Post by The Lord Our God (GM) on Dec 13, 2012 9:55:34 GMT
--Antioch 528 ad--
Flavius Belisarius sat at his desk within the city of Antioch, he sat overlooking the city sprawling beneath his feet. The sun setting on the horizon casting a orange glow over the city which made Belisarius deep down feel at home, it always did. Ever since the day he first joined Justinians bodyguard his life had changed, never had he dreamed he would reach the heights of imperial office, it was there he met his wife Antonnina, she was beautiful her brown hair and dark eyes held him in a trance. But it did for most men, Belisarius’ stomach churned, how many reports and rumours had he heard of his wifes adultry. Why did he continue to accept what she was doing. Belisarius chided himself, she was too influencial a friend of the Empress Theodora, to lose Antonnina would see the favour of Justinian be whittled away from him. The man who he had considered a friend in his early days, but he was no friend of Theodora. Belisarius’ eyes glazed over as he thought back to the day that Justinian took the throne, he was alone in his quarters when Theodora arrived, she stalked round the room as if eyeing up her prey. She wore the finery of imperial royallty which belied her true origins as a daughter of a bear tamer. She spoke words softly to him, which if Belisarius was true to himself certainly aroused a fire in him that he struggled to contain. She advanced on him and drew herself up close to Belisarius continuing her seduction. As Theodora moved in to conclude the act Belisarius backed away. Enraged at the rejection, a fire crossed the eyes of Theodora swearing revenge for the slight and rejection she fled the room. Ever since Theodora had been a thorn in the relationship between Justinian and Belisarius, he knew one day the rivalry between the two would come to a head. Belisarius chuckled as if he didnt have more pressing matters to attend other than two malicious women. The Palatini guard behind the Magister Militum started...
“Sorry sir, did you say something?” He stared blankly at Belisarius.
“No soldier it was nothing, nothing that need concern you in any case.” Belisarius retorted deliberately remaining passive as to not give away he thoughts. The Palatini nodded his submission and returned to his vigilance within the room. Belisarius looked about him on his desk were reinforcement requests, eighteen regiments of cavalry and two infantry regiments to reinforce his Messopotamian border commanded by Bacchus Solomanos. The Dux had been dependable in the past but now needed to be a stalwart. The intelligence that was gathering was a large force gathering in Nisibis near the Messopotamian border. It would only be a matter of time before the Sassanids ‘Fire Eaters’ would launch an assault on the border. Belisarius thought on the situation he couldnt attack or even defend the easter edge of the Empire effectively if he didnt have enough cavalry for the job. ‘You can be sure those damned Sassanids have more than enough’ he thought to himself. Belisarius closed his eyes for a moment, to clear his thoughts and in that moment realised that he hadnt slept properly in days. Letting his body give way to the wearisome aspect of command his body started to slump. “Shit” he muttered as he stopped himself from falling looking up at the guard who looked and quickly shifted his gaze back to the spot on the wall he was staring at before switching to the Magister Militum. A walk, yes that would be good, Belisarius thought to himself...
Antonnina strolled out of her chambers, her brown hair flowing gently in the breeze, wearing a hooded black cloak she stared in intently at the guards in the hall way. Whether they noticed her or not they made no sign she sighed and headed off towards the east exit of the palace of Antioch. She marched down the corridors hoping none would recognise her. As she neared her exit a low voice called out from the dark...
“Where are we off to this time Antonnina?” A bearded man stepped out from the dark. Piercing blue eyes seemed to penertrate her soul seeing only her true nature. Antonnina looked back and in a defiant tone replied.
“I need not explain myself to you, Rapax.” Antonnina spat as she stared into his dark eyes. Rapax was the commander of Belisarius’ Bucelarii and from day one had been a thorn in the side of Antonnina. He seemed to know everything about her, where she went who she consorted with. Especially who she consorted with. The men who she would couple with would often find themselves seeing themselves and there family threatend often at the point of the sword, with immediate justice these men then distanced themselves from Antonnina who was now taking greater risks to get what she wanted. Perhaps that was what the thrill was, the chase and then the ultimately the thrill of getting caught, the thought made her stomach flutter. Coming back to the present Rapax spoke with a real fire which was not unsurprising.
“You dont scare me Antonnina, I know what you are and if I know Belisarius he knows what you are up to as well.” He paused scowling at the women. “no doubt, you are about to go out to undertake your next sexual conquest, you may find it harder this time, especially after the example I made of Galentus. You remember him dont you?” Rapax said sarcastically. The evil smile that crossed his lips that made Antonnina shiver. It was Galentus she was going to see. Once again the dog found out.
“What the usual threats of violence wont stop me from seeing him.” Antonnina said defiantly. Rapax let out a very growl which ended as a evil laugh.
“Oh no, I have started to grow tired of your games, so this time, I went the extra mile...” Rapax paused, “...firstly I arrived at the home of Galentus to find him there with his wife and child, before you ask, no I dont make war on women and children so I didnt touch them, but Galentus, well that was a different matter...” Rapax stared at Antonnina, who was struggling to hide her anger. “...At first he denied his adultry, twice infact I gave him the chance to own up, if he had I would have beaten the shit out of him and smashed a few things as a warning but still he denied it, maybe out of some misguided loyalty towards you, fool, so I brought his wife in and laid the charges of adultry against him, needless to say she was indignant. Being from a high flown and well to do family, unlike yours, prostitute...” Antonnina’s face was creasing with anger and bitter hatred at being challenged in such a matter. Ah, thought Rapax I have you, finally I have found what makes you tick, your mine now. “...I told my men to take the wife out of the room and promised her justice, and justice is what I brought. To cut a long story short I cut off his balls and nailed them to his door.” Antonnina took a sudden intake of breath, how dare this man interfere, “...now doubt Antonnina you are swearing under your breath that you will have your vengence against me, perhaps one day you will, but know this, every time you venture from your quarters for the comfort of another, remember poor young Galentus who now has no balls, every man I find out about will have the same treatment, infact, I will make the punishment worse for every man I find. Plus I very much doubt now that any man in the Empire will go anywhere near you now especially after young Galentus. Finally, if you continue to consort in this damaging manner to my master I will have no choice but to tell him of your other little secret.” Rapax raised an eyebrow and leaned closer, “Yes I know your other little dirty secret, dont worry for now your secret is safe with me, but believe me when I say, I will make you suffer and those you meet suffer, if that fails to deter you I will be left with little choice but to act on the other juicy bit of information.” He smiled lingering in her presence soaking up the atmosphere of victory once the moment had passed he strolled up the corridor confident and delighted at his success.
Rapax walked round the corner and there before him stood Belisarius anger creasing his brow and looked as though he was going to burst into a tirade of abuse at his commander, he took a deep breath and asked simply...
“Is what you said true?” He asked as a simple question. Rapax paused in his thought, he thought about lying to Belisarius but decided the truth will out.
“Yes sir, your wife needed to be taught a lesson, one that only I and your personal guard could do. Its also a case that every man needed to know that it will not be tolerated so enough was enough Flavius and Galentus has not only been humiliated but also lost his manhood.” Rapax shrugged at the memory, “I may have made an enemy for life with Antonnina, but I am willing to sacrifice that for you.” Rapax stared at his commander and friend, both unwilling to speak, but Belisarius spoke first,
“And what of this final piece, this little dirty secret.” Belisarius asked.
“Sir, Flavius, you of all people must understand by me not telling you I am protecting you from things that you best not know, you will just have to trust my judgement.” Rapax smiled and placed a hand on Belisarius’ shoulder. Belisarius thought to himself that he should have known better of Rapax that he wouldnt actually tell him. Belisarius resolved that in time he would resolve the situation with Antonnina and such with Theodora. All in time he thought, but to be able to deal with both he would need to have enough influence over Justinian to worry about not being damaged by either of them.
Rapax seeing the momentary pause as an excuse to move his master along, smiled his placating smile and asked, “So, Flavius, what brought you out?” Rapax asked.
“I just needed a walk, just as well I did come out otherwise I would never have heard the conversation the two of you just had. No doubt Antonnina is round the corner ATTEMPTING TO LISTEN TO OUR CONVERSATION!” Belisarius roared at the end, the shadow moving slightly as the cloaked women stepped out flashing out her eyelids at Belisarius who for a brief moment nearly gave in, but steadying himself for what was to come, stood straighter, bringing a menacing look over Antonnina who tried unconvincingly to hide her fear, like most able military men Belisarius had a temper that once roused could not be slaked. She meekly responded, “Yes husband.”
“Dont play all innocent with me Antonnina you are far from it, infact you never have been, I over looked your debauchery and adultery initially because I was on Imperial service, if it had been a slave or bodyguard servicing you I wouldnt even batter an eyelid but men of influence and money is something else. How many men I wonder have you spread your legs for?” Belisarius paused seeing Antonnina wide eyed at the slight, “...You Antonnina are nothing better than the prostitutes that lurk in the darkness a harpy of old. You will learn to learn your place, a place that is by my side being the devoted wife. If you fail to learn the lesson, I will set Rapax loose to find out anything and everything about your past liasons dealing summary judgement on all and sundry.” Rapax grinned flashing his teeth, he enjoyed the darker aspects of the roles he was given by Belisarius especially when it came to Antonnina. Antonnina stood talled in reply...
“You wouldnt dare hurt me or even challenge me and especially cut me loose, due to my affiliation with Theodora. She has the Emperor wrapped round her finger with one word from her bringing your downfall.” An evil smile crossed her face. Belisarius stepped forward right into the face of Antonnina.
“You evil little witch, trust me when I say I will resolve the issue with you, one way or another. For now I have eyes on you, from every shadow, every corner, every encounter no matter how innocent I will know about. You WILL learn to behave and show an example to the rest of the imperial court and be the devoted wife I expect you to be. You have been warned if I get even a hint of any further deception I will deal with you with my own bear hands.” A menacing glare shot at Antonnina who shrank back, had she underestimated Belisarius, thinking him a fool, fool, she was the fool she thought, Rapax the lurker in the dark would ensure her downfall unless she found a champion other than Theodora. A knife in the dark is a knife in the dark she thought, all Rapax had to do is slip a man into her chambers to kill her and her life would be snuffed out as easily as the candle she extinguished nightly. Belisarius strode off down the corridor towards its exit, leaving Rapax standing infront of Antonnina once more, Rapax gently spoke...
“I told you he already knew, you underestimated him and the true strength he personally wields, you felt you had a hold over him, but that hold has diminished since you first met. I have seen it fade, probably as he learned more and more of your adulturous behaviour. You have everything Antonnina and you dont even realise it, but I will issue one last warning for you, what Belisarius said about you being watched is true, every turn, shadow, shop, door no matter how low will be watching you.” he stalked off shaking his heading mocking the women.
Antonnina stood alone in the corridor, now deserted, she slumped to the floor in tears sobbing, no one there to comfort her. Perhaps a fitting end to her current situation.
Written by The Lord Our God (GM)
Flavius Belisarius sat at his desk within the city of Antioch, he sat overlooking the city sprawling beneath his feet. The sun setting on the horizon casting a orange glow over the city which made Belisarius deep down feel at home, it always did. Ever since the day he first joined Justinians bodyguard his life had changed, never had he dreamed he would reach the heights of imperial office, it was there he met his wife Antonnina, she was beautiful her brown hair and dark eyes held him in a trance. But it did for most men, Belisarius’ stomach churned, how many reports and rumours had he heard of his wifes adultry. Why did he continue to accept what she was doing. Belisarius chided himself, she was too influencial a friend of the Empress Theodora, to lose Antonnina would see the favour of Justinian be whittled away from him. The man who he had considered a friend in his early days, but he was no friend of Theodora. Belisarius’ eyes glazed over as he thought back to the day that Justinian took the throne, he was alone in his quarters when Theodora arrived, she stalked round the room as if eyeing up her prey. She wore the finery of imperial royallty which belied her true origins as a daughter of a bear tamer. She spoke words softly to him, which if Belisarius was true to himself certainly aroused a fire in him that he struggled to contain. She advanced on him and drew herself up close to Belisarius continuing her seduction. As Theodora moved in to conclude the act Belisarius backed away. Enraged at the rejection, a fire crossed the eyes of Theodora swearing revenge for the slight and rejection she fled the room. Ever since Theodora had been a thorn in the relationship between Justinian and Belisarius, he knew one day the rivalry between the two would come to a head. Belisarius chuckled as if he didnt have more pressing matters to attend other than two malicious women. The Palatini guard behind the Magister Militum started...
“Sorry sir, did you say something?” He stared blankly at Belisarius.
“No soldier it was nothing, nothing that need concern you in any case.” Belisarius retorted deliberately remaining passive as to not give away he thoughts. The Palatini nodded his submission and returned to his vigilance within the room. Belisarius looked about him on his desk were reinforcement requests, eighteen regiments of cavalry and two infantry regiments to reinforce his Messopotamian border commanded by Bacchus Solomanos. The Dux had been dependable in the past but now needed to be a stalwart. The intelligence that was gathering was a large force gathering in Nisibis near the Messopotamian border. It would only be a matter of time before the Sassanids ‘Fire Eaters’ would launch an assault on the border. Belisarius thought on the situation he couldnt attack or even defend the easter edge of the Empire effectively if he didnt have enough cavalry for the job. ‘You can be sure those damned Sassanids have more than enough’ he thought to himself. Belisarius closed his eyes for a moment, to clear his thoughts and in that moment realised that he hadnt slept properly in days. Letting his body give way to the wearisome aspect of command his body started to slump. “Shit” he muttered as he stopped himself from falling looking up at the guard who looked and quickly shifted his gaze back to the spot on the wall he was staring at before switching to the Magister Militum. A walk, yes that would be good, Belisarius thought to himself...
Antonnina strolled out of her chambers, her brown hair flowing gently in the breeze, wearing a hooded black cloak she stared in intently at the guards in the hall way. Whether they noticed her or not they made no sign she sighed and headed off towards the east exit of the palace of Antioch. She marched down the corridors hoping none would recognise her. As she neared her exit a low voice called out from the dark...
“Where are we off to this time Antonnina?” A bearded man stepped out from the dark. Piercing blue eyes seemed to penertrate her soul seeing only her true nature. Antonnina looked back and in a defiant tone replied.
“I need not explain myself to you, Rapax.” Antonnina spat as she stared into his dark eyes. Rapax was the commander of Belisarius’ Bucelarii and from day one had been a thorn in the side of Antonnina. He seemed to know everything about her, where she went who she consorted with. Especially who she consorted with. The men who she would couple with would often find themselves seeing themselves and there family threatend often at the point of the sword, with immediate justice these men then distanced themselves from Antonnina who was now taking greater risks to get what she wanted. Perhaps that was what the thrill was, the chase and then the ultimately the thrill of getting caught, the thought made her stomach flutter. Coming back to the present Rapax spoke with a real fire which was not unsurprising.
“You dont scare me Antonnina, I know what you are and if I know Belisarius he knows what you are up to as well.” He paused scowling at the women. “no doubt, you are about to go out to undertake your next sexual conquest, you may find it harder this time, especially after the example I made of Galentus. You remember him dont you?” Rapax said sarcastically. The evil smile that crossed his lips that made Antonnina shiver. It was Galentus she was going to see. Once again the dog found out.
“What the usual threats of violence wont stop me from seeing him.” Antonnina said defiantly. Rapax let out a very growl which ended as a evil laugh.
“Oh no, I have started to grow tired of your games, so this time, I went the extra mile...” Rapax paused, “...firstly I arrived at the home of Galentus to find him there with his wife and child, before you ask, no I dont make war on women and children so I didnt touch them, but Galentus, well that was a different matter...” Rapax stared at Antonnina, who was struggling to hide her anger. “...At first he denied his adultry, twice infact I gave him the chance to own up, if he had I would have beaten the shit out of him and smashed a few things as a warning but still he denied it, maybe out of some misguided loyalty towards you, fool, so I brought his wife in and laid the charges of adultry against him, needless to say she was indignant. Being from a high flown and well to do family, unlike yours, prostitute...” Antonnina’s face was creasing with anger and bitter hatred at being challenged in such a matter. Ah, thought Rapax I have you, finally I have found what makes you tick, your mine now. “...I told my men to take the wife out of the room and promised her justice, and justice is what I brought. To cut a long story short I cut off his balls and nailed them to his door.” Antonnina took a sudden intake of breath, how dare this man interfere, “...now doubt Antonnina you are swearing under your breath that you will have your vengence against me, perhaps one day you will, but know this, every time you venture from your quarters for the comfort of another, remember poor young Galentus who now has no balls, every man I find out about will have the same treatment, infact, I will make the punishment worse for every man I find. Plus I very much doubt now that any man in the Empire will go anywhere near you now especially after young Galentus. Finally, if you continue to consort in this damaging manner to my master I will have no choice but to tell him of your other little secret.” Rapax raised an eyebrow and leaned closer, “Yes I know your other little dirty secret, dont worry for now your secret is safe with me, but believe me when I say, I will make you suffer and those you meet suffer, if that fails to deter you I will be left with little choice but to act on the other juicy bit of information.” He smiled lingering in her presence soaking up the atmosphere of victory once the moment had passed he strolled up the corridor confident and delighted at his success.
Rapax walked round the corner and there before him stood Belisarius anger creasing his brow and looked as though he was going to burst into a tirade of abuse at his commander, he took a deep breath and asked simply...
“Is what you said true?” He asked as a simple question. Rapax paused in his thought, he thought about lying to Belisarius but decided the truth will out.
“Yes sir, your wife needed to be taught a lesson, one that only I and your personal guard could do. Its also a case that every man needed to know that it will not be tolerated so enough was enough Flavius and Galentus has not only been humiliated but also lost his manhood.” Rapax shrugged at the memory, “I may have made an enemy for life with Antonnina, but I am willing to sacrifice that for you.” Rapax stared at his commander and friend, both unwilling to speak, but Belisarius spoke first,
“And what of this final piece, this little dirty secret.” Belisarius asked.
“Sir, Flavius, you of all people must understand by me not telling you I am protecting you from things that you best not know, you will just have to trust my judgement.” Rapax smiled and placed a hand on Belisarius’ shoulder. Belisarius thought to himself that he should have known better of Rapax that he wouldnt actually tell him. Belisarius resolved that in time he would resolve the situation with Antonnina and such with Theodora. All in time he thought, but to be able to deal with both he would need to have enough influence over Justinian to worry about not being damaged by either of them.
Rapax seeing the momentary pause as an excuse to move his master along, smiled his placating smile and asked, “So, Flavius, what brought you out?” Rapax asked.
“I just needed a walk, just as well I did come out otherwise I would never have heard the conversation the two of you just had. No doubt Antonnina is round the corner ATTEMPTING TO LISTEN TO OUR CONVERSATION!” Belisarius roared at the end, the shadow moving slightly as the cloaked women stepped out flashing out her eyelids at Belisarius who for a brief moment nearly gave in, but steadying himself for what was to come, stood straighter, bringing a menacing look over Antonnina who tried unconvincingly to hide her fear, like most able military men Belisarius had a temper that once roused could not be slaked. She meekly responded, “Yes husband.”
“Dont play all innocent with me Antonnina you are far from it, infact you never have been, I over looked your debauchery and adultery initially because I was on Imperial service, if it had been a slave or bodyguard servicing you I wouldnt even batter an eyelid but men of influence and money is something else. How many men I wonder have you spread your legs for?” Belisarius paused seeing Antonnina wide eyed at the slight, “...You Antonnina are nothing better than the prostitutes that lurk in the darkness a harpy of old. You will learn to learn your place, a place that is by my side being the devoted wife. If you fail to learn the lesson, I will set Rapax loose to find out anything and everything about your past liasons dealing summary judgement on all and sundry.” Rapax grinned flashing his teeth, he enjoyed the darker aspects of the roles he was given by Belisarius especially when it came to Antonnina. Antonnina stood talled in reply...
“You wouldnt dare hurt me or even challenge me and especially cut me loose, due to my affiliation with Theodora. She has the Emperor wrapped round her finger with one word from her bringing your downfall.” An evil smile crossed her face. Belisarius stepped forward right into the face of Antonnina.
“You evil little witch, trust me when I say I will resolve the issue with you, one way or another. For now I have eyes on you, from every shadow, every corner, every encounter no matter how innocent I will know about. You WILL learn to behave and show an example to the rest of the imperial court and be the devoted wife I expect you to be. You have been warned if I get even a hint of any further deception I will deal with you with my own bear hands.” A menacing glare shot at Antonnina who shrank back, had she underestimated Belisarius, thinking him a fool, fool, she was the fool she thought, Rapax the lurker in the dark would ensure her downfall unless she found a champion other than Theodora. A knife in the dark is a knife in the dark she thought, all Rapax had to do is slip a man into her chambers to kill her and her life would be snuffed out as easily as the candle she extinguished nightly. Belisarius strode off down the corridor towards its exit, leaving Rapax standing infront of Antonnina once more, Rapax gently spoke...
“I told you he already knew, you underestimated him and the true strength he personally wields, you felt you had a hold over him, but that hold has diminished since you first met. I have seen it fade, probably as he learned more and more of your adulturous behaviour. You have everything Antonnina and you dont even realise it, but I will issue one last warning for you, what Belisarius said about you being watched is true, every turn, shadow, shop, door no matter how low will be watching you.” he stalked off shaking his heading mocking the women.
Antonnina stood alone in the corridor, now deserted, she slumped to the floor in tears sobbing, no one there to comfort her. Perhaps a fitting end to her current situation.
Written by The Lord Our God (GM)