Sarah

Tiberius stayed by the scroll shelves, perusing the tags with interest as Horatia made herself comfortable, though he'd probably selected what was currently the most interesting for him. But it also maintained a respectable distance between them. He smiled faintly at her chuckle. "I would appreciate knowing the concerns of the women of Rome." He replied, accepting her offer. "And I think that one learns the Plebs concerns by asking them, or those who work closely with them." He said. It was simple in concept but not always easy in execution. "They have their Tribunes of course, but to enter politics requires wealth comparable to an Equite." Which wasn't most of them. "In many cases one can simply read the writing on the walls." He gave a wry almost-smile. "Caesar has his concillium, of which both Aulus and I are a part, but in order to serve him best I am also finding a few more... unconventional advisors of my own, in order to have a better view on all the people of Rome." He revealed, thinking that Horatia with her interest in the workings of people and society might understand very well that Roman society wasn't just about the Patrician classes. "One of those advisors is a vigile." Which gave him a very different perspective on plebian lives. "But I am looking for others. I don't yet have an advisor on the concerns of the women of Rome." He added pointedly. @Sara

They squeezed their way out of the poppina and into the crowded streets where people were chatting and singing, and someone nearby was playing a pipe. A touch on her back caused Varinia to glanced over her shoulder, but it was only Marcus, keeping close. She wasn't quite certain what to make of the well bred young man who seemed to feel he had nothing to celebrate. From her point of view simply being born into a high class should be enough, but none of that was supposed to matter tonight, hence her suggestion that they look to the future instead. So she smiled at him and kept heading in the direction of the Temple of Saturn. It felt a little odd in a way. These Gods, with their great stone houses, were not the Gods she'd grown up with, though of course they had been introduced by the Romans and so were at least familiar. But her people's Gods had felt closer, more real. Now they felt distant, though she remembered being told by someone that they simply knew the Gods by other names, and that their Taranis was Rome's Jupiter, and so on. Her own personal theory was that, just as some minor deities were associated with one natural spring or sacred place, even the greater Gods were still tied to their own lands, and that those she'd been born with really were distant now. If that was true, then as they were in Rome it was right to pray to Roman Gods. As they reached the Temple and the great feast spread out before it, Marcus asked what they should offer. "My last domina said that Saturn was an old God, who brought both light and knowledge of farming to us, and we should offer the same to him." She remembered. "She would take cakes and candles." Candles were a traditional Saturnalia gift for that reason. "I have cakes we can give him." She offered. "But do you want to offer something, if you're asking for a blessing?" Making offerings to the Roman Gods wasn't something that she'd done a lot of as a slave, though she maintained the alter to the lares in Teutus's house. @Atrice

She's his concubina. Teutus continued to explain, and Varinia listened, focusing on carefully cutting the woolen threads so as not to leave room in her mind for jumping to conclusions or emotional reactions. Somewhere deep inside her a young woman - a girl really - was crying, but ever since she'd spoken to Tertius that day, the girl's internal voice had been dwindling. Varinia had known then that he wasn't for her. Once the threads were cut Varinia carefully looped them up, untangling her son and their few pieces of furniture in the process, and carried them over to the loom. Teutus had given her a great deal to think about, all at once. But she was thinking about it. Best to start with the easy part. "That was good of you to speak up for Charis, and it is the right thing to do, both for her and Peregrinus." Even she existed in that relationship under strict conditions, it would still be more than she'd had before. "So your father listened to you." She glanced across at him and offered him a smile, before she started tying the warp strings onto the loom beam. "Not that I am surprised. I am certain that he thinks better of you than you think he does." He was just awkward, she'd realised. But she was determined to do what she could to gently heal things between her beloved son and the man she'd borne him to. The other piece of news was rather more surprising, though perhaps it should not have been. "I didn't know that Tertius had another son. But I suppose you didn't either, until he arrived." Another glance in Teutus's direction, trying to gauge his thoughts. "What did you make of him?" What had it been like, finding he had a sibling? Varinia would have loved to have had more children, but after Tertius's father's response to finding out she was pregnant, it wasn't going to be with Tertius. And she feared what would happen if she had a child with another slave. Romans exposed children they didn't want, left them out for the Gods and the elements to decide their fate. She couldn't bear the thought of that, so she'd been careful not to conceive another. Now she was probably too old. @Sharpie

That looks important. Do you work in...the law? He glanced up at her, then frowned and curved the document in his hand away from her, not wanting her reading it over his shoulder. "Yes, I'm a lawyer." He replied shortly, trying to concentrate on his reading whilst he drank the awful coffee, though he did contemplate simply leaving it and getting one from the McDonald's drive through up the road. "The bill please?" He reminded her. Not for the first time he contemplated trying to find somewhere else to get lunch on Fridays, but apart from said McDonald's there was really nothing else around, so anything else would require a detour and trying to find somewhere to park. Sheer convenience was what kept him coming back to the Bell and Plow, that and the fact that whomever worked in the kitchen seemed to be infinitely better than whoever served behind the bar, though that wasn't hard. And the new girl seemed to be chatty. He didn't have time to chat. Time was money, and this was his lunch break. @Sara

I didn’t mean it like that… I… like your words. If anything, Tiberius's blush deepened. "Well, I'm glad then." He replied, somewhat lost for words which was an uncommon experience for the young Imperial. But somehow Sosia seemed quite capable of short-circuiting his brain, or at least any sense he had in it. Uncertain, he changed the subject and they spoke of the seasons and the things that they enjoyed, and she almost seemed to relax as they walked further into the gardens, as though she found the stone and wood buildings outside claustrophobic. Perhaps she did. One building became visible through the greenery, and Tiberius explained about the Villa Sullusti and how he was planning to move into it. But you don’t live there yet, do you? Could we… explore it? "Not yet no." He'd planned it for the new year, thinking that Jannus might bless the 'new year, new you' outlook. But the Villa was maintained for the use of the Imperial family. If Sosia wanted to see it, why not? It was an excuse to show her around, and the thought that she'd enjoy it made him smile. "Of course we can." He replied warmly, changing their direction to the path he knew led to one of the garden gates into the villa complex, a slave hurrying forward to have it opened for them. Beyond the gatehouse was the front courtyard of the villa, a fountain trickling in the midst of carefully pruned topiaries. Wide steps and columns framed the front entrance, the finials on the shaped red tiles on the corners of the roof painted gold and gleaming in the winter sunlight. "It's not one of the palaces, but I like it more in some ways. It actually feels like a home." Which was one of the reasons he'd chosen it, and now they were inside he was excited to show it to her. Hold out a hand to Sosia, he smiled warmly. "Come with me, I'll show you my favourite parts." He offered. @Atrice

"You know that you can invite Flavia and Caecina to visit." Tiberius pointed out. "It's your house too."Plus Flavia Juliana was his cousin and although there were a fair few years between them, it was always good to see family. Marcus could of course invite his step father too, though Tiberius got the impression that he wasn't particularly attached to him. But Tiberius had something on his mind and, after his initial hesitation, he decided to reveal that he'd kissed Sosia, to probably the only person he really could tell, other than perhaps Titus himself. But his brother was so busy these days. Tiberius missed their closeness, but he had others he was close to as well, like Marcus who was practically his brother. So he trusted him. I'm surprised you even kissed her then. Tiberius opened his mouth to say something, then paused and closed it again, looking out the window rather than meeting Marcus's gaze. "So am I." He admitted quietly. She had just been there, and he had just wanted to, and no thought of possible consequences had entered his head until afterwards. It wasn't like him at all not to think something through before acting, and it was very disconcerting. And he wasn't certain how he felt about it. Or rather he was certain, and knew he shouldn't be. Marcus helped by not helping at all, suggesting that Tiberius could set something up between himself and Sosia, that surely she wouldn't tell if she valued her reputation. "I'm sure she does." He said, though even as he said it he thought of Sosia's sweet and naive nature came to the fore. I'm sure her father values her reputation. Sosia hadn't objected to being kissed, but if anyone had seen them... Marcus was right that Tiberius could get away with it as an Imperia, but it would hurt Sosia. "I know that some Imperials in the past have been famous for their wild behaviour. It's not something that I want to be known for." Not that the concepts of Tiberius and Wild Behaviour really meshed anywhere. But... Marcus did have a point. If he could arrange a situation where he and Sosia could be together, then she'd have a choice. And if she chose him, surely she wouldn't then tell anyone. That was his other concern, he knew that many felt they couldn't say no to a member of the Imperial family, and he needed to know that she wasn't pressured into... anything she might choose to do. Because the Gods knew he did want to see her again. And more than see. "You know, we could have a party to celebrate us moving in here..." He suggested thoughtfully, looking at Marcus. It had been four months since the event in the Palace hortus. The Villa Sullusti was a bit of a maze which he knew better than anyone; surely it wouldn't be hard for he and Sosia to slip away. It felt terribly scandelous to even think of it, but at the same time, exciting. @Atrice

Tiberius was nervous. Excited yes, cautious yes, but mostly nervous. Many men made something of a big deal out of having sex with a woman, and whilst he didn't doubt it would be enjoyable, based on his own private investigations, he also knew nothing about this woman or indeed anything more than the theory of the act. But there was ultimately only one way to learn.Hhaving decided it was time he'd asked Marcus to make arrangements, and his friend had come through for him. The two young men were relaxing on couches in one of the villa's smaller entertainment rooms, food and wine already laid out before them. Well, Marcus was probably relaxing, Tiberius was trying to look relaxed. The wine was helping but he wouldn't drink too much, focusing instead on talking with Marcus about not very much. At least, until a slave slipped in with the news that their 'guests' had arrived. A few moments later the guests themselves were led into the room, twin figures in sensuous silk which hinted without fully revealing, designed to entice and far from proper. The effect was only accentuated by the jewellery, all of which complimented the natural beauty of the two women. Both had exotic colouration, one dark and one fair, and they offset each other perfectly. As one with a classical education, Tiberius could recognise craftmanship when he saw it. Somehow that actually made him feel better, more confident, seeing the care with which these two had put together their appearances. All the world's a stage, and all the people in it merely players. He knew all about presenting an image, and it was clear they did as well. "Marcus, you didn't tell me you'd hired us a work of art." He mock-protested, turning to offer the women a smile. He recognised the pale woman vaguely from the party, and since she'd introduced the other as Liana, she had to be Vibia. He wasn't certain if her calm confidence was enticing or intimidating; time would tell. "Not at all, we were just enjoying a light cena." He gestured to the spread of fine foods and wine. "Would you care to join us?" He glanced at Marcus, not sure if he was doing this right but trusting his friend to back him up. @Atrice@Sara

Lucius was trying, he really was, he just wasn't used to thinking like a love-lorn teenager. And he didn't really understand what his sister was looking for, what constituted a man she thought she could love. He had a feeling that it was something rather difficult to define, and that Ovinia herself was going to be the best judge. Still, he was a little affronted at her easy condemnation of his fellow Tribune. "I never said that he was a drinker, just that I got along with him." After all, Lucius wasn't an excessive drinker either. "So I thought you might too. I mean, I am your favourite brother, right?" He grinned in what he clearly thought was a winning fashion. But he also felt that Ovinia could do better politically. Except that a political union wasn't her focus. Why did she ask his opinion and then reject his every suggestion? Lucius held the suspicion that it was because his sister didn't really know what she wanted, in terms she could define, only that she'd know it when she saw it. Or him. So the obvious answer in his mind was for her to see more men. "That party was for under 30s, but I'm sure there'll be others." He pointed out. She really loved to play Dis' Advocate, one of her less endearing traits. "You'll just have to keep an ear out, and get yourself invited." Ovinia had good enough family connections and a strong enough personality that her brother had every confidence in her in that arena. The idea of talking to other women about looking for love didn't go down so well though. Still, it wasn't sunk completely. "Most of your married friends; that's not all of them." He pointed out, displaying the annoying fact that despite his laid back attitude he was his father's son. "Come on 'Nilla, do you really think you're the only woman out there who's ever looked for love?" He was sure she wasn't. Yes, he thought it was dumb, but she probably thought his lack of political ambition was dumb. That didn't mean that they couldn't help each other with what they each truly wanted. "But yes, you do need to reply to some invitations, and of course I'll be your chaperone." He assured her. "After all, there might be other eligible young ladies there." He waggled his eyebrows comically. But he would absolutely be there to support her. Her pouty wish/complaint surprised Lucius a little. "What, the kind of 'civility' where I won't let father know you've been in his tablinum, looking at his tablets?" He asked with a grin, offering back the one she'd brought him. But the grin faded quickly. Did she really miss him being around that much? It was actually nice to be missed. He drew in a breath and blew it out through puffed cheeks. "I've been avoiding father." He admitted. "Because I didn't know what I was going to say to him." Not after failing to kick off his political career with a Quaestorship. Then he brightened up. "But now I do, thanks to you. So I guess I'm out of reasons to avoid the domus." He sounded almost chirpy. Suddenly things were looking better, all thanks to his sister. "I have to spend some time at the barracks and the military academy, of course, but I'll make you a deal." He said, grabbing himself a handful of grapes and idly throwing one at her, trying to aim it to go down the front of her tunica. "I'll spend as many evenings at home as I can, if you'll go through your invitations and find us some parties to go to. Deal?" He asked, raising his brows questioningly in her direction, and incidentally threatening her with another grape. @Sara

Valerius seemed to have a good head on his shoulders, certainly better than the brothel's last owner, whom Spurius had avoided save when absolutely necessary. He was glad he'd decided to speak with him, it gave him the impression that the two of them could work well together for the benefit of their respective businesses. It was very satisfying speaking with someone who was not only another businessman but one who was clearly a practical sort and who knew his trade. Far too many were either overly optimistic or eminently impractical, whose unrealistic expectations were annoying to deal with. Spurius didn't think that he and Valerius were going to have any such problems. Given his impressions of the Elysium in it's current state, he hadn't had any desire to venture further into the building. Well then it's about time you see more. Valerius seemed almost excited to show him, and Spurius could relate to the enthusiasm to share a new business development with someone who would really understand the ins and outs of it. So he followed with interest, quietly pleased that the other man seemed to want to give him the tour, rather than doing so out of some sense of duty. Beyond the office they moved into the working section of the building, where small rooms were curtained off from the hallway and in some of them the girls - Spurius tried to remember if he'd seen any boys as well - were working from the sound of things. It was hardly spacious, but it looked as though the roof had been fixed and it was as discrete as it needed to be. Very practical. Very validating as to why he'd always get a whore to his house, rather than visiting the brothel himself. But the usual patrons were those who likely lived in crowded insulae, so it worked well. Valerius explained his history with the brothel, stipulating as he did so that his father was married, he wasn't got on some whore. Spurius shrugged. "I wasn't wondering, it's not really relevant to business, save that I do pick up the odd whore-born infant to raise." Just in case Valerius needed to get rid of any. As a slave, of course. Infants who were rejected and exposed to the elements and the will of the Gods were one source of slaves. The young boy Amandus whom he'd sold recently had been one of those. "Returning the family business to it's former level is quite the project." He observed in a tone that made it clear he approved of the venture. @Atrice ( @Sara?)

So this was the Wulfric that Teutus had told her about. Perhaps Varinia was talking too quickly, but her mind was going at the speed of a bird, thinking about the implications on their rather odd extended family of Tertius having yet another illegitimate son, made somehow much more real now that she'd met him. Surely not every Roman male fathered bastards across the Empire? Or maybe they did and she just didn't know. Perhaps it was best to focus just on their family, rather than contemplating the enormous, unfathomable void that was Romans being weird. He did not know he have me. So presumably the arrival of this young man - Wulfric of the Chatti - had been a complete surprise to Tertius, and Varinia recalled Teutus's suggestion that his father - their father - did not like surprises. But he had been stationed in Germania, and Wulfric confirmed that was where Tertius had 'known' his mother. So presumably he'd left before Wulfric had been born, or indeed before Tertius could even hear that he'd been conceived. And then the young man across from her came to the crunch. Tertius didn't want to know him. Her heart sank. On the one hand she could understand him not wanting any further complications in his life; on the other she felt deeply for the young man who'd clearly come halfway across the Empire to see his father. And having come all this way and been refused, Wulfric was planning to leave. "I'm sorry." She said quietly, not knowing what else to say. "I know that under Roman law, he doesn't have to acknowledge you as his, and that there are legal implications if he does. That might be why he sent you away." She said it as gently as she could. Then she turned a frank gaze on him. "But you're welcome to visit with Teutus and I, whenever you like." OK, that was assuming that Teutus would get along with his half-brother, with wasn't a given, but he hadn't said he'd disliked him when they'd met. But Wulfric had already said he was leaving. @Atrice

Ione had become part of the household's weekly routine, and if Linus had formed an opinion on the fact that Ione had served their master more directly last time (for of course they all knew) he gave no indication as he ushered her inside. Movement at the doorway from the atrium indicated that at least one of the twins was hovering in the periphery, waiting for her arrival. But there was a certain hesitation in their movements, as though they weren't certain whether the routine was going to change now that their master was involved. As though summoned by the unspoken thought, Spurius appeared at the far end of the atrium, moving from another room in the direction of his tablinum. He glanced in her direction and paused, taking in the view of the primped and preened Ione in her pink chiton, slim shoulders bare save for the long, light brown hair that fell past them in waves. She cleaned up well, surprisingly well; she was actually quite pretty. Not a great beauty, but certainly attractive when not clad in a shapeless tunica and air of downtrodden resignation. It was an agreeable change, and Spurius realised that she would have gone to that effort for him, as a wealthier client. He supposed it made sense, she probably didn't have any others of his class and neither would her colleagues. That was the logical train of thought. The illogical one was rather more focused on how attractive she looked. Perhaps she wouldn't inspire any of the great sculptors, but as the sum total of women he'd been intimate with any time recently, and what with attraction being largely psychological, part of him that wasn't that logical definitely took note. Which he was certain was the point. The desire to simply have her now came up against years of experience of not being manipulated by slaves. "Good, you're here." He acknowledged her. "See to the twins. Then when you've had your bath and your meal, come to my tablinum." He instructed, and then he was gone, disappearing into the mentioned room without a further word. He knew it was the right thing to do, to maintain order, routine and expectations. He was mildly irritated by the fact that it wasn't really what he wanted to do. But Spurius had an iron will - or stubborness - that you could bend horse shoes around. It was the reason he'd got where he was today. Exactly where he was. @Sara

The barbarian woman inserted herself into the group at Tiberius's side, though the Praetorian Guard who'd initially levelled his spear at her fell in just behind them, ready to jump between if she tried anything. She was a woman but she was a foreigner, and few were trusted in the Imperial presences. Tiberius on the other hand trusted his people to do their jobs and was rather more intrigued by their visitor, who complained of a lack of welcome since her arrival. "I'd put that down to cultural differences." He said mildly. "The average Roman only knows our own Princesses, and clearly our peoples do things differently." Certainly no Roman princess would dream of or be allowed to make a pilgrimage so far on their own. How had she not been accosted or assaulted? Or had she come with some of her countrymen and simply thought to come to the Palace on her own? Yes, surely that was more likely. "The Emperor is busy; the Empire is eight times the size of all of Germania Magna." He explained evenly. Perhaps that would give her some idea of the difference in scale between a Germanic Chieftain and the Roman Emperor. "But if it's your brother that you seek, I am sure that I can help you." Surely one man, one barbarian prince, couldn't be that hard to find? "Do you know what his business is here in Rome? Or whether he has a particular friend or contact?" He could probably find a known citizen more easily than a barbarian, though her brother was likely to stand out. It also begged the question of what her brother was doing here, that she needed to come and find him. The group made their way away from the Palace and down the Argiletum, past temples and thermae, down to the valley between the Pincian and Quirinal Hills, where the Gardens of Sullust and several other horti were located. @Sara

The cup that arrived had a dome of foam on top of it that wobbled as the waitress put it down. He looked at it, then looked at her. "That's a cappuccino." He said blandly. I really need to find a cafe around here. It served him right, he was sure. Presumably their beer was better, but he wasn't going to try it. He spread a hand over the cup to stop her from taking it. "Never mind, that will do." He could drink a cappuccino. He just needed some caffeine. Setting his knife and fork on the empty plate, he nodded at the girl's enquiry, noting the light Scottish accent. She was a fair way from home. "That's everything, thank you. " He replied, indicating that she could take the plate away. "Can I get the bill?" He'd nearly finished his reading; he could drink the coffee and go. Closing the laptop, he picked up the briefcase and sorted through his papers until he found the folio for this afternoon's work, setting it on the table whilst he put the laptop away. Apparently he was to look at a case for the women's shelter. The words Legal Proceedings were visible at the top of the document he pulled out of the folio, whilst taking a sip of the coffee. It really was awful. He hoped the woman behind the bar was better at pulling pints.

No. I haven't met anybody. Lucius was about to open his mouth - and not for more bread - but suddenly Ovinia jumped up, admonishing him to stay put, and disappearing into the house. A few moments, and the rest of his bread, later she reappeared, a wax tablet in her hand, which she offered over. He took it, and immediately recognised their father's style. He silently raised an eyebrow at her, then perused the list as she explained that he was looking at her possible futures. Oh boy. Suddenly the tablet felt really heavy in his hand, but he tried not to let it show on his face. Instead he focused his attention on her question. "They're all from good, Patrician families." He ventured after a moment. "I don't think any of them that I recognise have a father who isn't a Senator, and I'm pretty sure a number are themselves." Their father was, as always, aiming high. "Cassius Longinus is pater familias, was married but only has a daughter." So she'd have his heir. "I've heard that he's a bit free with his funds though." He added. "No idea whether he's a lover but I know he's a fighter." He'd been in the military. "Lucius Caecilius Metellus. Nope, way too old. Plus he's already got an heir." He'd personally rather that his sister was a first wife, but this wasn't about him. "Who else..." Some of these were really outside options, if he knew them at all. "Publius and Lucius Horatius Justinius." His brows rose slightly. Maybe. "Very good family. Their sister, Horatia Justinia, is married to Calpurnius Praetextatus, the previous Consul. Lucius is the younger, about my age, I met him briefly at the military academy; nice fellow." Which was to say that he'd been friendly and laid back and they'd got along well. "He'd probably be my pick." But they were discussing Ovinia's future husband, not his drinking buddy. "Publius is the pater familias now. He's had a long military career, only just completed a provincial Quaestorship but he was already an elected Senator. Married previously and has a son and daughter." He said, trying to recall the gossip in the barracks. "I did hear that he was very fond of his wife, and took her death hard. Maybe there was love there?" He suggested tentatively. But really, he had no idea who might appeal to his sister, who she might be able to love. Who might be able to love her. "At the end of the day, I think father's right." He said, then hurried to clarify because he knew that would go over like a dead rat in the store room. "You need to get out more. Meet some of these men if you can, see if any of them strike you as lovable." How would she know if she didn't meet them? "Maybe at some official event, like that party at the palace we went to. Surely there will be more like that, and you might be able to meet some of these eligible sons." And if she could form and opinion on them to take to their father, she might just get her way. "Have you talked to any other women about this?" He asked suddenly. "I mean, there's mother." But he wondered suddenly whether there was any love in his parent's relationship. It wasn't a comfortable thought. "Or... I heard that Praetextatus speaks very highly of his wife, and she runs a reading club..." Maybe Ovinia could go along and find an opportunity to have a chat, woman to woman? @Sara

Settling her bare weight onto his good leg - he did notice that consideration - Ione hooked her slim legs over his scarred one and looped an arm around his neck. The way she sat meant that he had one arm around her back, and he brought his other around to linked his hands across her hip, shifting her gently into a slightly more comfortable position. She surprised him then by lifting a hand to his face and tracing the lean angles of his cheek. It was a wonderfully gentle touch. Did I please you sir? He gave her a faint, wry smile. "You did." He assured her, looking at her face up close for the first time. Her eyes were an unusually dark blue, he realised. She usually kept them downcast - as a good slave should - and he'd assumed they were brown. Shifting a hand to her shoulder, he puller her gently to him, to encourage her to lean against his chest. Feeling relaxed in the afterglow, he wanted to hold her, enjoy the comfort of a woman in his arms, and perhaps imagine that she was Antonia and they'd been married for fifteen years. She wasn't of course, she was some bony, cheap whore from a nasty brothel. But somehow she was also more than that. How on earth had he managed to end up with her in his lap? Perhaps she was better at her job than he gave her credit for. Right now it didn't matter. Right now he had her here, in his arms, warm and light, her bare skin against his chest and leg, her washed hair against his chin, and it felt good. He decided that there didn't need to be more to it than that. Eventually he gave her an unceremonious pat on the bum. "Up you get."He said bluntly. "It's time you were going." She'd be missed otherwise. "Have a sip of wine if you want. I'll see that your guard is paid for your extra time." That was only fair he thought, as he indicated the cup on his desk. He watched her thoughtfully as she dressed. "I want you up here for longer, next week. I'll take you upstairs." He had promised he would, if she was good. And she was good. The he reached into his pouch and pulled out two dupondii, which he offered over one at a time. "This one is for your coin jar." He told her quietly. "And this one is to go to the baths and get a massage lesson." He figured he could definitely benefit from that investment. "You did well, but you always learn more." An hour ago his leg had been killing him and he'd been in a foul mood. Now his leg felt much better and he was in a far better mood. Who'd have thought? She surprised him. @Sara

At least we have each other. Marcus's words and hand on Tiberius's shoulder were met with a warm smile, of one brother to another. Marcus's step mother was Tiberius's cousin, though much his senior, and they'd been raised together in the palace, together with Titus and Claudia, Rutiliana and young Drusus, and Marcus's brother Lucius who was frequently their ring leader. As far as he was concerned, they were family. These who questioned why two young men with such different natures were so close clearly knew nothing of their upbringing, and the losses they had both suffered. "We do." Tiberius agreed, clasping Marcus's hand firmly for a moment. They had each other, and nothing would change that. Diversity was the spice of life, and Tiberius felt that they each brought different things to their friendship as they grew into adulthood, and that was a good thing. In this case, this sort of dry, legal untangling was his forte. He loved old documents and histories and detailed accounts of other lands, all brought to life through the words on parchments. Marcus loved other things, things that moved and breathed and were lively, and Tiberius was learning from that. They were helping each other. Not as far as I know. He’s been busy with other things... But Marcus sounded a bit confused. Not surprisingly, it had taken Tiberius weeks to untangle the various clauses, and he still wasn't certain of the eventual outcome, but then he didn't know the whole of Marcus's situation. Hopefully together they could work out the last parts, and determine a course of action. You’re saying he can’t inherit because he’s not married. "That's exactly what I'm saying." Tiberius confirmed. "Ideally the father should, in his will, designate a pupillaris substitutio if the heir is a minor; someone who acts as guardian to the heir until they can inherit, and who inherits in their stead if the heir dies before they can inherit. In my case it was my mother's second husband Honorius, and then her brother, Quintus, who adopted me." Caesar to anyone else at the time. "So he's still my guardian at the moment." Even though Tiberius was legally adult. "And, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that's what happened with your sister and brother." He recalled. "That they are your father's brother's children?" He hoped he'd got that right. The families were close of course, Junia had married his half-brother, and Caesar, Junus, so he and Marcus were technically brothers in law, though Tiberius considered them to be closer than that. @Sharpie@Atrice

Part of Spurius's business plans comprised being able to deal in a wide range of slaves, including fresh barbarians, but his success lay in being able to deal the right slave to the right buyer. He wouldn't sell barbarians to those who weren't ready for the challenges of those not born into slavery, just as he wouldn't sell a slave with good skills to one who wouldn't appreciate those skills, no matter their age. But an older prostitute, trained in the Domus Venus, could be a real steal for a rising brothel like Valerius seemed to hope the Elysium could be. He confirmed that they understood each other. Smiling in turn, Spurius inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement. "Then I shall bear that in mind." He assured the man. There were a couple of other better quality brothels too, whose used goods might also be suitable for the man's purpose. He'd assess any that arrived, and offer those whom he considered suitable. Do you want a tour of the brothel? Spurius wasn't particularly interested in the brothel itself, but he was interested to see what Valerius wanted to show him. Anything could be an indicator as to the man's tastes and thus indicate which slaves he was more likely to want to purchase. "Certainly." He replied evenly, and followed his host in emptying his glass and rising to his feet, staff held firmly in his hand. "I've not previously been further than this office." So if Valerius wanted to show him the whole building, some of it would be new. Frankly he'd seen enough of it previously not to want to see the rest, but as he'd mentioned he'd already noted changes. "Were you involved with the Elysium prior to it's current owner?" He asked as he followed Valerius, recalling the comment about returning the place to it's former glory. Perhaps he'd been an employee, maybe even the old owner. He didn't look like he'd been owned. @Atrice

Can I get you anything else? Spencer looked up from his laptop as the waitress arrived at his table, tray in hand. He didn't recognise her; either she was new or she'd picked up a shift, but he'd noticed that Meg, who usually worked Fridays, wasn't here today. Perhaps this woman was filling in. She didn't look nearly as well fed as Meg, quite the opposite in fact, and somewhat harried. He thought he recognised some of the possible flags from his work with the women's shelter. Still, it wasn't his business. "I prefer it inside, thank you." He replied mildly, gesturing to his laptop. If it was a wet day and the tap room was busy he would stick noise cancelling earbuds in, but it was nice not to need to. He was nearly finished his lunch, and his glass was empty. Not of beer, or cider; never these days, but the lemonade was gone. "Could I get a coffee? Flat white." Perhaps it was odd that he ate at a pub when he didn't drink, but it was literally the only place he'd found tolerable that was on a direct route, and whatever saved him time was precious. @Sara

He is my father. Just like that, her fears were confirmed. Yet somehow she'd already known the answer. Once she'd seen the light outline his features, she'd known, even if she hadn't wanted to. "My son is... twenty-seven years now." She said, after a moment's thought. How was it that her little boy was that old? Fully a man grown. But he was, and she was proud of him. "His name is Teutus. Tertius may have mentioned him?" She suggested. The man had said that he knew Tertius, at least that's what she thought he'd said, though she wasn't sure that something hadn't been lost in translation. He is difficult. There it was again. Teutus insisted that his father was difficult to deal with. Alexius had said the same. Now this young man. "I've not found him to be difficult." She admitted. "But perhaps... perhaps I have not wanted something from him that he did not feel he could give." She suspected that might have been what strained things between Teutus and his father. Teutus had wanted to be his heir, Tertius had probably wanted the same. But then he'd found that legally he couldn't do it. She suspected that was what had happened. "My name is Varinia." She told the young man. "I was a slave in his father's household." She explained. "Now I am free." And she was very glad of it. "I'd be lying if I said I'm not annoyed at him for having yet another child outside of his household, but I'm not annoyed at you." She offered him a motherly smile as evidence of this. "I only wonder why you're waiting outside his door." What was he waiting for? Tertius to come out? Or the courage to go in? @Atrice

AU * Mirror Mirror - 'Spencer' and 'Iona' Spurius's Domus

The Chatti. Across the Rhine. The people his own had tried to conquer and failed, and their closest neighbours to the border in that region. She declared herself a grandaughter of a (the?) chieftain of the Chatti, and therefor a Princess. Tiberius smiled faintly. Depending on the people, a chieftain could be leader of just a few families, making him more equivalent to the pater familias a large family than an Emperor, yet each seemed to think themselves comparable to the latter, with all the same hauteur. Still, if she was a representative of a people who were not yet a part of the Empire, she was worth wooing. "I'm afraid we're not accustomed to Princesses arriving so discretely, nor unexpectedly, at the palace gates" He replied mildly. Someone who was truly the equivalent of, or close second to, an Imperial Princess would be expected to arrive with a full entourage. This Hilda didn't even appear to have a chaperone, or perhaps her people didn't care? Barbarians did all kinds of strange things. Do I have the honour of speaking to the Emperor? Tiberius made an effort not to appear condescending. Likely if one approached another Germanic tribe, one might speak to the chieftain on request. No doubt Hilda had no idea of the layers of bureaucracy that surrounded Caesar, Emperor of Rome. But ignorance was not a crime, unless it was wilful ignorance. Even if her reason for being here didn't really warrant Imperial attention, he could perhaps help forge diplomatic ties. "I am Tiberius Claudius Sabucius. The Emperor's brother." He said mildly. "And his closest advisor." He added. "What you say to me, he will hear. If it warrants his attention, I will bring you to him." Then he smiled mildly. "But I may be able to assist you myself. Will you walk with me?" With a gesture, he indicated that the Palatine Guard should stand down, and the spearhead was no longer pointed at Hilda's chest. @Sara

Maybe, Domine. But would you have believed a simple 'no'? Jason pulled gently at the horse's ears, his gaze downcast. "Yes." Tiberius said simply. "You've given me no reason not to believe your word." Which was true. Jason had never caused trouble, never lied that Tiberius had found out, always been obedient. And Tiberius had never questioned him, never needed to. But seeing him on the back of a horse, knowing how he could ride, had given the young Imperial sudden pause. After all, it was what he would have done, if their roles were reversed. Been the perfect slave until the opportunity had arrived, then run when he was certain they couldn't catch him. It was a simple enough step to project that onto Jason. The disappointment settled in him, but it wasn't directed at Jason. Tiberius had felt that they were making some revolutionary steps, exploring the idea that slaves could have more autonomy, more identity, and still maintain their roles. But Jason's reaction to his question suggested that giving an inch could lead to the taking of a mile. Still, one set back didn't mean that the whole concept was flawed. As with any relationship, sometimes things needed renegotiating, and he had started it. "We'll go down to the river then." He said, allowing a slight smile. "We'll have a run with them." He turned in his saddle and pointed to two Palatine Guards. "You two, mount up and follow us." It wouldn't take them long but Tiberius was disinclined to wait. He turned the bay's head in the direction of the gate and kicked him into motion. As the two rode at a walk through the streets towards the river, Tiberius was deep in thought. He wanted to understand Jason, wanted to work out what restrictions could be eased, and which were necessary, and which might even be required to be tightened, to ensure a more secure and more content slave population. How could he make it easier on them - easier on Jason - without inviting behaviour that was likely to cause trouble. He'd noticed the appearance of the tiny braids, noticed the bead, and said nothing. Some owners would permit a slave no personal expression, others allowed much for a valuable slave, but it was all at the discretion of their dominus. That might seem well, tailoring each to the slave, but not every owner was fair, equitable and mild of temper. What he wanted, if such were even possible, was to suggest changes in slave laws which would rein in the hands of poor owners and permit acceptable freedoms to good slaves. But whether improvements were possible, he didn't yet know. And poor Jason was bearing the brunt of his experiment. Eventually he began to speak again, loud enough for Jason to hear him. "You said that your father is a chief of your people. How did you come to be a slave?" Usually the Romans only enslaved leaders of people they conquered by force, and to the best of his knowledge there had been no Sarmatian tribes conquered in his lifetime. @Sharpie

Claudia Caesaris would get along well with Horatia Justinia, he was sure of it. They were both intelligent women with independent minds. He would encourage her to come to Horatia's reading club. It was heartening to hear Horatia say that quietness was a virtue, making it clear that she understood in a way that others who thought that volume and force equated with power didn't. "It's not necessarily a bad thing to be underestimated." He observed in turn. Not that he tended to drop of people's radars, being an Imperial, but it was easy to lurk in Titus' shadow. "And there is a lot to be learned from actually listening, instead of just waiting for a turn to speak." And from observing others of course. He perused her collection of scrolls, finding a tag that declared it to be observations from a Roman officer stationed on the northern Germanian border. Across that border lived the Sarmatian tribes to the west, and the Dacians to the south west, and Tiberius had taken a sudden interest in learning more about them. Particularly the Sarmatians. Horse nomads who raided both Roman settlements and Parthians, the seed of an idea had been planted when Tiberius had learned that his own body slave, Jason, was Sarmatian, after hearing Aulus previously bemoan the Parthian raids. Would it be possible to make peace with the Sarmatians and redirect their raids against the Parthians? Both would benefit Rome. If he could wrangle for his military term to be spent, at least initially, in northern Germania, he and Aulus might be able to negotiate something. Mind you, Horatia might not thank him for taking them that far north. He needed to work on the idea further, then speak to Aulus. Right now however, their thoughts were on things other than Imperial politics. Familial politics were also interesting, and the prospect of meeting Aulus's mother at the upcoming event was quite intriguing. And his father, presumably. Quite the family. He felt a momentary pang of jealousy, but only because they seemed to be a large and very functional family. He pulled the scroll carefully from it's pigeonhole. "I believe that you can also learn much from listening to those to whom others do not." He offered carefully. "The Senate and Patrician classes are regularly loud, though I wouldn't say uncultured and not always brash." He smiled faintly as though at some private joke. "But there are other large portions of society which are equally important. The Plebian classes of course, and the women of Rome." He met her gaze. "Not everything of import happens in the Senate." @Sara

Varinia hadn't meant to bring down the tone of the conversation, yet the question of the future and things to celebrate seemed to suddenly draw Marcus into a sombre and introspective mood. Perhaps he'd wanted to just live in the moment tonight, and not think about whatever else was happening in his life. It just showed how wrong the assumptions she'd automatically made about his easy life could be. All of the Gods' children have problems. Her words didn't seem to be helping much, so Varinia stopped talking, content to just be there whilst Marcus thought things through, silent support. She ate a little of the food and sipped her wine, startled for a moment when he looked at her with a sad expression, so much like Teutus when he'd learned she was to be sold. He would have been a similar age; maybe slightly younger. Whatever could trouble this young man so? So he was starting the cursus honorum. Perhaps that would give young Marcus some purpose in his life. Suddenly his expression shifted, as though he'd had an idea, and he asked her whether she'd visit the Temple of Saturn with him. Why not? "Sure." She said with a smile, and echoed his gesture by draining her glass as well, despite a fear that the wine might go to her head. Doing something was better than sitting here moping. "Lets go see Saturn's feet." Why not? She rose to her feet and in the reversal of roles of the event, offered him a hand up. @Atrice

He could buy cloth, she knew. Could buy clothing, but that wasn't the point. This was women's work, and this tunic was being made with love. She'd bought the fleece, carded and spun the wool, dyed it in batches and Teutus had been terribly tolerant of the baskets taking over the living area and the dyed skeins hanging up to dry. Today was the day she started the big project, and she had it all planned out. She was even going to work some fancy patterning into the neckline. And she was secretly pleased that Teutus was taking an interest in the project. It was what women were expected to do, but she was taking a delight in doing it for him. As she wound out another line of warp, they discussed plans for having Charis and Peregrinus to dinner, which would be something to look forward to. Charis seemed lovely, and her little boy was just adorable. Then Teutus dropped his bombshell. Father freed her, you know. She hadn't known. She hadn't even expected it, and the shock made her pause in her winding as, for a moment, she felt stunned. Tertius had freed Charis. A little voice, the voice of a girl in love, protested but he never freed me! But of course he couldn't, he'd never owned Varinia. She'd never been his to free, except for in her heart. It was easy to draw parallels between her and Teutus, and Charis and Peregrinus. But there were also a lot of differences. "That will be a good thing for her." She said carefully, continuing her winding. "I imagine she's pleased." She wound off the last of that particular ball of wool, before looking across at her son. He sighed. "You don't look too pleased though."She said, and her tone was all empathy, no judgement. "What are you thinking, Makki?" @Sharpie