Warning: Mentions dying and infidelity.

***

Two years ago:

Ana wandered inside from an afternoon mostly lounging by the lake, pouring over old scrolls that Acacius had collected in his many travels. While often, she couldn't always make out what they said, she immensely enjoyed studying the drawings that were etched on to many of them.

She headed straight to the library, returning the scrolls, and carefully replacing them. Acacius had been generous in allowing her to read them and she wanted to make certain that she kept them preserved, as Acacius had. Besides that, Ana enjoyed reading and had always been taught to take care of reading materials.

A loud shout startled her. Ana jumped. The shout had come from outside the villa and curiosity seized her. She raced out of the library, nearly colliding with Acacius, who had just descended down the steps.

"I beg your pardon," Acacius murmured, smiling almost shyly at Ana, who had paused, falling back, allowing the general to take the lead.

"Of course," Ana murmured, just as shyly. She heard the shout again, but Acacius appeared to be bewitched by her presence. Ana had noted that these last few weeks, the two of them had become less formal towards one another. She wasn't certain how to feel about that.

Acacius shook himself out of his stupor, hurrying to the front door, opening it and stepping out into the bright sunshine, shading his eyes with his hand. A lone rider, on a beautiful chestnut colored horse rode closer. Ana stood just inside, peering out, curious and cautious about this newcomer.

The man hurriedly dismounted, grinning as he approached Acacius. Acacius' own face broke into a wide grin, as he moved forward, happily greeting his visitor.

"Cassius, you old fool!" Acacius teased fondly, thumping the man on the back. "However did you manage to find me? It's been years!"

Cassius grinned, returning the thump on Acacius' back. Ana studied this man, growing more and more curious about him. She assumed he must have fought alongside Acacius at some point. Or perhaps they had trained together, years ago, under the same commander. That one that Acacius was often reminiscing about. She couldn't recall his name at present.

"I was in Rome, a few weeks ago," Cassius replied. "I attended some sordid affair, presented by the Lady Lucilla. She spoke of your whereabouts and well, I knew I couldn't pass up an opportunity to see my old friend."

Acacius chuckled, leading Cassius inside. Ana shrank further in, uncertain if Acacius wished for this man to know of her presence here. However, Acacius immediately beckoned Ana forward and she had no reason to stay hidden.

"What's this, what's this?" Cassius asked, as his gaze landed on Ana. "You've taken a wife, at last?"

Acacius immediately appeared ill at ease. Cassius knew instantly he'd spoken out of turn.

"I beg your pardon, Acacius."

"No need to apologize, Cassius," Acacius said amicably. "Ana is my companion."

"Ah, of course," Cassius said.

"She's been a great comfort to me," Acacius continued. "She's also quite the warrior." Amusement flickered across Cassius' face and Ana immediately took offense.

"It's true!" She burst out. "I can wield a sword as well as any man!" Cassius stared at her before turning to Acacius. Ana waited for his scolding tongue. It didn't come. Instead, Acacius looked quite.. proud?

"She speaks the truth," Acacius confirmed. "We've often trained, when I've had a few moments to spare."

Cassius appeared dumbfounded by Acacius' statement. He had been struck dumb and Ana felt a small victory. She stepped closer to Acacius, whose face softened as he reached out to gently grasp her hand. Cassius cleared his throat.

"You certainly have become rather..fond of her, haven't you?" Acacius nodded, his gaze still upon Ana's face. She could feel the heat rising to her face.

"Indeed I have," Acacius murmured. He turned to his old military friend. "Come. You must be weary after your long journey. We shall dine and you'll be refreshed."

****

Acacius was quite enjoying this unexpected visit from his old friend. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen Cassius. Too many years had passed, each one, blending into another. Time was such a strange concept. It came and went, seasons passing, yet at times, it hardly changed and at other times, the change seemed considerable.

He kept his eye on Ana as well while they all dined together. She had been rather melancholy after her outburst, informing Cassius of her skills wielding a sword. Acacius had to admit, he was concerned about her feelings. Was Ana worried that Cassius had come to recruit him for some faraway campaign? He wished to ease her worries, gather Ana in his arms and assure he had no desire to be dragged away from her.

Cassius, at present, was recalling an event that had taken place during this affair he'd attended, only a few days ago, mentioning Lucilla. Acacius saw Ana's ears perk up at the mention of this unknown woman's name.

"Lucilla was furious," Cassius was saying, the grin on his face growing wider with each word. "I never considered her the jealous type, Acacius, but obviously I was incorrect."

"Whom are you speaking about?" Acacius asked absently, his gaze still upon Ana's.

"This stunning young lady, whom apparently, was visiting the emperor, of course," Cassius replied.

Acacius turned his attention to his old friend, frowning. He had seen firsthand, Lucilla's jealous streak. However, he couldn't understand why she'd show jealousy over someone meant for her son.

"Why would Lucilla be jealous of some woman who was attending to the emperor?" Acacius asked. Cassius shrugged, but Acacius knew he was lying. He decided he'd wait until they were alone to prod him further. Clearly there was more to the story than he was telling.

Ana stood, asking to be excused. Acacius sprang to his feet, moving to take Ana's hand, offering a brief apology to his old friend, stating he'd return momentarily. Cassius waved then on, rising and moving to the drawing room, asking one of the servants for another glass of wine.

Acacius accompanied Ana to her private quarters, softly closing the door behind them.

"Who is this Lucilla?" Ana asked immediately.

"The emperor's mother," Acacius replied shortly. Ana studied his weary face, how hollow his eyes appeared.

"You're familiar with her?" Ana pressed. Acacius nodded.

"Yes. From my earlier military days. But you needn't concern yourself with her, all right? She wouldn't be interested in you or your position." Ana took offense.

"Because I'm your..whore?" Acacius took her hands in his, raising them to his lips.

"No. Because you're of no importance to her." Ana reluctantly nodded, stepping away. Acacius sighed.

"Cassius speaks out of turn. You mustn't worry about what shit spills from his lips. Although a faithful military man, he's a terrible gossip and does not know when to keep silent."

"How long shall he stay?" Ana asked quietly.

"He'll be gone at first light," Acacius said firmly. Ana nodded.

"I shall say goodnight, Acacius," Ana murmured. Acacius' expression softened as he kissed her cheek.

"Goodnight, Ana. Sleep well." Acacius slipped from her room, returning to his friend, yet feeling ill at ease.

****

Ana could not sleep. She went out, slipping out on to the top floor balcony. She leaned against the railing and..heard Acacius' voice. He was still visiting with Cassius. She strained to make out what they were saying.

"The woman was a gift," Ana heard Cassius say. "I suppose that was ruffled her feathers so."

"The emperor would never agree to such a thing," Acacius said.

"Oh ho!" Cassius chuckled. "You don't know him as well as you might think!"

"He understands that humans aren't..gifts," Acacius said.

"Unless they're attractive, alluring women." Ana could picture the mischievous twinkle in Cassius' eyes.

"Well?" Acacius prodded. "Did he allow her to stay?"

"That I cannot answer," Cassius said. "I left after a few hours. You know how I detest those ridiculous royal parties."

"I do." Ana could picture Acacius giving his old friend an appraising look. "Which is why one wonders how you found yourself there to begin with."

A heavy sigh escaped from Cassius' lips. Ana wished she had them within eye's view, to study their body language better.

"I ran into Matthias. He was the one who suggested I come. I tried to discourage him, telling him I had no interest in attending. But he strong-armed me into coming." Cassius paused. "Besides, he mentioned Lucilla and I ached to see her lovely face once more."

Acacius snorted with disdain. While Marcus Aurelius' daughter was indeed kind and beautiful, she could, on occasion, be as devious as her younger brother.

"Her beauty is known throughout Rome and beyond," Acacius said. "However I do not necessarily trust her."

"Her father was a good man," Cassius argued. "Although high born, he listened to those in a lower position."

"Yes," Acacius snapped. "Her father. Not her." He paused. "She had an arranged marriage, yet her husband preferred...men to women and she took many lovers."

Cassius chuckled. Ana's spine stiffened. She had a terrible feeling about what this man was about to accuse Acacius of. Part of her wanted to rush back inside to her room and not hear the words. However, the stronger desire to hear from Acacius' lips himself, kept her there.

"Jealous, my dear, Acacius?" Cassius taunted. Acacius immediately scoffed.

"I was never in Lucilla's line of sight. She was too besotted by our commander." Cassius chuckled again.

"Indeed. She always did have a bit of a rebellious streak in her. Typical for a royal woman. Always wanting what they cannot have."

"Of course." Acacius cleared his throat. "You're to leave at first light, Cassius." A cold silence settled in and Ana decided now was a good time to slip away before Acacius discovered her crime. She did not stay to hear Cassius' protests and threats. It was better that she hadn't. Ana knew she'd heard far more than she was meant to.

***

As dawn approached, Ana was sound asleep in her bed, unaware of Acacius seeing his old friend off. She was lost in dreams of her old life, of happier times, without blemish of Rome and it's scarring effects.

Acacius stood in the doorway, watching as Cassius mounted his horse, casting malicious glances in his direction.

"She's ruined you," Cassius snapped, angry at being ousted from his oldest and dearest friend. "Those barbarians soil our own land." He scowled. "You should have left her there, to die."

Acacius returned the scowl, refusing to back down. He and Cassius were two sides of the same coin. Both hardened military men, unwilling to compromise.

"She's not what you think," Acacius replied shortly. "She's...better than either of us could ever be. And she's stronger than we are."

Cassius just nodded, clicking to his horse and galloping away. Acacius sighed. He hated that it had come to this. He slipped quietly back into the house, closing the door and leaning against it, his heart as heavy as after a fierce battle.

Perhaps he'd been too hasty, asking Cassius to leave so soon. However, Acacius did not entirely regret his choice. Cassius had too loose of a tongue and he would not allow Ana to be subjected to any more heartache than she already had.

Footsteps sounded as Ana emerged from upstairs, a blanket draped across her shoulders, her appearance rumpled and sleepy. Acacius chuckled, stepping closer, touching her disheveled hair.

"Is he gone?" Ana asked, stifling a yawn. Acacius nodded.

"Yes. You needn't concern yourself with him any longer."