Ovinia Camilla

Senatore

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344
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October 10
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Sara

About Ovinia Camilla

Senator’s daughter

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Bruna Marquezine
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Rome

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Bruna Marquezine
Location

Rome

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What Could Have Been?

Started by Ovinia Camilla · October 5

July, 91AD
Ovinia's voice was hoarse as she called out into the quiet of the night; "Tadia!" She squinted into the darkness, but there was no reply. Her daughter - now ten, had all the same precocious energy that Ovinia did at her age, but had none of the same father-instilled fear to abide by the rules of the house. She couldn't be precisely sure of what had caused this latest run for the hills, but suspected her daughter had overhead the disagreement Ovinia had with her husband - Spurius Tadius Opimius. It had been a stupid, trivial fight - one they'd had a hundred times in the fourteen years they had been married; Spurius had double-booked himself on an evening he was supposed to visit Ovinia's father and she had flown into a rage that he had equally matched. She'd heard the slave door in the garden bang open on its hinges shortly after and not ten minutes later a red-eyed, flushed-cheeked slave had reported her daughter missing.
She could have left this hunt to the slaves themselves, as Spurius had done, but she knew her daughter and she knew that despite her wilful, brave face she was a sensitive soul and was unlikely to be coaxed out of her hiding spot in the streets of Rome without her mother there. Still - she was flanked by a small army of the household slaves as they walked the streets around the domus. Spurius had insisted that they not go to the vigiles (it wouldn't look good, according to him, that the daughter of a Praetor run off missing in the middle of the night), and in any case both her parents were convinced they'd find the blue-eyed, brunette little girl soon.
"Tadia!" She hissed again and wrapped her arms around her waist as they walked. A noise up ahead set her jaw on edge but it was just one of the lumbering garden slaves coming into view, breathless and jogging; "No sightings out east, domina, but she couldn't have gotten far." She nodded quietly and resumed her walking. The last time Tadia had done something like this she had been found with one of her friends playing outside the girl's domus. But that had been in the middle of the day, not the darkness of the night, and Ovinia felt a pit of guilt and fear gnaw at her insides. The 'what if...' questions that swam in her head were almost too much to think of, so she decided not to think of them and instead keep her eyes peeled. "Sweetheart, it's okay...it's just me..." She called out and sighed. Silence.

TAG: @Chevi
Second Time Lucky

Started by Ovinia Camilla · September 19

Early August, 76AD
Ovinia frowned, studying the inscriptions as she roamed the halls of the Mausoleum. Her father had chosen the venue for this meeting and had agonised over the location; he wanted somewhere formal enough that she didn't seem a silly young girl, but not stuffy. He wanted it to be in public so - despite her retinue of two slaves - no rumours of impropriety would follow her, but he didn't want somewhere crowded. Eventually he'd settled on the Mausoleum, and Ovinia had begrudgingly agreed and trekked (in her litter) halfway across the city to the venue.
She was fashionably early and the crowds of tourists and such from the morning had departed, leaving a handful of clustered families and acquaintances wandering the halls. She numbered among them, with her bodyslave and a male household slave following behind her a few paces back.
She wasn't sure what she was expecting from this meeting. The dinner definitely hadn't been a disaster but nor had it gone as well as some previous meetings with potential partners. She couldn't read Gaius much at all, and despite Tullus' firm words that he was a good, kind, pleasant man, Ovinia hadn't been able to get much of a read on him beyond the pleasantries they'd exchanged. She blamed his brother for that, and the awkwardness that had pervaded the evening. Hence - this time, they were alone. Or as alone as was proper.
She shrugged her palla closer around her shoulders as she moved through the draughty halls. Despite it being the height of summer and roasting outside in here she was feeling the chill and regretted wearing such a thin chiton, ornate and expensive though it was. She cast a glance around the halls, eyes narrowed and trying to spot him before moving on to the next inscription.

TAG: @Sharpie
One magic autumn eve

Started by Tiberius Claudius Sabucius · September 16

September 76 AD
It was still pleasant out, though a little brisker than the height of summer, but warm enough that the gardens could still be enjoyed in the evening, the spaces set aside for the party warmed by strategically placed braziers and lit by taller torches. They gave a flickering light, sometimes gentle and sometimes casting odd shadows, but adding a playful and at the same time primal air to the event.
Invitees had never-the-less been encouraged to bring a warm cloak, toga or palla, just in case. But it was meant to be a relaxed evening, not a stuffy, formal event. In his ponderings over the illnesses of Caesar's past, Tiberius had developed a hypothesis that one potential cause could be stress, and so this evening was meant to be something of a stress relief, a fun and fanciful time with friends, particularly for Titus. He'd invited their siblings and cousins, along with their peers. None of the older generation, whom he'd been accustomed to thinking of as the 'adults', because suddenly he and his were adults. There would be other, formal events for all generations in the near future, he was certain.
Food had been organised, not a multi-course, reclined cena but rather platters of tasty, nibbly delicacies, carried by slaves or placed on strategic stone tables. Other slaves carried pitchers of wine, ranging from the vinyards along the Tiber through to Greek vintages, and elegant glass cups were available to drink from. Tiberius had asked Marcus Junius Silanus to organise entertainment, and already a flautist was playing a merry tune by one brazier, whilst nearby a juggler tossed coloured leather balls in increasingly complex patterns whilst balancing another on their nose.
The layout of the gardens meant that there were several spaces, corners for conversation or the central area for lively conviviality. Here and there Praetorian Guards were unobtrusive in the shadows, keeping an eye on their Imperial charges, whilst more screened entrants at the gates. Once inside, the gardens seemed almost magical.
(OOC: Open to:
Characters under 30, of Imperial or Patrician class, as guests Slaves of guests Hired entertainers.)
A day for Neptune

Started by Lucius Vipsanius Roscius · August 14

July 23, 76CE
It was a hot, sunny summer day, much in need of a little shade. In other words, a perfect day for the ancient festival of Neptunalia, only celebrated by a fraction of the city's people, but one of Lucius' favorites. It was still early in the morning as he headed out towards the Porta Capena, carrying a large bundle of green leafy branches on his shoulder. He was not the only one aiming for the Appian Road, and the green fields surrounding it along the Aqua Appia. Neptunalia was a festival popular with the common people of Rome, the ones that did not have the chance to flee the city for Baiae or their villas on the shore, and instead they spent the god's day in shade built with their own hand, celebrating the fresh water much needed in the summer heat.
Lucius carried a heavy bag slung over his shoulder, filled with food and wine, as well as the green branches. He could have brought a slave along to do the carrying, but he felt like the festival was better when one was alone, free to talk to people without looking like a patrician trying to mingle. Which he was. But he did not need to advertise it. And the slaves needed a day off too anyway.
@Sara
Weary Travellers

Started by Ovinia Camilla · July 24

July, 76AD
A Taberna1 on the Via Ardeatina, halfway between Ardea and Rome
Well - at least it wasn't a caupona, but the taberna they'd been forced to spend the night at wasn't exactly a palace either. Gaius and Lucius - her two eldest full brothers - seemed to think it was perfectly adequate, but then again they'd both only recently returned from the legions so any half-decent shack would probably look decent compared to the garrison in Thracia for Gaius, and Gaul for Lucius where they'd spent long, torturous years as tribunes.
The small group - Gaius, Lucius, Ovinia and the three slaves they had between them had been visiting their paternal Aunt at her country estate for a week, forced to do so by their father who chose of course not to go himself, citing his work when in reality his three eldest children knew he couldn't stand the woman. She understood why; Ovinia Antonilla was cold and miserly who lived in a damp villa with sour looking slaves and the three siblings had spent a week being lambasted for their lack of a marriage (her), and lack of progress up the cursus (Gaius and Lucius). When it had come time to leave, Ovinia kissed her Aunt's cheeks and sent a silent prayer of gratitude to the Gods for allowing her to escape and promising a sacrifice on her return when they made it back.
That prayer, however, had obviously incensed rather than amused the Gods (or maybe it did both) because 10 miles outside of Ardrea, with another fifteen to go, the wheel on the carpentum snapped clean in half. The men had debated for a good long while; they could send one of the slaves back to the house to fetch another carriage but their Aunt was unlikely to stand for it and would insist they came back until it could get repaired. None of them willing to accept another second of her hospitality, the three patrician's and their retinue had instead chosen to walk to the nearest taberna and check-in for a night until they could find a carpenter. So here they were, as the sun was setting and the cool air of the night settled (mercifully) about them. Ovinia didn't like it much here, but at least she wasn't at her Aunt's. Anything but that.
They'd booked two rooms; one for the men and another for her where two of the slaves would stand watch outside all night. Whilst not as rough as a caupona and open largely only to equite and senatorial travellers, the taberna was nonetheless a risky place for a young, unmarried patrician girl so she begrudgingly accepted her door-men. Or she would, when it was time to retire. For now though she was content to explore the grounds of the place as her brothers ate and drank in the adjoining bar. She had no stomach for anymore rich meats or cheeses which seemed to her to be the only thing on the menu and so had slipped outside for some air, citing women's problems as a reason for her to go alone. Her brothers didn't argue - she'd only be a short distance away, and they knew from experience Ovinia could scream bloody loud if she wanted. The night was cool and her slaves were back inside and so she was enjoying the peace, sat on one of the little benches that overlooked a poorly-tended pond, when she heard footsteps behind her.

TAG: Open!
1 Wikipedia tells me that a taberna wasn't just an eatery, but also was a pseudo-inn for genteel travellers.
Innocents abroad (Modern day AU)

Started by Lucius Vipsanius Roscius · June 25

Spring, 2021.
When in Rome, pretend you know what you're doing.
This was not Lucius' first time in Europe. Or even in Rome. Having a wealthy family had its perks, as in, taking family vacations in places outside the good old US of A. Lucius, being the kind of guy he was, also took the gap year his parents believed was the highway straight to moral decline. It wasn't, but it had been great fun, and it included about three days spent in Rome halfway between Florence and Naples as he and some similarly ambitionless youth burned their way through the continent. Rome, in the end, left and impression, though, and how he was back for a senior year study abroad scholarship. Living in the city, instead of just visiting. Probably putting off graduation for another year or so. What was the rush, anyway?
Lucius had been in the city for a few months now, and he was feeling mighty local. Especially since his university pass granted him access to most of the archaeological sites. Right now, he was lounging under the orange trees on the Palatine, surveying the view of the Forum and the Capitoline Hill, and the tourists making their way all around the scenery. All of this place was definitely Instagram-worthy. Lucius folded his arms, pushing his sunglasses to the top of his head, and watched the people. Equally interesting to the ruins. It was fun to make silent bets on which one was going to tumble down the hillside, or lose a selfie stick to a seagull.
@Sara
Prayers for what?

Started by Ovinia Camilla · June 23

11 June (Matralia) 76AD
Forum Boarium, just outside the Temple to Mater Matuta
Matralia was a blessing for Ovinia; a festival that wasn't spoilt by a) her mother (twice married and ergo, not for her) and b) her brothers (male - therefore not allowed to attend). It had always been a day of friendship and fun and today was to be no different. Decamping to the house of Nasennia Porca, their groups erstwhile ringleader, the ladies had spent the morning lounging in the sprawling bath complex of Nasennia's domus before their various attendants and body slaves had preened and plucked and fashioned them into a small tribe of glamorous young ladies. Well, mostly glamorous; Floria, suffering from morning sickness with her second child on the way had ruined her gown almost as soon as she had put it on and had retreated back to the baths with the promise of catching the rest of them up later. Most of the women had given her pitying, knowing looks upon leaving whereas Ovinia only rolled her eyes; typical Floria, making it all about herself.
That was the way of their group nowadays; all of roughly the same age, but with vastly different life circumstances. Nasennia was recently wed and smugly showed off her old husband's latest gift. Floria had been with her man for years now, hence baby number two. Lucia and Aufidia had tied the knot to their respective senators in the last year or so and the former had a little girl, which just left Ovinia and Caprenia as the singles of the group. It was...embarrassing. Especially when she was lumped in a category with the quiet, dull Caprenia. Were they really one and the same?
She tried not to let the thought dwell but it periodically came to her throughout the day. When she knelt to offer her prayers (after waiting in line for what seemed like years) she only half-heartedly wished for good fortune to her nephew. Viria would kill her if she found out, but...it was hard to summon energy to give thanks and good blessings to people so fortunate when she didn't have it herself. She bit the inside of her cheek to stop the annoyance from running her mood as she stood, dusting down her tunica. It was one of her best; dark green to complement her colouring and with a matching palla that was firmly atop her head given she was in the temple. She couldn't see the rest of her group - they had been separated in the queue and she moved to the front - closest to the street to await the chase of the slave; some dowdy young girl who looked terrified. It inflamed her temper more - could she not even act excited?
The temple was heaving, and Ovinia scanned her eyes over the women for anybody of interest. She saw faces she recognised, including the Consul's wife - Ho...something, but besides her there was little to occupy the eye. The chime sounded and her attention was pulled back to the scene in front of her as the ladies started their quick procession to drive the slave girl from the temple. She summoned a smile at the giggling and cackles of laughter from the women of the audience and when she emerged into the bright light of the afternoon her face was flushed from the exertion and her palla was askew. Dropping it down to her shoulders she made her way back to the groups designated meeting spot should they get separated in the crush of the chase. The Forum Boarium was an odd part of the city - and not one she particularly enjoyed being in, but her bodyslave was dutifully waiting for her and so as she stood, waiting for the rest of the girls of her group, she glanced around to try and find a distraction to occupy her time.

TAG: Open!
Awkward is an understatement (Gaius, Ovinia)

Started by Lucius Vipsanius Roscius · June 22

June 76 AD
"Dominus, you should not be in here. The guests could arrive in any minute." The old woman looked at Lucius half pleading, half displeased. She was used to him taking up space in the kitchen on most days, but when company was expected, she always got a bit nervous. She was a good-natured person, and she did not like the younger dominus getting into trouble with his brother.
"I know, I know. Give me a moment" Lucius protested, leaning over the table as the slowly dribbled honey on top of the savillum. It had to be done just right. The kitchen was often his refuge from the comings and goings in the house, and since he did not really like other patrician families making social visits, he was trying to stay in there as long as possibly could. Helping out with the cooking in the process. "There. Alright. I'm going. I'm going. Bless you" he grinned at the cook as she ushered him out, but she smiled anyway.
He could hear the front door opening as he made his way through the atrium. Uh-oh. Lucius ran a hand through his hair. He had been shaved earlier today at least, but there was still a streak of flour on his cheek, and he needed to put on a better tunic. Oh, Gaius was going to be mad. Lucius quickened his steps, hoping to duck out of sight before the guests walked in.
This was going to be a long dinner...
@Sharpie @Sara
This is a First

Started by Ovinia Camilla · June 22

May, 76AD
Domus of Gaius Ovinius Camillus
Her father had been tense all day, and now the hour was approaching he was perhaps even less charitable, if that were possible. She sat opposite from him in the garden, her sister-in-law Viria sat a few feet away watching the scene with evident unease. "I mean honestly, a freedman? For my only daughter?" The scoff he made after his rant had finished made her jump. "If you don't want him as a match, why set this up at all? Why not just decline?" she queried with obvious unease but a light voice, trying not to test his patience anymore than the situation already had. "Because Tertius is a friend, and a colleague, and I wouldn't dishonour him so by refusing outright to even meet the boy." Ovinia rolled her eyes, "So we will have this meeting, you will be warm and approachable but do not encourage him," he gave her a firm stare, his words hard, "and then when it's all said and done we shall say that we don't think it is a good match on personality grounds and be done with it." Her father huffed and took a deep sip of his wine, "And you can remain friends with Praetor Varus?" He nodded and continued to drink.
Well, this was a first. She'd been through a handful of these conversations, testing out potential matches and they had always ended in mutual disappointment when an agreement couldn't be reached or one side declined the idea. She'd never gone into one of these conversations knowing that there was absolutely no chance of a marriage at the other end of it and, had she been a more hospitable person, she would have felt a little sorry for this Teutus Quinctilius Varus.
She didn't know him at all, hadn't even heard of him until last week - not by name at least. She'd heard the gossip that the good Praetor had a litter of children via different slaves, although she'd been informed subsequently that it was just the two; a newborn son and this Teutus. What he was like, she didn't know, but having been informed he'd lived a good twenty something years of his life serving at the leisure of his own father, Ovinia wasn't hopeful. Not that she had any need or want to hope - the match wouldn't happen, even on the off chance she did enjoy his company, her father would see to that. But they had to put on a show of it, as if her Papa was seriously considering Teutus as a prospect and she looked every inch the young woman ready to receive a visit from a match. Wearing a white tunica and draped in a palla hemmed with deep blue and gold, she sat arrow straight on the marble bench in the garden. She'd perfumed her skin and the smell of the lemon mingled with the fragrance of the flowers around them. Her hair was neatly combed and whilst half was braided up behind her ears, the other half was left loose around her shoulders. The gold on her throat and wrists glinted in the sunlight.
As a slave appeared and nodded to her father, Ovinia stood but made no move to attend the atrium. Her father gave her a lingering look of warning and then moved to greet his guest - guests? - she realised she didn't even know if the other Praetor, Praetor Varus was attending as well. Smoothing out the fabric of her tunica she shot Viria a 'help me' look, which the other woman returned with a grin. Here goes nothing then.
Her father loomed back into view, accompanied by a tall young man. Dark hair, light eyes - unusual in this neck of the woods. Ovinia inclined her head politely. "My daughter, Ovinia. Ovinia, this is Teutus Quinctilius Varus, the man I told you of." and the man he had been ranting about all day. "A pleasure." She offered a breezy smile as her father spoke a little more; "Viria will keep watch over you - and nothing gets past my daughter-in-law," He shot Teutus a warning look this time. Which was laughable, really, as most things got past Viria - especially when she was distracted. "Enjoy your conversation." He said tightly and then strode off, leaving Ovinia and Teutus standing awkwardly in the garden.

TAG: @Sharpie @Atrice (if Tertius wants to attend!)
What's a girl got to do?

Started by Ovinia Camilla · June 21

May, 76AD
Ovinia grinned at her nephew, held firmly in the arms of his nurse and then resumed her game of 'peekaboo'. Lucius was a docile child - now nearly eighteen months old - and his giggles as she revealed her face, booping him on his nose as she did, warmed her heart. "Domina, he does need his nap..." Ovinia rolled her eyes, "He can wait a little longer, Viria asked me to take him out for some fresh air." Probably because she intended to either argue with Ovinia's eldest brother, her husband or...do whatever married couples did when alone behind locked doors. She wrinkled her nose at the thought and returned to fuss over little Lucius.
The slave's exasperated expression was only thinly masked though and perfectly souring Ovinia's mood. She snapped; "Fine. Fine, take him back. But don't pout when Viria snaps at you." The slave only meekly nodded and bundling her little charge up, hurried back towards their families sprawling Domus. That left Ovinia alone with Hostus, one of her fathers slaves who had accompanied the young unmatched Ovinia out today.
The Porticus Liviae was her favourite place in Rome, it had been all of her young life. She found the usual gardens too busy and crowded, and filled with the riff-raff that always made Rome unpleasant in the summer. The Forum - once one had been once or twice in a month - held no interest, nor did the markets, but here? Here was everything you could want. Art and shade, even musicians today - the dulcet tones of a singer drifting from some secluded corner. It was quiet as well, the lull after lunch where the rich were taking their naps and the poor were back at work. Ovinia enjoyed the quiet, it was a respite after a busy few weeks in the Domus with its stifling atmosphere of her mothers moans, her fathers chiding and her brothers quarrelling.
Drawing to a stop in front of a fresco in one of the colonnade's, newly painted, she tilted her head to the side and examined it. "What do you think of it?" She called to Hostus, unaware there was somebody else drawing to a stop next to her.

TAG: Open!