Atrice

*waves* I'm here too! I haven't been very active myself the last few months, too much stuff going on in RL leaving very little motivation and muse to write proper posts here. I miss writing though, and as others have said, with other words I think... I would be very sad to see AeRo just close for good. It's my favorite site, I've been a member for over 10 years now, I've left and come back a few times and it has always been a nice and welcoming community, where you could just pick up your old characters and stories and continue on with new plots and shenanigans. It's an amazing board! Great stories, great lore, great writers. I've tried other sites a few times, but this is where I've always returned to, because it's just the best. Have I praised AeRo enough now? Not sure Anyway, I just want to see the site go on. I would be sad to lose my characters and the stories I've built up over the last decade (fx Alexius must live on, he's been through so much and he's not done yet). If it was a reboot of the site, where we could keep on with our characters and maybe less grand plotlines than before, that would be great. But if it means more work and admins not being able to keep it up, that wouldn't be good in the long run. We want our characters and stories to thrive and for us to thrive too, of course. I think a sandbox-thing might work out, if done right. Not too many areas to play in and make sure to keep one of the RP areas for the old AeRo plotlines, so we can keep our characters and keep on going with the stories we already have. Keep the character masks, if possible. Adding more areas too, so we can play out the same characters, but in different ways (like it's already done in the current AU board). Maybe with a few big plotlines or events coming out now and again for each area, so something "happens", that our characters have to react to. I could see that working out and maybe it being less work than the big reboot-idea. But, like I said... all I really want is for AeRo to live on so our characters can live on. So I suppose I'd be happy no matter what happens. As long as the site isn't closed and won't die out. Several people here have already offered their help with the future of AeRo and I'd like to give a hand too, if needed

Cynane Charis said it like it was. That this was really fucking awkward. Cynane nodded quietly. She spoke when she needed to, and only did so, once Charis had finished explaining about the dinner with them and her husband. Charis admitted she didn't want to make Cynane go through it, but Tertius had apparently just presumed he would be there - fucking Romans and their need for control over everything... and fucking Tertius and his need for control over Charis - and now he had to be there. Charis didn't like the idea, but her husband expected Cynane to come. Cynane brushed Charis' hand with her thumb, when Charis seemed to be on the verge of tears, "I'm here now." She replied softly, she hated seeing her friend upset. And it wasn't even Charis' fault she was upset, nor was it Cynane. It was Charis' fucking husband. "It seems I'll have to come then. I don't know why he wants to be there, I don't think he likes... me..." She trailed off as a memory came to mind and she rolled her eyes with a sigh, "Last time I was in that house, was when Peregrinus was born I think? Do you know what he said to me, when he met me? He didn't want us to talk in our own tongue in his house." She let out a laugh, "It all makes sense now. He thinks I'm a bad influence on you. Am I?" Cynane smirked, kind of liking that idea. Although it dawned on her, that if she came to that dinner, he'd like her even less afterwards. And that wasn't good. Then she'd never get to see Charis again. What a pickle! "I need a drink..." She waved her hand at a barmaid, who recognized her and knew what she wanted. They were close to the palace, it wasn't the first time Cynane had come here. It was the first time with Charis. @Sara

Cynane She smiled when he said her own hair would stand out where he was from, "It seems I would stand out anywhere around here." She replied, because she was used to it and she both didn't care about what people thought of her - but she also kind of enjoyed being different and not caring that people thought her odd. She did her thing the way she did it best. Screw the Romans for thinking her weird and exotic. Rufus commented on Claudia being safe on the Palatine, but also understanding that Cynane didn't relax when they were out and about. "Anything can happen, anywhere. I suppose you heard the stories about how my mistress' brother, who was the Caesar years ago, was murdered after a race? He was supposed to be safe too." She replied, she hadn't been in Rome back then and her mistress was barely old enough to remember, but she heard stories from the older Praetorians and Romans, who were there. As a member of the Imperial family, Claudia was never safe. The young Junus had even been murdered by a Praetorian. Claudia was much safer with Cynane, she believed. "It suits me well though, to guard her. If I can't be free, I'd rather do this than anything else." She added, "Are you comfortable as body slave to your master?" He must be, when he even took liberties like they were right now. @Sharpie

Cynane She smiled at him again. He earned a lot of smiles, didn't he? "It is indeed the hair. You don't see many - if any - Romans with hair like yours." She replied to him, thinking again of how it reminded her of home. Which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. But on the other hand, was it a good thing? She'd never been able to forget... "I like it." She finally added, because she decided it was a good thing to be reminded of home. Since she couldn't forget, why not just accept that? Cynane sat down when invited to do so and wondered if he had a habit of doing what they did now. He didn't, at first... but then said he did it when he wasn't going to be wanted. So he did it whenever he got the chance. Cynane nodded, thinking that perhaps she should do the same. It was the least she should do, after having served her people's enemies for so long. Rufus assumed right, when he thought she didn't get to relax often. "I don't. I am not supposed to, after all. I have to look after my mistress. Keep her safe... at all times." She explained, because that did explain everything. How could she relax, when she should always be alert and always be ready, should anything happen to Claudia? @Sharpie

Cynane She smiled again at his response to her explaining about being a bodyguard. Of course he wondered, everyone did, with her appearance. And she'd long since given up on caring about it. She wore this because it was practical and because she liked it - and because her mistress didn't mind. Rufus stood out too, with his hair. He had a special appearance too. Which made her wonder where he was from. She nodded at his words. "That explains a lot. I'm British too." Which tribe did his mother belong to, she wondered? Maybe he didn't know, because he was born here. Sometimes she thought it must be easier to have been born into slavery. You'd never tasted freedom, so didn't know what you were missing. She knew. While she mused to herself, Rufus said they could sit. "If you say so." She responded and looked around, then picked a couch, but so far only sat on it. She was far too aware and always alert to just relax... "Do you do this often? Sit in their furniture when they're not watching?" It was kind of rebellious and she had to admit, that part she didn't mind so much. @Sharpie

Cynane Cynane followed the other slave to a nearby room, richly decorated and it appeared to be a place where the Romans would make themselves comfortable. She didn't sit though, wasn't sure if she was supposed to, this was not her house, after all - and she didn't want to get into trouble. So she remained where she was and the other slave introduced himself and his rank within the house. She nodded. "Good to meet you, Rufus. I'm Cynane, Claudia's bodyguard... in case that wasn't obvious." She said with a small smile, gesturing to her outfit and appearance and looked at Rufus again. He didn't look very Roman at all, but he sure sounded like it, or, he didn't have a foreign accent at least, which made her curious, "You're not from Rome, are you?" @Sharpie

Cynane Cynane still hadn't decided what to do with her time here in the domus. She didn't know it that well, she'd been here maybe a few times before, but it was always brief and usually Claudia wanted her close by. But that wasn't what she chose to do today. Maybe Cynane should just stay here. Maybe she'd be back real soon. She eyed the chair again, but then a younger man, rather short and with stunning red hair, emerged into the atrium area where she stood. He almost reminded her of home somehow. Gods, she'd been in Rome for more than a decade, but Britannia would always be 'home', wouldn't it? Rome had never been home to her. He seemed surprised to see her too, paused for a moment taking her in, before he greeted her. "That's exactly what they did." Cynane said, considering that she might just make good use of the other slave being here. He appeared to be a slave anyway... "Do you know if there is a good place for me to be, while I wait... besides here?" @Sharpie

Cynane September, 77 AD Claudia had some errand with her uncle Octavius and Cynane, as always, followed wherever her mistress went. Claudia still said she felt most safe with Cynane close by, and Cynane also disliked Claudia leaving the palace without her, so of course she was coming. And well, of course she was also coming, because she was a slave and this was her duty to her mistress. It's not like she could just turn down an order, even if it was spoken in a friendly tone. But now they were here, Claudia went off into the garden with Octavius and Cynane was left in the atrium. She hadn't been here very often and she wasn't all that fond of Octavius... although he was of course the one who gifted her to Claudia, so without him, she'd still be a gladiatrix, she'd still be fighting for entertainment and sold for entertainment. At least she wasn't doing that anymore. It had been years now, since she was gifted to Claudia and that also meant years since she'd been touched in a way she didn't want to. That also wasn't going to happen today. So Octavius wasn't the worst Roman. But he was still one of them. Her favorite Roman might always be Claudia, she thought to herself. Claudia was safe with her... and Cynane was also safe with Claudia, at least in some regards. She looked after the pair as they disappeared into the sunshine and once left to her own devices, she wondered what to do. Should she dare sit in that chair over by the wall? Or perhaps explore the house? As long as she didn't get in the way of the house slaves. But where to go though? @Sharpie @Sharpie

Pinaria Gaia She had no idea how long she'd been waiting with Lucius in the hallway, but it felt like forever. She felt sorry for Ovinia, she'd been through plenty because of their attacker already, and now she had to tell the story again. To someone who didn't know everything that had happened, to someone who had not been present in that insula the night their attacker had been caught. An outsider. An Imperial, but an outsider. Pinaria had pulled her palla up to cover her hair, when the the slave Jason finally appeared with Ovinia, who looked pale. Pinaria wanted to embrace her, but this was not the time or the place to show such feminine gestures. Instead she briefly touched Ovinia's shoulder with an encouraging smile, and then she nodded at Jason. "I'll come." She simply replied and followed him to the room where Jason's master was waiting. She looked at the young man sitting, waiting for her. He did look so young. So formal at the same time. It felt odd. Tiberius most likely knew her, or at least of her family, since her father had been an esteemed Senator and her brother was doing well in that regard too. But she had many sisters and she did not expect this young prince to know her or the others. Suddenly she felt strangely insecure. She never felt like that. But she didn't know this young man and she was going to tell him what happened to her. So she dipped her head and waited for him to begin. @Sarah @Sara @Sharpie @Chevi

Horatia Sosia Lucius didn't make a habit out of seeing the city on his own, but she glanced when he spoke of being tourists in the city with her. He would do that? Oh it sounded like it would be so much fun! But before they could discuss that idea further, the slave entered with the huge dog and she was surprised by the sight. And interested. Excited even. She thought she'd never seen a dog like that before, and despite the wrinkles and the size, it looked like such a sweet dog. Lucius said that of course she could meet him, and explained more about the dog. Just over a year old? Still growing? She was in awe! He extended a hand towards her and she moved over towards it, chuckling when he spoke of the dog being a birthday present, "Or maybe he thought you needed a friend like this?" She suggested with a smile, not wanting to speak ill of his friend that she didn't know, and surely anyone should be happy about receiving such a sweet dog. Rugam was now ordered to sit and carried out the order. She crouched down to face it when the slave Attis told the dog to shake hands and she chuckled again when it held out its paw. She took it and shook it. "What a good boy he is!" She said and let go, looking at its face. Then stood to join Lucius again, "I think you're lucky to have such a dog. Do you ever take him for walks? I walk a lot with Eucleia. You must meet her sometime. I'm sure she'd love you." @Sara @Sharpie

Horatia Sosia Sosia enjoyed Rome, but a part of her also longed for some kind of adventure - and since she was a woman, she couldn't just go out on adventures like men. So she'd just have to hear the stories and Lucius had one to tell her about Hispania. He explained what it was like in Hispania. She knew it was part of the empire and actually not that far away, but for her, who never left Italia and had just gone between Rome and their villa in the country... it felt like so far away. What an experience! She listened with interest, as he spoke of both hot and dry and more cold areas, mountains... and the people there. She let him talk and now it seemed he was back to stay in Rome. "That must be so strange though, such a different life. Hispania sounds exciting. It's such a different life here in Rome, I mean." She said, because it did sound exciting and she wasn't sure if being a Senator and having to do with politics was equally exciting. Probably not. Not to her anyway. But he went on quickly, suddenly asking into her own life and her father. "Well my father is a Senator, but not the most outspoken I guess. I'm not sure what he does, he doesn't share it with me." She explained, she never really had a lot to do with him or his duties, "I'm not a... I have a brother, after all." She was a woman and women and politics didn't go together, her father said. He said it would surely bore her. Maybe it would, maybe it wouldn't. But since her father preferred she did not interfere in the matters, she didn't. Lucius might think of it differently, she thought to herself. Ovinia was far more outspoken than she was. This family was different. @Sarah @Sara

Marcus Junius Silanus How exactly could he know to trust Jason to not tell Tiberius one single word about what he'd seen and experienced with Marcus today? He couldn't. He could only hope that at least in this case, Jason would be loyal to him instead of Tiberius. Fuck! He couldn't know. How stupid of him to be discovered by Jason like this. But he said nothing and assumed Jason would go away now, only he didn't. Instead he lingered and wondered what to tell his master, should he ask about Marcus. He flopped down onto the back again, not in the mood for this amount of thinking. "Tell him I'm busy and tired." He said with a sigh, "That's all he needs to know. He wouldn't know about my looks unless someone told him. And no one will. You did promise me that." And he would keep Jason to it. Gods if he said something and Marcus found out... "If he asks for me, come and tell me. But don't tell him." @Sharpie

Marcus Junius Silanus The other Marcus made a very good point, mentioning that if your sponsored something to do with the races, you could make your name known. And Marcus did want to make a name for himself, wanted to rise higher - so this could be a way to start. Even if he didn't care much for the races himself, but he did care for his future. He did! He did however lack the ability to put a great deal of coin into it. Maybe Tiberius could lend him a bit. He decided though that he still needed to consider and he had an idea of how he could make an even better deal than just making a name for himself. Vibia smirked, oh yes she was being very obvious and he decided to roll with it for now. Watching her being that friendly with a simple charioteer did make him a bit jealous, but he thought he had a plan. Maybe it would work, maybe not. But you'd never know if you didn't try. Vibia explained more about what she knew about himself to the others, and then mentioned his friends. Marcus downed a bit more wine and gave her a smile. "You'd like to know, wouldn't you?" He said with a grin, "I can't invest much for now, I'm afraid, but..." He paused briefly, "... I can put in a good word or two with someone I know. Or maybe they'll even help be with the sponsorship. Maybe... I can be persuaded to do that." Marcus paused and eyed Vibia, "If the right person is willing to persuade me." @Sara @Sharpie @Chevi

Cynane Cynane felt strange, unsure of what to do and say. It had been such a long time, many months and Charis had changed. She'd been free at least half a year by now, she had a husband, a child... she didn't need to come and see Cynane. And that made Cynane worry of course, wonder why Charis wished to see her. But her friend said everything was fine. Was it though? But then she began explaining, rather quickly, that Tertius wanted to have dinner with Cynane. Her eyes widened? Why would he want that? If he thought he could persuade her into liking him, he would have to first undo everything he'd done to Charis. And there was no going back. You could not undo what you'd done. Charis went on though. It was her, who wanted the dinner, and her husband or whatever he was, invited himself. Charis didn't seem to like it and Cynane agreed. It couldn't be easy for her, she knew that. She reached out across the table for Charis hand, "It is awkward, isn't it?" She said with her own sigh, "Do you want me to come? To have dinner with you... and him? You know I don't..." I don't like him, she thought to herself. But he was Charis' husband now. She was forced to like him, whether she wanted to or not. Forced to pretend... "Do you think it's a good idea?" It wasn't that she didn't want to have dinner with Charis, but Tertius... she did not enjoy the idea. @Sara

Marcus Junius Silanus Marcus glanced at Lucius as he seemed to react to what Marcus just said. Was there someone? He suspected there might be, despite what Lucius told him so far. Marcus just couldn't quite figure out exactly what was going on. Lucius was a bit of a mystery really, he was born into a good and wealthy noble family and now he was a vigile, by choice. And he was probably even far too good to be that, he could probably do something even better for the people elsewhere. Like the Senate. Marcus should really pull himself together and try and attend some meetings, learn something. He just felt so young among them. But on the other hand, how else would he learn? He was thinking to himself while they walked and approached the nearest bath house and went inside. Once there, Lucius suddenly asked about Marcus mood. It took him by surprise. "Why... why would I not be in a great mood?" Why indeed? Perhaps because he messed up big time and got beaten up and humiliated, although that was months ago now, but it still sat right there within him. Did Lucius suspect anything by the way Marcus replied? Lucius was smart. He'd figure out that Marcus was stalling. He inhaled a breath and decided to continue doing just that, and began to undress for the baths. @Chevi