Roman & Barbarian

Two legionnaires arrived in camp, at Cyrhrus in Syria, headquarters of the tenth Frentensis Legion. The struggle against Parthia had been a vicious one during this campaign. They both lost friends. Whether they saw them die or after they lost limbs, they still left Legionary service.

Each soldier walked inside a cloud of grim silence, indifferent to the harsh sun, for both men were fierce and brave in combat against their enemies. They had never gotten on in camp, especially after a few drinks. Both were taller, broader, and stronger than most, and they came from different worlds. The one was a blond beast, from Germania, who only spoke broken Latin. The other slurred his words, a natural born, dark-haired, Italian, with a built-in sense of superiority, which his Roman heritage dictated. They both bore scars from "the fight" with each other, as well as the enemy.

Their last fight began with a comment, which the 'Roman' made concerning the 'Barbarians' mother. He had said it to provoke him, and because after a few drinks, he was itching for a fight—he knew that only the Barbarian could take the kind of punches he gave.

The Barbarian had scarred the Romans face, with a retort from a ringed fist, and the Roman had broken the Barbarians nose, which he then reset with a grunt.

A pretty, young, six-year-old girl broke the silence. She was blonde and small, but loud and excited.

"Daddy, daddy, you are home," she yelled as she rushed into his arms.

"Hello, Munchkin," the Barbarian cooed gently, clutching the child in his arms. She talked incessantly of all the things he had missed when away. She babbled without relent while squeezing his neck. Finally, she turned her shiny, blue eyes to the large man standing next to him.

"Daddy is this, your friend? What is his name?" the child's question startled both men.

The Barbarian began to reply but realized that he did not know the Roman's name, even after fighting with him for seven years. He had always called him 'Roman'. An awkward silence followed.

It was the Roman who surprised him with his answer.

"Munchkin, my name is Gaius, and, yes, I am your Daddy's friend," the Roman spoke in an uncharacteristically gentle voice.

"My name is not Munchkin, silly. It's Sophie."

The Roman and Barbarian laughed together, and Sophie's giggle rose from within their laughter. She felt pleased with herself for making these two big men laugh, and she loved their attention.

Later the Barbarian called the Roman to his side and spoke privately to him.

"My name is Cedric," the Barbarian said, "what changed your mind about me, Gaius?"

"We have fought together many years now—Cedric. We are as fierce and brave as each other, and each as skilled as the other. We have fought between ourselves, but you showed me that you know when to stop. Seeing you with your daughter, I saw a real man, unafraid to be gentle with those weaker than himself, those whom he loves. That is the kind of man I wish to call—friend."

Cedric presented his arm to Gaius, which Gaius took firmly. "Self-control, courage, honor, and gentleness. These are also reasons for me to call you friend and brother."