Liv

Could Titus please have a home in the Domi Quirinalis?

@Beauty whatever you decide, I'm up for a thread with Clio sometime in the future She's now become acquainted with Ambrosius, so that could be useful/interesting for Nymphias at some point.

Hi Beauty! I've only got two characters, but I'll put out some feelers. Clio is body slave to Annia Comna, mistress of the Ludus Dacicus where Turi/Ambrosius has trained. If they were to be in the same household she would definitely view Nymphias as competition and treat her accordingly. Otherwise, she's sometimes sent to run errands in the city for her mistress, so there's opportunity for chance meetings. Clio is generally curious and eager to learn, and would find it interesting to get to know more about Britons. If you're looking for a master who won't try to drag her into bed at every opportunity and mostly leave her to her own devices, Titus Sulpicius Rufus could be an option. He recently returned to Rome with his family after a couple of years in Dacia as legatus, and has three kids (all NPC for the time being) ages 13, 9 and 4 who could definitely use some younger slave company. Titus is quite happy with his wife Valeria (who's an available canon) and has had a lot on his mind lately, so he generally doesn't pay much attention to his female servants.

Clio listened in silence as the master laid out his expectations for domina's actions. Standard fare - be witty, charming and elegant. This would not present a problem for her mistress, and neither would bribes or gifts. Domina was skilled enough at making it look authentic, to those beneath their class at least. The poor were easy to fool. "Yes, Domine. I shall remind her of it. I'm sure many would be pleased to be invited to come visit the ludus." She bowed, and out of servile habit noticed how the goblet in her master's hand might be approaching emptiness. "More wine, Domine?" The words left her almost on instinct, like a trained soldier going through well-practiced moves. Still, she would wait for his assent before moving to fill his glass; many a slave had fallen into the trap of pretending to know their master's desires. It would give her time to steady the slight tremor in her grip, too. "New men, Domine?" She blinked in surprise. Her mistress had said nothing of this, which led Clio to guess she didn't know about it. "I hope they will not disappoint you and will honour the ludus." She dipped her head again, ready to be called out on speaking out of turn at any moment. But curiosity was such a difficult beast to tame! "Will you be purchasing Britons, Domine? It is said they are ferocious warriors." She'd heard stories on the streets and at the market of that strange people who covered themselves in blue before battle, perhaps hoping to frighten their enemies into retreat. The novelty effect of a gladiator from one of the newest provinces could not be understated, either - tickets would sell faster and the public would go wilder. And, maybe most important of all, better Britons than two bronze-skinned young men from Bithynia - if her brothers yet lived. @Brian

The barber slave came swiftly, bearing the tools of his trade. Titus glanced at him, then at the wine and delicacies Quintus' slaves had set out, and knew he had a couple of seconds to decide what to do first. Neither option was particularly good manners, but he was at home, with family, and that stubble was itchier by the minute, so manners be damned. He nodded at the tonsor and the man set to work with practiced ease. Titus could only grunt in agreement and acknowledgement at his brother's words, as nodding or speaking would have been an unnecessary risk with a sharp blade sliding along his face and neck at the tonsor's whim. It was over a few minutes later, and Titus ran a hand through his newly-shaved face. The skin was as smooth as a baby's, and he thanked the barber with a "Very good" and a nod of dismissal. Now he was presentable again, if one of their lady wives or sister suddenly made an appearance. "That was the best shave I've had in months, make sure to keep that man around," Titus commented as he held out his hand for a goblet of wine, which a slave quickly filled and passed to him. The drink was exquisite, a fine vintage that felt like liquid velvet as it went down his throat. Quintus spoiled him. Titus raised his half-full goblet in a toast. "To you, brother! And to the gods that have held us in good health and allowed this meeting to happen." He helped himself to some fresh bread and sausage. After the boring meals of his journey, this felt like a banquet fit for an emperor, and it was only embarrassment that kept him from licking his fingers. "I bet he will be good as new when he sees Valeria," Titus jested about his father-in-law; however, the smile quickly gave way to a more serious countenance. "I do hope so, too. Old Publius may be grumpy, but he's a good man." And a doting father and grandfather, even if he did not always want or like to show it. "You speak as if we ever stood a chance against Sulpicia's own plots and schemes!" He laughed raucously and snapped his fingers for more wine. "She was the teacher and we the hapless victi--pardon me, students. Ah, good times." The sofa was so very comfortable, and Titus leaned back onto it. He took a swig of the wine, almost emptying the goblet. "So tell me, Quintus. What has transpired while I was away that I should know of?" @Gothic

Hierapolis was an ancient city in Phrygia that later became a part of the kingdom of Pergamon. When King Attalus died, he bequeathed it to the Romans, and they came and did what they were known for: built roads, baths and taxed the hell out of the inhabitants. A number of earthquakes destroyed the city over the centuries and eventually led to it being abandoned, and nowadays, while the site is extensive, there isn't much to see that remains in one piece. What's left of the gymnasium. The main road leading up to Frontinus' gate. In some places you can see traces of a cloaca/giant drain going through the middle of the pavement stones. Closer view of Frontinus'gate with fortification right to its left. The archaeologists working outn the site originally thought it was built during the reign of Alexander Severus, but an inscription by proconsul Sextus Julius Frontinus points to Domitian times. This gate was the main entrance to the city. The latrinae, or public toilets. It's rather surprising that of all buildings, this one is in decent shape. Inside the latrinae. Note the small drain to the right where clean water would flow through. Between that drain and the wall is where the seats would be. The baths outside the city limits. In this region of Anatolia it was customary for travellers to purify themselves by bathing before entering the city proper. There is also a big necropolis with plenty of tombs and funerary stele and slabs, and an amphitheatre up on a hill that I didn't feel like trekking to. Hierapolis also features a small museum with minor findings (statues, sarcophagi, pottery, glass and metalworks), not to mention an antique pool that, according to legend, was gifted by Mark Antony to Cleopatra, and is now know as Cleopatra's bath. The surrounding area, Pamukkale, has a couple of hot springs in a stunning geological setting, and it was the springs that originally led to a settlement being founded.

I'm the point-and-shoot variety of photographer, so I'm glad you think they're nice! Of all Greco-Roman places I've been to, it's a tie between Rome itself and Pompeii. The former for its variety, the latter for the glimpse into daily life it provides. It's really hard to choose!

Due to a case of wanderlust combined with clinical depression and a circadian rhythm disorder, I like to travel to sunny spots when possible. Some of these spots end up being places that were once a part of the Greco-Roman world. This time I visited Side, in the southern coast of Turkey. Back in the day it was an important settlement in Pamphylia, much plagued by pirates until Pompey gave them the boot. Here's a few pictures of the remaining ruins: Temple of Apollo Amphitheatre Nymphaeum Agora and Temple of Tyche Public baths, which house the local museum A beautifully decorated sarcophagus. The marble is so polished I thought it was alabaster at first. Milestone from Republican times with inscriptions in both Latin and (Ancient) Greek. I saw only one other stone artifact with inscriptions in both languages, everything else was in Greek - which, of course, makes perfect sense given the region.

This topic was inspired by two books I bought just the other day. I've got a few fiction titles set in Ancient Rome, but don't actually own much non-fiction on the subject (though I sometimes borrow from my library). What have you got on your bookshelf that may serve as reference or inspiration for the denizens of AeRo? Me, I've got: Invisible Romans by Robert Knapp. One of the new purchases. Have only skimmed it, but goes into the lives of common folk - slaves, soldiers, outlaws, women, etc. from the little information available (mostly from funerary inscriptions, grafitti and the Bible). Doesn't seem to be broken up into age or location, though. Pax Romana by Adrian Goldsworthy. The other new purchase, haven't started on it either. Attempts to explain how the Romans forged alliances and quashed rebellions, what they provided the conquered peoples with and how and why did the empire last as long as it did with relatively few breakaway conflicts. Haven't yet checked how it's broken up. Antony and Cleopatra, also by Adrian Goldsworthy. I'm about 100 pages into this one, and so far it's done a good job of introducing the backgrounds of both the Ptolemies and the Antonii, as well as the political environment of the time. It tries to separate myth from fact, but the writing is a bit dry. Interesting for someone with an interest in politics.

Clio made to swallow and found out her throat was as parched as the swaths of land the Nile did not reach, according to her meagre knowledge of Ægyptus. Up until today, the image she had of her dominus was of a serious man, continuously (pre)occupied by business matters, but after this meeting, that image would be tinged with a shade of fear. She got the feeling that even freeborns would not enjoy finding themselves on the bad side of Titus Justinius Canicus Phiscerus... As her master exhaled, Clio's own breathing caught in her chest, and she tightened her fists until her knuckles shone pale against her brown skin. Was a storm coming? Had she said the wrong thing? The moment of doubt was over as quickly as it came, and Clio allowed herself to let out a shaky breath. No more talk of gladiators, unless the master brought it up first. Domina was an intelligent woman with a keen eye for quality wares, but when said wares were fighting men, it would be unwise to arouse her husband's suspicion, and if Clio were the one to do it by mistake... well, it would be a very costly mistake for everyone involved. She quivered as the master spoke to her, but somehow managed to relax her hands; her fingernails had left crescent-shaped marks on her palms, and they were starting to smart a little. "Yes, Domine, I shall!" she nodded vigorously. "Is there anything that should be brought to Domina's attention before the next event?" What Clio really wanted to ask, but would never dare to, was how much longer this interrogation would go on for. She hoped she had a little more tact than that, and so she would stand up as straight as her unease would let her until the master dismissed her. @Brian

I recently finished "The three body problem" by Cixin Liu, and am now on my library's waiting list to borrow its sequel "The dark forest". A pleasant read if you're into sci-fi!

Titus had been absent from Senate proceedings for years, courtesy of his service in the provinces, and most of the time he did not miss the stuffy, formal speeches that had senators talking in circles and boring each other to inaction. During this meeting, however, his colleagues seemed to have come to the same conclusions rather quickly, and not yet once had he had to steel his jaw to tame a yawn threatening to escape. It must have been Caesar's influence, transforming the venerable institution from an ineffective assembly to an energetic decision-making organism over the better course of a decade. As the young Tiberius took his seat again, Titus stood up. "Esteemed colleagues, I find myself seeing the truth in your words, and agreeing with it. These children must not be left to suffer the whims of Fortuna, but instead aided so that they can contribute to the grandiosity of our homeland." Many had ended up in their situation through no fault of their own, and petty criminals and gangs would step in to claim them to their ranks if those of means did nothing. "For many generations, Rome has been cleverly exploiting whatever resources are available. Our forefathers turned marshland into terra firma, and our soldiers build roads as they conquer foreign lands, all so that their successors will thrive. These children are a resource for our patria, one that we should take advantage of today lest we lose it forever tomorrow." He paused to clear his throat. "Let us do as Tiberius Claudius suggests: send the brightest to a grammaticus, so that they may help shape the minds of the future. Send the strongest to our legions, so that they may bring glory to Rome and themselves. Send the others to be apprentices to tradesmen, so that they learn the virtues of being a Roman through honest work. And as for the girls - true, our mothers, wives, daughters and sisters may know best how to handle them. There would be value in letting them into our own homes, so that they may learn how to be good Roman women. But seamstresses, too, need apprentices, and the temples are often in need of novices. For if we offered our help to ten girls, how could we justify not extending the same charity to a hundred, or a thousand more who would reclaim it?" Let them all know meaning through hard work, males and female alike. Idle hands made for idle minds, and these orphans could contribute to society by providing useful work. Rome didn't need any more ne'er-do-wells. Having spoken his mind, Titus sat back down, gazing attentively at the next speaker. @Chris

It was good to be back, but it was great to be home. Rome was, of course, home to any Roman worth their salt, but sometimes the lofty ideals of patria were supplanted by a simpler, baser need for refuge and belonging. As one of the household slaves welcomed him into the house that had been their parents' and was now his brother's, Titus couldn't help but reminisce. It had been years since he had last set foot in it, and the decorated walls had been witness to many things: his decision to join Quintus Caesar in the east, his brother Quintus' own one to stay in the city and protect the family from the lunatics that pretended to be the righteous rulers of Rome, their shared worries as to the safety of their wives and children... And older things still: Quintus' marriage, Sulpicia's cunning schemes to get out of trouble, himself swinging a wooden gladius at one of the slave boys in a play fight. It had been so long ago that it may as well have been in another life, a more innocent one. As he saw his older brother come into the atrium, Titus broke out into a merry grin. "Quintus, my brother! It's been far too long!"He returned his brother's hug with a bone-crushing one of his own. Despite the years and miles that had separated them, their bond remained as strong as ever. "Is she here? I better borrow your tonsor before she shaves my face off too!" he laughed heartily. Sulpicia was a formidable woman of an even more formidable temper, and only the unwise should tempt her to unleash it. Yet it was also true that he should start to look more presentable and get rid of that itchy stubble, now that he no longer had the excuse of a long journey with limited tools and no skilled barber. He followed after Quintus through the familiar spaces, studying his brother's back. He looked healthy, but tired, and when he'd pulled back from their hug, Titus thought there were deeper lines on Quintus' face compared to the last time they'd been together. Politics could be far more gruelling than most would believe, and a consulship could be just as much work as it was an honour, if not more - and was Quintus any less busy now, as a former consul, than he had been two years ago? For a fleeting moment, Titus felt what he thought was pity; at least in Dacia they fought the enemy with gladii and pila, not with intrigue and rumours. "You're a far better host than I deserve, brother," Titus chuckled. There would be no shortage of delicacies, and dared he hope for some honey cakes too? "I trust Cornelia is in good health?" His brother's wife had seemed to recover well after the difficult birth of their youngest a few years ago, but one never knew with women - healthy as a horse one day and at death's door the next. Valeria seemed to be an exception so far, seemingly having a stronger constitution than most women, but for how long would the gods maintain their favour? "Oh, she's doing well. Grew chattier and more excited the closer we got to Rome, though you know she'd never admit it. That is, until we got word on the way here that her father was doing poorly, so she made a detour to go see him first - sends her deepest apologies to her beloved brother-in-law, of course, and hopes you can forgive her rudeness - and will join us later along with the children." He smirked conspiratorially at Quintus. "So for now it's just us two brothers, eh?" @Gothic

Much of what you write here strongly resonates with me, it's good to know I'm not the only one who needs time to get in the right headspace for a particular character. Fun stops being fun when it turns into a chore.

Me, for sure! I grew up on Horrible Histories and other "Horrible" titles, can't wait for the film to come out near me.

Sounds great! I'm going to have a busy couple of days, but can start some threads on thursday. Or if you'd rather start, by all means

I'll try to start that Uber Eats thread in the next few days, should be fun No preference really, I'm fine with either! Hmm, Clio has a more dramatic/tabloid-like life story, whereas Titus is going through the age-old dilemma of doing what he likes vs what's expected of him. Don't know which one Gaius would find more interesting or unusual. Maybe Clio for diversity's sake, since she's more limited in her character interactions?

Hmm, don't know about Clio since she's a bit limited in her scope of interactions, but she could eventually come across Azarion in town while on an errand or enjoying some free time. She's a bit arrogant, though, so I imagine they'd frustrate each other to no end. Titus, on the other hand, could/should definitely visit Theodorus and have some older and newer injuries checked out! He might also know of Aia from his time in Britannia, don't know if you'd like to explore any links there.

Can't believe I hadn't posted here yet Clio might pay Caius Lupus' McD a visit one of these days, either to eat in or take away (her household's little secret?). Titus and Quintus should have a chat sometime soon. Don't know if Gaius Petronius would be interested in taking down some notes on one of these two. I'm game for anything!

For the first time in four years Titus stepped foot inside the Curia Julia again. Many of his fellow senators had already arrived, but there were still plenty of open seats. Their togas, perfectly immaculate in most cases, gave the event an air of equality and complete fairness; the taking of seats, however, betrayed the illusion: those closes to Caesar and highest in rank sat foremost, while those of lesser authority - like Titus himself, in his role as former quaestor - were relegated to the back, farther from Caesar. It suited Titus just fine, as fewer would see him fidgeting under the unbearable itchiness of his toga. A few familiar faces cropped up here and there, and Titus acknowledged those around him with nods and short greetings as he moved closer to the seats. Spotting his brother Quintus together with Appius Scipio, Quintus' brother-in-law, he made a beeline for the two men and greeted each with a vigorous handshake and a promise of catching up after the meeting. Sitting not far away from the pair was Aulus Praetextatus, whom Titus also knew well; he greeted the older man with an enthusiastic nod, and, at last, proceeded to take a seat at one of the back rows.

Absolutely @Sharpie! I'm fine with either, can't say I'm itching for one over the other. Would you like to start or should I?

By the gods, how nerve-wracking this was! Try as much as she liked, Clio's expression was sure to be transparent for someone as used to dealing with shady characters as her master; no doubt he could read her as easily as one of the pieces of parchment placed in front of him. It seemed her passionate defence of her domina had been successful, though. Clio stood attentively, listening to her new orders. They did not seem to conflict with those her domina would give her, and so she would not have any difficulty following them. It did not, however, mean that she would not have to be careful. There may be times to come when what the dominus wants to hear and what truly is happening are not the same, and Clio would have to juggle that fine balance in the information she would give. She had a closer relationship to her mistress and thus felt more loyal to her, but it was the master who held the actual power over his household, wife and child included. To even try to deceive him would be utter foolishness. "Yes, domine, I understand. I shall keep you informed." Well. Now this was the truly hard part. Clio chewed on the inside of her cheek thoughtfully, considering what to say. She did not want to cause a rift between husband and wife, but neither did she want to arouse the master's suspicions. "I am not always privy to all that happens, Domine," she started timidly, "but she has been observing a number of gladiators training in the arena lately. She often comments on their talents and flaws, and fighting styles. It is my impression she may be considering which ones have a better chance of being successful in actual matches, although I am but an ignorant slave on this matter, Domine." She attempted a small smile. What Clio did not dare tell her master is that the domina also often commented on their physical prowess and appearance, and had on more than one occasion asked for Clio's opinion on how a particular fighter would perform in bed. "Domina has also been trying to cultivate acquaintances among the higher class, Domine. Results have been... mixed." The more conservative crowd had no interest for the parties Annia Comna organised, whereas those of a more Epicurean nature seemed to look forward to the next such event. Regardless, both parties talked about the mistress and her parties, whether to disdain or praise them. Clio had once heard that there was no such a thing as bad publicity in the business world, and her mistress seemed to be aiming for exactly that - putting her name, and by extension that of the Ludus Dacicus, in the mouths of Romans everywhere. @Brian

Sugar for sure, honey's only place in my diet is when I'm sick... like now Pizza or hamburger?

Titus Sulpicius Rufus. 34 | october nonae 39 CE | Senatore | Soldier/senator | Heterosexual | Canon | Toby Kebbell Personality. From a very young age Titus has been described as both bold and brash. As a little boy he would try to climb the tallest tree, mount the wildest mare, start the most play-fights. He was determined to aggrandise himself, to beat his siblings and the slave children in their endeavours, and then tell everyone about it who would hear. The brashness is still there, forever a part of his nature and upbringing, but he does a good job of taming it as needed. Titus prefers to describe himself as confident. Never one to shy away from a challenge, he likes to take initiative and meet his enemies where they stand, be it in the fields of Dacia or within the walls of Rome. It goes, without saying, therefore, that Titus is willful and driven in his undertakings. Any affair he is tasked with is seen to completion, and despite his lack of patience for mundane minutiae, he is perfectly capable of playing the long game so as to accomplish his goals. Nevertheless, every so often his face betrays his inner thoughts, and to combat that flaw he tends to assume a serious, grumpy look – which, again, leads many to feel justified in their opinion of him as an arrogant man. In actuality, Titus is a goofy fellow with a quick laugh. Trading jokes and anecdotes with his legionaries, attending theatre performances and playing with his children are things he enjoys, and he’s as much a fan of gladiator fights and chariot races as the average Gaius on the street. The simple pleasures of life energise him and give him something to look forward to when he is away from civilisation. As a soldier, Titus is frighteningly effective. He leads those under his command from the frontlines, aiming to set a good example, and hacks away at enemies with all the glee and abandon of a patron at a brothel. A decent strategist and a better executor, Titus feels most alive when in the midst of battle, fighting by his men’s side; he lives for victory and the look of despair in their opponents’ eyes when they realise they’re powerless to stop the implacable Roman army – better than any aphrodisiac or fine wine. His loyalty to the eagle standard is unquestionable, and his trust in the Augustus’ military and political savvy unwavering. Appearance Titus stands at a fairly common 172 cm, being both shorter and stockier than his lanky elder brother. Thanks to his time in the legions and a natural inclination for fitness and physical activity, he is in good shape, although by no means built like a gladiator. Also courtesy of his military service are several scars, both big and small, spread across his body; some are more visible than others, like his nearly-sliced-in-half right ear and cheek, but Titus sees them as proof of his dedication rather than eyesores. He sports short, slightly wavy brown hair and, in spite of his best efforts and shaving routine, often finds himself in possession of a 5 o’clock shadow. His eyes are an ordinary brown, neither light nor dark, and his skin colour is also quite ordinary, although a tanner tone than the one he was born with owing to long periods of time spent outdoors. The latest fashions mean nothing to Titus, and he feels most comfortable in military garb. When at home in Rome, he lets his body slave decide for him, as long as it’s simple and sober. Regardless of what he wears, Titus strives to present a stolid countenance in public, but allows himself to be much more animated when with family or very close friends – and occasionally in front of his army subordinates. Family Father: Lucius Sulpicius Rufus (b. deceased, former Consul.) Mother: Plancia Magna (b. alive) Siblings: Sulpicia Rufia (b. 48 years old) Quintus Sulpicius Rufus (b. 29 CE) Spouse: Valeria Flacca, daughter of Publius Valerius Flaccus (senator) Children: Sulpicia Flacca (b. 61CE) Publius Sulpicius Rufus (b. 65CE) Sulpicia Valeriana (b. 70CE.) Extended family: Paternal Sulpicia Rufia's husband = Lucius Volusius Saturninus (Senator) Quintus Volusius Saturninus (b. 60CE) Gaius Volusius Saturninus (b.64CE) (Other children did not survive.) Quintus Sulpicius Rufus' wife = Cornelia Scipiones Quintus Sulpicius Rufus Minor (b. 60CE) Appius Sulpicius Rufus (b. 62CE) Sulpicia Rufiana (b. 64CE) Sulpicia Annthea (b. 68CE) Maternal (Grandfather, Senator) Marcus Plancius Magnus Marcus Plancius Magnus Minor, age 40. Plancia Magnilla Extended family on the Plancia-Magna page. Other: Related to the Valerii-Flacchi by marriage History Titus came to the world in 39CE, the third and last child to his parents. Being the youngest afforded him liberties his older siblings would have had to fight for, and that suited the active little boy just fine. His bronze soldier toys followed him all around the domus, and the conquests of Alexander were his favourite bedtime stories. He was a curious and fearless child, more interested in history and the military arts than literature or philosophy. While his brother concerned himself with learning the ropes of the Senate and their dealings from their father Lucius, Titus dreamed of becoming the greatest legatus of his age, an equal to Scipio Africanus in the annals of history. As he grew older, however, he came to understand the merits of Quintus’ long-term strategy, and sought to adapt it to his own ambitions. His coming of age coincided with a period of great unrest in Rome. The illness and later death of Claudius brought about much uncertainty, and rebellions popped up all across the Empire like mushrooms after heavy rains. It was in this climate of distrust and betrayal that Titus joined the legions as tribunus laticlavius under the command of Quintus Flavius Alexander, unafraid to openly support the Augusta’s family. The conflict in Gaul had them facing the forces of the proditor patriae Camilius and emerging victorious in 56CE. Titus’ service only confirmed what he had always felt deep within: the art of war was to be his métier. The fragile peace attained after the liquidation of Camilius would last only a few years, suffering irreparable blows from the deaths of the Caesares: Darius in 58CE and Junus and Honorius two years later. Titus’ stint in Gaul ended when Quintus Flavius Alexander returned to Rome in 60CE, and in the same year he married Valeria Flacca, she too the daughter of a senator. It was a political match, as most were, but Titus’ affection for his wife grew quickly as they welcomed their new life together, and before long he was sincerely and utterly devoted to her. A year later, in 61CE, the pair welcomed their first daughter, named Sulpicia Flacca for both families. Titus found he was the doting type of father, hopelessly wrapped about his daughter’s chubby little fingers. In 62CE civil war broke out, and again Titus hurried to Quintus Flavius Alexander’s side in the East. Between Cyprianus’ loss of power and the executions ordered by the newly-acclaimed Clemens, Rome was a most dangerous place to be, and Titus entrusted the safety of his wife and child to the smooth tongue and diplomacy of his older brother. In Cappadocia he acclaimed Quintus Alexander Caesar, supporting him in his defeat of the armies of Scaurus, Cotta and Clemens, and marched triumphantly back to Rome under the new Caesar after a fortunate reunion with his brother. His reencounter with Valeria and Flacca was an emotional one, yet Titus was eager to assist Quintus Caesar in his structural reforms of the legions. In 63CE he marched to Gaul once more, aiding Caesar in his pushback against the German attackers along the Rhine and helping to prepare a new venture into Britannia. Their force reached the island in 64CE and again a reorganisation of the legions was undertaken so they might better defeat the belligerent natives. In one of the skirmishes with aggressive tribes Titus suffered a serious injury and was sent back to Rome once he has recuperated enough to travel, his superior affirming that Titus had yet much to offer to the army if only he took care to live long enough. His sourness at having to miss out on all the action was lessened by being with his family again, and in 65CE Valeria gave birth to a son, named Publius in honour of his maternal grandfather. His new heir made Titus’ recovery much more agreeable and provided him with the perfect excuse to retrieve and dust off his old toy soldiers, and in early 66CE he celebrated the return to Rome and triumph of Caesar Augustus, with the infamous Briton Eppitacus in tow as spoils of war. The following years were of little note. Titus resumed his unfinished business in Britannia in late 67CE, this time as quaestor in suo anno, and participated in the maneuvres and strategies that would ultimately remove Ysulda of the Brigantes from power in 68CE. Once his quaestorship was over, Titus was sent back to Rome to keep an eye on the deposed Ysulda, who had by that time reached the capital after having fled to Colonia in Germania Inferior. He and Valeria made good use of this time to add to their family, and in 70CE Sulpicia Valeriana greeted the world for the first time. However, Titus did not have much time in which to get to know his youngest child, as Caesar sent him to Dacia to assume the post of legatus legionis for the XI Claudia. Thus, in 72CE Titus commemorated news of his brother’s election as consul from quite a distance, nevertheless feeling much pride at Quintus’ accomplishment. It is now 74CE and Titus is back in Rome following the completion of his term in Dacia. For the time being he is kept busy by all the catching up with family and affairs of the city, but is of two minds about whether he should aim for a new assignment to the provinces or begin to climb up the ladder in earnest and seek a praetorship. Liv | GMT+1 | PM/DM (Liv#5452) @Gothic

There seemed to be no signs of anger or displeasure in her master's brow. Clio allowed her tense shoulders to relax just a fraction of an inch. Their conversation, if it could be called one, was off to a good start in her opinion, biased as it was. No harsh words, no shouting, no punishment or promises of it - yes, it had started off well. To be fair, Clio had nothing to complain of in her current household: she was treated with respect, food was always abundant, the masters were fair to her and, thanks to the domina's influence, nobody had tried to put their hands on her for the last two years. Clio hoped it would stay that way in the future, too. It had apparently been a good idea to bring up the domina's efforts, but it was a bit jarring to hear her master ask about such feminine matters. it felt inappropriate, shameful even, to discuss the minutiae of a woman's troubles with a man. But Titus Canicus Phiscerus was not any man; he was the master of the household and all his slaves owed him complete obedience and loyalty. Clio cleared her throat awkwardly, unsure of how to start. "Y-yes, domine, they remain. They shall for several more years, may the Bona Dea have it so." It was certainly the case that a woman was at her most fertile in young adulthood, but many gave birth to strong children when they were already in their forties and proud grandmothers. The Vestals the Romans held in such high esteem, for instance, could still bear children after fulfilling their service to the goddess, and several had done so. Annia Comnia had already given birth to a healthy and well-formed baby years ago; reason followed that she could do it once more, if the gods so wished it. From what little Clio knew, the birth of not-so-little-anymore Canica had not been particularly traumatic, so all the equipment should still be in working condition. Clio felt a strong impulse to defend her mistress. "Please, domine, do not judge domina too harshly. She tries very hard not to show it, but the matter distresses her greatly. Every wives' tale there is, she has tried it." She wrung her hands, a tinge of desperation seeping into her voice. "Domina wishes for nothing more than to honour this house with a healthy son." There might eventually be the need to employ more drastic measures, but Clio dare not even think of those. "She prays every night for a son to inherit the ludus and bring renown to this family." @Brian