The heat of the afternoon blew into the tavern as the slave pushed open the door for his mistress. It had been a long, tiring journey from Rome, and Roscius, for one, was pleased to have finally arrived. His mistress Thea had grown increasing impatient and bothered over the course of the journey, so perhaps things would improve by the night and he could finally have a moment's peace.

The rest of the slaves would be arriving in a fortnight thence, with all of his mistress' belongings. Well, it was actually hardly all of it; just the six or seven wagon loads that were essential for her new Pompeiian home. Once an appropriate domus had been found, his mistress would take up residence, alternating between there and her house in Rome.

As she made herself comfortable at one of the empty tables, Roscius went in search of the tavern keeper and whatever chilled beverages he had to help placate the mistress' mood.