Titus leads Zander from the questioning room into the sunlit courtyard, keeping the Chronocom in Zander’s hand and his guarded status unchanged. Marcus remains behind at the register table, watching.
Near a shaded wall, a wooden tray waits with coarse bread, olives, dried meat, and a clay cup of water. Heat shimmers above the stones beyond the awning.
Titus Aelius
Sit there, stranger. Eat slowly, and keep the device where I can see it. I am not taking it, but I am responsible for you.
Titus pulls out a low stool and positions himself between Zander and the open gate. The Chronocom gives a delayed chime, then its reserve indicator dims another fraction.
Marcus Vibius Varro
Let him speak, Titus. If the device is essential, conversation may reveal more than silence. Record anything useful, but do not provoke him.
Titus Aelius
You heard him. Eat, and tell me about this distant land if you wish. How does a place produce men dressed for running instead of marching?
From the register table, Marcus dips his stylus and studies Zander over the written account. The courtyard remains calm, yet every fading bar makes the next exchange feel costly.
✓ Quest Accepted
Earn the legionaries’ trust
Director's note
Zander sits down on the bench with relaxed grace, stretching his legs out so the sun highlights his athletic frame in his fitted track pants. He takes a slow bite of dried meat, his eyes lingering on Titus's sun-browned shoulders and then glancing over at Marcus.
Director's note
Zander takes a sip from the clay cup, looking over the rim with a sly, confident smirk.
“"Where I come from, Titus, we design clothes for agility and speed—garments that hug the body so you can move freely and show off what you've built. We don't do wars, and instead care about architecture, culture style, and tech, or tools if you desire" "Though I have to admit, Roman soldiers don't seem to need much help looking good. With all the sweat, sun, and heavy lifting around here, I'm surprised you guys can focus on duty. What does a soldier like you do when the shift is over and it's time to unwind? Or do you need a little convincing to loosen up?"”
SUCCESS (Great Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Zander Lucklin
Where I come from, Titus, clothes are designed for agility and speed. They fit closely so people can move freely and show what they have built. We do not make war. We value architecture, culture, style, and technology, or tools, if you prefer.
Zander settles onto the bench with relaxed grace, stretching his legs so sunlight catches the fitted track pants. He takes a slow bite of dried meat, eyes lingering on Titus's sun-browned shoulders before flicking toward Marcus.
Zander Lucklin
Though Roman soldiers hardly need help looking good. With all the sweat, sun, and lifting, I am surprised duty leaves room for anything else. What do you do when your shift ends and it is time to unwind, or do you need convincing?
He sips from the clay cup, looking over its rim with a sly, confident smirk. Titus shifts his stance, while Marcus pauses over the register without lifting his head.
Titus Aelius
After watch, I wash the dust away, eat with the men, and play dice if fortune is kind. Sometimes I train, though that may not count as unwinding.
Titus Aelius
As for convincing me, stranger, good food and honest company work better than clever clothes. You have supplied one of those already.
Marcus Vibius Varro
And remember, Titus, our guest remains under guard. Enjoy the conversation, but keep the gate and the Chronocom in sight.
Director's note
Zander chuckles softly, leaning back against the stone wall while his eyes linger on Titus's sun-warmed neck and collarbone.
Director's note
Zander offers Titus a slow, knowing smile before tossing a subtle glance back toward Marcus.
Director's note
other soldiers watch us, specifically me, in confusion about my appearance and attention. They don't know if they should show their dominance upon me or if they should relax in my presense
“** "Honest company, huh? I can definitely manage that. And washing off the dust after a long day under this Roman sun sounds pretty heavenly right now, to be honest." ** ** "You know, Titus, if you ever need someone to help untangle those heavy leather straps or keep you company down at the baths after your shift, I'm a fast learner. What do you say, Optio—does keeping your guest washed and comfortable fall under official guard duties?"”
SUCCESS (Great Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Zander Lucklin
Honest company, huh? I can definitely manage that. Washing off the dust after a long day under this Roman sun sounds heavenly, to be honest.
Zander Lucklin
You know, Titus, if you ever need someone to help untangle those heavy leather straps or keep you company down at the baths after your shift, I am a fast learner. What do you say, Optio? Does keeping your guest washed and comfortable fall under official guard duties?
Zander leans back against the stone wall, offering Titus a slow, knowing smile before glancing toward Marcus. Nearby soldiers, a cluster of young adult human men in dusty brown tunics and leather sandals, their puzzled faces turned toward him watch with puzzled interest, uncertain whether his confidence demands formality or ease.
Titus Aelius
Officially, my duty is to keep you safe. A supervised bath satisfies that duty, and I can manage my own straps. You may keep me company.
Marcus Vibius Varro
The invitation is accepted under guard. Titus will accompany you, and the Chronocom remains with you, visible and dry.
Titus's stern posture loosens into a crooked smile. He gestures toward the bathing quarters beyond the courtyard, while Marcus marks the arrangement in the register.
Titus Aelius
Finish your water and bread. Then we will wash the road from you, stranger. If your company is honest, the evening may prove pleasant.
Director's note
Zander takes a final slow sip of water, locking eyes with Titus over the clay rim before setting it down. He stands with relaxed, athletic grace, brushing crumbs from his fitted track pants. Unbothered by the staring legionaries, he flashes the confused onlookers a calm, high-confidence grin that le
Director's note
He steps directly into Titus's personal space, stopping just inches away with a soft, amused hum.
Director's note
Zander reaches out, his fingers brushing 'accidentally' close to the heavy iron buckle on Titus's shoulder strap as he casually adjusts his backpack.
Director's note
He leans in just a fraction closer, dropping his voice to a quiet, rich murmur meant only for Titus as they turn toward the quarters.
“"A supervised bath. Right. Strict military protocol." "I’ll make sure to be on my absolute best behavior under your watchful eye, Optio." "Lead the way. Let's go see just how pleasant this evening can get."”
SUCCESS (Great Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Zander Lucklin
A supervised bath. Strict military protocol. I’ll be on my absolute best behavior under your watchful eye, Optio. Lead the way.
Zander takes a final sip of water, locks eyes with Titus Aelius over the clay rim, and sets the cup down. He rises smoothly, brushing crumbs from his track pants as nearby legionaries continue staring.
Unbothered, Zander gives the confused soldiers a calm, confident grin. He steps close to Titus Aelius, stopping just inches away, then casually adjusts his backpack near the heavy shoulder buckle.
Titus Aelius
Your best behavior will be measured by whether you keep your hands to yourself, stranger. Come along before your audience invents a story.
Titus Aelius turns toward the bathing quarters. Zander falls beside him, leaning in only enough to make his quiet amusement private, while the soldiers' uncertain murmurs fade behind them.
Marcus Vibius Varro
Titus, maintain the protocol. Stranger, keep the Chronocom visible and dry. I expect both of you returned when the washing is done.
The Chronocom chimes during the walk, consuming another sliver of reserve. Titus Aelius glances at its dim display, then opens the bathhouse door and ushers Zander inside under direct supervision.