As I sit with my wine I see Consul Postumius Servilius moving through the crowd with his lictors. I am glad he does not walk with all twelve for his day to day business - it is rather showy to have them all. I will admit that Isauricus always manages the fine balance of living up to but not exceeding his rank. My own two lictors stand a few feet from me, since I hate to be crowded, and it is not as if at the Forum I actually require their protection. They can serve their ceremonial function quite well without breathing down my neck.

I rise as Isauricus approaches and incline my head.

"Consul," I say. "Blessed Vinalia."