Heart Under Siege ~Rome/Germania~

Roma was still very excited that he had won the war he fought so long in. For these past couple months the man had been enjoying all the events, feasts, games, and fun there was to be had. Of course the prize in his battle aside from victory was a new bodyguard, a strong one at that. The dark haired man whistled slightly as he walked through the corridors of his establishment. He made sure that his new friend was to stay within the walls of his palace, and nearer to his room as well. As a few of his guests passed he smiled and greeted them before continuing on his way. Stopping at Germania's door he gave it one knock before opening it up, and stepping in a little bit.
"Ah you are awake! I was hoping you would be because dinner is being prepared soon." The olive skinned Emperor strolled right over to Germania with a smile. Such a beautiful man was sitting there before him, more beautiful than any man or woman in this city. That smaller frame, long blonde hair, he was like one of those elves from Northern legend.

Contemplating a way to get rid of the stupid emperor, Germania stared up at the ceiling. His brain went through countless ideas but none of them ended well whenever Germania thought them through fully. He wanted to scream in frustration, pull out his hair, break all the valuables in this room.

But he couldn't. Damn, he had to act stoic, uncaring, cold. 

Sitting up in the lounge chair, Germania ran his hand through his long hair, catching his fingers on a few knots. He frowned upon feeling them, he hadn't tended to his hair in a long time. Usually he had enouggh time to tend to it, brushing it, washing it, making sure it looked silky and smooth. He loved making the woman jealous of his hair, evil harlots they were. 

Frowning, Germania reached for his brush on the stand next to him and started to brush out his hair, his facial features softening as he did so. He still kept his ears pricked for the lightest sound so that he wouldn't be startled if someone were to come in. Of course, Roma made enough clatter to wake the entire castle when he walked through the hallways.. But it was weird, he was clumsy and loud in here, around all the other servents and townspeople, but when around him or his troops, he was one of the most graceful people Germania knew. That was how the man had snuck up on his home.

Germania's features hardened again as he gripped his hair, thinking about what that beast had down to his people. He clenched his teeth, staring at his legs, and tried to calm himself so he could finish his task of brushing his hair.

Soon enough, Germania started to brush his hair again, facial features relaxing once more. It almost looked like he was smiling. He finally finished brushing his hair, running his hands through it. No knots. This was good. He set the brush down on the stand again, leaning back against the chair. He heard some footsteps coming down the hallway and looked to the door, wondering whom it was to be coming near his room. Only one person would dare come to his room on their own accord. 

Germania heared the knock, not even bothering to tell the other to come in, and looked at Roma as he walked in. He listened partially to the others words but was mostly staring at him, wondering who he had bed the nigt before.. His muscles were toned, firmed, and tanned beautifully. Germania swallowed the saliva that had formed in his throat and looked at Roma's face, nodding.

"Alright." He murmured, standing up. He started to braid his hair, finding it easier to take care of it when it was up in some sort of style. Staring at the small piece of glass that served as his mirror, Germania refused to look at Roma again, those thoughts were plaguing him again, trying to turn him from his goal once more. He finished braiding his hair and went over to the small bowl of water, bending over it. He cupped some water in his hands and splashed his face, rubbing the water in with his fingers. 

Once his face was clean, the blond man grabbed a cloth and started to dry his face. Refolding it, Germania set it next to the bowl of water and looked to Roma, walking to him. He stood in front of him expectantly, hands at his sides. 

Roma found Germania to be possibly the most cold person he knew, ever. The man barely spoke and his tone when he did was cold, uncaring. All the brunette man wanted to do was find some companionship with this mysterious man of the north. His habits were odd too as he barely joined in any festivities unless ordered to, he preferred to be less sociable, and when Roma invited him to orgies he appeared disgusted. What a strange man indeed to have within his palace! However, when Roma had happened upon the Germanic people on his travels he noted they were all mostly this way. Prudish people who did not believed in having massive orgies for any particular reason unless it were for a ritual. Even then they mostly preferred to keep acts of a sexual nature to themselves.


This one though the Emperor had eyes for because of his rather elusive nature. The blonde kept himself so unobtainable that Roma knew he had to have him. Though this man appeared to be against the idea of having sexual interactions with a man. The physicality of the situation would perhaps be very difficult to overcome, men and men did not have an easy time with intercourse. These things though were not very important in the mind of Rome, because he would make it work if he must. Giving a slight smile he reached up and patted Germania on the shoulder.


"No need to look so stern just follow me, okay?" Roma pulled his hand away and turned around walking out. The man strode through the hallway and glanced back to make sure Germania was following.

Germania watched Roma, seeing the different emotions flickering across the mans face. He didn't like the way the brunet was staring at him, made him feel like prey, like a weak, useless seal being hunted by a shark. He watched him, breathing deeply and evenly. The blond could smell the other so clearly now. He had such an.. Odd aroma. It was almost intoxicating, and Germania found himself leaning forward into it slightly. 

Fixing his posture fairly quickly, Germania nodded as he felt the hand fall on his shoulder. He looked over at it from the corner of his eye, raising an eyebrow, before looking back at the Emperor. Touching his shoulder where Roma had just touched, he followed said man out into the hall. He watched him very closely, eyes narrowing some when the other male looked over his shoulder.

Picking up his pace just a tad, Germania walked on Rome's left side, just behind him. He looked around, eyes falling on every little thing in the hallway, before looking back at Roma. 

"Is there going to be another 'orgy' after supper?" Germania mumbled, throat quite hoarse from not talking, or drinking any liquids, most of the day. The blond crossed his arms, glaring at him slightly, before he felt his gaze trail down to the mans strong legs.

How could one not wear any leg coverings and just a simple robe? It was.. So odd! And then when they fought, it looked like a woman's short dress! Albeit, without the metal and armor, and even the cape, it was still looked like a short dress. He remembered when one of Roma's servants tried to get him into that absurd, scanty looking clothing. He had to the metal fruit holder and bashed it across the young male's head, cursing him quietly. 

Mm, good times.. If only he could do that to the Emperor, that would make his day. 

Rome looked over at Germania with a grin forming on his lips, and his eyes glinted with mischief.
"You catch on rather quickly, of course there will be!" Rome exclaimed with excitement laced on his voice. Orgies were just another part of his life, and a part of his life he could not live without. The act of sex had quite a calming effect, and the day after such activities made people feel much light of heart. It was Rome's thought that Germania was so angry because he lacked a good sex life. Though, it was the sincerest wish of Roma to bed the blonde haired man in his chambers; orgy or no orgy. Never before in his entire life had he really wanted a man quite so much, and perhaps he never would again. Germania was truly one of a kind in looks, attitude, and just his over all persona as he carried himself.

Rome needed the man.


As they approached the eating hall Rome's guards opened the door wide. He strode in and most that were already in there stood up, and then they crossed their right hand over their hearts before bowing. Rome smiled and reached his end of the long table picking up a wine goblet.
"Friends, it appears we have been perhaps celebrating too much? The defeat of the barbarian hordes though it something to be proud of! A twelve year campaign finally has been brought to a close with our victory." He raised the goblet somewhat in a gesture of a toast.
"I propose we thank Mars the God of War for his good graces. If only their War God had been so kind to them right?" Rome's commentary sent laughter erupting from the other Romans in the room. Never once did he stop to think his words would anger Germania, no, Rome was only glorifying himself as he always did.

Rome glanced over at Germania before taking a seat at the head of the table. There was then much feasting and chatter to be had in the room. A few of the women, or perhaps more were all leaning in to speak to Rome, compliment him, pet his ego if you will. The man flawlessly and effortlessly went from conversation to conversation, completely at home with all this idle banter. Getting his goblet refilled he took a heart swig of wine from it, and then a bite of the cooked duck, and the delicately prepared lamb. Ah, this was quite the feat to be had! A feast definitely fit of an Emperor no doubt about that. As it was with all Romans they were excessive about everything that they did. Whether it was talk, eating, drinking, or anything else they did it in excess. Right now it was a room full of tipsy people beginning to become very drunk. In his drunken haze Rome began to speak more of his conquest.


"Like that man over there--that one yes, he was one of my prizes from my endeavor! Luckily for me I was able to snatch up such a lovely prize right?" He exclaimed waving his free hand as he talked, speaking with his hands was common. The men all laughed, and the women glanced at Germania with giggles coming from their mouths. Rome gave a glance too and sat his goblet down.
"Such a fine specimen wouldn't you agree? Hard to believe he was one of the Germanic tribesmen! I will say though that your people were quite difficult to fight, " Rome looked at Germania now, "Giant axes, large horses, just as bad as those Viking fellows." Rome laughed and reached out to pat Germania's arm. He had no idea that the more he spoke, the angrier he was probably making the man. Rome however did not relent in his talking, and kept going like a fool with his words.
"Such a primitive people though." Rome commented flippantly.

Rome stood stunned as the liquid, and the cup made contact with his face and head. There was an awkward silence that prevailed the room, and before anyone made a move Germania had run off. Shaking off his embarrassment the brunette chewed his lower lip. That was unexpected actually, really for that man to attack him within his own palace walls? Truly a barbaric fool if Rome had ever seen one in his life. Gold eyes watched as the guards fled the room to give chase. The built man turned to glance over his dinner guests, and realized how foolish he must look covered in wine.
"I will go and clean up, you may commence the dinner." Rome said in a friendly manner before walking out swiftly. Once away from any prying eyes the usually jovial, and calm man suddenly got a dark look on his face. That barbaric, lowly, captive dared to make a mockery of him in front of his friends? The sheer brash nature of such an action was enough to anger him. So what if his words appeared harsh and unforgiving? The words of which Rome spoke he believed to be true, and would stick by that. Going into his chambers he threw off his toga, and called for his servant to bring another, and a basin of water. Sitting there upon his bedding the man stewed in his anger for a good while.

Lowly barbarian... was all the man could think about right now. The Emperor felt as if he had been given the worst possible treatment. If such aggression had been made in private perhaps he would have been less angry. Though for the blonde haired bastard to do such an act in public? Irredeemable! Inexcusable! There were many more adjectives to be used but, those were the only words the olive skinned man could think of. Once his servant had entered the room the man cleaned up, and then placed another toga upon himself. As he was dressing a thought passed through his mind. The smallest of whispers almost but, it was a brilliant thought indeed.
"I will have him murdered." Rome smirked a little and adjusted his sash. Thanking his servant he strode out feeling more confident.

Germania had spent most of the early evening in the bath, soaking till his skin turned red and pruned ever so slightly. He stared at the wrinkled fingertips as he thought. Poison? Too simple, just an easy kill.. Kill him in his sleep? Maybe but so many things could go wrong?

His actual plan had come to him when he was drying off. He toweled off his body with a plush cloth before drying out his hair. He stared at his reflection in a small bowl of water, his face slightly flushed, and smirked. He had his plan.

"I'll seduce him, make him fall in love with me.. Then I'll strike.. Tie him up, and let him watch his 'love' kill him slowly." Germania's smirk fell off of his face as he stared at himself. He touched the water, watching it ripple, as he worked out the kinks of his plan.

While getting dressed in one of those idiotic dress type robes, Germania looked to the door. He was surprised that the guards hadn't broken down the door. They probably left so that they could watch the orgy..

Despicable.

Germania looked out his window, noticing that the sky was getting darker. He stared at the different hues slowly fading to a dark blueish purple.. The reds to oranges, yellows to the slightest tint of green. The entire spectrum was beautiful. He must admit, this was his most favorite time.

He closed his eyes, breathing deeply, as he thought about how he used to sit atop a hill and stare up at the sky while he was watching over his lands. Something so simple, yet so beautiful..

He was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard branches breaking below. He peered out his window, watching as the guests left on their small quest for home.

"Hope you all suffer or get run over by a wild pack of animals.." Germania murmured as he watched them go. As he did, his stomach growled. He looked around, braiding his hair, and waited for it all to go silent. He no longer heard footsteps or giggles, no moaning or screams. Silence. Pure silence. Something about this silence was ominous though, like something bad were to happen soon.

Shaking his head, Germania cleared his thoughts and fastened the tie around his waist so that it was tighter and more secure. He padded to the door, making sure to be silent, and peered into the hallway.

No one.

Letting out a small sigh of relief, Germania snuck out of his room and silently made his way down to the dining hall. Surely, if he found that, then the kitchen wouldn't be too far away. Nibbling on his lip, the blond man used his hunting skills and silently made his way down the halls. This was why he stared at his surroundings.

So he knew where to go.

When Germania found the dining hall, he noticed a small opening a bit away from the main doors. He made his way to it and peered in, seeing that there was no one in sight. He double checked behind him for guards and there was no one.

Tip-toeing into the room, Germania made his way over to the fruits that hadn't been eaten and gathered up a few apples and pears. Taking a bite of the pear, he savored it in silence, thinking that if he made the slightest sound then he would surely be caught and possibly beaten for his actions earlier.

He hated Romans, this was a fact..

Rome had left his rather jumbled up orgy a lot sooner than he had planned on doing so. However, the actions by the barbaric man earlier left a bad taste in his mouth, and his was unable to actually concentrate on anyone. Striding down the hall way he thought over his plan again and again in his mind. So he would kill Germania in any way he possibly could. As the Emperor he could do as such without anyone really caring but, he wished to do so in a less bloody way. Perhaps slip a poisonous serpent into the man's bed while he was asleep? It was a tried and true tactic that had aided many of assassinations in his Empire. Smirking Roma entered the dining hall again to procure the left overs; all that sex made him hungry. As he walked in there as quietly as he could the man stopped.


He was in there.


Rome could tell it was Germania because the figure was tall, long haired, and rather slender. Then he realized that this would be the absolute perfect opportunity. Grinning slightly the Roman covered the distance between them rather swiftly.
"So you have the nerve to come back to where you caused your mess?" The Emperor inquired with a smile on his face. Oh he could not wait until he had Germania gutted like a pig under his sword, or laying poisoned in his bed due to a snake.

Rome lofted a brow and stood there watching the man eat the fruit. Really, could he afford to be so calm and sarcastic towards him? The very gall he had to even be so casual with him after what happened was enormous. Stepping over a few strewn cushions the Roman reached to pluck a pear from the bowl. Inspecting it he took a bite and looked at Germania.
"Kill you? Perhaps that would be the best course of action but, not before torturing you." Rome gave a slight smirk. He was fully confident he could take on Germania without much of a problem. After all, he was the one who dragged the blonde haired man here. Rome could over power him and so he did not feel threatened.

Germania raised an eyebrow at his words, biting into the pear. He looked down at it, thinking over the others words. "You, sir, are a large man. You might be strong, but I think I'm faster.. I've already found a way out of this establishment." He said calmly.

Looking back up at him, he threw an apple at his head, his face completely stoic as he waited for his reaction. He threw the pear he was eating, watching it hit Roma in the face, and he couldn't stop his mouth from twitching slightly.

"Does it taste good?"

Rome was hit by the first fruit but, he managed to catch the second fruit in his hand. Giving Germania a slight smirk he took a bite of the pear.
"The best I have ever tasted." The Roman man spoke in an equally calm voice. There was no way he would allow anger to over take him. In a time like this remaining precise, calm, and focused would benefit him more in the end. Besides, if this man were as swift as he claimed then Rome could not afford to lose his cool. Dropping the pear upon the floor he cleared the distance between them. No moves were made to find a weapon, or to even attack the fair skinned man. Instead Rome studied him as if he were some sort of curious statue in his gardens.


"To be perfectly honest I would have seen it coming, you finding a way out that is." Rome gave a slight smirk with those words.
"You are a rather tricky and sly individual of your own right. So let me guess you wish for me to apologize about earlier?" Roma sighed and folded his arms against his chest. His golden amber eyes looking straight to Germania's own blue ones.


If the man did make a move to escape though Rome would not be far behind. An expert of the hunt in his own right, Rome would ensure he brought the man back. Even if he had to drag him back practically dead he would do so.

As the fruit hit the side of Rome's head he grunted and stumbled to the side. Looking up after the stars settled in his eyes he noticed Germania was gone. Growling a little under his breath, Rome started out of the kitchen area and looked to a window. Peering out he saw the hedge maze and figured it was where Germania was. Well this was all rather inconvenient to say the least. Turning the Emperor rushed out past his confused guards, and then into the outside shouting at the guards out front to not worry.

"Where is that bastard at?" Rome inquired moodily to himself, still plucking smashed bits of apple from his hair. Stalking through the gardens he followed the pathways rather expertly, after all they were his gardens. There should be no reason why he would not know them by heart. As he turned a corner and found his way in the center of a small courtyard he stopped. Left, right, or straight? That was the only question in figuring out which path Germania would have taken. However, he knew Germania had never been in these mazes before so would be lost. Rome took the left path and slowly crept along like a large cat searching out it's pray. After about ten minutes he realized something unsettling though.


He was hopelessly lost.

Rome had not thought to physically go through the bushes themselves. The only constant thought on his mind was finding Germania, hurting Germania. The man thoroughly wronged and embarrassed him in front of his friends. For those two reasons alone a good flogging would be most definitely in order. However, no beatings would ensue unless he actually found the guilty party. Frowning he came towards the center of the maze, and then upon spotting the fountain realized; he was in the center but did not know the way out. Blast it all to the deepest regions of the underworld! Frowning the olive skinned man paced back and forth by the statue of Ares. Stopping he glanced up at the four different directions that he could go in. Not actually knowing where to head off to, he picked a random direction by chance. Yes, he had a good feeling about this direction! Any moment he would find Germania and make him pay for his deeds!

Any minute...
Any moment now...
Nope, he was hopeless lost again.

Rome slumped against the nearest hedge and let out a heavy sigh. How on earth did he not precisely know every turn to this maze? Well, in the bright of the sun everything looked so much easier to navigate than right now. Right now with the shadows, the cloud cover, and the lack of proper vision it was like blindly groping through a tunnel at best.

The man's arms were slightly bloody from the thorns, and his expression was quite pitiful. Without the droves of people to impress he dropped the tough act. Pouting he rubbed his hands over the cuts gently, wincing, and then looked up. A scream? It was sort of high pitched for a man but, he never put anything past those barbarian types. Then suddenly there he was! Practically running out of the hedge was his prey in full view, and looking distraught at that. Stopping with his pouting Rome straightened up taking notice Germania had spotted him. The moment the blonde ran he began to make haste after him, a grin on his face.
"Run if you want, I will catch you!" Rome called out in boast.

Rome did not let the set back of Germania ducking into the bushes deter him. Persistent as always the man raced swiftly through the labyrinth of greenery. His amber eyes darting this way and that before he caught sight of something, a small trail of dark red on the ground. The Roman gave a small chuckle and started down in that direction. Patience, just a little bit of that and he would have the blonde haired man precisely where he wanted him. The only issue would be when Germania fought back because, he knew from prior battles the Germanic man was no push over. This would probably take a lot of wrestling and will power to get him to submit. Pushing through the bushes carefully he kept on the trail. Finally as he entered near another set of trails he spotted the man. That grin would just not go away as he crept ever closer, careful to not step on anything that would make a loud noise. Arms reached out he suddenly grabbed Germania up into his strong grip, and then pulled the man back against him.

"Blood trail, you must be a lot more careful next time." Rome's hot breath was against Germania's ear as he spoke.