Friday, July 10th - Afternoon- Seventh hour (13:00)

Seventh hour (13:00)

The early afternoon sun shined brightly and without respite in the cloudless sky. As she walked the streets of Pompeii, Tita felt the stifling heat reflect off the stone paving and brick walls. The air was heavy with humid heat. She realized she was not used to the brightness, heat or humidity in this area, as she rubbed the sweat from her forehead. The two heavy leather satchels that hung over her shoulders did not help. Neither did her yellow-green shawl and long light-green linen dress. She really wanted to take off her dress and wade in the cool Sarno river, like the people she saw that morning near the Stabia gate. But she knew people would tell her to go away, out of fear from seeing her unusually spotted white skin.

Tita walked around the corner to head east towards the east city wall and saw a woman dressed in dark red on the left side of the street, standing in front of a door way. Tita deduced that was probably Aurelia’s tavern, since the woman carefully watched the people walking by. Tita was surprised it had only taken about fifteen minutes to walk from the forum to the tavern. She had imagined Pompeii to be much bigger in size, from how her cousin Claudia had described the town.

She sighed with relief knowing she would soon unload her heavy satchels- all her worldly belongings and clothing. She reflected on how the possessions she loved so dearly had become oppressive weights of burden over her long six-week journey. How many times had she thought to toss them away and free herself of past possessions?

She wondered if she would become a burden to her cousin Claudia, or to Elena or Aurelia.

Tita suddenly felt embarrassed about her spotted skin and anxious about the prostitution work she would start doing at Aurelia’s villa. Tita was especially nervous about meeting Elena, Aurelia’s main trainer. Claudia had warned Tita about Elena’s spell and how it affected every woman who met Elena. Would Tita also be enraptured by Elena? Could she control her feelings about Elena and focus on her training? The site of the tavern unleashed a thousand questions and fears in her mind. She continued towards the woman in the dark red dress with some trepidation.

As Tita approached the woman, she realized the woman seemed a little younger than herself, shorter in height and heavier. She had exquisitely shaped black eyeliner and red radial lines painted on her forehead. The red paint on her cheeks matched her dress color. Tita saw her hands and feet were also decorated with black and red lines, swirls and shapes. The woman broadly smiled as Tita walked up to her, her dark brown eyes warm, her gaze steady. She smelled of oranges and lemon.

“Hello, my name is Caecilia,” said the girl with a reassuring smile and a firm grip of Tita’s hand.

“Hello, I am Tita, Claudia’s cousin.”

Caecilia paused for a minute, thinking. Then she made a face of amazement. “You are the girl coming from Gergovia?”

Tita smiled, though she realized her shawl covered her mouth. “Yes.”

“Oh come in, come in! Elena is here to meet you! She’s been expecting you for a few days.”

“Elena the trainer?” Tita was suddenly nervous. She had not expected to meet her so soon.

“Yes, yes! But do not worry. She is completely amazing and very sweet! You must be very hot and dying of thirst. Today is a very hot day. Come in and eat and drink.”

Caecilia gently took Tita’s hand and pulled her into the tavern doorway and then to the right towards an end table at the back wall. Tita saw the end table had benches for seating and it was by a window that opened to the street. The sunlight and shadows revealed an imposing, tall gladiator with black brown skin. Tita was suddenly taken aback, stopping in her tracks and pulling away from Caecilia.

“Oh!” Tita exclaimed.

Caecilia turned to her and followed Tita’s fearful look towards the gladiator. “Oh do not worry about Tacitus. He protects us! He’s Aurelia’s husband.” Tita remained shaken as Caecilia took her hand again and led her towards the dark gladiator, who stood straight with his back against the wall.

A young woman in a light blue dress arose from the table bench and stood next to Tacitus. Tita saw the woman was radiantly beautiful, with a warm, inviting smile. She seemed only a little older than Tita, and stood as tall as Tita. But her eyes, face and dark tan skin were utterly captivating.

“Elena, this is Tita! She finally arrived!” exclaimed Caecilia, giving Tita’s hand to Elena.

Elena smiled broadly, taking Tita’s hand with both hands, using a lightness of touch and sensitivity that Tita found remarkable. “Tita, welcome to Pompeii! We have been waiting for you to arrive. Claudia has been anxious about you as well. But I see your journey has been good for you.”

Tita could not break away from Elena’s large olive-hazel eyes that sparkled in the shadows and held Tita’s blue eyes in a warm gaze. Tita was captivated by Elena’s low, melodic voice, her supple lips and well proportioned face. Her luxuriant light brown hair was intertwined in a head dress that made it seem like she wore a crown. She had subtle blue eye-liner that extended past her eyes, small blue dots painted on the borders of her ears and thin blue lines on the sides of her neck.

Tita noted Elena’s posture was straight, but not stiff. Her confident, graceful movements reflected wisdom and experience beyond her years. But what surprised Tita the most was the sweet citrus scent of Elena’s dark tan skin, and how shiny her skin appeared in the light from the window. There was also an earthy scent that Tita did not recognize. Elena’s scent excited Tita, but she did not know why. All Tita knew was that she had a sudden, embarrassing urge to kiss and lick Elena’s skin.

“I-….” Tita could not find the words, as Elena’s mesmerizing presence cast a spell on her.

Caecilia laughed. “Elena has that affect on everyone the first time they meet her. It is normal! I will go back outside.” Caecilia warmly squeezed Tita’s other hand. “Welcome home!”

Caecilia’s mention of ‘home’ snapped Tita out of her reverie. She realized her long journey was finally over. Tita sighed heavily, letting go of her journey worries as new concerns about her work started to occupy her mind. She unslung her satchels from her neck and shoulders and gently laid them on the floor, sighing again with relief.

“They became heavier and heavier,” she absently remarked, looking at Elena.

“Please sit down,” said Elena. “Have some water with lemon.” She filled a cup from a jar on the table.

Tita sat down heavily and sighed deeply. She looked at Tacitus who stood stiffly like a stone statue, a curious contrast to Elena’s fluid warmth and elegance. Tita noticed Elena’s light blue dress was made of very smooth and shiny material. She realized it was silk, a fabric she had infrequently seen at her parent’s fabric shop in Gergovia. Tita remembered Claudia saying how much Elena loved silk.

“Silk?” she asked, as she felt uneasy and started to see stars.

“Yes…. Come, drink. You must be thirsty from the heat,” Elena insisted.

“Yes….” Tita let her shawl fall from her face to drink, realizing she was very thirsty. She took the cup with both hands and drank with gusto, finding the lemon water very refreshing. Elena also drank while looking at Tita. Tita felt that Elena was already studying her.

“It is good that you drink well…” said Elena. “Prosilio, bring another jar of lemon water please.”

A man by the ovens dressed in a loincloth walked around the cooking area and through an opening in the wall that supported the ovens. Elena placed her hand on Tita’s arm. “Have you eaten?” she asked.

“Yes, a few hours ago. Thank you. The water is fine.”

“Perhaps a little bread or oranges?” Elena pointed to bowls of bread and fruit in the corner.

“No, I am fine. Thank you.”

“Remember that here at this tavern, food and drink are free for Aurelia’s staff.”

“Thank you. But I am fine with the water. It is very refreshing.”

“Drink then. You are not used to the sun down here. The sun is stronger in the south, so you should drink well until you get adjusted to the climate.”

Prosilio arrived with another jar, taking the empty one. Tita saw that Prosilio was actually a boy younger than Caecilia, perhaps fifteen or sixteen. But he had a tall, sturdy body.

“Thank you,” said Tita, eagerly pouring herself another cup of water.

“Thank you Prosilio,” said Elena. “Meet Tita. She is Claudia’s cousin and will be working for us.”

“Hello miss,” he mumbled, looking at Tita with alarm and stepping back a bit.

Tita paused her drinking. “Hello Prosilio.” She saw the fear in his eyes and bristled.

“Tita only has a different type of freckle Prosilio. It is not contagious,” said Elena about Tita’s spotted white skin. “Remember, she is Claudia’s cousin, and Claudia has freckles too. Tita is joining our team, so you have nothing to fear. Tita and Claudia have known each other since childhood.”

Prosilio looked at Elena, then back at Tita. He understood and relaxed. “I am sorry, miss.”

Tita smiled wanly. “It is okay,” she said flatly.

“Prosilio, please go to the amphitheater and bring Remo back. We need him to send a message to Aurelia,” said Elena.

“Yes maestra.”

Elena touched Prosilio’s arm. “But before you go, ask Lucius if he needs anything.”

Prosilio nodded and left them. Tita saw he went to talk to a man baking bread in the ovens.

“I am sorry,” said Tita instinctively in a low voice. “I do not like to worry others.”

“Why do you apologize? You are not causing harm,” said Elena quietly. “I know you always deal with the unfounded worries of others. It is not pleasant. But it is not your fault. Remember that.”

Tita noticed how Elena continued to look at her with a smile, resting her warm hand again on Tita’s arm. Elena’s touch and warmth excited Tita. To distract herself, Tita drank as she looked behind her to get a view of the tavern. She noticed it was much better kept than the tavern by the port, where she had had a mid-morning meal with the Bactrian dance troupe.

“The boss Aurelia owns the tavern?” Tita asked, turning back to look at Elena.

Elena smiled, letting go of Tita’s arm, “Aurelia prefers her name, rather than ‘boss’ or ‘chief’. She is direct, but accommodating. And yes, she is co-owner with the tavern’s original owner Marcus. They have an agreement. Marcus operates the tavern and shares food and staff, while Aurelia’s husband Tacitus, and the bodyguards he trains, provide protection. Everyone is completely trustworthy, though I am sure Claudia has already told you that. And she probably mentioned that Tacitus does not speak. His tongue was cut out years ago.” Elena motioned to him, resting her hand on his arm.

“Oh,” Tita looked up at Tacitus. “I am sorry.”

Tacitus did not look at them, but grumbled in a deep and curiously gentle way.

“He thanks you.” Elena added.  “After a week, you will understand him…. If I remember correctly from what Claudia told me, you read Latin?” Elena reached down to get something from the floor next to her bench.

“Yes,” said Tita as she admired Elena’s graceful flowing movements and her light blue silk dress. “Claudia and I were tutored by her father’s friend in Latin and a little Greek.”

“Good. Tacitus uses this scroll to write messages,” Elena held up a parchment scroll. “Make sure to check it often…” Elena smiled. “He is far more poetic than he cares to admit.” Elena chuckled while looking up at Tacitus, who strongly growled, but then cracked a fleeting smile, surprising Tita. “You will learn to love his company, just like the other girls.” Elena laid the scroll back on the floor.

Tita looked up at Tacitus who stared ahead, his large hands clasped together in front, his feet slightly apart. She noticed the scars on his arms and legs, the many indentations on his well-worn breast plate, the cuts and marks on his leather skirt. He had two pugios, one on each side, clasped in their sheaths. Tita imagined Tacitus could easily wield both daggers in a fight. He clearly had survived much fighting. She imagined he had great strength and power, which led her to wonder how he and Aurelia were like together, how long they had known each other, if Aurelia was just as strong as Tacitus.

“Your dress has a lovely shade of green,” said Elena. “It is very beautiful. Did you dye it?” Elena took a loaf of bread and an orange from the bowls at the end of the bench by the window.

“Yes,” said Tita sheepishly. “I have a few like this.”

“Excellent,” said Elena as she broke the bread in half and gave half to Tita. “Here. Eat.”

Tita realized she was a bit hungry after all. “Thank you.” She started eating the bread.

“At your parent’s clothing shop in Gergovia, you dyed and knitted linen?” Elena asked while using a knife on the table to cut the orange in half, giving Tita one half.

“Yes. But we work with wool, linen, cotton, leather, hides and occasionally silk.”

“Good! Than you can also make dresses for some of the other girls.” Elena cut her half of the orange into two wedges. “But make sure you are paid for your work!” Elena laughed, then started eating the pulp, sucking on the rind as well.

“Yes. Thank you Elena.” Tita followed Elena’s lead, cutting her half into wedges. The orange tasted very good, and the smell made her think of Caecilia.  “Caecilia puts orange juice on her skin?”

“She actually rolls oranges and lemons on her skin.”

“She does so every day?” Tita asked as she continued sucking on her orange wedge.

“Yes… Perfumes are not a requirement, for Aurelia or myself. But they help reinforce your presence with a client, especially if the perfume is very pleasant. When Caecilia first trained with me, she had the idea to roll oranges and lemons on her skin. She did not get reactions and her skin has stayed healthy. So she continues to do it. I believe she spends about half an hour each day rolling the fruits. You will have to ask her what quality of fruit she chooses to use. I think she prefers ripe fruit. And I believe she cuts the rinds to encourage the oils to flow out of the rind. But she likes the smell very much. Some of her patrons ask to see how she prepares her skin with the fruits.”

Elena cut another orange in half for them, then cut her half in wedges and gave the knife to Tita.

“Thank you…” Tita cut her half into wedges also. “Do you also roll lemons on your skin?” Tita asked, curious about Elena’s scent.

“I used to many years ago. Now I prepare a potion of lemon, orange, oil and spices. And no, I will not tell you what the spices are. They are one of my special secrets.” Elena smiled broadly.

“But…” Tita started to object, but then she understood, as she sucked on her wedge.

“If I told what spices I use, then all the girls would use my potion and it would no longer be my own special perfume. A perfume should be as unique and mysterious as the woman.”

“Yes…” Tita thought for a moment. “Is that a lesson?” she asked.

Elena looked at Tita. “Very good, Tita.” She smiled. “You are a quick student.”

“Thank you.” Tita smiled in return, pleased with Elena’s compliment.

“Yes, it is a lesson. We will discuss perfumes later. I will show you the general process of how I make a potion, and some possible ingredients you can use. But everyone is encouraged to develop their own perfume or range of perfumes. Remember that the sense of smell is strongest, most powerful sense we have been given. Stronger than taste, touch, hearing or vision.

“Smell can instantly capture your mind, trigger memories and generate strong feelings. I am sure you have felt the profound disgust from the smell of a cadaver of an animal. Or the delicate pleasure from smelling a certain flower. The natural world provides us with an enormous variety of smells. Since you have a choice in how present yourself, you also have a choice in deciding how a perfume can reflect, reveal or enhance you and your psyche.”

Tita sat in awe of this women only slightly older than her and yet with the profound wisdom of the ages. Now she understood why Elena was the ‘best trainer’, as Claudia had described her. Tita was curious to know Elena’s education, but she understood that Elena would tell her at the right time. Tita finished eating her wedges, and drank her second cup of lemon water. She poured herself a third cup.

“You travelled from Rome to Pompeii with the Bactrian dance troupe?” asked Elena. Tita imagined Claudia would have told Aurelia and Elena about the message Tita had sent to her from Rome.

“Yes,” replied Tita. “I am sorry I am a few days late, but the troupe made extra stops and they delayed the whole trip. Originally they thought it would only be ten days, but they made more stops. And I preferred to stay with them. I did not want to travel alone.”

“You made an excellent choice. Aurelia and I were very happy when Claudia read us your message.”

“You were?” Tita was surprised.

“Certainly. From what Claudia has already told us about you, I think staying with the dance troupe was a perfect way to start your training. Plus, you made the right choice to travel with a group of women you could trust. There are many who travel the Appia road, including those with malicious intents. So you chose very well to stay protected. I would have made the same choice.”

“Thank you,” said Tita. She felt proud of Elena’s indirect compliment.

Tita finished eating her bread. She noticed Elena alternated between a bite of bread and a bite of the orange wedge, chewing slowly, taking her time to relish the taste. Tita made a note to eat more slowly next time and savor the taste.

“It is a troupe only of women?” asked Elena, between bites.

“Yes, there are thirteen women who dance, and also Zarina, who is the chief and administrator. They also have two male slaves to take care of the animals and set up the tents, and four women slaves and five children, one of them a baby. Four of the dancers are mothers. The women slaves help prepare food for everyone and take care of the children. Two of them also teach the children.”

“Ah, a large group. Very good. And the husbands?” asked Elena.

“There are three husbands. Two of them are related. I think perhaps cousins. I saw them in Rome, for a day and night. And again in Neapolis, also for a day and night. The husbands travel ahead to advertise, get advance payments and make arrangements for the troupe. They are now travelling to Salernum and then Brundisium, which is where the troupe is heading next.” Tita reflected on her two weeks with the troupe, absently sipping her cup of lemon water. She continued,

“They took very good care of me. They were very open and honest with me. They kept me with them at all times and let me sleep in their tent. We became very friendly. They wanted me to join their group. I mean, to be a dancer with them.” Tita smiled, “Every night they asked me to join them. Many, many times. They would do little dances just for me, to tempt me to say yes. I was very tempted to stay with them. In the past few days, I considered it very carefully. I became very fond of them.

“I liked two of the dancers especially, Zina and Zine. They love each other very deeply. They have been a couple for many years. But they liked me very much also, I guess. They were very sweet with me and shared everything they had. They would not even accept my payment for their food. Every night they spoke of how we could become a dance trio. How I could be a part of their dance routines. They showed me dance moves that I could do. We would practice…

“But I am very clumsy with dancing. I mean, I have no eroticism or grace. I do not know how they were so sensual in their movements. I mean, they were just wonderful to watch. Not just the whole group, but Zina and Zine especially. They dance as a pair in their routines. They reflect each other in slow, sensual movements and very fast movements. It is like they are dancing twins. I envy their abilities. It would probably take me years to learn what they do…” Tita looked at Elena. “That is why I decided to leave them and continue as we had planned with Claudia. To work here in Pompeii, I mean.” Tita paused again, reflecting.

“Zina especially did not want me to leave. Of the whole group, she knows Latin best, so we talked often. Zine knows Greek, but I only know a little Greek. So I talked to Zina most of time. She was my translator for the group. We became very close. I will miss her a lot. Her and Zine…” Tita sighed. “I will miss all of them a lot.” Tita surprised herself at how easily she confessed these things to Elena.

Elena had finished eating and looked at Tita with a warm, steady gaze. Tita sensed Elena listened intently to every word she said, which made her feel special. Elena smiled and leaned forward, very gently caressing Tita’s arm so that her skin bristled. “I imagined they loved your skin.”

Elena’s deduction surprised Tita, and she felt a wave of emotion as she remembered the nightly ritual the Bactrians did for her. Tita teared up. “Yes…” she paused to hold back her tears and dry her blue eyes with her shawl. “I am sorry. But… It… I have never been admired that way. By anyone. Never. Not even my parents or brothers. Claudia is the only one who always gives me compliments. And Uinda, many years ago. But with Zina and Zine, there were fourteen beautiful women who really admired me. Who really wanted to touch and caress my skin. Me and my spots. I…” Tita sighed heavily. “I just loved it. I loved it a lot. Every night they had a ritual… I really wanted to stay with them...” Tita teared up again, overwhelmed by her own sadness. “I am sorry,” said Tita, trying to stifle her sobbing.

Elena clasped Tita’s arm. “There is no need to apologize. It is normal to feel sadness for the loss of such strong affection. Let the tears flow. It is good to release negative feelings.”

Tita cried for a bit and then quieted down, sighing repeatedly. She dried her eyes again and drank more lemon water. Elena gave her another orange.

“Close your eyes, hold this close, breathe deeply and smell it. It can help calm your feelings.”

Tita followed Elena’s advice and held the orange close to her nose, breathing in the orange scent. She found it relaxing and good.

“They are staying in Pompeii today?” Elena asked after a few minutes.

Tita snapped out of her orange reverie. “Yes, thank you. Thank you, Elena. Thank you. Yes, I think so. I just left them at the forum. They will go to Salernum and Brundisium, but I am not sure exactly when. They were saying perhaps in a few days, or perhaps even tomorrow.”

“Ah, excellent. Then after you finish your drink, if you do not mind, I would like to go meet them.”

Tita was surprised. “Really?” She was immediately overjoyed by the idea.

“Certainly. We could use some exotic dancing at the villa. And I am sure they can give excellent dance lessons to the girls. But most importantly, I would like to know about them and what they think of you. It seems that they already started your training in a good way!” Elena laughed as Tita blushed. “And since they treated you so well, it is good if you continue to enjoy their company a while longer as you do your training. It will be a good transition for you.”

“Oh thank you! Thank you!” Tita smiled grandly, bouncing on the bench. Then she realized she was acting like a child. “I am sorry.”

“As part of your training, we will have to correct your apologizing,” said Elena, grinning. “You do not need to apologize for feeling happy or sad, unless you are disrespecting someone.”

Tita laughed. “I… Oh!” And she caught herself. “Yes maestra.” She sipped more water. “When do I start the training?”

“Now! Aurelia is anxious to get you in circulation. She has already scheduled an introduction for you to some of our better clients in six days.”

“Oh! But I am not ready! I just arrived!” Tita was immediately worried about what the introduction would require of her.

Elena laughed. “Do not worry. One step at a time. The first part of your training, today and most of tomorrow, is for you to tell me about yourself. Tomorrow we will tour the villa and Pompeii and you can learn about the city as you talk about your life. The more I know about you, the better training I can give you. Then based on what I learn about you, we can arrange the schedule for the following days.

“But I can already see you have quiet determination and inner strength, with gentle manners and healthy fears and concerns. You are open to evaluating important opportunities as they arise. All of that is very good. Most importantly, you have good appetites when you need them. That is key. Always trust your body, Tita. Your body is your best and only asset. Without your body, you cannot live, love, think or feel. That is my most important lesson for today. Remember it well.”

Tita remained stunned at Elena’s incisive analysis of her character. “I-….”

Elena smiled again, gently caressing Tita’s arm. “I am sure your introduction will go very well and you will make some of the other girls jealous. Claudia was right to convince you to come. You have a bright future here Tita, so long as you do not lose faith in yourself.”

Tita blushed with embarrassment. “Thank you, thank you,” was all she could say, smiling. She finished her third drink, feeling full and refreshed. She was eager to go back and see Zina, Zine and the other beautiful dark-skinned Bactrian women she had come to know so well. Tita noted Elena also had darker skin. “You come from the same area as the dancers?”

“Noooo. My history is long and complex…” Elena slowly stood up and Tita heard someone approach them from behind. “Ah Remo, perfect timing. Meet Tita from Gergovia. She is Claudia’s cousin.” Tita stood up also.

“Hello miss.” Tita saw Remo was a short, stocky younger boy, maybe ten or eleven. He only glanced at Tita, instead staring up at Elena with a bit of rapture and a foolish smile as he breathed heavily. Apparently he had run to the tavern.

“Hello Remo,” said Tita, but Remo seemed not to notice, as he wiped his forehead of sweat and dried his hand on his tunic. He took the jar of water and sipped the water, letting out a big ‘aah’ and then wiping his mouth.

“How is the activity at the amphitheater?” Elena asked Remo.

“Ten men said they would stop by here tonight. Six for Livinia, three for Diana, and one for Lydia.” Remo said proudly, smiling enthusiastically. Tita almost giggled at Remo’s obvious devotion to Elena.

“Very good. And Prosilio went to the market for Lucius?” Elena asked Remo.

“Yes, to get lamb meat for tonight. He said he would be here in half an hour, maestra.”

“Good. Now, run to Aurelia, tell her about the requests from the amphitheater and also deliver this message from me. I am taking Tita to meet the Bactrian dance troupe. We will come to the villa later. Then I can let Aurelia know what kind of arrangements we should make for the Bactrians.”

“Yes maestra. I will run fast!” Remo started to bolt away.

“Wait!” said Elena strongly, quickly grasping Remo’s arm with notable speed.

Remo turned around, looking at Elena with fear and guilt.

“Also, please take Tita’s satchels to Aurelia.” Elena smiled, pointing to the floor.

Remo looked down and picked up Tita’s satchels from the floor. He draped them over his neck and shoulders. Seeing that the satchels hung very loosely, he shook his head and took them off and passed both straps over his head and arms, then flipped the satchels on his back, so that the straps passed under his armpits and over his shoulders. He saw the leather straps were still loose and made a face. He took them off again and looped one of the straps, then passed one arm through the loop, again arranging the satchel as before on his back. Now the leather strap was tight around his chest, and the satchel stayed in place on his back. He clucked and nodded to himself, and did the same with the other satchel, looping the strap on his other arm.

Tita was fascinated by Remo’s ingenuity. “I wish I had known to do that six weeks ago!” she exclaimed. “You are a very clever!”

Remo looked at her, grinning. “Thank you, madam!” He paused to look at her face with wonder, rather than with fear as most people expressed. Tita smiled at Remo’s genuine curiosity. She took Remo’s hand and put his hand on her face so he could feel her skin.

“It is smooth!” he exclaimed.

“Yes,” Tita said, smiling.

“The spots do not hurt?” Remo continued caressing Tita’s cheek.

“No. Never.”

“Wow. You are super smooth. But you look like a leopard!” He exclaimed boldly. “Are you strong like a leopard? Do you growl like a leopard?” His dark brown eyes twinkled with excitement and mirth.

Tita made a face and claws with her hands, then hissed and growled deeply.

Remo stepped back in mild shock. “Oh wow! You are a leopard girl!”

Tita laughed heartily. She took Remo’s hand and kissed his palm very delicately. “Thank you very much for the compliment.” Remo grinned broadly, giggling.

Elena tousled Remo’s hair and smiled at him in an endearing way.

“Tita, Remo is very honest. He will guard your belongings with his life. Correct Remo?”

Remo snapped to attention towards Elena. “Yes maestra! I have my dagger!” He pointed to the small pugio at his side.

“Excellent. So you do not need to worry about your valuables.” Elena looked at Tita, grinning.

“Certainly. Thank you Remo,” said Tita, smiling at Remo’s enthusiasm. “Thank you very, very much.”

Elena continued. “Make sure you deliver my message and Tita’s satchels only to Aurelia. Do you remember the message?”

“Yes maestra. You will take Tita to meet the Bactrian dancers and then you will come to the villa later to tell Aurelia what arrangements to make for them.” Remo enunciated this with great pride.

“Excellent. Once you deliver the message and satchels, be sure to run right back here and help Lucius. Remember, we should not leave Lucius by himself for a long time. Then when Prosilio returns, you can go back to the amphitheater and stay until sunset. And then you can return to the villa and tell Aurelia or Lucretia about any other requests.”

“Oh yes, maestra. Yes.”

Elena smiled. “Good. Now you can run.”

“Thank you, maestra. I will run very, very fast!” Remo smiled, turned and ran out of the tavern without saying good-bye. Tita noticed he ran past the window next to Elena’s table.