The waters of the tepidarium lapped gently against Damon's bare chest, the water being disrupted as persons entered and exited the pool. His eyes were closed and his head was reclined back, allowing it to lie against the hard edge of the pool. He remained intent on avoiding mindless socializing, but following his meeting with Hadrian he decided the thermae waters to be far too tempting. Having encountered acquintances in the apodyterium, Damon pursued his intial story of taking ill since his arrival in the city and, generating a nasal sound while he spoke, he explained that he sought the baths and their soothing waters. While not at all ill, Damon now felt infinitely better than he had at his arrival; his skin tingled satisfactorily from his visit to the masseur several minutes prior.

After some time soaking in the warm pool, Damon emerged with the intent of pursuing a livening stop in the brisk-watered frigidarium. His path was blocked, however, by his man Julian, whose appearance, Damon supposed, meant that his company was requested by yet another group who had heard word of his presence at the thermae. Before Julian could speak, Damon prejudged his words.

"Really, Julian, my mind is not changed in the least. Tell the fine gentlemen that I am not of the health to join them."

"Yes sir, but a man has come from Hadrian."

"Ah..." Damon responded enthusiastically, his thoughts returning to his initial affairs in Pompeii. "His memory is restored so soon! Send his man to me, I wish to hear what he has to say."

"He has asked to meet with you privately...that he does not want his words to be heard too publically."

"Well this does sound exciting, arrange a private room then."

Damon entered the room to find a physically imposing man awaiting him. Looking into his face, Damon immediately sensed his intensity. His thoughts suddenly lingered on the possibility of harm, and he was tempted to call for Julian. But this was a reaction which he had gained an increasing familiarity with as the threat to his person had risen in the last year. He continued into the room and took a seat opposite the messanger.

"What does your master say?"

"He has information for you, but asks that you receive it from him at his villa. I may take you there now."

"It was only moments ago that he seemed to know nothing of use to me. Yet now there is something in his keeping which requires privacy and expediency..." Damon paused as if he were doubtful of Hadrian's intentions, yet he had assumed since their meeting that his friend had lied.

"I too have sought a swift resolution to this topic, and a private one at that. I trust Hadrian more than I should like, and my presence is granted. But I do insist on my man's attendance as well."

Damon stood as he said this, obviously unconcerned with any reaction the man might have had. Damon exited and sought Julian's assistance in the apodyterium, then presented himself for the man's guidance to the villa whose location he already knew.