Chris

Eppitacos grinned quickly at Cinnia's wink and took another quick drink as he listened to her answer. "I see..." he said, contemplating her answer. Still not long removed from the conclaves and lessons of the Druids, Eppitacos' mind still worked inquisitively, taking in everything and breaking it apart to ask more and learn more. "That is a good answer for what you want to do, and of course Britannia will appreciate your sword," he did not think of any of the soldiers he was now in command of as being his but rather the gods'. "... but that isn't what I asked," he returned her wink. "Surely there is more to you than an arm to hold a sword." He paused to look her over, standing proudly in a dress that didn't seem to exactly fit her build - or what he could see of it. "When the Romans are defeated, and you return to your own betrothed, then who will you be?" He simply assumed she, too, as a member of the nobility was spoken for. In that moment, Eppitacos knew exactly who he was, and he believed the gods were constantly reminding him. If only he knew the years of struggle - internally and externally - that laid in wait for him. But he was still young, and brave, and ignorant... for all his confidence. @Atrice

Lucius was listening, while also trying to not overthink about how awkward it felt to purposefully slow his strides to match Caecina's pace. He remained quiet as she professed she hadn't travelled recently. It seemed, to him, that her more recent memories of travel beyond Rome were tied to some sort of tragedy or lament - something they shared. At the mention of her 'mother', Lucius pondered for a moment whether she referred to her birth mother or Juliana... though the quick frown that fell on her lips answered that question for him. He didn't pry on that subject, but made a mental note to remember it. "It is," he said, approving of Caecina's choice in destination. He took a moment to simply stand in silence and look over the enclosure. For as many times as he had visited the villa, he seldom took much time to actually enjoy the beauty of the land. "And yes I have," he said, picking up on her question. "Though, most of the travel I've done has been more of a requirement than a desire." He decided to reveal a bit more about himself. "I was born in Rome, though my first memories of life are from Asia when my family travelled with my father on his assignment to the province. He unfortunately became very ill and passed when I was just three." He paused, thinking of the death mask that had been made of his father's face, that was destroyed when the family home was engulfed in fire during the riots. "Truthfully I have no memories of him." He took in a breath. "My father's death drove my mother to insanity, and she lost all ability to care for my sister and I, so we were taken in by my aunt Lepdia - my father's sister - and uncle Longinus in Syrian Antioch. My birth mother passed while I was in Syria, and some time later I returned to Rome with my aunt and uncle where I was then formally adopted by my uncle Decimus. "From there, I more or less went wherever Decimus went. I spent some time in Britannia - where Juliana became my mother - and then Rome, to Africa, and back. And then there's the long list of places I've fought." He chuckled. Throughout all his speech, Lucius maintained an even, almost detached tone. He had turned off his emotions in regards to the loss of his family the day he learned of Decimus' death. At this point, it was more a recital of historical events than devastating events that had occurred in his own life. "I'm sorry for the autobiography," he grinned. "But yes, I have been around." @Echo

Quintus smirked at Helios' insistence on knowing his name. He'd assumed - obviously incorrectly - that even in that dimly-lit room, his features would be recognized. Apparently not. Unless the man was simply in so much disbelief that he wanted to hear Caesar's name directly from his own mouth. "Perhaps the light doesn't do me justice," he quipped, and then added, "I am Caesar." He stopped there, to watch the man's reaction and then asked if he had any other questions so that they might get started with the job. @Atrice

Quintus remained seated but looked up. He kept a straight face, nodding at the man's introduction and deciding to forgo mentioning any sort of name for his new persona. And then they went directly into business. "I am," he said, and then pulled back his hood. The disguise had served its purpose in concealing his identity on the journey to the meeting. But for the true weight of the matter to really weigh upon this Helios, Caesar needed the man to see him for who he was. "There is a very delicate and personal situation that I need dealt with. A situation that cannot be officially recorded or noted." Which is why he wasn't relying upon the division of the guards that specialized in truth-finding. "I have been told by people whom I trust that you are capable and dependable. You know who I am. You know the power I have. But I am a man who prefers to reward for a job well done over punishing for failure. "With a simple sentence I can change your life, but I need your word, here and now, that I can trust you." There were seldom second chances with Quintus.

Well hello! For old time's sake, we definitely need to get some threads rolling. Here's who I have, and some ideas. Quintus Caesar: They'd certainly know each other, and I daresay he would trust Antonia, simply for the role she played in supporting his family throughout the turbulent years prior to his rise to power, not to mention everything else. I could see them working together - although unofficially - in respect to her power in the underbelly of Rome and how that could help a Caesar. No great ideas beyond that atm. Eppitacos: Former warlord in Britannia/former champion gladiator/former slave, and now just a freedman who apprentices as a blacksmith. He mostly is used as the courier to deliver goods for his 'master' (master in the master/apprentice sense) because, thanks to his fame, if he's the delivery man the forge can charge more for their wares. A bit of a juicy backstory for him is that his former betrothed (in Britannia) came to Rome and tried to have him killed by hired thugs. Could be that maybe Antonia is the one who facilitated that? Just an idea. Manius Aemilius Scaurus Pius: Son to the 'great' scion of Republicanism (to some), Marcus Scaurus who opposed and was defeated by Quintus Caesar during the brief civil war. Manius was crippled at a young age, and through two decades of study and healthy habits and physical training has managed to regain mobility. He's extremely wealthy, and very well-spoken and educated. He's a moderate politically, and isn't overly ambitious; he supports the principate, but has ideas on how it could be improved. Personally, he's lonely. He's a widower, and has an adopted newphew/son (who's in Germania). Quick idea for him is as a potential betrothed - even though you mentioned Antonia not wanting that. The hitch would be him offering to adopt her son because Manius' biggest obsession is continuing the family line (and he can't have his own kids). Also just a thought: Are you looking for someone to play Renius Minor? Slightly intrigued by the thought of that haha.

Quintus kept his eyes trained on Aulus as the man spoke what he knew of the situation, and for his part Quintus believed what he was told. The mere fact that Aulus had made the effort to come and speak with him in person said enough about his character. He knew that Caesar was the type of man who preferred to hear any sort of news face-to-face, rather than through missives and whispers. And to put it simply, Caesar truthfully had little love for any Praetorians lower than those at the top whom he trusted with his life. "I understand," came his simple response. He felt that he needn't say much more than that. "Rest assured I currently have no reason to consider you, or your wife, targets to be tracked." The Praetorian, on the other hand, would be watched carefully. "To be rather blunt with you, Aulus, I have no great love for the Praetorians. They are a necessity, of course, but an annoying one." Most of them were seasoned soldiers making more pay to stay at home and get fat and drunk. "I can pry into this matter, should you wish. I'm sure this tribune's senior officer has more information he has not relayed directly. A favor for a faithful supporter." And in just a matter of words, Caesar had offered his hand. @Sharpie

"Cinnia, cousin of Ysulda," he said, repeating her name and her place in the midst of things. Even in their politics the Brigantes were more developed and complicated, for the sheer number of families claiming some connection to the royal house. He smiled at her compliment. "You think so?" And then chuckled despite himself. "My advisors all told me to prepare something, but I thought it might be more rousing to speak from the heart." He said, making a fist of his right hand and tapped it against his chest. He took a drink of the warm honeyed beer in his goblet and then asked a potentially deep question in a rather simplistic way. "Other than being the cousin of Ysulda, who are you really? Or, who do you want to be?" @Atrice

Lucius let his legs take him around the villa of his mother-in-law Juliana as he thought about what he should do. Eventually he found his way to the stables where he came to his trusted steed. He decided then to travel into the city proper. The farther he got from the villa, the more his thinking drove him to frustration. He spurred his horse to a swift charge, as if he were preparing to run down an enemy. His body charged with adrenaline and he knew what he needed to do. "I'm going to burn it to the ground." finis

Eppitacos had been raised to observe nature, and observe people. First as a Druid, and for the rest of his life to that point as a fighter. He could understand how a person felt, or what they might be thinking based on how they stood, or how their eyes darted frantically back and forth. Truthfully a part of him hated that for everything he had earned, all the riches and glory, he was still beholden to this frightened woman in the middle of a bunch of trees. That his newfound freedom could be taken away with a simple call for help from her. But, there was a chance to diffuse any sort of escalation by way of his name... only he presumed it was from the fame attached his his Briton name. "My real name is Eppitacos," he said, still adamant on being truthful. "Surely you've heard the name? Briton warrior? Gladiator?" Though he was a modest man, he found it hard to believe she had not heard his name. "Calpurnius is a new addition," he continued. "I was purchased from Caesar by the Vestal Calpurnia and by her earned my freedom." He hated even saying those words: that he had earned his freedom. Freedom wasn't a thing to be earned, or owned, or even given. He was sure this Roman woman disagreed. He watched her eyes continue to jump from him to the clearing behind him, to the roadway beyond the trees and the noise of the traffic upon it. @Sara

Lucius found his characteristic grin sticking to his face as Caecina admitted test-taking might not be her strongest skill. He followed her lead in handing off his wine to the nearby servant, and then nodded as she suggested they travel to a particularly pleasant enclosed area that she enjoyed. Though he typically walked a brisk pace - habit after years of marching in the legions - Lucius let his legs fall in step with Caecina. He racked his brain, thinking back on previous encounters they had had. Truthfully, Lucius had always seen Caecina as a child. She had clearly grown, and though he had no real prior reference point, he found himself enjoying her jubilant energy. "Have you travelled much beyond the villa and the city?" He asked, putting his voice to the first pondering thought that came into his head. @Echo

Lucius took in the sight of his younger, still more innocent brother. He still had a boyishness about his face. In that moment he realized that Marcus looked more like their true father while Lucius had a more narrowed face like their grandfather and uncle Decimus. He gave a quick, soft smile when Marcus asked whether he should tag along. "I think I'll go it alone this time, brother," Lucius said. He walked closer to his brother and set a hand on his shoulder. "Rest up, and I'll call upon you in the morning. We'll get our home back." With that Lucius set down his goblet and left. His mind was clouded, unbalanced and fighting between revenge and patience. He thought the stroll might help him keep his focus...

Eppitacos caught her every moment from her stilted breaths to the way her foot caught against the incense burner and brought a grimace to her face. Yet her fear held her in place. He heard her warning: That she had a freedman on the road ready to protect her if needed. Before he could say anything to reassure her that he had no ill intent, she spoke again, questioning who he was and what he was doing. Both valid questions considering the circumstance. "I haven't any weapons," he said first, keeping his arms raised and his voice as calm as possible. "So you don't need to call out to anyone." Though he didn't remember seeing any freedmen waiting by the road. "My name is Servius Calpurnius Eppitacus," he said, deciding it a safer move to give his Roman name than the Briton one - though he had no way of knowing that the woman he was speaking to was a relation to his former master Calpurnia. Why had he entered into those woods? "I don't have a good reason for being here," he added, honestly. "I simply noticed an opening in the wood and thought I might explore. Then, I saw you and wondered if you might be in some sort of trouble. "I can leave if you prefer." @Sara

Still not into his second decade of life, Eppitacos found himself a king. Just a year ago he had been Diolain, a bastard born to a Roman slave; a member of the priestly caste who found his way of life being rapidly erased from the world as the Romans pressed on in their colonization. It was less than half a year ago he had made himself known as Eppitacos, the son of Caratacos. The news spread quickly that the warrior-priest and son of Caratacos had continued raiding Roman lines and harassing their efforts, and soon enough Cogdobunos - brother to Caratacos and Roman-made ruler of the Catuvellauni - wanted to meet his nephew. Eppitacos at first made no overt moves against his uncle's position. Instead, he continued to maneuver as he always had: against the Romans. In time it was Cogdobunos' jealousy and insecurity that led to conflict. Even then, his uncle deferred to the Roman governor to settle the matter. Eppitacos, instead, deferred to the traditions of their people and challenged his uncle directly. Cogdobunos could not decline combat, and so he fought, and he died. Eppitacos, still nineteen, was named king of the Catuvellauni and with his rise a fire of resistance against Rome had been reignited. For the first months of his rule, Eppitacos trained his people in a new way of warfare against the Romans, and meanwhile he reached out to the other tribes to gather support and convince them that the gods were on their side; that they could defeat this new and seemingly unstoppable enemy on their island. The greatest of all the tribes, by far, were the Brigantes both in their wealth and the might of their army. Though a king ruled the Brigantes, their nobility stemmed from a female founder, and it was their queen who held the power... and it would be her daughter Ysulda, who would hold the kingdom next. In an effort to garner the support he knew he would need against the Romans, Eppitacos offered a betrothal to the still preteen Ysulda in exchange for the power to call upon the Brigantine army when needed. Queen Cartimandua and her king agreed to the terms, and a feast was planned to celebrate the arrangement and the future of a free and united Britannia. It was the second such celebration in all of Eppitacos' life (the first being after the victory over his uncle), and though he had received no lessons in court manners, he relied upon his natural confidence and charisma to guide him. As they feasted many came forward whom had fought with his father; some who remembered Eppitacos' own exploits in the first war against the Romans... all of them pledged to lend their chariots so long as Eppitacos for for Britannia, and not himself. He was called upon to make a speech, and he kept it short. Talking of his commune with the gods. Of the spirit of his father that remained within him. Of the spirit of Britannia that they all needed to protect. There was applause and some shouting in agreement, and then the feast broke into an unorganized mess of people meeting and speaking with one another. Eppitacos had not spoken with his eventual wife-to-be, but he really was unsure of what to say to her and so he continued making the rounds, speaking to anyone who caught his eye. He quickly found another young woman in his sights, her hair adorned in flowers, and her frame draped in a blue dress that was kept in place with a belt held securely in place with a finely-crafted buckle. Her dress marked her as nobility, and he found himself curious as to who exactly she was. So he took a step toward her. "Evening," he said with a quick smile. He thought there was some similarity in her features and those of the princess, and he wondered if they weren't related. "Might I ask your name?" @Atrice

Eppitacos had been a free man for almost a month. Calpurnia, whom had purchased him by way of proxy at the private auction held by the Caesars earlier in the same year, had surprised him with an early Saturnalia present. As she had said: "This year, your freedom won't end after a week of celebrations." As was the custom, and as he felt obliged to do, he took her gentile name, and took the name of his mother, then added on his own to officially restyle himself as Servius Calpurnius Eppitacus... though to most he was still Eppitacus, or just Epp. The first thing he decided to do with his freedom was leave Rome. As much as his curiosity of the greater world outside of Rome interested him, he hadn't once in over ten years had an opportunity to truly see the countryside. The Romans had built the greatest city the world would surely ever know in Rome, but he knew that they had come from hills and pastures the same as his people.... once upon a time. And so he desired to see these lands for himself. He started south, with his initial destination set for Neapolis. The trip took him just under a week, though - by way of a suggestion from a rather drunk soldier at a taverna - he ended up traveling on to Pompeii. He had never seen so many bordellos on one street as he did in that city... but he enjoyed himself. What little money Calpurnia had gifted him was spent quicker than he anticipated. Once he was out, he debated whether to try and etch out a life in Pompeii, or somewhere else, or return to Rome. In the end, Eppitacos decided that Rome offered more opportunity by way of his patron Calpurnia, and so he made the return trek. After days walking he entered a stretch of the roadway that was crowded by foliage on either side. He felt a sudden flashback to his home, where roads had been made through nature, not on top of her. He thought about how, in his previous life, he had been among the trees, looking out on the Romans stomping forward on roads. Now he was stomping just the same. It had been some time since he simply wandered the woods. He wondered if he could even speak with nature anymore, as his Druid fathers had taught him. With a deep breath, Eppitacos stepped away from the roadway and into a small sliver of the world the Romans had decided to let be. He felt suddenly alive, surrounded by the quiet of the trees. But he quickly realized he wasn't alone. He stepped forward, not entirely carefully, as the path continued farther into the woods, until it seemed to open just slightly. His eyes caught sight of a woman standing alone and he felt his curiosity take over him. Another step. What's she doing here alone? He thought to himself. Could she be in trouble? Thinking back to the signs he had seen at the mile markers about brigands, Eppitacos took his eyes away from the path and surveyed his surroundings. Another step and this time a twig snapped beneath his foot. He instinctively looked down, and then immediately up to see that the woman had turned in surprise. He held up his hands... well, his right hand and the stump of his left forearm to show that despite his certainly ragged appearance, he meant no harm. "Apologies for the surprise, domina," he said, as gently as possible while thinking to himself, "Please don't scream." @Sara

Summer 75 CE Just a few days earlier Quintus had received a letter from one Gnaeus Flavius Paterculus. There were few messages sent across the empire that were routed directly to Caesar without first going through the hands of his secretary - those from Paterculus were among the few. Paterculus was a servant and later freedman to Quintus' father, and had in many ways been a fatherly figure to Quintus in his youth. He had been a part of Quintus' entourage during the Greek rebellion nearly two decades earlier, and after Quintus secured Athens he allowed Paterculus to remain in Attica... which was his home. There was another reason Quintus left Paterculus in Attica. Quintus, in his younger years, was one for tasting all of the local flavors... so to speak. He went through young men and women and considered that just as much a conquest as the battles and wars he fought against Rome's enemies. Only twice (that he knew of) did those encounters leave him with children. Ausonia, in Hispania, had given him Publius - whom he later adopted with full rights - and a daughter, Belanina. And in Achaea, Patroclea had also given him a daughter: Eutropia. Paterculus, then, had been given the task of looking after Patroclea and Eutropia. In time Paterculus married Patroclea and Quintus had presumed that Eutropia thought Paterculus to be her father. That all came to an end with the letter. Within, Paterculus explained that he had a fever and would likely pass before the letter arrived to Quintus in Rome. He went on to say that an unfortunate string of bad luck in gambling had robbed him of his assets, and those Caesar had sent to him to take care of his family. Eutropia, who was set to be married to a low-level member of the Athenian senate, was distraught to find she had neither an inheritance nor dowry. In all the hysteria, Patroclea had let slip the secret that Eutropia's wealth was with her father in Rome... which then pressed Eutropia to dig for the truth of her lineage. It continued to say that Eutropia had left for Rome, and after they heard nothing back from her, Patroclea went after her. The only letter Paterculus had received from Patroclea was that Eutropia had gotten into some sort of trouble. The letter ended with an apology. Eutropia had to be found. To that end, Quintus had relied upon his aides to arrange a meeting with a contact who was supposed to be one of the very best at finding and selling secrets. An abandoned apartment had been secured in the subura of Absidata. With the combination of stubble he had not shaved for days, some soot to dirty his face, and a hood to cover his imperial features, Caesar had gone unnoticed to the point of contact. A hand-picked group of German Guard were dressed in civilian clothing, making themselves busy in the streets outside, and Caesar carried a belt around his shoulder that sheathed a small and very sharp dagger. He was prepared for whatever might come. He heard the shuffling of foot steps, and then a knock. "Enter" he said. @Atrice

Caesar's eyes narrowed in on Aulus as he spoke, as he could tell from the tone of the man's voice that the matter he quickly brought to attention was his real reason for visiting. He listened carefully and then lifted his brows as if the news was new to him. "Is that so?" The missive had in fact been from Prefect Tertullus of the Praetorians with a small list of names. "I'm afraid a few of the more ambitious tribuni within the Guard can be overzealous in their duties to protect the empire. They go hunting for leads wherever they can." While Caesar didn't know the background behind why Aulus' slave was detained, he didn't feel any need to be alarmed over whatever loyalties the man might have had over a decade earlier. "What many of them don't know, friend Aulus, is that their very own actions are also watched and documented." He took a steady look at the consul-to-be and then continued. "Rest assured this note has nothing to do with you, and I have no reason to doubt your loyalty to Rome." Caesar paused again, but cut it short with an interjection of his own. "Though, I am curious how you came to be in a... what was the word, delicate situation with a member of the guard." @Sharpie

Lucius chuckled at her tease and kept his smile as she responded quite well to his compliment. He nodded as Caecina mentioned that the two of them hadn't really spoken to one another much in the past. That, too, was understandable considering their age difference - that mattered more when they were younger than it did in that moment - and Lucius' activity in the legions. "That we should, Caecina," he said in agreement, watching her pick at something on her dress. "Why don't you show me around more of the garden?" He suggested, looking away from her and scanning his eyes around the area. "I'll test whether you've paid attention in your lessons about flora and fauna." @Echo

Lucius couldn't help but grin at Alexia's not so well hidden reactions to Longinus' rather frank speech. The grin remained etched into Lucius face even as Alexia spoke to him of what they had been able to accomplish. The grin faded with each word Longinus added. Though Lucius' suspicions that Proculinus was a fraud at best were confirmed, it also sent his mind racing to contemplate an added dimension to this plot he was uncovering. Was Juliana's husband Tuscus a part of it? Lucius was quiet for a moment as he considered the information relayed to him, and what that meant for his case and beyond. It wasn't until Alexia dipped her head so that her eyes met his that Lucius snapped back into reality. "Yes... it confirms my suspicions at least. But if Proculinus is a fraud, who put him up to it? What's he have to gain? And what's his connection to Vitellia?" He was thinking aloud now. "I mentioned," he started in a lower, rougher voice, "that Juliana's husband Tuscus was the man to recommend Proculinus to me. Was his suggestion merely him acting on a favor, or is there more to it..." Answers had only unlocked more questions. @Sara

Lucius only nodded at his brother's suggestion for them to move into the kitchens and then pulled away from the desk where he had been leaning and let his younger sibling lead the way. It wasn't long before he had a drink in his hand, and not long after that before the cup was empty. After some time drinking and speaking more of their plans to restore their family's position, Lucius felt a sudden urge to see the domus from a new angle. How would it look from the eyes of someone who no longer owned it? "I might take a stroll," he said, rather abruptly. "I need some fresh air, and... to walk off some of this wine," he smirked. @Atrice

Lucius grinned ever so slightly at Caecina's comments on her father's secrecy when it came to finding suitors. He supposed it was part of the process fathers went through. Though he hadn't lived through it himself, his logic told him it was simply to avoid having their daughters fall for the looks of a man before the father was convinced of his merit and dignitas. Also considering just exactly who her father was, and his place within the greater Roman political world, he certainly had plenty of options... and likely Caesar's input as well. "I'm afraid my luck in that department has dried up as of late," he said, as cooly as he could muster. There had been the encounter with Claudia Corinthia, and a few others, but the majority of his time had been spent abroad or fighting for his legacy at home. "What with being away in Britannia... and I'm not overly fond of the Briton shape," he jested, "and matters here at home. It's been a while since I've had a sunny afternoon to sit and chat with an attractive lady." He grinned, and then took a sip from his goblet. @Echo

Where there was a will, there was a way - and Lucius was determined to find a way to continue combating their cousin. "I'll level with you, brother," Lucius said, as Marcus pondered aloud whether that was all they could do, "most of our fortune, as you know, was put into the walls of that domus. I'll have to ask Juliana for a small loan again to continue a legal battle against Vitellia... though honestly, I might as well save myself the fees and represent myself, for as piss poor a job as that invalid of a lawyer did." Lucius could feel the anger swelling in him again. "Once you have the wills, get them copied and give the copies to Juliana. We will certainly need them. And then we need to figure out where our servants have gone." Since Lucius did not agree with the institution of slavery, he did not keep slaves in his home. Every servant was freed, either before being hired, or once he came across them. Hiring them didn't help with his finances, but he had hoped giving them all freedom helped with their loyalty to him and the Junii-Silani name. "Assure them we are working to secure our home and we may call upon them when needed. They are likely as confused and outraged as we are." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I need a drink." He said. @Atrice

CHRIS Quintus Flavius Caesar Alexander Augustus- POST HERE Lucius Junius Silanus- POST HERE Eppitacos- POST HERE Marcus Aemilius Scaurus Pius - (on hiatus)

Lucius looked at his brother with a blank stare, still processing his own thoughts on what their next move should be. He didn't notice the silence that fell around them as he kept Marcus waiting for a response. Then at last he blinked and refocused his eyes on his brother. He needed to include Marcus. He needed to think of a way they could both work together to secure what was rightfully theirs. Most of all they needed something to focus on that could keep them focused... and he needed to keep Marcus distracted. "Yes, there is something..." he said, before pausing again. "I need you to head to the Vestals and request a copy of Decimus' will. And any of the wills of our aunts and uncles that you can find. There has to be something in there to counter Vitellia's proof. As for me, I need more information on our dear cousin." He paused and looked at Marcus, waiting to see if his brother had a question, or anything else to add. @Atrice

"Oh, you'd be surprised the influence a woman can have over a man... married or otherwise," Lucius said, commenting on what Caecina had said. He was still a bachelor, and did not entertain any wild ideas about his ability to fetch a prized woman from within the imperial circle, or one of the many circles surrounding it. For all the prestige of the Junii-Silani name, they had little left other than their name. Lucius still had work to do in order to return the family to its former place of prominence. His associations with Juliana certainly helped in that regard. "Speaking of marriage," he said after a long, steady drink from his goblet, "Has your father managed to find any good suitors for you now that you're of age?" He was sure that Tuscus would only accept the best and brightest for his daughter. His family was, by means of his support and loyalty to Caesar (and of course his marriage to Juliana), one of those closest aligned to the imperials, after all. @Echo

After Longinus, Lucius' visitors were few and far between. Had he had any money to spend, he would have posted his own bail so that he could at least remain on house arrest prior to the trial. Without such funds, he opted to remain behind bars until the time came to bring him before a judge and jury once again. But, before that, he knew his old friend and commander Longinus would return with good news for him. When the guard came to alert him that he had a visitor, Lucius stood with a soft grin, waiting to see Longinus. He saw Alexia first, and his grin widened. "Ave, Dominus," she said with a quick nod of her head. "Alexia," he said, "I see that Longinus was able to find you after all." His eyes moved from Alexia as Longinus came into view shortly behind her. "Now, tell me what you've learned." @Sara