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Echo

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  1. Echo

    Modern Girl

    Echo replied to Atrice's topic in Domi Palatini

    How had one kiss led to all of this? Caecina had never had such feelings before, but she was glad that they had kissed on another by that stream. It had given way to so many more interesting things, more temptation to get into mischief, so much fun. She wished they had realized their feelings sooner, so they could have had more fun together. But she lived in the present, and for right now, Marcus was sitting on the bed next to her and looking at her with those sparkling blue eyes that Caecina had grown to adore. Marcus said she could have him anytime and she blushed and laughed at the innuendo, whether he meant it or not. "Idiot," she murmured affectionately. Marcus then challenged her earlier statement about being an innocent girl and she grinned, wanting to keep up the play-acting. "I am innocent, Marcus, and you're going to take advantage of me," she teased. "I'm so innocent that if you should kiss me, why - I think I'd faint!" He had leaned closer and she stole a glance at his lips, hoping he would kiss her soon but not wanting to make the first move. @Atrice
  2. Echo
    Marcellus had just sat down when he heard the voice of Safinia, one of the support workers for the Whites. Marcellus didn't know her too well, but she had always been a friendly face. He gave her a friendly smile, which, unlike most of his smiles, was not tinged with flirtatious intent. She looked like she could use a friend and nothing more at the moment. "Sure, thanks," he said, accepting the apple and taking a bite out of it. For whatever reason, the apple was like mana - had he been spending too much time around horses and picked up their eating habits? A question to ponder another time. He gazed at her as he swallowed the apple. "You look pretty banged up - you doing alright?" Marcellus had been lucky to escape the dangers of the earthquake with little damage to his person - only a few scrapes and a bruise on his head from when a tile had fallen on it. Many others in the city had not been so lucky, including Safinia here. It looked like she had a broken leg - Marcellus was thankful he hadn't been damaged thus, as it would've ended his career, more than likely. @Liv
  3. Echo

    Confession Time

    Echo replied to Echo's topic in Back in Time

    Aglaea winced slightly at her mistress's words. It wasn't like her to be so careless and she was ashamed of herself. Livia was right to chide her like this - she deserved it. "I know. I - I don't know what's wrong with me. But I was careless." She had barely realized how informal she'd been when she'd first entered the room, but upon hearing footsteps nearby, she tensed slightly and looked to the Roman woman for guidance. As she had expected, Livia assumed a new posture and formality, and Aglaea knew she should follow along, just by her expression. "No, domina," she said more formally. "I was not harmed. But I think I must have been pickpocketed - I wouldn't have lost it otherwise." She hoped whoever had walked by a moment ago had walked on. This was not really a conversation she wanted to have in front of others. @Liv @Járnviðr
  4. Echo
    May, 75CE - After The Crush of the Crowd Even after Aglaea's enjoyable conversation with Rufus, it was time to return home and tell Livia what had happened. The slave wasn't really afraid that Livia would be angry, and she was sure that between the two of them, they could smooth it over with Secundus, if he even found out. But Aglaea was still kicking herself. How could she have been so stupid? She'd been in Rome for fourteen years and never been pickpocketed - and now, the one day she doesn't tie her coin purse on tightly enough, someone in the crowd took advantage of her oversight. And now she had to confess. Aglaea took the back entrance into the domus, greeting a few friends in the kitchen before seeking out her mistress and finding her in the master bedroom. "Livia - could I speak with you for a moment?" She seemed alone, so she figured it was safe. "You sent me shopping this morning... I got what you asked for but I... I lost the rest of the coin." She bit her lip, trying to judge the woman's reaction. "It wasn't a lot of money, but... I figured you should know." @Liv @Járnviðr
  5. Echo
    Before the mistress of the domus arrived, Caecina took a chance to look around the atrium, noticing its tasteful and bright decorations. She wondered if the flowers were from the domus's own gardens, or if they'd been brought in from elsewhere, though the effect was the same either way. Caecina wondered how she would decorate her own house someday, assuming, of course, her husband allowed her to decorate how she liked. She was tugged out of her thoughts by Horatia arriving, greeting her by clasping her hands and kissing her on each cheek. Caecina returned the gesture with a bright smile, instantly turning on the charm just as she had intended to. "Horatia, it is so wonderful to see you again. Thank you for inviting me to your home - it is a beautiful domus." Astraea cleared her throat and Caecina took the hint. "Oh, goodness, I almost forgot. I brought you this wine from our cellars - a gift for your kindness in inviting me." Horatia suggested they retreat to the gardens and Caecina dipped her head, smiling. "That is a wonderful idea." With greetings out of the way, Caecina drew a breath of relief. There had been no barbed statements with underlying meanings, no chastisement. She was thankful for that. Horatia was asking her a question as they walked toward the gardens. "I usually stay in the city, actually. I am ever so fond of all the activity here - the villa can get awfully quiet. My stepmother, Juliana, stays at the villa most of the time, though." She gazed at her companion. "Do you get to the countryside very often?" @Sara
  6. Echo
    Caecina was confident that no one had seen her or Marcus that day, so she wasn't particularly concerned with her reputation. If her guards had let it leak that she had done such a thing and ruined her reputation, she would have asked her father to fire them and replace them. She didn't understand Manius at all - all she saw was a man trying to stop her from living her life the way she wanted to, a symbol of her status as a child and a weakling. She hated that feeling. She felt a little bad for taking out her frustration on him, but then her anger flared again and she sighed heavily. Her guilt took over again, though as he said he wanted them to get along and that he wanted her to trust him. She gazed at him for a long moment, trying to determine any truth to his statements through his eyes. But she wasn't a good judge of character and she wasn't sure she could trust him - not yet. Finally, she sighed again and uncrossed her arms, taking her weight off of the wall that she had been leaning on. "Alright, Manius. I want to get along with you too. And I'm... sorry." @Atrice
  7. Echo

    Modern Girl

    Echo replied to Atrice's topic in Domi Palatini

    Caecina grinned as Marcus entered, as suave and handsome as he always was. He had that way of pushing his hair back that just let it fall right back into place, and she thought he must have done that recently with how his hair was looking now. He spoke then, saying that he hoped he hadn't disturbed her and she shook her head. "Of course not. I'm always happy to have you, you know that." Even if she had been about to take a nap, spending time with him was much more preferable. The young man sat on the bed next to her and she gazed into his light blue eyes as he asked whether there were slaves nearby. "Not one." She wasn't sure where Astraea had gone off to, but Caecina had said she didn't need her for a few hours. That only left Manius as a variable, but she hadn't indicated she was going anywhere today, so there was no reason for him to come by. "Did you come here, just hoping to catch a poor, innocent girl by herself?" Her voice was teasing. @Atrice
  8. Echo
    Early August, 75CE Why was Caecina plagued with forced visits with people she didn't care to know? It was nothing personal against those she had to meet - she just had a million other things she'd rather be doing! And Juliana had an amazing ability to make connections for Caecina while being miles away at the villa. Today's visit was no different. She had been introduced to Horatia Justina before, and had attended a social gathering, a book club, at her home as well (also spurred on by her stepmother) but had never had a visit with the woman one on one. At the book club meeting, Caecina had made the appropriate niceties and then retreated to spend the rest of the evening with the one young woman she'd known there. Because she'd never interacted one on one with the older woman, Caecina was going into the meeting today with little to no context or knowledge about her personality, and that intimidated her. The young senatore lady was of the notion that all older women were simply out to get their younger counterparts, to judge their new fashions and hair styles, to judge their adherence to the proprieties. Caecina was absolutely better at interacting with women her age than older women. But at least she had some knowledge about how to appease the old cats, so she was at least prepared on that front. Caecina dressed especially carefully, choosing a more modest chiton than she usually wore. The fabric was a light blue, Caecina's favorite, and embroidered along the edge's by the girl's own hands, something she could brag about if she needed to defend herself. Her palla was also blue, though darker, and sparingly decorated. Her jewelry was tasteful and not too garish, and she brought along a bottle of fine wine from her father's cellars as a hostess gift. Upon arrival, Caecina was shown into the entryway to wait for her hostess. @Sara
  9. Echo
    Early July, 75CE Marcellus took a step back and sighed. The sun was beating overhead and making him drip with sweat. The whole team and their accompanying servants had turned out to help assess and fix the damage to the stables, and of course Marcellus was helping out. What else did he have to do, anyway? He could be out drinking, of course, but what was the point in that if he had to come back to the stables to sleep in an uncomfortable pallet on the ground? It wasn't worth it, though, for the hundredth time, he reminded himself to pool his money together and live in the insulae nearby. It wouldn't be a headache to commute to training, and he was a free man, free to live where he liked. But for now, he was taking a break from moving stones into the rubbish pile to have an apple and a sit-down. He couldn't work for hours on end without stopping - no human could. He made his way into an undamaged covered area and sat, sighing again. What a boring and difficult day. @Liv
  10. Echo
    Aglaea nodded as he thanked her for reminding him to tie his coin purse on a little tighter. She just didn't want him to go through the anxiety of losing money on the streets of Rome - for people like them, money was hard-won and precious, and losing even one coin purse could be devastating. Of course, she didn't know his monetary situation. Manius said that there weren't a lot of decent people in Rome and she shrugged. "Well, someone has to be a leader," she replied, grinning a little. She, of course, would never even think of taking someone else's money, both because of a personal moral code, and because of the tenets of her religion. Manius then explained that he grew up in Rome and she flushed a little, embarrassed at her own silliness in assuming he was new. Anyone could get flustered at the markets - she certainly did from time to time. "Ah, I see. As you can tell, I am not from Rome." She gestured at her darker skin tone. Then she offered to share a cake with him and he asked if she was sure. "Of course. I bought too many and I certainly don't need to eat them all myself," she said with a laugh. "Come on. Take a break from the crowds for a moment." Without waiting to see whether he was following, she led the way to the fountain she had noticed a moment before, sitting on the marble edge. @Atrice
  11. Echo
    Caecina looked back up at him as he agreed that they should speak more often, smiling again. "I'm glad we agree, Lucius." The young woman thought herself rather foolish - how could she not have noticed this man before? He'd been around often enough and had always been handsome. She supposed she'd just been looking at the men closer to her age, but now she had noticed him and was pleased that she had. The man then suggested that she show him more of the garden, saying that he would test her on her knowledge of the plants and animals. She laughed at that. "I think we both know I'd fail that test. But I shall do my best." She stood gracefully and took one last sip of wine before handing it back to her servant. "Here, let's go this way. There's a beautiful little enclosed area that I like." @Chris
  12. Echo
    Of course, there was a ring of truth to everything Manius said. Caecina couldn't deny that. But when had she ever been in real danger? It wasn't like she lived in Britannia and had to be fearful of woad-painted warriors snatching her from her bed. This was Rome, and it was safer than most other places. She was already chafing under the apparently iron-clad rule of Manius and was not looking forward to his reign. "Honor," she repeated softly, the end of the word almost turning into a scoff. She'd never risked her honor - well, not terribly risked, anyway. Caecina gazed at him as he finished his statement, her jaw set stubbornly. "I won't run away from you if you don't keep me cooped up." And it was true - she didn't intend to run away again if he was reasonable and let her do the things she wanted to do, like spend time with Marcus. But if he didn't... "I have no control over whether you are hired, so this conversation is an exercise in futility. You may not be saying that I am a child, but everyone else thinks I am. Juliana and father... well, I'm not a child and I don't intend to be treated like one." @Atrice
  13. Echo
    Aglaea jumped back a little as he rounded on her, almost as though he was going to hurt her. Though, she reasoned, it wasn't unfair of him to think she was a pickpocket, seeing as she had his coin purse in her hands in a crowded street in the emporium. But a pickpocket wouldn't willingly give back their plunder, and she handed it back to him, watching as he weighed it. He thanked her and she gave a small smile. "Of course. You should tie it on more carefully, though - a real pickpocket could have taken it with ease." She had experience with pickpockets, having run into the uncomfortable situation of losing money meant to buy something for her mistress. The man went on to ask how he could thank her and she waved her hand. "Nonsense, you don't have to thank me. Any decent person would have done the same." Though, in her experience, decent people were often few and far between in Rome. She shifted her tote bag filled with honeycakes to the other hand. "But... I hope you don't mind me saying, you seem a little perturbed. Are you new to Rome? I found the markets overwhelming when I first came here." She looked around, spotting a quieter section nearby with a fountain. "If you need a little rest, I have some extra cakes. You're welcome to share them with me." @Atrice
  14. Echo
    Caecina raised her eyebrows at the man as he came closer, challenging her earlier statement that the day was enjoyable. It seemed he was taking his guarding duties seriously, despite having been hired only minutes before. This was an interesting challenge. Manius said that it had been an idea and a cool expression fell on her face as she set her jaw and met his eyes squarely. She couldn't be intimidated by this man - not much intimidated her. She'd never been afraid of snakes or spiders, even when boys tried to chase her around with them at the villa. And she'd once fallen off of Aurelia and broken a rib and never even cried. What could Manius do to her? What if something had happened that day? Well, nothing had. They'd been fine on their own - it wasn't like Briton insurgents were going to capture them in the Gardens of Sullust. There was no reason to be so afraid of the world. The common-sense part of her brain did acknowledge he had a point where Marcus was concerned, though. She had seen him spar before - he wasn't bad. Probably not as good as an older man like Manius. But then the man said such detours would not happen under his watch and she crossed her arms casually. Well, they'd just see, wouldn't they? Caecina had her tricks. "A trip to the Gardens of Sullust is hardly the most dangerous thing in the world, Manius," she said with a sarcastic tone. "And I won't be herded like some - like some lost child." Her tone was obstinate but carried a tinge of hurt pride and childish vanity. Why should she be so afraid of the world? She couldn't experience anything if she was constantly afraid. @Atrice
  15. Echo

    Modern Girl

    Echo replied to Atrice's topic in Domi Palatini

    Caecina's brain always hurt after their lessons with Aia. She frankly saw little need in knowing so much, when her one purpose in life was to get married and bear her husband's children. Juliana had once said that the lessons were so that she could teach her own children one day - but if she married well enough, why should she spend her time teaching her children when she could just hire a tutor to do it? So, her mind was crammed full of knowledge and she had decided to rest in her chambers for a while after the lessons ended. She had been almost at the point of sleep when she heard an all-too-familiar voice: Marcus, asking to come into her bedroom. Immediately awake again, she rose off the bed and checked her reflection in her mirror. The reclining position she had just vacated had given her cheeks an especially pink glow. "Just a moment, Marcus," she called back. Quickly, she gathered her vial of cologne and poured a small amount in her hand, placing tiny amounts on her wrists and neck and behind her ears. Then, once she was ready, she sat on the edge of her bed and arranged her skirts. "Come in," she said lightly, giving him a soft smile as he entered. @Atrice Lol sorry, forgot to tag you yesterday!!
  16. Echo
    August, 75CE Apparently, Livia had been in a good mood this morning, for whatever reason. That was the only conclusion Aglaea could come to that could explain her day off. Perhaps Livia had received a letter from her lover, or Secundus had been away and not bothered her. But whatever the cause, the point was that Aglaea was free for the day and was taking full advantage of that freedom. Of course, her first stop had been to synagogue and to talk with some other converts, covertly, of course. Next, she had visited the honey cake stand which she had shown Bassus a few months ago, purchasing a few. She would eat one now and keep one for Livia, and had bought a few extra just in case. Moving away from the stand, Aglaea took a leisurely walk through the Emporium Magnum, taking in the sights and smells of the marketplace. She decided she wouldn't purchase anything else, choosing instead to save her small sum of money for future needs. Maybe even freedom. As she walked, she noticed in passing a man walking in front of her. Just as she was about to look away at something else, she noticed the coin purse at his belt fall on the ground. Apparently he hadn't noticed it. "Excuse me!" As she passed the dropped coin purse, she scooped it up and broke into a trot, following the man. Once she caught up to him, the Jewish woman tapped him on the shoulder. "Excuse me, sir. You dropped your coin purse." @Atrice
  17. Echo
    Caeso explained that he didn't really engage in the less-popular horse races, commenting that he thought it took less skill than chariot races. Caecina, who had an affinity for both chariot and horse races, would be inclined to disagree. Horse racing was certainly dependent on having a skilled horse, with long, strong legs, but the rider had to maneuver the horse around the other racers and determine how best to go around corners. But she didn't bother arguing with him, being in too good of a mood to do so. "I enjoy watching them," she said with a smile. "But of course I enjoy the chariots as well. It does take an awful lot of skill." As for being familiar with horse races - "At the villa, I often race my stepbrother through the countryside. My Aurelia is much easier to goad into flying, so whenever I want to race, I use her." She chuckled. @Atrice
  18. Echo
    Caecina had a growing curiosity about how far his limits would stretch, or in other words, how much she could get away with with him watching over her. Setianus had been older, less prone to believing her stories and innocent teasing, and yet it had been easy to twist his arm to get what she wanted. Between him and Astraea, the pair had become like parents to Caecina, and had also managed to keep the girl out of serious trouble. But Caecina enjoyed a little trouble sometimes and certainly didn't want to be cooped up by another guard. So, the question remained - how much would he let her get away with? She was sure to find out in due time. Manius responded to her answer about where she liked to go, reminding her to be careful about pickpockets. "Oh, yes, I know that. I have avoided being pickpocketed thus far." She had a level head about her and always kept a hand on her coin purse - if she lost money, her father was sure to punish her by not giving her more. And then how could she follow the latest fashion trends? It wasn't worth it. Caecina put on a neutral look as Manius questioned her about the trip to the Poppina, leaning up against the hallway outside of her chambers and taking a sip of wine. Of course Setianus would mention that day. He had given her a very harsh speaking-to afterwards and then had threatened to tell Juliana in order to make her stay in her room the whole next day. Caecina had felt like a scolded child, sent to bed without dinner, afterwards. What all did Manius know? "Yes, my stepbrother and I took a trip there. It was an enjoyable day." She was almost goading him to question further, not willing to broach the topic entirely. @Atrice
  19. Echo

    Echo's Plotter

    Echo replied to Echo's topic in Plotting

    Updated to add Deianira
  20. Echo
    Hi Jarn!! So glad to welcome you to the site. Let us know if you have any questions! Also, a lot of the community communicates through Discord - you should join us!
  21. Echo
    Caecina sat at the table, reclining as befit someone in her station, and watched Teutus as he sat as well. Something about him was uneasy, she could tell, but she couldn't tell what it was specifically. It was like he was uncomfortable in his own skin, but Caecina had noticed how handsome he was. Surely that wasn't it. She shrugged it off and returned to the conversation. Perhaps she should not have said that she was alone in Rome - after all, she was never truly alone. She had her entourage, including Astraea and her bodyguards, as well as other slaves who took care of more specific needs. She had Marcus, and there were plenty of friends to meet. Like Tertius, and his son here, too. Perhaps she ought to invite him out to the races sometime, he might like that. Tertius said that he was glad they were able to entertain her and she smiled. "You are all too kind to me. I really appreciate your kind invitation, and you certainly are accomplished hosts. Your triclinium is beautiful!" She took another dainty sip of her wine as Teutus asked her whether she'd been to Britannia. "No, I've never had the pleasure of going there. I really only see my father when he comes home for a visit. But during the civil war, when I was little, my mother and I took refuge in the east, where my father was fighting with the Imperator." Caecina glanced at Teutus for a moment. "Have you ever been to Britannia? Or done much traveling?" @Sharpie @Atrice
  22. Echo

    Mother Dearest

    Echo replied to Echo's topic in Italia

    Caecina had really spoken without thinking about it. She wanted Juliana to be impressed with her, not only because the older woman's connections with other nobility and the royal family helped Caecina greatly in the long run, but also because she loved her and wanted her respect. So, she had spoken respectfully to the other woman, and when Juliana brought attention to it, she smiled in surprise. "Sorry - perhaps that was a little formal. I missed you," she said, brushing her hair behind her ear. Juliana wrapped an arm around her shoulders and they moved into the domus, speaking. "What, I can't just want to see my family?" she teased lightly. "It's mostly that, but Juliana - it's so dreadfully hot in the city. I had to get away for a few weeks or so." She had been melting in the family domus in the city, and there was very little she could do to cool off. The villa was better constructed with air flow in mind, and there was plenty of shade in the trees that surrounded the area. "Oh! I brought you a gift, too. Astraea-" the dutiful Greek woman brought a small package forth, which Caecina deposited in her stepmother's hand. "I hope you like it." Once the woman opened it, she would find a nicely constructed gold necklace inlaid with white gemstones. That praetorian she'd met had said they were from some faroff land. Caecina couldn't remember. Then, Juliana asked how she was and what she'd been up to. "The usual, you know. Shopping, meeting friends, the games sometimes. I am very well, though. Marcus has been staying in the family domus most of the time, so we keep each other entertained." She thought briefly of her stepbrother and smiled. They kept each other entertained, indeed - and not always in ways Juliana might think were appropriate. "And how are you, and everyone here?" @Gothic
  23. Echo
    Caecina dipped her head as Manius said he would consider it. "Good. Let's decide in three days, alright?" She figured that was a fair time frame, and it was really only for the decision. She would give him more time to arrange his affairs if he decided to move into the domus. Manius then spoke again and said that they wanted her to be glad, to which she chuckled. "Well, I prefer being glad," she laughed at her own joke. Then Manius asked for her to show him around the domus and tell him about where she liked to go. How good he was, to guide her gently through this unfamiliar situation. "That's a wonderful idea. And we can have some wine as we walk too - Astraea, if you will?" She looked to her body servant who poured each of them a cup and handed them to them. Caecina took a delicate sip and then stood, making her way around the ground floor. She pointed out spare rooms, some of which were decorated more lavishly as they were meant for noble guests, and others which were more sparsely filled, meant for servants. She then returned to his earlier question as they climbed to the upper story, where her chambers were. "I often go shopping in the emporium magnum. I also visit friends and other noble families, and visit the temples too." @Atrice
  24. Echo
    Caecina nodded as he said that he had met Setianus. The girl was loath to give up her old bodyguard - all the members of her retinue became like family to her - but since he was free, she couldn't stop him from leaving and being replaced by this younger man. Not that Caecina minded - it wouldn't be a bad thing to have to look at his handsome self all the time. She shook away that thought and returned her focus to him. Manius was talking about selling his home and coming to live in the domus with the family, suggesting that it might make things easier. She supposed that was true - her bodyguards kept watch over her day and night, so remaining in the house where she lived made that simpler. "It makes no difference to me, but we have plenty of extra room in the domus for you to stay here if you choose. We can make arrangements as soon as you decide." Then Manius spoke again, hoping that she would be glad she hired him and promising not to let her down. Despite her contempt at the situation as a whole, who could be flippant to such an earnest man? Her gaze softened and she smiled. "I am thankful for your willingness to keep me safe, Manius. And I am sure I will be glad." @Atrice
  25. Echo
    Caecina took a mental note about his name and nodded. "Very well." Her annoyance was drifting away, in the way that many teenage rages came and went swiftly. Now, she was curious to learn more about this man and why he had been chosen to guard her. He explained that he did have experience as a bodyguard, listing his former employers. His last statement was interesting, and she had wondered, due to his name... but it would be rude to ask. "I'm glad you are experienced. You met Setianus, correct? He was a good bodyguard, but older. It was time he retired." She looked him up and down once more. "I don't think I'm being given any choice in the matter, but since we are meeting, I will say that I am glad to hire you." Even if I've never actually needed a bodyguard, she thought privately. "Setianus was free, but he lived in the domus all the same. Do you have a place in the city? Or would you like a room here instead?" @Atrice
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