Echo

Caecina looked back up at him as he agreed that they should speak more often, smiling again. "I'm glad we agree, Lucius." The young woman thought herself rather foolish - how could she not have noticed this man before? He'd been around often enough and had always been handsome. She supposed she'd just been looking at the men closer to her age, but now she had noticed him and was pleased that she had. 

The man then suggested that she show him more of the garden, saying that he would test her on her knowledge of the plants and animals. She laughed at that. "I think we both know I'd fail that test. But I shall do my best." She stood gracefully and took one last sip of wine before handing it back to her servant. "Here, let's go this way. There's a beautiful little enclosed area that I like."

@Chris

Of course, there was a ring of truth to everything Manius said. Caecina couldn't deny that. But when had she ever been in real danger? It wasn't like she lived in Britannia and had to be fearful of woad-painted warriors snatching her from her bed. This was Rome, and it was safer than most other places. She was already chafing under the apparently iron-clad rule of Manius and was not looking forward to his reign. 

"Honor," she repeated softly, the end of the word almost turning into a scoff. She'd never risked her honor - well, not terribly risked, anyway. Caecina gazed at him as he finished his statement, her jaw set stubbornly. "I won't run away from you if you don't keep me cooped up." And it was true - she didn't intend to run away again if he was reasonable and let her do the things she wanted to do, like spend time with Marcus. But if he didn't...

"I have no control over whether you are hired, so this conversation is an exercise in futility. You may not be saying that I am a child, but everyone else thinks I am. Juliana and father... well, I'm not a child and I don't intend to be treated like one."

@Atrice

Aglaea jumped back a little as he rounded on her, almost as though he was going to hurt her. Though, she reasoned, it wasn't unfair of him to think she was a pickpocket, seeing as she had his coin purse in her hands in a crowded street in the emporium. But a pickpocket wouldn't willingly give back their plunder, and she handed it back to him, watching as he weighed it. He thanked her and she gave a small smile. "Of course. You should tie it on more carefully, though - a real pickpocket could have taken it with ease." She had experience with pickpockets, having run into the uncomfortable situation of losing money meant to buy something for her mistress. 

The man went on to ask how he could thank her and she waved her hand. "Nonsense, you don't have to thank me. Any decent person would have done the same." Though, in her experience, decent people were often few and far between in Rome. She shifted her tote bag filled with honeycakes to the other hand. "But... I hope you don't mind me saying, you seem a little perturbed. Are you new to Rome? I found the markets overwhelming when I first came here." She looked around, spotting a quieter section nearby with a fountain. "If you need a little rest, I have some extra cakes. You're welcome to share them with me."

@Atrice

Caecina raised her eyebrows at the man as he came closer, challenging her earlier statement that the day was enjoyable. It seemed he was taking his guarding duties seriously, despite having been hired only minutes before. This was an interesting challenge. Manius said that it had been an idea and a cool expression fell on her face as she set her jaw and met his eyes squarely. She couldn't be intimidated by this man - not much intimidated her. She'd never been afraid of snakes or spiders, even when boys tried to chase her around with them at the villa. And she'd once fallen off of Aurelia and broken a rib and never even cried. What could Manius do to her? 

What if something had happened that day? Well, nothing had. They'd been fine on their own - it wasn't like Briton insurgents were going to capture them in the Gardens of Sullust. There was no reason to be so afraid of the world. The common-sense part of her brain did acknowledge he had a point where Marcus was concerned, though. She had seen him spar before - he wasn't bad. Probably not as good as an older man like Manius. But then the man said such detours would not happen under his watch and she crossed her arms casually. Well, they'd just see, wouldn't they? Caecina had her tricks. 

"A trip to the Gardens of Sullust is hardly the most dangerous thing in the world, Manius," she said with a sarcastic tone. "And I won't be herded like some - like some lost child." Her tone was obstinate but carried a tinge of hurt pride and childish vanity. Why should she be so afraid of the world? She couldn't experience anything if she was constantly afraid. 

@Atrice

Caecina's brain always hurt after their lessons with Aia. She frankly saw little need in knowing so much, when her one purpose in life was to get married and bear her husband's children. Juliana had once said that the lessons were so that she could teach her own children one day - but if she married well enough, why should she spend her time teaching her children when she could just hire a tutor to do it? So, her mind was crammed full of knowledge and she had decided to rest in her chambers for a while after the lessons ended. 

She had been almost at the point of sleep when she heard an all-too-familiar voice: Marcus, asking to come into her bedroom. Immediately awake again, she rose off the bed and checked her reflection in her mirror. The reclining position she had just vacated had given her cheeks an especially pink glow. "Just a moment, Marcus," she called back. Quickly, she gathered her vial of cologne and poured a small amount in her hand, placing tiny amounts on her wrists and neck and behind her ears. 

Then, once she was ready, she sat on the edge of her bed and arranged her skirts. "Come in," she said lightly, giving him a soft smile as he entered. 

@Atrice Lol sorry, forgot to tag you yesterday!!

August, 75CE

Apparently, Livia had been in a good mood this morning, for whatever reason. That was the only conclusion Aglaea could come to that could explain her day off. Perhaps Livia had received a letter from her lover, or Secundus had been away and not bothered her. But whatever the cause, the point was that Aglaea was free for the day and was taking full advantage of that freedom. Of course, her first stop had been to synagogue and to talk with some other converts, covertly, of course. Next, she had visited the honey cake stand which she had shown Bassus a few months ago, purchasing a few. She would eat one now and keep one for Livia, and had bought a few extra just in case. 

Moving away from the stand, Aglaea took a leisurely walk through the Emporium Magnum, taking in the sights and smells of the marketplace. She decided she wouldn't purchase anything else, choosing instead to save her small sum of money for future needs. Maybe even freedom. As she walked, she noticed in passing a man walking in front of her. Just as she was about to look away at something else, she noticed the coin purse at his belt fall on the ground. Apparently he hadn't noticed it. 

"Excuse me!" As she passed the dropped coin purse, she scooped it up and broke into a trot, following the man. Once she caught up to him, the Jewish woman tapped him on the shoulder. "Excuse me, sir. You dropped your coin purse."

@Atrice

Caeso explained that he didn't really engage in the less-popular horse races, commenting that he thought it took less skill than chariot races. Caecina, who had an affinity for both chariot and horse races, would be inclined to disagree. Horse racing was certainly dependent on having a skilled horse, with long, strong legs, but the rider had to maneuver the horse around the other racers and determine how best to go around corners. But she didn't bother arguing with him, being in too good of a mood to do so. 

"I enjoy watching them," she said with a smile. "But of course I enjoy the chariots as well. It does take an awful lot of skill." As for being familiar with horse races - "At the villa, I often race my stepbrother through the countryside. My Aurelia is much easier to goad into flying, so whenever I want to race, I use her." She chuckled. 

@Atrice

Annis felt her heart jump when he said he'd heard Northern Britannia was still holding out, sighing almost imperceptibly with relief. Perhaps her old rebel group had gotten back together after that disastrous battle and gone back to Caledonia to defend their homeland. Maybe Wulfrun was still fighting. Maybe a lot of things. Her belief in her homeland being near impregnable was strengthened, which was good as it was helping her stay positive and believe she would eventually win her freedom. And she would, and she would find her family. 

But then what? What would she do then? Keep fighting the Romans? It was an especially cruel feature of her imprisonment here, that Rome had brought her so many friends that would be hard to leave behind. Like Alexius and Thessala. She wondered which she valued more, her new friends or her family and tribe, that she hadn't seen for more than five years? And Alexius posed another question: what would she do if she returned to Britannia and didn't find her family? "I honestly don't know. I don't think I could stop searching until I found- some kind of evidence that..." She trailed off, gesturing vaguely. 

"I'm sure I could find them, though. We moved around a lot, you see - we had a few different campsites. We stayed deep in the highlands during the summer months, and went to this flat valley area for winter. I think I could track them." But what if they had changed their tactics after she'd left? What if they'd lost faith in her, or what if the Romans had forced them to retreat further north? "You said you returned to Germania, right? After you were freed? What... what did you find?"

@Atrice

Caecina had a growing curiosity about how far his limits would stretch, or in other words, how much she could get away with with him watching over her. Setianus had been older, less prone to believing her stories and innocent teasing, and yet it had been easy to twist his arm to get what she wanted. Between him and Astraea, the pair had become like parents to Caecina, and had also managed to keep the girl out of serious trouble. But Caecina enjoyed a little trouble sometimes and certainly didn't want to be cooped up by another guard. So, the question remained - how much would he let her get away with? She was sure to find out in due time. 

Manius responded to her answer about where she liked to go, reminding her to be careful about pickpockets. "Oh, yes, I know that. I have avoided being pickpocketed thus far." She had a level head about her and always kept a hand on her coin purse - if she lost money, her father was sure to punish her by not giving her more. And then how could she follow the latest fashion trends? It wasn't worth it. 

Caecina put on a neutral look as Manius questioned her about the trip to the Poppina, leaning up against the hallway outside of her chambers and taking a sip of wine. Of course Setianus would mention that day. He had given her a very harsh speaking-to afterwards and then had threatened to tell Juliana in order to make her stay in her room the whole next day. Caecina had felt like a scolded child, sent to bed without dinner, afterwards. What all did Manius know? "Yes, my stepbrother and I took a trip there. It was an enjoyable day." She was almost goading him to question further, not willing to broach the topic entirely. 

@Atrice

Updated to add Deianira

Marcellus, if he were a great thinker, could probably have come to the conclusion that the reason he was comfortable in his position in life was that it was all he knew. He hadn't changed his life after being freed because it was what he was comfortable doing, and it actually made him rather happy. He enjoyed the races and the training, as well as what came after. Who wouldn't enjoy a life of relative ease, with wine and women to take the edge off of cold nights? Marcellus certainly did and saw no reason not to enjoy it, or to change it. He just couldn't understand what Cynane didn't understand about it. 

The woman commented that it was a different life than hers and he nodded. "You seem to be rather serious. Maybe you should try lightening up sometime. We should drink again, see who can drink more." He had been half-serious at the first part of what he said, then as it continued, he laughed. Cynane seemed to tense up as he asked about her mistress again and he glanced at her quizzically. "Just curious, I guess. So, the princess. You're probably the most important body guard in Rome, next to Caesar's."

@Atrice

Hi Jarn!! So glad to welcome you to the site. Let us know if you have any questions!

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Like Alexius, Annis was a rather sexual person. Other than the patrons who paid to have her, she often took her own lovers at whim in her free time. She preferred sex as a replacement for deeper or more platonic emotions; it was safer, she didn't have to open up about her true thoughts or feelings with casual lovers. But with Alexius, it was different. He didn't expect much of her, and their relationship had been casual up until now. But he had stuck around long enough for her to become closer to him, and felt safe opening up more. Alexius was among the best friends she'd ever had, next to Alden who had helped her lead her rebels. 

Alexius teased her right back, which amused her, and then genuinely promised not to tell anyone. "Good," she said with a smile. She knew she could trust him. He hadn't given her a reason to distrust him, after all. As they settled into their drink at the taverna, Annis proposed a toast to being alive, and Alexius added onto it. It was a nice sentiment. She often struggled to keep herself safe in the arena, as she had a bad habit of taking unnecessary risks. She wasn't likely to die, but events like the earthquake brought to light her own mortality even more than her fights. Alexius posed an interesting question then, asking what she would be doing if she were free right now. 

"That's a good question," she said softly, running a finger around the rim of her cup. "If Longinus freed me right now, I would get on the fastest boat to Britannia and return home. I- I don't know if my family is even still there, where I left them all those years ago. But I would want to know." But if they weren't there, what would she do? Britannia would seem hollow without her family, and they were one of the few things keeping her going. She wasn't sure what she would do if they were gone. 

@Atrice

Annis had known that Alexius wasn't flirting with her, but somehow, genuine emotions were difficult for her to process or show. Of course, she didn't realize this about herself and just thought she had a preference for flirting and teasing. At least she was able to express herself by hugging her friend, and it felt better than good when she felt his arm around her and his hand running over her hair. And he promised that he would be there whenever she needed it and she smiled against his chest. Then they pulled away and the moment was over, and the slightly familiar feeling of embarrassment returned. She gave him a light, playful punch on the arm. "If you tell anyone I hugged you, I'll punch you again," she said, grinning. 

The pair entered the Dancing Boar and she glanced around as her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting. It was like a familiar friend, or the home of a family member, with how much time she spent here. Alexius said to find a seat while he got wine and she nodded her affirmation, walking off to find a table in the corner of the room, further from anyone else. She had been surprised at her own initiative in hugging Alexius and wondered what it meant. But surely it was just because they were friends and he was offering emotional support. There wasn't anything more to it. 

Soon enough, Alexius returned with wine and cups and she poured them both a cup, raising it to toast. "To being alive." 

@Atrice

Caecina sat at the table, reclining as befit someone in her station, and watched Teutus as he sat as well. Something about him was uneasy, she could tell, but she couldn't tell what it was specifically. It was like he was uncomfortable in his own skin, but Caecina had noticed how handsome he was. Surely that wasn't it. She shrugged it off and returned to the conversation. 

Perhaps she should not have said that she was alone in Rome - after all, she was never truly alone. She had her entourage, including Astraea and her bodyguards, as well as other slaves who took care of more specific needs. She had Marcus, and there were plenty of friends to meet. Like Tertius, and his son here, too. Perhaps she ought to invite him out to the races sometime, he might like that. Tertius said that he was glad they were able to entertain her and she smiled. "You are all too kind to me. I really appreciate your kind invitation, and you certainly are accomplished hosts. Your triclinium is beautiful!"

She took another dainty sip of her wine as Teutus asked her whether she'd been to Britannia. "No, I've never had the pleasure of going there. I really only see my father when he comes home for a visit. But during the civil war, when I was little, my mother and I took refuge in the east, where my father was fighting with the Imperator." Caecina glanced at Teutus for a moment. "Have you ever been to Britannia? Or done much traveling?"

@Sharpie @Atrice

Caecina had really spoken without thinking about it. She wanted Juliana to be impressed with her, not only because the older woman's connections with other nobility and the royal family helped Caecina greatly in the long run, but also because she loved her and wanted her respect. So, she had spoken respectfully to the other woman, and when Juliana brought attention to it, she smiled in surprise. "Sorry - perhaps that was a little formal. I missed you," she said, brushing her hair behind her ear. Juliana wrapped an arm around her shoulders and they moved into the domus, speaking. 

"What, I can't just want to see my family?" she teased lightly. "It's mostly that, but Juliana - it's so dreadfully hot in the city. I had to get away for a few weeks or so." She had been melting in the family domus in the city, and there was very little she could do to cool off. The villa was better constructed with air flow in mind, and there was plenty of shade in the trees that surrounded the area. "Oh! I brought you a gift, too. Astraea-" the dutiful Greek woman brought a small package forth, which Caecina deposited in her stepmother's hand. "I hope you like it." Once the woman opened it, she would find a nicely constructed gold necklace inlaid with white gemstones. That praetorian she'd met had said they were from some faroff land. Caecina couldn't remember. 

Then, Juliana asked how she was and what she'd been up to. "The usual, you know. Shopping, meeting friends, the games sometimes. I am very well, though. Marcus has been staying in the family domus most of the time, so we keep each other entertained." She thought briefly of her stepbrother and smiled. They kept each other entertained, indeed - and not always in ways Juliana might think were appropriate. "And how are you, and everyone here?"

@Gothic

Marcellus wasn't exactly known for being a man with a plan. In fact, the only thing he planned for was the races, and even that was ineffective at times, due to the naturally unpredictable nature of the races. He hadn't thought much about life after the races, or what he would do to support himself. Living at the stables meant that he kept most of his income, which led to plenty of funds available for parties and wine. That was all he wanted, after all. For now. He wasn't interested in settling down, or finding a woman for much more than momentary fun, so why should he think about the future? He'd figure it out whenever he got there. 

Cynane said that someone had to be confident when he wasn't and he laughed. "Well, I'm happy to let you be that person, if you want to be. You seem confident enough for ten people." Cynane and Marcellus then discussed her mistress and how she maybe just didn't want to part with her. "My fa- my master, I mean - he got enough use out of me, then decided I was more useful as a free man. I never really thought about why." Cynane had to get back, and she offered to let him walk back with her. "Yeah, sure, that sounds fun." A brisk walk in the evening sounded pleasant, with the lengthening shadows cooling the city down. 

"So, just who is your mistress anyway?"

@Atrice

Annis gazed warmly at the man again when he said that he'd be sad if she were gone. "You're a shameless flirt, Alexius." She stopped in front of him for a moment, looking at him seriously for a minute. "Thank you. I'd miss you too. And I'm glad that you're safe, too. I'd be sad if you were gone." The woman hesitated a moment. They had shared many things - wine, kisses, their bodies - but never a tender, platonic hug. But somehow, it felt right in the moment. Throwing caution to the wind, she stepped forward and hugged him tightly around the middle (the only part of him she could comfortably reach due to their height difference), resting her head against his chest. "Thank you for coming, Alexius. You mean a lot to me." 

Then, awkwardly pulling away, she tugged her tunic back down and cleared her throat. "Now, how about that drink? I guess I can't convince you to let me pay for the first one, so I'll settle for the second one, and the third, if we get that far. We're getting close to the taverna now." She had noticed his statement about freedom and tucked it away. Perhaps she oughtn't be so flippant with her money, but it was hard to stop spending once you'd started. She wanted freedom, of course, but right now she wanted to drink with her friend. After a few more moments of walking, they reached her desired location and entered the dimly lit taverna. 

@Atrice

Caecina dipped her head as Manius said he would consider it. "Good. Let's decide in three days, alright?" She figured that was a fair time frame, and it was really only for the decision. She would give him more time to arrange his affairs if he decided to move into the domus. Manius then spoke again and said that they wanted her to be glad, to which she chuckled. "Well, I prefer being glad," she laughed at her own joke. Then Manius asked for her to show him around the domus and tell him about where she liked to go. How good he was, to guide her gently through this unfamiliar situation. 

"That's a wonderful idea. And we can have some wine as we walk too - Astraea, if you will?" She looked to her body servant who poured each of them a cup and handed them to them. Caecina took a delicate sip and then stood, making her way around the ground floor. She pointed out spare rooms, some of which were decorated more lavishly as they were meant for noble guests, and others which were more sparsely filled, meant for servants. She then returned to his earlier question as they climbed to the upper story, where her chambers were. "I often go shopping in the emporium magnum. I also visit friends and other noble families, and visit the temples too."

@Atrice

Annis glanced at him as he said he could be gallant for the right woman, a little surprised. But she decided not to read anything into it. She and Alexius were just friends. Really good friends, and with several benefits, but friends all the same. She clung to the topic of Thessala to take her mind off the subject. "Well, I guess she's not alone in feeling that way. Everyone lost somebody. I'm relatively lucky, actually - I didn't lose anybody that I was terribly close to, like other people did." She felt a rush of guilt. She'd been lolling about these past few days, feeling sorry for herself, when she could have been helping Theo or doing what she could with one arm. She decided that once tonight was over, and the resulting hangover was done with, she'd rally herself and do what she could. Anything was better than nothing. 

But now to spend time with her good friend. Alexius reassured her that she would be better soon and she smiled ruefully. He even offered to pay for the first jug - well, he was quite gallant today, wasn't he? "You don't have to do that, you already bribed the guard on my behalf. The least I can do is pay you back with drink." Or, maybe she would find another way to pay this handsome man back. 

@Atrice

Caecina nodded as he said that he had met Setianus. The girl was loath to give up her old bodyguard - all the members of her retinue became like family to her - but since he was free, she couldn't stop him from leaving and being replaced by this younger man. Not that Caecina minded - it wouldn't be a bad thing to have to look at his handsome self all the time. She shook away that thought and returned her focus to him. 

Manius was talking about selling his home and coming to live in the domus with the family, suggesting that it might make things easier. She supposed that was true - her bodyguards kept watch over her day and night, so remaining in the house where she lived made that simpler. "It makes no difference to me, but we have plenty of extra room in the domus for you to stay here if you choose. We can make arrangements as soon as you decide." Then Manius spoke again, hoping that she would be glad she hired him and promising not to let her down. Despite her contempt at the situation as a whole, who could be flippant to such an earnest man? Her gaze softened and she smiled. "I am thankful for your willingness to keep me safe, Manius. And I am sure I will be glad." 

@Atrice

Marcellus gave her a curious look. He had never before imagined himself doing anything other than racing; it made him happy, he felt completely fulfilled working there. And he really didn't have many skills elsewhere, other than what he could do with his physical strength. But who would take building temples or farming over racing? Not Marcellus. "Well, like I said, I'm not good at much else. I mean, maybe when I'm older, unable to race anymore, I'll return to my old master's horse farm and work there. But I'm enjoying myself now, as it is." 

He gave a grin when she suggested that he was capable of handling other things than horses. "I'm glad you're confident in my skills, at least," he said, his voice a little teasing. Cynane continued, confirming that she did, indeed, live with her mistress. A note of bitterness entered her voice, he thought, as she spoke about how she had fewer options than he did. "I guess that's true. But I'm happy where I am - it doesn't sound like you are. Will she never give you your freedom?"

@Atrice

Part of the reason Annis felt so low was the feeling of helplessness that had lingered since the earthquake. She had been injured a week or two before the earthquake, which weakened her arm, and she was disgusted with her own weakness. If she had more effectively blocked against that giant of a German woman, she could have saved her arm from injury and therefore had enough strength to save more people. But she hadn't and she was sick with guilt. Plus, her arm, which hadn't fully healed, had been further injured with her efforts during the earthquake, leaving her unable to be much help in the cleanup efforts. So, instead of lifting rocks, she lifted an amphora of wine to dull the emotions. But Alexius didn't need to know all that. 

She chuckled a little. "I never knew you to be so gallant, Alexius," she teased. She was feeling a little steadier on her feet as they left the ludus and turned a corner, heading down side streets to reach their destination. "It's a good location. I go there when I don't want to be disturbed much." Alexius then asked about Thessala and Annis shrugged slightly. "As good as can be expected, I suppose. She was pretty badly hurt and she lost some people that were close to her. But I've never known her to be down for long; she'll spring back." Annis expected she would, too - but not right now. Not when it was still fresh. 

@Atrice

Caecina took a mental note about his name and nodded. "Very well." Her annoyance was drifting away, in the way that many teenage rages came and went swiftly. Now, she was curious to learn more about this man and why he had been chosen to guard her. He explained that he did have experience as a bodyguard, listing his former employers. His last statement was interesting, and she had wondered, due to his name... but it would be rude to ask. 

"I'm glad you are experienced. You met Setianus, correct? He was a good bodyguard, but older. It was time he retired." She looked him up and down once more. "I don't think I'm being given any choice in the matter, but since we are meeting, I will say that I am glad to hire you." Even if I've never actually needed a bodyguard, she thought privately. "Setianus was free, but he lived in the domus all the same. Do you have a place in the city? Or would you like a room here instead?"

@Atrice

Annis smiled briefly at Alexius's words. He had been a good friend to her, and was proving to be an even better friend than she realized. She hoped she would find a way to pay him back someday for his kindness. She stood up, swaying a little bit, and leaned against a post for support. Then, as she remained upright, she felt her head clear a little bit, and she watched as Alexius talked to the guards. She'd have to pay him back for the bribe, at the very least. 

He returned to her and asked where she wanted to go. Thinking about the question, she rubbed her forehead a little. "You know, there is this one nice place. The... Dancing Boar, I think? It's quiet and private. Let's go there." It was one of her favorite finds in her wanderings around Rome, and she especially liked it because it didn't get a ton of traffic, which let her drink in peace when she wanted to be alone. She stopped leaning on the pole and gestured to her companion. "C'mon, I'll show you the way."

@Atrice