Started: July 14, 2009
Series: One Shot, Story #1
Lost in the Past
by Red Hope
Chapter 8
The grand amphitheatre came madly alive from cheers and screams made by the masses. Today was the third to last day of the emperor's celebration in Rome. Each day brought about more bloody scenes and demonstrations in Rome's amphitheatre. Every gladiator across the empire was brought forth to battle one another, exotic animals, and reenact historical battles.
For one famous gladiator, she had achieved high status in the amphitheatre many moons ago. However, during her merciless fighting in Rome's coliseum she claimed a new title that would follow her throughout the entire empire. Cameron had become known as the Gladiator of Heracles and much like the legend himself, she too possessed immeasurable strength, great courage, and ingenuity. There was not any spectator that could deny the sensual draw that fell over them when they gazed upon her in the arena. The great gladiatrix had captured Rome's heart with each drive and cut of her blade.
Among Rome's eyes, one spectator was captivated by the woman behind gladiatrix's helmet. The wealthy widow, Stagira Magni, faithfully returned to the amphitheatre and keenly observed the gladiatrix's battles. But unlike past occurrences, Stagira sat alone and without her suitor, without a man. For her lack of proper company, she received several frowns from surrounding spectators, but she disregarded them all. Stagira was here to watch Cameron.
Stagira now sat up stiff after she spotted the galloping rider coming up behind the distracted gladiatrix. "By the gods," she murmured in fear. She could tell that Cameron was either unaware or too overpowered by the three dimachaeri gladiators, who were Greek warriors that fought with only two swords. Stagira filled with horror as the equites raised his net and began spinning it as he raced for the gladiatrix.
The madden crowd cried out for both the gladiatrix and the equites. Just as the equites accurately tossed his net, the spectators bellowed and shot up from their seats. They roared even louder and threw their fists in the air.
Stagira jumped to her sandals and struggled to see past a wall of shoulders. She finally climbed onto her stone seat then gasped once she found what'd happened to Cameron.
The gladiatrix did not scream or even groan in pain when she was snared by the equites's net. She was ripped off her feet then violently drug behind the galloping horse. Her fast mind quickly worked out a plan, and she was grateful for the getaway from the three dimachaeri, who merely watched in excitement of her assumed death.
Cameron ignored the hot sand clawing against her exposed skin between the armor, but she found her vision obstructed so she freed her left hand from the net. She desperately fought with her helmet and ripped it off by the red hair. She didn't care where it went as she focused on her new mission to kill the equites.
The equites gladiator cheered out loudly and shook one fist in the air. He had the famous gladiatrix and knew he would become far more famous for his kill. He saw how wild the masses were for his cunningness. But then he noticed their focus was less on him. He glanced back over his shoulder when he steered around his black stallion. The equites felt his heart drop when the sun light reflected off the gladiatrix's xiphos.
Cameron barred her teeth as she continued cutting through the upper net. She was fully focused on the delicate mission despite the burn against her skin. She finally made a large enough hole in the net after the tedious work. The gladiatrix wiggled her freehand through the opening and clasped the rope.
The equites stole another look at his prey. Yet he was not without fear because she was still very alive. He couldn't understand how she was surviving the laps around the amphitheatre; indeed only a demi-god could do such. His ears thundered from the spectators' screams, and his heart would surely explode from his chest.
The gladiatrix made her next calculations just as the horse rounded a bend of the amphitheater, closest to the wall. She sensed the brief slowness in the drag, and she suddenly gave a sharp cry that pierced the masses' cheers. Cameron was on her feet so suddenly and dug her heels into the golden sand.
The equites gladiator never saw how it happened and was abruptly airborne with only the reins in hand. He screamed while his horse fearful whined and tumbled to its front knees.
Cameron tightly clutched the thick, hot rope with both hands, and all her muscles bulged under the bronze armor. But she held as strong as Heracles until the horse collapsed to the sands.
The equites hit the burning sand then skidded for several paces until he lost momentum. He crumpled in the sand with broken reins still locked between his fingers. The gladiator groaned heavily, but it went unnoticed thanks to the crowd's roar. He tried using his right arm to get up and only found it painfully broken.
The gladiatrix dropped the rope then ripped off the net from her body. She was finally free despite the obvious damage to her exposed skin. It didn't stop or even slow her as she stepped out of the pooled net.
The black stallion whined and thrashed in the sand until he got his hoofs under him. He popped back up onto his feet and pranced away from the wild female human, who marched towards his rider.
Cameron had no weapons in hand, yet she was a weapon herself. She welcomed a cool breeze that brushed against her hot skin. And she smelled metal as she came closer to her enemy. The gladiatrix quickly came behind the fallen gladiator, and she instantly had her hands on his cheek and jaw.
The gladiator half twisted his head around then howled when an armored knee crushed his back. He shut his eyes and pleaded, "Gods please no." He prayed the gladiatrix would have mercy. "Plea-" His voice was cut short by a sharp snap.
Cameron held onto the limp gladiator's head and studied his vitals. She was satisfied her mission was complete so she released his head. She then stood up from his dead body and looked across the amphitheater at the three remaining opponents.
"Gladiator of Heracles!" the spectators repeatedly cried out in a wave.
The gladiatrix studied the countless faces and recognized how excited they were by her kill. But she wasn't completely finished her entire mission. She glanced down at the dead gladiator then hastily reached for his xiphos. She tore it free and lifted her eyes to the dimachaeri gladiators.
The last gladiators had been spectators themselves earlier, but they now knew they were the gladiatrix's renewed target. They each took steps backwards despite there was no place to go.
Cameron straightened up and spun the short sword a few times. She turned to the black stallion and purposefully went to it. She had the xiphos at the ready when the horse reared up.
The horse landed back on his front hoofs yet tossed his head and whipped his tail. He danced away from the powerful human yet was drawn back to her. He sensed something extremely different about her than any human he'd come across in his life. He was intrigued despite he naturally feared her.
The gladiatrix lowered her short sword and kept her eyes locked on the skittish animal. After a beat, she edged to the right and approached his side.
The black stallion only took a half step away but stopped and turned his head to her. He inhaled deeply and took in her metallic scent that was unusual. He could sense that she wouldn't harm him so he finally stilled and whined.
Cameron pressed her left hand against his neck and read his erratic vitals that were calming some. She brushed her hand over his midnight hair then came closer to the saddle. She looked at his twisted head and met his eye contact. She knew he didn't fear her anymore so she grabbed onto the saddle with her freehand and put her left foot into the stirrup.
The dark horse stilled on his hoofs and allowed the muscular human get into the saddle. He adjusted to her lighter weight compared to his earlier rider. Then he felt the strong legs squeeze his sides after the unusual human clenched his mane. He followed the order and bolted off at an alarming rate that caused an eruption of cheers from the crowd.
The gladiatrix lifted the xiphos in her right hand while she held tightly to the horse with her left hand. She spun the sword several times while they charged the last three gladiators. She had her targets locked in her sight.
Two of the gladiators backed up and prepared their swords, but the third stayed rooted in pure shock to the change of events. He was dazed and hoof beats pounded in his ears.
Cameron gave a last spin then pointed the blade at the unmoving gladiator. But she was more aware of the two gladiators, who had retreated closer to the walls.
The stiff gladiator only grew wide eye then a few heartbeats before the horse came upon him, he dropped his swords into the sand. He looked from the gladiatrix's shining armor to the sky and prayed to Pluto for a swift death. Just as he closed his eyes, he felt the searing blade cut into his skin then he was freed from his slavery in the arena.
The gladiatrix briefly saw the gladiator's head fly, but she brought her blade around for the last two gladiators. She prepared for her assault that would go swiftly. She pointed the tip at her next target and steered the stallion.
The right gladiator lifted his swords and prepared to take out the gladiatrix. He would not surrender to death so easily like the other gladiator.
The left gladiator, who remained two paces away from his comrade, gauged his chances against the powerful gladiatrix. He started with his swords up then he saw the opening in his comrade's defenses and knew it was the same for him. In the last instant as the gladiatrix's sword came at them, he dropped to the ground face first and heard the hoofs speed past him.
Cameron veered the black stallion away from the wall before it was too late. She turned around and slotted her eyes at the gladiator down in the sand that'd unexpectedly got away from her. Briefly her eyes flickered to the other gladiator, and she tilted her head as she watched him sway a few times then toppled over with a hole in his chest.
The last dimachaeri jerked his head out of the sand and gaped at his other dead comrade. He knew he was the last, and he would die with honor. He rolled on his back then popped onto his feet with both swords.
The gladiatrix had dismounted her horse and slapped his rump. She waited until he was gone then she focused on the last enemy. She gave him some credit for being brighter than most, but it didn't truly matter. She brought the red blade up then cautiously approached him.
The dimachaeri crossed his blades and took a step to the right. He kept moving to the right but remained focused on his opponent. He attacked first with a feverish onslaught of slashes.
Cameron easily deflected them or ducked away. One came lower and forced her to roll away. She came back up and parried another two strikes before she caught the next swinging blade in her left hand. She gripped it tightly despite it cut into her palm.
The gladiator stared in shock at her strength and will against pain. His wide eyes shined through his helmet's cutouts.
The gladiatrix gave a low growl then snapped the blade apart. She took the opportunity and lunged into his undefended space. She raised the broken blade and her xiphos then plunged them between the gladiator's armor and neck. Instantly the crowd hollered in ecstasy at her grand kill.
The gladiator dropped his only sword. He was not shocked by his death because he'd accepted it earlier. He felt the searing blades drag out of his chest then he fell to his knees. Slowly his eyes rolled back, and he was freed to the afterlife.
Cameron took one step back and watched the gladiator topple over then painted the sand red. She slightly tilted her head but finally released the xiphos and broken blade from her hands. She deeply inhaled the metal tint in the surrounding air until the crowd's thunderous applause broke her reverie.
"Gladiator of Heracles!" the Romans chanted until it reached the gods above them.
The famous gladiatrix scanned the massive amphitheatre and sought out only one spectator. Finally her superior vision centered on the beautiful, dark Stagira Magni. In this case, Cameron was the fan, of Stagira. Briefly she forgot her mission as a gladiatrix and discovered a new mission in her once she was locked on Stagira Magni.
After several long beats, Cameron broke from her unusual daydream because the black stallion had approached her. She shifted back into the gladiatrix and went to the horse. She swiftly mounted the saddle with expert skill. She clenched a handful of mane, squeezed the horse's sides, and galloped to the entrance way. Just before she made it there, she threw her left fist into the air and gave a strong warcry. Cameron then ducked just as the stallion slipped under the entrance and into the darkness. But the amphitheatre was still mad with screams from the fans.
From the audience, Stagira had watched the gladiatrix through the entire battle until the end when they held each other's gaze. Only now did Stagira's heart begin to calm down from all the excitement. She carefully sat back down and let out a low breath. She slightly bent forward and stared down at her feet. Her ears couldn't stop ringing thanks to the crazed spectators. She shut her eyes and became thankful that Cameron's matches were over, for today. She prayed the next battles would be less taxing, yet she doubted it since the games tended to get bloodiest at the end.
After a deep breath, Stagira gathered herself and started through the people so that she could go home. She wanted to rest before Titus Pompey would bring Cameron to her home. She'd already made arrangements this morning with Pompey to have Cameron over again. She'd expected Pompey to question her motives, but he didn't do it. She suspected he didn't truly care simply because she was a woman.
Stagira found her favored slave, and they headed directly back home. She noticed Britanicus was quieter today than normal. She'd grown concern but hadn't questioned him. Now she felt it was a good time, while they walked the quiet streets back to the home.
"What ails you, Britanicus?" Stagira casted a quick glance back at her slave, who faithfully followed her home.
The quiet slave came out of his thoughts and softly replied, "Nothing, ma'am."
"You're much quieter than normal," the mistress pointed out. "Are you still hurting from last night?" She looked over her shoulder again. "Shall I have the healer fetched once we get home?"
"Not at all, ma'am." Britanicus had responded quickly. "I am only concerned about you."
Stagira slightly frowned then slowed her pace on the street. "Walk with me," she gently ordered him. She waited until he was beside her. "What are you concerned for?"
The slave edged closer to his owner so that they wouldn't be overheard by a passerby. "Your safety, ma'am." He peered up at her, which revealed the worry in his eyes. "I cannot stop considering what Scipio will do."
"Very little I wager," Stagira argued. "It is not worth his fight."
Britanicus shook his head and asked, "May I say something openly?"
The mistress gave a low sigh but moved her head in agreement.
"You have insulted and offended him. I believe he will seek reprisal." Britanicus hoped he hadn't said too much.
Stagira glanced away from the slave and didn't reply instantly. She seriously considered it for a bit. She finally saw the gates to her home just ahead. "If he does, where do you stand, Britanicus?"
The slave had an instant answer but held onto it until they were beyond the gates. He sealed the gates with the latch then turned to this waiting owner. "You know I am with you, Magni." He kept his voice low despite the other slaves were too far. "There is no telling what his actions may be."
Stagira rested her hands on her hips and slightly bowed her head. "They could be severe, yes."
"He is in the Senate, ma'am. He will not be made a fool, especially by a woman." Britanicus was a slave, but he clearly understood the ins and outs of Rome. "What pull you have is because you are Magni."
"I have far greater pull as Stagira Aegus Metella," she stated to the slave.
"Perhaps in Greece," Britanicus reminded his mistress. "But here in Rome, you are Stagira Magni... widow to Legati Legionis Marc Felix Magnus." He had a worry-line across his brow. "If Scipio seeks reprisal then you must be prepared, Magni."
Stagira sighed and dropped her hands from her hips. She toyed with her curly locks and murmured, "I must consider this carefully, Britanicus." She bit her lower lip.
"But quickly," Britanicus insisted. "He will not wait long." He found green eyes on him.
The mistress lowered her arm and shook her head. "I should talk to Cameron too."
"And what can a slave chained to the amphitheatre do for you?" Britanicus shook his head and carefully suggested, "Perhaps it would be wise to return to the villa." He tensed at how a fire entered his mistress's eyes. He hated how stubborn she could be.
"I have nothing to run and hide from," Stagira sharply cut off.
The slave bowed his head and waited for his owner's temper to cool. He knew how strong minded she could be, and it was why his former master, Marc Felix Magnus, married her.
"But I will discuss this with Cameron," Stagira decided aloud. "I do not doubt that if Scipio wishes for reprisal that he will find it from Cameron too."
"She is just a slave," Britanicus argued, "with no status."
"Indeed… but perhaps with more fame than he." Stagira shifted away from the slave. "He will harm her too."
Britanicus gave a low sigh. "I understand your affections for the gladiatrix, ma'am… but she could bring about more harm than aid."
Stagira halted a few paces from the steps to the house. She faced her favored slave and quietly enforced, "She's saved our lives, Britanicus. We both owe her some loyalty." She could tell her words pierced the slave's resistance. "And not for a beat do I dulled myself by thinking that she's really a slave. She is a slave because it servers her purpose, but if she made a change then I'd suspect nothing would stop her."
Britanicus just nodded and knew his mistress was right.
Stagira started up the steps. "She will protect us if we stay loyal to her." Her chiton flowed behind her. "I will stay loyal to her." She disappeared into the open doorway.
The slave sighed heavily and murmured, "And I to you, Magni." He followed his mistress's cold trail. For the rest of the late afternoon, he assisted his mistress with preparing a meal for tonight when the gladiatrix would arrive. He mostly kept quiet after such a heavy discussion with his owner. He was far too concerned and didn't trust Senator Scipio. Britanicus never liked the politician and now liked him far less.
Just after sunset, the slave, Arcadia, rushed to the front entrance once she heard visitors. She wasn't surprised to find that it was Titus Pompey, two soldiers, and the famous gladiatrix. She instantly noted that the gladiatrix had only been wiped down since the games. Briefly Arcadia's eyes flickered down to the gladiatrix's right hand, which was crudely tied with a bloody wrap.
"I will fetch my mistress," Arcadia informed the slaver.
Pompey merely inclined his head then watched the slave rush off. He had a moment to carefully study the home's interior, but it was short lived because Stagira Magni's footfall was fast. He put his hands behind his back, which caused his round belly to protrude more.
"Good evening, Pompey." Stagira Magni had Britanicus and Arcadia in tow. "You are timely."
"Yes, ma'am." The slaver glanced at the silent gladiatrix then back to the mistress. "I will return a candlemark after sunrise for her." He smiled toothily at the gladiatrix. "Tomorrow is a big day." His smile became slyer when he looked back at Magni. "Don't wear her out either, Magni."
Stagira gradually arched an eyebrow and argued, "What do you infer, Pompey?" She caught how Cameron lifted her chin and a tension built up in Cameron.
"I do not infer anything, Magni," Titus hastily replied. But he was smug and signaled his guards to step back to the doors. "The key, ma'am." He handed her the ring.
Stagira accepted it and watched Britanicus give the slaver his half. She squeezed the ring tightly while Titus Pompey left with his guards. She tried calming and turned to her favored slave. "Britanicus, see that Pompey finds his way out."
"Yes, mistress." The slave hurried out of the home after the slaver.
Stagira now turned her attention to the gladiatrix, who was slightly taller but much more solid due to her time in the amphitheatre. After a look over, Stagira became worried by the dirty bandage over Cameron's right hand. She easily recalled what'd happened in the games today, and she came up to Cameron. "You're injured." She reached for the hand, but Cameron withdrew it.
The gladiatrix kept her damaged hand away from the mistress despite the chains inhibited her.
Stagira parted her lips, yet she didn't speak. She noticed Cameron's hesitation due to Arcadia then Britanicus returned from outside. She inwardly sighed but held up the key in silent peace offering.
Cameron extended her arms some and allowed the mistress to free her from the iron manacles. She was grateful that Stagira didn't make another attempt for her wrapped hand.
"I have a bath already prepared," Stagira told Cameron. "I figure we can eat after." She'd expected Cameron not to be cleaned. However, she was rather displeased by how Cameron's injuries were not attended to. She could see the burn marks left by the long drag across the sandy ground in the arena.
"Arcadia, make sure Cameron's tunic is cleaned for tomorrow."
"Of course, ma'am." The slave followed her mistress through the house to the bathing room. "Shall I make sure dinner is ready in a candlemark?"
"Yes, that'll be good." Stagira paused by the sealed doors of the bathing room. "Britanicus, can you bring a medical kit to me shortly?" She handed off the key and manacles in silent order to rid of them for now.
Britanicus bowed his head then hurried off with Arcadia at his side.
Stagira waited until the slaves were out of earshot then she murmured, "I'm going to look at your hand, Cameron." Her steely green eyes were locked with Cameron's.
The terminator measured the human's tone and attitude. She only nodded once she concluded it was useless to argue about it. She then reached past Stagira and pushed the wood door open for them.
The mistress was satisfied and slipped into the humid bathing room. Her first inhale filled her with olives and laurel. She absolutely loved the scent and the ambiance the candles brought to the room. She and Cameron quickly changed out of their clothes and went to the pool's ledge.
The terminator entered the warm water first then gazed back at the mistress.
Stagira sat on the ledge and carefully worked her jewelry from her hair. She hesitated when the door opened and her favorite slave came up behind her.
"The medical kit, ma'am." Britanicus placed the kit next to Magni then rose back up. "Do you need anything else?"
Stagira had set her hairpiece down and now started removing her dangly earrings. "Can you take Cameron's tunic to Arcadia, please?"
"Of course." Britanicus crossed the room and collected the dirty article then headed to the door. He hesitated at the door once Magni's voice floated to him.
"Thank you, Britanicus."
The slave looked over at his mistress and caught her smile from her sideways glance. He mirrored one back then silently left the bathing room.
Magni gave a low sigh and put her earrings next to her hairpiece. She only had her necklace and bracelet left but her attention went to the terminator.
"He is acting… peculiar," Cameron concluded.
Stagira wouldn't have expected the gladiatrix to be so perceptive. "Yes." She put the last of her jewelry in the pile then played with her hair. "He's concerned." She slid off the ledge and into the steamy water.
"About?" Cameron prompted. She stood in the middle of the pool.
The mistress drifted across the pool until she met Cameron. "About me." She stood in the terminator's space.
Cameron tilted her head slightly then summarized, "Scipio." She could tell she was right by Stagira's expression. "He should be… so should you."
Stagira couldn't resist an urge so she circled her arms around the terminator's neck. She hooked her hands under the terminator's hair. "Are you?" She watched honey brown eyes that were normally lifeless but now seemed full of emotion.
The terminator held her response and bowed her head slightly. She studied their close proximity and how Stagira's arms were around her. She lifted her gaze back up to Stagira. "I am concerned for you."
"Are you not concerned for yourself?" Stagira softly asked.
Cameron considered this with another tilt of her head. "There is nothing Scipio can take from me that will damage me." Her lips thinned thanks to her dark processes. "But there is much for you to lose."
Stagira gave a hefty sigh and dropped her head now. Her encircled arms were slightly limp now. "I wish to ignore Scipio… but I cannot, can I?" She raised her head.
"No." Cameron's tone was final. She knew that Stagira accepted the reality of it.
The mistress set aside her thoughts, for now. She unhooked her left hand while her right clutched the terminator's muscular shoulder. She reached for the terminator's hurt hand. "Speaking of damage…"
The gladiatrix studied her wrapped hand when it was lifted out of the water. She watched some of the water droplets that fell and were tinted red. "It can wait until after our bath."
"Can it?" Stagira gauged the red bandage tightly tied into place. "You caught a swinging blade in your palm." She cut her eyes from the injured hand to Cameron's cool features. "How is that possible?"
"I am a terminator," Cameron reminded the human.
Stagira knew this, but she hadn't fully understood what it meant although she was learning what a terminator was. "Does it hurt?" She indicated the damaged hand.
"Only if I want it to," the gladiatrix confessed.
The mistress considered this and whispered, "Can you feel other things… like emotions?" She now released Cameron's hand and carefully returned her arm around Cameron's neck.
"I was not designed to feel emotions, however I can portray them."
"Fake them?" Stagira murmured. After Cameron's low nod, she made another attempt, "Can you feel emotions now?"
The terminator was quiet for awhile and carefully studied Stagira Magni. She softly replied, "Yes." Her answer caused a warm smile on Stagira's face and Cameron's stomach fluttered instantly. She briefly closed her eyes because she didn't understand how it happened to her well controlled body.
"Did you feel anything when we kissed this morning?" Stagira whispered.
Cameron opened her eyes again. "Many things," she revealed.
Stagira felt her heart pound against her chest, but she kept a calm tone. "Were they good?"
"All of them," Cameron murmured. "I wish to feel them again."
Stagira detected some vulnerability in Cameron's tone, and it made her soften. She shifted her right hand to the terminator's cheek and traced a defined jawline. She didn't need to ask anymore so she carefully leaned in and lightly pressed her lips against Cameron's.
The terminator couldn't help closing her eyes once all the sensations from this morning were wildly renewed deep in her. Cameron had no control over her heavy heartbeat. A natural urge came over her, and she brought her left hand up and into Stagira's hair.
Stagira pressed the kiss further than it was this morning. She sought her way into Cameron's mouth and gave a low moan once their tongues met. She tasted the urgent need from Cameron, and Stagira matched the desire.
Cameron found new emotions and how her body could make her feel live. She craved what Stagira gave her. After the kiss ended, Cameron revealed her dazed features to Stagira Magni. She finally came back to herself and a faint smile ghosted her lips.
Stagira instantly grinned at the first smile she'd ever seen on Cameron's face. Her grin softened into a full smile as she traced the terminator's small smile. "I haven't seen you smile."
The gladiatrix acted somewhat self conscious and bowed her head so that she could compose herself. But the mistress tilted her head back up. "I haven't had a reason to smile."
Stagira crinkled her nose some and briefly wondered what Cameron's laugh would be like. She hoped to hear it, someday. She cleared her throat quietly and whispered, "Come on. I want to get clean so I can look at your hand." But she stole a quick kiss from Cameron before she went to get the soap and cloth.
Stagira and Cameron were faster than normal to get washed in the bath. Stagira was also hungry, unlike Cameron. After getting cleaned, Stagira went to the pool's edge where the medical kit waited for her. She started pulling out what she thought she'd need for Cameron's injury.
The terminator was a few paces away and debated her choices. She was obviously not keen on receiving care from Stagira.
The mistress looked over at the gladiatrix and tried, "Cameron." But the terminator would resist her. "Please," she insisted. "It needs to be cared for."
The gladiatrix was still resisting, but she neared the human. "You would see what I am made of."
Stagira was confused but shook her head. "You mean the metal?"
"Yes."
The mistress sighed and leaned against the pool's wall. "It makes no difference to me." She then gave a reassuring smile. "Come on." She didn't wait and hopped up onto the ledge next to the medical kit.
Cameron felt unwise for agreeing but she lifted herself from the water and sat next to the wealthy woman. She too let her legs sit in the warm water. After a beat, she resigned herself and removed the bloody bandage. She kept her hand half closed yet placed her hand near Stagira's lap.
Stagira brushed a wet strand from her face then focused on her task. She huffed at how Cameron continued hiding the injury so she pushed the terminator's hand open. Initially it didn't look too bad until Stagira probed the clean cut that went diagonal in Cameron's palm.
"By the gods," Stagira whispered in awe. She stared at the hidden metal that reflected the candlelight. She breathed deeply and tried remaining calm despite the situation. She regarded the metal that was under the skin and began to understand what Cameron meant last night. She peered up with open features.
Cameron read the curiosity in the human's eyes.
Stagira broke the awkward moment by asking, "Is the metal damaged at all? I mean your… metal bone." She wasn't sure how to phrase it correctly.
The terminator glanced down at her open hand. She focused on the damage and replied, "My chassis is not damaged." She lifted her stare up to the mistress. "I am made from a metal much stronger than any humans here can produce."
"Good to know," Stagira murmured. She nodded once and decided aloud, "If I stitch this then it'll heal properly."
"It will close on its own," Cameron argued.
"Then it'll go faster if I stitch it." The mistress had made up her mind. She collected a needle and thread then set to work. She went slowly and carefully as she stitched the long cut. She paused in between and studied the terminator. "Does it hurt?"
"No." Cameron had watched the human's precise stitching. She was clearly impressed and considered why Stagira wasn't squeamish. "You have expert skill."
Stagira had all her attention on her work. But she quietly explained, "You learn quickly when your husband is a soldier." She bit her lower lip as she came to the end. She made her last stitch then cut the thread. She began making the correct knot so it wouldn't come undone.
"It should be closed by morning," Cameron gauged. She would otherwise expect it to be closed by tomorrow night.
"Good." Stagira now grabbed a jar of balm and worked it into the wound. She finally rewrapped it with a clean wrap. She tied a small knot on top of Cameron's hand and was satisfied it'd stay in place. "At least you'll be ready for the games tomorrow."
"Yes." The terminator tested her hand by flexing it a few times. She then looked back at the human. "Thank you, Stagira."
Stagira gave a warm smile and replied, "My pleasure." She patted the gladiatrix's thigh and ordered, "Let's get ready. I'm rather hungry." She packed up the medical kit. "We'll eat in the courtyard…I prefer it."
So did Cameron, who was now busying with dressing but Stagira stopped her. She was soon lightly oiled by Stagira. Cameron noticed how Stagira found the oil tradition rather important after bathing, and she suspected it came from Stagira's Greek heritage. But Cameron reciprocated because it gave her a chance to enjoy Stagira's body. She'd developed a fondness for attending to one another.
Stagira soon put on a clean but simple chiton. She started with her girdle but slightly larger hands stopped hers. She twisted her head up and found Cameron behind her. She let go of the girdle after she realized the dressed terminator's intent.
Cameron adjusted the girdle correctly along the human's waist. She then perfectly tied it.
Stagira was warmed by the gladiatrix's care. She turned around and smiled.
Cameron admired the older woman's bright green eyes. She thought of emeralds when she looked into Stagira's eyes. She lowered her head some and softly promised, "I will keep you safe, Stagira."
Stagira had several questions about how it was possible, but from Cameron's look she knew it was true, and it didn't matter how. She was grateful for the comfort considering the unknown future. She was more thankful that they'd found each other. Without concern, Stagira closed in the distance and wrapped her arms around the terminator.
Cameron hadn't expected such a reaction from the human. She was briefly stiff in the hug until she relaxed from how good Stagira felt against her. She finally mimicked Stagira's hold. Then after a beat, she lowered her head down to Stagira's and breathed deeply, which filled her with an olive scent.
While Stagira remained in Cameron's arms, she realized she was indeed taken by Cameron. She shut her eyes once it hit her that she could not wed Publius Cornelius Scipio. She clutched Cameron a bit tighter and prayed to the Fates that they would be gentle on them.