Raising his arms in a mock gesture of surrender, Gallus approached the victorious Advocate. "That's it! I'm done with the courts for a while, at least when you're the other advocate!"

As the two shook hands and fell in alongside for their stroll back to the Palatine, Gallus in a low tone murmered, "Quintus Flaminius, did you notice anything 'unusual' going on between your client and the juror Lucius Cassius Longinus Ravilla? It may be nothing, but I couldn't help noticing several meaningful glances between the two during the deliberations. It's a matter of record that you require no help whatsoever when it comes to cleaning the floor with me in the courts," Gallus laughed, "but I have to wonder if certain people may have been working behind both our backs to ensure one particular outcome above the other. Any thoughts?"

"My dear, Gallus, I can quite understand your disbelief. As hard as I pled my client's case, I don't believe it was nearly as strong as yours. Unless some of the jurors swallowed that stuff about Balbus not being as worthy of a fair hearing as my man Vitulus. What was the name of that juror again?"

"Ravilla, Lucius Ravilla," Gallus replied.

"Ah, yes, the recently orphaned Ravilla. I have heard rumours about him before, some questioned whether he won his election as Praetor fairly or not. In fact, I believe that one of his defeated rivals is gathering a case against him - and now that Ravilla senior has passed away (a former Consul and Censor, if you recall) it might not get hushed up this time."

"Well," said Gallus, "I have my man Casca poking around seeing what he can learn. Perhaps, just perhaps, we've found ourselves a corrupt man. We'll see...

"I think there's an opportunity to write a new lex which could place a few more restrictions on potential jurors, making it less tempting to have any interactions with potential parties in court cases. I'll work on that as soon as we decide on this next idea..."

Gallus' mood became brighter as he discussed a much more enjoyable idea. "What would you think of inviting the rest of the college over to my new domus so they can admire your taste in art and discuss some new legislation. I think they might all be very interested in the idea of the College of Tribunes hosting a week-long set of games, where we all sponsor an event, all participate...and all benefit by growing in stature and popularity among the people. We can call it the 'College Games.' What do you think? If enough of our fellow Tribunes like the idea, I can propose a Lex Colligo Ludus next week!"

"Yes, Gallus, it's your turn to play host. With that fine new domus on the Palatine, I bet you are dying to show it off, aren't you? And you're still deciding over a fresco, aren't you? I know I've been too busy in the courts lately to drop by and give you some more advice. Although there's no reason you should take my advice, I'm no expert, I'm sure. But yes, your suggestion about a Tribune's games is a good one, would certainly do the College credit! Well, you can count on my support for that Bill of yours."

"It's agreed, then! We can host the College at my domus, and if the art on the wall is not completely in place, it will be a good excuse for yet another gathering some time in the future! I will leave it to you as president to announce the time of the gathering. It is definitely time to generate some activity inside the Well of the Comitia, don't you think?"

"Indeed so! Shall we say sometime next week? It will be fun to have another gathering! And it will give me a break from receiving clients at all times of the day or night - honestly, why do these people insist on ..." Vitulus stopped himself mid-rant, and laughed. "Still, I shouldn't complain, votes are votes after all! I look forward to the gathering next week, friend. Until then!"