Domus Rutuli

[chaplain118]

Home of Pallas Rutulus Aventinus.

[Celsius]

Praetor Decius Junius Felix arrives at Senator Aventinus' Domus.

[chaplain118]

The double oak doors swung open, Pallas greets the Praetor

So praetor, have you come to arrest me? Make me an example?

[Celsius]

Felix stands with 2 Republic soldiers. They are watching the forest near the Domus.
"Of course not. But I am at this moment enacting my powers as Praetor of the SPQR. Where did you get the letters you hold so dear that claim Cannae treacheries? Why come back after being exiled?"
Felix looks at the sky, and then back at Aventinus
"I have heard littler of your passed crimes, please tell me of them. I will accept nothing but a straight forward answer on each question."

[Celsius]

Felix nods at Aventinus and quickly leaves

[chaplain118]

Pallas smiled as he closed the doors. The man was spooked. Then again, hard truth certainly had that kind of effect on people.

[Raglan]

Aulus Statius had thought long and hard about his decision, but decided that it was needed. Rutulus was a crazy murdering bastard, but even he would think twice about murder in his own home.

As Aulus made his way to the domus, he could feel his heart pounding. And was suprised to admit to himself that he was nervous. Not of Rutulus, men like him must be faced, and pressed else they are allowed to do as they please. But nervous of the concicences of this night.

Taking one last deep breath he raises him hand and knocks on Rutulus' door

[chaplain118]

The twin oaken doors opened up, and Pallas stood in front of Statius, his finger caressing the head of a red and black viper that coiled around his arm. Its hissing tongue darted in and out in the air and, sensing the presence of another man, lunged. Pallas' fingers tightened around the viper's head and pulled it back before it could touch Statius. Caressing the viper's head once more, Pallas whispered to it.

Now now, Neoptolemus, that's no way to treat a guest.

Turning his attention to Statius once more, Pallas said

Come in, future Tribune. I trust your night has been, ah more than busy? Come, come.

Leading the way, Pallas took Statius into the atrium of his house. Where normal Romans had an impluvium, Pallas had a deep waterless pit. Inside the pit were sand and dozens of fat, black scorpions. Letting his arm to the floor, Pallas watched in satisfaction as Neoptolemus slithered away on the marble floor until it disappeared inside one of the thousands of holes that dotted the ceiling. As he sat down on the couch, a continuous hiss came from the walls, announcing the presence of the many snakes he kept inside. Without even looking at Statius, Pallas clapped his hands. A slave came running by with a glass jar and two cups. Inside the jar floated a dead snake. Pallas proceeded to pour out full brim of the snake wine.

Wine, Tribune?

Pallas stared at Statius. The candle lights around them shone and made the paintings of snakes come to life all around them.

[Raglan]

Aulus Statius took the glass and pausing only the slightest of moments began sipping on it, he was pleasently suprised to descover its full flavor and nodded to Rutulus. Then taking a seat and relaxing, appearing for all the world comftable he began talking to Rutulus.

Pallas Rutulus Aventinus, i expect you are suprised to see me here.

I have come to discuss things with you, and before i begin let me say that i dispise you. But despite all that, i care about the people of Rome, and for Rome itself. Though i am well aware that i have different ideas about the direction that Rome should go.

I was suprised when Cannae turned traitor, and the Senate today recieved word athat they have been fully punished for it.

I also am suprised at how well your gamble in sending Celsus to Greece has turned out, and i am still unconvinced as to how that will turn out.

But just as importantly, i am conserned about the distaste you seem to hold the senate in. Why would you try so hard to save Rome, when you have no regard for what Rome is?

[chaplain118]

Pallas smiled at Statius as he took a sip.

I hold no distaste for the Senate, Statius. Though I do have a rather immense dislike for the men in the Senate who are willing to sit back in their curule chairs and let events unfold by themselves rather than take life by the horns. Rome has seen far too many men like that, men who would forsake their City's future for a brief gain of personal power. You must remember how the North was conquered after the purges. The removal of opposition to aggressive expansion meant that the consuls, sorry, consul, had the means to proceed with the objective of the City rather than his personal objective. Let me put it in perspective with something much, ah, closer.

After all, you see my house is adorned with snakes, inhabited by snakes. If you'll but look up, you can see the thousand of holes in the ceiling that I have specifically placed there for my snakes to use. The sight of these beautiful creatures often times send men whimpering like women, or scrambling for their lives. Why, take note of Neoptolemus and his sister Juturna.

The red and black viper curled itself around Pallas' left arm while a black adder curled itself around his right.

They are beautiful in their own ways, no? Yet some people find them disgusting. But there's no denying of the fact that I am able to tame them and use them to my own advantage. The Senate is like my house. The snakes that inhabit it are like the senators. Some are cunning creatures like my lovely Neoptolemus and Juturna, while others prefer to remain in their hiding holes, content with the lives they lead. Still others are not allowed within the house due to their untamable nature. Perhaps if you're lucky we can see some of them tonight. But you see, when a single untamed serpent enters the house, the entire nest becomes united in their purpose and will attempt to drive out the untamed one. Never have their goals been so united, so earnest. In their pursuit of the untamed serpent, they very well often ignore the message it tries to bring, that a looming eagle is perched above the roof or that an unwelcomed mongoose had been discovered. The nest would kill the messenger, no matter how right it is, until the moment is too late. It's an interesting observation and I feel that is more than relevant.

Pallas took another sip from his wine, taking a moment to kiss the black adder as he lowered the glass. He suddenly frowned and put his wineglass down. The expression on his face was not one of fear but of annoyance. He spoke, but not to Statius

Why out of your cage, Evander, are there unwelcomed guests in the house?

A massive python came slithering in between Statius and Pallas. It coiled itself at Pallas' foot and raised its enormous head up to the same level as Pallas'. It made a threatening hissing noise at Statius and seemed to prepare itself to strike. Pallas ran his finger along the spine of the python and whispered

Down, and back to your cage.

The python lowered itself, but remained on the ground, its head still focused on Statius.

[Raglan]

Men fear what they do not understand, and often when it is best to learn to understand things will act out of that fear.

I don't fear your snakes, though i know i probably should. What i fear, what i dread, is a Rome that has been burned, a Rome that has reached to far that has become feared, and struck at because of that fear.

Understanding, backed up by strength is what i believe to be best for Rome

But would i kill, murder, drive Rome in that direction? No for that is the path of the Kings, only in the most desperate of times do we try and empower a single man. And Rome's system is that we must decide what is the best TOGETHER. If we allow one man to determine Rome's fate then we may as well give up on our Republic, and return to the Kings

at that moment another snake appears, and moves onto the couch next to Aulus Statius. Looking at Rutulus he picks up the snake and holds it carefully, it hisses its pleasure and goes calm in his hands.

You know, the senate is in a difficult position. Your insults, threats, and attacks, has made you a criminal in Rome again. This time you won't be allowed to escape. The only question is how you shall receive the punishment that your crimes have earned.

Personally i hope that we restrain ourselves, not lower ourselves to your level. Use the courts to trial you.

[Celsius]

Praetor Felix along with the Roman Guard stormed the Domus.
"Pallas Aventinus! You are under arrears for attempted murder and disturbing the public peace."

[chaplain118]

Pallas smiled. So Statius was of like mind to him. How funny this world turned out. As he saw the doors to his house burst open, he heard the voice of the Praetor calling for his arrest. Finishing the last bit of his wine, Pallas smiled and spoke.

Is that so, Praetor? Have you not noticed that you are in the snake's den? Has your hunts outside of the city not taught you to corner a snake? Look up.

Several bright green asps dropped down from the holes in the ceiling, evidently disturbed by the loud noises. They landed on the bodies of the guards and grew agitated when the men tried to seize them. Several succumbed to the bites and lay writhing upon the floor. Before Felix could react, the massive Python, Evander, made its way to him and wrapped around his body. Pallas strode to the man and hissed

Entering my domain without even a gracious knock. How... rude. What I should do is let my snakes have their way with you. You'll find, however, that I am merciful man who do not believe in unnecessary murders. You are an adamant servant of the Republic and deserve to live. Leave now, Praetor, and never show up again or my snakes won't be so merciful as this time.

Stroking the python's head once more, Pallas took a step back. The massive snake relaxed its grip and left Felix gasping and panting on the floor. Juturna and Neoptolemus hissed on Pallas' arms as he patiently waited for the Praetor to speak.

[Celsius]

Felix hands were bound, he couldn't reach his sword, but he could reach his dagger. He cut and cut anc cut the python until it released and he stood, gasping for air.
You have resisted arrest and killed Roman men, I will no longer hold back.
He drew his sword.
Prepare to die.

[chaplain118]

Pallas watched Felix with amusement as he laughed.

Do you think I intend to let you arrest me? More importantly, do you think YOU'LL be safe when word of you holding weapons in the pomerium reaches the world?

Taking steps back as if a cornered deer, Pallas spread his arms wide.

Come get me then, Praetor, if you're so sure of your tactics. Strike me down with your sword. But remember Praetor, your life is in my hands.

Pallas watched Felix's sword carefully and felt where he was standing. Yes, come strike me, Praetor, strike me now and we'll see just who really gets to live.

[Celsius]

"I am the Praetor coming to arrest a man. I have the authtroity to carry weapons to enforce the laws of Rome."

[chaplain118]

Then come get me, what are you waiting for?

[Celsius]

"I am wasting my time with you. The Senate does not listen and neither will you."
Felix put his sword away
"Perhaps you are just we what need to get everyone on the same side."
Felix turned and left

[chaplain118]

Pallas sat back down and looked at the python. Its wounds were terrible. Blood leaked from the ghastly cuts. Reaching out his hand, Pallas stroked the giant snake's head.

You have done well, Evander, were it not for you, I fear that this would've been the end of our happy home.

Pallas snapped his fingers, summoning a slave.

Take Evander to the back room and bandage his wounds.

Turning his attention back towards Statius, who had been stunned at the entire affair, Pallas spoke once more.

Courts, Statius? You have just seen with your own eyes how the courts have abandoned the trial against me. Bibulus himself probably lies dead under the pools of the baths and you speak of courts?

[Raglan]

Indeed, i am not best pleased by the preator, he shall certainly not be getting my vote in the upcoming elections.

He let his fear get in the way of his duty. I happen to know that you were not the only one he was to arrest tonight.

However the flaws of one man doesn't negate the point. I still believe that you are in the wrong, but we must not use your methods, if Felix is to affraid, then perhaps the next Preator won't be.

Aulus Statius looked down at the snake still in his hands, the only one that hadn't reacted to Felix's entry, and wondered to himself how much the snakes are loyal, or how much they simply protect those that treat them with kindness

Give yourself up Rutulus, i give you my word it will be a fair trial