Gothic

Juliana had not seen her husband for some time. The last letter she had received from him had said that he wished she would come to Britannia. The island was civilised now, and no harm would come to her. Her and Quintus had a fond love for each other. Yet... she had no desire to return to the island that had been a cause of so many worries and pain for her. One of her household slaves had approached and told her that a young man was seeking her out in order to give her a message from her husband. Since she did not know that Aius would be staying with her, she left her quarters and walked towards the young man. Juliana could have sworn there were a few things that seemed off, she looked at the face and admittedly, there were many young boys who retained their boyish faces for some time. Any thoughts that Juliana had were kept to herself. "Salve, I hear you have a message from my husband?" She asked and waited. It had been a while since she had heard from her husband last time, and she was eager for any additional news. It was more than likely she would find herself traveling to Britannia. Yet only the Gods knew. @Chevi

Alaric smiled, it was good to have them all together and gave Decimus a supportive look. It was bound to get chaotic. He gestured for Barbara and Aelia to come to sit with them in order to join them. Alaricus looked at his sister and waved before being distracted by Decimus' friendly greeting. Alaricus puffed out his chest, a wide and happy grin on his face. Clearly the boy hoped that one day he would be in the army, and Alaric was torn between being proud of him and dreading his son's idealism about military life being tarnished. "Damn right I will be," He said, still looked at his wooden sword and sat beside his father, after giving his sister and nephew a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Alaric turned and smiled as his beautiful and heavily pregnant wife entered the room. He chuckled and shook his head in amusement. He had been shopping with Seia and Imperia enough times to know that it was true. Money wise, Seia could have received vendors coming to her home although there was a charm to the market. He turned his head and placed a kiss on Seia's soft cheek. Alaricus was already standing as he walked to find another chair for his step-mother. There were the reclining sofas typically used by the aristocracy yet all the focus at the moment was on the spartan chairs in the corner of the room. "Decimus is going to be working with Marcus," He explained, it would mean that he would spend a lot of time with the family and being a stranger in Rome was never good. "Therefore it is likely we will be seeing more of him," Alaric added, sipped his drink and watched while Seia poured wine. Crispina, the older slave stood behind with Tertia and brought the family food and wine. "Domina, please sit. I will do this," Crispina said. @Renna @Sains @Echo @Jenn @Indy

Claudia listened to him when he answered her questions about her uncle. She had no doubt that her family members would keep tabs on her, mostly for her own safety and security. She listened closely, still learning her place in the world and had a desire to see how others viewed those close to her. It was pleasant to hear the praise and the respect offered. Still, she had only met Decimus today, and eventually his character would become known to her. "Thank you, Decimus." She answered, "No doubt you will also meet with the extended family as well. The ones who do not live here," She said, many of the younger brothers lived in the family domus together yet were frequent visitors to the Domus Augustorum. The numerous cousins, uncles and aunts, then the cousins of Quintus, and other family members. No doubt Decimus would learn all their names and faces when it came to visiting the Domus. Claudia paused, momentarily unsure how else she should explain Decimus' duties to him. There was another factor for him that he needed to know about. Cynane, her British bodyguard. "You will also be coming into contact with Cynane," She began, "Cynane, is my British bodyguard and she is a gladiatrix of the arena." She continued, watched his face and wondered what his reaction would be. @Sains

Hey @Brian! Good to see you up and running with Lucius! I have the following characters to get you rolling. Octavius- I think it could be fun to have a thread between them. Give them a chance to get a feel for each other although it is likely they would know each other already. Quintus - Quintus is a bit of a spy. I think it would be interesting to see them both trying to suss each other out. Gaia - I can see Gaia annoying him. A lot. It could be a lot of fun though! There are others, too. Let me know if you are interested.

"Hm," She said, a hint of disapproval in her tone at the excuse. Juliana raised an eyebrow. "Should I not have been greeted when you arrived?" Juliana asked, chuckled, and was happy to see Caecina. She was curious about what she had been getting up to in the city proper. Juliana sat down besides her step-daughter, relaxed in her home and her gaze moved over Caecina. She looked well, the colour was nice in her cheeks and she looked to be in good health. The city of Rome itself would often bring Juliana late nights and nightmares from the night of the purge. The Gods would not let her forget that night, nor the pain that followed. "Now, what have you been getting up to in Rome?" She asked, interested. There was a time when she had been immature in a similar way to Caecina and understood her better than her father did. Yet she had grown into a respectable matron, Caesar's niece and waited. @Echo

Claudia still looked at the blonde Briton, the gladiatrix who was to be her bodyguard and it sounded as though she would be spending most of her time with her. She was torn between being grateful and at the same time, should she not have chosen her own? Was there some kind of test? Claudia's gaze moved from Octavius towards Cynane and wondered more about her. The question had already been asked. She stayed quiet and waited to see what Cynane would say. @Atrice

Octavius silently approved of how Cynane was presented. However, the main point of concern will be how she relates to Claudia and to ensure her niece's safety. There were areas that male bodyguards and praetorians would not be able to go. Cynane would be able to, and without Claudia's reputation be negatively impacted. There was also the hope of a friendship developing between the pair of them, not that it was something that could be forced. "Cynane," He addressed her, his eyes were kind and his body relaxed. He never lost the desire for discipline. Octavius knew that she would understand his words. Her ability to speak Latin was one of the reasons why she was chosen. Naturally, Claudia was under her uncle Quintus' authority and Drusilla's guidance, although he doubted either of them would mind this. "I have selected you to protect Claudia, accompany her to the events where men are not permitted to go and ensure she is kept safe. With fortune, the pair of you will become friends with each other." His lips lifted a little, a friendship helped. He glanced down at Claudia and smiled down at her to reassure her. "It is not my position to say, as ownership will go to Claudia yet if you serve well, you may be freed in time," He said, there was always the chance that Cynane preferred life in the arena. Octavius had heard of people becoming addicted to the chaos, sweat and bloodshed. "Unless, you prefer life in the arena?"

The day had finally arrived. While he knew that Barbara and Alaricus were both knew Seia already, and from what he saw, they both liked her and enjoyed her company. However, how would they react to knowing that she would become his wife? Both of them had lost their mothers over the years. Alaric stood quietly and listened to the conversation as it took place between Imperia and her mother, Seia. The woman who was to be his wife. He watched the banter between them for some time, smiled and felt happy. It was always a blessing to have children in the home, and slowly but surely he was becoming closer to Imperia. Already Alaric thought of her as a daughter. Idly Alaric leaned by the door frame of the room, his arms casually folded and waited for them to finish. Briefly, he felt guilty about not giving Barbara the childhood he initially wished. How many strangers spent time with her? Alaric entered the room and smiled, the child wrapped her arms around his leg and giggled as she clung on for dear life. Alaric's pace was slowed with the additional weight. He smiled down at her, one of the rare smiles he reserved for close friends and family. "Hmm... I'm not sure why I have slowed down all of a sudden," He mused, rubbed his hand on his chin and smiled. Being called Pater was natural, normal even, briefly he did not think about how it would hurt Seia. He bent down and took Imperia into his arms and held her. Like a small child she began to touch his cheeks and he playfully pretended to nibble on her fingertips. "I can tell," He said, walked towards Seia and put his arm around her waist. Alaric drew her closer, placed a loving kiss first on her forehead and then on her lips. Alaric was excited, and a tad nervous. "And you? I hope you're - " Outside the room there was a crash. Alaricus had been distracted by his wooden sword and accidentally knocked over a chair. His son's light-hearted excuses could be heard in the distance, along with asking Barbara to cover for him. Alaric sighed, shook his head and gave Seia a squeeze. "Come, let's go and ensure that Alaricus doesn't break something," @Renna @Jenn

Your application has been accepted. Please make sure to update your necessary claims and feel free to make your plotter.

Your application has been accepted. Please make sure to update your necessary claims and feel free to make your plotter.

Hey Chevi, Welcome back to the fold! - Gothy

Your application has been accepted. Please make sure to update your necessary claims and feel free to make your plotter.

Gaia was perfectly happy in the present situation. With the two bickering men gone it gave her some time to focus on the beauty before her. She smiled, placed the piece of fruit in Titinia's hand and again, swayed on the spot. All the senses were always heightened this time of year. All Gaia knew when she asked for peaches, she received them and her head slave managed her accounts. Although lately Corinthia had taken a greater interest in the money..... "Hmm, nothing but pleasure and the appreciation of beauty," She answered, raised her goblet in a salute whatever deity happened to be around them. Gaia looked at the chair that was brought, blinked and looked around in a hazy of confusion before she took it across from Titinia. Admittedly, she had wanted to sit with the brothel madame herself although Gaia was not one to complain nor push for more. Gaia turned her head to glance at the lovelies, each was beautiful and even moreso with the thrill of Saturnalia. "Oh, my lady," She answered, followed by a giggle. "Perhaps some time with your lovely self? If, you are willing?" @Anna

Her uncle Octavius had promised to give her a gift. A horse? A kitten? New items from the East? Claudia had no idea what it was. When he arrived at her quarters there were no gifts in his hands nor were they in the household slave that followed him like a faithful shadow. She was puzzled, curious and wondered what it possibly could have been. Since she was in the privacy of her home, especially her own quarters, there was no need for elaborate finery and her chiton was white. Her dark hair was loosely braided down her back to prevent knots and she remained seated, her fingers moved in anticipation. Just what was this gift that she was set to receive? It did not take her long to hear the footsteps of the people approaching her quarters. Claudia looked up at her uncle and received a small smile of reassurance that the gift would be a good one. It put her at ease. It did not take long for a man to enter the room with a blonde woman, she looked physically imposing and Claudia could have sworn she had seen her in the arena. Cynane? The name given to the Illyrian sister of Alexander the Great, a woman who held a sword in her hand and was a warrior in her own right. "A gift?" She asked, smiled and looked at Cynane to see what she thought about being in her service. "I've seen her in the arena." @Atrice

72CE. Octavius remembered Aulus and Gaulus, the twin Germanic slaves (now freedmen) who were both loyal to his sister, and then to her children. While Octavius believed many within the Praetorian guard were good, he also understood human nature, and with enough ambition even the most loyal man would be tempted. A male slave may not be wise, and was too uncomfortable for him to imagine. Yet a female gladiatrix who would be able to protect his niece? That made greater sense. He had already purchased Cynane, no doubt, a gift would be given to the rest of the Imperial children. Today it was Claudia's turn. This would be the first day he would meet the gladiatrix or former gladiatrix. He had heard of many men lusting after the strength of those in the arena. While Octavius appreciated an athletic form, his desire was solely for his spouse, Valeria and the bond the pair shared. He had instructed the Imperial Client, who then in turn contacted the lanista to let them know that she would be delivered here. Octavius wore his toga trabea, marked him as a higher member of the Roman nobility and stood alongside his seated niece. Perhaps this was not the wisest choice of rooms? The quarters were large, this section where she could receive visitors in private and thought to the future. "Claudia, I have a gift for you," He began to speak, the footsteps from outside began to be heard and the Lanista arrived. Cynane, the blonde British woman was with her. "This is Cynane, she is a gladiator from the arena." @Atrice

Normally they would have traveled in the same litter together. The pair would have joked and spoke as they traveled through the streets of Rome. They would be social and were becoming the women they were born to be. Today, however, each of them took separate litters and every so often she would peek out past the curtains to look at the people of Rome. Claudia was garbed in finery, the quality of her cloth was high and she wore jewelry of a woman befitting her station in life. They were too busy going about their own lives, occasionally one would glance at the litter and all of a sudden her litter jolted to a sudden stop. She jumped on the spot, she had been about to peer out when one of her slave's said, "Pardon Domina, Domina Rutiliana's litter knocked over." Claudia's eyes widened in surprise, her pale arm shot out for someone to take her arm as it was lowered to assist her and the praetorian guard moved around them to keep people back from what was happening. One of the slaves took her hand and assisted her. Her cousin's litter was on the floor with Rutiliana standing and asking if her servants were alright. "Assist them," She said to her slaves, who approached and began to help Rutiliana's lift up the litter. Her arm draped around Rutiliana's shoulders to comfort her, and she wondered what could have caused this to happen? She looked around and saw a young man who looked rather guilty. Claudia had her suspicions although kept them to herself at the moment. He was young, and by his clothing, she thought he was one of the lower classes. After all, surely he had witnessed the whole thing? "You there! Did you see what happened?" She asked, stepped forward and gestured for him to approach her. Claudia smiled kindly at him to reassure him. @Atrice @Eris

She nodded. Claudia knew she had absolutely placed him in the hot seat. There were likely plenty of rumours about the Imperial family. Tongues always wagged. Yet there were occasions when the truth was whispered about people they could not speak of. Claudia listened to him, occasionally she inclined her head in acknowledgement and smiled a little at the mention of her uncle, Octavius. Claudia was not surprised. A majority of the men in her family had served in the army, or commanded legions. Although at the moment, it sounded like he did not know much concerning her late parents or her half-siblings. Perhaps that was a good thing? "I am sure you will, Decimus. My family is important to me," She said, smiled softly and wondered how he would react to seeing the other members of the family. Then there was also the extended family, as well. No doubt he would meet them all. Perhaps it was not kind to put him on the spot like this. Yet she was incredibly curious to discover more about how they were viewed by the lower classes. After the chaos of the civil war, her uncle had brought peace and security. Two things that were not commonplace with the chaos. "How do you view my uncle?" She asked, then to clarify, "Quintus Caesar, how do view him?" @Sains

Juliana had received word that Caecina, her step-daughter, and she had not come to greet her when she had arrived from the city of Rome. She was not impressed. She wore a woolen palla around her shoulders to keep the cool air away from her body. Still, she was pleased to know that Caecina was here, and it would give her some time in order to speak with her about what was happening in the city. She knew Caecina's personality, and was determined for her to grow into a proper Roman matron. It was her duty and her obligation to ensure this. Therefore, Juliana had Caecina watched to ensure her safety. It did not take her long to find Caecina in the garden and approached from behind her along the garden path. "Well, well, well, looks like somebody is back from Rome without a single word to me," She said, the tone suggested she was angry yet her eyes twinkled and she smiled. As Juliana approached, she gestured with her hand for Caecina to rise and embraced her before she placed a kiss on either of her step-daughter's soft cheeks. "It is good to see you, my dear." Juliana added fondly. @Echo

Sounds good to me. I will start it and send you the link!

Omg yeeeeeeeeeees! I have the following I would like to offer; Clauds - It would be interesting seeing them as they are growing up or even something more recent. Gaia - I am interested in seeing how she would be with Gaia, given Gaia's personality and Rutiliana's. Especially given Gaia's reputation and former status, it could be interesting. Corinthia is also on the table. I also have Octs or Juls (the latter being more of a hermit). If you have any ideas for my other characters, let me know!

The AeRonian Issue Two (April) A month in! Way to go, AeRos! Are we all surprised that I kept up with the AeRonian? I know I am. Upcoming Events! Lupercalia is coming up and Sarah has put down Tiberius as a candidate. Do you have a man who you think would be suitable to run naked through the streets of Rome and strike ladies with a bloody piece of skin from a sacrificed goat? Nominate him here and we can get rolling! We have the opener for the Senate thread in the works. More characters! We have so many new characters that have been brought to the community! I love reading the apps and seeing them get involved in plots with everyone. Canons and Wanteds! Feel free to check out the site canons and the wanteds! These are a great way to get involved with the community off the bat. New features! Members are now able to change their display name once every seven days. Statuses! Members are free to post statuses on the site. You can also post messages (and gifs!) on people's profiles, too. Time-stamping threads! It looks like people have been forgetting to do this recently. Remember to add in the Month and year at the top of the first thread. This helps to keep a track of threads. During the archiving process, it gets added in as a tag to make things easier to find. When your thread is done poke me on the request threads archived/moved to be archived. Suggestions? Do you have any suggestions for things? Let me know! Feel free to send a PM, a DM, or contact me through the private staff contact board. Also feel free to comment on this, too. We have a few more things up our sleeves to unveil to you next time. Looking forward to writing the next one and have a good one!

We have quite a few going already although I would love something between Claudia and Cynene! We could have one where she was given to Claudia or one in the current day.

Omg yes! I have the following characters who would be good to thread with him. Octavius I would love to have a thread between the two brothers. Not sure about specifics. Claudia I think it would be interesting to see how she related to her uncle. I'm not sure how much interaction the pair of them have had over the years. Alternatively, I have Pontia, the head of the Vestals and Quintus, who is married to his cousin who is a Senator.