The entirety of noble Capuan society is assembled on the villa’s balcony, tarted up like whoa and watching the gladiators on chain gang parade out into the courtyard – Numerius and Domitia, Ilithyia, Aemilia and her husband Sextus the Magistrate. There are easily twice as many guards on duty than usual, owing to the men that Glaber’s left behind to guard his investment and his wayward wife. The men all look more serious and unhappy than usual, as does Batiatus up on the balcony, but the drunken happy guests don’t notice anything amiss.
Batty’s in his usual prating mode of flowery speeches, full of compliments and ass-kissing and self-aggrandizement, and it’s falling on the most appreciative of ears. Meanwhile, Spartacus and Crixus are sharing significant glances down on the sand which, as per usual, will disappoint me when they don’t lead to naked thrustytimes. *weeps*
