Echo

This was the kind of event that failed to catch Caecina's attention. It was more solemn than anything and most of the men here were not bachelors but men accompanying their wives, hoping to be blessed with children. Caecina was also far from pious; though she believed in the gods, she wondered what smacking women with goat hides had to do with getting pregnant. But she managed a neutral expression, standing next to her step-mother in a clean, white linen chiton and a white palla draped over her head. 

She turned her ear to Juliana as she whispered and just managed to stop herself before she could snort. She would be so unlucky! It didn't look painful to be whipped with the goat hides, more uncomfortable, especially the blood. She tried to think of something to distract herself before she saw Tiberius, the young prince. It would seem that not everyone was married here. She grinned as she watched the spectacle, somehow more entertained now than she had been a few minutes before. 

@Gothic @Sarah @Gil

Tertius wasn't attracted to the same sex but he could definitely appreciate a competent sparring partner. His bouts with Tertius lasted much longer than his bouts with his last partner and Gaius wasn't the clear winner each time. Tertius held his own and this made Gaius give the man his respect. Finally, though, their sparring came to an end with Gaius landing his sword on Tertius's throat. He let up when Tertius relented and smiled at his partner.  "Thank you. You're not half bad yourself."

Gaius wiped his brow of sweat and tossed the wooden sword aside in favor of a sip of water. "I hope they appreciate me. I was in Britannia for several years but I'm a praetorian now." 

@Atrice

Caecina grinned at Claudia's compliment. "Thank you, and you look lovely as well!" Caecina loved to use her clothing to express herself, especially her jewelry, but she tended to stay within the trends. Claudia was always immaculately dressed; Caecina always made an effort to notice what other women were wearing and Claudia set herself apart with her clothing. 

The conversation began in earnest, with the young imperial asking a series of questions, each more excited than the last. "The usual, as always; lessons, parties, visiting family. Juliana tends to stay at our villa in Italy; she loves the peace and quiet, though I will confess that it gets quite dull there for my liking. The city excites me so." A slave poured watered and honeyed wine for the pair and Caecina accepted a cup. "My siblings are quite well. Tell me about you, though! Your siblings?" 

@Gothic

Caecina nodded as her stepmother advised her to find friends. It was hard sometimes; she was simply better at relating to young men. Of course, there were the shallow pursuits of women that she could relate to other girls with: clothes, cosmetics, jewelry. But men had such interesting thoughts about politics and if she couldn't step into politics in the way of a man, listening to them speak about it was the next best thing. A girl Caecina was friends with would have to entertain her in ways other than the base pursuits of her contemporaries. Sometimes, Caecina felt lonely. She had no one to connect with as a friend, and while Juliana and Astraea as a team served in motherly roles, Caecina still felt the hole her mother might have filled in her heart. But Caecina firmly put the thought away in the interest of her good mood. 

Juliana mentioned Caecina's father and it took all her willpower not to make a derisive sound. She merely looked interested in passing and said, "He's so good at that sort of thing," taking a sip of her wine. Secretly, she wondered what Juliana was going to disclose to her. 

@Gothic

Name: Astraea

Occupation: "Management" for Caecina 

Age: I imagine in her late forties to early sixties

Play-By: Gothic had an idea but I need to check back in with her   Otherwise, player's choice!

Nationality: I imagine her as Greek, though any national origin will do!

Astraea is Caecina's main slave, given to her by her father as an early child to curb her immaturity and brattiness. Since she was a small child, Astraea has been almost like a mother figure, though more of a disciplinarian who ensures that Caecina is on her best behavior, especially in public. I imagine Astraea has been in Caecina Tuscus's household since she was young and has grown into a trusted slave, which was why she was trusted with Caecina's raising. She is a wise and clever woman and not much gets by her. Caecina loves her but is wary of her, and Astraea loves her charge like a daughter but is not fooled by any of her posturing and trickery. I would love to have Astraea to accompany Caecina places and act like a mother figure. She is allied with Juliana to ensure Caecina is well behaved and eventually married to a proper young man. Let me know if you're interested in playing Astraea

Caecina was certainly not here of her own volition, but she did not want to make the other woman feel bad. Perhaps it was not entirely her choice to be here either. Briefly, the noblewoman wondered what brought a woman like her here, but she felt it would be rude to ask such a question. The lesson began with Aia asking what she would talk about. "Oh, I don't know. Perhaps I would speak about the weather or the family of the person I was speaking with. Clothing or fashion perhaps."

@Chevi

Gaius had wondered if he would suffer any verbal abuse due to his new position, but as he had been on the front lines for some time, his reputation among the legion was good enough, and of course, people respected the title of Praetorian. Gaius nodded as the other man suggested a small tavern. He always appreciated the suggestions of other soldiers, as they always seemed to know the best spots. "I shall have to go try it, thank you, friend."He grinned at the other man's description of her hair. "Hard to miss, I expect, then?"

@Sains

Again, Caecina had not thought so deeply about a potential partner as Oriana had. Of course, she knew all the things to avoid; her family would never allow her to marry down, and her suitor must be a man from a family equally wealthy and influential as hers, but as for power, she expected that she would be subservient as she could be expected to be. Her husband would wield the power in the family and Caecina would be responsible for managing the household and the children she would inevitably bear. 

Oriana commented that she hoped Caecina wouldn't have to wait too long and she laughed in response. "I hope so too! Though I expect within a year..." She trailed off tantalizingly. Oriana then continued, saying that it had been too long since her husband had died, then suggested she was waiting for the right man. "Certainly, you are worth the best husband, my friend. I expect my father and stepmother will let me have some kind of choice once they have a few candidates, though of course the final decision will be my fathers. I expect he will choose someone suitable."

@Sydney 

Caecina inclined her head as Juliana laughed and commented that she was becoming more of a Roman lady. Recently, she had wanted to start emulating some of the better qualities of the Roman lady, though she had no interest in being the most pious or chaste. It was a bit suffocating to be entirely modest, though Juliana didn't need to know all of that. "I am sure he would be delighted to hear from you. And, yes, I have been trying." Caecina wondered what Juliana thought of her visiting Tiberius, though her face was inscrutable at the news, other than her comment that she was glad. 

Juliana asked if she had made any female friends and Caecina shrugged slightly. Juliana was aware of her feelings toward other women, though of course matrons didn't count, or older women. Simply other girls her age. "Not so many, though I did attend a party hosted by Oriana Laecania. I liked her well enough." Sometimes Caecina wished that other women were not seen as competition as much. It would be nice to have a close friend or two. Perhaps that was something that she could start looking for.

@Gothic

Gaius could not bring himself to be cruel to any person, even slaves. He could be coarse sometimes, but his heart often tugged at him to do the right time, reminding him of the women and children he had helped during his time in Britannia. Something about this girl begged the passerby to help her, perhaps her innocence and helplessness. Which, of course, were qualities which had attracted her thief to her. 

The girl was receptive to his advice and thankful for his help. He inclined his head. "What else is a guard good for than helping?" She invited him to the Domus Venus and he cleared his throat, an almost embarrassed smile on his face. "I... shall have to keep that in mind." Like any soldier, Gaius was no stranger to whoring but it had been a while since he had last visited a brothel. Now he had thoughts of finding a wife, though where to start looking, he was unsure. "What is your name?"

@Sydney

Gaius was unclothed from the waist up, the well-defined muscles of a trained man clearly marked on him. He grinned as Tertius grabbed the sword from the air as he tossed it, appreciating the brevity of the conversation as the fight began. Gaius stepped to the side as the first blow was aimed and then parried the second, going in for a jab to the chest.

@Atrice

Gaius smiled, amused at this older man. "I suppose two baths in one day can't hurt." He observed the older man removing his toga, the symbol of his class. Now that the two were unmarked by class, Gaius contemplated that they were almost like equals in the context, class having nothing to do with skill with a sword. Gaius picked up two swords and tossed the other to the man, who introduced himself as Tertius. "Gaius. Pleasure to meet you," he said with a nod. Then, he sank into a ready position, sword up and watching his opponent with experienced, battle-trained eyes. 

@Atrice

Caecina was also used to wealth, though perhaps to a lesser extent. No family could match the imperials with both funds and breeding or access to all social classes. But Caecina felt that she had led a very privileged life. She had all she needed for comfort, servants and slaves to aid her, fine clothes and jewelry. It was not hard to make her happy. Caecina was not as deep a thinker as Claudia. She wasn't sure how she wanted to be known. Perhaps for popularity and for being a great lady, once she had time to think about being a great lady, that was. 

Caecina observed the other girl's clothes, noting the simplicity but elegance of the fabric and her hairstyle. Caecina was fond of colors but she recognized the wealth in well-made, clean, simple but elegant clothes. She smiled happily as Claudia greeted her and accepted a seat. "I have been very well, thank you. I hope you have been as well?"

@Gothic

Caecina grinned at his jest, playing along. "I have failed you, Tiberius. I beg your forgiveness." She accepted a goblet of wine from a passing slave and sipped it as he mentioned Flavia. "Oh, yes, of course. I do pray that she will have a safe delivery and a healthy baby." Caecina enjoyed her younger siblings and had a soft spot in her heart for babies. They were just so helpless and sweet. Then they grew to be little terrors in the forms of toddlers. Tiberius then went on to mention that he and his brother didn't get invited to parties due to their studies and Caecina laughed. Sometimes, she felt sorry for young men; they did so much more studying than Caecina or other young women did. Of course, young women in Rome learned from the elder women in their lives how to care for their homes and direct slaves, and occasionally languages, but Caecina felt that she had the easier task by far. "I understand completely, lessons are such a bore." 

The conversation shifted to the beginning of the cursus honorum. "That's exciting. Do you feel prepared?" Caecina was acutely aware in certain moments the beginning of the culmination of her education as the domina of a home: her marriage. She was constantly curious what Juliana and her father were discussing in private regarding her married, a curiosity that occasionally caused eavesdropping or snooping, though she had not found out anything concrete. "Of course, I shall ensure that yours are the first names on the top of the invitation list," she said happily, taking another sip of the wine. "I am sure I shall be married soon, though to whom I have no idea. And I'm sure the young women must be all over you, then?" 

@Sarah

Works for me

@Chevi

That sounds great!

@Chevi

I like the idea of them meeting at a temple or something! Gaius probably isn't the most religious but he might have an affinity to some god he thinks got him through the war

@Chevi

Caecina blushed a little at her slip of not realizing who she was sitting next to. Of course, she had seen Tiberius earlier, though she hadn't spoken to him because he had left Juliana's side just before Caecina got there. Usually, she was good at remembering people but she had been distracted. She smiled easily at his boyish grin. It was good to see him as well. 

He replied to her question and commented that it was good to see everyone together. Caecina nodded with a smile, following his gesture with her eyes. It was a comfort, sometimes, to be surrounded by those of your own class. Caecina found these settings to be much more enjoyable than the market, wherein she was surrounded by lower class people who often frightened her. "Indeed, it is."

Tiberius then queried about Caecina, a topic she enjoyed. "Nothing much is new, I'm afraid! I haven't heard any good gossip recently, I fear my sources have dried up," she joked. "I've been doing all that you might expect of me, going to this and that party. And yourself?" Caecina reflected that she hadn't hosted a party recently and plans began to form for a party in the coming months.

@Sarah

Gaius had gotten a drink of water when he heard a strange voice complimenting him. He turned to see the man that he had noticed a moment ago and he nodded his head deferentially, recognizing the compliment. "Thank you," he replied. Then the man asked if he was planning to keep sparring and he paused a moment. He had been planning to continue but he hadn't found any other worthy opponents. "Willing to challenge me?" He said with a smirk, perhaps a bit too confident in his own skills. 

@Atrice

I would love to have Theodorus and Gaius meet!  

@Chevi

The thought of cherished family members in pain always brought pain to Caecina's stomach, a visceral reaction to the memory of her mother's ill-fated pregnancy. Caecina could only slightly remember that night when she was so young, almost like a shadowy whisper in the back of her mind, but it was always there to make her recall her mother or make her fear childbirth. But Oriana seemed less than upset about her father's illness - perhaps she wasn't very close to the man, or even was hoping he would die for one reason or another. Caecina allowed herself to briefly wonder. 

Caecina permitted a small smile, which grew at the beginning of talk of suitors. Caecina had not met many young men that were worth her time, though she expected that her father and stepmother were always on the lookout for her. She hoped they would let her have some say in the matter, perhaps when there were a few to choose from. But that day had not come yet. "Oh, I don't know about that," she said modestly but with a mischievous grin. "I can't wait to be married, though. And you? I know you have been without a husband for some time now." Her comment wasn't mean-spirited but rather curious.

@Sydney

The crowd seemed more interested in the criminal who was being taken away than the praetorian and the girl who had fallen at his feet, so the pair were hardly noticed as the others went about their days. Gaius blushed a bit when the girl knelt and bowed her head. Now that the moment had slowed down, he had a moment to analyze her clothing and deduce that she was a slave. She didn't seem badly careworn, though, so he wondered her occupation. "Please, it was no trouble. A bit of excitement in an otherwise dreary day, I might say," he said sheepishly. "Here you go." He took her hand and placed the coin purse in it, shifting his weight. "You ought to be more careful in the market, though. A pretty thing like you is a surefire target for a thief. Keep a tight hand on your purse in the future." His advice was not unkind. 

@Sydney

Gaius often came to these baths, enjoying the dichotomy between the baths and the garden and exercise area. It felt good to stretch his body, perhaps spar with other young men around there, and clean himself off afterward. It was a welcome respite from his long, arduous hours at the palace, and he especially enjoyed the chance to spar, reminding him of his many days on the Britannia front. He was sparring now, with some other young man whose name he didn't know with wooden practice swords. He was a decent enough fighter but he wasn't able to match up with the experienced legionnaire. Gaius quickly ended the bout and wiped his forehead of sweat, noticing an older man whose gaze was trained on some of the exercising men. 

@Atrice

March 74 CE

Caecina always got a pleasant flutter in her stomach whenever she was honored with an invitation to the imperial palace. It was a sign of her family status and her own efforts to climb higher on the social ladder. But, of course, those flutters also signaled a nervousness. While Caecina had been trained from birth to associate with the highest social classes, she still felt insecure in her teachings when faced with other young women her age. As always, they appeared as competition for everything from husbands to the best clothes and fashion trends. Caecina made sure to always watch what other young women were wearing, how they were arranging their pallas or fixing their hair and cosmetics, all in order to fit in. Yet, she found her own ways to stand out, jewelry among them. 

Today, Caecina was dressed in a well-patterned chiton of deep blue with a matching palla, gold earbobs, and her favorite bracelet, of a serpent wrapping around her wrist. The sign of the snake both comforted and kept her aware: comfort that her family would protect her, and awareness that she needed to be self-sufficient sometimes, too, and aware of her actions. She arrived right on time, punctual as would be expected of a guest of the imperial palace. She was directed to the gardens by a praetorian, admiring the architecture and art so lavishly placed in the palace as always. Soon enough, she was in the garden to meet her friend Claudia Caesaris, a woman her age with whom Caecina had grown up and grown fond of. Claudia had always been kind to her. Caecina let out a bright smile as she saw the other young woman and embraced her, kissing her lightly on either cheek. "Claudia, it is wonderful to see you! Thank you for your invitation." 

@Gothic

Caecina glanced down at her wrist as Juliana brushed her fingers against the gold. She was uncomfortable with her acceptance of her father's kindness, and moreso it being noticed by her stepmother who was the most aware of anyone of her rocky relationship with her father. But she brushed this thought off, a skill she was quickly honing. She rationalized her wearing the bracelet as simply enjoying how it looked with her chiton and palla, and that it matched her other jewelry. She knew her father would hear about it, though, and seriously doubted the impact it would have on the man, ever distant. 

The girl let out a laugh as Juliana warned that Astraea would be interrogated on her every move while in Rome. "You always do, Juliana," she said with a teasing, good-natured smile. "And I am sure you will find that I have been on my best behavior. You aren't the only one who wants me to get married." Juliana queried as to members of her family that Caecina had met and she shrugged. "I briefly met Octavius, your uncle, the other day, just before I left for the villa. He asked about you." She cast around as if not sure who else, though of course, she knew exactly every person she had met recently. "Oh, I have spoken to Tiberius a few times as well. Such a nice young man, it's been lovely to see him grow up alongside me."

@Gothic