I feel I literally dragged myself home that day, following a paga drinking game with Sven and Rufus that I was sorry I had won the first two rounds of. I no longer cared that I had apparently lost everything in the third. I don't even remember the third round! All I wanted was to lay me down in my own bed and mourn my aching body. I do not think I have ever been this sick in my entire life.
Though Marius would have no part of it. He did not have to say it either, but I knew deep down, that he was quite wroth with me. I was forced to rise and bathe, and accompany both him and Asia to the Cosian Wine Festival. Funny.. but the last thing in the world that I want right now.. is another drop of alcohol.
As the day wore on, my spirits did begin to rise out of their mire. Moreso after I was encouraged to drink my fill of wine when the crowds ventured from one vineyard to another. Though I did not tell Asia for the longest time that I had last seen her runaway kajira in Sven's tent. For I knew if Cali was returned, I would still be forced to whip her. And I just cannot do this. I do not have it in me to strike a woman. The only choice therefore was to keep my mouth shut and say nothing of Cali's whereabouts.
There is a little something though about wine's potent effect on loosening tight lips. Also the fact that Asia often takes advantage of me in ways I never suspect until it is often too late.
