Echo

"Forgive me," she said with a little laugh. "It's Aglaea. I'm pleased to meet you, Davus." She was, too. He seemed like a pleasant young man and she was interested to learn more about him. He asked about Judea and said that it must be a long way away, further than Alexandria. "It was quite a journey, but I didn't go straight from Judea to Rome. It was a bit more roundabout than that."

He mentioned that he had been with his current master for six years and she glanced at him. "Might I ask who your master is? Mine is Livia Justina - but she doesn't get out so much, you might not know her." 

@Sharpie

If she were another person observing the conversation, she might have had more pity for herself. An unkind master was not deserved by anyone, and what Aglaea was going through was not deserved by anyone either. But of course, Wulfric didn't know what she was going through, and Aglaea had been through two years with Secundus, and had become accustomed to the treatment. Even her odd arrangement with the man was old news to her - it'd been going on nearly the whole marriage. 

But that was not the main concern at the moment. Wulfric confirmed that Tertius Varus was who he was told to look for and she smiled slowly. "I'm glad I could be of some help," she said, genuinely. But she hesitated in answering his second question. She did think he was better, but of course, she didn't live in his household. He could be as bad as, or worse than Secundus for all she knew, though she knew that the darkness that fell in Secundus's household was not present when they visited Tertius's. "I do not know him as well, but I believe he is better. But, I do want to warn you..." She sighed. "The Varus men are not to be trusted easily. They are duplicitous, both of them, and have lofty goals. I would be on guard if you are going to visit him."

@Atrice

Nine summers was quite a long time, almost as long as Aglaea. She'd been with Roman mistresses since she was seven, but with Livia since she was fourteen. She was caught for a moment by surprise at that thought - she'd spent most of her life with Livia at this point. "That is quite a while... what did you say your name was?" She smiled briefly before attending to his question. "Judea," she explained. "Though I don't remember it all too well. I've been with my current mistress for fourteen years, and my mistress before, I was with for seven."

The young man she was walking with seemed kind and interested in talking, which was a trait that either endeared a person to Aglaea or put her on guard. But there was nothing dubious about him - he seemed well-mannered and honest. He was clearly a slave as well, too, which she was glad to notice - one found all sorts of interesting information through the grapevine of slaves. But he was also nice for talking to about their homelands. 

@Sharpie

Aglaea sensed the other woman's disappointment and gave her a pitying look. "Birth is such a difficult thing to go through. It is a pity you haven't had more help, and I wish I could be helpful." If she had known the whole story, she would have gathered Charis in her arms and held her like a child. No one deserved to go through the things that she had. But of course, she had no idea and could only guess at the origin of the baby on its father's side. 

Charis explained that the midwife who came to check up on her had been hired by her master, and evidently worked with upper class women. Aglaea nodded knowingly. "Yes, I can imagine... my mistress's midwife wasn't the friendliest of people either. Perhaps it is a result of the women they work on," she said, grinning a little. It was the closest she would get to criticizing her mistress or other women in that class. 

Then Charis went on to say that she never thought she'd be here in Italia, pregnant. Her chuckle was hoarse and Aglaea gazed at her, slightly surprised. She hesitated a moment. "Life has a way of surprising us, doesn't it?" Slowly, she gathered the woman's hand in her own and squeezed it. "This must all be difficult for you. I will pray for the best outcome, and for you."

@Sara

Aglaea chuckled as she said most people weren't discrete about her condition. Aglaea had learned over the years to be delicate about most situations, particularly about pregnant women. She'd had a trial by fire with Livia's miscarriage and stillborn child and dealing with her deep depression afterward. Charis seemed to be dealing with it well, but of course, Aglaea didn't know the whole situation. Was it a wanted child? "I do try," she said with a smile. 

Charis went on to explain that she was seven months pregnant and Aglaea gazed at her with wonder. "Goodness, I'm sure it does. I can't imagine..." Aglaea did feel a pang of jealousy, assuming that the child had been conceived out of love. She wanted something like that; deep within her, all she wanted was a man to care for and a child made from love. Charis then seemed apprehensive, asking whether she'd ever had a child. "No... I've never been so blessed," she said quietly, a faint smile still lingering. "I wish... but I am uninvolved," she said with a little laugh. She was curious about who Charis's baby's father was but was too embarrassed to ask such a question. "That sounds difficult, not having anyone to help you through the process. Has no one gotten you a midwife to teach you about... these things?" Aglaea was sure that if she ever got pregnant, Livia would find her people to help her through the process. 

@Sara

Aglaea smiled as she continued on her way but he fell into step with her. The company was welcome and she wondered if he wanted to eat lunch with her; eating alone got lonely sometimes. "Of course," she responded. As they walked, she asked where he was from and he told her that he was from Alexandria. Always interested in learning, Alexandria was the pinnacle of everything she found interesting in her free time. "Oh, amazing! I've always wanted to go, but of course..." She chuckled a little. "I go where my mistress goes."

He then asked where she was from. "Judea," she said with a small smile. "But I haven't been there in many years. Are you new to Rome?"

@Sharpie

Aglaea smiled, a small gesture, but it was to assure him more than anything that she was alright. And, really, she was. The situation she was in was difficult, but Aglaea was strong by herself, and stronger with her faith. She would find a way through her difficulties and find a way to get her baby to a better place. She wondered if she would be able to run away from the villa somehow while she was locked up - but she would have to do it early in her pregnancy, before it became harder to move. 

She realized she'd drifted into thought and shook her head. "No one deserves an unkind master, but I am thankful that it is not worse. There are far worse things than an unkind master." She looked back at him as he asked what her master's brother's name was. "The man I thought you looked like is named Tertius Quinctilius Varus. He is a better man, I think."

@Atrice

Deia had been trained well, it was true. She had always been expected to be ready to greet a guest when the other girls were tied up, ready to be chosen and used and then ready to return to the floor of the brothel to repeat the process over and over again until the sun came up. She thought it seemed reasonable to assume that this man was here for what everyone else was here for, so she was the first to greet him even though that might expose her to being chosen. He seemed nice, though, better than most customers. He thanked her and accepted her offer, and she gestured to a table and chair for him to sit as she poured the wine delicately. 

His next request was unexpected, and yet expected at the same time; she had greeted him, perhaps he had taken an interest. Some men liked to talk before going to a private room, and she supposed he must be one of those types. "Certainly, dominus," she said, going away for a moment to get another cup for herself, and to pull another chair to his table. "Perhaps I can help you find what you want. What are you looking for this evening?" She leaned her elbows on the table, fixing him with her eyes. 

@Atrice

Aglaea blushed again, realizing that he had once more misunderstood her. She really needed to be more precise and patient with this young man! He thought that she had meant that Secundus was the worst in Rome, when she had really meant to downplay his antics, though she supposed his misunderstanding wasn't entirely inaccurate. Secundus certainly was not the best in Rome, even just judging him on how he treated the slaves within his household. His constant insane muttering and seeing shadows that wanted to hurt him... the household had a shadow upon it. And that wasn't even mentioning his plot to impregnate Aglaea - which, recently, had succeeded, much to the chagrin of everyone in the house. 

"You misunderstand me, Wulfric," she said gently, shaking her head. "I meant that he is not the best in Rome, but he is also not the worst." She gazed out at the crowd, as though seeing through them. "His household is... dark, though. He is not kind to his servants, and though I do not serve him directly-" she almost winced at the way she'd phrased it- "he is unkind to me as well, and my mistress. He casts a wide shadow." She recognized the metaphor she'd used but chose not to explain it. "But, perhaps you are not looking for my master. Who are you looking for?"

@Atrice

Ah, Egyptian. But surely that wasn't all? She'd heard Egyptians speak - but, she realized, it didn't particularly matter. She had encountered plenty of people with interesting accents, and since languages were an interest of hers, she always made a point to ask, as though she were collecting exotic accents for her collection. "I see. Your Latin is excellent," she said kindly. 

The young man then gestured at her veil which she had securely rearranged onto her head, apologizing for knocking it loose. She laughed a little - she really only wore it during synagogue and after it, being sure to remove it upon reentering the domus, since she didn't want to draw attention to her membership in a religion other than the Roman sect. "That's quite alright," she assured him. "It was my own fault for not wearing it securely enough. So, you are from Egypt, then?" She was clearly interested in Egypt, having never been there before. 

@Sharpie

It had been some time since her last visit with Marcus Barbatius, but one time had been enough for him to have firmly reiterated her place in the world for her. The thought of his vitriol as she had explained that she might not have convinced her client that she'd cut herself made her shudder, and every night since she'd found her head jerking to watch the door when someone came in. She could keep her mouth shut. The thought of what he might do to her if he found out she'd told anyone... her blood ran cold. 

Tonight, she was on drink duty until she was chosen by a client, and she found her eyes darting to the door as the bell rang, signifying a customer had entered. But she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw it was not Marcus but a large, attractive man who seemed a bit uncomfortable. She hoisted her amphora of wine and a cup and approached the man. "Welcome to the Elysium," she said with a flirtatious smile, finding it easy to access a flirtatious side while looking at him. "A cup of wine while you choose, dominus?"

@Atrice

Aglaea smiled slightly as he said he would keep her secrets. He was a good man, she could tell - and she flattered herself if she considered herself a good judge of character. She was glad that he had dropped his coin purse and she had noticed it - it had given her an opportunity for a good conversation, and, perhaps, a new friend. "Thank you, Manius," she replied simply. 

His mood seemed to be more downcast now as she explained Hell, replying that there was always something. "I suppose there is," she said with a sigh. "But," she said slowly, "I think that God gave us free will so that it would mean more when we choose to walk with Him. Hell is only there for those who actively choose evil and reject God's teachings." 

Manius continued musing, wondering what the gods wanted him to do sometimes. He also felt like he was a failure to them and a sad expression filled Aglaea's face. Yes, she knew that feeling all too well. How often was it that she failed God? Hundreds of times a day, surely. And she was actively playing the adulteress with her mistress's husband, going against the doctrine of Judaism. But she took comfort in knowing that God would forgive her. "Yes, I know that feeling, Manius," she said, her tone quiet and pensive. "We all feel like failures sometimes. It is a terrible feeling."

@Atrice

Aglaea, too, had been in her own world as she walked along to the marketplace from synagogue. She had been considering the teachings she had heard of Jesus today, lost in thought as she synthesized her new knowledge with her own life experiences. But as sometimes happened when she became too engrossed in thought, she almost walked into someone. She noticed him just before she would have crashed into him, but in her haste to move out of his way, her veil was dislodged. She quickly replaced it and turned back to apologize, but he got there first. 

Smiling generously, she waved her hand. "Not at all." She looked at him with an interested expression, having noticed his accent. She thought that she must, too, speak with some accent, though she had learned Latin at a very early age, so it must be faint. "I'm not hurt, thank you - are you? It seems we both were lost in thought," she said, laughing. "Forgive me, what accent is that? I haven't heard it before..."

@Sharpie

Aglaea realized that she might have been a bit obvious, looking down at herself like that, and she quickly looked up, laughing a little. What a kind man - surely, he couldn't be related to her master, since he was so pleasant and... well, normal. "Thank you, Wulfric. I am sure that I will."  She was glad when the subject changed, even if the new topic was the man who had gotten her into such an unpleasant predicament in the first place. Wulfric seemed to light up considerably as she said her master's name, and she smiled in surprise. 

"Yes, his name is Varus. To tell the truth, I saw you here in the shadows and thought you were my master's brother. That was why I came over," she explained, becoming more comfortable with talking to him. If anything else, he needed information about her master's family, and she needed a moment to rest her feet and perhaps make a friend. She almost laughed again when he asked if Secundus was a kind master, but she held it back. "Well, he isn't, perhaps, the worst of Rome," she said, being rather generous in her assessment. "He is a little odd, though. He was captured in Germania and when he came back... well, his moods change suddenly and he mutters to himself a lot." She didn't mind airing these secrets to Wulfric - no longer would she have many scruples about telling people about what the man was really like, even if she would stop at telling the whole truth. 

@Atrice

Aglaea pulled out the package in question, setting it on the bench between them so that she wouldn't forget to give it to her. And since she had some time, she figured that there was nothing wrong with sitting here and speaking with the younger woman, who was really a sweet and gentle thing. A refreshing change from most of the people she dealt with - shady merchants or frightened slaves of Secundus's household. "Thank you very much. I didn't want to go wandering through the house when I wasn't invited, after all."

Charis then seemed to hold back some laughter at Aglaea's delicate question, failing a little bit. Aglaea blushed slightly but managed to chuckle along with her. Perhaps it had been a silly question. Charis explained that no one asked so delicately, but that she was indeed pregnant. She watched as her hand fell on the bump created by the child and felt a warm feeling wash over her. Children were always a blessing, and seeing pregnant women always reminded her of when Livia had had - and lost - her children. A bittersweet memory. 

"I'm sorry," she said with a good-natured smile. "I just didn't want to assume. How far along are you?" She smiled slightly as she thought of Livia - but had a sudden thought of Secundus and her arrangement with him. She almost shuddered but managed to keep the shadows from her face, for the most part. Surely, Charis had some lover within the household with whom she had conceived this child, and surely it was a happy occasion. 

@Sara

Gaius wasn't really a statesmen. He had staked his career on the military, and when his time was up there, he had found a way to put his training and leadership to some use within Rome. Plus, being a praetorian and living in Rome gave him a better opportunity to meet people - especially ladies - who might catch his fancy enough that he would want to court them. 

Secundus explained that his work was important but the discussions insipid, hoping that Gaius would never have to go through such things. The younger man gave a hearty laugh at that. "I'll be sure to steer clear of such interactions. The praetorians might be a rowdy lot but they aren't overly complicated, at least for me." And most interactions with people were complicated for Gaius. 

@Járnviðr

Marcellus loved the horses even if he got injured by them on a regular basis; they were among the few things that he genuinely loved in the world. It took a certain personality to deal with them and understand them and while he couldn't quite identify with being so complicated, he understood them, making them simple to deal with. But Safinia obviously wasn't a fan, commenting that the horses should recognize those that were around them and not be spooked by them. "Well, they aren't always the most intelligent of beasts," he said with a laugh. 

She handed him another apple which he bit into thankfully. "Who knows? There's quite a bit of damage. They'll want to repair everything to the utmost before we move the horses back in, and start training again. Can't have shoddy craftsmen fixing the roof for cheap, only to have it fall in again." The conversation continued to Marcellus's pursuit of women and he laughed as she asked why he bothered. "Yes, Bassus does have his fans. But he doesn't seem overly interested in them." He gazed down at the apple, thinking of how to explain it. "I guess I just enjoy the pursuit. Not all women fall at my feet, after all - those are the ones that are the most interesting."

@Liv

Deianira wasn't quite familiar with the history of her name. It had always stood out among the names of other women, who had been named after goddesses and such, so she couldn't really see the irony of a sex worker sharing a name with a legend of a woman who'd killed her husband. 

Iophon clarified that he was Greek but that not all of his stories ended badly, asking whether she'd heard of Rhodopis of Egypt. "I haven't, no. Will you tell me?" She smiled hopefully at him. 

@Chevi

Caecina noticed the instant reaction in the room, perceptive to moods as she was. The tension could have been cut with a knife. She glanced furtively at Tertius who had coughed into his cup, and then blushed heartily as Teutus admitted that he was a freedman. So that was the long and short of it. "I see," she said gently. "Please forgive my indelicacy." A long moment stretched on as she scrambled to find a good way to recover, until the young man spoke again, saying that he was interested in trading. 

She latched onto this idea and smiled, perhaps a bit too brightly. "Trade sounds fascinating. And you're right, Rome relies on her merchants. I think that would be a wonderful career." She gestured with her wine cup. "Good wine is something the people of Rome will never survive without." She felt that she should let Tertius take the lead here, though, so she stopped rambling and sipped her wine. 

@Sharpie @Atrice

Caecina chuckled as the man admitted to burning down a building when he was seventeen, surprised. He didn't seem the type of man to do such a thing, but Caecina had learned that appearances could be extremely deceiving in Rome. "Goodness, that's quite a tale," she grinned. She tucked the story away in her mind; perhaps she could use it as an example of why she was well-behaved when Manius tried to scold her again. She'd never burned anything down, so she couldn't be that bad, right? 

The man then went on to say that he didn't deal in gossip much. "Well, more for me," she said with a devious smile. Then he said something that caught her attention - a rumor about a senator with three wives? It was simply unheard of! Gullible with youth, Caecina's mind instantly latched on to the story and she resolved to find out who this mysterious man with three wives was - but then her disbelieving side alerted her to mischief. She regarded him with an amused, suspicious expression. "You know, Lucius," she said at length, "that is an interesting tale. But I do believe you are misleading me, a poor, innocent lady." Then she laughed aloud. "But if you want me spreading such a rumor, I might have to say that it is you who has caught three ladies in your net."

@Sara

Publius grinned at Horatia as she described the journey from her home in Raetia to Rome as trying but uneventful. "That's good to hear. And a blessing that the roads are better, so soon after the earthquake," he remarked. His work in the senate had little to do with the roadways of Rome but he had kept abreast of the news. After all, he would be growing tired of Rome in about a year and want to hit the road to join his men in Greece. As Horatia began to ask if Livia was here, the youngest sister of the group appeared in the doorway and rushed to greet her siblings. 

Publius let Horatia embrace the woman first, but once she had, he wrapped her in a tight bear hug, forgoing what was probably more appropriate. "Livia, it's so good to see you," he said, releasing her from his grip. Just as Horatia had, he noticed the drawn quality to her face, but hid his concern, resolving to pull her aside once Horatia had gone to ask her if everything was alright. Horatia then led them both to the triclinium, surreptitiously trying to ascertain whether Livia and Publius were often together. Publius sensed this double motive and smiled a little. "Nonsense, nothing about seeing my sisters is dull," he commented smoothly. "And both at the same time, no less. Now if only Lucius were here, too, it'd be a proper family reunion."

He settled in a seat with a sigh and accepted a cup of wine, only drinking after his guests had done so. 

@Liv @Sara

Aglaea noted the wince and made a movement as though to help her up, but she seemed to manage it on her own alright. Aglaea had never been pregnant before, but, being a woman, she had some knowledge of the havoc it could wreak on the mother's body. She hoped that Charis wasn't in too much pain - it would be a shame, as she was one of the few people in Rome who had been consistently kind to Aglaea. She couldn't even say that about her own mistress sometimes. 

Aglaea followed along as Charis gestured to a bench. As she sat, Aglaea hesitated for a moment, then reasoned it couldn't hurt to rest a moment. It had been a brisk walk over, after all. "Oh, it's nothing major, really," she said. "I was just looking for your master to deliver a package from my mistress." She glanced at the other woman. "I'm not sure what it is, if I'm honest," she continued. "Probably a gift to get on his good side." She chuckled a little. She fell quiet for a moment, then worked up the nerve to ask: "Forgive me, but are you with child?"

@Sara

Publius had already resigned himself to being the 'adult' in the group as soon as he had received the invitation. Even being forced to be responsible for his friends, an invitation to spend time with them was always welcome. And being responsible certainly didn't mean that he couldn't have a drink or two, within his limits. Being a senator and a military man meant that Publius had developed a keen tolerance for alcohol, so he could enjoy a few drinks before he was out of control. And he was never out of control. 

So, when the evening arrived, Publius dressed as well as he usually did and made his way to the appointed spot. He was a little later than the others, it seemed, as he entered the room with a broad grin. "You must think I'm decrepit as well, Aulus. I'm hurt," he teased, hearing what he had said to Titus. He sat heavily in his chair and sighed gratefully. 

@Liv @Sara @Sharpie

The one thing about Caecina was that she was rarely satisfied with her life. Her father had denied her any attention her whole life, she wasn't satisfied with only having a few beaux to coquette with, she got bored easily. She was a moody teenager and privilege didn't help her be any better behaved - in fact, it added to her sense of entitlement until she was, simply put, a brat. But of course, she didn't think that about herself. She thought of herself as high-spirited with high standards. 

She averted her eyes from Manius as she sat on the bed, staring to the side at her mirror. She listened to him speak but as with anything said to her while she was mad, it went in one ear and out the other, leaving only a sense of anger. She sensed him turning into the doorway and pausing, but she was done speaking. She nodded slowly at length and then turned to lay back down on the bed. She would find a way through. She would think about her problems tomorrow. 

@Atrice

Aglaea realized she had used a colloquialism that he might not have been familiar with and felt bad. She should remember what it was like, trying to learn a new language and how frustrating it was to not understand everything. But for her, it was so long ago, and languages came so naturally to her that she could speak and write in three or four. "Sorry, that is just an expression," she explained gently. "It means that I am not feeling like myself." She gazed down at her hands, and, furtively, at her belly. She wasn't sure if she would ever feel like herself again. Certainly not until her nine months were up. 

She decided to reveal a little more, perhaps because she doubted she would ever see this man again, or he would even remember her or her problems. "I've just been going through a hard time. It happens sometimes." But, of course, her problems were not the kind that happened every day. Realizing this, and that he probably didn't want to hear about her life (even though he seemed like a very kind young man), she deflected again. "So, my master. Secundus Quinctilius Varus. What is it that you want to know? I don't know everything, mind, but I have lived in his household for two years now."

@Atrice