Ten days later, morning light enters the Asiaticus house through thin shutters. Valeria is at home when a quiet knock sounds, without herald, steward, or arena messenger.
Murmilla waits beyond the door with a small bundle of clothing, sandals, and training gear. Her shoulder has healed into a stiff scar, and she favors that side slightly.
Murmilla
I came without telling Decimus or the school officials. This is not arena business, Valeria. I need a place to stay while I decide something.
She lowers the bundle carefully, keeping her good hand upon its knot. Her battered helmet and shield straps show that she has brought only necessities, not the appearance of a formal departure.
Murmilla
An unknown training school has offered me work. They promise money and better instruction, but their terms are dangerous, and they refuse to explain who stands behind them.
Murmilla
I do not want a patron, a chain, or another hidden obligation. I thought you might let me sleep here for a few nights while I judge the offer.
The household remains quiet behind Valeria: no officials wait in the street, and no sealed tablet accompanies Murmilla. Her request rests between them, personal and unforced.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish Murmilla’s place in Valeria’s household
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn who stands behind the dangerous training offer
“"Of course you can stay. Tell me, who approached you with this offer?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled +0)
Valeria Asiaticus
Of course you can stay. Tell me, who approached you with this offer?
Murmilla’s shoulders ease slightly. She lifts the bundle again and carries it inside, setting it near the household’s spare pallet without crossing farther than invited.
Murmilla
A woman approached me after drills near the training yards. She called herself Livia, though I have no reason yet to trust that name.
Murmilla
She knew my bout record, my shoulder’s injury, and that I refuse exclusive service. That knowledge troubled me more than the money.
Murmilla unwraps the bundle enough to show a plain wooden token stamped with a laurel branch. No household seal, school mark, or imperial sign identifies it.
Murmilla
Livia said the school trains women for private exhibitions and offers steady pay. She would not name its master until I agreed to meet him.
Murmilla
I brought the token because it is the only proof she gave me. I will sleep here, if you still permit it, and decide with a clear head.
Quest Complete
Establish Murmilla’s place in Valeria’s household