Gothic

Her mind was chaos. Scrambled images of the past circled in her mind. Anger. Pain... There was nothing left of the woman who loved her children, her family, her loves, Rome, and had worked to build a brighter future. In the chaos and the madness, another praetorian was soon bitten and it did not take him long for his eyes to fog. With every bite, another was added to their ranks, the cramped streets were in chaos with people being trampled in the escaping crowd, and only to fall into grasping hands only to fall into gaping, hungry mouths. Some people called out for oil and fire, anything to stop the curse of the Gods and try to slow them down. Some of the people had gathered anything they could in order to make a stand. She walked towards her cousin carrying his children in arms with her hands open, reaching, growling and hungry for flesh. On either side of her were some turned praetorians rushed towards them. OOC: Feel free to join in! It is AU fun! @Brian

Octavius listened while his eldest brother addressed the Senate followed by the rest of the different men. Each of them brought up excellent points to contribute to the conversation. Morality, return on the investment, and other things had been brought up by the Senators. He would occasionally incline his head and nod when he agreed with a particular comment that had been made. His wife, Valeria, had been supportive of this endeavour and so was his sister-in-law, Julia Drusilla. He had to juggle his personal life with what was beneficial for the Roman state and people as a whole. Yet, profit was required and mortality was not simply the only thing necessary. Already there had been the Colosseum built, the grand library was currently in progress in construction, and other contributions to the the Roman people. Yet orphans still remained. He rose when his time had been granted, "Fellow Senators, there have been many excellent points that have been made and brought forward concerning the alimenta," Octavius began, then continued, "The civil war did not merely impact the city of Rome herself. The effects and widespread harm of the tyrants and pretenders hit right across the empire. However, the cost would be great if we did it beyond Italia. We could use this opportunity to test the schemes. A test should be made to assist those into valuable trades; the army, craftsmen, other forms of skilled labourers, and other kinds; such as physicians, teachers, scribes in order to get the most lasting reward. These men would later pay taxes to contribute to the Roman state for the benefit of all," He continued, paused, the cost the scheme would be extensive and it would be a gamble. "Perhaps, much like the Grand Library, families could offer their chance of immortality through their own supporting the scheme and there remain the properties of . As for the female children, I believe they should be given into the care and service of the prominent women in Rome, educated if they prove capable and given a small dowry to provide for them." @Atrice

The day had gone by sooner than they thought, and unfortunately Claudia did not get enough time to complete everything she desired. They had visited the various temples and the like around Rome, did some socialising and shopping, and it was all round a good day. Claudia had an interesting conversation with the head Vestal, and was fortunate about being able to speak to her about the people in her life. A part of the Princess wished to write about the inner workings of the Domus Augustana and the things she had seen. Yet... at this time, she had not yet decided to follow through with it. The sun had begun to fade from the sky long before they had returned back to the Domus Augustana. The sedan was taken away by the slaves. The trio of women walked through the corridors back to her quarters. There had been no messages that she would share a meal with the members of her family. "Gods, it is good to be back home again," She murmured to herself as servants opened the door to permit her to enter her quarters once more. "I will bathe again and eat, I am famished," Claudia said, although there was only one time the past when she had been truly hungry. Her hand rested on her growling stomach. "Cynane, please stay. I wish to discuss security matters with you." @Atrice & @Sharpie

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Marcus had to admit that it was not simply Helios' hair that was attractive. He was a well-formed man, beautiful and it was not the first time that he had seen Helios' junk (or close enough to it). Still, there was something about Helios that always managed to get under his skin. Helios was pretty popular from what he had seen and heard from the other workers at the Domus Venus. He remembered how he helped Phaedo after dealing with that rowdy Senator (or whoever he was) back in the day. He looked at Helios, blinked for a moment and was stunned at how blunt Helios was with his questions. Marcus tapped pointed to his own ear in a telltale sign to see if someone heard him properly. "Didn't you hear me? I said to mind your business and to keep your fucking nose out of it." He said, there was an increasing interest in his activities outside of working at the Domus Venus. There was one thing that he could tell him. That infamous black wig that he could not mentally escape from. At times it felt as though it stalked his dreams. That infamous wig. "She likes terrible, terrible black wigs." @Atrice

Oh, she was good. She was very good. They were usually trained to slowly and discreetly pry secrets from men to keep a horde of secrets. Marcus raised his eyebrows, chuckled to himself and could not resist a grumble into his cup. He could feel himself squirm in place, she knew where to hit him and hit him hard. He was not about to get up to leave. Not yet. Marcus had missed her touch, soft words and gentle touches were all used to try to pry men of their secrets. Getting a man to boast was one of the best ways to see what he would do, if, he had the chance to do so. "Tense?" He chuckled, turned to look at her and smiled. Normally, Vibia made him feel many things, and it was the same for all of his lovers. Especially Calvunus. Oh, he wanted nothing more than to boast and tell her everything that he did in protect the gang or to follow orders. He wanted to tell her about the danger, the thrill of hearing a man's neck snap or the power he felt when he did his work. Yet... it opened Vibia up to getting harmed. Something he could not do. "You know how you make me feel. There are better uses for your mouth than trying to me to confess things I cannot," He winked at her, any considerate thought or gesture was followed by his typical dickish behaviour. Men could not be soft in Rome. "Talking too much can cause lines to form on the face," Marcus said, reached out and ran his fingertip close to her eyes. Of course, she was as beautiful as always and Marcus was being a git. @Sara

Gaia did not know what to say about the metal work concerning swords. She did know a potential dick joke when she heard it though. Instantly her cheeks flushed as she burst into giggles, her entire body rocked as she laughed and tried to cover her mouth as she kept giggling. One could make a joke like that and not expect her to find some humour in it. She nodded, she was from Greece yet had not met Theodorus yet and assumed that he had to come from Greece as well. Every so often she would return to her homeland yet it was not the same. Her family were long gone, and she was a woman of wealth rather than a peasant girl. She knew she should not take him out of training, it was important for him yet she had never been able to resist people. "Lexus, we both know you want nothing more than to drink and be one with the Gods," She said, nudged him with her elbow and lifted her chin to try to catch sight of the doctore. It did not take her long to discover which one was him. Gaia left the company of her friends to approach him, leaned against the bars and had to argue with the man for a moment. It was not unheard of for her to drop the connection that she had if it meant she got what she wanted (especially for somebody else). Finally, she got the answer she wanted. Thanked the doctore with a ripe peach before she returned to her friends. "We can go for a drink but Aeneas you will need to return at midday," She said, gestured straight up with her finger to the sky. "When the sun is there. Now, does anyone know any good drinking places?" Gaia grinned, it had been a long time and Gaia knew she should be better than this. Going home would likely irritate Corinthia and would take too long. @Atrice @Sarah

"Saturnalia!" Do you have a large family?

Atticus admittedly liked the idea of having Rufus under his wing. There was something about having a dutiful pupil to pass along his knowledge and teachings. It was not a great deal but still. It gave him a sense of importance. He paused to think more of the slaves and the culture among them. Atticus had come into the household as an educated and valuable slave already, and while he did not necessarily have to climb the ranks through the household. There was the threat of jealousy involved, positions in the household could always potentially cause friction. Yet the family that owned them did not try to cultivate too much of a competitive atmosphere, however, they did promote excellence. He had seen some slaves' personalities change when a rival was presented, or when their Dominus' back was turned. "Mostly pretty good, keep your nose out of trouble and it won't find you," Atticus winked and reached out to place his hand on Rufus' shoulder. Atticus did not know what else to tell him, "Now, I don't see you causing any fuss or anything. Do your job. Keep your prick to yourself. And you'll be alright, hm?" He answered, he had children of his own that were owned by the family. Although he could not shake the paternal feelings he had over Rufus at the moment. @Sharpie

Gaius frowned and blushed a little. Perhaps dreams had not been such a wise choice. Many prisoners of war or even soldiers would suffer from a range of nightmares or other horrors while they were sleeping. Epiales and Phobetor were both elusive, constantly tormenting mortals while they slept and had a moment of rest. Perhaps the ritual of the Lemuria had not worked in the household of her Dominus? He gave her an apologetic smile, and made a mental note not to ask slaves that sort of question in the future. Food! Now that was a good topic. His tastes in food had changed and varied. As he aged, he slowly began to lose his tolerance and preference for richly spiced foods and instead preferred the milder ones. Garum, like many Romans, remained a sure favourite and naturally was added to everything. Food connected people, places, and cultures all together. She seemed to be happy, the memories of home and the visual explanations made him mentally imagine sitting in the cold land. Eating a hot stew that warmed someone from the inside out. Gaius gave an involuntary shiver. He had never liked the cold, and fortunately he had spent most of his time in the warmer climates. Gaius wondered what she didn't like about the taste. It sounded like the sensation gave her the feeling of home. Home. No matter who they were. It was a vital concept. "The feeling of home is important," He echoed. "It is, I would like to hear more about the different kinds of food you ate. What didn't you like about the flavour, the," He paused, hoped that she would understand the word and continued on, "the taste, are there any other foods that you enjoy? Or places to go and eat?" @Sara.

It seemed the question had been left open for him to decide how things would go. To be fair, it was not often that a slave was asked what their opinion would be and to be placed in this sort of position. Gaius did not wish to make Teutus feel uncomfortable. He was interested to discover how Teutus found himself in slavery. Whether he was born into it or sold. However, many slaves experienced shame associated with it. Instead an easier and potentially happier topic was chosen. Hopefully, it would give Teutus a great deal to work with. Pavo sat with his ink and quill ready to take any notes in case his Dominus' mind had begun to slip. Again, Pavo did not seem offended nor ruffled in any way about going for the jugular. "What do you enjoy doing? Um, ah!" Gaius said, raised his hand in delight when he found more ideas. "What are your hobbies?" He asked, grinned and waited. Many slaves had varying degrees of free time in the urban environments. Some of them had large amounts of time when they were able to have an additional job in order to pay for hobbies, or go to the races, or go to the various establishments to eat. Some even had slaves or families of their own. There was so much variety! @Sharpie

Her dark eyebrow rose at the comment of taming her. Fortunately she managed to hold her tongue while he sipped his wine and continued to tell him what sort of wife he was currently looking for. Slowly Corinthia began to give the slightest of nods as he told her the list of desires he had in a wife. All of those things made a lot of sense. Each point was a traditional virtue for a wife. Corinthia was unsure how fertile she was, and had always tried to force down any desires unless she turn into her mother. Corinthia was passionate, driven and determined to gain her place in the world. That was something she would absolutely give any husband she had. "All important traits to have in a wife," She began, her eyes glistened as she held his gaze steadily and softened it by occasionally blinking her gaze. "I hope to challenge my husband into achieving the highest possible honours to him." Corinthia approved, stepped closer to him and sipped the wine from her goblet. She was careful, in order to survive under the various changes, she needed to be. First Darius, then the Co-Caesars, the overly ambitious dictator, Clemens, and now the Flavi-Alexandrone Caesar. Hints and promises were her weapon. Always able to be passed off as something else if need be. Her gaze moved towards Quintus Caesar, the current Augustus as he stood with his family and then back at Lucius. Corinthia hoped he would get her meaning without words needing to be spoken. "And do you think you have found a worthy candidate for the position of wife?" She teased. @Chris

"Absolutely." "Is there a person you would die to protect?"

She knew that Corinthia would be utterly furious with her. A part of Gaia felt a childish defiance towards her daughter's agitation and gleefully traveled to the Domus Venus. Oh! How she missed the sheer pleasure associated with the place. Corinthia purposely chose to deny herself this incredible experience, and she had no desire to encourage her any longer. Perhaps it was folly? Either way, her eyes lit up as she entered the Domus Venus and looked around. The sights were incredible. All the workers were utterly beautiful, perfectly formed bodies that looked like marble statues made flesh and smiled. Soon a slave offered her both a compliment and a glance of wine, something she eagerly took. There was one person she desired to see, someone she found herself thinking about when there was a moment of quiet. Titinia, the owner of the establishment and the Madam who had welcomed her so much during the Saturnalia. Her favourite time of year. Gaia did not wish to cause a fuss. She sipped the wine and walked around the establishment. Occasionally she took a peek at a few Senators with some rather interesting kinks. The sounds of the acts and coupled with the music filled her ears. At times, she wished her late husband Manius was by her side to enjoy all of these pleasures with her. The reminiscent thought soon passed when she saw Titinia speaking to one of the workers, she pondered approaching and wondered how best to do it. She polished off the contents of her goblet and handed it a random, confused Senator and walked towards Titinia. "Salve, I hope you remember me?" She asked, and gave a little hiccup to indicate she had drank a little too quickly. @Anna

Marcus did not want to admit it even to himself but he was relieved when Helios moved out of his way. If she had a bodyguard it was because she placed herself in a position where she needed one. At least, that he thought unfairly to himself, yet many members of the nobility had them for security sake. There was always the threat of murder or kidnapping. A range of possibilities. Since Helios spent a majority of his time at the Domus Venus it meant that it was likely she showed up here, and that would provide some worthwhile gossip. There were some well-connected women who were publicly known to visit the Domus Venus. "He is there because she foolishly likes to press herself into business she does not belong in," He answered. Marcus had warned her. Given her plenty of time to back away from the situation, learn something and go back to the world she belonged. Again, Helios was not a confidante of his, a slave and a worker at the Domus Venus. Therefore he did not need nor desire to tell him. Instead he lifted his finger to the side of his nose and tapped it twice, a sign that he would keep it a secret. "Nothing you should concern yourself with. Keep yourself focused on your job and your own business." He said, winked at Helios and turned to leave the room. @Atrice

He could not help but grin at that comment. Marcus' ego was easily stroked, and she knew exactly how to do it. Marcus winked at her, and for a moment he felt guilty for treating her like this. Playing on her insecurities for his own goal. He did care for her, and love her. She was a friend and made the hours of work go much quicker than he thought it otherwise would. There were many things he did associated with the gang that required discretion. The bossman and boss lady did not appreciate nor tolerate loose lips. Kept them shut or lose them. Marcus' ego absolutely felt rustled when his contributions were treated as though they were minor, and then the second part. He felt his body stiffen with agitation and while he was not the sharpest of men. Marcus was cunning, and he knew when he was being lured into a trap. Her words certainly found their mark! He took a mouthful of his wine and needed a moment to decide what was best to say next. "Oh I do a-plenty, but, again, nothing to worry your pretty little head about." He said, wanted the point to be made clear. Work and pleasure would not be mixed. Again, he lifted the wine from the table up and sipped it. Marcus enjoyed the flavour and the taste of it, one of the best perks of the job was the access to good quality wine. Fortunately for him, he could barely taste the difference in the quality. @Sara

Care to share some music that you listen to? I discovered this band earlier in the year and I love listening to them.

He did not particularly care about the lower classes. In fact, he considered this issue to be closer to a woman's domain and line of work. Surely they could contribute to charity through the various temples? Quintus first listened to Quintus, the Augustus and then to Aulus'. A thoughtful look on his face as he regarded what was said yet his main priority was what would benefit him. Then to a lesser extent, Caesar and Rome itself. He waited for Metellus to finish what he was saying about instead it being an investment into the future of Rome. Quintus rose from his seat to addressed the gathered body of his peers. "Both good Praetextatus and Metellus have brought up excellent points to the proposal the Augustus has placed before us," He said, gestured with an open hand towards the two men and smiled. "I agree with the matter of cost and reward. Generosity is one thing yet the coffers of Rome cannot simply open. Perhaps a scheme to ensure that only the finest quality orphans are given an opportunity to rise?" He left that in the air, in echo of both what the other two men said and continued. "Roman needs strong and true Roman men if we are to strive and continue. What of the girls? If they came from worthy families before. Perhaps a dowry? Yet... this.... is another expense and the priority should be on the males." He said, and had a feeling that his wife and Venusiana may not be too happy when they heard about him saying this. "Again, we are men, and cannot understand 'womens issues'.... perhaps issues concerning the female orphans should be left to Rome's leading ladies? The Augusta has led the charge in this matter." And he sat down. @Brian

He needed to retain the Gods' favour in order to keep the business profitable, he needed to keep his customers happy, and to keep government officials happy so he would be able to maintain his business in peace. Not to mention paying protection money to ensure trade would remain prosperous. Caius blinked a few times in order to wake himself up, and he would end up going to bed earlier in the night in order to compensate. He smiled softly as he looked towards Caia, his eldest and his right hand woman in the business. The markings on her face had never altered how much he loved her or her beauty in his eyes. At times, he wondered how he had managed to offend some random god to taking out his sin on her. His hand rested on hers, and pulled her into a loving hug. "I am, are you?" He whispered, there would be a time when his body would finally wear out and he did not wish to be a burden on his family. Caius hoped by then both of his daughters would marry well and have children of their own. The future was important to look forward to. In the distance, he saw Soraya and the other household slaves as they moved to assist them in conducting the ritual. Caius imagined her mother being proud. Surely it must be the case? "Your mother would be so proud of you. Any man would be happy to have you as a wife." He said, and his eyes lit up with love. Caia was a hard worker, dutiful, and was resilient when it came to negativity. She would benefit any man in his personal life and his business. If only he could bear to let her go..... @Gil @AzraelGrim

TW: Miscarriage reference. "The nightmares of the purge. The screams and the feel of the flames against my skin. My hands holding tight onto Marcus and Lucius' hands while we fled. We manage to get to the boat. But we never reach the shore..... I can feel heat between my legs and the connection to my late husband with it." "What do you think is needed more of in society?"

His eyebrows raised in amused surprise when Helios blocked his path. Well, well, well..... someone was getting pretty bold. Marcus did not step back and instead stepped forward so they were both chest to chest. Perfectly happy to barge Helios out of the way when he wanted to leave. It meant Oriana had decided to take things to the next level, and that would be her final action. Already there were too many people who knew his business. Or wanted to know his business for whatever reason. His eyes narrowed briefly with suspicions concerning Helios' motives. "Goldylocks, you are as transparent as your hair is fabulous." He answered set of prying questions. However, Helios also always flirted with him. So perhaps, he could have seen more than he would have realised. The next question caught him a little off guard. Marcus was not above violence in order to protect someone that he loved nor cared for. Yet it never came out of the blue. "Harm her?" He asked with a raised eyebrow, now that was interesting and that encouraged him to ask one of his own. "And what could you possibly mean by that?" @Atrice

"None, unless you include all Romans as my children." Is there anyone you would like to meet?

There was no way anyone could consider Vibia could be ugly. She was still as beautiful as the day he met her, and knew that there were many women who were insecure about their looks. Marcus was a bastard at times, and was not above using people's insecurities against them. Again he squeezed her hand in order to reassure her concerns, "Losing your looks? Never, you are utterly beautiful," He praised her, smiled and noticed the change in her when he mentioned his wife and family. Marcus thought she knew better than to mention or pry into his family life. But soon the thought was forgotten as she rolled her eyes at him. "Uh huh, you missed me," He teased her, grinned and around his eyes creased as he did so. Smug was an understatement. Marcus loved watching her reaction, and only occasion did he feel a pang of guilt over leading her on. Still.... he could not help but enjoy it. Marcus could not prevent himself from grumbling at the mention of a 'better offer'. He was glaringly aware that he could not afford to gift her what any of the patrons managed to do so. Vibia was here to work. However, those fingertips of hers soon distracted him from the sensations they gave him. Marcus raised his eyebrow at her question. Surely she had seen him deal with customers who did not wish to pay? Or ones who got too violent with the workers? Or the varying escorting duties? Essentially, a majority of his duties were associated with the Domus Venus and the Domina, Titinia. Rather than his official boss, Marcellus Severus Minor. Still... he did not suspect her motives at this time and could not resist an opportunity to gloat. "Oh, surely you have seen me. Keeping you nice and safe from any rough customers, escorting them out," He continued, code for roughly showing them the door and encouraging them to return when they remembered their manners. "Keeping an eye on things. Nothing you need to worry your pretty head over." Marcus said. Ideally he should be willing to ask her what she did but he knew already. @Sara

Alaric often side-eyed the more hard core of the racing teams fans. Some of them were so devout, so determined for their team to win and he had seen similar behaviour from religious people in the past. It disturbed him greatly. He listened and thought for a moment before he begrudgingly nodded his head in agreement. Sabotage, violence, and an overall lack of respect for life was clear. Alaric had seen horses and charioteers fall. "It can be violent," He answered, then shrugged, "It can be incredibly violent and there are rumours of sabotage," Alaric added, it was no surprise. Considering the amount of coin used? It made sense. After Theodorus paid his for his food, he exchanged coin with the vendor and got an earthenware jug with some bread, with cheese and meat in it. He double checked his coin purse to ensure that none of the children had managed to steal anything from him. Everything seemed to be in order. "Right, let's go in, keep an eye on your coin purse," Alaric fussed again and walked with Theo into the stands. Already they were beginning to fill up with people eager to watch the races. It was one of the few events where men and women were officially permitted to sit together. He covered the glare of the sun with his hand and soon found what he deemed to be a suitable spot. @Chevi