Marcus lowers his cane and ends the drill before either fighter overstrains herself. The school steward gathers the tablet, leaving the yard quiet beyond its formal records.
Marcus Flavius
Enough for today. Walk with us beneath Claudius’s aqueduct. Recovery is part of training, and Rome will not vanish while you rest.
Murmilla replaces her shield at the post and follows Marcus and Valeria through the side gate. Their path climbs toward the immense arches of the Aqua Claudia, bright against the sky.
Murmilla
Myrina, the crowd knows your name now, and the officials record every victory. What will you do with a reputation that grows faster than your purse?
Marcus Flavius
Fame can make a shield, but it can also mark the body beneath it. Messalina and Varro taught us how quickly attention becomes a summons.
Murmilla
I owe you honest instruction, not obedience. You owe me no patronage in return. Shall we keep our obligations that simple, before Rome complicates them?
Water murmurs high above the road, hidden within Claudius’s stonework. Marcus walks slightly behind them, listening as Murmilla leaves the question open for Valeria.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish mutual terms of trust with Murmilla
“"You owe me nothing for my instruction. You may some day have to face me again in the arena, and you shouldn't do that with the burden of a debt. My fame is as fleeting as my wealth. Sic transit gloria mundi. Next year, the crowd with have a different champion. It brings me fatter purses, but also draws envy. People will want to defeat me, just for the sake of fame."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled +0)
Valeria Asiaticus
You owe me nothing for my instruction. You may face me again in the arena, and you should not carry a debt into that contest.
Valeria Asiaticus
My fame is as fleeting as my wealth. Sic transit gloria mundi. Next year, the crowd will have another champion. Fame brings fatter purses, but also envy. People will want to defeat me simply for the sake of fame.
Murmilla listens beneath the aqueduct’s shadow, one hand resting near her bandaged shoulder. Water murmurs overhead, and traffic passes without slowing for either fighter.
Murmilla
Then I accept the lesson without owing you. If we meet again, I will seek your measure, not repayment, and victory will belong to whoever earns it.
Marcus Flavius
That is the right bargain. Fame attracts challengers, but clear terms deny them the chance to turn rivalry into ownership.
Murmilla
She speaks of glory as though it were weather, passing over her while the debts remain. I will remember that when Rome applauds her next.
The three continue beneath the immense arches. Murmilla walks beside Valeria as an equal student, while Marcus keeps the pace deliberate and the road free of promises.
Quest Complete
Establish mutual terms of trust with Murmilla