Echo

The man corrected her for calling him the wrong thing, and while her first reaction was to get her feathers ruffled at being corrected, she smoothed herself down before it could show on her face. "Manius Rutilius Gallus. My apologies. May I call you Manius?" She always thought it was a mouthful to call someone by their entire name, except at a formal meeting. She didn't consider this meeting to be overly formal. "I am Caecina Tusca - you may call me Caecina." She knew this man was a freedman, so she didn't seen any reason for him to treat her like she owned him. He spoke again, hoping that he didn't keep her waiting. She waved her hand. "Not at all, I'm sure I kept you waiting instead." She shifted awkwardly, unsure of what to talk about, so, she just decided to get down to business. "So, I understand that you are here to replace my old bodyguard, Setianus. Do you have experience as a bodyguard?" @Atrice

"Why should I need another bodyguard?" Caecina huffed, staring at her reflection in the mirror as Astraea styled her hair. "Old Setianus was good enough. And he could come back after he heals up a bit." It was no secret that Caecina was miffed about the whole situation. Firstly, she was upset that the old Egyptian who had watched over her for several years now had been injured - he was a kind soul and almost like a father figure, just as Astraea was like a mother. Secondly, she thought of herself as an enterprising young woman, able to take care of herself, and was annoyed that no one else thought so. No one had bothered upbraiding her about this attitude yet, reminding her of the danger of being labeled as a member of the senatorial class. "Setianus is a free man, and he was getting older. He was ready to retire. And he's passing on your protection." Astraea was the voice of reason, as always, and Caecina simmered into silence, which remained until she was dressed and ready. She had chosen a simple chiton and palla for this meeting, seeing as she wasn't in public, but it was nice enough to make a good impression. Finally, she walked downstairs, putting on a friendly smile as she saw the man before her. "Manius Gallus, I presume? Welcome to our home. Please, come sit." She gestured him into a sitting room and sat, arranging her skirts primly. @Atrice

Deia had never been put into a position where she'd had to (or been able to) defend herself, and had only handled a knife to cut bread, never a person. There had been plenty of times she'd wanted to cut a customer, certainly. But then she would be beaten and that wasn't worth it. Thessala was amusing, though, and Deia chuckled a little. "I was more thinking that I would probably get disarmed before I got the chance to do any damage. But I appreciate it." Thessala went on to explain that she was from Thrace and that her family had sold her for food. She imagined that would be a difficult thing to go through and Deia did not envy her. But at the same time, Deia had never had a real family and so could not relate to that kind of betrayal. She'd gone through life trusting very few people. "It's good that you enjoy being a gladiatrix, at least." She took one more sip of the wine, feeling her nerves steady a little. Her hands were no longer shaking, anyway. Then Thessala asked if she would ever buy her freedom and she chuckled a little. "One can hope. But it would take me years to save up enough to do it. Are you hoping to buy your freedom, then?" @Chevi

"Well, my step-brother and I spend a lot of time together, but even with a friend such as he, one can run out of things to do! I'm very glad to be back in the city." Marcus and Caecina entertained each other in many ways, she thought briefly. Tertius kindly acknowledged Caecina's aging Greek servant, who gave him a deferential nod and lowered her gaze. Caecina knew her real purpose in accompanying her here: to make sure she behaved herself. She chafed a little under the woman's watchful gaze; after all, she'd been so good recently, and had given her guardian almost nothing to report back to Juliana but good behavior. But on the other hand, Caecina was thankful for a familiar face when meeting new people and being received in their home. After a moment more, Tertius suggested they proceed into the triclinium and the young woman nodded, smiling. "That sounds wonderful, thank you." She accepted Teutus's arm as they made their way to the dining area, looping her own slender arm through his. She was impressed by his instincts. As they walked, Teutus asked about her father. "Yes, that's right. He spends almost all of his time there, though goodness knows why!" She knew she'd never find herself there. "Well, usually I am accompanied by Astraea here. But, yes, my stepmother spends her time at the villa, so I am usually here alone." Well, as alone as she could be, shadowed by her slave. She also had Marcus to spend time with. @Sharpie @Atrice

"The roof fell on you. But you're okay, you did the right thing, getting in the doorway." She shifted a few more pieces of rubble, then brushed away some of the dust on the woman's face. She knew Thessala was hurt badly, and the best thing to do would be to get her to Theo. As Alexius tried to help her up, Annis tried her best to help. A couple others rushed over to help, and between four of them, they lifted Thessala's bruised body and carried her to where Theo was gathering the injured. The lucky ones. As they laid her friend down, Annis refused to leave her, holding her hand in an effort to comfort her. "You're going to be just fine, Saba. Just fine." @Chevi @Atrice

Deia realized her slip and blushed. "Right. Sorry." She should have known that Thessala wouldn't consider her work as a job, since it wasn't paid work. Deia could identify with that, since she wasn't paid either. And she certainly did not enjoy her work, no matter how much she pretended to for customers who wanted their girls to be enthusiastic. Thessala went on to suggest that the Romans thought they were dangerous and Deia laughed ruefully. "Oh, well, maybe you. But I don't think anyone would think I was dangerous. I wouldn't know what to do if I had a knife." But she would like to have one, maybe. Perhaps she could leave the brothel and melt into the crowds of Rome. But she knew, deep down, she didn't have the gumption. Thessala then asked where she had come from before the brothel she was at currently. "Well... I'm from Greece. But I was born in a brothel there and I kind of just... went from one to the other. Where are you from?" @Chevi

Caecina acted shocked, though the reasonable side of her mind told her that it made sense that he hadn’t caught a lady yet. He was young still and in some legal troubles that occupied his mind to the exclusion of most other matters. But she decided to tease him a little. “I simply don’t believe you,” she grinned. “And if it’s true, it’s a crying shame. A handsome devil like you! Why, you ought to have ten girls vying for your attention this minute.” As always when presented with a compliment, Caecina’s eyes lit up and she dimpled, pleased with his words. “Well, I am only too happy to oblige you, Lucius. You know, we’ve never talked much before, and that’s a shame, too.” She gazed at him, then lowered her eyes to her dress, picking at some imaginary dust. “We should do it more often, especially in fine weather like today.” @Chris

Caecina had taken note of the domus as she arrived there, and had seen that it'd been repaired, for the most part. That wasn't surprising; of course a man like Tertius would have the funds and the means to repair his home quicker than the insulae that had toppled. It was a lovely home, too, though perhaps in need of a feminine touch due to the lack of a mistress here. "I'm very glad for you that your domus was not terribly damaged," she said. "It would be such a shame, to lose such a beautiful home." Tertius then complimented his son on his help moving the people out of the domus that morning and she smiled at the young man. "I knew you were a brave soul, Teutus. I'm a good judge of character, and your household is lucky to have you." Teutus kissed the back of her fingers and she gave him a slightly flirtatious look as she drew her hand back. Poor dear - he seemed so unsure of himself. Caecina had had beaux like that before, where they questioned their own every move and bored her till she could scream with their fumbling and awkwardness. But Teutus didn't seem quite so bad off. He was gracious, certainly, offering her a drink, and kind for asking her if she was scared during the earthquake. "Oh, yes, thank you!" As one was handed to her, she returned to his original question. "Oh, I was simply trembling - though that could have been because the earth was moving!" She laughed at her own joke. "But after it was all over, I was as bored as I could be! Tertius knows how I love the city, and being trapped at the villa for much longer than I anticipated was like being in prison." She wasn't exactly exaggerating, either. Such a social person as herself was bound to feel trapped by the wide-open nothingness that surrounded the country estate. Caecina's glance turned away from the two men as she saw movement in the doorway and smiled as she saw Astraea, her slave, who had let her alone for a few moments to supervise the storing of the litter until it was time to go. "Tertius, you'll remember my body servant, Astraea." @Sharpie @Atrice

Aglaea smiled as Rufus mentioned dolphins. "Yes, I saw dolphins a few times as well on my journey. I also saw whales - I've never imagined animals so big." At the time, the only frame of reference Aglaea had about whales had been the story of Jonah, which had sent her below deck when she thought of it. But looking back, she knew that she had been very lucky to see such a thing when some people had never even stepped on the deck of a ship. The woman glanced up at the sky and then realized she had been idling for some time, speaking with this nice young man. "It was a pleasure speaking with you, Rufus. I'm afraid I must be going now, though. I suppose I've been putting off returning home to tell my mistress I was robbed." She chuckled good-naturedly. She wasn't really afraid of Livia, and if they worked together, they could conceal the theft from Secundus. "Thank you for sitting with me. I hope we meet again." @Sharpie End?

Ah, so her suspicions had been correct - there was an ulterior motive at play here. It was curious that Tertius had not mentioned his son when telling her about his children - or, child, rather. He had only mentioned Antonia. So, why omit a young man like Teutus? She resolved to use the feminine grapevine to find out what she could about this situation, but for now, decided to play her most charming and vivacious self. If momentary confusion had flashed across her face, she quickly recovered and smiled. "Ah, of course! I might have guessed, given the family resemblance!" The two men favored one another, that was certain. "Good evening, Teutus. It is such a pleasure to meet you. But, please, just Caecina will do!" She extended a hand for him to take, either to shake or to kiss as some men chose to do. Tertius then joked that the weather was better and she laughed. "Certainly, though anything would be better than that downpour! And what about the earthquake a few weeks ago! Were you in the city? Goodness, I thought the earth would swallow us whole. Of course, I was at our villa at the time, so the tremors were not so pronounced." @Atrice @Sharpie

Caecina had predicted that her interaction with the older senatorial man would produce results in one way or another, and she had been proven right the morning that his invitation had arrived. His excuse for inviting her was that he wanted to thank her for her kindness in sending for a litter for him as well, though she thought that was a little sparse of a reason - surely there was another motive, though what she couldn't imagine. But never one to pass up an opportunity to get out of the house, especially since she'd been stuck in the villa for nearly a month because of the earthquake, she had written back promptly and excitedly to accept his invitation. On the evening of the dinner, Caecina had taken great pains to dress herself fashionably in her most attractive clothes, a white chiton with a painstaking embroidered pattern along the hem, accompanied with a pale blue palla, also with embroidered trimming, that set her eyes off sparkling. It wasn't that she dressed this way in order to impress her acquaintance - she just loved the opportunity to dress well! She finished the ensemble with a curled hairdo and some choice jewelry pieces, then she and her trusty slave Astraea were on their way. Upon arrival, Caecina was shown into the entryway by a household slave, then followed behind as she was led to the atrium. As they entered the room and she was announced, Caecina dimpled at the sight of the older man, going to him first with a friendly embrace and a pert peck upon either cheek. "Tertius, you handsome devil! I was so happy to receive your invitation! Once more, you've saved me from boredom. I simply don't know how to thank you!" She had had great success half-flirting with the older man before, so she had decided to employ the same tactic now. She turned her gaze on the younger man in the room, grinning equally at him. "And who might I have the pleasure of meeting here?" @Atrice @Sharpie

Hiya! Can I get a board for the home of Caecina Tusca and her family? I’d like it to be in the Domi Palatini area since they are strong supporters of Caesar and are wealthy, please. Her fathers name is Quintus Caecina Tuscus for naming purposes. Thanks!

Deia dipped her head as Thessala said likewise. She seemed like a vibrant person, Deia thought, and fun to be around, though the prostitute felt that she was hardly able to match such energy at the moment. She had to save that for when she was actually out at the party. Thessala proceeded to explain that she actually was a gladiatrix and Deia nodded in response, drinking a little bit more. She had never been to the arena before, since she'd only recently arrived, and she doubted she would probably never have the pleasure. "Is that a very dangerous job, then? I can't imagine..." She had the sudden thought that perhaps it might be preferable to face an enemy who was tangible, rather than her fears of insecurity and abuse. It would certainly be preferable to face an enemy with a sword in hand, anyway; even if she didn't know how to use it. Thessala said that they didn't let her bring swords out of the ludus and she grinned. "They do keep us under lock and key, don't they?" @Chevi

Annis's head shot up as she heard Alexius's voice calling Thessala's name, rushing to where she could see her friend, half-buried in rubble. Tears rushed to her eyes at the sight but it was a miracle she was still alive! They needed to get her to Theo immediately. "Saba, you made it," she said quietly, using the name she had given her when they had first met. "We're going to get you out of here, okay? Just lie still. It's going to be alright." Carefully but quickly, Annis began shifting the rubble around her friend, trying to ignore her friend mentioning Rana. There was almost no chance the other gladiatrix had made it. @Chevi @Atrice

Caeso seemed like such a thoughtful young man, which was impressive to Caecina. He even shared her same thoughts about horses - though Caecina suspected there was a fundamental difference because Caecina also enjoyed spending time with people, while Caeso seemed to prefer the company of his horses. But the young woman definitely agreed that horses provided a good break from people - allowing her to just be quiet. Horses never expected much from you except a friendly pat and perhaps a treat every so often. "Aptly put. And you can tell them everything and not worry about it getting out." Caecina listened as Caeso explained how he came to work with horses with interest. As he finished, he apologized for getting carried away and she shrugged happily. "No, not at all. It was an interesting tale. Tell me, Caeso - do you ever do horseback races instead of chariot races?" She only asked because sometimes it was a nice break to watch those races instead and because she could relate to them, having often gotten into races with Marcus at the villa. @Atrice

Deia smiled sheepishly, a bit disappointed that the curses weren't real. "I guess that's all the same, then," she said. What would she even do with a curse? Curse Titus? That wouldn't do at all - if his luck ran dry, then so would the luck of all the workers at the brothel. If his fortunes dried up, his mood would sour even more than it already was and he might dole out more punishment than he already did. Deia nodded as the other woman introduced herself as Thessala. "Deianira. It's nice to meet you." She eyed the other woman as she explained her own line of work, understanding that she might have preconceived notions about her line of work. Not unjustified notions, either. "So, what do you do with your time when you're not 'cursing' people?" she asked, giving a grin. @Chevi

The corners of the Briton's mouth had been slightly turned up at the edge at her boldness, despite the fact that she was still frightened of this man. But that quickly disappeared as Titus struck her across the face, sending a resounding crack around the small room. Having not expected the blow, her head snapped to the side and her eyes widened in shock as she rounded on him, holding a hand to her mouth which she half-expected to start trickling blood. She was speechless for a moment as he spoke, fully understanding his threat against her and Longinus. At this, she almost laughed - what did she care what happened to Longinus? But then she reasoned that if he were to meet an unexpected end, the details of her ownership would be left up in the air and she could very well end up in the hands of this animal before her. Could he be so bold as to threaten to assassinate a senator? Annis might not have been fully versed in the ways of Roman politics, but she knew that the senators were second only to caesar and that to threaten one was almost certain death. She pulled her hand across her mouth as blood did indeed trickle out. Fine. If this lecherous creep wanted to see her flesh, then she would show him her breasts. Not in the interest of Longinus, but because she wanted him to go away. With a glare, she lifted her tunic above her breasts. Perverted creature. @Beauty

Caecina grinned as Caeso remarked that Aurelia sounded as though she were named appropriately. "Oh, yes, it was the first name that came to mind when I rode her for the first time. She nearly threw me off! But we've come to an understanding with one another and she's as fast as the wind." Caecina was never the kind of girl to complain overmuch when thrown by a horse, or swoon when a mouse or a snake came into her view. It just wasn't practical! And if Caecina was anything, it was practical. Caeso then asked her if she enjoyed horses and how long she'd been riding. "I love horses! They're easier than humans, I think." Though Caecina understood people, she felt more at peace among horses because they were simply less demanding or judgmental. She could be herself around them. "I don't even remember when I learned to ride! I suppose when I was a little girl, my mother sat me on a pony and let me learn. But of course, living in the city, I rarely have the chance to ride nowadays." She looked at him again. "And when did you learn to ride?" @Atrice

After the initial surprise at the woman coming into the room, Deia was able to focus on her appearance more and she was intrigued. It wasn't everyday that she saw a woman in such wild clothing, besides what Titus might make a centerpiece lady wear to catch the eye of the customers, and it was fascinating. Deia herself rarely decorated herself besides cosmetic changes to her face with kohl and rouge, let alone jewelry. The other woman explained that she was a witch and some of the things she did. Deia let out a wry grin at the mention of curses. "How much do curses cost?" She was mostly joking, but if they worked... Sometimes she felt like she was cursed somehow, though she'd never done harm to anyone on purpose. She blushed a little at the woman's question about her occupation but shrugged and told her anyway. "I work at the Elysium," she remarked delicately. "What's your name?" @Chevi

Deia watched dispassionately as he stood up, cleaning his blade. She only hoped that his passion for blood and blades extended only to people he paid and that his knife wouldn't be buried in some hapless passerby who looked at him wrong. But one could never know what a man like him was going to do. She followed him with her eyes as he gathered a few coins for payment and put them on the bedside table, then turned to look at her and ask her if she had a name. Her name didn't matter. In the free people of Rome, names were like signals to others, telling them social class, wealth, connections. But to a slave, a name was like a tracking device, particularly with someone with a unique name like Deia's. And Marcus would certainly use it to track her down at the Elysium next time he wanted to cut her and fuck her, no matter how hard she would try to escape that. "Deianira," she said finally, her voice flat and emotionless. @Atrice Wrap?

Almost not noticing the gesture, Annis accepted Alexius's hand to help her up. Once she was standing, she looked frantically around the hazy courtyard for Saba, her friend and competition, against whom she had no ill blood and who was now buried and possibly dead. A sob that came from deep in her chest escaped her and she looked toward Theo as he began giving orders. Faithful Theo. You could always count on him. Numbly, she approached the pile of rubble, using her one good hand to shift pieces of debris from the pile. They would have to work quickly. Annis couldn't afford to lose one of her good friends, not after all the friends she had lost before. Saba was always good to her. @Chevi @Atrice

Marcellus chuckled low in his throat, ready for the challenge of catching her. This woman made him excited as few others did, because she had a good sense of fun like he did. Roman women, especially high-class women like Aurelia, were often sticks in the mud or coquettes, and he didn't always want to pursue a woman (metaphorically speaking.) But pursuing Aurelia on foot showed him her gaiety and spontaneity. So as she stated that the games could begin and then dashed away, he let her get a small head-start before he began, as he knew he was probably much faster than her. She turned a corner in front of him as he pursued her and as he turned the same corner, he saw the elderly slave and a small part of him was sorry for almost crashing into him. But the games continued and she led him into the gardens, and he promptly forgot his remorse. He was gaining steadily on her as she turned toward him, and after a second, he had cornered her against a hedge, his body quite close to hers. He smirked at her through his heavy breathing. "Oh, the loser always wants a rematch," he teased, his eyes stealing a glance at her tempting lips. "But I won fair and square and I intend to collect my reward." Then, he boldly leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. @Beauty

As Deia came out of her daze, she realized the knife was still in his hand while he was on top of her, doing his business. She was still a little out of breath as he finished and lay on top of her, her blood sticking their skin together in some strange pagan way. But after a moment he returned to his earlier position on his knees with the knife in his curled fist, looking at the wound he had inflicted which was still stinging a little. She would have to go and see Gaia after he left so she could get it looked at. She hoped she wouldn't need stitches. She heard his voice again and held her breath again, unwittingly. He was saying he might do this again and she fixed him with her stare, eyes still a bit glazed over. Why should she have any opinion about this statement? He was going to do it whether she like it or not, and if he was going to do it again, it was because he had liked her performance. Even though she had been as far from acting as she possibly could have been. Finally she shrugged. "As you wish, dominus." She was tired now. Too tired to care. @Atrice

The only influence Caecina had ever really experienced over a man was her influence over Marcus when she goaded him to get into some trouble with her, though she supposed they both had the same sort of influence over each other, the way that siblings did. Perhaps, she had a bit of influence over her father when she twisted his arm to send her a present from Britannia, like the snake bracelet twining around her wrist, but in large matters, she had none. She wished she was married so that she could have some modicum of control in her life. "I suppose I'll have to take your word for it," she said, returning to her playful tone. As at every mention of the word "marriage," Caecina's heart fluttered with excitement. She had a few beaux around that she kept dangling, teasing and praising at will, but she hadn't thought of any of them seriously, really, seeing as the ultimate decision wasn't up to her. "I imagine he has a few in mind, though he hasn't deigned to let me know about it." She shrugged slightly and took another sip. "I imagine he's waiting for the right moment or the right person. But what about you, Lucius? You must have some lady love to talk about, hm?" @Chris

Caecina grinned back at his prideful smile, listening to him explain how he got to be so good with horses. Some of the charioteers on other teams seemed to be all about flash, and even some of the ones in the Greens. But Caeso seemed to really understand what to do and how to communicate with his horses. "Well, Hercules certainly seems to enjoy his reward," she said, glancing fondly at the horse. "My Mirandus is quite gentle, a bit lazy, honestly. But I have another horse, Aurelia - she's a firebrand. Golden as the sun and hot-tempered, too." She laughed. "Aurelia might outrun anything if she wanted to." Caeso agreed to show her around and she smiled gratefully. She could, after all, look around herself, but being accompanied by a handsome man like Caeso never hurt anyone. "Oh, how rude of me! Caecina. Pleased to meet you." @Atrice