Gothic

"Absolutely, my tale can easily be described as being blessed." What do you miss most in this world?

Atticus listened while Rufus asked his own question, and it was a fair one to ask. Many owners enjoyed sampling their slaves and enjoying them. The private lives of many Romans were especially shocking, and could be scandalous if they were more well-known. Octavius on the other hand was quite boring by comparison. "Oh no, his preference is towards women, and no you won't need to help in bed with his wife either," Atticus answered, and peeked out to check on the Dominus of the household. He was still busy, and oblivious to the conversation taking place between the two slaves. "His younger years were filled with experimentation and adventure, but alas," He said, a hand dramatically rested on his chest as he did so. "No more, and I will be tactful enough not to ask what occurred in your old household. The family typically free older slaves and are not known to willingly divide families, and the like." He added, in case Rufus was allocated a common law wife to call her own. While he was fairly secluded he would listen to the gossip that other slaves would tell him. A lot of it was exaggerated but that was what made it fun. So juicy, and scandalous. Even if the most he would ever do would be to giggle, and then go about his day. @Sharpie

October 74CE. The travel to Greece had been an interesting journey, and one she was happy to take without her mother's presence. Corinthia had informed her mother that she was traveling to Greece to ensure her future. While a place of culture, she had never felt any personal attachment to the place and instead preferred to spend time in the company of her social equals. One thing she noticed was that she thought that her mother was a little too relieved to see her travel to the provinces. While Corinthia did not wish to admit it. It hurt. The voyage had gone relatively smoothly, and soon she settled in. Sent messages to all the important people and was determined to network with people. Aeneas, her gladiator came with her. The young man she had met at the Imperial Banquet would also be there. Lucius Junius Silanus. She was not going to be like her mother and slowly she was understanding how important marriage would be. The connections were necessary, and no doubt Caesar would wish to control the families. She would leave the asking to her mother. The dimwitted fool had her uses and being harmless was one of them. This was all if everything went according to plan. Otherwise? She would need to seek out another who would be worthwhile. A messenger informed him that he would be arriving. Corinthia reclined on a sofa and twisted grapes before placing them into her mouth while being fanned by servants. Her thoughts continued to race and slow. There were many possibilities for the future.

Gaius at first thought that he had worded the question wrong. Then Teutus answered and he nodded, clearly interested in what was being said and he could easily imagine Teutus traveling around to see the various sights in Rome. Possibly even seeing a glance of the lives of the influential and wealthy. The desire to know more was always there, in everyone and that fascination was something that intrigued him. "Ah, you are an adventurer!" Gaius exclaimed brightly. Sure, he did not travel beyond the city walls, but still. "What kind of works do you read? Any favourites or anything you would like to see?" He asked, itching with desire to know more, and perhaps to shamelessly promote the work he was writing. He hoped it would be read by both those in positions of power and those without it. Especially if generations of people in the past would read and be able to get a glimpse of lives that were long lost to time. Pavo jotted down a few notes and quickly kept pace. @Sharpie

Aquila was more impressed by what he left in the latrines in the morning. He knew as did many others about the quality of the Domus Venus. Senators, Imperials, and the grandest of people frequented this place. Still, it sounded like she was another of Falco's many jilted lovers. Fucking a girl's mother too? Now that was an impressive score, even by Falco's standards. Normally Aquila would have been oh-so thrilled to hear about Marcus' adventures but he was on the clock. Instantly, he went back to work and assisted people into the establishment when he heard Marcus' footsteps come up behind him. "She is at the popina down the road. If she comes here again. She dies." Aquila murmured into Marcus' ear, and he nodded. Marcus was utterly puzzled at the concern he had for her. Sure, Aquila was a sadist and was the one they sent when they wanted the person to suffer. He spoke quietly to Aquila and passed some coins so that he would buy time away from his place of work. Sure, Marcus had also killed before -- but it was work. Aquila loved killing and torture. No-one deserved what Aquila did to them. Marcus had no idea what Oriana wanted. He saw her, and without the infamous black wig. At least one thing had improved. Her hair... it reminded him of someone.... "What the fuck is wrong with you?" He demanded sharply, more like a protective father than an angry lover. Marcus reached out and turned her around by the shoulder. He was angry, and had seen so many go down that path. There were few who rose to the zenith and gained wealth, respect, and freedom. While many suffered. "Why on earth would you go there?!" @Sydney

Juliana frowned at him and listened to his answer. In fairness, he had been bathing and relaxing, so his story could have been true. Yet surely he understood how it must have looked? She glared at him for a moment to emphasise the point. He was in trouble, and the pair of them knew it. No doubt Arria would have found the whole situation hilarious and sent Helenus out with a fit of laughter. Still, it was not kind to permit a slave to have negative behaviour. It only set them up for harsher discipline down the road, and that was unfair in Juliana's opinion. She would be speaking to his superior about this little incident, and it may remind him to be more prompt in the future. Not to mention stay out of the women's areas unless he was requested to be here! Juliana cast a sideward glance towards the tunica and then back at Helenus. "Fetch your tunica now, and I will be speaking to your supervisor about this." She said sharply. Juliana took a couple of steps backwards so her clothing nor sandals would not get too wet the process. "What is your name?" Juliana asked. @Atrice

Marcus had to admit that he felt better knowing that they fell asleep. Still, surely they wished to hear more about his sexual prowess? Later on, he made a mental note to reach out to them to see if they knew and his vanity demanded that he ask. Just.. in case they wanted to know all about it. Admittedly, it had caught him off guard and caused his frustration to leave him temporarily. There were many things Marcus would have liked to do to her, and assist her to a nice, restful sleep was not one of them. He grumbled to himself in frustration, was about to get up and finally decided to agree. Again he sighed and looked to the heavens as though some deity would offer him assistance. Yet none came, nor would they come to his rescue. He grumbled under his breath, pulled her to rest against his chest and exhaled slowly. "Fine," Marcus grumbled, thought of one of the many stories and decided on one that he tended to tell his children during the rare times he actually saw them. Even rarer was when he was there to tuck them into bed at night time. "Once upon a time, there was an adventurer who lived with a group of friends. Each of his friends was beautiful in their own way, and they would all enjoy each other's company. However, a darkness appeared on the lands that threatened to spoil everyone's fun... so, the Queen sent the Adventurer and the," He paused, thought about it for a moment, "Musician, out to go and kick shit seven shades of shit out of the bastard." @Sara

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It was rare for her to be inside the city centre. Instead she preferred the peace and quiet of her villa yet at the encouragement of her family, she decided to gradually get used to being inside Rome. It would never again feel like home to her. Home was her villa. At the urge of her husband, she would eventually take the time to travel to Britannia and see how the province had developed since she was there last. All of these things did not matter so much at the moment. Juliana had arranged to meet a childhood friend at the thermae to catch up on the local gossip, and to generally socialise. The part of the thermae was oddly quiet at this time. From what Juliana remembered, this was strange and heard sounds of splashing within the water. It had been many years since she and Arria had been able to meet like they had done so when the pair of them were children. It all felt like it was a lifetime ago before they grew up and became, well, the adults of their family. She smiled, and instantly thought it must have been Arria or another. "Arria! It has been too- Oh Gods!" She exclaimed at the sight of the nude, wet Helenus. Juliana folded her arms across her chest and raised an eyebrow down at him. It was more likely that a peeping tom would have tried to conceal themselves and yet, here was Helenus. Swimming in the women's section of the thermae. Clearly she was not amused by him being here. "Is there a reason why you were swimming in the women's side?" Juliana asked sharply. @Atrice

June 74CE. (After In the hot seat.) Eventually, the trio at parted after the meeting at the Flavian Colossuem and Octavius had spent a little more time with Ario. Before they had parted. As promised, Octavius made himself available to seeing Aulus and catching up on all the news from the provinces. No doubt Aulus would wish to see his sister and ensure his family was settled in. An invitation for a midday meal was sent earlier in the week in order to ensure that it did not impede Octavius' busy schedule, and hopefully showed courtesy to Aulus' as well. Messengers passed back and forth in order to work out a date. Sometime, an arrangement would be made for the families of both of them to meet and spend time together. However, this meeting would be for the two men. To catch up for old time's sakes. The home still had signs of Octavius' father and the family members who had resided here for a long time. However, over time, the current generation had begun to leave their mark on the place. The hour of Aulus' arrival was gradually getting closer. Rufus waited nearby and had gradually become part of the household. Octavius continued to work, writing and preparing things for the next day. His scribes behind him were also working, occasionally they would check with their Dominus about whether the work was acceptable or not. "Turio greet my guest when he arrives and bring him to the Atrium," Octavius instructed and the slave obediently walked to fetch the guest. Food and wine had been prepared. He had planned a meeting in the garden rather than the office he regularly worked from when he was at home. Eventually, he would rest and have a break while meeting his old friend from the past, and to be able to fully catch up with what had taken place between them. Eventually, Octavius hoped for their families to be able to meet. @Sharpie

I'm not as selfish or ruthless as Corinthia is. I am not tolerant to abusive behaviour like Gaia is. I am not as immature as Marcus and have made better life choices, too. lol I'll have to think some more about the others. But those are the main ones I can think of at the moment.

"Skin them alive." Do you love your children?

Alaric pondered the question for a moment, and shrugged. "I was going to be forced into the arena before the Gods decided that they had different plans for me." He answered, the course of his life had been incredibly varied and unexpected. He had married several Roman women, was adopted into a Roman family, and now his children were raised as Romans. A far cry from the angry and highly nationalistic youth he had been in the past. Alaric had seen the games in the past, and they were not to his liking. He understood their purpose and reasoning. His son, Alaricus, enjoyed the games and the races. "I do not enjoy them, and my wife prefers the races." Alaric answered, smiled and soon found a seat. Already the Circus Maximus was beginning to fill up with crowds of people. Eager to get the best seats, place their bets and enjoy their day. "What about yourself?" @Gothic

Marcus Falco was completely oblivious to the conversation that had been had taken place between Oriana and her father. It was unlikely that he would have believed her even if he had overheard the conversation that was taking place. It was not Marcus she approached or managed to attempt to barge into the establishment with. There was security that would need to be passed, and a noblewoman's tantrum about what what a guard chose to do with his pecker was another matter entirely. He had heard a discussion taking place at the door. Aquila was excellent when it came to defending the establishment and could always be relied on for murder. His door manner was not the best when it came to dealing with customers. One of the other guards came to speak with him to warn him that there was a woman calling for him. There was only one woman who was foolish enough to try to pull something like this. Oriana. The normally silent Aquila stepped in and blocked her path. His large arms crossed against his chest and glared down coldly at her in a silent (and final) warning to lower her voice. He did not share Falco's patience. He blocked her path, his large frame prevented her, and unlike Falco. He was more than willing to dump her backside in the gutter. This was an esteemed establishment, and would be treated as such. She would not be the first uppity potential worker who tried to disturb the peace. Aquila did not care what Falco had been putting his cock in. Another jilted lover? Falcos' cock was not going to get in the way of business. "Silence yourself, cunt. Or I will cut it out." Aquila rarely, if ever, spoke to people, and unlike Falco. He had no qualms about maiming women. This was her first and final warning. Marcus began to approached the entrance in hopes that Aquila won't do what he had regularly been told to do. Strangely enough, he was worried and concerned for Oriana's safety. It was strange, she was so much like him, so... much. @Sydney

Marcus had finally had enough. His job forced him to be patient with people who paid him well, and it extended to the workers so long as they behaved appropriately. Helios was pushing it. Oriana's time was numbered. It was one thing to intrude into his working life, and he had not yet had Oriana try to pry into his personal life. However, he believed she would find herself more than outmatched by his quiet, strong and utterly steadfast wife. Already he had humoured him too much. Said too much. "Ugh. No, Goldylocks, save your honeyed words for the guests!" He called out, and exited the room before peeking in on one of the other workers next door to ensure they were prepared for the night. The courtesan purred flirtatious words at him while she draped her revealing outfit around her form. He took a moment to wink at her and continued down to check on the workers. @Atrice

He frowned a little when he saw her drape her arm around her waist protectively. Perhaps he had asked too much of her too soon? Still, she answered his question and he made a mental note to be better about this sort of thing. Gaius nodded slowly in understanding, and had to admit that he liked the idea of eating oats and honey. His sweet tooth having developed as he got older, the rigid man of his youth had lessened, and he was happy that the Dominus was giving adequate food. There were some who enjoyed having extra coin by only giving their slaves the bare essentials. Yet... people needed sustenance in order to work. Gaius had never tasted the lora, and imagined his children would not be happy to watch him try to taste it. Gaius eyes widened. Only a month? Her grasp on Latin was excellent. Many tribes and peoples had contact with Rome who were able to speak and understand the language. It amazed him. He smiled, there were many smaller stalls and the like. "It depends on what kind of food you enjoy. If you like quick food, I recommend the Cibus autem lupi or," He cleared his throat, and moistened it with some of the water given to him by the ever faithful Pavo. "They have a meal that is popular with children. A happy meal? Or something. I don't know. My grandchildren won't stop talking about it. Sometimes," He said, grinned and gestured on the table with his hand. A sign of whatever it was, was small in size. "Sometimes they get given wooden swords, horses, sometimes gladiators, too....." @Sara

Oh, he knew her mouth usually costs. Marcus had marveled at the sight of the amount of coin that had been passed over in order to purchase a night with one of them. He had also witnessed those with light fingers, often they would have no fingers to worry about in the end. Still, why the sudden interest in his affairs? She knew the routine and how things went. Marcus could not resist a smirk in response to her slap. His wife was still pretty, in a plain and somewhat boring way. He would never call her wrinkled or old. However, she often glared at him in agitation and frustration. Not that he could blame her. Despite their differences, she remained his wife and he was obligated to defend her. Still, he said nothing, and knew she was still trying to lure him into that trap. The sounds of the Domus Venus were not uncommon. At first, they had been exciting and now it had become the usual part of daily life. Marcus groaned and arched his back while he stretched in the seat. There were many stories that he could tell her. Would he? Absolutely not. "Your tales of me sent them all to sleep?" He asked, raised an eyebrow and laughed. "Perhaps I will see them later to see. As for a story," Marcus reached out, stroked her soft cheek with his fingertips and used that hand to lift his cup to his lips. "Actually, I have one. Would you like to hear it? It is a bit of a life lesson." @Sara

Character Clothing Profile FLAVIA JULIANA While this isn't something that is really seen. I like to show Juliana's growth and personality change through the change in her clothing. Previously, she was insecure and would make it up with jewelry or excessive accessories in order to try to stand out. I first started playing her when she was around 15? I think, I dunno. (And I am terrible when it comes to aging up my playbys, they usually stay the same and I just imagine them looking a bit older or younger depending.) There were many events that led to her ultimate growth, and I wanted to be able to explain more about her. Transition to Matron A Survivor (TW: Miscarriage reference.) The death of her husband in Britannia and pregnancy was important. Juliana has always felt a need for protection and safety. Previously, she had a lover (she later had killed, well, twice because he survived the first time >.>) and ended up loving the idea of her husband, than the man himself. The purge caused her to flee (while heavily pregnant) with Lucius Junius Silanus and Marcus Junius Silanus on the boat to Egypt/North Africa. There she miscarried on the boat but kept the baby with her to be buried by the Proconsul at the time, and subtly using it to try to bring him to her family's cause. Those months were a blur. Instead of being protected, she had become the protector. It is something I would love to write about more and explore. Essentially, she had to sell or pawn her jewels, her finery, and survive without it. It is also partially why Lucius, Marcus and Juliana have a close bond. However, the purge has left her with a quiet hatred of the city of Rome and the inhabitants. When she is in the city it is not uncommon for her to get ptsd flashbacks of what happened. Matron of Rome. Her marriage to Quintus Caecina Tuscus originally angered her, and she did not like being passed off like war booty to a man who had supported her uncle. However, the marriage was a happy one, and a lot of her "ideals" of the perfect husband changed, too. He respects her desire to stay away from Britannia due to her past. (Although I will someday send her there because I can! Muahahaha!). Part of this is becoming a step-mother to Caecina Tusca, and part of why she is so protective of her is because she sees a lot of the younger version of herself in her. So, she wants to save and protect her from that. She is also a mother to her sons and daughters. Juliana has become more resilient in her personality, stronger and wiser. She prefers being in a garden and has become more "earthy". Her jewelry is often minimal, and her clothing has become more conservative as well. The colours are more subdued than when she was younger. This is more something she would wear around the villa or the farm. Depending on the weather and the company. She doesn't tend to wear all white, her colours tend to be more pastel in colour and her jewelry is minimal. This is now more something she would wear if she is in the city. Likely for a festival or to visit a member of her family. (Please feel free to make your own version of this and post it on your blogs, etc.)

"Women writers of Ancient Greece and Rome: An Anthology" Edited by I.M. Plant. It was a fantastic read, and has given me ideas for my characters (and possibly a couple more >.> )

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Quintus and Titus could not have been any more different. Quintus was always better in the political sphere while Titus was militaristic in nature. Yet differences aside, there was a warmth between both brothers who had to deal with Sulpicia's demanding nature from childhood. He groaned into the hug, Titus had always managed to forget his own strength and nodded. He clicked his fingertips and the household tonsure slave approached with his gear ready to get it done. Sulpicia was both formidable and determined to maintain high standards for the family. Even if her brothers disagreed or protested with this statement. Perhaps she won't shave his face off yet she would certainly berate him endlessly until he complied with her wishes. These years had been long and stressful yet they were not as draining on him as the civil war nor the reign of Clemens. There was the constant risk that at any moment he would be dragged off or news of his family being slain would finally reach him. Those years had taken their toll. Yet the reward was great and the ultimate survival of his family was worth any stress as payment. The Dark Gods had been kind. "Oh nonsense, brother, you are a worthwhile guest and always welcome here," He answered with good humour, and nodded his head. He was blessed with Cornelia as his wife and with Venusiana as their lover. Both women were vital to his health and happiness. "She is, and will be pleased to know you asked of her. Hopefully you will see her before you leave for home," Quintus answered, and sat down on the reclining sofa while slaves began to tend to them. Food and wine was brought for them. Quintus extended his hand and a full goblet was placed in it before being brought to his lips. Valeria, Titus' wife was healthy and strong as a horse. No doubt she would give Titus healthy sons that would serve well in the legions. He knew her father and regularly saw him in the Senate. "Oh, I am not offended, brother," He said, held up his hand and smiled kindly. A parent's illness was never easy to cope with and the Gods could easily snatch him away. "I hope the illness soon passes, and will look forward to seeing her along with the children." Quintus laughed and shook his head with amusement. Titus had not changed much since childhood in that area. "It certainly is, and with no Sulpicia to plot and scheme against." He winked back at his brother. Poor Sulpicia. Perhaps they were the reason for her behaviour? @Liv