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Atrice

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  1. Atrice

    Mysterious Girl

    Atrice replied to Atrice's topic in Domi Caeli

    She seemed amused and cheerful, which he supposed was good. And she said he flattered her. Marcus smirked with a nod of acknowledgement to her and sipped his wine, while she explained she'd come with her husband. Just like he imagined. Well that didn't have to stop anyone. She was young and her husband probably old and dull, like most of them were. Such a pity you couldn't just marry someone of your own age, but young and beautiful women had to marry old and dull men and live in boring marriages. Well, one day he'd be such a man. But he wouldn't be dull! "I imagined as much." He said, not caring to ask whom her husband was, not yet anyway. But she did have an accent, so he wondered what fancy Senator had married a foreigner like her. Not something he heard about often. She didn't want to talk about her husband though, it seemed, and he watched her brush the flowers and ask him what he'd done so far this evening. He chuckled at her last words. "That's quite bold, Charis... and this is a date now? You are forwards." Marcus said with a grin, "Not that I mind. What have I been doing so far? Mostly drinking wine, probably. Attempting to mingle with the high and mighty men present here, but sometimes I find it hard to stay focused. I'm still fairly new in those circles and guess what... it's not all fun and games, like they want you to think." Not that he was new among Senators or among people who were high and mighty - he lived with Tiberius, after all - but he was new in politics and didn't know so much of the game yet. He was attempting to learn though. But it was boring. He kind of looked forwards to when he'd move to the next step and serve in the military. At least that should be more exciting, right? @Sara
  2. Atrice
    She nodded, but appeared thoughtful. What was now the issue? Sometimes he swore she was a bit on the slow side or something, but he said nothing until she did. She wanted to know what to say if people did ask where Lucius was and why he wasn't at the brothel today. She came with a few suggestions and he nodded. "That's fine, yes. I had a late night out last night and needed to rest. And want to work from home." Lucius added, that was fine enough. She wrung the cloth in front of him and he looked at her, "Anything else that's not been made clear enough?" He asked, though the irritation clearly came through his voice. Why should he have to explain everything in every little detail to her? Could she really not think for herself? @Sara
  3. Atrice
    She smiled when Gaius commented that she was doing extremely well when it came to socializing. Well they socialized. And that had gone well, she thought. He clearly thought the same. A handsome man, she thought when he smiled at her. He was going to age well, like wine. Less wealthy men did the same, but she couldn't very well marry them. She hoped her brother would like the idea he'd be presented with soon enough. Then her servant Lucia came to her, saying it was about time they left and Pinaria judged it was true. So she could only tell Gaius how pleasant it had been to meet him - and she hoped it would happen again. He seemed fine with her leaving and promised to walk her to her litter. She welcomed the offer and allowed him to escort her back. She climbed in as elegantly as one could - which sometimes failed, but luckily not today - with him standing there, watching her. Once she was inside, she pushed the curtain a bit aside. "Until next time, Gaius." She said with a smile to him and then clapped the side of the litter, letting the bearers know they could move. And that was that. What an interesting trip it had been today. And it had indeed gone very well, this socializing thing. Perhaps better than one could have hoped. @Sharpie
  4. Atrice
    Pinaria glanced at Ovinia, who said she thought their attacker deserved worse. That was possibly true. But on the other hand, most of Rome did not know the story behind this man and why he was being killed in the arena now. They just saw entertainment. And Tiberius must have judged that this was the right way to go. At least he’d die. A beast being torn apart by beasts. It did seem fitting, Pinaria judged. And then it happened and Pinaria watched it all, all until the end. Her eyes did not miss a moment of what happened on those sands. It wasn’t until it was really over that she looked at Ovinia again and saw how the other woman bit her lip and agreed that it was good. Ovinia looked towards her father for a moment, and then to Pinaria again. Said she was grateful they had met and commented on Pinaria’s current company. She leaned closer, picking up on Ovinia’s words in an attempt to lighten the mood. She spoke in a lower voice to the younger woman, “Sometimes, being there for a friend is more important than being there for a man.” She gave a small smile and pulled back again. She glanced towards Gaius and then back to Ovinia, “Do you know him? There’s a good chance he’ll become my new husband.” @Sarah @Sains @Sharpie @Chevi @Sara
  5. Atrice
    She nodded, he did tell her he met his cousin. But then he suddenly spoke of catching a murderer and now she arched a brow. She hadn't heard about that whole ordeal and was curious and of course Tirañes went on to tell her the whole story. Cynane stayed quiet while he spoke, surprised and honestly a bit stunned to hear all of that. How on Earth did such a beast wander the streets of Rome for not weeks or months, but years? What were the urban cohorts and the fucking vigiles doing? Sitting around doing nothing to protect the people of Rome, it seemed. Tirañes did only mention one vigile helping out in the case with the murderer, but it would appear it was more of a personal matter to him than anything else. Somehow. And Tirañes got himself involved because of his cousin. When he seemed to be finishing, she inhaled a breath, she barely realized she'd almost held it, she had stayed quiet and listened, after all. It was quite the tale! "You had something to do with it. Your cousin was attacked. And his friend too. Without you, they would never be heard." She said and put a hand on his arm, "You may not have done much, but between you and the rest of that odd gang of yours... you've done more than the people who were supposed to keep Rome safe." Cynane said with a smile to him, "I'm glad he's caught. But if there's one, I wonder if there's more." There most likely was, and who was to do something about that? "I hope he gets a public execution. But I'm not sure how the Romans deal with it either. It's not like they involve people like us. But maybe you can influence your master?" @Sharpie
  6. Atrice

    Mysterious Girl

    Atrice replied to Atrice's topic in Domi Caeli

    She was cute when she chuckled at his words, but then she did follow him towards the peristyle and the gardens of the house. Marcus had already forgotten the name of the Senator owning the place, but he was clearly wealthy. Not only could he throw a party for such high and noble people, but he also lived on the Caelian Hill, which said something about his rank. Well it was good Marcus came. Even if it was boring. At least Charis made it all more interesting. She laughed when he asked about how she had fun in gardens. Gods she was cute! He loved it when you could have fun with someone and when you could make them laugh like that. But then she claimed she was not that sort of woman and he chuckled at her comment and turned the question back to her. "Well if you're not that kind of woman, I'm not sure I should tell you." He said with a wink to her, watching her move into the garden while he sipped his wine. She moved over to a fountain and wondered if he came alone. "This evening, yes. Or, some of my friends are here, but that's not quite the same as having a lovely escort like you." Marcus explained and followed her to the fountain, where he leaned against the edge of it, "I don't imagine you came alone though?" With how she spoke and how she dressed and had her hair made, it was almost certain she was married. The question was to whom. And if she really was that faithful to him. But she did go to the garden alone with Marcus, after all. If anyone noticed, that might start some gossip. But surely she knew that? And she came anyway. He smiled at the thought. @Sara
  7. Atrice
    Pinaria nodded at his words, he was right of course. Even if she did not think it a bad thing that he was kind and openminded - or soft, as he called it - many other people were of a different opinion. Especially the men in Rome looked down upon soft people. But was it really weakness, to allow your brother to follow his dream... rather than doing the opposite and see how miserable he'd be and how he'd slowly shrink into a shadow of himself? No, Gaius had done the right thing. And so had Lucius. "Then you must be soft, as you call it... but firm at the same time." She suggested after a bit of thought, and she was sure that he already was. But he definitely didn't seem to be the worst type of man in Rome. Now he asked into her interests, which was also very kind of him to do. "Lately I've not done much. I am supposed to socialize, and this is an attempt. It's going well I think." She said with a small smile at him, "I also visit the temples quite often. Worship of our gods is important to me." She explained and was surprised a moment later, when Lucia had come up beside her and clearly wanted to say something. Pinaria stopped and looked at her servant, "Domina, it is time to return home." The servant said and glanced to the sun. Pinaria followed her eyes and nodded. "I'm afraid Lucia is right. But I do hope to see you again, Gaius. It's been very pleasant to meet you." She added. It had been very pleasant indeed and she did believe she'd see him again. If her brother and the gods willed it. And she thought they might. @Sharpie
  8. Atrice
    She looked very focused, when she came to his front side again, washing his chest. He wondered if she found it pleasing at all, or if her work made her immune to looking at people as attractive. She just did as told though, like she should. In this case too. Then she began wondering if he'd come to the brothel today or if she should fetch something for him. He considered it, since he didn't quite feel like leaving his home right now. It might be easier and surely safe enough to let her walk back on her own now it was daytime. On the other hand, what if she ran away? "Get one of the house slaves to escort you there. Julius can do it. And come straight back with him too. Ask Marius at the Elysium to help you find my scroll and papers for today. " Then the two slaves could watch each other. Oh one more thing... "Don't tell him why I'm not coming in today." @Sara
  9. Atrice
    He sat as still as when one of his house slaves washed him and had him done with the strigil afterwards. He ignored the way she looked at him and just let her do her work, which she did very well by the way. He wondered if her clients let her wash them too, or if it was something she used to do before she came to the brothel. But then she suddenly spoke and broke him from his thoughts. "I'll be fine." Lucius just replied, almost a little harshly, but the question annoyed him. As if she was suggesting he couldn't get well on his own or that his age was getting to him or something. He was only a couple more years than 50 and no old man yet. "I just need to... feel better, right? And I'm sure you'll do all you can to make sure of that?" He continued, "I can't be sick for too long." @Sara
  10. Atrice

    Mysterious Girl

    Atrice replied to Atrice's topic in Domi Caeli

    He plucked another date from the tray and chuckled when she picked up on his words concerning fun. Just the kind of woman he could have a bit of fun with, he thought to himself. She got it! As he had almost guessed! She was bored, just like he was, and she wanted to do something else than just the usual random chit-chat with the rest of the guests at the party, "Oh I can think of a few things." He said with a wink and watched her get her wine refilled by a passing slave girl. He noted how Charis gave the girl a look and followed her eyes to the very pretty slave girl. But then Charis suggested what to do. "More wine, definitely! More wine makes anything more fun, doesn't it?" He asked and blocked the slave girls way to get his own cup filled too. She looked up him with no particular expression, but did at least pour wine into his cup. His thoughts had moved on already though and he continued to speak to Charis, "I already noticed where the garden is." Marcus continued, sipping his wine and waving Charis with him. Once they were a bit away from the rest of the guests, he slowed down so they could walk next to each other, "So do you usually have a lot of fun in gardens?" She suggested it, after all. Honestly he was a bit surprised about how easy it was to talk to her, but some women were just like that. Not so stuck-up and arrogant as others. Charis was clearly more down-to-Earth and he could work with that. @Sara
  11. Atrice
    She knew how to please him and keep him satisfied, didn't she? The very moment he uttered something he wanted, she was on her way to fetch it. She knew better than to upset him, especially when he was feeling like this. That, at least, pleased him. He kind of wanted to wash and get dressed for himself, but couldn't pull himself together to do it. This was very bad. He hoped it wouldn't continue like this. His wife hadn't come. He had no one here to run his business for him. Lucius cursed by himself and then Ione returned with flushed cheeks and something to drink. "Good." Lucius simply replied and took the cup, while Ione moved over to find clean clothes. He downed a tiny bit of the wine and let it settle, to see how his stomach would react. He could feel it turning, but knew he had to force himself to drink more. Maybe it was stupid trying to get up. But he had to. He couldn't let the Elysium run itself or it would end up the way he found it when he came back. Once Ione had picked something for him to wear, he waved her over, "Help me wash." He ordered. It was best he didn't get the house slaves too involved in this. The less they knew, the better. Lucius reached to pull the dirty tunica over his head and tossed it to the floor. @Sara
  12. Atrice

    Mysterious Girl

    Atrice replied to Atrice's topic in Domi Caeli

    She was quite tiny, which told him she might not have been born in Rome. But her clothes and her jewelry, it was all very fancy, it looked expensive, so her husband had to be wealthy too. Good for her. And lucky him, for she was very sweet when she chuckled at his words. Inwardly he was as always proud of himself to be able to charm a woman so easily, even if she might be older than he and even married. Not that it always mattered in the long run. This one seemed like she might be a lot of fun, but he didn't know yet if she would be up for it. She revealed her name quite briefly and it didn't exactly sound like a Roman name. Charis? Wasn't that Greek or something? "That depends on how you define... enjoy." He said with a grin, "It's not exactly the kind of party I usually attend. It could do with a bit more... I don't know... fun? Or what do you think... Charis?" That was an odd name for such a fancy looking young woman and he wondered if she knew anything about that concubine. @Sara
  13. Atrice
    She had been rambling, but due to his current state of well-being - or lack thereof - he barely noticed. Instead he thought her advice sounded useful and told her what to do. He wasn't leaving this bed anytime soon anyway. He wore only a tunica, the same he wore last night and clean clothes did indeed sound nice. Ione seemed a bit too pleased that she was told to tell the cook what to do, but then she promised to be back soon. Lucius lay back down onto the pillow and stared up at the ceiling. This was so unexpected and inconvenient. Yet just the thought of how he threw up last night and what it felt like and the taste of it, made him feel sick again. He could taste the sweet dates when he threw them back up. That had to be it. Maybe that client wasn't getting his piece of Ione anyway. Or he might, but he'd have to cough up some more coin to have her... with how Lucius felt after the visit yesterday. He'd almost drifted off to sleep again, when Ione returned and he blinked his eyes open, seeing her set a some sort of metal water basin onto a table. She thought he ought to wash and would know where his clothes were. "In the chest over there." Lucius nodded towards a corner of the bedroom, where a large wooden chest stood. He pushed the pillow behind him to sit up and carefully swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He had a headache now that he was sitting... "Did you bring me anything to drink?" @Sara
  14. Atrice
    His smile was kind too, while he revealed that all the advice he was looking for, was concerning how the food he'd made was like. And then he uncovered the basket. Lovely smells came from it and she looked inside, while he promised everything was edible. "I sure hope not, because then you'd have to run this place. And if your food makes people sick, that's not so good then." She said with a little laugh, but then tried to turn more serious, "It does smell good... you want me to taste it? Where should I begin?" Melissa was usually never served anything, she was the one who served others, so this was kind of a welcome change. She decided she didn't mind at all. If Felix cooked as well as he was kind, then she was sure everything would taste fine. @Chevi
  15. Atrice
    Ione had plenty of advice for him, now that he wasn't feel so well, although he was better than yesterday. She began listing what to eat and what not to eat and he listened. It did sound like she knew what she was talking about. That made it almost a pity that she was such a popular prostitute, because she also cooked well and clearly knew a bit about medicine. She could be useful in more ways. "I have a cook, you can tell him what to do." He replied, "And clean clothes do sound nice." Lucius added with a sigh, he did feel a bit smelly to be honest. This was so unexpected. @Sara
  16. Atrice

    Mysterious Girl

    Atrice replied to Atrice's topic in Domi Caeli

    Sadly she seemed a few years his senior and no matter, she wore her clothes and her hair in a way that signalled she was not a free woman. She was married or something. Most likely married. Still, you could have fun with married women. This one was not so tall, but he liked her looks, there was a softness about her that could be very sweet. And the way she bit into that date was nice to watch too. But he shouldn't get ahead of himself. It wasn't that kind of party. Maybe he could find a more fun one later tonight. For now, he'd have to make do with what he had. And while he didn't know her, but thought her pretty, he did notice her accented Latin. Where did she come from? "I don't believe we have either." Marcus replied with a grin, "Which is possibly a pity! I'm Marcus Junius Silanus. And you?" He asked with great interest, she seemed to want to talk to him, so why should he not pick up on that? While he waited for her response, he downed a bit of wine from the cup he had in his one hand and picked a date of his own to eat with the other. @Sara
  17. Atrice
    Ione seemed genuinely pleased to hear that he was doing better, which surprised him a bit. He had not expected such a reaction from her. Then she would know how she could be useful and wondered if she should go back on her own. "There's not any work for you at the brothel now." Lucius replied, "You can be useful here, you... know me differently, than the house slaves." He added. He hadn't bedded any of them, not that he hadn't considered it, but there had just been no need to do so. They were all very obedient and he got his release at the brothel if he wanted. From Ione even, sometimes. And she even wanted to make herself useful here. Luckily for her, he needed no release now. "Do you know anything about... what would be good to eat, when you're sick?" At home it would be his wife that took care of him. Knew such things. But she was at their home in Hispania, far from him. And Ione knew a bit about cooking. She might know something. @Sara
  18. Atrice
    May 77AD Marcus had been with the vigintiviri for months now and he was getting the hang of it. And it actually felt good doing something, it kept him busy and he had less time to party and do stupid things now. Although stupid things were fun. But instead he helped manage the executions and everything and he had set in motion the special execution Tiberius asked for, at the Cerealia games. It was kind of a strange request, but it seemed important and luckily his friend had not been disappointed. He said it had been what he wanted. What was best for the strange man that was being executed. But that was already a while ago and Marcus had moved on since then, because he was kept busy at all times. He wanted to do well, he wanted to be influential and he wanted to move upwards. His course of honor had started and he was determined to keep at it. Which also meant attending parties, luckily! Not all interesting parties though, he preferred the types that would sometimes end in orgies or just drunkenness, but this one was nice. It was a social event attended by several influential Senators and Marcus was happy to have the invitation. As he walked around with wine in hand, talking to one of his fellow young men of the vigintiviri, the other mentioned that one of the Senators had brought a freedwoman with him to the party. A freedwoman he apparently kept as his concubine. And it was well-known secret. A concubine? Marcus wondered who it was. The party was somewhat dull for his taste, so it was good to have something to do here, a mystery to solve. He went up to a table where various finger-foods were placed to pick something and maybe pick up some gossip too. He reached for a date cooked in honey and apparently did so at the same time as a young woman, who had approached the table without him seeing it… “Apologies… you pick one first…” He said with a smile, looking at her. Oh she was pretty. @Sara
  19. Atrice
    He was confused and Ione was jumping at the way he so suddenly woke up. But he had been sleeping lightly right now apparently, so he woke easily. Though he was confused. While she was trying to decide how to answer him, he looked around. Oh, he was home. And Ione was here? Why? He'd been feeling bad enough yesterday to mostly being concerned with his own well-being and not her. But he must have told her to stay, else she'd not be here, she would have been working. "I think I am." He said and tried to push himself up to sit, "I don't need a medicus. I'm better." He promised. He felt hungry and thirsty, but last time he drank something he retched. He didn't want to do that again. @Sara
  20. Atrice
    At least he sat down when invited to do so. He was very polite, this Felix. A big and broad-shouldered polite man. More polite than the other man she was comparing him to and definitely not playful in the same manner. That didn't mean he wasn't likable. Felix explained he'd been a body slave and didn't know what to do with his freedom. Yet his mother had worked in kitchens, so he thought he might cook or bake. Oh so that's what was in the basket. "So that's all you're looking for? Someone to tell you whether your bread is good or bad?" She asked and chuckled, "Well I'm honored you chose me then." Anyone could do that, honestly, but she wasn't against it. She wasn't trying to mock him or anything. But it was a bit amusing, surely even he could see that. He was very sweet. @Chevi
  21. Atrice
    He hadn't slept perfectly well, but better than expected and at least he got some sleep. It hadn't even been evening when they returned to the house, and night fell and turned to morning and he was still fast asleep. He did however sense the rising sun outside, but tried to hide under his covers. Luckily that did work and he slept again, all until someone touched his forehead and his eyes shut open and stared up at Ione. At first he was confused, where was he and why was Ione here? "What are you doing?" @Sara
  22. Atrice
    He wasn't that sick, right? He just needed his own bed and some rest and then he'd be fine. What a pity his wife wasn't here to take care of him. But now she might never know he was sick, which might also be good. He didn't like being sick and he especially didn't like people knowing. Not that he thought deeply about it, except for missing the tender hand of his wife... but he would make do with what he had. And once they reached the domus, what he had were the few house slaves and Ione. She helped him inside and one of the male house slaves came to help Lucius move on towards his bed. Ione thought she should leave. "You're not going alone." Lucius said, "You're staying here until..." He folded over again, as another ache came through him. The male slave gave him a concerned look, but he ignored it, "Just... you're staying." He hissed and then nothing more, as he urged the slave to help him along. It didn't take long before he reached his bed and fell onto it. The slave helped him undress, wondering what was wrong. Lucius said he could go ask Ione, because he didn't feel like talking. He felt like sleeping, if he could. It grew worse towards the evening and someone tried to feed him and get him to drink something. When he finally agreed to drink a bit of wine, it only caused him to retch. Which might be good, because that caused his stomach to settle a bit and he could finally catch some sleep. All until the following morning. @Sara
  23. Atrice
    He still didn't ask for anything and Melissa briefly wondered if he knew what a thermopolia was. But he was apparently looking for work. Then he kept on talking as if he was unsure of how to explain what he was looking for. Explained that he was a freedman, as she just guessed. And his former master was a very powerful Roman, she expected. Good to know. It might be profitable for the thermopolia to help such a man. A man who wanted to work and could do anything he wanted, but didn't know what. "You are rambling. But I guess I understand why." She said with a smile, "Please, come and sit at least." She gestured to one of the stools by the table, "And then maybe you could begin with telling me what that one thing you have done, is?" @Chevi
  24. Atrice
    Marcus looked up at the statue after she told him to kneel, and then he did as she did, they would sit there, side by side. She placed the cakes by the statue of the god and Marcus joined her, placing the coins and bowing his head. He was usually not very humble, but before Saturn, he would be, because he had come here for a blessing. Silently he hoped and prayed that the god would accept the gift of money and grant him fortune in return. Then Varinia went on to say her wish to the god, speaking of how she'd known different names for the gods. He listened to her words and nodded. It did sound respectful and proper, even if she used a different name. He inhaled a breath and looked up at the god, "Saturn, I come to you on this night, with this woman who made me see, that I must consider my future. I am young, but I am motivated. And I hope for and ask for your blessing, so that you may guide me onto the right path. I hope you will accept our gifts and bless us in return." Marcus said and closed his eyes, "I will be forever grateful to you." He said, almost in a whisper, and then he opened his eyes and looked at Varinia briefly, wondering what was on her mind, but he might never know. He was usually never like this, but tonight had turned out differently than expected. And this seemed right. He stood and extended his hand to help her get on her feet too. Quietly they moved out of the way for the next person to place their sacrifice and their wish with the god. He said nothing until they'd left the temple and was unsure what to say. This was so different and he barely knew Varinia, though she seemed to see him more than anyone else he knew. Even his mother. "Where do you live? I can walk you home?" He suggested, that was the least he could do for her, right? He felt a need to prove himself further, now that he'd been in the temple. A need to prove he could do the right things. Like making a woman feel safe with him. @Sarah
  25. Atrice
    Marcus nodded at Tiberius' comment, the charioteer from the Reds was definitely holding his own against the racer that Tiberius recommended. But he trusted Tiberius so he might bet on the guy from the Whites anyway. Marcus didn't really have a preference, except that he preferred to bet on the winning side. Tiberius was one winning side to bet on. That guy from the Whites might be another. Ovinia thought she might bet on the guy from the Reds, although she was wearing blue. The older Senator Justinus complimented her blue dress though and thought that might be her team. Marcus rolled his eyes, but he supposed she was the kind of woman who might actually enjoy compliments that just had to do with the color of her dress. He liked her in more vibrant colors. Not that the blue didn't suit her, but really red or green would be more her colors. She might want to come across as a sweet and light girl, but she was not. At least Ovinia agreed with him, that another color would suit her better, even if she chose to mention green rather than red. And the Greens weren't doing well. And then she wondered how to place a bet. "We can just bet between us." Marcus suggested, "I'm going to trust Tiberius when he says to bet on the dark-haired one racing for the Whites. And you choose red then? Despite your dress?" Marcus said with a smile, "I think red might be more you anyway. How much shall we bet?" @Sarah @Sara @Sharpie @Chevi @Insignia@Jenn
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