Gothic

He was silent. While it was something that was expected she had no idea what she wanted from him. There was the incredible attraction. Corinthia's thoughts raged and she was torn between trusting him or not. She wanted to trust him. Her father had trusted people, and look where he ended up. She, in turn, was deprived of the status and rank she deserved to be given. She could not afford to trust the wrong person. Corinthia lifted her goblet and sipped it. Caught up in her thoughts, and wished to distract herself from what she was feeling. There was so much she wanted to tell him. Yet she still could not. "You will tell me any secrets you discover. I want to know all of them." @Sarah

She had invited Julia Valeria over the family home. It had been some time since she had seen her last due to her isolation and was happy to learn that she rented a property from Alaric Aetius Stilicho. Essentially, Juliana had been lonely yet did not feel comfortable pestering her family into coming to visit her. The invitation had been sent. When Julia Valeria arrived she was welcomed into the home. Juliana walked to meet her and greeted Julia fondly. A hug and a kiss on either of her cheeks when she heard noise outside. There was the sound of horses. She gave Julia a confused look and headed out to see the gathered group of riders. Instantly she recognised them as her cousin, Claudia. Decimus, her bodyguard who had previously served under her husband. Aia, her son's tutor, and she recognised Cynane. She gasped at the sight of her cousin's face and garments covered in blood. Anger and a sense of defensive justice filled her. She was concerned yet for a split second. Her expression was that of her warlike father. Juliana rapidly clicked her fingers as she stormed out of the entrance way. The household slaves were in action! They were assisting them down. Taking the horses to care for them. "Fetch help for their wounds!" She commanded. The Medicus came running to tend to the injured. Little Quintus looked at what was happening from behind a pillar, heard his mother's voice and went back to hiding again. Juliana saw the guilty look on her cousin's face. The concern faded just slightly. "Who attacked you? Are they still alive?" She asked rapidly, an arm draped around her cousin's shoulder. "Come, we will get you washed. Everyone will be cleaned up. I want answers about what happened." Juliana would not accept no for an answer. @Jenn @Chevi @Sains @Atrice

Caius was absolutely delighted. There was so much business in progress. "Sure, we have ale... some wine," He said, and didn't add that it was certainly not the best quality. Caius was certainly happy. They were going to make a lot of money today, and there was a chance of encountering someone lower class who could recommend them to those in the Imperial box. "So, what will it be?" Caius asked, the mugs that would be given out were cheap and etched with the games. Nothing wrong with a little keepsake. Gallus, the silent and hairy Gaul walked towards the former gladiator with the mugs in his hand. Caius turned to hear a woman, and generally, Caius tended to be kinder towards women in comparison to men. "Pork, chicken, vegetable, ox, or.... a mixture," He added, the mixture varied in quality -- sometimes it was delicious and other times it tasted absolutely awful. Both of his daughters, Caia with her marked face and Sergia who already caught the eye of a boy. Caius glared at his daughter and then at the youth that caught her eye. "Now, what can I get you, love?" @Atrice @Liv

Gaius raised his sword. He knew he did not stand a chance against him. He let out a cry.... his last and it turned to a shrill squeal as the spear entered his shoulder. His hand reached up to grasp it to instinctively protect himself and looked at the handsome gladiator who would end his life. It didn't hurt as much as Gaius thought that it would. He dropped to his knees... and the sword dropped to the arena sand in defeat. Gaius wanted to say some deep and witty words.. but nothing but a whimpered gurgle came out. It was as though there was nothing but he and Ascanius. He did not expect Ascanius' words, blinked and soon the sword was thrust down to his heart. He groaned, blood gurgled from his mouth and he fell forward onto his face as the blood drained out. Hostilius is dead. Tag: @Sara

Omg yeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!

It would be awesome if someone took on Prince Titus. It would be great to have him on the site and in play! I'd love to have a thread with the character and also see one between him and Tiberius.

I'd love to try out both of them sometime. I could have the two Claudias when the muse is high for both of them, lol.

He could not help but remember the food in military life. Quintus gave his little brother a slight look of disgust at how much pleasure Titus was from eating a small honey cake. Titus liked his sweets. Quintus remembered using them to bribe his younger and smaller brother to do what he wanted. Quintus had the brains and Titus had the brawn. Quintus took another mouthful when their wicked sister was referred to as a snake. He pretended to choke and look around the room. Just in case she would suddenly appear and punish them for daring speaking out against her. "Snake? A snake, brother! Even for our dear Sulpicia, that is is quite harsh," He answered. An amused gleam in his eyes and could not quite hide his amusement at the comment. Quintus reached down to grab a napkin and tossed it towards his brother in a not so subtle hint. It was followed by a good-natured wink. "Oh, I'm not sure, I think she spreads it out amongst all of us," Quintus grinned. He paused to think about their family, and in turn, their extended family. "The children are good, Quintus (his eldest) is becoming a man, and eventually the rest of them will grow older and become adults." He answered, there were several times when he worried about the future with the darkness of the civil war that loomed. The children were growing into adults, and they would soon become the grey elders of the family that the children would judge. "Nelia is also well, radiant as ever," He beamed proudly, his wife was still beautiful and he respected her mind. "Venusiana is also well," He added about the not-so secret partner he and his wife shared. However, many believed she was a close friend of the family. "Come! Tell me, what of your family?" OOC: Let me know if you're okay with what I have said. @Liv

Broken bone.

Marcus still could not believe that this was happening. He could not think of a reason. "To stop me from killing you?" He suggested. Already he felt conflicted enough as it was. Even before, he was angry and yet... a protective side of him remained. If she was his daughter than it explained a lot about her behaviour. D-did he actually feel sorry for her in this moment? It was true. Marcus could destroy her reputation and future prospects. What he wanted to do was balanced on the scales. A part of him believed that this could still be a ploy. Despite it all. He could not do that to her. If she was his daughter. How could he live with himself? It was tempting. Oh so tempting to use it with wicked intent. "Oriana," Marcus said, with a fatherly sigh and caught himself on. He cleared his throat and rested his hand on his chest to ease up with it. "I will not do anything with this information. This is not your world. It is mine. You need to stay away from this place, and..... people like me." @Sydney

Corinthia had been loosely kept aware by news of what was happening in Rome. She was not happy about Lucius' change in fortunes, and nor did she wish to be just anybody's wife. However his financial losses, he had that important name and his standing was gradually increasing. Two things she needed in a husband. As for him? Corinthia admired his boldness, and willingness to destroy something he built in order to maintain control over it. She felt .... a considerable amount of attraction towards him. A rare occurrence for her to feel anything other than irritation by anyone. Her fingertips tapped in agitation at being made to wait for the visitor... not that she would ever admit that to anybody. "Where is he?!" She snapped harshly at one of the servants. "He has arrived, Domina!" The servant answered. Hurried and hoped the Domina would not strike out at him. Corinthia gave one of her rare and genuine smiles of happiness. She leapt up from the couch and gave the terrified slave a hug of happiness. It was not proper (in her eyes) to wait for a guest like she had done so. Therefore, she believed it to be wise. She released the trembling man, pushed him away and paced in a small area to think of what the next move should be. What next... what next... what next... Corinthia pondered to make a display of weaving to show her virtue. Yet doubted anyone would believe it. She grumbled to herself, louder and tapped a fingernail against one of her front teeth as she thought more on it. "Bring him here. Tell him I have been busy receiving letters and will speak to him soon," She demanded, raised her chin and hotly left the room. Not thinking that there was a chance that the pair of them could possibly meet in the corridors of the home. @Chris

The games were mixed for her. She loved the muscled men and women of the arena, the excitement and finding a sadness with the aftermath. That being said, Claudia enjoyed the socialisation of the games and the feasting that would come with it. She was elegantly dressed for the games. Her hair curled and coiled, and she felt an increasing sensation that someday she would be married or engaged to someone to serve the family interests. The social norm. Her chiton and palla was blue in colour, all to highlight her eye colour and she sat with Volusa, her body slave behind her. Decimus, her recovering bodyguard and Cynane, her gladiatrix. Claudia leaned in chatting with Veturia Cicurina, her best friend and now in the later stages of pregnancy. She wondered who would be invited into the Imperial booth and who by. There was also the option for she herself to invite people in to get up and close with the members of the Imperial family in attendance. "I didn't see the list. Do you know which gladiators are competing?" OOC: Prominent Senators, etc. Are also welcome! @Sharpie @Anna @Sarah @Chris

Claudia was exhilarated. She had never felt so alive through having survived and the Adrenalin was starting to fade. Fortunately, cousin Juliana's home was close by and they would soon find safety there. The Princess had hoped that she would be able to wash off her face and body. All in an attempt to make it look less bloody. Aurea's walk was slow and steady. She glanced over towards Cynane who looked the most happy with how things had gone down. Her bodyguard's face coated in a bloody war-mask and had to admit, she blushed with desire under the blood on her cheeks. "I think it will be okay," She said with blind optimism and an awkward smile of encouragement. However, with each step made towards the recognisable villa. Claudia's worries began to increase. She glanced towards Aia and Decimus, concerned for how they would be seen and whether or not they would get into trouble. It could have gone much worse than it had. Cousin Juliana... though.... Claudia was unaware that Juliana had a visitor, Julia Valeria, her one time nanny. She raised her chin, exhaled slowly and was assisted down from her horse by one of the shocked stable boys. Alarmed at the now dried blood on her face and clothing. Each of them had their own mark of the conflict. Claudia had to admit that Cynane looked to be in the best shape than all of them. Not to mention there was something about her face painted in blood. She landed on the ground with an oof. "It will be okay," She said to her companions. Confident until she saw her cousin's facial expression as she approached. "Oh, fuck..." Claudia muttered under her breath. @Sains @Atrice @Chevi @Jenn OOC: After Atrice and Jenn. I will post with Juliana

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She listened closely and nodded. There were few mental images she had of her mother. One was her face as the disease began to take hold and stripped her of health. Claudia would often receive praise for both her mother and father, what sort of people they were and she found herself questioning how true they were. Still, it was pleasant to hear. Much of her early life was spent in the company of her sisters; Rufia Flavia and Claudia Livia. Her knowledge of horses came later in life, and it was not the most feminine of tastes for a Roman Princess. Claudia smiled, that didn't narrow it down much for her. Yet talented horses could no doubt be found in strange places, and other staff. No doubt her Uncle would be pleased to hear all about that. Admittedly, much of her knowledge concerning the different breeds were limited. "Marsh horses?" She asked, then remembered his Etruscan heritage and had a feeling that came with it. The Princess was torn between feigning knowledge concerning the horses, and admitting her lack of knowledge. She chose the latter. "In all honesty, I am not sure what kinds of horses would be suitable. Rather than a breeder for a specific purpose, I enjoy horses that move well and are beautiful to the eye." Claudia answered, perhaps a brief sign of her youth. Her mother had some bred for warfare, or as messenger horses that had considerable amounts of stamina. "Perhaps you could show me these horses and offer instruction concerning the attributes of their type?" @Polarity

He was utterly terrified. Gaius' arm lifted to try to prevent the rotten pieces of fruit from being thrown at him. The rotten fruit stained his skin and his loin cloth. Gods! The smell was completely vile. Ascanius, the gladiator tasked with ending his life was adored by the crowd and he felt nothing but hopelessness, envy and shame. He tried walk upright but he wanted to crouch down to protect his stomach from the threat. No.. no.... he couldn't die as a coward. He didn't say anything to the opponent across from him. He held the sword in his hand and trembled in fear as he watched his opponent. There was no chance he would win this match.

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

Happy 2020 Everyone! I hope everyone has a safe and happy 2020. On the 13th of Jan we will be IC moving the year forward to 74CE (Jan-March), and updating the timeline (and making additions). Thanks for sticking with us during this transitions and throughout! 2008-2020!

Marcus knew he would likely be in hot water with her. He didn't care though. At her protests, he planted an open palm swat on her buttocks and tightened his body in expectation of being struck. Later, he knew he would be spending more time with Calvunus and was looking forward to it. The sound of the Domus Venus had become so normal to him now. It was one of the areas where he had spent much of his time. Marcus gave that cocky smirk of his, shrugged his shoulders and rolled his eyes when she teased him. He was about to tell her that he was leaving anyway. That was, until she rearranged her dress to reveal more of her body. "Uh huh, I always knew you like that," He answered, and looked towards the door. Technically, he had plans with Calvunus but he wanted to make his best friend/lover/frenemy, etc wait for him. He was a fairly crass man yet one thing he did not like was sandals in the bed. "Hmmm.... well, I suppose I could continue it," He answered, sat on the bed and began to loosen them. Marcus had a feeling she expected him to pounce on her right away. She was not the only one who could play hard to get. "Hm... well, the musician soon found herself in quite an interesting position," He answered, pretended to be more focused on his footwear than her. @Sara

3- Struck hard or knocked on the ground.

There was no way he was going to neglect this possible marketing opportunity. There would be so much coin exchanged today and he was absolutely determined to take full advantage of it. If it helped, people would end up knowing the name of his establishment and would show up to purchase more. Caius knew not to go near the rich folks. The family and slaves all came with trays of ale and food to sell to the crowds. People were always hungry throughout the games. All appetites needed to be cared for. Which meant he had to keep an extra eye on his daughters to make sure the people kept their hands to their damned selves. "We got meat rolls! Specials! Get your food here!" He called out in his surprisingly loud voice. Every so often he would dream about being in the arena as a gladiator. Not sure where that came from though. Caius stood and watched as his slaves watched the crowd of people, seeking out and finding customers to feed. "Hey, do you want something to eat?" Caius asked.