Due to lack of interest in this story I have decided to put it on hold.
Honestly I can see people viewing it but if those people are too lazy to comment? What am I supposed to do?
Know I know there are a lot of people who will be doing this:
And to that I answer this: as soon as people start commenting on this story I can start posting chapters again, its that simple.
–Poppy
Filed under Crixus and Naevia A/N
First of all I would like to say that the acting industry, and probably the world, has suffered a great loss in the death of Andy Whitfield.
Andy lost his eighteen month battle with cancer on the 11th of September 2011.
My sympathies go out to his family and friend who I am sure could use all the support in the world right now.
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter,
–Poppy
Filed under Crixus and Naevia A/N
Crixus
He walked behind her with heavy thoughts, the impulse to watch her hips sway rhythmically was there, yet he could not muster the desire.
The two problems he was faced with were all that occupied his mind; How was he to battle a demon that none had defeated?
And how was he to lay with Domina when his feelings for Naevia continued to grow? How could he be with another woman whilst she stood just outside?
She stopped and motioned for him to go ahead, her face down.
He gazed at her for a moment as he passed, guilt and regret clutching him, the guilt that he was to lay with another and the regret that he could possibly leave for the after-life tomorrow never to be with the one he truly wanted.
He stepped into the darked room, the Domina hidden in shadow, away from the pool of light that beamed into the middle of the room.
“Step into the light” she commanded, her voice husky.
He looked up at the open roof where the light produced from the moon shone into the room before he stepped forward.
“Let me gaze upon the champion of Capua…” said Domina as she moved in the shadows to face him “you truly are a wonder” she marvelled.
“As are you Domina” he gruffly knowing that was what she wanted to hear.
She gathered her dress and stepped into the light anxiously, “We don’t have much time, and I will see it well used” she said stepping up to him purposefully, “Do I stir you to passion?” she asked in a whisper.
“Yes Domina” he lied.
Part of their arrangement was that she was to keep him safe and he was to worship her.
She reached under his garment and gripped him; he sucked in a breath harshly at her touch.
Her face fell when she felt him limp, “Your cock would disagree” she said with disappointment.
“Excuse my distraction Domina” he said thickly, “I have thoughts of tomorrow”
“And I would have you in the moment…” she whispered huskily, “deep inside me” she whispered.
How was he to be with her? How was she to understand?
“I’ve never faced and opponent like Theokoles” he relented; he didn’t want to explain himself, least of all to her.
“And he has never met a man like you” she purred before she dropped to her knees reaching under his garment, he sucked in a quick breath through his nose, looking up to the ceiling as she gripped him.
He could die tomorrow. An all too real possibility in facing Theokoles, he did not want the scent of a Domina on him. For her to be the last love he had known before he left for the afterlife. For making love to her be the act that drained him before he faced Theokoles.
“I beg favour Domina” he began as she placed her lips on him, “love makes a man weak before battle” he said.
If she cared for him in the way that she said, the way he wished Naevia did, she would let him leave.
She released him and stood up, staring him straight in the eye, looking for a sign of deception. He did not let his steely gaze waver; she seemed to close in on herself as she accepted his words.
“I would have you strong” she said, her voice filled with pain and sadness filled her eyes at the small rejection “We will forgo pleasures of a single evening and pray to the gods for many more to come” she said passionately.
He looked down, unable to take the adoration in her voice as he was once again wishing the words were coming from another’s lips. That it was the small slave that stood just outside the door that was pleading for him to stay.
As if to grab his attention she pressed her lips to his, but he remained as unresponsive as stone. He did not love her; he knew that now as what he felt for her was a pale shadow of what he felt for Naevia.
As soon as her lips left his, he seized the opportunity, “Domina” he said quietly before turning to take his leave.
His eyes locked with Naevia for a split second bringing him to a stop as something flickered through her eyes, happiness? Sadness? Before he could identify the emotion it vanished and she looked down, they walked in silence back to the cell.
She stepped to the side with her head down, why did it bother him?
Why did the thought that he could die tomorrow without his intentions to her being fully known? Why did he not want to die knowing how she felt?
A way to right the situation evaded him; he walked toward his cell and past her with a heavy heart.
But a small hand gripped his arm, the touch as light as a feather but enough to stop him, “You are going to die tomorrow aren’t you?” asked a sad voice.
He stared down at the ground, how he wished that the possibility was not true, how he wished Theokoles were like every other opponent he faced, “Only the gods divine the future” was the only comforting words he could offer her.
Her heard her voice break with tears, “Why didn’t you let Illythia help you?” she whispered, “She could have spoken to her Father-” she began.
He turned to look at her, did she not understand? Of course not. She hated the games. And he was a Gladiator.
“To what end?” he demanded quietly, though the thought had crossed his mind, to remove himself from harm, to be with Naevia. The thought had crossed his mind.
But the blood of a Gladiator flowed through his veins, he could not deny it, but he could see she did not understand, “Humiliation?” he asked, hoping she would understand.
She sniffed and stared down at the ground, “honour and glory” she began, looking up into his eyes “that’s all you care about isn’t it?” she asked, her voice choking on tears.
He watched as a single crystal fell from her eye, leaving a sparkling track down her perfect skin he felt his face soften.
She did care. He knew that now.
But she feared her feelings were not returned. She feared she’d loose him.
Compassion overwhelmed him.
It welled up inside until he couldn’t control it, the uncontrollable urge to wipe her tears away, to see her smile, grew too strong.
Slowly he raised his hand, bringing his thumb to his face he gently wiped the tear away, marvelling at how large his hand was compared to her tiny face, “not all” he answered quietly, his voice choked with emotion.
How could she doubt his feelings for her?
Their eyes locked as his hand lingered on her face, how he wanted to cup her face in his hands, to feel her smooth skin and silky skin.
He made to remove her hand but she reached up and stopped him, two of her small hands holding his hand to her face.
“Still a fool” she whispered her eyes stared straight at him with imploring eyes.
That small encouragement was all he needed, he stepped forward as she stepped backwards, pulling him towards her in the shyest of manners, “still” he murmured.
He couldn’t take the distance between them anymore, but unlike the first time when he had been filled with desire, the feelings stirring in him were tender.
He closed the distance between them as her hand slid delicately up his neck to grasp him; he leaned down and captured her lips with his own.
This time she was not shocked, standing as stone with no inclination of what to do, this time she held him close almost pulling him down to her as she continued to walk backwards.
He pushed a stray wash cloth that was hanging out of the way with his free hand, breaking away for only a moment before he pressed his lips to hers once more; he felt his hand that was gripping her back touch the wall pressing their bodies together.
The feel of her against him was enough to make him groan, especially with her hand running up his chest with the lightest of touch she placed it over his heart before gently breaking away.
He saw her eyes open in alarm, normally he would have taken this as a sign of rejection, to stop, but he was unable to part himself from her, the heat of her body burning him as she stared at him with frightened eyes.
“You said love drains a man” she said breathlessly.
How he longed to kiss her again, could she not see? He did not love Domina. He loved her.
“It can give him hope, in the right arms” he said huskily.
He felt her chest rise against his to draw in breath, her luscious lips parting.
Reason left him as he gave into his desires and captured her soft lips with his own again, he tightened his grip around her back, crushing her to his chest as her soft hand slowly slid up to grip his shoulder.
The feel, the taste, the scent of her, they were all intoxicating as the kissing deepened and her yielding lips moulded to his.
This was where he wanted to be. She was who he wanted to be with.
xXx
He stood in the gateway to the arena with the Thracian, Spartacus, his mind full of the upcoming battle- how were they to win? To defeat a man that had never been defeated?
“Citizens of Capua, brothers of Rome” called the Magistrate, the crowd cheered wildly, a sound like music to his ears, “in the name of our forefathers, I Titus Calavius, present to you the final event, a spectacle” he continued, his old voice carrying through to all corners of the arena from the Palvanus.
But his attention did not stay on the old man for long, his eyes by their own accord found Naevia, her face etched with anxiety and fear.
Slowly she raised her beautiful brown eyes to him, a smile tugged at the side of his face as memories from the previous night flooded back to him. The way her soft lips had felt against his, how she had moulded to his body…
He raised his head slightly in acknowledgment.
No, he was not ready to leave this world. To leave her.
His smile faded as he looked down, to face Theokeles and live was to defy death… His thought immediately went to that of the Thracian. Spartacus.
How many times he had defied death. Fated for execution and lived. Fated against him and lost, yet still he lived. He even survived the horror of the pits… For what?
He drowned out the Magistrate; though his gaze stayed forward he only had ears for the Thracian.
“Your women” he began gruffly, “is she the reason you refused to die?” he demanded.
There was silence for a moment before he answered, “She is” he replied simply.
He turned his eyes to Naevia, her radiant beauty evident to him even at the distance he was, the feelings she stirred in him, the reason he didn’t want to die…
His life for so long had been about the glory of the arena, was there perhaps more to life?
“The perhaps there is something beyond glory” he said more to himself as he placed his helmet, determined to live so to once again hold her in his arms.
xXx
Naevia
She watched in horror as he ran his sword right through the monster, yet Theokeles refused to fall. The brief victory that had passed before, when the monster had been on the ground and thoughts that Crixus had won flooded her heart, how he had looked to her to share the moment of glory… though it had happened mare moments ago, it seemed like a life time ago.
She flinched back in horror as Theokoles slashed his sword down to open Crixus’s chest causing blood to fill the air. She watched as he fell to the ground, blood oozing from his mouth as he looked up at her.
She once heard the story of how a man looked into the eyes of his lover right before he was exit this life for another on the ancient battlefields of Rome, how seeing her one last time gave him strength to carry on, but as Theokoles brought his sword down and slashed open his back spilling blood onto the ground, she knew that the story couldn’t possibly be true as the man she loved fell to the ground.
She kept her eyes on him as the rains fell. All those around her rejoiced and called out the Thracians name.
It seemed she alone shed tears for the fallen hero as he was dragged off the sand; her heart went with him into the dark depths of the arena.
Filed under Crixus and Naevia
I hope I covered it well, but this chapter was a little difficult for me to write.
I have the R rated version of Spartacus: Blood and Sand, and in that version you see Crixus fully naked.
I wasn’t sure how to handle that, never written something like that before, I’m hoping I’ll get better, seeing as the show is very scant in the clothing department.
But I apologize for my coyness, but in all fairness, I think it boded well with Naevia’s character as she is still very innocent and shy.
She isn’t really sure on that side of love- so naturally I thought she would avert her eyes.
But by all means, if you disagree, hit me up! Let me know.
Thanks!
–Poppy
Filed under Crixus and Naevia A/N
Crixus
Another hot day, the ground so parched of rain that it seemed as if the sand had become part of the air as it swirled and clung to the bodies of the men.
He thrust his practice sword forward which Barca parried lazily, the heat was getting to them all, “So how goes things with you and the little slave girl?” he asked pointedly.
He made no reply as he pulled his practice sword behind his back to stretch, leaning both of his arms over it, a playful scream from above drew his attention and he looked up.
Naevia had just run onto the balcony wearing that short blue dress of hers that showed off her golden legs.
He watched as her long black hair fell wildly around her shoulders as she ran, she appeared to be clutching an apple, one that another slave girl with pale skin seemed to be trying to get it.
“It’s mine!” giggled the other slave as she attempted to reach around her back where she currently held the apple.
She simply giggled holding it out of her friends reach, “Naevia!” complained her friend.
“Mira!” she teased, a smile on her face as she danced out of her way.
He watched as she leaned over the balcony railing, holding her hand out of the reach, her eyes still on her friend, Mira.
Leaning forward she grasped the apple pulling it triumphantly from her grasp, “Victory!” she smiled.
Naevia giggled as she bit into the apple, looking about the training yard.
She too looked about, seeming to search for something in particular, their eyes locked and her face immediately softened slightly, her lips parting as blush crept onto her cheeks.
He let one side of his mouth twitch up into a smile, her happiness and youthful playfulness filled him with a strange delight that was still foreign to him.
She made to smile back, but a sharp word from inside caught her attention abruptly; she turned back to him as Mira grabbed her hand.
A small smile graced her lips before she was pulled out of view.
He smiled to himself turning back to Barca who ran his sword over his neck before putting it down to his groin and thrusting it forward provocatively.
He rolled his eyes at his friend before thrusting his shield forward; Barca alone knew of his feelings for Naevia, he alone was who he trusted.
But he wasn’t going to risk Barca’s teasing alerting others, as he quickly slashed his sword forward to be knocked by his shield and continued training.
Naevia
She wetted her lips with her tongue for what felt like the hundredth time that time that day. She couldn’t escape the feeling of his lips upon hers.
But the dryness in the air and the lack of water that the Dominus was allowing her to have was making everything; tending her chores, standing in the sun, even denying her feelings for Crixus, they were all so much harder.
Chasing Mira, whilst it had been fun, had sapped her energy, and she was now feeling the consequences of it as she once again stood with Domina to eaves drop on Solonius, the Magistrate and Dominus as they stood on the balcony overseeing the Gladiators.
“An impressive selection, rivalling that of good Solonius himself” said the Magistrate as he gazed out at the Gladiator training ground.
“Yet I have the Primus” fired back Solonius.
“Half, your opponent still to be chosen” he said pointedly.
Domina gripped her hand to drag her closer to the balcony, so they may better eavesdrop on the conversation.
“If you wish to appease the gods, you must have one upon the sands. Crixus, the champion of Capua, will willingly fight anyone that Solonius has to offer” said Dominus.
“Excellent. It will truly be a contest between legends” said the Magistrate sitting down.
“Legends?” questioned Dominus, a question that had bubbled to her own lips upon hearing Crixus’s name. Who was this legend that Crixus was to fight?
“Oh, did I fail to mention? Good Solonius has secured Theokeles for the primus” said the Magistrate absently.
Domina clutched her arm in a steely grip as she gasped. A reaction that could be contributed to the pain that was currently being inflicted on her arm, but the thought of Crixus facing Theokeles, The Shadow of Death, caused her heart to constrict in a shocking and painful way.
“Theokeles?” gasped Dominus, though she barely heard her through her own fear.
“I managed to coax him to our fair city at great expense” said Solonius smugly.
“With our gratitude… If the gods fail to grant us rain with such a tribute, then we are surely cursed” said the Magistrate.
Dominus pursed his lips, “I fear the gods will be displeased. The match is unbalanced. Only one man has stood against Theokeles and lived”
She looked down at the ground as Crixus swung his practice sword, fear clutched her chest at the thought of him being harmed let alone dead.
“What if Crixus was joined by your man Spartacus? His death was fated in execution, yet he refused to own it and cost me four men in his defiance” said Solonius flicking his hands towards the Thracian.
“Your debts are well known Batiartus. Even if you lose the men, the purse is enough to hold off your creditors for a moment” said the Magistrate looking over his shoulder, Solonius sat down with a smug look on his face, “Unless of course you would rather sit out of these games or any other that follow which–”
she bit her lip, baiting Dominus, knowing his pride was now on the line, was a most definite way for both Solonius and the Magistrate to get what they wanted, “No I will set my men to the task” he said casually stepping forward towards the balcony’s edge.
She looked down to Crixus, how easily the day had started, how she had glanced down into the yard at him, appreciating his form and the way the sun caught it, how when he smiled it seemed to light up his entire face… Now as she looked down at him, still hidden in the shadows, she feared how many more times she may be able to gaze upon him.
“My Titans! Pause and hear the glorious news” called Dominus, “Magistrate Titus Calavius has invited our best men to fight in his primus” he said.
she watched as an excited tremor went through the men, though her eyes were only on him.
“Crixus Step Forward” called Dominus.
She gripped the pillar as her legs seemed to buckle from underneath her, seeing him step forward seemed to confirm what, until that point, had just been talk.
Crixus would face a Monster, a Gladiator that had never been defeated, that had never fallen.
“Spartacus step forward”
She watched as he stiffened as his fellow Gladiator brother stepped forward.
“You have been chosen to fight as one against Theokeles, the Shadow of Death” said Dominus, his voice sounded out like an ominous drum in her ears.
xXx
Crixus
“Crixus, you are summoned” said the Guard motioning for him.
He sighed, his mind was full of thoughts of Theokeles, the Shadow Death, facing him with Spartacus was something he had not anticipated. It was an embarrassment.
Walking to the bars alone he kept his head down, his mind whirling with thoughts.
“Water” said a kind voice.
He looked up to see Naevia standing at the cell door, her hand extended through the bars holding a wineskin, he smiled; she had come to give him water.
Despite their last encounter where she had pulled away from him, damming his feelings for her with a simple word, she was here now and that was something.
“From Domina to help with your training” she explained,
He felt the smile slip from his lips; so she was not here of her own free will, but because she had been sent. He sighed internally; while he had hoped the gift to be from her, the wish for safety from her, he wasn’t about to turn away water.
Grasping the material he brought it to his lips and drank deeply, feeling the dust in his mouth disappear and fill him with energy.
He saw she made to leave and panic clutched him, he immediately free his lips to speak, “wait a moment” he said, his voice still rasped despite the fresh water.
She turned around to look at him curiously, yet her face was wary, “to what purpose?” she asked quietly.
He let loose a short breath as her heard her mind, did he really need a reason to want her close? “Need there be one?” he asked simply.
She held his eye for a moment before she looked away, a beautiful blush decorating her cheeks “you shouldn’t look at me that way” she mumbled.
Oh how he knew that, how he knew how dangerous things were for them, “I try with all my strength not to…” he said, did she hear the ache in his voice? “but I am weak” he murmured.
A beautiful smile broke through on her face, it seemed that she tried to hold it back but couldn’t, he knew right then that his intentions pleased her, no matter how she tried to hide them.
He smiled back, slowly and shyly she reached her hand through the bars to caress his cheek, her fingers lighter than a moth’s wing, so hesitant.
He leaned his face into her palm, eager for the touch of her silky smooth skin, her innocents and shyness endeared him so as they were qualities he had never experienced, “sleep then, and regain your strength” she said softly, her voice laced with tenderness.
He looked down, letting her fingers grace his lips aching for the smooth skin of her lips against his once more as she slowly removed her hand, pulling it back through the bars he leaned his head against the iron as he watched her leave.
xXx
Naevia
She stood at the back of the room, her head down as Spartacus left.
“The Champion of Capua, a rare honour to receive a private audience” said Dominus.
“One I am most appreciative of” giggled the Lady Illythia as she draped herself on the couch, “although, he does seem a touch…” she accented the word “over-dressed for the occasion”
She flicked her up for a moment at Crixus, she knew what was coming, “Your sabligaria, remove it” he said.
She focused her gaze intently on the floor as he exposed himself, the sound of the material dropping on the floor the only indicator she had as she refused to look up.
Illythia gasped in delight, “Your champion is bold in his purpose” she giggled.
She looked up shyly through her lashes, she didn’t let her eyes travel down his sculpted body, but let them rest on his face, the only part that mattered to her.
“I take my leave” said Dominus before he turned on his heel and left.
Crixus moved her eyes from the back of the wall where he had been looking to lock his eyes with her as Illythia approached him; she trailed her fingers over his arm as she went to his back, moving her hand to his shoulder, “His flesh is hard” she marvelled as she moved around to his other shoulder, “like marble”
She looked away uncomfortably, his being with Domina when ordered was one situation, but seeing a women drape herself over him whilst looking at him as if he was a piece of meat made something akin to rage- was it jealousy? Clutch her stomach.
“Would that every man were carved so” purred Illythia as Domina looked around uncomfortably.
Apparently she didn’t like the look of another women with him either, “We best not keep him, his training resumes at first light” she said firmly.
Illythia stroked his arm, “Do you think he will survive against the shadow?”
“Only the gods know” replied Domina curtly.
She stroked his shoulder again, “It would be a pity to see such a man marred” she purred.
A tense moment passed before Domina spoke, “Perhaps there is a way to see such a tragedy averted” she said.
She looked up startled, her eyes immediately locking with his as they darted from Domina to her and back almost frantically.
“If your Father were to speak to the magistrate perhaps…” began Domina.
“To what end?” asked Illythia curiously.
“To seeing Crixus replaced in the games” she finished.
His eyes darted to Domina, then to her, their eyes locking for a fraction before he went back to staring at the wall as Illythia stroked his shoulder.
“Is that what you want? Do you fear entering the arena with Theokoles?” she asked curiously.
Her eyes betrayed her as she stared at him hopefully, her anxiety over the match built with each moment, the opportunity for him to be removed from harm made hope swell uncontrollably in her chest.
His black eyes locked with hers longer than was safe for the both of them before he answered, “I long for it” he said gutturally.
Her face fell as she felt the hope that had swelled so quickly sink down into her stomach; anxiety once again gripped her as she stared at the floor.
“As I long to see it” purred Illythia.
There was a silence as she felt her eyes begin to sting with the depth of her emotion.
“Naevia, more wine” commanded Domina.
She nodded in compliance, grabbing the jug she was careful to keep her face down cast.
Domina held out her cup, “Back to your cell” she said as she set the jug to the lip of the cup to pour the wine.
She felt a wet tear roll down her cheek and as she glanced up from pouring the wine, her eyes locked with his once more.
Something akin to guilt cast over his face quickly before the guard shoved him out of the room.
She turned her thoughts back to pouring the wine and to hiding her wet face from the ladies.
Filed under Crixus and Naevia
So… what do we think?
I really hope I’m doing the couple justice, for those of you who have seen the show.
And for those of you who haven’t… well how is my writing?
Does it make you want to watch the show?
I do think the scene with Crixus and Naevia is one of the sweetest ones between them throughout the entire television show, but you be the judge.
Let me know your thoughts!
–Poppy
Filed under Crixus and Naevia A/N
Naevia
She descended the stairs to fetch more wine for Domina.
Her eyes on a reflex flickered to the Gladiator’s cell, it was absent. For some unknown reason this disappointed her; had she hoped to see him? Crixus?
Impossible, she did not care for him. He was an animal. But she couldn’t help that her eyes always seemed to search him out on their own accord.
Sighing she turned to the wine rack and grabbed a jug; it was the heat, she told herself. A trick of Apollo’s playing with her mind.
Turning to go back up the stairs she felt a strong hand grip her shoulder, panic immediately gripped her as she turned around. The jug slipping from her fingers and hitting the ground with a smash she gasped when her eyes focused on the cell.
Crixus stood there, his long and muscled arm extended to her, his black eyes gazing at her.
She quickly looked down, another reflex reaction whenever her eyes met someone else’s.
“Apologies, I did not mean to startle” his gruff voice said.
She dropped to the ground staring at the broken pieces of the jug in horror, she flickered her eyes to him, watching as he bent to the ground, gazing at her.
His stare made her feel as if weights had been placed on her, she kept her eyes downcast as she worked to pick up the broken pieces of the jug.
“When we spoke last, I meant no offense” he said, his voice silent and husky.
She looked up at him for a moment in startled shock; did he feel sorry for having offended her? Impossible.
Frantically she looked down to the ground picking up the pieces of the jug; she had a more pressing problem than the Champion of Capua.
“I am practiced with swords not words” he continued quietly, his voice going husky with feeling.
She couldn’t concentrate on him as fear gripped her stomach; “If Domina discovers I dropped the last jug–” she began desperately hoping he would stop talking if he could understand.
“Hand me the pieces” he said pushed his long muscled arm through the bars.
She turned to look at his out stretched hand; it was dangerously close to her. It frightened her a little as she had never, in any fashion, been touched by a man.
“I’ll see them over the cliff” he explained, his voice husky from their whispered conversation.
She looked at him, could this brute, this animal truly have good intentions of helping her?
A small smile ghosted his face as the bars casted dark shadows over the rest, slowly she leaned towards him, careful to place all the pieces in his hands.
She tried not to let her blush show, bending her head as her skin connected with his, her hands looking small in his large ones. His other hand came over the top to cup her hands, and the clay pieces.
For hands that were used with such violent meaning, that had taken so many lives they were soft against hers, caring and gentle. Slowly she pulled away, watching as he extended his arms to prolong the touch. She looked up at him through her lashes, his black eyes held her with a tender look.
She sucked in a deep ragged breath she wasn’t aware she had been holding; she quickly stood up to break the eye contact between them.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw him rise as well, she turned to leave. She had lingered long enough.
“Wait” he called, his voice rising slightly, but not enough to attract attention.
Slowly she turned around, hesitant, what more could he want?
He slowly stretched his arm through the bar again, this time with a piece of cloth in his hand, “perhaps this gift will explain where words fail” he said huskily.
She looked at his outstretched hand for and the cloth within, what an earth had he done? Buying her something? For what purpose?
If anyone were to see them… she looked up at the stairs for a moment before she looked back to him, he too had let his eyes drift to the stairs before he looked back at her, “Please” he pleaded.
She sighed internally, as she grabbed the edge of the cloth and slowly pulled it forward, he once again stretched out his arm to prolong the touch.
She set her eyes downcast at the cloth as she pulled it to her chest, his hand lingered for a moment and she felt his gaze as she stood staring at the floor; she couldn’t do anything even if she had wanted to, she felt trapped under his intense gaze.
The shuffling of his feet alerted her that he was leaving and she looked after him still reeling from what had just taken place.
She suddenly remembered his gift, still quite frozen she pulled the cloth away from her chest and laid it out in her hand, pulling it back she gasped as she beheld the gift.
It was the beautiful opal necklace she had modelled for Domina not days ago, the one she had been so fond of. She stroked the jewels fondly, how pretty they were…
She snapped her head up to the bars, disappointed to see they were deserted; he had purchased it for her? Did he truly favour her that much?
Quickly remembering her purpose and place, she wrapped the cloth back around the necklace and stowed it away under her robes.
Grabbing another jug of wine she continued to marvel as she walked up the stairs.
What a mystery he was, he killed men, acted as if taking life was sport and yet he cared what she thought.
Going so far as to buy her a necklace. Was he truly as harsh as he looked?
Thoughts of Crixus filled her mind and the difficulty of her situation.
xXx
“Enter Marmilo!” yelled Dominus.
The crowd erupted into applause and cheers as Crixus emerged from the holding area adorned in his Gladiator armour, her heart gave a small flutter as she beheld the sight of him.
“The marvel before you needs no introduction, he is known by his sword, his shield, by his glory!” yelled Dominus once more.
He roared holding his sword above his head and the crowd went wild, “Crixus, champion of Capua” finished Dominus.
Champion indeed she thought as the crowd chanted his name, she let her hand slip inside her robes to hold the necklace, the smooth jewels cool against her hot skin.
The Lady Illythia moved forward anxiously, as he walked forward to his starting position, “Finally, Crixus” she sighed, more to herself than anyone.
Domina threw her a glare as she continued, oblivious to the daggers she was receiving, “Look how his form catches the sun” she said.
She did indeed look; how the sun cast small shadows over his chest, how the light of the gods seemed to make him glow as if he was one.
He truly was a marvel. A marvel she could never have.
She dropped the necklace into her pocket and looked at Domina; for so many reasons he could not be hers, because both she and him belonged to another.
She watched as he threw his head back and roared, “Capua” and the crowd continued to chant his name.
“In honour of the name of Batiatus the sacred vulcanalia–” began Domunis, but he was cut off by a foreign roar as Spartacus leapt at Crixus.
She gasped as fear clutched her heart, he was unprepared. A blind blow like that could maim him and finish the game before it had even started.
But he was fast; swinging his shield he deflected the blow.
She hid her face from the rest of the fight, lest her face betray her feelings to others.
She stared down at the floor, listening to the clashing of sword against sword and shield against shield, though she didn’t dare look.
But then a roar erupted, one that could only belong to the champion of Capua, reluctantly she looked up through her lashes.
Spartacus stood fallen and Crixus took off his helmet to look up at the Palvanus, both Domina and Illythia squirmed in their seats thinking his gaze was for them, but his eyes were only on her; she was sure the anxiety she felt over the battle showed on her face, betrayed her feelings to him, but he only smiled in that triumphant way on his before he turned to the crowd.
The crowd cheered frantically as he paced in a circle, his cocky showman ship showing, “Capua! Shall I begin?” he called.
The crowd cheered and he looked up at her once more, his smile only for her as he put his helmet back on and turned to his victim.
She looked down at the floor once again, the intolerableness of her situation washing over her, did she want him? It was possible, but impossible at the same time.
The jewels in her pocket weighed heavily as a constant reminder that she was in danger and she knew, despite her wanting, she would have to return them to him.
But hopefully she could explain to him what a careful line she had to balance, one that she was in danger of stumbling if her feelings for him continued.
xXx
Crixus
He ran the small scrapple over his chest, cleaning away the dirt and grime he had gathered throughout the day.
“Crixus, you are summoned” called the guard.
He gladly rose, wrapping the cloth around waist he followed the guard out of the cell, she was there, waiting with her head down.
She didn’t look up as he approached but began walking up the steps, he watched the swinging of her hips rhythmically as she walked, she seemed careful to keep a distance between them, as always.
This was the first time that he had been alone with Naevia since he had given her the necklace, which he noticed she was not wearing.
“Your neck is bare of my gift” he stated hoping to capture her attention.
“It is” she replied softly, her back still turned.
“You did not favour it then? The necklace I gave you?” he asked.
She spun around so fast that he had to stop abruptly to keep from walking into her, she stared at him with wide yes, “lower your voice!” she hissed.
He kept silent staring at her; the way the moonlight fell on her face was absolutely stunning, highlighting her skin and cheekbones.
“Your gift…” she began as he waited anxiously, “I cannot accept it” she said producing it from her robe; it lay flat in her hand.
He looked at it for a moment as rejection washed over him, he slowly reached out to grab it “Pardon my mistake” he replied gruffly.
“You must understand, if Domina–“ she began desperately.
His patience had evaporated, all he wanted was to be as far from her as he could, knowing that she did not return his favour, there was nothing more to be said, “you made your intentions clear” he said curtly walking past her.
He stopped at the door of the chamber his thoughts still firmly of Naevia and the rejection he had just received when her saw her, Domina.
Her hair blond with a red dress that showed through to the skin of her breast and stomach.
“Does it excite you to know that your very footsteps dampen my thighs?” she asked huskily as she moved out from the shadows.
He took a deep breath; he needed his mind to be elsewhere, away from Naevia, “I would have them dripping even more”
“Well draw closer and make it so” she purred.
He stepped forward, looking down at his hand as he did; he had been so sure that she would have accepted the necklace; the thought of her returning it and banishing him had not crossed his mind.
“What are you clutching?” she asked curiously.
He looked down at his hand again. The women he had intended the necklace for had made her feelings known, what was he to do with it now?
“Show me” she commanded.
He stepped forward extending his hand, better to give it to a women who already favoured him than to give it to another and risk the same rejection, “A humble gift… for a goddess” he said thickly, he hoped his voice wouldn’t betray to her the pain it caused him to give the jewels he had so admired on Naevia to her.
The Domina smiled and turned around, moving her blond hair away from her neck, “Put it on” she commanded.
He stepped forward again and grudgingly placed it around her neck, how he longed for it to be Naevia’s silky black curls that tickled his hand, her soft mocha skin that he could caress and her neck to see the jewels adorn.
“Does it please you?” he asked, he needed to hear that his efforts had at least pleased someone.
She turned around to face him, her blond hair narrowly missing in flicking his face, “yes” she replied reaching her hand under his cloth to grab him.
He sucked in a shallow breath as her lips captured his demandingly, harsh and rough, the way Domina liked it.
Gripping her shoulders he shoved the material of her dress aside, his anger and frustration could easily be channelled into another source as he felt himself grow hard as the her long fingers pumped him up and down.
He could forget Naevia… For now.
xXx
Naevia
She had hurt him; why did that bother her?
Why did the hurt look in his eyes haunt her even now?
Why couldn’t she stand the thought of him being angry at her when it was her that should have been angry at him?
His giving her the necklace had placed her in danger, if Domina was to find it she would have been accused of stealing it, or she would have wanted to know who had given it to her.
No one was allowed to court her without Domina’s permission, and she was positive the last person that she would allow to court her would be Crixus, her lover.
Why hadn’t he let her finish? Why hadn’t he let her explain this to him?
Frustration boiled within her as she entered the Domina’s room with her wine, something she always desired after being with Crixus was a goblet of wine.
Walking into the room she stopped dead when she beheld the sight of her, sitting on the couch, wearing her necklace.
Hers? It wasn’t hers, she had given it back to Crixus, yet if he had truly brought it for her, why did it now hang around the neck of Domina?
“Stop standing there girl and bring me my wine” said a sharp voice, bringing her out of her thoughts.
She quickly made her way forward, “apologies Domina” she said softly as she kneeled down for her to grab the goblet from her plate, “Dominus returns from the pits” she said quietly hoping her voice did not betray the seething anger that boiled within her.
She sighed as she gripped the goblet and laid down on the couch, “You may go” she said waving her hand in her direction vaguely.
“Domina” she said respectfully bowing her head before she turned and left the room.
What had he done?
Had he truly brought the necklace for her? He can’t have as it now graced the neck of Domina.
Had he given it to her out of spite? To teach her a lesson for refusing a Gladiator? To watch her gift grace the neck of another to forever taunt her?
“Naevia” called a voice.
She turned to see Mira, another slave like herself walk towards her, “Are you alright?” she asked curiously as she came to stand by her side, “you look pale” she said placing her hand on her cheek in concern.
Mira was the closest friend Naevia had; she was the slave closest to her age and had served Domina for almost as long as she had. The two of them had grown up together in the Ludus.
“I’m fine” she said quietly as she looked down, her hand falling from her cheek as she did.
After a moment she seemed to accept this, “alright, I’ll go to the cellar and put the wine away if Domina is finished with it” she said.
An idea quickly formed in her head, “no!” she said loudly, Mira gazed at her curiously, “I’ll go” she said walking past her quickly so as not to invite argument.
The Domina was occupied; perhaps she could speak to Crixus and know his mind so as to set hers at ease.
Grabbing the jug of wine she descended the stairs, quickly glancing to cell she could see it was empty apart from the guard. So she would have to summon him then, how to do so without arising suspicion?
Placing the jug back in the rack she turned to the guard, Draba, he had been here many times when she had been sent to fetch Crixus.
“Naevia, what brings you here so late?” he asked.
“Domina, she request Crixus” she said with a small smile, the lie flowing easily off her tongue.
He laughed, “As always” he said with a grin, “back in a moment” he said before he ducked down into the cell.
She took a deep breath to steady her nerves, if Domina was to find that she summoned him without her permission she would pay dearly. But she had to know his mind and he had to hear hers.
The shuffling of feet alerted her to the guards return with Crixus, he looked up at her briefly as he passed, his face appeared to be made of stone as it showed no sign of any emotion, but something flashed in his black eyes too quickly for her to identify.
The jingling of keys and the creak of a door were all she had to alert her that he was out of the cell, slowly raising her head from the floor she turned to Draba, “thank you” she said quietly.
He nodded and walked away, she kept her eyes on his retreating back, making sure he was well out of ear shot before she spoke, glancing up she saw Crixus half way up the stairs, “Wait!” she hissed anxiously.
He looked down at her through the corner of his eye, seeming reluctant to face her as he paused on the stairs, “Domina will grow impatient; you know the urgency of her desires” he said gruffly.
“She did not summon you” she said quietly watching as Draba rounded the corner.
She breathed a quick sigh of relief, she was now free to talk, she turned to him.
“Then why am I here?” he asked still not looking at her.
She took a deep breath, trying to summon the courage she needed, “the necklace… you purchased it for me?” she asked.
“As I’ve said” he replied curtly.
Her anger flared as he still refused to look at her, “then why does it grace the neck of Domina?” she demanded.
He laughed sarcastically and turned to look at her, walking down the steps, “The mind of a women, you deflect the gesture only to question where it lands” he said coming to a stop, his massive form towering over her, she felt herself cower within as his steely gaze bore down on her, “Your words were ‘I cannot accept’” he said.
Her fear gave way under the weight of her frustration, “Yes my words” she agreed, watching as he turned away, one of his large hands gripping a bar tightly, frustration was clear on his face, “Cut off before completion” she said offense clear in her voice.
He turned to look at her, his jaw taunt yet his face gave nothing away, his black eyes bore into her again, “then complete” he demanded.
She took a deep breath, all her frustration and anger bubbling to the surface; he had no right to be angry with her, “That it is impossible for me to keep it regardless of desire! There is nothing in my possession that was not given to me by Domina!” she said, “Are you so thick that this fact was ignored? Did you think she would not notice?” she demanded staring at him furiously.
He stared at her intently, his face seemed to soften slightly, releasing the bars he turned to face her fully, stepping closer, “I misunderstood your meaning for returning it” he replied lowly.
“Of course you misunderstood! You have no mind outside of the arena!” she said, her daring surprised her as he stepped closer, he towered over her once more, his black eyes staring at her intently with acute restraint.
But she didn’t back down, let him understand how he had angered her and what she thought of him, “You think only with your sword and your shield you stupid lumbering–” she began, her voice and anger growing stronger with each word only to be cut off by his lips capturing hers.
She breathed in deeply through her nose in shock as her eyes automatically closed; his lips were hard and insistent upon hers, yet gentle.
Butterflies welled in her stomach and she could not pull away as a warmth spread throughout her, the urgency of his lips pulled her closer and his tongue traced the bottom on her lip skilfully.
Shock fluttered through her and she pulled away to look at him, his black eyes had darkened even more as they stared at her hungrily.
She wanted nothing more than to kiss him back, yet something that had felt so right was so dreadfully wrong; they could not be together, and he was a fool for thinking as much.
“You are a fool!” she gasped, speaking her mind, she needed to be away from him before her desires got the best of her, “Guard!” she called quickly.
She did not miss the small smile that graced over his lips as she passed, and she felt his gaze on her as she hurried up the stairs.
It was only once she heard the cell door slam and she reached the top of the stairs did she stop.
What had just happened? What feelings had he stirred within her? Some deep warmth in her stomach that clenched it into knots.
She could not forget the way his lips had felt on hers; slowly she placed her fingers ever so lightly to her lips in thought.
She permitted herself a small smile, she had just received her first kiss but the euphoric feeling that had spread throughout her couldn’t last, she knew that.
Quickly squashing the foreign feelings within her she continued to the slave quarters.
It was getting harder and harder to fight her feelings for him that seemed to only grow more fierce over time.
Filed under Crixus and Naevia
So, there was the first chapter!
I love this couple so much! I think its because Naevia is just so innocent and caring yet she has a total badass streak in her! love it!
And Crixus, a guy just so far removed from love, turns out to be such a romantic… whats not to love?
*Sigh*
What did you think?
As always, more reviews, faster the chapters go up! 🙂
Yours,
–Poppy
Filed under Crixus and Naevia A/N
Crixus
She had grown up, there was no doubt about that. Gone was the little girl he had seen endlessly trailing after Domina, now stood a women. A beautiful one at that.
He had first seen her at the games; he had looked up into the pulvinus to salute Dominus when she had caught his eye. She was standing behind Domina, her head bent down ever so slightly, even from the distance it was from the sand he could see her flawless flesh, her dark hair, the curvature of her body fit for a goddess. It wasn’t until she had looked up, slowly, as if hesitant to look down in the arena had she truly captivated him.
Her luscious lips drew him in, but what made him stay there was her eyes; a beautiful deep brown that seemed to shine like a jewel right into his soul.
Little Naevia had blossomed.
He could see the Domina had draped herself across the seat on the balcony that over looked the training yard; she had the Jeweller with her, as well as Naevia.
“Crixus!” called Doctore sharply, he immediately turned his attention to his friend and mentor, “pair with Maximus” he barked.
Clutching his practice sword he approached his fellow Gladiator brother, squaring off to face him.
“Ready for pain Gaul?” he taunted bringing his shield up to his chest.
He snorted in amusement, Maximus beat him? The champion of Capua? Unheard of.
Shaking his head he grabbed his shield and thrust his sword quickly throwing him to the ground.
Rather than gloat as he sprawled he looked up to the balcony, the Jeweller had just handed Naevia a necklace which she looked down at fondly before draping it around her neck; it was a simple opal necklace, encrusted in gold. It was nowhere near being grand enough for Domina’s taste, but she seemed to like it.
It was a good choice, the dulled stones didn’t distract from the already beautiful jewels that were her eyes.
He watched her with interest as Domina shook her head and she regrettably took off the necklace.
Maximus made to thrust at him again, he stepped to the side easily before hitting him in the lower part of his back, he turned around quickly, swinging his sword as he did.
Ducking quickly he brought his leg up kicking him in the chest, once again sending him sprawling on the ground; he looked up to the balcony again.
She was now wearing an emerald piece, her chest bare; he stopped to see the perfect mounds of her breast, he could tell by her stiff posture that she was uncomfortable as Domina stood and left with the Jeweller.
This intrigued him, surely she had been taken by Dominus, displayed naked in front of many royals at a party, but the way blush rose to her cheeks it would appear not. She was untouched then. A shy little flower yet to be picked.
She looked down into the yard and her eyes locked with his, she held his eye only a moment, those brown eyes peering down at him, but seeming to panic she quickly pulled her dress up and turned her back on the training, rushing after Domina.
He stared after her in wonder; it appeared that his gaze made her uncomfortable.
She was shy, a quality he had not expected nor experienced before from Domina, Royals or whores.
She was different. She intrigued him.
He easily ducked out of the way as Maximus lunged at him; his technique was unrefined, still raw, despite his years at the School.
Turning his mind back to the fight he longed for a time where he may get to speak to her, to unravel her mind and perhaps make his intentions known.
xXx
Navia
She waited patiently for the guards to fetch him. Crixus. The Champion of Capua. The undefeated Gaul. These names were known to most.
What was less known was the title he bore in secret; Domina’s Lover.
She had recently been given the job of escorting Crixus to her chambers, a job that had been left to Old Gail, but since she had passed into the care of the gods, it was now her responsibility.
Today was her first time.
She kept her back to the door and her head bowed waiting for the guard to let him in. She wasn’t blind to the Gaul’s stares, but what could she expect from a blood-thirsty brute?
The door opened and closed with a creek, glancing over her shoulder quickly she saw him; in his sabligaria, coated in sweat and dust his body still looked to be carved from marble, truly a physique of a god.
Not letting herself linger she continued on, listening to his footsteps from behind, the silence was broken quickly by him, “This drought seems never to end” he said conversationally.
She kept walking in silence there was no need to encourage whatever it was that he wanted from her and if Domina were to hear them talking, she would be furious.
“How do you fare?” he asked, another common statement, though there was something in his voice that made her wonder if he really did want to know.
“Domina Provides for me” she stated simply, though it made her uncomfortable to talk she kept her back to him as she walked.
“That’s good. Good…” he seemed to say more to himself than her, she could feel his eyes burrowing into her, his footsteps stopped as he spoke again, “How long have you served Domina?”
She stopped, she was already ahead of him and there was no point continuing to Domina’s chambers if he was not with her, “All my Life” she said reluctantly looking around at the only walls she had known “I was born in this Ludus”
Putting her head down she continued on hoping to stop the conversation, she listened as he began to follow her again, “You have recently come to blossom” he stated with a somewhat surprised tone, “I barely noticed until I saw you at the games with Domina three moons past”
She stopped walking, three moons past? He had been looking at her for that long? She had only noticed it recently, when she had been forced to bare her chest in public, she turned around to face him directly.
He had a square jaw and a serious face held all the depth of a goblet, but his eyes, they seemed to be in deep thought and were the only feature on his face to betray any emotion.
He stopped to stare at her, a ghost of a smirk making its way onto his face, he seemed pleased to have finally caught her attention, “I fought Arnoch of Tarquinti, did you enjoy my victory?” he asked.
She chose her words carefully, it was best not to offend, “I was pleased” she stated, his smirk grew more pronounced and she felt the need to clarify, “when it ended”
His grin faded and he became serious, “It’s no easy task to sever a man’s head” he began.
She gazed at him; was there a spark of humanity in him? Did he regret the lives he took all in the name of entertainment?
“You must to find the right angle” he finished.
She flinched back, “I do not favour the games” she said quickly as she turned to walk again not bothering to care if she had offended him this time.
To her surprise he laughed, she stood still, her head down as he approached her; “well that is an odd bent” he began as he stepped in front of her, “for a slave at a gladiator school”
Her eyes immediately narrowed in offense, she didn’t like to watch people die for sport and that somehow made her different from a thousand others who served at these halls?
“One not to be straightened” she hissed boldly stepping closer to him so there conversation may avoid detection; she glared at him for only a moment before she continued on.
Whilst surprised at her own daring, she did not regret it; he was nothing more than a brute, a wild animal that thirsted for blood.
She heard his step quicken after her before he was once again at her side, “I did not mean to insult-“ he began.
She did not let him finish, stopping abruptly she gestured with her hand towards the chambers, “Domina awaits!” she hissed
He held her eye for a moment, something akin to regret and anger flashing through his eyes before he turned and walked away.
She turned away from him stopping to calm herself for a moment; why is it that he was able to provoke her so easily? Why did she care what a Gladiator thought of her?
Taking a deep breath she pushed it from her mind and continued on with her chores.
xXx
Crixus
He watched as Barca threw his opponent to the ground, hardly anyone ever presented a challenge for the both of them anymore. Something moved up above, capturing his eye, he looked up to see Naevia leaning gently on the railing of the balcony to oversee the yard.
His eyes stayed on her as he replayed their brief encounter; while her shyness had hindered the conversation lightly he had known part of her mind, she did not like the games and within that thought he had insulted her.
Her eyes scanned the yard, stopping when they met his; he watched her jaw contort in contempt before she quickly pushed herself off the railing and headed inside.
Guilt clutched his insides, he hated that she thought ill of him; she did not know his mind.
He looked away in anger, his current situation vexed him, how was he to apologize when she would not see him? More so, how was he to make his mind known? He had no words to say to her that could possibly help his cause.
He watched as Asher shuffled along, he was a pathetic excuse for a man but had his uses, one of which might help him.
“Asher” he said watching as he stumbled towards him, “there’s something I need you to get for me”
“Whatever your needs, Asher provides” he grinned.
He resisted the urge to roll his eyes as the man attempted to befriend him. He looked around; he did not want his intent with Naevia known for many reasons, the foremost being that it was forbidden for him to be with anyone besides Domina.
“Follow me, away from prying ears” he said walking to the solace of the dining area.
What he wished would cost some coin, but to gain Naevia’s favour, it would be a small price… if Asher could succeed.
xXx
He stood in all his glory in the halls of Dominus for women touch and men to marvel. Whilst he usually enjoyed his adoring public, tonight his mind was elsewhere, he scanned the room for Naevia, a glimpse of her to ease his mind, he longed to see her face and to possibly know a little more of her mind, how would she react to the necklace?
This pulled his mind away, Asher was still to deliver; he would not hesitate to break his other leg if he was to be double crossed.
As a group of women passed on he was left alone and Asher approached laughing sarcastically, “A moment alone… a rarity for a man with such an adoring public, huh?” he asked.
He looked away, the man was dirt to him, a pathetic excuse for a man and no excuse for a Gladiator, he longed to cut the sacred brand from his arm, he was no brother of his.
He cleared his throat uncomfortably, “To business then, a difficult task on such short notice, yet…” he said producing a small cloth from underneath his robe, “carried to completion”
Looking down he quickly grabbed the cloth from his hand, feeling the jewels of the necklace through the cloth as he tucked it into his belt, wanting to avoid suspicion.
Asher lingered a smug look on his face, he turned to face him, his glare prominent, he was finished with him and yet he stayed. Whilst he could do nothing now he would make it known to him later that this little exchange meant nothing. He still loathed him. Let him return to him place in the dirt where he belonged.
Asher seemed to catch the meaning behind his glare, smiling stupidly he shuffled away
He remained perfectly still as the Lady Illythia and Domina came to observe him.
“Yours Gaul is of a fine cut, is he not?” asked Illythia, her eyes peering down at him.
“None finer is all the republic” boasted Domina happily.
“Such a man” she said, more to herself than anyone else; the Lady extended her hand as if to touch his chest, he watched as Domina glared looking as though she wished to grab his sword and cut the hand off herself, but movement from the back caught his eye.
Naevia stood behind them; she had jerked away, her eyes downcast though her body was tense.
She looked beautiful in a new blue dress; it hugged her figure more and exposed one of her long golden legs, how he longed to run his hand up the smooth skin of her thigh, to feel it wrapped around him…
Taking a deep breath the Lady withdrew her hand and he pulled his eyes away from Naevia who was still looking at the floor.
“I tremble again to see him at the arena” said Illythia her eyes roamed his chest hungrily.
“As do we all” agreed the Domina taking her friend by the hand to pull her along.
Free from their critical gaze he returned his eyes to Naevia, she looked up at him through her lashes as she passed, her eyes roaming ever briefly over his body before resting on his face, her brown jewels locking with his eyes, blush rising to her cheeks she quickly looked down again and hurried on.
His eyes darted to the side to follow her, she had been looking at him, appreciating his form like so many others.
He couldn’t help but let a small smirk creep onto his face, perhaps he had caught little Naevia’s attention after all.
Filed under Crixus and Naevia
Has anyone seen the television show Spartacus: Blood and Sand?
I have recently become a MASSIVE fan, especially of the Naevia and Crixus story-line.
For those of you who don’t know it, let me give you a little blurb of what the story shall be about.
Now remember, this is all based on the show, though I may add my own flare it will be retelling events mostly, unless it is requested that I add some ‘deleted scenes’
In regards to the video, I didn’t make this one as I have all the others, this was made by the fabulous and far more talented than me, MissTwisty!
Who very kindly let me use it! So leave comments for her!
This story is called “Crixus & Naevia Collide”
In ancient Rome, Gladiators and their fighters are the main source of entertainment.
The best of them all was Theokoles, the shadow of death. He has never fallen in the arena, but is now in retirement. Crixus, the Champion of Capua and undefeated Gaul is considered a legend for Gladiators and spectators alike.
Batiartus owns the Gladiator school where Crixus trains, his Dominus, and his wife Lacretia, the Domina. They have owned him for five years, in those five years he had captured the eye of many women, none more so than Lacretia.
And because she was his Domina, she ordered him to be with her, in secret from her husband.
Over the years the Domina had began to develop feelings for him, but Crixus remained unmoved and it seemed that no women would ever capture his attention.
Until Little Naevia, the Domina’s body-slave began to blossom.
The arrival of new Gladiators in inconsequential, though one recruit in particular, Spartacus, pulls at his nerves… almost as much as shy little Naevia.
Little Naevia. How could she, someone who hates the Gladiator games ever be someone like Crixus? A complete brute?
Filed under Crixus and Naevia A/N
ThatPoppyGirl 