions or this Valeriana Pia before going to Ferto's.
Gravus nods to the merchant, then leaves the store after Valka.
As he returns the change from the transaction to his Domina, the dwarf clears his throat quietly and tilts his head slightly towards Valeriana Pia as she makes her way out of the temple.
Valka takes the change from Gravus and checks what kind of deal he got! (do I know if he got me a good price?)
Valka looks at Titus and Bjarturius in a obvious way to grab their attention and goes directly to see Valeriana Pia (Valka will wave at them to come if they dont "get it" with the obvious look!). She looks at Valeriana in a very direct way:
"We meet again. What happened to your slave? And I don't mean the one that got killed at the villa. But that wasn't really your slave right?"
Valka gives Gravus a quick look.
Valeriana is obviously non-plussed and a bit affronted to be approached so directly by a peregrina and straightens up to look down on her, fixing her with a steely glare.
"Servus got exactly what he deserved. What is it to you how I allow my slaves to be disposed of? As for Ballio, he is running some pointless errands whereas I must confess to some curiosity as to what such a mis-matched trio as yourselves are doing here."
She looks over to where Titus and Bjarturius approach, her gaze ending on Titus: "Has the Adria Ursa taken to hiring Coruskians for detached service now, Milite?"
Gravus raises his eyebrows at Valka's glance, a little surprised by the lack of subtlety in her question, but eventually nods approvingly, happy to be taking the direct approach.
"Forgive me," the dwarf intones with somewhat forced sincerity, bowing low to Valeriana, "but it seems that ye may wish to ensure the quality of your slaves before purchasing them in future... that one seemed quite deficient for the role, he even seemed to think he served ye at his own whim, or perhaps as part of some bargain."
Titus smiles broadly at Valeriana and responds, It is no more common than having a Patrician stoop to question the workings of the military.
I am curious though why you would throw money away like you did. Had that slave no value?
"Clearly not as valuable as I had hoped. My father was a tribune in the Adria Ursa so the legion is of interest to me." Valeriana smiles calmly. "Are we to continue answering questions with questions do you think?"
“The 2 Coruskians, so you know, survived the massacre of our home village of Segesta and the banquet of the Adrini beast in Pulvis Pontum. The Emperor’s own brother declared us heroes for that last one! And that’s not it: this smooth talker, called VALERIUS, …”
Valka makes a BIG emphasis on the similar sounding name Valeriana-Valerius (funny coincidence Rico!!!)
“… tried to have me enslaved to become a Gladiator. So in ONE SINGLE season, patricians and social betters have lied to me, tried to use me for their entertainment, kill me and turn me into an undead. So you will forgive me if my tolerance to crap is running short.
So you wanna stop with the questions? Fine! This is what I know for sure: I sent Gravus to find out about this Severina. He comes back and tells me that slave of yours was just pretending to be one, going along in some deception, and that you are probably not who you claim to be. Gravus may be just a slave, but I think he’s pretty smart. I trust what he says.”
Valka takes a deep breath …. and …continues:
“Now if you’re here to deceive Severina, maybe we can be allies. We’re not her enemies, but not her friends. Maybe we can both get what we want here.”
(whewww, that was wayyyy longer then I expected!)
(One more thing: I've decided to use "Spartaca" not "Spartica", but dont know how to change it on the forum!)
Valeriana Pia looks at Valka with some surprise, almost as you might look at a horse which suddenly began to speak, her face showing some concern, quickly concealed, at the mention of Valerius. She looks past Valka to Titus. "What is it that you want then? Tell me how you think I could help you, and also, tell me why I would."
Titus smiles at the question...It does seem that our recently established tradition of answering questions with questions is not yet over.
I think you are in a far better position to tell us how you can help us, and if your help is significant enough we are likely to forget that you are not who you claim to be.
Turning to Bjarturius, and then to Valka he adds These 2 may have something more specific that they want, but I am sure that a start of telling us why you are here would be a very welcome begining. Would you care for some wine as we talk?
Titus's grin never leaves his face and whether it is forced or real is not clear.
"If we are to continue this verbal sparring, some wine would be welcome. What you say would only be true if I had knowledge of what you seek. Other than that you have some interest in the Domina Berenia which you do not wish her to know about, and that in itself might interest her, I could not begin to guess how I might assist you. I have simply come from Loutharnium to stay for a few days with my distant cousin Severina Berenia. That she has become friends with me may be helpful to you, or it may not." Valeriana smiles serenely, obviously enjoying the game and content to continue playing, confident in her throw
Valka takes a step back, detaching herself from the conversation as she sees Titus and Valeriana look like they understand each other and "speak the same language".
She listens to everything attentively and keeps her eyes open.
Titus looks quickly to find a taverna in the shade and out of the way of the ears of the curious. Selecting the best candidate he gestures with his hand to both Valka and Valeriana, Please save me a seat Domina's, and I shall join you presently.
Titus turns on heel and walks to Brinno. Apologies for the wait. I still need to see Ferto, but that errand can wait, and this current conversation cannot. What you have told me I hold in confidence between you and I and my two compatriots. Here are are three denarius for your time and trouble. I shall see you again as soon as I am able.
Titus walks past Bjarturius, and invites him playfully. Kord would not want you to miss a drink with two women as pretty as these I think. Please do join us.
Sitting with the Dominas he places his order, and then while he waits he says to Valeriana, Please favor me with a story from your Father from his days as a Tribune. I do love hearing the accounts of the history of the legion.
Two wine selling tabernae are located in the village forum: small kiosks located in the forefront of larger domis. In one case the domus of a wine merchant, in the other it is rented out from a private home. That last one is much smaller and consists of a simple booth with a pair of large wine amphorae’s dangling from chains and cups on the taberna’s counter. The wine merchant took some care in making his bigger, installing a wide awning to shelter patrons from the sun and installing a few simple stools and even one small round table, to add to the taberna’s stereotypical storefront counter.
Titus Gives Brinno a denarius , a very generous sum since a denarius is the wages earned by a professional man in a few days of work. Brinno accepts the silver coin: “I’ll wait here a little while and go back to my work if you take too long.”
Titus picks the wine merchant’s taberna to accommodate the patrician lady, has them seated around the only table and serves wine for all (these storefront booths are almost always self service. The cost is 4 obolds each: 16 total, since I imagine Titus doesn’t serve a cup to the slave Gravus.) Valeriana picks up the cup with patrician grace, sips it:
"If you are truly interested in stories of dubious authenticity told to amuse an impressionable girl I can relate such, but you look too old for bed time stories and I will need to return to the villa before too much time has passed lest the Domina become worried for me. My father served with the Adria Ursa under Legatus Caetus Pontus Velox mainly during the Gurkarius campaign against the bandit Orcs of the Bad Moon, but he was actually a gentle man and I doubt his tales of heroism were really true. You, on the other hand, seem a harder type. Have you killed many men?"
Titus recalls the campaign against the bandit Orc King Gurkarius that happened a generation ago. It fits.