Echo

Burger! Summer or winter?

Coke! (Though Pepsi was invented in my home state :D) T-shirts or sweaters?

Just like Marcus understood her personality, Caecina felt that he was experienced enough to know what she might like while they were kissing, such as wrapping his arms around her. Marcus agreed that it was better than imagined, and Caecina's heart fluttered at the idea that he had been daydreaming about her too, even though she already knew he had a crush on her. He then asked if she wanted to sit and she nodded, arranging her skirts as she sat. But before she could say anything else, he leaned into kiss her again. He certainly seemed to be enjoying himself! Caecina leaned into the kiss as well, following his lead as he seemed to be much more experienced than she was. He pulled back again and handed her a honey cake, which she accepted gratefully. She broke off a piece and ate it daintily as he asked what else she wanted to. "What, you mean there's more to do than to kiss and eat?" She gave a teasing smile. "Another game? Hm. I can't think of any! Do you know any?" @Atrice

Caecina smiled, dimpling, as he accepted her invitation, sitting on the bench once more and demurely arranging her chiton. Lucius remarked that he was only back for a short time and the young woman clicked her tongue in disappointment. "Well, I certainly don't envy you, having to go and wade through the muck on that island," she said, her tone light-hearted. She knew her father was proconsul there, but she could never fathom why anyone would want to go to Britannia. "Will you be returning to Britannia, or somewhere else?" Lucius then asked whether she was on leave from her lessons, giving an ever-so-charmingly sly smile as he asked. Brushing a piece of hair back, she put on an innocent face. "I have such a kind tutor; she lets me have plenty of time off to absorb her lessons," she laughed. "In truth, I made a quick escape. I think I've learned enough for the week, and it was such lovely weather out today, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to enjoy it!" @Chris

Aglaea fanned herself with her hand, sighing. Hot weather never failed to make her moody; you would think that with her background as a Judaean, she would be able to withstand the heat better, having been born in such a desertous and hot place. But she had never been able to withstand hot weather, and today was no different. It also wasn't helping that she was wearing her head covering, after having just left synagogue. She decided that the hot weather wasn't the only thing making her hot, though; she was also starving. She decided to stop by a caupona and get a bite to eat before completing her errands. She approached the stand behind a young man, watching as he made his purchase. Then, after he moved, she purchased a skewer herself, stepping out of line to wait on the next batch to be done. Aglaea glanced at the young man. He was handsome! Why not talk to him while they waited? "Good morning," she said with a friendly smile. @Ejder

Annis was having a relatively normal day. She had arisen at dawn to eat a quick breakfast, then out to the training yard at the ludus. First she had warmed up by stretching and running a few laps around the yard, then she began drilling her forms, first with one sword, then with two. It was about midday when she looked up, hearing an unfamiliar voice. "Titus Aspanius Lupus wants to speak with you." She quirked an eyebrow, looking around to where the man was gesturing. "Who?" she asked blandly. Perhaps this man was some patron or a wealthy pleb who wanted to meet her. It wasn't uncommon. She gave a shrug and put down her swords, walking over. The man looked normal enough, she supposed. He had a certain glimmer in his eye that made her uneasy, but she wasn't about to show it, instead choosing to make her face a blank mask of disinterest. The man asked how long she had been shedding blood and she gave a little smirk. "I was born with a sword in my hand." If asked, she wouldn't really consider what she did as a gladiatrix to be fighting, not as she had done in Britannia, anyway. It was a sexy show for men who yearned to conquer women who wouldn't bow to them like the mousy Roman ladies. Sure, she got injured occasionally, but it was mostly a pre-show before the gladiators came on and actually killed each other. "And who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?" @Beauty

Caecina let herself melt into the moment, ignoring their surroundings entirely as she focused on the sensation of Marcus's lips against hers. She felt his arm wrap around her waist. She could feel the vitality and strength in his arm. Like her daydreams about her lips, she daydreamed about the rest of his body, too - particularly his strong arms. She wondered what it would feel like to be scooped up by him and carried. After a moment, he pulled back to catch his breath. Her own was a bit ragged, which left her feeling a bit pleasantly light-headed. He said her lips felt good and she smiled up at him (had she never noticed how tall he was before?) "It's better than I imagined," she said softly. His hand was still in one of hers, and she laid her other hand over it. @Atrice

Mid-June, 75CE Aglaea adjusted her head covering, sighing contentedly. She was on her way back from the synagogue after a wonderful morning spent listening to the word. She always felt better after hearing the word and speaking with members of her faith. Not that she didn't enjoy spending time with her mistress, Livia, but it was sometimes a balm to the soul to be surrounded by people like you. Aglaea was also happy because she had the rest of the day off and was planning to shop a little in the marketplace. She could save her wages to buy her freedom, but she doubted Livia would ever let her go. She looked around as she walked, noticing a man who also came to synagogue. She vaguely remembered that he was some sort of celebrity, a charioteer if she wasn't mistaken. She gave him a friendly smile. "Bassus, isn't it?" @Beauty

Marcus agreed that the spot she had chosen looked good and Caecina's stomach fluttered with nervousness. They were really about to do this! The feelings of excitement were only heightened by the fact that they had already done something that would be frowned upon by running away, and if they were to be found, they could be in heaps of trouble! But it was exciting all the same. She watched Marcus put down the honey cakes and then he took her hand, pulling him close so that they were very close, touching. Then he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. His lips were just as she remembered them - warm, soft... She had often caught herself daydreaming about kissing him again, or reminiscing about their day by the creek. And they were here now, living out her daydreams! She met his lips, moving slowly at first, savoring every moment. Her free hand reached up and held the side of his face in her hand. @Atrice

Caecina wasn't pious in the slightest; she believed in the gods, of course, but had found that they never particularly affected her day to day life. But it probably wasn't a good idea to go and kiss someone she liked in a temple, no matter how tempting the privacy was. The Gardens it was - and Caecina was happy for it. She loved the Gardens, both for the privacy and the nature, as well as the juicy bits of gossip one could pick up there. The girl hoped she and Marcus wouldn't be the subject of any gossip. She watched as he purchased the honey cakes with a smile, then the pair continued on their way. Soon enough, they were at the entrance to the Gardens, and with no sign of the slaves or guards. Caecina was glad for that - Astraea might have picked up on their plans to go to the market, so that was probably where they were searching. That gave them ample time to get up to no good. The young woman looked around for a good place as they strolled through the gardens, settling on a secluded alcove surrounded by hedges and fragrant blooms. "Is this a good place, do you think?" @Atrice

Caecina had closed her eyes against the glare of the sun, letting the pleasant warmth sink into her skin. As she heard footsteps approach, she assumed it was Astraea, coming to fuss at her for not protecting her skin from the sun, but a slightly familiar male voice made her open her eyes, shading them with a hand. It was Lucius, Marcus' older brother! She had barely registered that he was back in the villa, as they had rarely had occasion to speak with one another. But with a quick glance, Caecina noticed for perhaps the first time how handsome the man was. "Is that Lucius?" She stood and smiled charmingly at him. "My, but I hardly recognized you," she continued. He had been exercising, she could tell - the sweat of exertion suited him, she decided. Lucius asked what she was doing out here and she smiled. "I was just enjoying this lovely day. Would you like to join me?" Caecina glanced toward the house and noticed Astraea coming toward her after all. The girl didn't really want to be interrupted by the chastisements of the slave. "Oh, good, Astraea. Would you be a dear and fetch some wine for us? I am parched." After Astraea left, Caecina turned her attention back to Lucius, taking a better look at him. "So, you're back from Britannia?" @Chris

Caecina felt equally awkward and stupid talking about her feelings. She was used to playing the coquette, never letting a man know whether she really liked him or not, and stringing him along for her own amusement. But she didn't want to do that to Marcus. Her feelings for him were genuine, from a part of herself she hadn't really known was there. And it wasn't just that he was handsome (though her heart often skipped a beat just to look at him); no, it was that he truly understood her, the real her, not the one she put on for the benefit of others. She squeezed his hand back, pleased with the sensation. The future didn't matter right now. All there was was the present. She hadn't even thought of the fact that for some of the more rigid in Roman society, holding hands in public was an act of intention to marry. Marcus leaned toward her and whispered that he wanted to kiss her again and she grinned back at him. "I think I would like that as well..." She nodded when he said this wasn't the place, desperately casting about for the right place to do it. "What about the Gardens of Sullust? Or, perhaps a temple?" @Atrice

Hmm Annis and Titus might be a bit harder; she's a slave so she doesn't really get to leave the ludus, I think. But she's a relatively well-known gladiatrix and people would pay to meet them sometimes? Otherwise, I can fudge a reason she would be out about in the city if you prefer that And for Aglaea and Bassus, it could be in/around the Jewish temple maybe? @Beauty

She looked up at him as he moved closer, looking down at their joined hands. His hand was so warm and strong... And then he confessed that he felt the same about her! Gods, what did this all mean for their future? They couldn't broach the topic with Juliana, or at least, she felt like they couldn't. They were practically siblings, even though they weren't related by blood, so did they even have a future together? More likely than not, Caecina would be married in the next year or two, and it probably wasn't going to be to Marcus, but rather an older, more established man with connections. But she didn't want to think about that. Marcus liked her! He was speaking, saying that he thought about her a lot and that he was glad they were alone. "I'm glad too... Astraea would have ruined everything," she joked. Marcus continued speaking, saying that they should make the best out of the day. He also asked her where she would want to go in Rome but never had and she considered the question for a while. "That's a difficult question... Perhaps we ought to think of it on the way to get a honey cake?" @Atrice

Sounds like we've got a plan! How about you start a thread for Titus and Annis and I start a thread for Bassus and Aglaea? @Beauty

Wow! You’re full of ideas! I love all of these! Aglaea would certainly love to meet another Jewish person; she’s surrounded by a lot of Romans I also love the idea of Annis meeting such a pure character, she’s a salty bitch Gaius definitely goes to brothels so they could meet! Also might be interesting to have Titus meet Annis? Maybe try to recruit her? Idk just an idea Anyway, long story short, I want alllll the threads and I’m good to do any or all of these! @Beauty

Caecina glanced up at him and instantly felt bad when she saw his tilted head. She hadn't meant to be harsh or to alienate him when she pulled her hand away; these feelings were all so new and confusing, after years of just being friends with the boy. All her past crushes had been skin-level and hadn't really meant anything to her. But Marcus was different - he really understood her and he was so fun to be around! She wanted to be open with how she felt, but she didn't want to ruin their friendship or make things awkward with the rest of the family. Caecina felt so confused! The one thing she did know, though, was that she liked Marcus. A lot. He said that he enjoyed her company and she smiled briefly at him. "I enjoy spending time with you too, Marcus." He was dancing around the subject he really wanted to talk about, she could tell; but should she prompt him or just let the day progress? "Wait," she said quickly. Where they were was relatively alone, and with a quick glance around her, Caecina could see that no one was paying them any attention. "I know you want to talk about that day by the creek..." She bit her lip, unsure of how to proceed. "And... well, I suppose I ought to just come out and say it, oughtn't I?" One more pause, her heart fluttering. "I like your company Marcus. But it's more than that. I like you." Instantly, her cheeks burned red again and she looked away, embarrassed. "I just wanted you to know that." @Atrice

Caecina laughed with him, a little winded. "Free from the Greek menace," she said, grinning. Marcus really was her partner in crime, always up for an adventure or doing something fun. As long as she was with him, she knew she would enjoy herself. Now, they were closer to the market, but not quite there yet, paused for a moment to catch their breath. She realized that they were holding hands and drew hers away, suddenly blushing and averting her eyes. "I hadn't thought that far yet... I thought Astraea would see us for sure." But she hadn't and for that, Caecina was grateful. "What do you want to do?" @Atrice

Yeah it could be when she’s captured! I’ll post that soon!

Great, @Sara! The battle took place in the year 70 so that would work out fine. Would you like me to post it?

Hey Sara! I had an idea for a thread! My gladiatrix, Annis, spent several years fighting Romans around Britannia. In one particular battle, her resistance group underestimated the numbers of Romans and Annis was injured and captured. Since Longinus spent so much time in Britannia, perhaps he could have been present at that battle? We could either thread the actual battle, or a meeting in the current time period when they recognize each other? Let me know if you're interested! @Sara

Caecina sipped her wine once more and then set the goblet down, primly patting her mouth dry. "Let's do it." She cleared her throat to get into character and then glanced over to Astraea. "Astraea, would you come here please? It seems I have left my coin purse in the litter. Would you be a dear and get it for me?" Astraea looked doubtful, but nodded and headed outside. Caecina looked back at Marcus and pulled out her coin purse, jingling it playfully. "Come on, she'll be distracted looking for it." The young woman headed outside, looking around for Astraea. She saw only the woman's back, leaned into the litter. She wouldn't notice them rushing past. Caecina grabbed Marcus's hand and pulled him along, not quite running, but not walking either. @Atrice

Mid-April, 75CE It had been some time since Caecina had seen the princess, Rutiliana. Caecina had grown up accompanying her parents, as well as Juliana, to the palace to visit with the imperial family, and while Caecina had always preferred rough-housing with the boys and climbing trees, she had a respect and kinship with the young princesses. Yesterday, Caecina had sent a letter to Rutiliana, asking her to meet up to catch up with her. Caecina needed to start fostering her friendships more, even if she would much rather be doing other things like riding her horse at the villa, or teasing Marcus. The princess had replied soon after and agreed to meet her in the Forum area, so that was where the young woman found herself, standing near a lovely fountain. She wore a fine, white chiton, embroidered along the edge with intricate stitching, as well as a light blue palla, one of her favorite combinations. She wore gold earbobs and her usual golden snake bracelet, twining around her wrist. It was almost time for the princess to arrive. @Eris

Juliana would probably murder both of them, but Marcus she might blame more since it was his idea. But of course, she didn't have to know. "I won't tell if you don't," she said, grinning. Just like Marcus, Caecina wasn't overly concerned with being demure and pious and perfect all the time. She could act that way, but the behavior was skin deep; she was always looking for adventure and fun, even if it wasn't very proper. She appreciated having someone who knew that about her. Marcus had always been one of her closest friends. Marcus agreed; in order to really enjoy themselves, Astraea couldn't be there. Caecina took a thoughtful bite of food. "Hmm. I could tell her to get something from the litter, and we could slip by her. Then we would have plenty of time to look around the markets." She smiled. "No harm in trying. I think we can do it." She took one more bite and decided she was full enough, particularly if they were going to get honey cakes. She didn't want to ruin her figure. @Atrice