Adelbeorn made his way through the streets, and into what appeared to be a nice taberna. The sign painted by the door depicted a gallic warrior transfixed with an arrow, obviously dying. Looking in, he saw three women and a man seated at a table, and all were being served by an older woman. He decided it could be an interesting place to visit.

One of the women, who seemed to be a bit put out, perked up when she saw the tall, blond man enter the room. Though he was dressed in a nice tunic and cape, he bore himself like a noble who was more accustomed to a toga. His skin was bronzed by the sun, and his tunic could not conceal the muscles beneath. Better, and better! the woman thought to herself.

The older woman brought him a cup, and suggested he try what the others were drinking...a concoction called 'lemonade'. His first sip nearly made him choke, it was so tart, but once that passed, he found he wanted another, and another! "Made from some foreign fruit, has quite a taste!" This was said by one of the three women, who introduced herself as Maria, and the others as Druscilla, Messalina and the man being Krystus.

The one named Messalina, smiled broadly. "It is quite tart, I'd say." The other women glared at her icily until a sharp rap from the counter broke the tension. "I was referring to the drink!" Messalina protested. "What brings you to Rome, stranger?"

Adelbeorn smiled, and introduced himself to the four. "Business, is all. My name is Adelbeorn Terentius, a citizen from Gallia Cisalpina...a town called Taurasia. I'm in town for a while, and came out looking for a bit of fun."

"And what would you consider fun?" Maria and Messalina asked almost at the same moment, then glared at one another.

Adelbeorn stared at the table's occupants: Krystus on his left, Druscilla on his far side, Maria to his right, and Messalina between her and Druscilla. He smiled even more, contemplating the various prospects presented at the table.

"I am sure my ideas are quite provincial, I fear...and would bore you sophisticates of the city."

All four protested that this would not be so, excited at just what a 'country bumpkin' might consider 'wild'. Krystus particularly, laughed. "One hears rumors of lonely shepherds and their flocks...!"

That comment broke up everyone at the table.

Adelbeorn placed a hand lightly on Krystus' shoulder, squeezing slightly. He looked directly into the man's eyes. "I prefer higher game...the Hunt" he smiled, then turned to Maria. "...and the Chase!" Beneath the table, he pressed a leg firmly against that to either side of him, and he laughed heartily, finishing off his lemonade.