Cornelia lay still, eyes closed, listening to the steady breathing of Lidia and Porcia. Occasionally the sounds of Porcia's unfurling scrolls told of the passing time.

Finally her stomach stopped turning- and that was odd-, and the change of light told her dinner duties needed to be attended to.

"Lidia."two chairs creaked.

"Domina?"

"Please prepare my bath," she said sitting up.

"Yes, domina." Lidia quickly stood and departed. Cornelia waited until she was fully gone and the door shut before continuing.

"Porcia, do you mind if I ask a personal question?" she asked quietly to much larger woman.unlike so often her, her tone did not suggest a command, as it usually did. Porcia cocked a red eyebrow in surprise as much as curiousity, unaware how much she looked like her father in just that moment.

"Its just that.....I feel...."More surprises. The 'Great Lady' was even uncertain over her words.

Porcia studied her for a moment and then answered....