Heathen

When In Rome

Marchella was a young woman from a prominent Roman family. She was wed with a noble Roman scholar named Horatio, equal in rank and worthy of her beauty and her family's status. They lived in a beautiful mansion in the City for a couple of years now, like many other prominent and wealthy Roman families.

It was a warm, late spring day. Marchella was going on her weekly visit to the market, escorted by her maids. Her face was hidden behind a light veil, to protect her from the prying eyes of strangers and her fair skin from the harsh rays of the sun.

She noticed him almost immediately. It was not difficult. He stood out from the crowd. Tall, lean with the body of an athlete and the face of a Greek God, equal to the statues that adorned the Ancient City. His sharp features were accentuated by shoulder length black hair. A pair of piercing dark blue eyes was aiming for the soul of anyone who had the audacity to meet his cold gaze.

He moved, or rather glided gracefully, through the crowd, stopping occasionally to glance at something that caught his attention. And she did. They stared at each other for a brief moment, from a distance.

Marchella turned to one of her maids to inquire about the stranger but when she turned back, he was gone. She looked around only to be disappointed. No one had seen him and he was nowhere to be seen. She huffed, frustrated and, in a bad mood, cut her walk short and returned to her house.

Later that evening she escorted her spouse to yet another evening banquet. She was looking bored around, smiling without mirth to the people who greeted her. Her spouse noticed her bad mood.

-Is everything alright, dear? Did something upset you today? her spouse queried, concerned with her bad mood.

-No, no dear. Forgive me. I do not wish to worry you. She put an effort to give him a genuine smile. He was always so kind and attentive. He adored her unconditionally.

And then, she saw him again. Across the great hall, he was talking to the hosts. He smiled and –Gods!- it was like the Sun shone. Her spouse watched the change in her demeanor.

-Have you found something interesting, my dear?

Marchella looked at him, beaming. He followed her gaze to the tall dark man.

-He is quite handsome. She whispers behind her ornate fan.

-Do you wish to meet him? Her spouse smiles at her excitement. -Shall we invite him to our house tomorrow? We are having almost the same crowd invited anyway...

Marchella nods happilly at her spouse's suggestion.

-Very well. He waves at a servant boy and whispers something to his ear. The servant goes to the man in question and relays the request. He nods, saying something to the servant, who comes with the desired answer.

-The gentleman says that he accepts your invitation. The boy bows his head and withdraws.

Marchella squeezes her spouse's arm, excited. She is all smiles now. She cannot wait till tomorrow!

Waking up the next day, the lady of the house pesters her maids and the servants to attend to every single detail, making sure everything is perfect. She wants to make a good impression on her guests, especially to the new one. Thit is why she also spents hours making herself beautiful. She wants to catch his attention and keep it. She wants him to look at no one but her. Her spouse shakes his head. But, anything for her to be happy. He knows he spoils her and he does so with all his heart.

-I made a few inquiries regarding our guest. He interrupts her running around changing everything and moving things until she is satisfied.

-You did? She looks at her spouse intrigued.

-Yes. I suppose being invited to one of the most prominent families banquet is by itself a validation but it could not hurt to know more about him beforehand.

-And what did you learn, my dear? Marchella asks, her voice is laced with curiosity.

-Well, it seems he does not have family or any ties here in Rome. I was told that he is very well travelled and well spoken, knowledgeable in many topics, despite his apparent young age. He does not have any debts with merchants or have caused any troubles, all the time he lived here. He resides in a small villa in the outskirts of Rome, alone.

Marchella nods thoughtfully and even more intrigued.

Her spouse watches her expression brighten with excitement. He smiles. Although, last night's host warned Horatio that there was not much else to know about the man in question. When asked, his answers about his own person are always vague and cryptic. One could point out that this only adds further mystery to his alluring personality.

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Marchella cannot help herself. She is so excited when she sees him, the tall dark stranger, enter the hall. He approaches his hosts and greets them politely.

-Thank you for inviting me. My name is Endymion. He bows his head lightly. His voice is soft but masculine. He has a vaguely foreign accent that Horatio cannot place. He smiles cordially at his guest. -We are very happy you accepted our invitation.

Their words fade in Marchella's ears. She is entranced, almost left breathless by the aura this man exudes. She watches him wide eyed, absolutely mesmerized by his voice, his demeanor his presence... his beauty. Gods, his beauty! Horatio coughs discreetly. -My dear, let us greet our other guests, as well. She blinks coming out of her reverie, regaining her composure. -Yes, of course my dear.

As Endymion moves away, their eyes meet. It is only for a moment. There is a spark between them. It seems the Fates have made their decision. So has Marchella. She must have him. All through the evening she chases his eyes. He only spares her a few glances while talking with the other guests. During dinner, he is absorbed in conversation with Horatio. Machella watches them irritated. Her own spouse monopolizes him.

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-Well, how did you find our new guest? Marchella asks annoyed. Horatio smiles. He finds her pouting adorable. She can be such a child at times.

-He is indeed very interesting. I had a wonderful time conversing with him tonight.

-I am happy you enjoyed his company, she huffs.

-Will you also be happy to know that I have invited him again, to have lunch with us?

Her face brightens. All her previous annoyance seems to evaporate. -You have? Horatio nods. She wraps her arms around his neck, laughing. -Thank you dear! -Just be discreet, my dear. He kisses her forehead and withdraws for the night.