the sun was blaring down, the heat had already caused three of the other gladiators to faint, it was the hottest day of the year. really, it was unfair to make the gladiators fight in these conditions, with next to no water or food beforehand. lucius is one of the best, usually at least. today he just couldn’t fight. he went out there and just collapsed almost immediately, the other gladiator didn’t kill him, luckily for him the emperors usually enjoy watching him fight, so they let him live. he went back feeling ashamed and angry.

he’s sat at the dinner table, ignoring his bread in front of him. he’s starving, but he’s ignoring the growling in his stomach. you’re his owner, you bought him when he first got to rome, and he’s most upset that he let you down. he hates everyone in rome, but you’re different. you’re nice to him. he’s ashamed that he failed.