Sarah

For a moment it was good to simply relax and forget. But it was only ever a moment. Tiberius had that kind of mind, always busy, niggling at problems or concerns. He wouldn't say so because his friend wouldn't want him to trouble over him, he knew, but even Marcus featured there occasionally. The Junii Silani were an old and influential family, so much so that Marcus's older cousin and adoptive sister had married a Caesar, Tiberius's half brother Junus. He'd never admitted it, but younger a Tiberius had a crush on the then widowed Junia. The erstwhile Augusta had seemed so mature, regal and self-assured, and he'd harboured a teenage fantasy that he might marry Junia one day. Those flights of fantasy seemed a world away now. Suddenly his adoptive brother was Caesar, and they were young men with the weight of the world on their shoulders. Lucius had been a close ally of the family, but had had his own problems with distant relatives and the family property. Rumour held that he'd even set the property alight out of spite, though Tiberius wasn't sure whether or not to believe it. But it worried him, like the first few bouncing pebbles that signalled an avalanche, he feared that it could be signs of a house on the downward slide. He hoped he was wrong, but was determined that if it did, Marcus would be shielded from it. Particularly because Tiberius felt that he could be a great help in keeping Titus from going the way that so many Caesars seemed to. "I'm well enough, just busy with my duties." Tiberius replied with a faint smile. Two years older than Marcus, he was already amongst the Vigintiviri, and assumed that once he turned twenty in November he would be up for a role as a military tribune. That was what was expected of him, though he hoped he would also get a term in the legal side of things. But before then he and Marcus would serve together. But his attention was caught by the thought of what Marcus usually did, and by Titus. His smile faded. "Titus is well too, but even busier, of course. And I worry." He admitted quietly, as he would do to very few. "I fear he might work himself too hard." They'd lost too many Caesars to mysterious illness. It could be slow poison, but Tiberius was working on a theory that it was the rigors of leading the Empire that could be the cause. "In fact, I was hoping that you might help me organise a distraction." He revealed, a smirk tugging at one corner of his mouth. "You always did know how to hold the best parties." @Atrice

The medicus, when he arrived, had the sunworn look of a man who had seen either hard work or a lot of the Empire. Or both. Dark eyes had a shrewdness about them, and Tiberius suppressed the momentary feeling of being a boy again, faced with one of the medici who served the Imperial family. But those men had become less superhuman as he had grown, though he still greatly respected their skills. Except that sometimes, they didn't have answers. Which was why, unusually for one so methodical, he was acting on something of a hunch. "Salve, medicus." He greeted the man evenly, acknowledging his bow with a slight nod of the head. "I appreciate your time. Will you sit?" He asked, and gestured. There was space under the awning and a jug of cool, watered wine with ornate glass cups. "I am Tiberius Claudius Sabucius." Though the other man had probably worked that out. Interesting. His cognomen wasn't Roman, but the format of his name was. "Theodorus. You are Achaean, or Aetolian?" The younger man asked. If so he was in luck, the best medici were Greek. Or perhaps his family was of that descent, which would amount to the same thing. Like any trade it was generally kept within the family. Regardless, the Ludus Magnus was the foremost of the gladiatorial ludii, and would not employ less than the best medicus they could manage for their often very valuable gladiators. Perhaps Minerva, Goddess of medicine amongst other things, was guiding him in the right direction. "I would assume, from your role at the ludus, that you have considerable expertise with injuries. However, I am interested in your knowledge of illness." He said, watching the other man for his reaction. Was he all sword wounds and bruises, or was his expertise more rounded as Tiberius hoped. @Chevi

Minerva, goddess of wisdom, of defensive warfare strategy, of justice and law. Also of the arts and crafts, commerce and medicine. All things that the great Empire of Rome had need of, and many of them things that Tiberius either felt he had need of, or feared he might have need of in the future. One ignored the influence of the Gods at one's peril, and Tiberious could ill afford Minerva's wrath; rather he courted her good opinion with an amphora of olive oil, an ornate silver pin, and a set of fine parchment quills, entrusted to her priestesses. At her next festival he would send a cow for sacrifice. Since Quintus's abdication, Tiberius had become acutely aware that the fate of the Empire was coming to rest on the shoulders of his generation, and so he prayed for Minerva's wisdom in leading them, her tactical acumen in defending all their forebears had wrought, and her bounty to keep the Empire supplied with it's need. And of course her guidance in law and justice. Already on the Cursus Honorum, he turned 20 in November, and it was likely that Tiberius would become a military tribune. He would need her guidance then. One hand clutching the fine, snowy white wool of his toga, worn over the tunica laticlavia with it's broad purple stripes, Tiberius strode from the temple deep in thought, one Praetorian Guard following him. Unfortunately as he stepped into the blinding portal, someone tried to enter the other way, and unable to see each other, the two of them collided. Tiberius immediately stepped back, all too aware that such an 'accident' could cover a knife. But the form of the other had been soft and scented with flowers. A woman's voice. Tiberius held up his hand to forestall any effort by his guard to rush forward, though history had shown that even women could be assassins. But if she wanted to, the opportunity had passed. Blue eyes looked quickly over the woman in front of him - young, slim, dark hair and eyes - and then to the fabric of the palla that had slipped from her grasp to land on the steps. It was a simple accident. "I'm fine, thank you." He said with a faint, reassuring smile. "Are you hurt?" No one was at fault, but it would not do for a lady to be injured. Stepping past her to catch the fine fabric before the mischievious breeze could whisk it away, Tiberius quickly bundled it up in his hands. Very fine, and her stola suggested that she was from a family of good means, yet either she'd not worn the palla pinned, or the pin had been lost. Straightening back up, Tiberius held the fabric out to her. "Yours, I believe. Was there a pin with it?" It would be a shame if a fine pin or brooch had disappeared. @Atrice

September, 76AD It was only practice, not a true competition, and whilst practice battles drew a few spectators - often owners of the gladiators - it was usually only a few loiterers or those who enjoyed watching half-naked men sweat who would attend. Tiberius was neither, but he was only half watching; the young Imperial was deep in thought, otherwise relaxing beneath a canopy. The Ludus was simply a place to be. Sometimes it helped to get out of the palace when he wanted to think. Oddly enough he was less likely to be disturbed here. And he was thinking, very seriously. Titus was Caesar now, suddenly, at a young age, and Tiberius - who admitedly was no older and his relative level of wisdom was debateable - saw it as his duty to support Titus in guiding and guarding the Empire. He also wanted to guide and guard Titus so that he was able to do so, not least because he was his brother, but also because if anything affected Titus, it could potentially lead to a period of instability in the Empire, which it could ill afford. The Empire seemed to burn through Caesar's at an uncomfortable rate, and the pool of potential heirs was reducing. This was one of the many things that preyed on Tiberius's mind as he half watched a bout end. One of the combatants had been injured by a blow from his opponent's weapon, and lay on the sand, shifting in pain. Whilst gladiators were generally looked down on as the slaves most were, they still had value. Sure enough, within a few moments the medicus of the Ludus appeared, working quickly to stabilise his patient. Tiberius couldn't see much, but it was only minutes before the man was moved by two attendants, under the direction of the medicus. Hmm. The beginnings of an idea began to form. Tiberius turned to one of his attendants and asked the man to find out the name of the medicus, and ask that when - and only when - he had treated his patient to his satisfaction, he come and speak with the young Imperial. The medici who usually attended the Imperials had no answers. But sometimes those who sat outside the arena saw more of the combat. @Chevi

Hi @Chevi! Would you be interested in a medical theory conversation between Tiberius and Theodorus?

Would the Augusta be up for a meeting with Tiberius? I'm sure he could use someone to think at and gain wisdom from.

76AD July A day at the races - Tiberius, Spurius A little discomfort in a good cause - Spurius and Teutus Broken Open - Spurius and Manius Return to Sender - Aeneas and Thessala August Leave the door open - Alexius and Varinia From one generation to the next - Tiberius and Aulus My other half? - Tiberius and Cynane Something a little different - Spurius and Cynane I just called to say... - Varinia, Tertius, Charis September Boys at the Baths - Tiberius and Marcus First do no Harm - Tiberius and Theodorus Daydreamers - Tiberius and Sosia - Complete. Distraction - Tiberius and Titus One magic autumn eve - Party for the posh kids After the Attack - Spurius and Pinaria Gaia Taken for granted - Tiberius and Jason To Quintus - Letters to Quintus Caesar

September 76CE It made a convenient excuse to leave the palace and Palatine Hill. An Imperial could spend almost all of their time there if they so desired, but Tiberius did not. He wanted to see Rome - and the Empire - talk to people, and keep an eye and an ear on the happenings beyond the Hill. It was part of what made good governance of course, but it was also his interest. It was also a good place to catch up with friends, in a less formal setting. Leaning back against the beautifully glazed tiles and relaxing into the hot water, Tiberius glanced across at his long time friend and often younger partner in crime to himself and Titus as they were growing up. Now, all of a sudden, they were grown, or close to. Not boys but men, with their own responsibilities. Quintus' abdication had made that all the more apparent. But Tiberius hadn't asked Marcus to meet him to dwell in seriousness. "How have you been, Marcus?" He asked out of genuine interest. "What's new?" Marcus had this bright and garrulous nature about him that was immensely cheering and made him very easy to be around. It was something that Tiberius appreciated. @Atrice

Hi Atrice! I'd definitely be up for a thread with Marcus, I can imagine that he, Tiberius and Titus were fast friends through their teenage years, along with the rest of the Imperials. And of course his older sister Junia was married to Tibs' brother Junus, so both Marcus and Lucius are his brothers in law so Tibs would want to stay close to the family. Do you have any specific ideas? I'm also more than happy for him to meet Sosia. I'm sure he would be too, since I'm sure he'd appreciate her company and is of an age to be considering young women as potential partners. Are there any social events coming up? And I'm sure he'll run into Cynane, sooner rather than later.

That was Titus's voice. The young Caesar needed to get out; they all did. Plaster was falling from the ceiling and masonry might follow. "I have him Titus!" Tiberius called, emerging from the room opposite his own with the uncooperative eight year old in his arms, half wrapped in the woolen cloak that had been haphazardly thrown about the young man's shoulders. The young Imperial had woken for no obvious reason and been pacing irritably when the big quake had come. The cry from the room opposite had sent him dodging Praetorian Guards and into the opposite room, grabbing up his adoptive brother who proved slightly more inclined to allow himself to be carried by his brother than by his body slave. Running back down the hallway as fast as he dared with Quintus's youngest in his arms, he fell into step with Titus, his brother in thought and heart if cousin by blood, raised together and born to serve the Empire. "We have to get everyone out, the roof could come down." He panted as he put actions to words. Fortunately several of their family were already gathered outside; he saw Rutiliana and heard his twin call for him, and he automatically angled towards her voice. "The guards will bring everyone out." He assured her, and tried to reassure himself. It was easy to want to be heroes, but that was what the Praetorian Guard were there for. If the young Imperials went back into the building and got squashed, where would that leave the Empire? The needs of the many outweighed the needs of the few. Drusus was clinging to him now, too frightened to protest his eviction from his bed in the middle of the night. Tiberius looked back over his shoulder towards the nearest portico, hoping to see the rest of their family emerge, as the younger members headed into the Hortulus and away from the building.

75AD June - Neptune's Wrath - Tiberius

Hi Kali! Absolutely I would, I was going to ask you! I can drop him into that earthquake plot, I'll do that now. It would also be great to have Tiberius and Titus talking together. Perhaps even about serious things!

Hi Chris, Would you be interested in something between Tiberius and Lucius when he's back in town, or a letter perhaps?

Tiberius Claudius Sabucius Last son of Caesar Claudius, twin of Claudia Caesaris, nephew and adopted son of Caesar Quintus, adopted brother of Caesar Titus. A young man now on the stage for which he was both bred and prepared, treading a fine line between moving with confidence and learning what he needs to know. Ardent supporter of his brother the new Caesar. Interested in ways to improve life in the Empire and ensure it's stability. Somewhat naive around women. Interested in: politics, friends, romance, possible marriage, slaves, patronage (giving), family business. Spurius Antius Claudus Once a legionnaire and badly injured whilst serving in Brittania, Spurius took his severence pay in slaves and is now a successful slave trader. Garrulous in public, the cost of his success has made him somewhat bitter in private. Pays the tax rather than taking a wife because he views himself as damaged goods. Walks with a distinct limp and is known as 'Claudus' - The Lame - by his peers. Can be a cranky old bugger but total marshmallow cactus. Interested in: business, friends, pleb politics, slaves, romance, patronage (giving and receiving). Teuta Varinia Freedwoman, mother of Teutus, former lover of Tertius. A romantic heart with a practical head and a life of hard experience. Discovering what the free life is like. Adores her son, loves helping people. Everyone's mum for a sestercius. Just wants everyone to be happy. Interested in: stories involving her son and/or former lover, romance, friends Aeneas Slave, owned by Claudia Corinthia. Serves her as both gladiator and, increasingly, bodyguard. From the north of Britannia, still quietly regretted ever coming south to trade, but largely resigned to his new life. Stoic, thoughtful, strong. Ex-blacksmith. A bit lost. Finding his way in this new life. Interested in: friends, especially other slaves from Britain, intrigues, romance. Lucius Ovinius Camillus Second son of Gaius Ovinius Camillus, Praetor, and older brother to Ovinia Camilla. Recently returned from serving as a military tribune in the provinces, Lucius is now considering the next phase of his life. The black sheep of the family, he is much more relaxed and laid back than his father or siblings, but that doesn't mean that he's a fool. Currently trying to map out his future over the next few years whilst not getting railroaded by his father. Dotes on his sister. Interested in: friends, role models, romance, potential wife, political intrigues, patronage (giving) Publius Horatius Justinius First son of Marcus Horatius Justinius, Publius takes his role as heir and future pater familias of the Horatii-Justinii very seriously. A natural born leader and tactician, he has shone through his military career, where the structured lifestyle and clear expectations suit him, and he expected the same in his household. His political career has been more modest, but his term as a Quaestor in Achaea in 76AD has ensured his previously elected seat in the senate. His beloved wife Lucia passed away in 75AD whilst trying to give him another child, and he has struggled a little to find purpose following her loss. Now back in Rome he is intent on getting his life and career back on track. Interested in: friends, romance, potential wife, political intrigues, patronage (giving), family shenanigans

Here's Tiberius! @Gothic

Testing

Welcome back Gothy! I've just applied to adopt Tiberius again. So, if I get approved, there could be twins shenanigans?

Tiberius Claudius Sabucius 20 | 28 November 56 CE | Male | Caesare | Royal Spawn | Heterosexual | Canon | Dylan O'Brien Personality Quiet and reserved, Tiberius thinks before he acts and plays his cards close to his chest. Family are very dear to him, and in his view too many of them have died for the Imperial throne. He doesn’t want it for himself, and is more interested in good governance than rulership. He is wary of politics whilst knowing that these are the waters in which he must swim, and that others will either seek favour with him or hate him purely because of his bloodline. Rather than stay sheltered in the Imperial palace, Tiberius has a yearning for adventure, a desire to see the far reaches of the empire, to really understand what it encompasses. Lacking the assumption of superiority common to one of his birth, Tiberius instead possesses a diligence and a desire for knowledge, which in turn give him greater understanding and hopefully lead to better decision-making. He listens to people and takes in what they say, though not without a grain of salt. The deaths of so many of his family have made him wise, and wary, beyond his years. He has learned that even Caesares are mortal, and does not think that anyone is deserves to be lauded purely because of their ancestry. It is important to him to earn his accolades himself. Less inclined to the easy smile that is his sister’s armour, Tiberius is possessed of a quiet, reserved confidence, and a subtle, thoughtful practicality that comes across as a certain steadiness. He is nothing if not reliable, yet beyond that business-like front is occasionally revealed a certain intensity and conviction. He does not wish to loose any more of his family, and he does not want to be Caesar. Yet, he cannot leave a duty to someone he does not trust. He is particularly close to his twin sister Claudia, and his cousin Titus, as well as several of his uncles. Appearance Of slightly more than average height and slim build, Tiberius is naturally very similar to his twin sister in appearance. Thick, dark hair frames features only now growing into strength. Blue eyes contrast with pale skin, lightly tanned. He build is finally filling out into that of a man, though he will never be hurculean. Unpretentious, Tiberius prefers garments that are simple and practical rather than ostentatious, but well made as befits one of his line. He chooses fine cloths and good tailoring rather than excessive adornment, and regularly prefers a simple tunica. Family FATHER: Drusus Claudius Sabucius (Caesar) (deceased) MOTHER: Flavia Lucilla Augusta (deceased) SIBLINGS: Full siblings Claudia Caesaris (twin) Paternal half-siblings: Gaius Claudius Caesar (deceased) Claudia Livia (deceased) Maternal half-siblings: Darius Claudius Sabucius (deceased) Junus Claudius Sabucius (deceased) Rufia Flavia SPOUSE: None CHILDREN: None EXTENDED FAMILY: Step Father: Marcus Rufus Honorius (Caesar) (deceased) Paternal Rufia Flavia's Children Sestia Lucilla, {alive} {b. 69} Gnaeus Sestius Vacticanus Minor, {alive} {b. 71} Maternal Flavii-Alexandrones Grandparents Cneaus Flavius Alexander Germanicus (deceased) & Cornelia Annthea Uncles & Aunts - Quintus Flavius Caesar Alexander Augustus - Rufus Flavius Alexander (deceased) - Jullus Flavius Alexander (alive; b. 24) - Decimus Flavius Alexander (deceased) - Octavius Flavius Alexander (alive; b. 33) - "Laelius", adopted as Marcus Aemilius Scaurus Alexander (alive; b. 39) Cousins From Quintus. - Publius Flavius Alexander Belanus, deceased (37-62; adopted illeg. son) - Cnaeus Flavius Alexander Gemellus, deceased (57-62) - Titus Flavius Caesar Alexander (b. 57) - Flavia Caesaris (Rutiliana) (b. 61) - Drusus Flavius Caesar Alexander (b.67) From Jullus. - Flavia Juliana (daughter of Laelia Serginilla) - Flavia Alexandra (deceased; daughter of Laelia Serginilla) - Flavia Alexandra (deceased; daughter of Laelia Serginilla) - Lucius Flavius Alexander (b. 60 AD, by Caecilia Metella) - Publius Flavius Alexander (b. 64 AD, by Caecilia Metella) - Cnaeus Flavius Alexander (b. 66 AD, by Caecilia Metella) From Octavius. - Octavius Flavius Alexander Minor - Flavia Valeriana From Laelius = Aemilia Scaura (B. 67 AD, by Furia Camilla Minoris) Aemilia Laeliana (B. 70 AD, by Pinaria Lucretia) Publius Aemilius Scaurus (B. 72 AD, by Pinaria Lucretia) Other members of the Flavii-Alexandrones. The Corneli-Scipiones. Caecina Tuscas In-laws: Junia Silana (Widow of Junus) OTHER: History CHILDHOOD [56-66]: Born of an aging Casear and his younger second wife, Tiberius was one half of a whole, together with his twin sister Claudia. She was the constant in his life, whilst nursemaids came and went and their mother’s warm affection was interspersed with periods of absence. He could never know the politics in which his mother was embroiled, trying to keep the wolves from their door. Youngest of the Imperial brood, Tiberius couldn’t understand what it meant when his eldest half-brother Darius stepped up to the throne to replace their ailing father. It was not until he was older that he would understand that the dangers of that tumultuous time were only beginning to make themselves apparent. Darius’s reign was short, and his his assassination in AD 60 led to the rise of his younger half-brother Junus and step-father Honorius as co-caesars, until Junus came of age. Alas he never got the chance. Civil war erupted and Tiberius’s comfortable and closetted childhood was torn apart as he was separated from his sister, spirited from the palace by the Palatine guards and Gneaus Juventius Geta, a friend of his step-father, who kept him carefully hidden. It was only some time after that fearful night that Tiberius learned that Junus was also dead, and his older sister Livia had been taken east. He cried for his missing sisters and his doting older brothers, his mother and his lost life, but it changed nothing. It was not until the civil war ended in 63 that he was returned to the palace by Geta and presented to his uncle Quintus, one of the other survivors of the Imperial purge, who formally adopted him. He was also reunitied with his sister Claudia, a cause for much joy in his young life, but learned that Livia had died of a fever before she ever found safety. The companionship of his cousins helped ease the loss of his mother and siblings, though they could never replace them. Growing up in the palace he and Claudia formed part of the gang of young Imperials, watched over dotingly by their aunts and uncles. They had both changed in their time apart, but the rambling palace grounds provided many places where the twins could spend time together. Their life had suffered upheaval, but it seemed there was peace once more. TEENAGE TO EARLY ADULT [67-72]: Tiberius grew into a serious and thoughtful teen, an apt student if somewhat less rambunctious than his peers. He tended to watch, and to learn, from those around him, particularly his seniors and betters. He became a solid friend to his cousins and remained very close to his twin sister, the events of the purge having solidified in his young mind the importance of family. In 67 AD his uncle Quintus, Caesar to the rest of the Empire, remarried. Allaying their concerns, Julia Drusilla took the royal brood under her kind and generous wings, becoming in some ways the mother that Tiberius had barely known, though lovingly remembered. That memory had been kept alive by those who had been close to her, including her best friend Antonia. Later that year Drusilla gives Caesar an infant son. His uncle Octavius takes a greater interest in Tiberius’s upbringing and the two grow closer as the young man looks for role models. ADULTHOOD [73 onwards]: Now set on the path onto which he was born, Tiberius is learning, and practicing, what it takes to be an Imperial in the Roman Empire. Raised by Quintus as his adopted son alongside Titus, Tiberius has always been serious and studious, and there were many who might have expected Quintus would groom him as his heir. Yet to Tiberius it was no small relief when Quintus made it plain that he favoured his own son, particularly during their tour of the empire. Whilst he wanted to do what was right for the benefit and glory of the Empire, Tiberius had no particular desire to rule; his uncle Octavius led the lifestyle he aspired to. Rather when Quintus mysteriously fell ill officially presented Titus as his heir and new Caesar, Tiberius did not hesitate to swear fealty to his adoptive brother, considering the more charismatic young man a better choice for the ruling face, and determined to support his rule for stability and prosperity. He vowed that Titus would find no one more loyal. Sarah | UTC +10 | Discord or DM @Gothic

Sarah ~ staying ~ keeping: Aeneas, Tiberius Claudius Sabuchius, Spurius Antius Claudus, Alaricus Aetius Stilicho dropping: none

"Ave Caesar." Tiberius greeted his uncle formally, showing respect for the position he held in the empire and bowing in acknowledgement before meeting Quintus' gaze squarely. He was a youth on the cusp of manhood, still showing the occasional flashed of youthful impetuousness or mischief, but already viewing the challenges and burdens of adulthood with a seriousness and intelligence that belied his bloodline. Even so, he still had much to learn, and Quintus, Caesar, Uncle and adoptive father, was one of his primary role models. The location that Quintus had chosen for their meeting could not be idle, and Tiberius looked around, noting the urns of Caesars past and their families, many their own family but some not. Some loved, some loathed, but all treated with respect at the end, as their role deserved. There was a lesson here, in the solemnity of the mausoleum, even as there was in the foolishness of Saturnalia; they were all as equals before the gods, and if nothing else, deserving of dignity and respect. Approaching the shrine to the Gods near the entrance, Tiberius carefully placed the offering of incence that he had brought into the bronze bowl, next to a piece which was already smouldering, so that it would catch and fill the mausoleum with the scents of resin and spices. Offering placed, Tiberius looked across at Quintus, blue gaze solemn. "You asked for me, Uncle?" No doubt with good reason; Quintus was a busy man, though not too busy to ensure that his nephew had the appropriate care and upbringing. Tiberius counted himself lucky, he had lost much in the purge, but there were those who had lost more. At least he still had family. @Chris

Laurels on the charioteer's head, the winning team set off on a slow victory lap whilst the bay team finished exiting the arena. The next competitors would be waiting in the wings as soon as the chestnut team cleared the field, and the next heat would begin. In the meantime there was a lull. Tiberius took a sip of his watered wine against the heat of the day, idly scanning the crowds to see whether he recognised anyone amongst those who were enjoying a lazy afternoon watching the chariot heats. Rather than the familiar feeling of recognition, as he glanced around Tiberius felt the slight shock of finding himself the received of an unfamiliar but very frank gaze. A young man, perhaps a few years younger than himself, with grey-blue eyes, was looking up at him. As their gazes met the other smiled and even waved, then suddenly looked away. Tiberius searched his memory; did he know the youth? He was pretty sure that he didn't. No doubt the other recognised him as one of the Imperials. Well, an important part of being an Imperial was representing the will and wellbeing of Rome's citizens, and one couldn't do so if one didn't know what that was. It was easy for someone in power to think only of how they might benefit themselves, or how they wanted the Empire run. But that did not make good leadership. Beconning to a member of the Praetorian Guard, he asked the man to go and invite the youth to speak with him. @Atrice

There were a few giggles; well, what should one expect? Like Greek athletes the two young man ran naked, and the audience contained many women, but theirs was a trust of the Gods. Tiberius tries to tell himself that they weren’t laughing at him. He’d been chosen for this sacred duty, that offered some small salve for uncertain adolescent pride. Hands were extended, and occasionally a back was bared. Each youth ran down one side of the route, and Tiberius flicked his bloodied last onto the proffered skin, not hard and not really paying any attention to who it belonged to, just desperate not to miss anyone who’d come for the blessing. Some would be newly wed and eager, others lacking a child and hopeful a blessing would help them. I’ll leave that one for you, cousin! Titus’s call caught Tiberius’s attention, and sure enough, near his twin sister who was hanging back out of range, was a young lady with her back bared. Dashing over with a grin, Tiberius flicked the lash of fresh skin at the woman’s back, trying to turn it so that the bloody side hit her skin, but not too hard, and seeing that he left a mark. Then he smirked at his sister Claudia, brandished the lash in a mock-threat before winking and running off again. If he actually hit her with it he’d never hear the end of it. A woman, still young but with the figure of a mother, left the side of one he recognised as Cornelii-Scipionis; Appius, he recalled, to hold out her hands. Tiberius smiled at her warming and flicked the bloody strips of hide lightly over her skin, hoping that she would get her wish. He was reasonably sure they had children, but that did not mean they should not wish for more. @Gil @Anna @Jenn @Gothic @Echo @Brian

It was a rare moment of freedom; he'd been trusted to go to the Emporium Magnum, the grand markets, on an errand. It was only picking up a garment that had been ordered, for his mistress, and he knew that it was a test to see how he handled this extra level of freedom, but it was heady none the less, to walk across the flagged square and not be bothered by anyone. There was someone bothering other people, however. A big brute of a man, a boy cowering before him, a ring of cowards who wouldn't step forward, and then as he watched, one did and just about got laid flat. A lad with red hair, unusual amongst Romans but far more common amongst Aeneas's own people. He was dressed like a slave, but a well-kept one. He wasn't sure from this angle what station in life the big man held. But someone was going to get pummelled if no one did anything, and likely it would now be the youth who'd tried to intervene. Who might his owner be? "You hit valuable slave, his Dominos ask expensive questions." Aeneas pointed out, stepping into range and eyeing the brute with the eye of an experienced fighter. Under his pale, freckly skin he'd developed the musculature of a gladiator, though he was still tall and lean compared to the big man who seemed to get his jollies from abusing others. Aeneas was never going to have that herculean build that some favoured, but he was quick and light on his feet, and right now entirely focused on the brute and the question of whether or not he would see sense, or pick Aeneas as his next target. @Sharpie

Is that so? He nodded in a reserved fashion, offering nothing further for the moment. He wanted to see how Cynane responded. It was an odd feeling, considering his own standing and politics less than those of his mistress, to whom his own were of course inextricably tied. But he supposed it was no different to talking to members of neighbouring clans, and minding their chieftains' business. Claudia Caesaris; that was a name he knew, even if he hadn't been able to put a face to it until Cynane nodded towards the young lady with the dramatic combination of fair skin and dark hair, as elaborately styled as her clothes. Oh yes, he'd heard that name before, the young lady who occupied the position that his mistress felt should be hers. "They cousins." He pointed out. Two Claudias, both named for the line of Caesars from which they descended, but his was the daughter of a freed slave and a man who might have been Caesar but never was, whilst Cynane's was the daughter of a Caesar who had actually been, and a lady of high birth. This was all information he'd gleaned slowly over time, from his mistress and the household slaves. He never commented on the difference in station, knowing that it was Corinthia's goal to be recognised as an imperial daughter, and in his interest to assist with such. "I still learn Romans." He admitted quietly. "First I sent to ludus. But my Domina and her mother both kind to me." Well, Corinthia shouted at him quite a bit, but he'd learned that she was all bark and no bite, at least where he was concerned, and her mercurial moods likely to blow over quickly if he simply weathered them. "They same age? Your Domina and mine." He suggested. Close anyway. "Could be good friends." He observed. If given the chance, anyway. And if Corinthia behaved herself. Surely she would recognise a political ally. @Atrice

Lexus thought he knew the establishment, which was all to the good. The slave had heard of it only, and via the guards, so goodness knew what quality it was. And whether a lady like Gaia should be seen there, not that the two men, slave and freeman, would let anything happen to her. Of course, he was sweaty and half-dressed, and probably stank, so it was not that surprising that the others suggested he might like to clean up, even as Aeneas was keen to exit the ludus as rapidly as possible. He couldn't argue with their good sense. "I go wash, get tunica." He confirmed, bowed slightly to the pair, and disappeared into the buildings of the ludus, long strides eating up the distance quickly. What an odd turn of events, he mused as he walked. Much as it pained him, the reality that he was never likely to return home was settling in, and thus he was beginning to wonder what life he might make for himself here. The additional freedoms that were beginning to come with trust and time were making that transition of thought a little easier. @Gothic@Atrice