Jenn

Re-adjusting the folds of her palla as she sat down, she let her gaze drift around the box. It was slowly filling but at the same time there weren’t a ton of people there yet. Her attention was drawn by the greeting of a man nearby her. “Salve Matrona, Publius Horatius Justinus, at your service.” Was he talking to her? Julia wasn’t entirely sure but as she was the nearest person to him she assumed he was. “Salve, I am Julia Valeria. Thank you for your offer.” The conversation was cut-off when Tiberius caught the man’s attention and introduced him to his younger companions. Julia listened to the introduction. ("One of the Empire's senior military officers, recently returned from serving in Achaea as Quaestor. Eldest son of Marcus and I believe that your sister is married to Calpurnius Praetextatus, last year's Consul.") The man she had been talking to certainly wasn’t a back bench Senator. She particularly noted the connection to the previous year’s Consul- he was this man’s brother-in-law. There was a moment to absorb that information as Tiberius went on to introduce the three senatorial youth that had accompanied him. Although Julia wasn’t part of the conversation directly, she did take a note of who they were and gave all them a welcoming smile. It truly was wonderful to see the younger generation, including Tiberius stepping out into their social roles. @Atrice @Sara @Chevi @Insignia @Sharpie

Imperial Box- Grown up section New season which meant another festival to celebrate one of the many Roman Gods/Goddesses. This one was to honour the harvest/agriculture and the blessings of Ceres. When it came to planting one never really knew for sure if things were going to grow or not. You planted the seeds and then prayed that they took hold and grew. This year’s festival was being celebrated at the Circus Maximus with a series of races in the presence of Caesar. Julia, now a widow, had spent her last few years around horses and although the races could be both dangerous and thrilling, she did generally enjoy watching them. On the day of the festival she donned a dark green chiton and with a lighter green palla over top. She had arranged to attend the event with 2 of her slaves who waited just outside of the box area. She had brough with her one male as an escort and her female body slave as her son was around but busy. He would join her if he got the chance. Entering the stands she looked up to see Titus sitting in the place of honour with the Goddess Ceres next to him and nearby Tiberius. She bowed out of respect to Caesar but then gave both Titus and Tiberius a smile. It truly was wonderful to see the younger generation stepping into their assigned social positions. Finding an empty seat she settled herself down and turned her attention to the races that were running.

To say her typical day had taken another turn was an understatement. Although she would never be one to boast about a ‘promotion’, she was generally happy with her lot in life & had learned to simply go with the flow. To go from a general house slave at the start of the day to now a body slave was going to be an adjustment, but she was also intrigued by the challenge. Calpurnia went on to say that she needed someone in the position she could trust and that while they wouldn’t quite be friends as there was a mistress/servant role, she thought it best that trust goes both ways. She then went on to say if Tacita was ever in need of anything to come to her first- she might not be able to fulfill it, but she wanted Tacita to feel able to ask.. "Alright, first, I'd like you to learn from Horatia's body slave. She'll show you what you need to know in this work. And we can figure out the rest." Tacita nodded her head. It felt like the conversation might be coming to an end but there hadn’t been a formal dismissal yet. She scratched out a quick question on her tablet [“Is there anything you need me to do right now or should I go find Horatia’s body slave”]. Once that was done, she turned it towards Calpurnia and waited for her response. @Chevi

“Right away, Domina…Come this way” As Felix gestured for her to follow him Tacita, with one more glance in Horatia and Aulus’ direction gave a bow of respect and turned to catch up to Felix. Once again, her life’s path had taken a detour, but so far it seemed the gods were on her side. So far each place she had ‘landed’ had either been tolerable or actually benefitted her in some way-it would just be a matter of time before she saw if this place would be the same…but so far so good. She heard Felix go on to say about finding her a free bed to sleep in. Tacita wasn’t overly picky when it came to sleeping arrangements. All she wanted was a roof over her head and a place to lay her head at night. “So…you can’t talk, but you hear. And you write when you want to tell someone something, right?” Tacita pointed to her throat and shook her head no then pointed to her ears and nodded yes. As for writing she carried a tablet in the bag at her side which Tacita opened enough for him to see. Writing for her was still very rudimentary but she was practicing as often as she could. She held up a hand for him to pause a moment. Taking out the tablet she scratched out a brief reply. [“For quick conversation yes/no is easiest & gestures as writing take time but I work on it.”] With that said, she put the tablet back down by her side and let him lead the way once more. @Chevi

Name: Jenn Discord: Jenn#9418

"Well that... is quite unusual. Maybe, if you want, I can find a medicus to look. But I don't think it will be a problem either way." Unusual? Was Calpurnia referring to the fact that she was unusual or her situation- voice not working, not seeing a medicus, having previous owners who enjoyed her silence. Calpurnia then went on to say that if Tacita wanted she could find a medicus to take a look but that she didn’t think it would be a problem either way. Having never been able to afford a visit to a medicus she hadn’t really thought about what might be going on with her voice… Tacita gave a shrug of her shoulders-she was a little curious but also a bit scared of what the issue might be. She went back to the tablet again and scribbled down a reply. [Perhaps Domina, but if it is too much trouble I am okay.] @Chevi

Refreshing this thread: Julia is looking to be married again & Barbara is married but the person playing her husband isn't around anymore Julia- 48 years old, has been widowed for 3 years (Canus died around Saturnalia/Dec 73 AD). Has a son (Sextus Julius Fidelis- also a wanted character in a separate topic) that was born to her while she was in slavery but he was later tracked down and purchased by Julia then legitimized to her family lineage. One key factor for Julia- she supports the Imperials. Barbara- She is married to Marcus Aelius Lentulus (Marcus Aelius Lentulus - Archived Applications - Aeterna Roma RPG) with 2 children but Marcus' player isn't around anymore.

"Well, that sounds like a plan…We would have our own language of sorts” She had noticed on many occasions that this occurred naturally between slave and master/mistress anyway, often slaves would learn to read the cues that their owner gave them even without verbal commands. Tacita had of course attempted to develop her own ‘system’ of signs over the years but if those she interacted with didn’t know them then it was difficult. Usually, she would just wave her hands, point to her throat, and shake her head no until someone clued in that she couldn’t speak. Once that was figured out the person direction of conversation usually switched to yes/no answers. Calpurnia went on to ask a question out of curiosity. "Did a medicus ever... examine your voice? I am just... curious, how you have sound, and language, but no words." She certainly knew she was a bit of a puzzle. Tacita shook her head no but also produced an ‘n’ sound to go along with it. Having been a slave her entire life that was not something she generally could afford. As a child her voice/cry had sounded like a dying animal and although she tried to develop formal words it seemed like the best she could do was ‘sounds’. Then to follow that off some of her early masters particularly liked the fact that she couldn’t verbalize so nothing was ever done to figure out why. At least Octavianus had given her the ability to ‘talk’ with writing & Claudus allowed her to write for him or Linus/Corva. Pulling her tablet back she wrote a short summary. [Abandoned as a child, told by family that found me my cry was strangled. They try to teach me to speak but voice didn’t work. When I was sold I was bought by a master who enjoyed the fact that he had a mute slave….It wasn’t until my last 2 owners that I learned to write.] Once that was written she turned it around to Calpurnia for her to read. @Chevi

As far as Tacita was concerned it was easier to just not use the voice she had- sure it was a quiet life, but as a slave generally your job was to go quietly through your work anyway. She learned to ‘communicate’ with people by yes/no nods of her head, pointing and general gestures to try to get her point across. Usually when she would go to the market for former masters she was often accompanied by another slave who would do the communication but on the rare occasion she needed to go alone there were certain vendors she tended to frequent as they understood how to communicate with her. "Well, writing might prove awkward in your everyday duties. Would you be willing to teach me the signs you use?” That was very true- while she was thankful to have been given the skills & tools to write, it was a slow process for her…she was still practicing as much as she could and had certainly got quicker. Tacita always had the tablet with her in case she needed to use it, but for the most part she still relied on the gestures and simple head nods to get her point across. Tacita noted the pause after Calpurnia’s question of teaching her the signs she used. She nodded her head but did write an answer to elaborate. "Signs so far are mostly nodding head yes/no in response to questions and pointing- as I learn my new role we can make signs that work." Calpurnia then went on to ask if Latin was her first language. Tacita nodded her head in response to that. She had been born and raised in Rome so Latin was the language she grew up hearing. The biggest thing she always wanted people to know about her was that just because she didn’t speak verbally didn’t mean that she was dumb.

Tacita was shy and a little anxious about the change in her life, but at the same time she was also curious and a little excited….in other words she was experiencing an abundance of emotions at that moment. Perhaps Calpurnia could sense this in her, as Tacita heard her explain that she was sure she would do her best & that they would start easy. She also went on to inform her that Aulus had agreed that she could choose whomever she liked from the household- this relieved Tacita as she feared getting in trouble with Aulus or Horatia. "So... you can understand me and you can write, but you don't talk. Don't, or can't?" At her next question, regarding her ability to talk Tacita noted that Calpurnia was asking her abilities or deficits regarding her speaking. It wasn’t that she couldn’t talk- she was able to produce random sounds but it was more like her voice was very rough and didn’t work efficiently to produce words. For as long as she could remember she had used gestures to communicate but the ability to write had been introduced to her by her former masters. She pointed to her voice and shook her head no then pulled her tablet close to scratch out an answer. I have voice but it is just sound & very rough, not words. Use gesture & former masters taught me to write. Once written she held it back out to Calpurnia. @Chevi

She noted Calpurnia tilt her head to read the words. “Oh I see” Calpurnia nodded and then asked if she would be interested in learning. She had been a general or a kitchen slave most of her life but she was always curious about new skills. She listened as Calpurnia went on to say she wasn’t terribly fussy but that Tacita would need to learn to do her hair on normal days when the ornatrix wasn’t needed. That had her a little nervous as hair is a very visual and style heavy skill. She was definitely going to need help/tutoring in the hairstyles. Tacita pulled her tablet back and wrote out a quick reply. I would like to learn. I hope I do not disappoint you Domina. @Chevi

People very quickly learned that she did not have a functional voice. She could raise the alarm if needed, but when it came to 2-way conversation she was very limited. Thankfully her former masters had begun to teach her basic writing to increase her ‘world’. When she didn’t have work to do or late into the night she could be found in a quiet corner scratching away practicing. "Tacita, I am in need of a body slave. Have you ever done that kind of work before?" Had she been a body slave before? That was a definite no. While she had seen her former masters with their body slaves assisting them, they had all been male so not a role she filled. Tacita shook her head no but took her tablet out to elaborate. “My former owners were all male. I was a general slave.” She held it out to Calpurnia for her to read if she wished. @Chevi

Early 76 and only a slave in Aulus’ household for a short time she had settled in well, knew her routine and loved her life. He had been correct that it was an easy household if she did her work well. Up to this point she had done a little bit of everything. This day for example had found her working alongside one of the other slave girls cleaning the many rooms of the domus. She had finished the room she was working on and was moving on to another room when she heard a voice call out to her. “Tacita, right?” She stopped at the sound of her name and gave a nod of her head in confirmation that she got the name correct. Looking in the direction of the Triclinium she noted that it was Domina Calpurnia, Aulus’ sister. “Can you come in for a moment?” Tacita stepped into the room and gave a quick bow. She had of course seen Calpurnia around the Domus as she was living there since her retirement as a Vestal, but other than being part of the general household slaves serving various members of the family they hadn’t had much interaction. She waited for the older woman to explain why she had called her in. @Chevi

"Tacita, you may start work in the gardens for now… And if you have any other problems you should come to me first. My husband is very busy with his role as Consul and won't have time to deal with the concerns of a slave unless serious. Do you understand?" Tacita nodded her head in acknowledgement of Horatia’s statement. While she didn’t know first hand the workings of political positions, it didn’t take a genius to know that he would in general be too busy to deal with the concerns of a slave. Also, most women took care of the household anyway so that made sense. With that being stated, Horatia then turned her attention back to Felix. "But for now - Felix, why don't you take Tacita on a tour of her new home and I will have a longer think over what she could be useful for." Once again she was being talked about as if she wasn’t even in the room…but then again she used to that. Tacita for many years required people to ‘translate’ her gestures- ‘communication’ can only happen when people understand what you are trying to say. Tacita adjusted the bag hanging from her shoulder and waited for Felix to lead the way. @Sharpie@Chevi@Sara

"Well, you're a good girl and a hard worker. I just wondered… He just wondered? Did he think she was being rude? The master/slave dynamic was hard enough without communication issues getting in the way. She got anxious worrying that he misunderstood what she meant. …if there was anything you particularly liked to do and would like to do more of? Or are there any skills you would like to learn?" To say she was confused by his line of questioning was an understatement. It was safe to say it had been a while since she had a Dominus like him, perhaps Octavianus had been the closest- he was the one who felt she should learn to write. What kind of skills was he referring to? Picking up the stylus she took a breath and began to scratch out a reply. “I apologize Dominus… I meant I’m happy here & love my work.” She was stumped about the new skills question- that would require more thinking on her part. “Can I think about other skills- I don't know now?” @Sharpie

Updated plotter: Tacita is now owned by Aulus Calpurnius Praetextatus (purchased as a surprise gift for his wife Horatia)

When she heard his question and noted that it wasn’t a simple yes/no answer, she hadn’t even hesitated to point to her tablet. Before she had been taught to write, she would have struggled to express herself. While she would never be a scribe, she was grateful that one of her former masters had made the decision to have her taught to write- it was very basic writing but it gave her a voice. After the first few days of ‘asking’ for permission to use her tablet to answer she now regularly reached for it without even thinking about it. She never went anywhere without it. As Aulus found a bench to sit on nearby she figured their ‘conversation’ was finished but he technically hadn’t dismissed her so she turned in his direction. Just as she did that he asked her another question. “Do you like working in the garden, or is there something else you like doing more?” Did she like working in the garden or was there something else she liked doing more? Tacita was the definition of a ‘general household slave’. She was usually easy going and did whatever tasks were assigned to her. She honestly didn’t know how to answer his question. “I like the tasks I am given- I help out where I am needed.” @Sharpie

Tacita enjoyed the sounds of the other slaves working around the domus. As someone unable to engage in verbal communication, if it wasn’t for others around her making conversation her life would be a very quiet world. She let her gaze wander around before turning her attention back to the task at hand. She reached out a hand to twist another dead bloom off the plant. Footsteps came up along the pathway. “Good Morning…How are you settling in?” Tacita looked over her shoulder to find Aulus, her Dominus, standing beside her. She picked up her bag as she scrambled to her feet with a smile on her face. After pointing to herself and the bag she took out her tablet and scrawled a quick answer. “Good morning Dominus. I think I am settling in well…” While a slave doesn’t normally get a say where they are sold/where they go, she felt that she had been lucky. @Sharpie

A new home, a new family to serve…while yes that meant a new routine, change was something Tacita was very familiar with. She had been a part of Aulus’ household now for about 4 months and although she had been a surprise to the household, she had certainly done her best to try and fit in. When it came to duties she was also fairly easy going – she wasn’t overly familiar with the more ornate jobs a female slave might do but she was good with general household tasks. This day found her assisting the gardener- which meant she got to be outside enjoying the sun. She took off the satchel she always carried with her, which gave her the ‘voice’ she didn’t have and set it on the ground next to her then knelt next to the flower bed. With the beautiful July weather the plant was flourishing, but there were some dead blossoms on it which needed to be removed. Tacita stretched out a hand and with a gently twist the blossom came off in her hand. Taking a moment before reaching for the next dead head she looked down at the one resting in her hand- gardens had always amazed & intrigued her. It amazed her that something so beautiful could come from a seed in the dirt. She set it down and reached for the next one ready to remove it as well. (Open- to anyone in Aulus' household)

“Why can’t she speak?” It was a logical question to ask. There were some slaves who for reasons of rebellion, disobedience etc would have their tongues cut out, but that was not the case for Tacita. If she wasn’t such a well behaved slave she might have stuck her tongue out just to prove she had one….but she didn’t. In Tacita’s case, she had a voice and a sharp mind but was unable to get the two to work together- she produced sound but it was far from functional. Aulus requested that Felix bring some wine into the Tablinum & as Felix went off to get it, he moved towards the Tablinum. Tacita noted Horatia turn to follow him, while giving a gesture for her to follow them, stopping in the middle of the room. As he sat down, he answered Horatia’s question from the atrium "I don't know - the dealer said it was some sort of defect or impediment, but she seems intelligent enough, and it's her speech that she has trouble with - her hearing's fine," A few moments later Felix returned with the chilled wine and poured some. With the Dominus & Domina now refreshed, she noted Horatia rest herself against the edge of Aulus’ desk looking at both her and Felix. “Do you know one another” Finally a question semi-directed towards her but she wasn’t entirely sure of the answer. Felix certainly seemed familiar, but Tacita couldn’t place how she knew him. Felix answered that he had seen her at the market before but didn’t mention whether they had talked or not. She was puzzled and made a note to ask him later- the conversation switched to what she would. Some of the possible suggestions: assisting the gardener with the flowerbeds, possibly a new ornatrix if she had the skills. Having mostly been a kitchen and general household slave of those two options she was probably more comfortable with the flowerbed option- when it came to fancy hairstyles of the nobility it wasn’t something she had an experience with. Most of her former owners had been men and therefore didn’t have those needs. Surely in time she would be assigned duties but at this point it was a ‘do what you are asked to do’ situation while they all figured each other out. Aulus brought the attention back to himself by speaking directly to both herself and Felix. “You may take as much time as you need to show her around and introduce her to the staff, Felix. Tacita - this is an easy-going household. All I require is that you do your work to the best of your ability, and if you have any questions or need any help, you may ask Felix or my secretary, Xanthos - they both read." At the sound of her name Tacita raised her head just a bit to acknowledge that she heard him. It sounded like she had once again lucked out with regards to owners, but only time would tell. She nodded her head at his orders to do her work to the best of her ability and that if she had any questions, she could ask Felix or his secretary Xanthos as they both could read. @Sara @Chevi@Sharpie

She heard Horatia repeat her name and then turn to her husband with a ‘Thank you, you shouldn’t have’…universally known as the being polite but you really didn’t have to do that or even better, why did you do that answer. Considering she was gift and he hadn’t known what he was going to get exactly it was pretty obvious to Tacita that she was unexpected. Horatia then went on to say that Felix would show her around after they figured out what to do with her and of course Aulus piped in with possible ideas. She felt like a young child at a party where all the adults were talking around her but not actually to her…but then again that was normal for not only a slave, but a slave who had issues with speaking. While she stood there waiting for them to decide what to do or ask her a question she attempted to figure out how she knew Felix, but she had been around so many slaves in the past few years. She didn’t think he had come through Claudus’ shop but she couldn’t be completely sure. Tacita saw his encouraging smile and she gave him a hint of a smile back. @Sharpie@Sara@Chevi

After being sold Tacita decided it was a good thing that pretty much her only belongings were in the bag she carried. She certainly had not planned on being sold upon leaving Claudus’ that morning, but such was the life of a slave. Knock on wood, her masters so far had been good and she sent up a silent prayer that this ‘luck’ would continue. When they stepped outside she saw the lictors waiting for him outside and although she knew as a Consul he had a wealth of people following him/protecting him, to see that many in person was surprising. Tacita followed along behind Aulus, trying to memorize the route from the Emporium. When they arrived at the Domus, Aulus dismissed the lictors. Inside they stopped in the atrium and she let her gaze wander around while he caught the eye of a house slave and had him get his mistress and Felix. They didn’t wait long for the mistress of the domus and also Felix. "This is your mistress, my wife, Horatia Justina, And my body slave, Felix." Tacita looked in their direction and gave a curtsy in greeting. When she saw Felix she was wondering on where she knew him from- perhaps he would refresh her memory at some point. With a gentle urging from Aulus she stepped towards her new mistress. "Horatia, I've brought you a gift. This is Tacita - she doesn't speak, but she does write, and is learning to read. I thought she might be useful.” She wondered what exactly she would be doing in the domus but figured she would get some instruction shortly. @Sara@Sharpie@Chevi

“Would you accept an offer of…” Aulus named a price and then Claudus asked him if he would like to go back to the office to discuss it over another cup of wine to which Aulus agreed. Tacita certainly hadn’t planned on getting sold that day, but it seemed like that was what was about to happen. She watched as the two men turned and went towards the office. Tacita put her tablet back in her bag and waited for directions. The foreman selected another female slave and then nodded his head towards Tacita to follow Claudus & Aulus, but when they arrived at the office door he made her wait outside until that time as Claudus summoned her into the room. He stepped into the room with the second slave girl to serve them. Discussion went back and forth until a price was settled that both were happy with. “Bring Tacita in” The foreman nodded his head and stepped out of the room. A moment later he returned along with Tacita who followed along behind him. At a gesture from Claudus she stepped into the middle of the room to face both men. Her gaze dropped to the floor as she heard the verdict. “Tacita, you have been purchased by the Consul.” Tacita nodded her head to show that she understood/heard the comment. It was going to tear her heart out to leave Corva and Linus as they felt like the closest thing to parents she had ever had, but this was the way business worked. Tacita pulled out her table to make a request. “Dominus, will you please give a message to Corva & Linus for me- tell them thank you.” While Claudus didn’t have to, he was nodded his head as he knew how close the 3 of them were. “Yes I will tell them.” Tacita gave a bit of smile, nodded her head in thanks and put away. @Sharpie(you can wrap up the thread if you want)

To say she was a bit of a mystery was an understatement. She carried that bag with her everywhere but didn’t use the items inside it very often. In general she used it with their domus head slave Linus as he was helping her with her writing. When she returned, she produced the tablet and scratched out the message. “You can write - can you read?" Could she read? That was a hard question to answer. While she understood the letters and had learned language by listening to the people around her, writing was easier as she was explaining thoughts that were in her head already. When it came to reading, it was other people’s ideas and context was an issue. In general, if the reading was simple she could do it but if it was more complex ideas she required someone to help her out/explain it. With the ability to write at least now she could ask for more clarification, ask questions. “I write to talk, working on reading still- if simple it is easier” Probably her biggest challenge was that she couldn’t sound it out and it took a lot of energy to sound it out in her head. Claudus spoke up to explain further. “Her former master had a body slave he was educating, and he had Tacita included in those lessons to give her a method of communication beyond gesturing. She generally uses the gestures for quick conversation. For reading, it depends on the complexity.” @Sharpie

Slaves, as a group, had learned long ago that they were often talked about but not necessarily talked to but that was even more ‘normal’ for Tacita. Claudus informed the Consul that he would need to ask yes/no questions as she was unable to speak. He then went on to ask the usual follow up question, “but can she hear” which was followed up with a yes. The one thing people quickly learned about Tacita was that while she didn’t speak, she could definitely hear and understand- she was certainly not dumb. She had been lucky that previous masters worked to give her a bit of a voice by giving her rudimentary writing. “Your name is Tacita?” Tacita nodded her head- she knew that slaves were often given names based on things or traits. In her case the family that had found her as a baby recognized that she was unable to speak and that was the name they gave her. They didn’t do it to be mean, it was more of an explanation to those who would meet her. Aulus went on to ask her if she had ever served as a lady’s maid. She had mostly been in the kitchens or a general slave, but she picked things up quickly. Tacita looked at Claudus, pointed to herself then across the room to where her bag/tablet hung up. Claudus debated about letting her write but figured if he was going to end up selling her, he might get more for her if Aulus saw those skills. “Yes you can” Tacita gave a quick curtsy and went to retrieve her bag. Putting it over her head she returned to the two men and pulled a small wax tablet. “Kitchen & general slave, but I can learn.” She was glad that Claudus had let her get the tablet- she generally did not use it at the warehouse- she had only really written for Claudus or Linus but it did allow her to answer a few more general questions. @Sharpie