Aulus Calpurnius Praetextatus

• Quote

  "A good ally and a very poor enemy, I would imagine."

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  Fast

Recent Posts

1. 

   Reunion

   September 17

   "You missed my entire year of consulship," Aulus put in with a broad smile. "Anyone would think you'd arranged it deliberately - I daresay there are still one or two walls with graffiti decrying me as being the worst consul Rome's ever had, though most have seen my name painted over with that of one or other of this year's consuls."
   What else had his favourite brother-in-law missed? He couldn't think of anything urgent that Publius needed to know about - he would already be aware of Quintus Augustus' decision to step down and hand the imperial reins to his son -  and looked at Horatia, who was bound to know more of what might interest her brother in the way of family news.
   "None of us are as young as we used to be - have you had any thoughts about your next step in the cursus?" If Publius went for consul, he could rest assured of Aulus' full support there.
    
   @Sara @Sarah
   
2. 

   Cerealia: A Day at the Races

   August 16

   Aulus had gently but firmly insisted that they leave the baby in the capable hands of his wet-nurse and the slaves and that Horatia come to the races - even if she was not interested in the goings-on down on the track, she could sit and chat with her friends. His eldest son and daughter accompanied him to the seats set aside for senators and their families, even as Horatia kissed his cheek and found a seat with one of her oldest friends elsewhere in the senatorial seating.
   He made his bow to the goddess in whose honour the races were being held, and to the young man in purple sitting next to her statue, sparing a smile for Tiberius Claudius Sabucius, who was also in the Imperial box along with his own coterie. Titus and Calpurnia went to sit with their cousins, leaving Aulus smiling ruefully at his brother-in-law.
   "I'm beginning to feel surplus to requirements," he said, and looked down at the track. "So where are you putting your money, then?"
    
   @Atrice @Chevi @Sarah @Insignia @Sara @Jenn
   
3. 

   Good things come to those who wait

   August 1

   Aulus picked up a cup of wine and held it out. Felix' reaction was pretty much what he'd expected. "I think you need this," he said, with a smile. "You can figure out what to say later, just enjoy the moment."
   They could sort details out later; as he had said to Horatia, he had no intention whatsoever of turning Felix out into the street. The house was big enough, after all, they could find a room for him and he would have the freedom to come and go as much as anyone else in the family did. He would also have to find a replacement for Felix, but that would be something to discuss with the man himself (who would know the staff) and with Horatia.
   He indicated the slave tag Felix still had on. "You can take that off, at least."
    
   @Sara @Sarah @Chevi
   
4. 

   Good things come to those who wait

   July 31

   It was unusual to see Felix nonplussed, but Aulus couldn't revel in it - not with people looking on. Anyway, he didn't enjoy others' discomfiture the way some people he knew did.
   "You have served me very well and loyally, for more than fifteen years. We are here to celebrate your manumission," he said, speaking quietly and gently, as if Felix was the only other person present. "So, please join us."
   He indicated the empty space again before picking up the slim scroll that lay by his elbow, and held it out. "The invitation is the informal manumission, this is the formal one. I want you to have all the rights possible, which this confers."
   It had the requisite signatures of seven full citizens - the ink of Tiberius' signature was barely dry, his being the last one added.
    
   @Chevi @Sara @Sarah
   
5. 

   Good things come to those who wait

   July 29

   June 77
    
   It had been a long time coming. Too long, perhaps, but it was better to correct an oversight than to ignore it in favour of the status quo.
   Rather than a more formal dinner party with entertainment, it was a small private gathering of Aulus, his wife, his eldest son and daughter and one or two close friends and family members who took their places in the summer triclinium which overlooked the garden. The smaller number could recline on the dining couches which were arranged in the usual fashion around the table in the centre, allowing for quiet conversation over good food. There was a single space left once everyone had taken their places, which might look (in a more slapdash sort of house) as though the host had miscounted or couldn't be bothered to try to get the right number of people to come.
   "I beg you will indulge me for a moment before we begin our meal," he said to his gathered guests. "We have one further guest, though I think it may come as a bit of a surprise to him." He turned to one of the waiting slaves. "Tell Felix to come here."
   "Yes, Domine." The slave turned and departed on his errand.
   It was only a moment or two before Felix appeared, as quick and attentive as ever. Aulus indicated  the spare place. "Felix, I would like you to join us, if you will."
    
   @Chevi @Sara @Sarah
   
6. 

   Family Business

   July 27

   "I have the impression that Caesar will listen - he hasn't been dismissive of his concilium, after all. Any match should be for the advantage of both families concerned, and I think he would prefer her to be happy with her future husband. He is as aware as anyone that divorce is possible if neither party is particularly happy, after all."
   Aulus wanted his sister to be happy in her marriage. Even if there were no children forthcoming due to her age as a retired Vestal, he saw no reason that Calpurnia could not have a husband as well suited to her as Aulus and Horatia were suited for one another.
   "I think Father would like a say in it, too, although Caesar has superseded him as Calpurnia's paterfamilias because of his role as Pontifex Maximus," he said, and was interrupted by Quintus scrunching up his face to wail for his mother, or his nurse, or dinner, or something.
   "I would be surprised if Calpurnia doesn't have some ideas about her own future - I will have to ask her about them. I don't think Caesar will want to make any sort of plans without having some idea as to what she would like herself." He might even ask her without needing Aulus to convey said ideas to him.
    
   @Sara
    
   
7. 

   Family Business

   July 19

   He needed both hands to support his son, who was not interested in trying to put any weight at all on his feet, and couldn't clasp Horatia's hand. She hadn't asked such a thing of him - wouldn't have - yet it was such an easy thing to offer. He wondered momentarily how many women would take that offer up - approaching an ex-consul would be as much as most of them would dare. Although the women of the Aventine weren't exactly shrinking violets, and probably neither were women from anywhere else in the city.
   "I would like to hear about the progression of your idea, even if you don't need advice," he told her, finally giving up and letting Quintus sit down, which meant he could spare a hand to squeeze Horatia's shoulder. "No, he hasn't - although I hope that, whoever she marries, she will have as happy a marriage as ours."
   He wondered, for an instant, if he could maybe suggest Horatia's brother Publius as a prospective husband, although it might be a little soon for him to consider remarrying since the death of his wife in childbirth. Aulus did not have the words to express his thankfulness that Horatia had survived her own ordeal.
    
   @Sara
   
8. 

   Family Business

   July 17

   "It sounds admirable - and I shall handle whoever you need me to, my dove." Horatia knew that, of course. He lifted Quintus, trying to encourage his son to stand on Aulus' legs, with his father's hands holding him up. "If you have any women come to you who have no male relatives of age, and nobody else to speak for them, and nowhere else to turn, I will act on their behalf for whatever legal needs they have. Only please don't bring me fifty at once!"
   He looked down at the top of his wife's head. Her hair was worn in a simple plait pinned up over her head, and the sunlight burnished it, making it gleam like a crown.
   "Claudia Caesaris is still unmarried," he said thoughtfully. "You can ask, but I would keep her away from anything to do with the prostitutes who will inevitably turn up - I am not sure whether her head of house is her brother or Titus Augustus, but either of them will veto it if they hear she's mixed up in something they don't approve of. They're both good sensible young men, though, so I see no reason why they would veto it." Horatia was a sensible woman, as was Calpurnia Praetextata; they would present their cause in suitable terms such that neither young man would stop Claudia joining them if she wanted to.
    
   @Sara
   
9. 

   Family Business

   July 5

   "Object to the idea itself? No - though I can see why some might. But I think a woman will do a great deal to avoid infamia, and your institution, or whatever you want to call it, will help."
   It seemed very much along similar lines to the Augusta's proposed charity to help orphans of the civil war, although that was more for those who had lost their fathers in the rioting and in-fighting before Quintus' namesake had taken the purple and quelled the worst excesses of violence.
   The thought made him ask, "And what of those women who have lost their fathers - who have no head of household to turn to? I presume you will have a place for them?"
   There would be those, of course - but even they ought to have a cousin or brother or, in the very worst circumstances, a freedman who could act for them. There would be some few who had nobody, and he could see that the sort of thing Horatia was proposing would be a refuge for such women.
   "I think very few would be able to object if you stressed it was for those women - and whoever else might need it would be incidental and need not be mentioned to those who would have a fit about it - oh yes, Quintus, Mama and Tata both know people like that!"
   Quintus merely gurgled at him, waving the rattle around in ecstasy at having his father's attention.
    
   @Sara
   
10. 

    Reunion

    July 5

    Aulus pressed his seal to the final document as the house's main door was opened to admit his brother-in-law, nephew and niece. He waved Xanthos away as the sound of greeting drifted on the air. "The rest will have to wait, I haven't seen my brother-in-law in a number of years. Put them on the top of the pile and I'll look at them first thing tomorrow - though if there's a bill from one of the bath contractors, make sure it's paid."
    Xanthos nodded and Aulus set his pen aside, stretched and finally made his way into the atrium to greet his wife's brother.
    "Publius! It's been too long! How are you?" He scrutinised the other man's face. "I was sorry to hear about Lucia."
    It had been the thing he'd dreaded most when it came to Horatia - he had no idea how he could manage without her at his right hand should anything happen to her. She had delivered Quintus safely, and he hoped that the news wouldn't be too painful a reminder to his friend of his loss.
    @Sarah @Sara
    

Topics I Participated In

1. 

   Good things come to those who wait

   Started by Aulus Calpurnius Praetextatus · July 29

   June 77
    
   It had been a long time coming. Too long, perhaps, but it was better to correct an oversight than to ignore it in favour of the status quo.
   Rather than a more formal dinner party with entertainment, it was a small private gathering of Aulus, his wife, his eldest son and daughter and one or two close friends and family members who took their places in the summer triclinium which overlooked the garden. The smaller number could recline on the dining couches which were arranged in the usual fashion around the table in the centre, allowing for quiet conversation over good food. There was a single space left once everyone had taken their places, which might look (in a more slapdash sort of house) as though the host had miscounted or couldn't be bothered to try to get the right number of people to come.
   "I beg you will indulge me for a moment before we begin our meal," he said to his gathered guests. "We have one further guest, though I think it may come as a bit of a surprise to him." He turned to one of the waiting slaves. "Tell Felix to come here."
   "Yes, Domine." The slave turned and departed on his errand.
   It was only a moment or two before Felix appeared, as quick and attentive as ever. Aulus indicated  the spare place. "Felix, I would like you to join us, if you will."
    
   @Chevi @Sara @Sarah
   
2. 

   Reunion

   Started by Publius Horatius Justinus · July 4

   March 77AD
   It had been nearly two years since he'd lost his wife. Nearly a year and a half since he'd taken the Quaestorship in Achaea. He'd always been more of a military man than a political one, but suddenly Rome had become claustrophobic, and he needed to get away. Was it fate, fortune or his own nature that drew him back to Achaea, where he'd first met Lucia and fallen for her. It wasn't fashionable to be so in love with your wife, but if anyone understood it was his friend Aulus Calpurnius Praetextatus, whom he'd also met in Achaea, and who had ended up marrying his sister Horatia, and truly becoming a brother-in-law. And one in spirit, Publius had thought. Achaea had been the gateway to his truly stepping into adult life, to finding purpose and fulfillment, so perhaps it was natural that he'd been drawn back there.
   This time had been different. This time he had a family. He'd ensured that his children had arrangements for their proper education and socialisation, then thrown himself into his work, finding ways to work with the local military commander despite his being there in a political role. His son had taken his toga in Achaea, much to his pride, but even that had felt a little hollow; Spurius's mother had not been there to see it. He'd hired a local woman, Agape, to maintain his household, and ended up taking her to his bed, out of simple needs than any great desire for her particularly. And she had comforted him. But the revelation of her pregnancy had thrown that slightly hollow contentment out of the window. He'd toyed briefly with the idea of marrying her, but discarded it as not appropriate for his family. His children needed a proper mother figure of the right class and breeding, and much as he wanted more children, to claim Agape's child would be to somehow reduce all that he and Lucia had in their children. The boy's birth had brought the hard realisation that he needed to do the right thing and return to Rome. He'd made arrangements for Agape and her son. They had a home and would receive a peculium, part of which was to be put towards Agapios's education. He would not live in poverty. 
   Now they were back, and having settled into his father's domus once  more - to the quiet pleasure of the pater familias, Publius suspected - his first port of call was to visit his sister Horatia, the sibling with whom he'd always been closest, and his friend Aulus, if he was in. He'd sent word of their intended visit of course, and brought his children. Spurius was of an age with Titus and Lucia Justinia was only two years younger than Calpurnia Horatia; the cousins had previously been close. And it made sense for them to reconnect with family as well. So as they approached, Publius and Spurius in their togas and Lucia in her finest chiton and palla. A slave knocked on the door of the familiar domus. 
   @Sara
   
3. 

   Family Business

   Started by Aulus Calpurnius Praetextatus · June 26

   There was something that Aulus had been considering for a while now, but it would be unfair of him to put it off for any longer, especially as it was not about him, but involved someone close to him. It didn't involved his wife, either, at least not directly - but they had always discussed things with one another and this was no time to go changing that. He had long ago come to the conclusion that they were a highly unusual couple among all the married people of their status, but he was absolutely fine with that and saw no reason whatsoever to go changing that now.
   His wife was taking advantage of the shade and slight breeze in the garden, and was there with a slave and their newest son. His expression softened at seeing the child and he held his arms out to the nurse so that he could take him, not wanting to miss out on the experience of being a father so early as he had with his daughter.
   "I came to - Well, to be honest, I'm not sure whether I came to ask for your opinion, your advice or your forgiveness," he told Horatia before looking down at Quintus. "Who's a clever boy, Quintus? Yes, yes, you are!"
    
   @Sara
   
4. 

   Cerealia: A Day at the Races

   Started by Tiberius Claudius Sabucius · June 25

   Mid April 77AD
   It was mid April and the weather was warming, trees were blossoming, and most importantly the first green sprouts of wheat from the grain which had been planted earlier in the season had been confirmed in the fields; the grain was fertile and growing and Rome would not starve. Ceres' blessing was on them for another year. In celebration, as was traditional each year, sacrifices of pork, wheat, salt, and incense had been offered to Ceres. Her statue had been draped in garlands of spring flowers and ceremonially paraded from her temple to the Circus Maximus, where she held the seat of honour next to Caesar himself, who sat in the Goddess's presence. There were to be races today, not of the chariots of which Romans were so fond, but of horses, in the more traditional form. Their riders would goad their individual steeds around the track, whilst the spectators looked on.
   Imperial Area
   Immediately below where Titus sat with the decorated statue of of Ceres was the space reserved for the rest of the Imperials. Tiberius occupied this area, cool under a cloth canopy, clad purely in white as was traditional; a bright tunica and toga candida. Immediately about him there was space who those whom he had invited; family of course but also the younger generation of the Senatorial class, both male and female, whilst the more senior Senatores and their wives had space reserved to either side of the Imperials, within conversation range should they desire. It was an arrangement intended to demonstrate openness and largesse, whilst also allowing his own generation - stunted somewhat by the chaos of the purges - to meet, mingle and forge their own friendships and alliances. 
   As he watched the stands gradually fill, Tiberius wondered whether he would be able to spot Jason's cousin in the race. 
   
5. 

   Gifts for the goddess

   Started by Aulus Calpurnius Praetextatus · April 30

   The Temple of Juno Lucina, April 77
   Aulus had felt that he should make offerings to the relevant gods for the safekeeping of his wife and infant son, and one of the most important was Juno Lucina, the person of Juno who was responsible for childbirth and motherhood.
   And, most relevant, in whose very temple Aulus' wife had given birth to their second son. Apparently the priestesses hadn't been amused by this, nor had they been very helpful when push came to shove. Or rather, when push led to the birth of a baby.
   He felt rather out of place in this sanctum of a goddess whose remit was that most womanly of affairs, but he needed to leave his own offerings and make his own prayers... and possibly to chivvy the old, holy bats into being a little more helpful the next time someone went into labour on their doorstep. Being even an ex-consul had to be good for something...
   And once his errand here was done, he was determined to find some small gift for Horatia that she would appreciate - even a woman of simple tastes liked to be given surprise gifts on occasion, after all.
   "I can't believe the priestesses of the goddess of childbirth aren't better prepared to deal with the realities of actual childbirth," he said to Felix, pausing in the walk up the hill to the temple at its summit. "Especially after they've had to walk up here."
   It was no wonder Horatia had gone into labour, as late on in her pregnancy as she had been, with even the moderate exertion of this walk.
    
   @Chevi
   
6. 

   Sweet like chocolate

   Started by Attis · April 21

   May 77AD
    
   Attis had felt somewhat peckish and tried to resist giving in to the urge to find something to eat. He'd even managed to resist... for all of maybe half an hour, before giving up and going in search of sustenance.
   He'd come away with three honey cakes, one of which he'd deposited in Metella's hands (along with a kiss on her cheek) before wandering along to Longinus' tablinum.
   The relationship between the two was mostly repaired since the trip to Greece - repaired enough for Attis to slide back into old habits, though not quite so much that he'd walk straight in and deposit one of his acquisitions under his master's nose.
   "Domine? Are you busy?" His tone implied that he rather hoped Longinus wasn't - or that, if he was, he wouldn't mind being interrupted.
    
   @Sara
   
7. 

   You'll Know It When You See It (I)

   Started by Bestia · April 13

   "Out of my way, plebians! Make a hole!"
   The crowd parted like waves under the prow of a ship. Stares came Bestia's way - as they always did - and vigiles nearby reached for their implements. The woman's face was a mask of frustrated determination, her hair more tangled than usual. Old leaves trailed down to the ends of her curls, and on either side, twigs laid flat against her skull. It gave the impression of an animal with its ears laid flat, or a deer with its horns growing down. Her feet and legs were muddy to the knees and elbows, and her ragged, patchwork tunic was in ribbons at the bottom. Fresh scratches and bruises covered her face and arms, dry trails of blood streaking down. Fear and disgust painted the Roman faces around her at her state.
   It didn't matter. Bestia came painted in the hues of earth and body for a reason, and that reason was prophecy. In the forests outside of Rome, in shelter only known to her, a message had come amidst drinking and dance. Intoxicated and thoughtless, Bestia throwing herself into shadows brought alive, she'd heard whispers. They came between the crackles of a fire heavy with offerings and the woman's ragged panting.
   And then, in the corner, crowned with laurel leaves and holding the bottle of wine she'd poured, she'd seen his face. Bacchus. Her god, standing there in the skin of a leopard, half-realized and half-dream. The whispers came and drowned her then, and though his lips were unmoving, Bestia knew the words were his.
   Now it was time to act on those words. Bestia marched up to the steps of the Senate, a white cock under her arm squawking and kicking wildly. She'd bound its legs and body with twine, but that didn't stop it from wriggling, crowing and trying to peck at her. The praeco, crowing out the day's news as he always did, trailed off to turn and look at her from his podium. "Madam!" he called. "Madam, please, Senate is in session and no man or woman is to - "
   "Shut it, you fat bastard!" Bestia snarled back, looking over her shoulder at the praeco. "I have a message to deliver!"
    
   @Sharpie
   
8. 

   Welcome Home

   Started by Horatia Justina · February 21

   Immediately following on from Juno, bless us, end of January 77AD
   Horatia only had eyes for her son as the litter meandered its way back towards the domus. The evening was drawing in now, but she knew - despite her exhaustion - she needed to leave the sanctuary of the temple and go home. She had sipped her wine and fallen into a peaceful doze, her son curled on her chest whilst the priestesses and their slaves tidied around her.
   And then tidied her. No woman, immediately after childbirth was going to look presentable and Horatia was no different. As the litter deposited her down outside of the domus (as close to the door as they reasonably could get her), she saw her slave rush out to greet her - thick cloak in hand. Horatia smiled at the thoughtfulness. The pale green tunica she had been wearing had been soaked in blood and so she had stripped after washing into a thin, scratchy tunica owned by the priestesses. The baby was merely cradled in a blanket. Her hair had been combed and was braided in one simple one down her back, but she didn't look herself; the woman with not a hair out of place usually and nor should she. She let the girl cover her shoulders and her son in the cloak and then with support from the litter bearers, made her way slowly (very slowly) through the door into the domus.
   She breathed in deeply and as the door clunked shut behind her, she felt herself relax - the tension and panic of the preceding few hours washing out of her by the serenity of her home. She didn't know if Calpurnia or Aulus were in, or her children but the place was oddly quiet. Until she heard footfalls from the direction of the tablinum. She raised a hand pre-emptively, or her spare one anyway given the other was holding the child to her chest; "I'm fine, I'm fine." She breathed and tried to look reassuring but she winced as she walked and offered her husband a weak smile. "The...temple was more eventful than I thought it would be." She cleared her throat. This wasn't proper...but...Aulus had waited the nine days for Titus...and close to six years with Calpurnia..."Your son." She pulled back the folds of the cloak very gently so she could see the dozing, tiny baby against her chest. 
    
   TAG: @Sharpie
   
9. 

   The birth of something wonderful

   Started by Aulus Calpurnius Praetextatus · February 2

   August 61AD
   It had been nine days since the birth of his son. Nine days since he'd spent half the day pacing the atrium - to the lararium, turn, back to the tablinum, turn...
   Of course he hadn't set eyes on his son in those intervening days. They'd needed to be sure he'd live, and it was bad luck (or something) for the father to see the child before the formal presentation. He adjusted the green tunic he was wearing, and then the brooch that fastened his pallium at his shoulder. The brooch had been a gift from his wife, a sturdy masculine thing with a carnelian carved with the head of Minerva. He chose it the most frequently of all the various fibulae he owned, touched by the thoughtfulness of the gift.
   Eventually he became aware of the slave waiting to draw his attention.
   "Domine, everything is ready...?"
   He nodded. "Let your mistress know."
   The slave nodded and retreated and Aulus made his way to the atrium to wait for his wife, refusing to give in to the urge to begin pacing again until she appeared.
    
   @Sara
   
10. 

    Home away from home

    Started by Calpurnia Praetextata · January 11

    End of the year, 75AD
    Calpurnia was accompanied by a procession of servants on her way to her brother's domus. She was glad that he'd agreed to host her, for the time being (which, if it was up to her, would be quite a long time). It was a day of firsts: the first time she was outside, wearing a civilian's stola rather than the Vestal veils. The first time she walked the streets as a Roman maiden (the thought made her smile) rather than a Vestal Virgin. The first time she would be visiting her brother with the intention to stay. The first time she would live with her family since she was nine years old.
    It was a strange thought, after thirty years of service at the Vestal House, to return to society as a civilian woman. She wondered what her family would think now. On her part, she was feeling elated. Cheerful, even. She got out of the litter the moment the domus came into view, and walked up to the door herself, dressed in a sky-blue stola and a matching palla in a darker shade. Now that she was allowed to wear them, she planned on wearing a lot of colors.
    "Tell my brother I am here" she told the slave at the doors. She needed no introduction.
    @Sharpie @Sara
     
    

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