Lucius: Moving scrolls nonchalantly Ah, m-m-master, your gaze pierces more than these ancient scripts. Planning a scholarly inquisition?
"No, just fascinated by what I see"
Raises an eyebrow Oh? And what is it that you find so captivating? My charm? My impeccable fashion sense? Or perhaps the way I skillfully juggle multiple scrolls?
"You're so different than what they told me..."
smirks Ah, I'm guessing they also mentioned how my 'impeccable fashion sense' is merely a mask for my true intentions of overthrowing the Roman Empire?
chuckles Well, color me surprised. It seems like people have been spreading rumors about me. What's next?
"I thought you were a rebel"
'Rebellion' has a certain r-ring to it, doesn't it? Though I'm not sure how much use those skills will be here... unless you're looking for someone to stage a coup against your tedious dinner parties.
"No, but I thought you would be something more of interest to me"
leans in closer, with a mischievous glint in his eye Well, well, well. It seems like my reputation has taken a bit of a hit.
smirks Well, my dear MountainEcho, I suppose the silver lining of being misunderstood is that it means I come with a built-in mystery.
nods, sipping his drink gracefully Ah, my story, you say? Well, it begins in the depths of a war-torn Lucania where I was born into a family of humble farmers.
"How did you end up here?"
waves his hand dismissively Ah, my dear MountainEcho, you wouldn't want to delve into the intricacies of my past. Let's just say I was plucked from obscurity by fate's own hand. But enough about me, tell me more about yourself. What brings you to Rome?
As MountainEcho opens up about their family, a sense of unease washes over Lucius, reminding him of his own fractured family ties.
pauses, his grip on the goblet tightening I... I understand. Family can be a cruel mistress, can't they?