The news of a kitten brought back memories of his childhood at his grandfather's estate outside Herculaneum...there had been cats there, but the old man had seen them as necessary tools to keep down vermin, rather than as pets. Philandros remembered one striped cat which had allowed him to stroke her and even take a few bits of meat from his fingers, and he had loved the feel of the soft fur...but that had been his only contact with them. His smile at the prospect of having one of his own was one of genuine pleasure.

His mood was tempered when Rufio said they'd come for Eirik and Spurius' horses...and he had to explain that Olaf was not happy at losing his father again so soon...but the statement that Sextus sent his well-wishes removed what remained of his joy. Despite his manners, he couldn't help letting his smile slip, and his face settled into a careful blankness.

"Does he? How...considerate...of him." His tone was as neutral as he could make it, but he had to close his eyes briefly to hide the mix of anger and sadness which flashed there. The greek now knew what had caused him to fall from the cliff-top...and while Sextus might not have physically pushed him, he was the cause nonetheless.

"You may tell Sextus..." Something in the Silure's expression finally registered with him, and he gave a bitter laugh. "You may tell...your lover....Never mind, it isn't worth bothering about." He took a sip of his infusion, and grimaced at the bitter taste, somehow suitable for the way he felt at this moment.

"Well now, if you don't want to be seen by too many eyes, you should be going...I think Olaf will have the horses ready by now. And..send my best wishes to Hylas--tell him to visit me--and I want that last kitten!" Philandros extended a hand to his visitors, and his smile was back.

"Rufio, good luck to you, and come back when you can! If there is anything I can do for you, just ask." He released the roman's hand, and gripped the Silure's in a firm grip, pulling the man closer to speak softly in his ear.

"Keep your eyes open, Idris--and I'm not referring to Eirik and Spurius! His only love is Arrius, and he will just use anyone else....I mean that as a friend." He raised his voice as he relaxed his grip on Idris' arm.

"Please keep in touch...and let us know how Eirik and Spurius are doing! When they can come back, please tell them they are welcome!"

Olaf came to the door to show them the way to the stables, and Philandros put the tea aside to pick up the cup which contained the last of his visitor's wine....A bad start to the day, and it was only just dawn!