Echo

Caecina imagined herself in the field and promptly decided she would prefer getting letters, though of course she would never have to worry about such a thing. Living in such an era of peace brought on by Quintus Caesar afforded everyone the ability to stay where they were without fear of being involuntarily displaced by fighting and violence. She hoped her letters and the family’s would help him while in the field but one never knew. She had never really spoken to him before. The girl was impressed by his honesty in speaking about seeking Juliana’s counsel. It wasn’t a shameful thing by any means, but some men preferred male advice. Caecina, like Lucius, enjoyed Juliana’s advice and treated her at times like a mother and at others like a dear friend. “She is a very wise woman, and you are wise for asking her advice. I’m sure she’ll be able to help you with whatever you are struggling with.” At Lucius’s playful comment and wink she grinned. “Oh, perhaps when I am married, but I’m afraid the influence of unmarried girls is negligible at best,” she said playfully. “I think we are seen as silly.” It wasn’t entirely untrue in many cases, though Caecina thought a lot more than it looked like she did, as she was good at concealing her thoughts. Astraea came along a moment later with a platter of chilled wine and two goblets, pouring one for each of them. Caecina thanked the older woman and took a small sip, not as thirsty as Lucius probably was. @Chris

Caeso told her to not be quite so sure about her own horse's abilities, to which she laughed. "Well, perhaps it's just that I'm not ready for the races, then. Maybe if he had a more expert handler, he'd succeed." Mirandus wasn't really of racing stock, and had been given to her as her first horse because of his easy (and often lazy) temperament. "Hercules is an appropriate name for him!" She smiled at the note of pride in Caeso's voice. Talking about horses was one of her favorite topics. Caeso then confirmed his name as 'the one and only,' supposing she saw the race. "I did! You and the rest of your team were excellent. Congratulations on your win." She glanced at the bag of apples and then back at Hercules. "Could I feed him one?" @Atrice

Caecina felt even worse for not being able to communicate her feelings to him, to somebody she cared about so much and hadn't even realized it until recently. She wanted to explain everything to him and make him understand, but how could she, when she didn't even understand her feelings herself? She heard him stand too and tried to discretely wipe her eyes with a corner of her palla, not wanting him to see her crying. After a moment of trying to steady her voice so it wouldn't shake when she spoke, she began to talk, turning back to look at him. "Marcus... you know I like you. And I want to do other things with you, other than kissing... But I'm afraid of what will happen if we do." She paused, sniffling a little. "It's not that I'm scared of you... it's... all the rules I have to follow. To be untouched in... that way... for my future husband." She threw her hands up in frustration. "But I want to, Marcus! I do! And I'm so confused and I don't know what to do..." She trailed off, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes again. @Atrice

Marcellus nodded as she explained that her son wanted the life of a charioteer. It was a pretty desirable life, little responsibility except for showing up for training and taking care of your horses. And all the pomp that came with it, the drinks people gave you for free, the women that threw themselves at you, the boasting and bragging. It was an enjoyable life, to be sure. Why shouldn't the boy experience it? He could run away when he got older, live his true dreams. It wasn't his place to put the idea in the boy's head anyway, so he would just show him the stables and let him figure it out for himself. That look in Aurelia's eyes always went straight to him and he gave a smirk as she reminded him of his place. He didn't mind his position in life - it just meant people didn't expect much decorum from him. And he knew Aurelia hoped he didn't have any decorum, least of all tonight. He shivered in anticipation as her foot inched up his thigh. She was a woman who knew what she wanted. She then said he would have to entice her. No problems there, he loved a cheeky game. He watched as she dragged herself against the wall toward the door, still leaning against the wall where she left him. "Oh, I can be quick," he said with an ironic grin. A quickie was just what the doctor ordered, anyway. Then she asked if he could catch her and his grin turned into a smirk again. "You won't even know what hit you," he said, tensing in preparation for a run. He was used to making his team run, but he could be fleet as well. @Beauty

Annis gazed at him flatly as he said he would be speaking to Longinus about this matter. She hoped her master had the good sense not to sell her outright; he would make far more money off of her by letting her keep fighting and winning in the arena. But her hands were tied; after all, the meaning of slavery was that the slave had little control over what happened to their ownership. Titus demanded to know more about what Longinus was like and she shrugged. She really didn't have much to do with the man. "He's nice enough, I guess. Not usually too serious. Likes a joke. I don't know him that well, he doesn't come here often." When she had been captured, he had had quite the sense of humor, particularly about her beating up that young legionnaire in front of all his comrades. Then Titus asked a queer question: to bring out her knife. She wasn't really supposed to keep any weapons on her; the guards locked them up at night, fearing their fierce charges making a repeat of Spartacus's rebellion. But she had managed to keep a rudius due to her good behavior; she kept it on her for when she went out, even though she was usually accompanied by a guard too. She pulled the knife out and held it out for him to see. "They keep the good weapons locked up at night, and they're only accessible in the training yard." And those were usually wooden swords. @Beauty

Caecina was scratching the nose of the horse when she heard a voice approaching her from behind. She turned and smiled when she saw it was Caeso, one of the well-known Greens, bringing food and water to the horse she was examining. "Oh, he's a magnificent beast. I actually have a horse quite like him, but he's a bit lazy," she laughed. "I don't think my horse would be up for the races." Mirandus wasn't a difficult mount, but he did often like to get distracted by spring-fresh patches of grass while on rides and stubbornly refuse to move on until he had his fill. "What is this beauty's name?" While she talked, she examined the man. He was taller than she was, which wasn't unusual, and he had a serious air about him. He was well-known among his team, often leading the Greens to victory over their opponents. And he was handsome, she noticed. "Your name is Caeso, correct?" @Atrice

It was no use, the Romans had built strong barricades to keep their property in. Try as she and Thessala might, they couldn't break down the door. Annis coughed into her elbow as the air grew dustier and more hazy, feeling hot tears rolling down her face at the unfairness of it all. She barely registered a small piece of plaster falling on her injured shoulder, but she did hear Alexius yelling at them to get out. She looked between him and the door and then placed her hand against it, almost like a goodbye. "I'm so sorry," she said. The roof was coming down. Annis was right behind Alexius as it collapsed, and she jumped out of the way, laying dazed on the ground for a moment. How could this have happened? How? The Briton tried to control her breathing, hating herself for not helping the others keep breathing. They didn't deserve to die. She should have done more. After a moment, she sat up, holding her arm which ached a little bit. "Where's Thessala?" she said quietly, looking around. She wasn't in the courtyard. "She was in there with us!" This time she yelled, standing quickly and staring at the wreckage. @Atrice @Chevi

May, 75CE Caecina had always been a fan of the races, and even more a fan of the Greens. She remembered fondly all the races she had been to over the years, and reflected that she had even more of a reason to enjoy them than when she was young: the attractive men who drove the chariots. Today, after a morning spent in the markets, she decided to treat herself and Astraea to a race. Caecina watched the whole thing with vigor, adamantly rooting for her team, both with her comments as well as her pale green chiton, which highlighted her eyes quite nicely. Afterwards, she sent Astraea to fetch a litter, leaving her with a lucky opportunity to go and speak with the charioteers. A little harmless flirting never hurt anyone! The stables seemed the most logical place to check, and besides, she loved horses, so at least she would get the opportunity to meet them. As she made her way in, she looked around, stricken by what a male environment it was. So coarse and brash. She enjoyed it quite a lot! The girl stopped by a stall to examine the horse within, a handsome bay stallion that reminded her of her own Mirandus. @Atrice

It wasn't really that he had stopped the game in order to kiss her, it was her discomfort in being touched in what she felt was a sexual way. If she was confused about her feelings before, she was even more so now. It had felt good when he touched her, and she thought she wanted more. But the internal conflict between how she had been raised and how she really wanted to act was creating a storm inside of her. Caecina looked away again as he spoke. After years of being a coquette, talking about her true emotions was even more difficult than she could have imagined. Finally, he asked what she wanted and, to her surprise, she felt tears springing up in her eyes. If she were more analytical, she would know that her internal conflict coupled with being confronted with the frightening reality of having to discuss her emotions was scaring her. Reflection was not her strong suit. "I don't know. I don't know what I want," she said, standing up and moving away, her back to him so that he wouldn't see her tears. Why was she crying? @Atrice Sorry! Totally forgot to respond!

What a gesture of kindness! Aglaea was sure the man wasn't hurting from money, being a prominent member of the Whites, but it was still a sweet gesture. And particularly because he offered to buy a cake for her mistress as well! She gave him a sweet smile and shrugged. "I suppose I can't convince you otherwise, so I'll just settle for saying thank you." Bassus also said that it was offered so that they would come see him in the races. "Oh, my mistress is fond of the races. I'm sure she'll be glad to get out of the house!" Anyone would be, being forced to live with Secundus. Bassus asked about when the Metamorphoses came out and Aglaea nodded in confirmation. "Yes, that's right! Almost seventy years ago, actually! The things that man came up with are so interesting." Aglaea particularly liked them because it gave her a good idea of the Roman psyche, especially regarding their gods. "Have you read the Aeneid? I like that one, too." Bassus said that he enjoyed the beginning of a story because of the implications of more stories to read. "Eloquently put, Bassus! But the end of any story is so bittersweet, is it not?" Not that the body slave had much time on her hands, anyway; any free time she had, she usually spent it at the synagogue or running her own personal errands. But spending time with an interesting - and attractive - man was as enjoyable as anything else! Bassus suggested a horse ride in the countryside and Aglaea laughed a little nervously. It was a sweet offer, but horses made her nervous! She wondered if she would be able to get over her nerves for his sake. "Well, I must confess - horses frighten me! But I would love to see you again. The countryside is much preferable to the city, I agree." He explained how he grew up in the countryside, with scribes for parents, which explained his love for both books and nature. "God created such beautiful things - I enjoy them as well." It was rare she came across someone who had a similar worldview to hers. At the story he gave of his childhood, Aglaea supposed she should explain a little about herself as well. "I was born in Judaea. My parents couldn't take care of me, so they sold me into slavery." Her voice grew slightly somber, remembering her difficulties in adjusting to a life of slavery. "But God has blessed me in so many ways because of that. I know He has a plan for me." @Beauty

"Oh, you mean you don't want to quote poetry to compliment me?" he replied, pretending to pout, but then resolving into a flirtatious grin. "I figured my form was handsome enough for a few lines." Her next comment perplexed him a little, so he decided to ignore it. He wasn't known for being a big reader; though he knew how, he was never seen opening a scroll to read anything. Horses, drinking, fights, and women were plenty to keep him occupied. As he undressed, he watched her as he eyed him, so he paused with just his subligaculum on, spreading his arms wide so she got a good picture. "Pleased you invited me?" he laughed. Without more teasing, he pulled the new tunica over his head, adjusting it appropriately so it suited him. She spoke some more, talking about her everyday activities, including being a terrible mother. Marcellus was blessed to have not sired any children - none that he knew of, anyway. "Oh, hoping he'll enter my line of work, are you? Or trying to gain points with him by using me?" His tone was light; he clearly didn't mind being recognized as the talent he was. Moving closer to her, he leaned against the wall next to her, quite close. "Anything for you, Aurelia. Your son will have the finest tour of the stables available. For a price, of course." He expected this night would be quite a lot of fun, much like all the other nights he spent with her in his company. "And you know you don't have to try hard to get under my tunica." Over the rim of his goblet, his eyes were full of mischief. @Beauty

It was one night when Marcellus hadn't been out late. The rumbling woke a normally light-sleeping Marcellus, who barely registered what was happening. But his senses awoke and he looked around in confusion. "Well, shit," he said, grumbling to himself. It could never be a quiet night. At a steady trot, he made his way to the courtyard, from which he could hear the stirrings and noises made by distressed horses. Looking around a little more, he saw the various staff members, as well as his fellow charioteers, who began following Marcus's orders to bring the horses out of the stable. That was a good point! The roof wouldn't necessarily hold, even though he hoped it had been built well enough to withstand the earthquake! Moving quicker now, though not quick enough to lose his balance, the young man hurried into the stables, opening the first stable he got to that wasn't already attended. It was one of his favorite horses, Aethon, who was a firebrand at the best of times. But Marcellus spoke to the nervous stallion, calming him before he could pull a kerchief over his eyes, shielding him from the dust and the sights of the stable which were sure to cause the horse to bolt. This was going to be a difficult night. @Liv @Chevi @Sharpie @Jane @Beauty

Annis lifted an eyebrow as he responded in turn, his tone icy. A corner of her mouth turned up, indicating amused surprise. Did this man think that throwing his weight around would work here? Annis was not afraid of much, and this man couldn't intimidate her, even if the dead look in his eye gave her chills. Titus asked whether she wanted a man having ownership of her and she laughed shortly. "And yet what would be the alternative? My ownership handed over to you? Seems I would just be trading one master for another." Another part of his statement that irked her was the fact that he suggested she was a person with her own governance. Sure, she could accept to be lent out to the Elysium part-time, between training and fights. But Longinus was really the one in control, whether she liked it or not. He had been nice enough to work with in the past, leaving her alone to her own devices mainly, because she had earned that trust. She didn't know Titus and she wasn't sure she wanted to. Titus then seemed impatient, waving his hand expectantly as though she would hand him her master's name like some quivering house maid. She squared her jaw and looked squarely at him. "It's Lucius Cassius Longinus. He's a senator - I don't know his every movement." Her tone was even more cool now, liking this conversation less and less the more she engaged in it. @Beauty

Annis is a Briton gladiatrix. When she was a young teen, her father died in battle, and she struck out alone to bring the fight to the Romans. As she traveled around the island, she met several more young people like her, with similar backstories, who also wanted to fight the Romans. They teamed up and for about two or three years, they beat up on the Roman legionnaires. But in 70CE, an ill-fated battle ended in the deaths of several of the group, and the capture of several more. Annis became a gladiatrix - what became of the others? I would love for some old friends of Annis's to be played, and possibly meet up with her in Rome, giving her even more of a reason to earn her freedom. I also included her brother! Here are some suggested characters below: Name: Alden Suggested FC: Alexander Ludwig (Vikings) Backstory: Open! I imagine that he and Annis might have had romantic involvement, though! He was a leader in their rebel group, and was also possibly captured at the same battle as Annis - what happened to him after that is up to you! Suggested Age: Around Annis (within five years; she's 24). Name: Wulfrun Suggested FC: Mostly open, but Ben Robson (Vikings) is a possibility (though he looks a little older than I imagine Wulfrun and his coloration doesn't match Annis so much). Anyone that fits the age range or Annis's coloration is great! Backstory: Annis's brother. Their father died in Eppitacos's battle with the Romans in 62, and Wulfrun was also in that battle, but he survived. This left Wulfrun the heir to the tribe's leadership. He and Annis might have a strange relationship, since he hasn't seen her since she struck out on her own (six or seven years ago). Was he eventually captured by the Romans? Did he sell out and help them instead? Up to you! There's plenty of drama to be had between him and Annis. Suggested Age: 32 (he's about eight years older than Annis). Possibly will update with more characters later! Also, if you're interested in making an original character that might have been connected with the group, let me know! We can plot!

As they talked, Aglaea took the chance to really look at Bassus for the first time. His coloration was much like her own, with dark hair and dark skin. He had a certain kindness in his eyes, she noted, a hint of the personality she already like in him. He was very handsome. Bassus explained that racing chariots took a lot of preparation and she nodded. "I'm sure it does," she remarked. "I don't think I've ridden a horse in years, much less conducted a chariot. I'm always impressed, watching the races." And now that he had piqued her interest, she would have even more of a reason to watch! Bassus accepted her invitation and she offered a friendly smile. He also suggested honey cakes, and told her that he would pay. "A honey cake sounds wonderful. And I can get one for my mistress, she loves them." The suggestion to pay was an interesting one, but one she appreciated it. "That's very kind of you, Bassus. Are you sure? I don't mind paying for my own." The conversation could continue as they walked, and Aglaea led the way, heading toward a familiar spot where she had purchased some particularly good cakes before. Bassus proceeded to ask her about herself, whether she liked written works and Rome. Such interesting questions! He was certainly a character to keep her eye on. "I was blessed to have a very good education in the home of my first mistress," she explained, "so I have read several famous works. I am particular to Ovid's Metamorphoses." The work was well known and well-loved. "Rome is... well, I'll say that I prefer the countryside," she laughed. "The city can be a bit crowded for my taste, so when I have the chance to leave it for my master's villa, I take the opportunity. But of course, Rome offers opportunities unlike the countryside, like synagogue and meeting interesting people." She hoped it was clear she meant him - she was thoroughly enjoying herself. @Beauty

Annis heard Alexius's voice nearby and ran toward it, ignoring the choking dust that floated down from the ominously creaking roof. Soon, she came upon Thessala and Alexius struggling to open a door, in which Annis could hear the calls of trapped gladiators and gladiatrices. "Here! I got some keys! See if they work!" She thrust the key ring at Alexius and meanwhile, she rammed the shoulder of her uninjured arm against the door, trying desperately to help those inside get out. Why was this happening? It was senseless, it was chaos! "We can break it down, come on!" She swore under her breath in Britonnic. @Atrice @Chevi

Caecina felt bad for ruining the moment, but somebody had to be the sensible one here. He was clearly more experienced than she was, but Caecina had a feeling that letting her limits slip little by little would only lead to escalation, even if it was just some innocent touching for now. She wanted to do things with him, but society dictated that she had to keep herself pure for marriage, and that certain things were for her future husband only. She knew that even kissing was frowned upon quite severely for someone in her social status, so she was in a situation where any conversation about these things would lead to a tarnished reputation, or getting in trouble with Juliana. Marcus asked what they couldn't do and she frowned, wondering if he was being intentionally obtuse or if he genuinely didn't know what she meant. But his voice when he asked if she wanted to tugged on her heart and she sighed, looking away from him. "You know what we can't do. I'm afraid... nervous, I guess. I've never done anything like this with anyone." She looked back at him, fixing him with a steady stare. "And you know I like you. But... what if we can't stop?" @Atrice

Marcellus turned as he heard Aurelia approaching, running no less, with two goblets of wine in her hands. He grinned as she did a little dance and shoved a goblet in his hands, drinking a healthy dose of it as she spoke. "Aurelia, you're looking lovely as always," he said, looking her up and down. "Sweetheart, we're going to have to undress you and get you into something different." He laughed as she said this. "What, are you that eager to undress me already? I just got here!" She was quite the handsome woman, so curious among the demure ladies of Rome that almost seemed sexless. But Aurelia knew what she wanted and would get it, and Marcellus was not unwilling to give it to her. Aurelia turned on her heel and motioned for him to follow, which he obeyed, deftly sipping his wine as he moved. They emerged into a bedroom, apparently her brother's, as she pulled out a more appropriate tunica, a little more revealing than his current garment. It would adequately show off his muscular frame for the guests of her party. Aurelia continued to speak and he laughed. "You're getting poetic! Yes, this will do." Unashamed of his body, he went to change in front of her, pulling down the shoulder clasps of his tunica. "So, how are you doing? I was surprised to get the invite, I haven't seen you in some time." @Beauty

Caecina watched as he fell silent, thinking about something. Marcus then spoke up, suggesting that they just kiss instead like they had a while ago. Her breath drew in suddenly as he lay a hand on her thigh, though she didn't move away. She had a bad feeling about the tone in his voice, suggesting that they do anything else they wanted to. She didn't want this to turn sexual, not yet. The girl slowly lay a hand on top of Marcus's hand, moving it away gently. "Marcus... you know we can't." @Atrice

Caecina not only was out of her element because of the enjoyment these other women seemed to share of reading, but also because they were all older. In the young senatore lady's experience, older women tended to be catty, with snarky comments about her decorum if she stepped out of line. Older women seemed to forget their youth when they got married, forgot how many rules an unmarried girl had to follow. Caecina was much more at ease with girls her age, but even more at ease with young men. Septima was such a pleasant girl, though! She greeted her with such a welcoming air. "Gods, I am so happy you're here." She dropped her voice conspiratorially. "No, I haven't! My stepmother made me come. I really don't even like reading!" She laughed at the absurdity of being at a bookclub when she didn't even like reading. @Atrice @Sara @Chevi @Dev @Jenn @Anna @Laria

Annis quirked an eyebrow at the man as he said yes and snapped his fingers but didn't comment on it. The man had every right to be rude if he wished and she wanted to hear what his proposal was, even though being servile was humiliating and made her furious. She turned to the table with the amphora of wine and poured two cups, handing one to him and sipping hers. The man then began to talk, getting right to business. Annis appreciated forthrightness in other people, because she strove to be forthright and honest. His offer was... less than ideal, though. She furrowed her brow as he spoke but didn't say anything immediately. He had said that she would die one day, but she doubted that; gladiatrices usually didn't go for the kill and their fights were more like sexy shows to whet the appetites of the male audiences until the real bloodletting could begin. Plus, her setup was pretty good here; she had all the opportunity she could want to let out her frustrations on opponents or dummies, food and drink enough, and her notoriety gave her admirers and sexual partners aplenty. She certainly didn't like the idea of being some common whore. She was quiet for a minute before talking. "Well. I think you are mistaken about the circumstances of my ownership - I am not really at liberty to be owned by another master, until my current master sells me." She didn't know if he would sell her or not, anyway; Longinus had made a pretty penny on her success in the arena. "But if you are interested in buying me, my master is named Longinus. You'll have to take it up with him." Her tone was cool, and she regarded him quietly after that for a moment. @Beauty

Caecina's horses were some of her most prized possessions, even if it did irk her that they had been presents from her father who couldn't bother to do anything else with her but shower gifts upon her. But the horses pleased her immensely, despite their origin; Aurelia was a fine, spirited creature, young and hot-blooded like Caecina was, and difficult to handle for anyone but Caecina. Mirandus was a much more mellow soul, older, but still young, and trained so well that a mere touch of the heel or knudge of the knee could get him to do his rider's bidding. He was even so well-trained that even if he wasn't tethered, he would remain where his rider left him, happily munching away on grass. Leo was... well, he was a cat, always getting into mischief. But Caecina loved him all the same. But Marcus seemed like he didn't know the answer, and it became clear because he guessed it correctly, though it was probably an educated guess. "That's right, Aurelia and Mirandus were from my father, but we found Leo at the villa as a kitten two or three years ago." She pretended to pout again. "It's your turn again." @Atrice

May, 75CE A party was the perfect way to spend the evening, in Marcellus's opinion. Almost better was a party where he was not quite a guest, but more like a shiny trophy on the edge for the real guests to enjoy. The young man did not mind the attention at all; in fact, it just served to increase his opinion about himself, that he was famous enough to be used as an ornament, and handsome enough too. And the patron who had paid him to come do this was not bad looking either, he thought. Aurelia Philippa was always good fun, at a party or otherwise. He arrived early, before the party was to begin, dressed in simple clothing. He expected that if she wanted him to wear something else she would provide it. Arriving at the front door, he was shown into the triclinium by a slave. He swaggered in like a rooster, an easy smile on his face as he looked around, waiting for his patron. It was sure to be an enjoyable evening. @Beauty

I will as soon as I can! I’m a bit behind but I hope to get caught up today I’ll send you the link! And sure, I’d love a present day thread with them! But of course we can wait haha @Sara

A thread with Gaius and Charis is sure to be a laugh I’d love to do one! And I’m also definitely interested in having Longinus own Annis! Good stuff for future threads @Sara