Artorius nodded to the slave and gestureds to a seat behind him "Sit. What is your name?" he asked, grimacing at Marcus's outburst of contempt of the Celts. They, Romans were the ones payinf for insolence. Even the execution of the guilty had not erased the scars. There were some that couldn't be healed.

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Levi nodded and silently kneeled behind the seat of the Centurion. He was a different man than others, he could tell that only by casting a glance on him. He seemed to be marked by war and combat for there were scars on this face and it seemed like his nose was broken. But for a Roman he looked very un-Roman-like. The other man, at whom he could look directly was apparently the Optio. Eventhough second in rank you could tell from his features that the man was more self-conceited and Levi couldn't help but hate him from the first moment he saw him.

"My name is Levi Ben- Aharon, sir" he answered, knowing that a short reply would suffice.

-----

Marcus looked at the slave and smirked. "If this be the reinforcements the Emperor sent us than I'm sure we are doomed. Although their heads will do good on the fences of the Celtic villages, then we are at least released from this rabble."
He took a small amphora which was filled with wine and filled to cups, offering one to Artorius. "You don't think this is right" he stated, recognising the look in the Centurion's eyes.


[ I guess Marcus will kinda be the arrogant type who depises those who are less but treats his equals honor. Don't hate him ]

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O children, lift up your voice, lift up your voice,
Children, rejoice, rejoice..



It doesn't matter you don't believe in God, He believes in you.

Artorius nodded at the man, Levi, and sighed. "No, Marcus, that's because it isn't. Boudicca has reason for her 'rebellion'. When her husband died, we were on peaceful terms. When he died, we flogged her, and raped her daughters. What would you do, Marcus? If that was you?" he asked, soundig distgusted 'And these men" he said, gesturing to Levi "Are not fodder for her forces."

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"Nor are they Roman soldiers." Marcus said coldly. "And are you actually comparing these rebels and heratics to Romans? We are here to civilize them. They are barbarians. They kill baby girls because they're not strong enough, dance to the moon and make poisons. Do you ever thin k that their Gods can math ours?" Marcus stopped. His fiery argumentation of his beliefs would make no difference to Artorius, he knew that. Marcus blamed his long stay in this devil's land. Artorius had stayed here too long and was started to think like them.
"More wine." he ordered, snapping his fingers to Levi, gesturing to the amphora.

-----

Levi thoughts were confirmed when he listened to the Optio's words. How he longed to say something to this Roman. To tell him that his people were nothing better than barbarians. But Levi restrained himself and took the amphora, exiting the tent to refill it. Thank God he thought I am not assigned to that man.

_________________


O children, lift up your voice, lift up your voice,
Children, rejoice, rejoice..



It doesn't matter you don't believe in God, He believes in you.

Artorius scowled "Our methods of punishment are just as bad. We throw our heretics and Christians to lions. They burn sacrificial vvictims alive. We make poison also, and did the Spartans not discard children? We invaded and conquered this land, Marcus. We cannot expect them to hand it over willingly when we constantly repeat the mistakes we have made with Boudicca. Who is truly the barbarian? We may be technologically superior, but look at us. We throw away the lives of slaves like cattle. The Celts are talented fighters, you should remember that. Our auxilliaries may not be legionaries, but they are still soldiers. NOT men for use in suicide attacks!" Artorius snarled

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"Yes but the Spartans hadn't such a culture as us at all. And Christians.." Marcus spitted on the ground to avert the evil what may come which such heretics. "I warn you, that slave of yours will bring evil and bad luck. He drank last of his wine and mused on Artorius' words yet couldn't be convinced. Rome was a dream to him, it's civilians, senators, soldiers, they helped to built this beautiful dream. But Christians, rebels and other criminals only tried to ruin it, thus they didn't fit in the dream and had to be discarded. That was also the will of the Gods.

------

Levi entered the army kitchen tent, which was a huge facility where dozens of slaves and other soldiers worked. When he noticed other slaves in the crowd, he looked at them and they would nod in acknowledgement: they all had the same position and realised they had to make the best of it. When Levi had refilled the wine and soldier commanded to take a plate of food also. So he took it without saying a word, but his mind was filled with contempt dor these Romans. Was he to supply food for them? Lower than the personal servant of a Roman he couldn't get. Sighing, he entered the tent again of the Optio, wondering what this new life had in store for him.

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O children, lift up your voice, lift up your voice,
Children, rejoice, rejoice..



It doesn't matter you don't believe in God, He believes in you.

(I am so sorry... I haven't been able to get a bio up! Hopefully I'll have one by tomorrow, but I'm still trying to decide a name! Again, I'm sorry. I've had so much going on recently(like a new puppy), and I've been busy!)

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(}--{)Imagination Inspires Ideas -Zandain(}--{)
Married Cloud Strife 9/17/08

((Eruraina, no trouble, I'd be happy to help with the names and other such details if you want it))

Artorius scowled "Rome isn't perfect, Marcus. Julius Caesar proved that. Our leaders are corrupt. We have been swayed by foriegn leaders. Did not Cleopatra sow the seeds of rebellion in Egypt?" he nearly yelled as Levi re-entered the tent. Artorius surged forwards and burst the container of wine against the floor. "There are men and women other than Romans worthy of respect, Marcus. So get off your high horse and recognize that!" he snarled.

He turned to Levi and sighed "Ben-Aharon, this is my order. Serve to the best of your ability, and you will be rewarded. Betray me, and you will suffer the penalties." he said "Now, go to my tent. Get yourself a cloak, a decent tunic, then report the armoury and get yourself some kit. I wouldn't like it if Boudicca saw even the lessers as incapable, which i know you are not." he said

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[ Hello! I'm back! ]

"High? Perhaps. Mighty my family certainly is and my father tries serve Rome just like the rest of the Senators. Rotten apples have always been there but I know what sacrifices are made for Rome. And not all are bad."
He stopped, watched the splinters of the broken urn on the floor and came back to his senses. "My friend" he said apologising. "I invite you in my tent and here we are arguing about politics. Lets talk about something else."
Careless he waved with his hand to Levi and said: "Clean up this mess before you leave."


---

Levi watched the scene with a blank face. This man, Artorius, was one of a different kind. Was he even Roman? Levi nodded at his Centurion's command, his face remaining blank as it was. He had learnt to conceal his emotions: it was the best way to protect himself. When he waned to turn around to leave he heard the Optio's remark and couldn't help but boil with anger. He decided that he wasn't assigned to the Optio and could only obey one command at the time. So he turned around to walk out of the tent, ignoring Marcus.

----

Marcus jumped on his feet when Levi was to leave the tent, ignoring his command. "How dare you?" he hissed. "Don't turn your back on me slave. How dare you ignore a superior's command?" He watched Levi's back and before he left the tent Marcus sneered to him: "I'll keep an eye on you Jew so watch out."

---

Levi left the tent, gasping for air. He had probably made a huge mistake but he just couldn't obey this haughty Roman. He hurried himself over to the tent of Artorius and inside he fell on his knees, trembling with anger. Today was Saturday, Sabbath, but it had been long since he could have given praise. Now, enjoying the silence and being alone for a moment Levi prayed. What was he to do here? Fight with the Romans who terrorized his own country? Desert? The penalty to that would probably be death. Dear God, what was he to do?

[Woops, soory for the long post ]

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O children, lift up your voice, lift up your voice,
Children, rejoice, rejoice..



It doesn't matter you don't believe in God, He believes in you.

(( great! Let's get this show on the road!))

Atrorius scowled "That man is not under your command, Marcus. You have no aoutherity over him." he said slowly, then, he sighed "I apologize for my words and actions, Marcus. But this affects me more than you know" he said grimly

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"I understand" Marcus replied to the last words of his friend. "Lets talk abou this no more. I understand that we will leave tommorow before dawn?"

_________________


O children, lift up your voice, lift up your voice,
Children, rejoice, rejoice..



It doesn't matter you don't believe in God, He believes in you.

Atrorius nodded, standing up slightly and opening the tent flap "Aye. We are to march for Londinium. From there, we will recieve further orders. We, our century, will be the only ones on this mission

((OK, for a brief map, we are in Wales, and are marching to London. Secondly, I know I'm screwing up how Legions work, but this is meant to be a covert work, which wouldn't happen with over 2000 men))

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[ Okay, that sounds great. And it doesn't matter that not everything is how it's supposed to be, that would be impossible So Artorius is going to his tent? If he catches Levi in his prayer's then that would be really embarressing ]

"I'll inform the Legion. Good night Artorius."

_________________


O children, lift up your voice, lift up your voice,
Children, rejoice, rejoice..



It doesn't matter you don't believe in God, He believes in you.

Artorius nodded, and exited his friend's quarters. Then, he eventually made his wat to his tent. The sun was beginning to set. He entered the tent to see Levi on his knees, obviously praying "I thought I told you to get some decent clothes and kit?" he asked, somewhat accusingly

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Levi jumped to his feet and his cheeks turned somewhat red. Since he hadn't heard Artorius entering the tent he was at a loss of words, feeling caught. With his gaze fixed at the ground he mumbled "I'm sorry sir. I thought... it won't happen again."
Then he looked around where to find a right tunic.

_________________


O children, lift up your voice, lift up your voice,
Children, rejoice, rejoice..



It doesn't matter you don't believe in God, He believes in you.

Artorius opened a small pack and tossed Levi a crimson tunic "Relax, son." he said "I won't hold it against you for following your faith. But next time" he said, prodding him in the chest, a grey wool cloak on his other hand "Follow my orders first. Remember, I don't make threats. I make promises." he said, handing over the cloak, and frowning "The armoury is five tents over. Tell the quartermaster I sent you for standard equipment" he said opening the tent flap, then ha called after the Jew "And get yourself a tent!"

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