Written for Esther’s “Can You Tell A Story In…..?
#299” – exactly 70 words using the seven required
words: ‘scab’, ‘pilates’, ’teapot’, ‘gladiator’, ‘plank’,
‘dove’ and ‘velvet’. Here’s where the prompts took me.
“Hear me, people!” announced Spiculus. “Today I am a free gladiator.”
“Will you retire?” asked his friends.
“I’d rather walk the plank than stay home with my wife, Pilates.”
“But we’ve seen your wife; she is beautiful, a delicate velvet dove.”
Spiculus laughed. “Yes, she’s a goddess….but this scar is what remains after she bashed me with a teapot!”
“A goddess and a hell-cat! You’re a lucky man, Spiculus!”
NAR©2025
70 Words
Rudiarii is the term used for a freed gladiator
Spiculus was a gladiator favored by Emperor Nero, though the details of his freedom are a little sketchy.
This is “Gladiator” by Warkings
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy’s Notes 🖊️ 🎶, The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk, The Rhythm Section, et al. and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
A very lucky man. Indeed..
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And all the Italian food he wants!
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my favorite,…
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Who knew that the most fierce ring would be the marriage ring? Bring on the lions!
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Good point, Liz! 🦁
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Some men like ’em with a little fight in ’em- and in my case it si a good thing they do! heheheh great write- I love the names!
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I hear ya! Thanks!
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You’re so good at these, Nancy! 👌 What a fun story, with an epic video to match. Love it! 😃
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Thanks so much, Debbie! I’m really pleased you think so. It was great finding that cool video! 😎
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Great story in so few words! Made me laugh 😂
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So glad to know you enjoyed this one, Lisa. Thanks!
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Very funny, and nicely done!
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Thanks so much, D!
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I bet the crowd would love to see Spiculus’ wife, Pilates in the Colosseum.
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For sure! One of the few gladiatrices in Roman history. I wrote a funny story on that subject a couple of years ago. It may be time for a reblog.
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A vivid imagination brings forth another great story.
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Thanks so much, Dawg! I love your comments! 🥰
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Great use of the words, Nancy, especially teapot – ouch!!
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That’s gotta hurt! Thanks, dear Keith.
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An intriguing video to go with you wild cat story, Nancy …
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Excellent song! Thanks, dear Ivor! 🎶😎
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Always my pleasure, Nancy 🎶😍🌏
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You’ve made it into such an entertaining story. Great stuff!
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Thanks very much, Esther! It’s always an adventure in writing!
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Lol 😂
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So glad you enjoyed my story, Sadje.
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Most welcome
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Ooooo,…was there a story Nancy, …? ….erm , …sorry, …eyes were elsewhere, …oh yes, as Willow said, great storyline, …Off to ogle, …erm, …check out the AI /yours collaboration, what a fine looking fella, …💙
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My gladiator turned out rather well, didn’t he? I’m glad you enjoyed the pic …. um, story! Thanks, Penn.
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Of course, …the story Nancy, …I’ve just dropped by to read it again, …😉
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Good story with a fun twist and an interesting video well done Nancy I really enjoyed this 💜💜💜
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Thanks, Willow. This was fab fun! 💜
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Well, that was fun! And an interesting video!
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Thanks, Fan! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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Now that is entertaining!!!
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Thanks so much, Rene!
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You’re most welcome.
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