Castor and Pollux are sent into the street with a basket and strict instructions, while Aurelia keeps the morning chores moving around the kitchen. Murmilla remains near the spare pallet, her bundle at her feet.
Murmilla
The woman called Livia met me beside the eastern training yard, where the wall hides the practice rings from the road. She stood too neatly to be a common recruiter.
Murmilla
She asked whether you still fought under Myrina, whether your contracts were witnessed, and whether Decimus Severus could command you beyond the written terms. She knew about your family’s debts too.
Aurelia pauses over a folded cloth, her composed face tightening. No knock sounds beyond the door, and the household’s ordinary noises leave Murmilla’s account uninterrupted.
Aurelia
That is old patronage language dressed in safer clothing. First they learn what binds a woman, then they offer relief that becomes the binding itself.
Nestor
The Ludus Magnus accepts private exhibitions, but openly, through officials and written terms. Smaller schools near the Campus Martius arrange discreet entertainments. Their masters seldom advertise honest names.
Murmilla
Livia also asked whether you would investigate a school that approached me, or merely shelter me. I told her neither answer belonged to her.
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine what Livia wants from Murmilla
✓ Quest Accepted
Protect Murmilla from hidden obligations
“"It all sounds fishy. They pay you to be a trainer and the also offer additional instruction? Too good to be true. And then they ask you questions about me. What have I to do with it? Why don't you just wait here and pay for your keep by giving some instruction to Castor and Pollux, who will be glad of it. I'll take your token and go talk to Decimus Severus."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled +2)
Valeria Asiaticus
It sounds fishy. They pay you to train, then offer more instruction, and ask about me. What have I to do with it?
Valeria Asiaticus
Stay here instead. Pay for your keep by teaching Castor and Pollux. They will be glad of it. I will take your token to Decimus Severus.
Murmilla studies Valeria for a moment, then unties the laurel-stamped token and places it in her palm. The household’s suspicion settles into a practical arrangement.
Murmilla
That is fair. I will teach the boys footwork, balance, and discipline, and I will owe this house only the work we name.
Aurelia
Then it is agreed. Shelter is not patronage when the service and its limits are spoken plainly.
Murmilla moves toward the spare pallet and begins sorting her gear. From the street come Castor and Pollux’s voices, already arguing over who will receive the first lesson.
Valeria closes her fingers around the token and leaves for the Colosseum. At the records gate, Decimus Severus receives her without delay, his eyes fixed on the unfamiliar laurel mark.
Quest Complete
Protect Murmilla from hidden obligations