Chapter Text
The summons weighed heavy on Vi’s mind.
For a few reasons. But most importantly because this summons wasn’t Caitlyn asking to see her.
No. That would be a delight. A reason to breathe.
The note from Clan Kiramman was a boulder on her chest.
The scroll of thin calfskin wrapped in a delicate ribbon and sealed with rich cobalt wax was official. Could only come from the head of the household. It meant something life changing.
It was addressed simply: Gladiator. is all it said.
The contents of the scroll were simple as well. Three sentences. Five clauses. Vi had read them enough to have them memorized by now.
“Do us the pleasure of attending a Luncheon at the Kiramman Domus; after which we shall discuss business. As Sol’s chariot hits the apex on the next Nundinae, the Kiramman stores shall supply a sumptuous meal. Please bring only yourself.”
Vi’s thoughts turned to the other note.
Trust. The word reverberated in Vi’s mind. Why Trust? Vi had fallen asleep in her arms only to wake alone. Was it trusting that she’d left for good reason? or was it related to the summons? Or even more unnerving, had the Kiramman Matriarch found out about their tryst. Was there some sort of Ionian custom that demanded permission before casual coupling? Or… could this summons be entirely unrelated?
Not a chance.
Vi went over the standards of the circumstances as she worked through her feelings. Vi had reached her peak twice and hadn’t brought Caitlyn to completion at all. Vi wasn’t usually such a lousy lay. Even during her rut, she usually prioritized her partners. The regret of it all knit hard in her stomach - a sick shame that kept her in a sour mood.
The good news is the creation of a child required them both to be in heat and the insertion of the knot for a significant length of time. Being outside of Caitlyn’s cycle and avoiding the insertion of the knot, there was no chance their coupling could result in a child. And even with a knot, if either party ingests silphium beforehand - or the omega ingests the tincture afterward - Juno’s blessing kept quickening of child at bay. They were completely in the clear there.
That thought didn’t feel like relief to Vi.
It should have. They weren’t partnered. They weren’t on the same social strata. Siring a child of an unwed Patrician’s daughter would be a scandal at the very least. Even as Vi’s contract with the Medarda clan was in its waning days, Vi abandoning her commitments meant death under Piltovan law. Plus, then: if they had been successful… Caitlyn. Vi’s heart ached at the thought; Caitlyn would have to suffer the consequences alone.
But Vi would be lying if she said she hadn’t found a small bit of joy in the thought of a smaller version of Caitlyn. One with her father’s eyes, her mother’s smile, and hair the color of lavender blooming in summer - nonsensical as that would be. A blonde mother and a redheaded father didn’t result in orange haired progeny. But maybe, by the grace of Olympos, their daughter could…
Vi poured cold water on the thought and evaluated the facts of the matter at hand.
Vi had woken up alone. That much was true. Had she offended Caitlyn? In their tryst had she hurt Caitlyn? or worse, had Vi - in her selfish rut - ruined everything? Vi practiced an apology in her mind. Walked through the ways to say I’m sorry to Caitlyn. Hoped she’d have the chance to do so in private.
Vi fretted to herself in quiet times and instead ran her finger over the letter C scratched into plain papyrus in an attempt to court sleep. She wasn’t quite successful.
Vi slept in uneven moments. Stolen solely when her body decided exhaustion won the day.
She floated through training. Losing inconsequential practice bouts against one of the Medarda’s other fighters. A Sassanian who - for the fifth time today - pulled Vi up by the throat and slammed her bodily to the sand. What one gets for the lapse in attention.
“Must watch your feet, Habibi. Or you’ll get swept to the ground every time.” She gruffed down to Vi hiding a chuckle behind every vowel.
Through breath that struggled to fill her lungs, Vi grumbled. “I’ll keep that in mind, Samira.” Vi rolled over to spit blood to the dirt. Her tongue prodded the bitten inside of her cheek. A novice mistake and now she bled for it. Vi shook her head at herself before pushing up to stand.
Rictus clapped twice. “Water.” He barked at those training in the mid-day sun and all six of the Medarda gladiators made their way to the fountain in the corner of the training space. They took turns sipping and trading the ladle off as they refreshed themselves with a well-deserved break.
After a moment, Vi felt a tap on her shoulder. That singular green eye flashed and Samira’s lips pinched before flowing wide into a grin. “Do we need to have a conversation about your distracted state of mind?” She adjusted her leather eyepatch before quipping, “Or you could just tell us who she is.”
“Whu-What?!” Panic coated Vi’s stomach. She tried to keep it contained and prayed to the gods that they’d help keep her secret.
Vi blamed her success on Alethia’s busy schedule because Samira’s voice simply rumbled on - pleased and curious - as she enjoyed the sound of her own voice. “The woman who drives you to distraction. The reason you’ve been all out of sorts these past few days. The reason I've been able to knock you to the ground in our last five practice bouts. Usually you don’t let me in your guard, but you’re distracted, Habibi, and it can only be one of two things.” Samira shrugged. “As I’ve never known you to be a gambler nor want for coin, it must be the other reason. A fighter like you could only be driven to distraction… by a woman.” The knowing look in her eye prickled annoyance down Vi’s spine.
“It’s nothing.”
“Oh, nothing? I’m sure she loves to be thought of as nothing.” Samira’s sarcasm stung.
“Tell you what.” Vi snapped. “You and I race to the far wall of the training grounds and back. If you beat me, I’ll tell you her name.”
“And if you win?”
“You don’t ask me again.”
Samira cocked an eyebrow. “That’s all you want if you win?”
“That’s all I want when I win.” Vi growled.
Samira laughed heartily. “You truly are a terrible gambler. Pick something worthy of our time or I shall continue to bother you for her name and leave this wagering to others.”
“Fine. I want two of your pomegranates.” Vi exasperated - picking the things Samira holds most dear. The fruits she specifically requests and receives by the crateful from her parents in Saveh.
“I shall wager 5.” Samira declared puffing her chest in her confidence.
Vi whistled. “A hefty price to pay when you lose.”
“I won’t.”
Vi just smiled at that and turned to the rest of the gathered individuals in the Medarda employ. “Dottore?”
Steb turned his attention from tending to the cuts and scrapes the other gladiators had earned in their day of training. He raised his eyebrows.
“Judge for us? Samira and I are racing to that wall and back.”
Steb nodded and quickly scraped a line in the dirt in front of them with the toe of his sandal. He stood to the side wordlessly - as was his usual standard of practice and care - and held up an arm with three fingers extended. He waited for a call from both of them.
Vi took her stance. breathed to calm her nerves and announced. “Ready!”
"I look forward to finding out who she is.” Samira chuckled darkly before calling, “Ready!”
Steb’s fingers dropped in quick succession.
3.
2.
1.
They were off. Tearing across the dirt. Chests heaving, arms pumping, legs churning. By the time Vi made the turn at the wall, Vi knew she had Samira beat. Samira was quick, but Vi was quicker.
In the ensuing celebration of hooting and hollering, Samira held out her hand. They shook; gripping at forearms and clapping shoulders as Samira spoke. “Well raced, Pink. I will respect yours and your Lady’s privacy.”
“She doesn’t like to be called lady.” The words flew out of Vi’s lips before she could stop them.
Samira’s green eye sparkled and the eyebrow above her eyepatch quirked high. She grinned and nodded for a moment before holding her hands up, palms forward in Vi’s general direction - a surrender. “I shall ask no more questions and seek no more answers.”
A promise for which Vi was grateful.
Rictus clapped his hands thrice - ending the celebration. “Back to work!” he barked.
And work they did.
xxxxxxxxxx
On the appointed day, Vi made it to the Kiramman Domus before the noon bell. The basket that Caitlyn had used to deliver her gifts to Vi now contained five precious pomegranates wrapped and protected by the softest skein of fabric Vi was able to barter for. Only cost her two of her precious scrolls. But she’d read those treatises on astronomy and wine production already and Loris seemed thrilled with the trade.
Vi was welcomed into the home by the same woman - the one in the crimson palla - from the first visit and the previous Nundinae when Vi had carried Caitlyn home. Both memories flashed hot against Vi’s skin. But the feeling didn’t last long as Vi was ushered immediately into the home and bustled along the atrium to find the entire family crowded together on the far side of the pool.
The Domina spoke first. “Gladiator, it is good to see you.”
The Dominus approached with an offered hand which Vi clasped and shook in return. “Vi, is it?”
“Yes. It is.” Vi nodded.
Caitlyn hung back behind her parents. With a twist of her wrist, Vi gave her a simple wave. Caitlyn pinched a smile and returned the quick movement. Vi’s cheeks tingled and Caitlyn’s seemed to pink in return. Vi was grateful Caitlyn’s parents’ full attention was directed at the necessaries of society rather than looking for any sign of impropriety.
But Caitlyn also hadn’t said anything. A small wave. That was it. The disappointment curdled in Vi’s chest.
This was going to be a long luncheon. Vi thought to herself.
“Welcome to our home.” Tobias boomed toward the rest of the atrium - surveying all before him before turning back to Vi for a softer introduction. “Always love doing that. Sounds so nice bouncing off the water and marble. Anyway. I’m Tobias and this is Cassandra."
“Dear.” The Lady Kiramman protested in her husband’s ear. But loud enough for those assembled to hear the correction.
He waved her concern away. “Pish Posh, Darling. We are in our own home, no need to stand on societal conventions.”
“I suppose you’re right.” She smiled tightly in Vi’s general direction before her eyes - so like those of her daughter - flicked down to spy Vi’s basket. “Oh!” Her eyebrows knit. “You brought something?”
“Pomegranates!” Vi announced too loud for her own ears. She cleared her throat before explaining. “A prize won.”
“A gambler are you?” Cassandra raised an eyebrow as she spoke.
“No. Not at all.” Vi cleared up the confusion. “Simply the victor of a contest. These are a gift I come bearing to thank the heads of house for their hospitality.”
Her gift was accepted with grace and a bit of a grimace. Seems the request to bring only yourself was sincere. Vi tried not to let her misstep color the rest of her feelings about the luncheon but she couldn’t help but feel a bit like she’d started this whole thing off with the incorrect move.
The lady’s maid - Elora, Vi remembered too late - led the way. The family - and Vi - sat down to enjoy their luncheon at the triclinium in the back of the house overlooking still another lush and beautiful garden. ‘So different from Caitlyn’s private courtyard,’ Vi thought to herself as she took in the scents of mature olive and mulberry trees, cassia, narcissus, and marigolds likely in separate beds. As well as the scents of calendula, garlic, hyssop, camomile, and marshmallow - ‘a healer’s garden,’
Vi’s brow furrowed with the thought; so much so that she wasn’t watching where she went. Practically running into Caitlyn’s back. Luckily a tug at Vi’s elbow kept her from stepping on Caitlyn’s heels. It was the lady’s maid. She pointed to the third lectus in the room.
Vi whispered her thanks and received a knowing sort of smile from Elora that felt like equal parts pity and care. Vi smiled back - grateful.
And so they sat as dishes were brought from the kitchen. Cassandra and Tobias on one lectus, Caitlyn on another, and Vi on a third. A space better suited to seat nine, Vi tried not to let the opulence and the space intimidate.
The meal went along without any sort of strife. The conversation ranging from the latest developments with the local magistrates to the harvesting plans in the gardens beyond. The food was excellent. Beginning with oysters - the meat swimming in a small dollop of Garum - served in the shell; then cooked and fluffy farro served with sliced and spiced pork sausages; and finally for dessert: delicate slices of pear served on a sort-of-cheesebreadcake whose base crumbled as Vi tried to pick it up.
Luckily, Vi chanced a glance at Caitlyn and noted she’d cut a piece from the larger triangle on her plate to eat in smaller bites. Vi did the same.
The sweet pear that sat on top had been poached in wine, drizzled in honey, and rested on a bed of some kind of cheese. Vi catalogued all this as the crumbly base of the thing dissolved in her mouth. That too was sweet but also tart. A sort of deliciously sour sharpness between the fruit and the soft cake or cheese mixture in the middle melding with the crumbly texture of the base. A delicious contradiction. A breadcake that was not a cake. A cheese that was not a cheese.
It was incredible.
“Do you like it? Tobias asked, butting into Vi’s reverie.
Vi finished chewing and spoke her effusive praise. “Very much so. I’ve never had anything like it.”
“That’s because I invented it!” Tobias’s pleased grin was infectious and Vi found herself sharing his smile as he continued to tell his story. “You see, the Ionians are doing incredible things with their processings of grains and combinations of flavours. A crumbled cookie - is what they’d called it - bound together with butter and sugar, and topped with a milk, cheese, and egg mixure with fruit even further on top then baked. It worked with Raikkon berries in Ionia, and I thought, why not try that with poached pears from Piltover!?”
They shared a chuckle at the alliteration before the realization struck Vi. “Wait. You made this? With your own hands?”
“I did!” He seemed positively giddy.
Vi returned his glee. “It’s delicious, Sir. Thank you!”
“I’m so glad you enjoy it, Vi.” His smile pinched at the corners of his eyes in a genuinely kind way. “My wife and daughter don’t enjoy it as I do. But I’m glad to know,” he eyed said wife and daughter like conspirators plotting against him, “at least ONE PERSON enjoys my cooking.”
The protestations from Mother and Daughter were sputtered and sporadic and before too long all assembled devolved into complimenting the third and final course of the luncheon in due time.
The warmth of camaraderie spread across Vi’s solar plexus. Where Cassandra was reserved, Tobias was effusive. His kindness and warmth set all at ease. Cassandra, however, was equal parts intimidating, reserved, and yet generous still. She smiled and joined in conversation - tutting in agreement or shaking her head at her husband’s eccentrics.
It was Caitlyn who seemed… strange. Her eyes focused on her plate - except for the few times Vi was able to catch her gaze. And then, Caitlyn quickly tore her gaze to alight on something else. The action stung sharp in Vi’s chest.
Vi resolved then and there that she would apologize. Steal a moment away with Caitlyn and beg her forgiveness. It was the only way to make this right.
Over the last bites of their dessert, Caitlyn finally met Vi’s gaze and held it. Vi’s heart leapt in her chest. Caitlyn swallowed her bite and her mouth formed words in Vi’s general direction. Two of them. The plush of a T before pulling back into a nebulous vowel sound and her jaw dropping to form T. And then her lips pinched together before pulling wide.
Trust Me? was she saying trust me?
She finished with a wink that was for Vi’s eyes only. And Vi’s brain spun further.
After Elora and other house staff had cleared the table, Cassandra evaluated all assembled and asked, “If we’re all finished?” Everyone nodded and Cassandra stood in a jarring sort of motion. “Follow me, if you will.”
‘Right. Business.’ Vi thought to herself. In the midst of such a pleasant time, Vi had forgotten the second part of that invitation.
Cassandra led all assembled towards the atrium, but instead of crossing the room to the front door, she turned the corner and led the group to ornate double doors on the other side of the room.“Caitlyn, darling.” She said as she turned to address the party. “We have business to discuss with the Glad-erm, Vi in the library. Dreadfully boring, I assure you. You are relieved of your duties, dear. Enjoy your afternoon.” She turned her gaze, “Vi, if you wouldn’t mind following me?”
Vi swallowed thick and attempted to control the flit of her eyes. She was not successful. Her panicked gaze found the calm waters of Caitlyn’s. Caitlyn offered a gentle smile and the smallest of nods.
Vi’s heart still pounded - but thanks to Caitlyn's nod - panic’s iron grip softened enough for Vi to put on a brave facade.
Vi followed the Kirammans into what turned out to be the absolutely massive library. The one Cassandra had invited Vi to partake of on that last Nundinae. It truly was a magnificent room. Floor to ceiling books. ‘Honest to Olympos books,’ Vi thought in awe. Bound and everything. Scrolls covering another wall and desks and kline and curulis galore on which to sate one’s curiosity. It was incredible. As Vi marveled at the room, Tobias called out.
“Please have a seat. Can I interest you in a small taste of my Amaro?” Tobias offered over his shoulder as he crossed the room to a cabinet.
“I’ve never heard of Amaro.” Vi responded - slightly dizzy by the sheer size of the room.
Cassandra settled in a seat on one side of a large desk. She motioned for Vi to take the seat on the other side as she spoke. “Another of Tobias’s creations. This one settles the stomach after a sumptuous meal. Please, sit.”
Vi did as told while Tobias pulled out a bottle and three very small glasses. “Yes, Vi, It is quite the wonder. My very own foraged blend of herbs, roots, flowers, seeds, and spices mixed with a tonic I prepare in my office - usually used to treat wounds and alchemical in nature - which I then bury in the gardens and allow it to sit untouched by human hand so Ceres may bless the tincture.” He set the glasses and poured a small dram for each. “After some time, I dig it up and there you have it! My Amaro.”
Vi evaluated the dark viscous liquid, “Alchemical? You’re an alchemist, sir?
"No! No-no no-no-no. Not an alchemist.” He cheerily waved her off. “A doctor chiefly. But only when needed. I am lucky in our time in Piltover that skill set is less pressing in immediate need.”
"I see.” Vi nodded with a grin.
“I propose a toast.” Cassandra cut in. Picking up her glass and motioning for Vi and Tobias to do the same. “To fruitful partnership.”
Vi didn’t know how to take that. She nodded tight lipped before joining the toast. Clinking her glass to those of the Kirammans’. Vi’s mind churned. For what reason had she actually been called here? Business? Fruitful Partnership?! The sip of the liquor was refreshing but it did nothing to quell the confusion in Vi’s mind.
Tobias sat in the chair next to his wife and dove right in. “Now, Vi. You see… erm… we are very grateful for your actions in the agora… and well… after the events on the last Nundinae, we do believe there might need to be some changes around here. To which, the Kiramman family wishes to inquire… if you might be so inclined… rather…”
The Domina cut him off. Asking a question outright. “Are you attracted to our daughter?”
Vi blinked. Once. Twice. Three times. The words washed over her mind - brine pinching her thoughts - Vi struggled to grasp the best way to respond. But Cassandra Kiramman took Vi’s inaction for response and turned to her husband.
“See, Darling. I told you she wasn’t attracted to our Caitlyn.”
“My Love. See how she pales. Of course she’s attracted to our Daughter. She has eyes, doesn’t she?” Tobias protested.
“Uh…” Vi’s brain struggled to catch up to the banter between the Kirammans.
Cassandra leaned in her chair against her husband - nudging him with her shoulder in a tease. “Yes well, she gets her good looks from her father.”
To that, Tobias grabbed Cassandra’s hand from the arm of her ornate chair. He kissed her knuckles before murmuring, “I disagree; she looks nothing like me. She’s the spitting image of your beauty, My Darling.”
“I meant her other father.” Cassandra’s voice dipped silly - seeming to tease.
“She looks nothing like Grayson either, Dear Heart.” Tobias’s smug smile was equal parts fond and comfortable, “you and I both know that.”
“You’re very right, Toby, dear.” She patted his hand with affection before turning her gaze back to Vi. “Back to the matter at hand.” Cassandra cleared her throat and returned to business. She addressed Vi “Caitlyn is her own woman and in regular circumstances she may live as she chooses - dress as she chooses - engage with the world as she chooses. However in this singular instance, I do believe we are making the right choice to offer you the job.”
Vi blinked some more. ‘A job… A job… A job siring children for the family?!’ Vi had heard rumors that rich patricians did this sort of thing, but she hardly expected to be the receiver of such a proposition. ‘Maybe they do things differently in Ionia?’ Vi shook her head to clear the thought. She spoke haltingly as she found the words. “You. Called me here. To offer. A job?”
“Yes.” The Kirammans said in unison. Tobias nodding enthusiastically while Cassandra elaborated.
“A bodyguard. For Caitlyn. Yes.” Cassandra’s eyes narrowed the smallest bit. “Did you think we’d call on you for another reason?” Her voice winged up in gentle curiosity.
Vi’s mind flashed back to that day in her room. The sights and sounds and tastes of Caitlyn. Her pulse hammered in her ears.
“Uh, no.” Vi lied. Attempting to cool her racing pulse or at least not show it.
“Do you accept?” Cassandra tented her fingers in front of her chest - the dealmaker with an offer on the table. “We will happily buy your contract out from the Medarda clan. Ambessa is a…”
“Don’t lie to the girl and tell her Ambessa is your friend, now.”
“Toby! I would never. She is a… business associate and would be compensated handsomely to purchase your gladiatorial contract. We would happily shift the terms to that of a bodyguard and ensure you are well taken care of during your employ - hopefully for years to come - and the years beyond.”
Tobias interjected, “I’d be happy to hire you an advocate should you wish to have that support? Want to ensure all feel comfortable with the new arrangement.”
Cassandra continued. “We were impressed by the care you showed our daughter that day in the market. There is no expense we would spare to keep her safe; you understand.”
“And should she wish to travel,” Tobias chimed in, “we would expect you to travel as well. Have you traveled much, Vi?”
“I… Um… Some.” Vi felt like she was drowning. Her mind spinning from the changes in direction.
“Is Vi short for anything?” Cassandra asked as she evaluated papers on the desk.
“I’d say she’s rather tall.” Tobias butt in. “Certainly not Caitlyn tall, but on the taller side of the balance.”
“I meant her name, dearest.”
“Oh, goodness me.” Tobias exasperated. “My apologies. Is Vi a nickname? Our contract will have to indicate your full name - when freed, of course - especially if Vi is a gladiator moniker. Yes.” He said mostly to himself before addressing Vi once more. “Your freed name is a necessity for the paperwork. Wouldn’t want to cause any confusion or discrepancy when filing our agreement with the magistrates.”
Freed. That word struck hard in Vi’s chest. Vi couldn’t be Caitlyn’s bodyguard. Not when what she wanted more than anything in the world was to be Caitlyn’s. Free and clear and without any sort of obligation.
Vi cleared her throat and spoke her truth. “I’m sorry. Domina and Dominus Kiramman. I cannot accept this offer at this time. I have a contract with the Medarda clan; the end of which is in sight. But when that agreement is completed, I would like to meet again. If that would be-If you would allow that sort of… if I could um.” Vi floundered.
“We understand completely!” Tobias jumped right in - even as Cassandra’s lips pinched to one side; a look so familiar and alarming it sent Vi’s heart to plummet to the depths of her belly.
“Of course we understand, Vi.” Cassandra spoke kindly - not warmly, but kindly. “Honoring one’s agreements is an admirable thing. I only ask that you do not wait too long to reconsider this offer. At some point, our hand may be forced to offer this role to another. One who may be more… eager to hold the position.”
Vi nodded hard and harsh in a single move - the kind of grave agreement Cassandra’s statement required. “Thank you. Ma’am. And thank you both for your hospitality today.”
Tobias nodded. Standing to shake Vi’s hand once more, he said, “we look forward to welcoming you another time, Vi.”
“Yes, another time, Vi. We look forward to it. Elora will show you the way out.” Lady Cassandra dismissed in a wave.
Elora did and Vi wandered the afternoon Nundinae market attempting to soothe her aching heart and calm her racing mind.