Gothic

Corinthia was not sure what she thought of him. Warily her gaze moved up and down, her posture was at ease and she could see her mother peeking behind the plant to observe them. She sighed and gestured with an open palm out to the gathered crowd of people. "It seems she may be hiding from you," She replied tartly. The reality of her situation was that she would need to marry. The sooner the better. Gods.. the better ranked, the better. Without it she would not be able to rise in the world. Now if only her mother's name would not hinder her. "Claudia Corinthia, and... may I ask your name?" She asked politely. It could not hurt to train when it came to mingling with people. There were others here who would be far less interesting. Around them there was the commotion of the arrival of the Imperial family. Corinthia glanced upwards in their direction with a frown. Her mother thought highly of them yet she did not. They had power and position. Both things that should have been hers by right.

She stood with her mother. Silently she wished her mother would shut up or fill her trap with the dried peaches she loved so much. Corinthia exhaled slowly, irritably, and sighed to herself when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She jumped, instantly spun around and smacked Lucius' hand sharply before realising it was a nobleman. She smiled although it did not reach her eyes. "Pardon me, you startled me." Corinthia said. Corinthia did not like surprises. Beside her Gaia gave a wide and incredibly cheeky grin, looked from her daughter to Lucius, then back again. "I will give you two a moment," She said, winked at Corinthia and moved to take a large portion of dried peaches, before moving to not-so-discreetly hide behind a statue surrounded by plants to peek out and watch them. Every so often stuffing a peach into her mouth. Corinthia's mouth dropped and instinctively reached for her mother's hand. Momentarily unsure about how to proceed. Gods... now she decided to leave her be? She looked up at him. Calpurnia? Her gaze moved up and down, looked at him. A hint of a snarl on her lips, they rose to meet her eyes and she waited for some sign he was mocking her. He had to be. After noticing that he had not walked away to seek out this Calpurnia. She paused, sipped her wine and watched him over the rim of her goblet. Slowly a long finger, decorated with rings tapped along the surface, and lowered it. Her lips were still moist with the wine. "I don't think your Calpurnia is waiting here for you," She responded. Corinthia smiled, tilted her head to the side and smiled softly. It did not occur to her that it could have been an excuse to speak with her. For whatever reason that happened to be. Lucius Junius Silanus

Gaia twiddled her thumbs while Corinthia sat across from her in the litter. Corinthia was angry with her, yet this time, she had no idea why. Corinthia was angry with her. Yet it seemed like the regular occurrence for her. She breathed deeply, it had been sometime since she had been to one of these functions put on by the Imperial family. What was her status now? What was Corinthia's? At times, she wondered what would have happened if she had of pressed their rights. Yet one look at Cyprianus, Clemens, and others they were associated with let her know they were going to use them for their own ends. Therefore an escape to Greece was made. The invitation from the Augusta had come as a welcome surprise, and she was delighted to accept. She smiled happily, loving the feeling of being able to be involved with things. She looked at Corinthia, her daughter looked beautiful and soon she would be ready for marriage. What sort of man would want her daughter? Would Corinthia try to kill him? Away from her watchful eye. What kind of a monster would she be? While her daughter wore white, she wore a pale blue chiton and golden jewels. Her hair was curled, dressed and framed her face with additional hair pieces to add volume to her hair. Corinthia naturally walked ahead of her, and she shrugged to herself. Her pace slow as she gazed at the surroundings around her. There was a time when all the physical beauty of these villas would have left her in awe, they still did. Looking at Corinthia, one could forget that she was the daughter of a slave. Who would have been a farm girl if the Gods had not intervened all those long years ago. She could not help but smirk at the thought. People had already arrived and she began to wander around. She lifted a goblet of wine from one of the slaves with platters as they walked around her. Gaia walked towards the edge and looked in on the gathered nobility before taking a moment to people watch.

t had been some time since he had been involved in anything political. However, as Alaricus grew he needed to be aware of the world he lived in, and Seia wished to speak to the Augusta about something. Like many families, they kept the younger of their children at home and took Alaricus to the function. It would be wise to introduce him to Caesar, and other members of his family. As he entered with Seia on his arm, he looked around and noticed how much older they all looked. Seia was still (and always would be) beautiful. Around them the next generation of people who would be running the Empire could be seen. A part of him had to wonder how many of them would last. In the distance, he saw Tiberius, the boy he helped to escape when he was a member of the praetorian guard. He was growing into manhood. A blessing, and had been an action to save him from his family's wrath when they came into power. There had been no political reason behind it. Alaric simply wanted the barbarity to stop. In the end, it did and even he had suspicions about some of the men who remained. How many were secretly complicit in what had occurred? He recognised Julia. A woman had an incredibly chaotic past of her own. Alaric found her absent husband and meant to ask about his welfare. Of late, they had grown apart yet Alaric was not a man who would forget a friend in their hour of need. Seia excused herself and went to catch up with one of her friends. "Salve Julia, it is good to see you."

He was in good spirits. Octavius came with his wife, Valeria. Years ago the political marriage had blossomed into one of deep love and affection. They had arrived earlier in the day with a rush from Rome. He wished to ensure the city was secure during the banquet and therefore they had arrived in Naples with not a lot of time to spare. It did not take him long to prepare for the banquet. During meetings with the Senate, he would wear the professional attire yet had never lost his preference for more workmanlike clothing. His tunica was clean, trimmed with gold and darker in colour. He wore a toga, the symbol of the Roman citizen and entered the villa with Valeria on his arm. She looked beautiful like she always did. His free hand patted hers, while Octavius Minor walked alongside while the younger of the two children, Valeriana remained at home at the villa. Octavius looked around and noticed there were a gathered group of people, yet the hosts were not present yet. It made sense for everyone to arrive before they did. "Minor, go look for your cousins, and enjoy yourself." He said down to his son. Minor had his facial features but Valeria's eye colour. While Valeriana was more of a mixture between both sides of the family. At this time, neither of them discussed or planned more children. Octavius would happily receive the blessing of more children. Yet did not wish to go through the experience of losing yet another wife to childbirth. "I hope he doesn't go too crazy with too many sweets," Octavius added jokingly to his wife. As he watched Minor go off in search of his cousins and other relations present for the banquet. The family was numerous. Again he patted Valeria's arm affectionately and led her into the atrium to mingle with the other guests.

She had scowled the whole way. Her mother insisted on prattling on about how fun it would be to be here. Did she not realise this was a political event? Eyes would be on them and tongues would wag if they said the wrong thing. Why did she always have to protect her mother from herself? They had arrived a day earlier to prepare the rented villa for a chance to go to the banquet. While they were not prominent and distantly connected, it would not be wise for either of them to get on the wrong side of Caesar. If the Gods had not been cruel. Her father would have had that position. She would have been a Princess and not... whatever she was now. Corinthia's fists clenched idly in frustration as she gazed through the curtain of the litter. It was hard to go to these events, it was difficult to smile at people who she believed were mocking her behind her back, and knew they would happily kill her if they had a chance. She was dressed finely, her clothing designed to cling to her figure. Her lips were touched with paint, her eyes surrounded by kohl to highlight them, and jeweled serpents hung from her ears and around her wrists. The fabric of her chiton was semi-transparent Egyptian linen and she used many layers to conceal her body. Yet her lithe frame could be seen. Beside her, Gaia walked all sunshine and rainbows. Simply happy to be invited. She entered and saw people gathered around. Corinthia had to be ready for battle, and keep an eye on her mother to make sure no mistakes would be made. She had no desire to die because of her mother's foolishness. She breathed deeply and entered the gardens where the gathered nobles circled, some caught in discussion with each other, and she wondered how many of them would recognise her mother. Tongues always wagged

Tiberius & Juliana. Juliana smiled, happy it was her cousin she had bumped into and not some easily irritated noble. She looked at him more closely now. Tiberius had grown considerably over the years, he was a boy no longer and now a man in his own right. It would not be long until he began to take a further role in the Empire, and she was interested in seeing how well her cousin performed. Jullus, her father and Lucilla, his mother were twins. There was a chance that he or Claudia would end up having twins of their own. "I have been well, as have the children," She answered. Her son had wanted to come to the festivities and no doubt wanted to see his numerous relations. The girls were still too young. "They are in Naples yet they are currently back at the villa. I am sure they would love to see you sometime before we all head back to Rome," Juliana invited, plus there was the added benefit of being able to have a quieter conversation without the threat of eavesdroppers. No doubt Caecina would like to see him. Gave a quick glance around them as more members of the nobility began to arrive. It was essential for her family to remain in the good graces of Caesar, and his heirs. Especially those whom were her kin. When her gaze returned to Tiberius, she smiled when she noticed he had been watching people as well, and in particular he had been watching his twin sister, Claudia. It had been a blessing from the Gods when the twins were reunited with each other. "My husband sends his regards as well although duty keeps him from Rome," Juliana added, laughed a little. "I'm happy the pair of you are reunited." Tiberius Claudius Sabucius

Juliana had arrived with her stepdaughter, Caecina in tow. She was without her husband who was still serving in Britannia, and her children remained the villa in the city. She had kissed the children goodnight, left instructions for the slaves entrusted with their care, and had spent time getting prepared. This was perhaps the most social she had been for a long time. Sooner or later, Caecina would need to be married and Caecina's father would look to Juliana to find a suitable husband for her. Her connections would likely need to be used. Caecina hurried away to speak with friends, and with a brief word for her to remember her manners. She watched, shook her head in amusement, and lifted a goblet of wine from one of the passing servants tending to the needs to the guests as they arrived. In the distance she caught sight of Lucius, Junia, and Marcus. They were still her family, despite the marriage ending in the death of Decimus and she had to get used to the fact Lucius was his own man now. She smiled, lifted her hand to greet him and was pleased he had come. She had used her familial connections in order to further his career. What connections he ultimately made today would be up to him. Absentmindedly she thought of the future and found herself accidentally bumped into someone. Her hand on their chest in both an offer of apology and to keep them at bay. "Pardon me, I should have looked where I was going," She apologised and slowly began to withdraw her hand.

Claudia smiled, relieved that she had some quiet time with Antonia before it began. Drusilla would likely be some time before she would arrive. She breathed a sigh of relief, walked closer to her and placed her hands on Antonia's forearms, leaned forward to place air kisses on Antonia's cheeks. She would have kissed her cheeks except she did not wish to stain them with her cosmetics. "Thank you," Claudia blushed and laughed, "I had best keep an eye on it then," She answered, drew the palla closer around her body and let out a soft sigh of amusement. Claudia was unsure whether there would be flirtation or more occurring at the Imperial banquet. There was always a chance she would meet her future husband here tonight. A chance that all of the Imperial children would meet their future spouses. She hoped her uncle would find a suitable match for her and was thankful it was him, not her brother-in-law who would be making the selection. "I am," She admitted after a moment. Her gaze moved around and saw people gathered in the distance. The banquet would likely be starting at some point. In the distance, she recognised Minor, Antonia's son and saw Lucius, Junia, and Marcus. There were members of the nobility that she did not recognise being present. Over time Claudia had gotten used to the public appearances and had developed social graces, befitting her station. Another look at Antonia made her envious. She was so experienced, at ease, and dignified during these occasions. She was a natural. "Although, there is nothing good company won't fix. How is Minor?" She asked.

Jan 73CE. Set before the Imperial Banquet The afternoon had finally arrived. Claudia had been assisting Drusilla with the decorations and the preparations for the Imperial banquet. It was the first time she could remember being in Naples, it had not been an overly exciting journey to get to the villa, and she awkwardly dozed most of the way. The city was beautiful. Slaves had assisted her when it came to bathing herself in the ornate baths and relaxed in the water. Once or twice she nearly nodded off being being awoken by one of the slaves. Her body was dried, perfumed, and her hair began to be decorated and styled. Claudia was not oblivious to the fact that as a young, unmarried woman that she would be on show for the supporters of the family. Marriage, it was something all women had to go through. She was well beyond the accepted age of the Vestals nor did she wish to be as restricted as they were. Her chiton was a pale blue, decorated with semi-precious stones and clung around her waist with a decorated belt. Her sandals were made of lambskin, soft and delicate. Also decorated with semi-precious stones. Casually she chose the jewelry she would wear as it was placed on her body. She stared into her reflection and had to wonder what this night would bring. Claudia stood, drew her gold trimmed palla around her and wondered whether or not she would lose it by the end of the night. There was a little time before the guests would arrive, and Claudia did not wish to be the first one at the banquet. She wanted to be fashionably late yet not excessively so. In truth, her mind raced with a variety of thoughts about what the night would eventually bring. Slowly she walked towards the decorated gardens and saw a person. "Salve?" She greeted them questioningly, not yet able to see their face.

Alaric glanced in the direction of what he assumed to be a Senator's wife or some other polished lady. Her son would likely be expected to meet with men who could later help their careers. Unfortunately, it was not the best conversation to get involved in between the pair of them. Julia did not answer him. He had heard many mothers bark or hiss demands from their children in order to attempt to be better versions of themselves. Alaricus and Seia were off speaking together to some of their family friends in the distance. It could not hurt for him to try to make an attempt to get to know the boy. He glanced towards Julia and silently hoped that she would join him. If not, he was perfectly content to speak to her alone. "Salve Domina," He spoke, his Latin was fluent yet every so often his accent could be heard. It marked him as a foreigner or possibly a provincial. Even as an Equite, and many years serving Rome there were those who still considered him to be an outsider. "Your son looks as though he is going to be quite the soldier," Alaric said, winked down at the boy, and hoped it would be taken positively. It was now he remembered why he kept the conversations and social graces to his spouse. What in the name of the Gods was he supposed to talk about now? Her fine clothes? A servant walked past and carried a tray of goblets filled with wine. He hated wine, yet, it served as the perfect cover for him at the moment. He lifted a goblet and sipped. It was of the highest quality. Yet he hated it and tried to keep a straight face as he waited. Livia Lucretina Julia Valeria

Alaric occasionally would dream of what might have been. He dreamed of gaining victory over Rome, succeeding where others had failed and ending the pain for many. Yet his younger children would never have been born. What about his deceased wives? Or his spirited Seia? Would he have ordered or hurt them? He was a different person back then. Wild, reckless, and utterly bold. A hatred of Rome deep in his heart. Now? He had served in the Roman army. He considered Romans to be his brothers. His children and grand-children thought of themselves as Romans. His past self would have absolutely loathed him. Alaric had been willing to take on Rome -- or die trying. It was knowing that Barbara, his eldest daughter, had been taken alive that had stayed his hand. What would they have done to her all those years ago? Slavery? Death? Only the Gods knew. Before the deal had been made he was going to be trained to fight as a gladiator, a spectacle in the arena for the adoring crowd. His life forever changed when the deal was struck. He was to become a Roman. Alaric frowned at the question asked in return. His gaze followed Julia's towards her charge, and could not resist a smile. "No, I would not have my children with me. They never would have been born," He paused, smiled and thought some more. "That Alaric has died a long time ago. The pain of the early enslavement, the fear and happiness at being reunited with his daughter, the early unsuitable marriage that hurt him dearly, the loss of his first stillborn son, and ultimately the happiness he had experienced with his wives (the Aetii-Stilichii) who had also adopted him. His children were now from that family. "It all feels worth it. Despite it all." Alaric admitted after a moment.

There was a pause as he listened to her respond. He had to lean forward in order to hear her speak, the crowd of people were slowly gathering and the noise level was beginning to increase. His hearing was not as sharp as it used to be many years ago. Alaric nodded, the opportunity for him and he hoped her son would take the time needed to attend. He had seen him from afar yet in all these years. Alaric still had not met him. "Ah, I understand. Work is a harsh Mistress of us all," He answered, the Romans in this area of thought still puzzled him. They were an incredibly industrious people yet they were also prone to excess, decadence, and clearly enjoyed the finer things in life. Alaric did not know the former Augusta well. Only in passing when he was conducting his duties. If the princess Claudia was living up to the memory of her deceased mother, it was a good thing. "Yes, it does not seem long ago that they were all babes in their mother's arms," He answered, smiled as he reminisced about times long past. Times when the children were able to be children. Soon they would be making their own mark on the world, and hopefully leave it a better place than they found it. "Do you ever wish you could go back in time?" He asked reflectively. Sipped his wine, over the years he had gotten used to the drink and could tolerate it in small doses. The pair of them had experienced hardship. Alaric was set to die in the arena. Julia was betrayed by a family member, and found herself enslaved. A position a noblewoman should never have experienced. Their fates could have ended vastly different.

(cont from the main thread) Alaric smiled, he had heard previously that her husband was not welcome, and in fact, the man was blessed by the Gods to still be alive. In Alaric's opinion, many of the people who he believed were also fortunate to remain alive for their previous dealings. He nodded when he was asked about Seia arriving with him. "She is well, as are my children," He said, then gestured to Alaricus who happily was speaking to one of his friends, and seemed to be distracted by something. Alaric chuckled, then turned back to Julia. She had a long history of blessings and utter misfortune. "What about you? Is your son here?" He asked, the rumours had circled of the soldierly youth who had been returned to the senatore position from slavery. He had yet to meet him and hoped he would have come with his mother to the Imperial banquet. After all, a friendly encounter here could benefit his career. Alaric never asked about the finances concerning the property. He considered it to be rude, and would frequently 'lose' the coin purse on his way out to ensure the family had plenty to live on. Poverty was unlikely with both Seia's family money, his own, and his income from his source of employment. Alaric remembered his friends, and did his best to take care of them, as he could. Over the years he had lost far too many. His change of employment meant that he was not at the Palatium much anymore. He preferred it this way, although a part of him missed having a sword in his hand. Seia also had a greater preference for him staying safe, as usual, Seia usually got her way. "Have you been seeing a lot more of your young charges of late?" He asked. The children were all grown now. Some even had children of their own. He knew of them, years ago had saved Tiberius and was unsure if he even remembered him. Julia Valeria

Alaric smiled and leaned closer as she answered him, this time seriously. He was not surprised by her answer. He nodded although his tastes with women were different. He enjoyed the soft curves of their form, yet enjoyed strength in both character and body. He was not sure of the thoughts that ran through her mind nor did he know exactly how she felt. His hand reached out to rest on her arm then drew her close to his body, held her and would always keep her safe. He felt her hand traveling along his body and rested on his chest. Alaricus. A name he had yet was often attributed to his half-Roman son. Still, it was not something he would ever reject from her. "I love you, Seia.... the same, " He whispered back, a rare moment of vulnerability for him. He had loved all the women he was with yet Seia, there was something different about her. There would have been many men who would have been angry or jealous at the mention of her late husband. Alaric was not. He thought for a moment, his forehead close to hers as the tip of his nose rested nearby. "You loved him and he was both a friend, even a father figure to you," He answered honestly, Alaric knew of her husband's Republican ideals and trusted Seia when she said he was innocent. It was not an honourable way to die, especially to cover up another man's crimes and that would have been upsetting. He had his own confessions to make. "I miss Gertrude, and Gala," He said, mentioning her friend, "And Suetonia, they were all good women. It is natural to miss and grieve for those you cared about, and still love those still living," Alaric added, ever practical this was something on his mind. He was not the younger man he once was. There would be a time when he would pass into the next life. "If, or, when... I go, I want you to find happiness and security."

Alaric believed a man should always respect his wife -- and expect it in turn. That did not mean he would not be cheeky on occasion, there was no harm in jesting between partners. He chuckled at her retort, shifted his weight off her and rested on his elbow to look at her. It may have been more than cheeky to imply it was a struggle. Alaric had been in Rome for a long time now, and fortunately he had learned some tricks of wordplay. "Alas, my poor aching arms," He answered with a deadpan face and clutched one as though it is cramping from the 'strain'. "I did not realise your desires moved solely towards physical prowess, a vanity?" Alaric added, tried not to smile and all that showed were dimples. He reached out and playfully gave her a poke on the arm.

Alaric was more than happy to oblige. He wrapped one arm around her, lifted her up and held her in his arms. While Seia was certainly not weightless, he felt it in his back and arms. "Of course, hm, good fortune between us." He said, although already felt he had good fortune by meeting her, and being able to marry her. Despite how tender the moment was. He could not resist it. Alaric playfully groaned as he walked towards the bed with her. To add to the effect, he pretended to stumble, too. A trait of Alaric's was the fact that he would only joke with those who he considered to be his friends. While with everyone else? He was firm and businesslike. Gently, Alaric placed her down on the bed and smiled at her. It all still felt like a dream. Was he dreaming? "There we made it," He teased.

Alaric now could not help but grumble more at her laughter. The kiss was always excellent, how long had he waited to do this? His eyes widened at her command. He was no stranger to lust nor of carnal acts, yet this had taken him by (pleasant!) surprise. It certainly was not the proper way to do things. It did not take anymore for him to know exactly what she wanted from him. A gift he was more than happy to oblige. Yet..... he took her by the hand and led her back into the home, he waved his hand and murmured, "generic excuse," to the slaves who asked for his assistance. Alaric opened the door and hoped Seia was not put off by the room. It had been barely decorated since he had been married to Suetonia. Otherwise, it was clean and Spartan with few trinkets or signs of comfort. Something he had never grown accustomed to. Alaric drew her close to him again, held her in his strong arms and passionate kissed her again. A hand moved upwards to run through her dark hair, everything felt perfect -- like a dream that had finally come true. "And I am more than happy to give it to you," He whispered back, when his kisses traveled along her jawline towards her earlobe and kissed along her neck.

Alaric could not help but give a friendly grumble. There were many places he desired to kiss although he did not want to be too forward by saying so. They were going to be married, and he was not sure whether that would happen. "Well, there were many other areas," He murmured, a tad playfully defensive about it and then chuckled. Not that he had dreamed of it at night or anything. Alaric was not a possessive man by nature. He did not necessarily believe that he would 'own' his wife although many Romans thought this way with their wives. "Mmm... I will enjoy this, I will enjoy this a lot," He said, "as I am yours." He added, before he leaned in close to passionately kiss her lips once more.

Alaric had wanted to for a long time, too. Although he never thought that this could have happened. To even have her in his arms was a strange concept. A part of him wondered whether all of this was real or a dream. Perhaps she politely declined him at the market instead? Or he never got the courage to ask in the first place? He chuckled and smiled when she placed a gentle kiss on his normally furrowed brow. Alaric lowered himself down to help her to reach. "Yes, you can and perhaps it will become less prominent with your regular kisses?" He suggested, already he had begun to feel more at ease. More at peace with the world. Although his eyebrows had been furrowed for much of his adult life, still, it was pleasant to think about. "And I," Alaric began, pulled her against him and smiled down at her. "Can kiss the tip of your nose whenever I want." He said, revealed a more gentle side of himself and lowered his head down to place a soft kiss on the tip of her nose.

Alaric was a little surprised when the group were sent away. Normally Seia wanted to spend a lot of time with them, even though she did not know them well yet. When she became the Domina of the household. She would. His hand gently held hers as the pair of them walked into the gardens. Alaric followed her and thought she wanted to discuss what happened today. He looked at the pretty and quiet spot she had found, smiled and he was about to speak when her arms went around his neck. Seia's lips soon met his, and there was not a chance he was going to refuse. His arms wrapped around her smaller frame, pulled her close to him and held her. Returning the kiss, his fingers in her dark hair and how long had he waited to do this? Slowly he moved her so she could lean back against the tree that would be infamous from now on.

He hoped all the children would get along. Alaric also hoped that Imperia would like him, he was lower status than her mother and in normal circumstances. It was unlikely for them to marry. He held her, squeezed her against his body and soon they reached his family home. The slaves had been Seia before, she had been a guest and yet, he had never embraced her so openly. At first, Crispina, the older of the household slaves glared at Alaric disapprovingly before she saw the ring. Instantly she knew what it meant and clapped her hands in celebration. The household slaves fussed, happy and they liked Seia. All the slaves gathered around, a celebration was in order and it may not have been proper. Although these were difficult times. "We still need to set a date, and it is not yet official in the eyes of the Gods," He admitted, chuckled and smiled. "But I present the Domina of the household to you all," Alaric said proudly, his arm still draped around her shoulder -- and he could have sworn that he saw Gala peeking around the corner. Smiling at them both.

Alaricus liked Seia although did not quite understand that his father liked her, or so he thought. Barbara he was sure was more aware of the flirtation between the pair of them. He chuckled, "Are you saying I'm old, hm?" Alaric jested, he had gotten older over the years and the Gods had blessed him with good health. He did not know that Titus' family had not approved. Marriage to a beautiful and youthful woman from a good family was always favourable. He wondered whether or not they were jealous of the love Titus had for Seia. He gave her waist an affectionate squeeze, turned and kissed the top of her forehead. "They love you, they will understand and will no doubt welcome you to the family." He said, while he did not need the approval of his children. It was preferred to having conflict within his home. He knew Gala would have been happy for them both to have found each other, as would Suetonia. Funnily enough through this, Seia would be joining Gala's family as well.

Alaric paid for it the codex and an inflated price too. The book would always have sentimental reasons for them. It was another symbol of their connection. He placed it in Seia's basket, his arm was wrapped around her and held her smaller body against his. He had a feeling of what she wanted -- although it could be hard to say. Barbara and Alaricus were both at his house, and no doubt, Imperia would be at her house. Part of the choice of having children. "I, would love to," He answered quietly. Alaric glanced over at the overly enthusiastic vendor still going on about their bliss, their happiness, and special offers on more of his various wares. He frowned over Seia's head at him, and managed to resist the urge to grumble. "We will go back to my place," He murmured. If anyone asked they were friends and she was visiting his daughter.. yes, that sounded good. Alaric reached down to take her hand and began to walk through the streets. It wasn't the way things were properly done. With any luck, Barbara and Alaricus would both be out and would not later walk in on something they should not. Either way, whether the deed was done now or not. He wanted to be able to hold her, kiss her, and be away from so many prying eyes. Seia Imperia

He smiled and laughed. The question that plagued his mind and finally released had been the best thing he could have done. Alaric held her in his arms, fumbled a little and hoped he would not drop the ring in the process. Finally Alaric managed to get a hold of it before, got it behind his fingertips and gently slid it along her middle finger. The Romans believed that it connected straight to a woman's heart. "There, there," He said, stared down at it. It did not matter to him about the family connections that he could gain (or later, that the wealth would be restored and the connections granted). All that mattered was here and now for Alaric. There may issues with his career and he desperately hoped his children would not be negatively effected. Either way, Seia and Imperia were his family now. He would do his best by them. Alaric silently rested his forehead on hers and contently gazed at her. He was finally home. "Celebrations good Dominines!" The vendor exclaimed brightly, clapped his hands and smiled broadly. Clearly delighted by the situation -- but also in hopes of getting something in the way of coin. "Perhaps you would like to purchase the book that brought you both happiness?" The first book of Seia's library.