Jenn

Barbara Stilicha 33 | 15 September, 39 AD | Equite | Wife/Mother | Heterosexual | Canon | Eleanor Tomlinson Personality. As a child she was shy and mostly kept to herself due to language and culture barriers, however with good tutors and her return to her father and his adopted family (the Stilicho’s) Barbara fully came into her own. Although Barbara was born in Germania, she is as much a Roman as any woman her age. Barbara has always been a caretaker- first with her father as they both figured out the Roman society together and then learning from each of her step-mothers. Each woman brought a different skill set to the table and Barbara absorbed all that she could from each of them. One thing she learned had to do with the struggles of childbirth and raising a family. If there was one thing her father couldn’t teach her it was this and he was always looking for female role models for her. Barbara watched as each of her step-mothers, except for her current step-mother Seia, either die in childbirth or grief due to loss. With each loss, her fear of her own loss in childbirth increased slightly, but also her strength and determination to see each subsequent sibling grow to adulthood. She, along with her mothers, have had a hand in raising each of her siblings- especially Alaricus as he was an infant/toddler during the years when her father worked for the Military/Praetorians under the Imperial Family, Emperor Cyprianus and Clemens and then the years that followed that. With the birth of her own two children, she has beaten her fear of dying in childbirth and now looks forward to raising them to be proper Roman children. Her pride and joy are her children and she celebrates every day that they won’t have to go through the childhood she did- being captured in her homeland, brought to a strange foreign land and held from her father, their grandfather, until he acquiesced to Roman control. Instead she knows that her children are being raised in a loving supportive family and have all that they need… That being said…her children are slowly learning not to push their mother’s buttons. Barbara inherited the classic ‘red hair temper’ from her father, and while she loves her children, if/when they do something wrong the disciplinarian comes out. Appearance Barbara knew from a young age that she was going to be taller than most Roman women. Her Germanic heritage combined with the height of father indicated early that she was not going to be short. Reaching her father’s jawline when standing tall Barbara topped out at just under 5’5”. She has retained the slim/medium build of her childhood but has smoothly made the shift to womanhood. Barbara inherited her copper/brownish curly hair from her father and it is generally braided back or pinned up to keep it out of the way. The other indicator of her Germanic heritage is the fair skin- if she spends a decent amount of time in the sun she will lightly tan or freckle with the worst case scenario being a light burn but her tolerance for the sun has greatly improved. When it comes to fashion, she tends to fall into the practical category, that being comfortable sandals, a chiton/stola and palla as well as a minimal amount of jewelry but when she does go out for more formal occasions she will dress the part. Family Father: Alaric Aetius Stilicho Step-Mother: Seia Imperia Siblings: Alaricus Aetius Stilicho Minor (Suetonia Aelia) Aetia Stilicha (Seia Imperia) Titus Aetius Stilicho (Seia Imperia) Imperia (Step-sister by Seia Imperia) Publius Aetius Stilicho-deceased (step-brother by Suetonia) Spouse: Marcus Aelius Lentulus Children: Son- Marcus Aelius Lentulus Major Daughter- Aelia Lentula Extended family: -- Previous mother - Suetonia Aelia, 31, Died in childbirth -- Previous mother - Aetia Gala, Age, Died of grief --Previous mother - Aemilia Decima, 15, Died in childbirth --Biological mother - Gertrude, Late teens, Died through conflict --Paternal Uncle - Thorin, current ruler of the Tribe. --Paternal Aunt - Argathe, married to another chieftain. Other: History CHILDHOOD [39-51 AD]: Barbara (Brunhilde) was born during a rather troublesome period- her mother brought her in to the world on a mid-September day and although she is a daughter there is a joy at her arrival. She was a strong willed baby right from birth and it was no surprise that she survived the winter. Her mother became pregnant again two years later but she was unable to survive the pregnancy losing her life and that of the child. Barbara was raised by her nurse and her father when he was home, but this arrangement was not to last. Later that year (41 AD) her father was captured in a skirmish and their home was raided. It was decided that her father, instead of being killed, was to be forced to convert to the Roman ways and Barbara was brought along in case he needed enticement or coercion. Unable to speak any Latin, she was dragged to Rome under the close watch of soldiers. When she arrived in Rome, she was taken to Manius Leontius Sabucius who was orchestrating the entire situation on behalf of Emperor Claudius. Fearing that he would throw her into somewhere horrible, she was relieved instead when he not only placed her with an adoptive family but took it upon himself to school her in Latin so she could catch up to children her own age. It was at this time that her name was changed from her Germanic name, Brunhilde, to Barbara. Her father is informed of her presence in Rome and told that if he ever wants to see her again and keep her out of harm’s way he will do what he is told- which was to fully convert/adopt the Roman ways. Father and daughter are allowed supervised visits- long enough to enjoy each other’s company but short enough to miss the time apart. Her father, as part of his conversion was married to a Roman woman but Barbara only remembers a little bit about her as she was young and life was confusing. His first roman wife died- Barbara wasn’t told why. SEPTEMBER, 39 AD -- Birth– A daughter (Brunhilde) is born to Alaric (Prince of the Sweboz) and his wife Gertrude 41 AD-- Brunhilde’s mother dies in childbirth and she is raised by her nurse/her father when he is home 41 AD—Roman soldiers raid her family’s palace and take her captive. 42AD—Her conversion from Germanic princess to Roman child begins (her Father discovers her presence in Rome- they are allowed supervised visits) 46AD—Her father is married to a Roman woman but Barbara doesn’t really get a chance to know her all that well as she still isn’t permanently united with her father TEENAGE TO EARLY ADULT [52-60 AD]: During their time apart her father was fully converted and began to serve in the army. He became friends with Fluvius Aetius Stilicho and he was formally adopted into the Stilicho family by Fluvius. At the same time as he was adopted, he was married to Fluvius’ sister Gala. Barbara was still under the guardianship of Manius and it turned out Manius did not overly like Fluvius and wanted to get back at him. In an attempt to destroy FLuvius’ tight-knit family Manius challenged his gladiator to a fight with one of Fluvius’ slaves who was also a talented fighter. The prize of the fight was Barbara- if Manius’ gladiator won she would remain with her adoptive family permanently and if Fluvius’ slave won, she would be returned to her father. Barbara wasn’t allowed to watch the fight, but it must have gone in Fluvius’ favour as she was returned to her father and therefore adopted into Fluvius’ family. Fluvius, in his role as Magister, was sent off to sea and while he was travelling he was attacked and killed. Gala, after receiving word that her brother had been killed at sea lost the will to live and died in childbirth & from a broken heart. Her father did his best to raise her but he was actively serving in the Roman Army. Luckily Fluvius had a large family that lived together in the same Domus and so her father had no concern about her safety. As the years went on the family changed due to more members dying or various other circumstances and suddenly her father found himself deployed with the military and there no one to care for Barbara. He had become close friends with Renius Atellus and approached him asking if he would take Barbara in while he was away but Renius had an even better solution. Renius’ cousin Suetonia had just come out of mourning and Renius was looking to arrange a new marriage for her. A proposal was made between Alaric and Suetonia, and after a brief courtship the two were married. Barbara loved her new stepmother- Suetonia came to the marriage with a son of her own and both families blended together very well. So well in fact that there was discussion of a betrothal between Barbara and Publius (her new step brother- son of Suetonia) but that was not to be as Publius was also attacked in killed while serving in Brittania. In 60 AD, her stepmother Suetonia conceived and gave birth to Barbara’s half brother whom was name for her father. The joy that the family felt was not to last though as Suetonia succumbed to the childbirth and Barbara lost the mother that she had been the closest to. With this subsequent loss, her father returned permanently to Rome and joined the Praetorian Guard so that he could be close to home but still useful. 55-57 AD—Returned permanently to her father adopted by Fluvius Stilicho following her father’s marriage to Gala who dies within the year (57 AD) 59 AD—Her father is remarried to Suetonia & a betrothal between Publius (Suetonia’s biological son & Barbara is discussed but not formalized as he later dies) 60 AD – Birth of younger brother Alaricus Aetius Stilicho Minor, loss of Suetonia in childbirth ADULTHOOD [60-73]: At 21 years old in 60 AD, as the eldest daughter and with the loss of Suetonia, Barbara found herself in the role of Domina running the household as well as caring for her younger brother. Her father should have been preparing a marriage proposal for her, however before a marriage could be arranged life seemed to get busy. Her father was an active member of the Praetorian guard and spent many of his hours working. In January 62 someone set the grain stores on fire. Although the fire was put out quickly, the loss of the grain was hard for many Romans. There were concerns with raids and famine but the Praetorian guard and local militia kept it locked down so that there were no riots. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the Imperial landscape was also changing. Following the death of Darius, Junus and other members of the Imperial household, there was a noticeable shift in power and Cyprianus stepped into the seat of power. This didn’t directly impact Barbara other than her father continued to work very hard as he rose through the Praetorian ranks. Barbara continued to live in her father’s household raising her younger brother as her father had not remarried. It wasn’t until the Rise of Clemens in 62 AD that her family was severely affected. She should have been married and while none had been arranged for her yet, many of her friends were having their marriage contracts broken as families were destroyed in the uprising and the chaos that followed. This was the first time she could really remember Rome being in an unofficial lockdown. Her father was heavily involved in keeping the peace and there were many days where she wouldn’t even see him. Although Barbara kept in contact with her friends, she really turned her focus even more into her family and their household. She was determined to get her family through in one piece. After the fall of Clemens and the immediately ascension of Quintus Alexander, Rome and her family returned to a time of relative peace. People were once again able to look on the bright side of life and it was at this point that her father realized not only was he unmarried but his 21 year old daughter was also unmarried. Her father, thanks to the influence of Fluvius, had been helping a young woman name Seia Imperia and the two fell in love and with encouragement from Seia, her father finally arranged a marriage for Barbara. He weighed a couple of candidates, finally settling on Marcus Aelius Lentulus who had served underneath him in the Praetorian guard. Her father had promised that he would match her with someone that would treat her properly and he kept his word. When Barbara discovered shortly after her marriage that she was pregnant, in 66 AD, she was hesitant to announce the pregnancy until she was clearly showing as the women in her family had lost their lives during childbirth. Her fears were unfounded as in late 66 AD Barbara went into active labour. With Seia by her side she gave birth to a son who was named after his father. This joyful blessing sealed the family bond between Seia and Barbara, and she was overjoyed when her father announced that they were to be married. Seia joined the family in 67 AD and with that, she brought her daughter Imperia from another marriage into the household. The Lentulus household became even more blessed when in 68 AD Barbara gave birth to a daughter who was name Aelia Lentula. With two successful pregnancies and healthy children Barbara felt blessed to have finally broken the cycle of dying. 60-64 AD—Lives in her father’s household, functioning as the Domina of the household- helping their elderly governess raise her younger brother (there is a 21 year age difference) and making sure things run smoothly while her father works especially during hard times (January 62 AD- destruction of grain stores due to arson, Rise/Fall of Clemens and the ensuing Civil War etc) 65 AD—Finally with Rome settled under the rule of Quintus Alexander, her father finally has time to focus on the family and arranges a marriage for Barbara to Marcus Aelius Lentulus who served in the Praetorian Guard underneath her father. January 66 AD—Barbara learns she is pregnant and later that year gives birth to a son Marcus Aelius Lentulus Minor 67 AD- Her father married Seia Imperia and with this marriage Barbara gained a new step-mother as well as a step-sister (Imperia) April 68 AD – A daughter is born to Barbara- with two successful pregnancies under her belt, if she has anymore children she will leave it up to the Gods. She is more than happy to even have two considering the number of stillborns/deaths from child birth that plagued her family. JENN | EST | PM/DISCORD

Julia Valeria 45 | 15 November, 28 AD | Senatore | Former Imperial Governess | Heterosexual | Canon | Julianna Margulies Personality. Julia's personality has come full circle- as a child she worked at her mother's side to learn how to run a household someday. She was a good student and looked forward to the day when she would be a mother and domina of her own household. All the skills she learned have been tested over the years but no matter what she found a way to make the best of each situation...even as a slave. While most women of her status are lounging and enjoying the good life, Julia is not afraid of hard work. When she first escaped slavery Julia was very careful who she let get close because she feared that they would use her for their own purposes or return her to slavery but as time went on and the list of people she could trust got longer than the list of those she couldn't, she began to open her heart again. For people that she allows to get close to her, she cares deeply for them and will do anything for them. For someone who had a very small family at one point Julia now feels very blessed by the number of people she has in her life. Appearance Julia does not put much stock into fashion as she sees it as superficial. Her fashion choices have changed with each detour in her life’s path. As a child, she happily wore anything her mother chose to put her in. While she would do her best to keep it looking proper, she did spend most of her childhood trying to keep up with her two older brothers and therefore was not afraid to get her hands dirty when necessary. When she was sold into slavery the man who bought her was decent enough to provide her with some clothing, but it was very simple and he enjoyed reminding her of the fact that she wasn’t entitled to wear the jewels/rich clothing anymore. Added to the fact that she worked from sunup to sundown she often braided her mess of brown curls to keep it from getting tangled/out of control and her figured stayed relatively slim. She topped out her height at around 5’2”. When she escaped, with only the clothing on her back she eventually found her way to Lucilla and this was when her life began to return to what it had been before slavery. As a freedwoman/later restored to her Patrician status, she was once again entitled to wear the ‘fancier’ things in life. Valeria wears dresses that befit her restored status, however as far as fancy embellishments or embroidery her dresses tend towards the more simple as she is very humble and for so many years she was responsible for her own limited finances- those habits are very much ingrained. Her hair is still a relatively thick bundle of curls but she has tamed it over the years. Overall, her figure is that of a matron of Rome, however it certainly shows the fact that her life has not been easy- she has added a little flesh to her bones but she still has a permanent reddish tinge to the skin and calluses on her palms from all the hard work she has been forced to do. There was a time when her hands bothered her, but it is simply now a part of who she was in the past and has no bearing on her present or future. Family Father: Sextus Julius Fidelis (Deceased- murdered by Camillus) Mother: Valeria Dexia (Deceased- murdered by Camillus) Siblings: Camillus Deximus Julius Proditorus (deceased-traitor to Rome) Sextus Julius Fidelis Damicus (assumed deceased) Julia Fidelia (deceased shortly after Valeria was born) Julia Aemilia (sold into slavery, assumed either still in slavery or deceased) Julia Claudia (sold into slavery, assumed either still in slavery or deceased) Spouse: Widowed Former husband: Marcus Aburius Canus (Deceased December 73 AD- during Saturnalia) Children: Sextus Julius Fidelis (Born to Julia while she was a slave, purchased & freed, restored to the Julius lineage) Extended family: Canus’ children Marcus Aburius Canus Minor (step-son) Aburia Cana (step-daughter) Servius Aburius Canus (step-son) Aburia Marcilla (step-daughter: deceased) Other: Imperial Children- she was their former governess and has maintained a close friendship History CHILDHOOD [28 AD-45 AD]: Birth – start of slavery Julia Valeria, in 28 AD, was the second daughter born to Sextus Julius Fidelis and his wife Valeria Dexia. At the time of her birth (November 28 AD) her brothers Camillus and Damicus were 4 years old and her elder sister Julia Fidelia was 2. Julia was named in honour of her mother and both Fidelia and Valeria were the apple of their mother’s eye- she was so proud to have 4 healthy children. In 30 AD, Julia became the eldest daughter as her older sister Fidelia died of a raging fever while the family was living in Pompeii. Julia was only 2 when Fidelia died and she did not understand why her sister was suddenly not around but the loss her sister wasn’t to last too long. In 31 AD her mother gave birth to another daughter who was named Julia Aemilia and a third daughter followed two years after that (33AD). In a 10 year period the family had moved from Rome to Pompeii and Valeria Dexia had successfully given birth to 6 children with only 1 not surviving. While her mother had been successful in the family department, she kept her girls very close at hand as she feared they would be taken from her just like her first daughter had been but that wasn’t to be until many years later. The family returned to Rome in 34 AD and Julia excelled in her studies as well as the many tasks her mother set her to do. She was reminded regularly that she was to be a good example for her younger sisters which was fine, but she was also determined to keep up with her older brothers and could often be found trying to get in on their activities. It was back in Rome that she first met Lucilla as a child- Lucilla being a few years older than Julia would often interact with Camillus & Damicus however she would also interact with Julia when she didn’t want to play the rambunctious games that the boys were playing. In 41 AD her father was rewarded with the honour of being Co-consul for the year and at the same time Camillus, who was now 17 was beginning to rise in power. Although Valeria was sad to see her brother leave greater pursuits his accomplishments were celebrated as they also brought prestige to the family. When Camillus returned to Rome in 45 AD (Julia has now turned 17 with her younger sisters being 15 & 13) the family celebrated his return however the celebration were to be short lived. The ‘power’ had gone to her brother’s head and he hatched a plan to murder his father therefore taking the reins of power. He burnt the Domus to the ground and while Julia and her two younger sisters escaped, their parents were killed and Damicus was presumed dead. Camillus was livid that there were survivors- especially sisters that would need dowries provided. Instead of marrying them off or killing her and her sisters Camillus split the family up by selling the girls into slavery. Julia watched as her two younger sisters were sold first with her finally being sold to a relatively cruel man after they had gone. Her master enjoyed the fact that his new purchase had never been touched and had once been a patrician- he taunted her every day about how she was no longer entitled to the privileges that came with being a patrician. Pre-birth – 24 AD Camillus/Damicus born, 26 AD- Julia Fidelia born 28 AD (November)—Valeria born to her parents, named after her mother 30 AD – Family moves to Pompeii, Julia Fidelia dies of a raging fever 31 AD – Julia Aemila, younger sister, is born 33 AD – early education begins & her youngest sister Julia Claudia is born 34 AD – Family returns to Rome, education continues at home with her mother 41 AD – Father appointed Co-consul for the year 42 AD – Camillus’ rise begins with his appointment (Propraetor of Gallia Belgica)- Valeria is sad to see her brother leave. 43 AD Camillus’ wins a great battle on the Rhine 45 AD Family is reunited- Camillus returns to Rome but celebration will be short lived 45 AD – Family is destroyed, sisters split up TEENAGE TO EARLY ADULT [48-62 AD]: Slavery – Escape – Post Clemens: Slavery at 17 years old forced Julia to grow up and realize that her life was going to be so different. She had been looking forward to the day when she would be married and become a wife/mother but once she heard the word ‘sold’ her dreams ceased to be. Instead of becoming her husband’s partner, she belonged to a man who enjoyed the fact that he had possession of her body and spirit. Julia did her best to just put her head down and quietly fight her way through it because she learned that if she fought back he made it worse. In 48 AD she discovered to her horror that she was pregnant with her master’s child and was unable to get rid of the child before her master found out. Julia was told that if she gave birth to a daughter she could either raise the baby herself as a slave or kill it (he didn’t really care) BUT if it was a son she would have no say over how he was to be raised as her master would raise the boy with his other children. She prayed that it was a daughter but when the child came forth (June 49 AD) she learned that she had carried a son. Julia was allowed to raise him until he reached roughly 3 years-old enough to be completely weaned and likely to survive but not old enough to fully know her as mom yet. However, the bond was well cemented for Julia by that point and when he was taken from her she grieved as if he had died. Something snapped inside her, modern ages would call it post-partum depression, and Julia did something that if she had been found would have meant her death- she found a moment and fled from her master with the clothing on her back BUT she was forced to leave her son behind as she was unable to smuggle him out. Out in the world she struggled from day to day finding small ways to survive. She would take odd jobs here and there if she could and spent many of her days travelling at night and hiding during the day so as not to be caught. Finally, in 52 AD, unsure what to do or where to turn, she took a very dangerous chance and wrote out to a childhood friend of the family whom she had learned was the Dowager Empress. Lucilla seemed to take pity on her and sent her two trusted guards to escort the young woman back to the palace. When she arrived Julia had literally dropped to her knees out of fear of what would happen but also out of sheer relief. During their discussion she learned that Lucilla’s husband had been killed and her son Darius was on the throne with 4 regents to support him- her moment of fear came when she learned that one of the Regents was her own brother Camillus, however Lucilla promised to protect Julia from him. This was accomplished by bringing her into the household, under the false name of Hestia, as the governess to Lucilla’s youngest daughter Flavia (This was decided as the best role for her after Lucilla learning the truth about her own son). Julia took the role of governess and truly loved Flavia as if she was her own child. The two became very close and even 4 years later with the birth of Claudia and Tiberius, the close bond between Julia and the Imperials remained. Not only was it a loyalty bond but for Julia it was a replacement of the family she had stolen from her. In 56 the Regency was demolished and her brother rebelled against the Empire and was declared a traitor. Normally her life would have been forfeit as well, but she was spared by Magister Fluvius Stilicho and Lucilla’s assurance that she had nothing to do with her brother’s treason. Her brother was later discovered in Gaul, by Quintus Alexander and executed for his crimes against Rome. When the execution order was carried out, Quintus discovered a son by Camillus and again he was spared by decree from Fluvius. Lucilla and Fluvius had both promised that someday in the future if possible she would be freed/restored to her former status and following her brother’s execution and the decision to spare her, she was formally restored to her Patrician status. To Julia, this was the greatest news but at the same time, she had still lost the majority of her family. When Lucilla asked her what she planned to do with her life, Julia asked if she could continue at the Palace in the role that she had known for the last few years. Lucilla agreed on condition that Julia accept a stable wage and also accept the fact she was no longer a slave and was free to do with her life what she wished. Flavia no longer needed the close scrutiny of a governess and instead the relationship between the former slave and Imperial child became that of companion while Julia began to help out with the twins as well. In 60 AD, things in the Palace began to change…not for the better. Darius had been murdered, Junus placed on the throne with his father as co-regent. Lucilla requested Julia’s presence and it was during this meeting that she was informed Lucilla had been sick for some time and worried she didn’t have much time left. She had begun to set her affairs in order and wanted to know that the children would be protected and Julia assured her that as long as she was allowed/it was in her control she would be there for Lucilla’s children- it was the least she could for all the compassion Lucilla’s family had extended to her. Shortly after that meeting Lucilla died however that was not to be the only loss the Imperial family would experience. Valeria had to comfort Flavia when she learned of her father’s death and in November 60 AD her brother Junus was killed in a riot/assassination during the funeral games he had prepared for his mother Lucilla. In the ensuing chaos power was assumed on Senate orders by Manius Cyprianus because Tiberius as a very young child was too young to take power. Tiberius, to protect the lineage, was smuggled out of the palace by his stepsister Claudia Livia and Antonia Vitellia. Julia, along with members of the imperial household, was placed under house arrest until it was discovered that she had nothing to do with his removal. Tiberius was eventually returned to the palace and she resumed her role but she knew there would be majority scrutiny following her for some time. Déjà vu would come roughly a year later (62-63 AD) when during another Senate meeting a riot broke out and Clemens who was the head of the Praetorian’s quelled the riot by being declared Ceasar by the mob. Little did those at the Palace know what was occurring- before word even made it back to the Palace the Praetorians, led by Clemens, arrived at the Palace and proceeded to go on a rampage through the palace. Many were quelled but some were rounded up to be dealt with later. Julia had been looking for Tiberius, who had childishly decided to hide on her and while she was looking for him, she learned that Claudia had escaped the palace which meant that both twins were missing. Rufia, the only Imperial remaining at the palace was securely guarded in her room. Julia had the misfortune of being arrested, again on suspicion that she had orchestrated the escape (yay for déjà vu). She was questioned by the Senior Tribunes and while she told them honestly what she knew, she didn’t have the information they were looking for. It was decided that she would be placed under armed guard/house arrest requiring an escort and permission if she needed to leave her cubiculum. It was during this ‘imprisonment’ that she met Marcus Aburius Canus- who would surprisingly later become her husband. He was the one who had escorted her to the tribunes, and during a small amount of chatter he admitted to having once worked alongside her brother but he, like many, was shocked when he learned what he had done to Julia. During her imprisonment Julia kept herself busy by whatever small tasks she was allowed to get her hands on (mostly mending) but she made it so boring to guard her that they allowed her a little more freedom such as doors open etc. While this was going on, she was unaware of the moves Clemens was making to secure his place. She would learn in July of that year (62 AD) when Clemens had her brought to him and ordered her, as Flavia’s former governess and someone the young woman was close to, to prepare the young woman for her upcoming marriage to….Emperor Clemens. At first Julia refused, but Clemens had been prepared for that. He threated both her and Flavia with serious harm/rape/torture if she refused and Flavia failed in her duties as a wife. Suffice it to say the conversation with Flavia had not gone well. Flavia shut down and would not listen to anything Julia said even going so far as to tell Julia she could leave her presence. Flavia, with the cunning that would have made her mother proud, hatched a plan to get out it. On the day of her wedding, she summoned Julia to help prepare her and while they were allowed a few moments to themselves Julia was told that when she received a quick glance and a nod from Flavia she was to take a small sac of money and a letter re-confirming her freedom and once again run for her life. Julia initially refused, but Flavia put her foot down and threatened to make it an order if Julia didn’t agree- reluctantly Julia agreed. During the wedding ceremony Flavia asked to say a few words and it was at this point that the nod came as Flavia shocked the crowd by slicing a concealed blade across the veins in her arms. Just before chaos erupted and Flavia fainted she gave Julia another look that said run. Julia fought with herself for a moment wanting to go Flavia’s side, but realizing how much of a cost Flavia had made to ensure that she and many of the household had a chance to survive, Julia ran and managed to escape before the Palace was fully locked down. She initially went to Antonia Vitellia, who had been a very close friend of Lucilla’s. After the battle of the 4 Emperors where Quintus Alexander came out on top, Julia took up permanent residence in the Domus that once belonged to her nephew (the son of Camillus who had been spared by Fluvius only to be killed serving the Roman Army in Brittania). 48 AD (December) – Learned she was pregnant with her master’s child but unable to abort it before he found out. 49(June)-52 AD (June) – Allowed to keep the child until he reached the age of 3- old enough to make survival likely but not old enough to be fully aware of who she was. Unable to stand life anymore she hatched her escape. Valeria penned a letter to Lucilla. Lucilla met with her and brought her into her household with the story that she was going to be Flavia’s governess but that was protect her from Camillus as he often visited the palace. 56 AD –Regency abolished by Darius, her brother declared a Traitor and new children are born to Lucilla (Claudia & Tiberius) 57 AD (January) – Camillus is discovered in Gaul, along with a biological son Sextus. Camillus is exceuted for treason. – With her brother’s execution Lucilla and Magister Stilicho formally free her- keeping the promise Lucilla made. Fluvius and Valeria travel to meet Sextus who returns to Rome and enlists in the military 58-60 AD – Valeria’s life revolves around the Imperial Palace and the twins – September 60 AD- Lucilla summons her and informs her that she has been sick for some time and fears that she doesn’t have much time left. She is setting her affairs in order and wants to know that the children will be protected. – October- November 60 AD- Valeria has to comfort Flavia when news is brought of her father’s death and Junus is killed in the funeral games he prepared for his mother. Power is taken by Manius Cyprianus 61 AD – Senate assumes power in Tiberius’ name as he is considered too young to rule 62 AD – During a senate meeting in the Curia a riot breaks out and Clemens (head of the Praetorians) quells the riot and is declared Caesar by the Mob. Tiberius in a childish mood escapes the palace and while she is looking for him, his sister Claudia escapes. Flavia remains behind – refuses to leave and Valeria is placed under house arrest until her part in the Imperial Children’s disappearance can be explored. July 62 AD – Julia is ordered by Clemens to prepare Flavia for her marriage to Clemens and threatens both Julia & Flavia with serious harm if she isn’t able to convince the girl to go through with it. Flavia, on her wedding day attempts to commit suicide after ordering/making sure that Julia escaped the palace. Julia was given a small sum of money and told to run to protect her from Clemen’s wrath. Post Clemens- Julia escaped the palace and fled first to Antonia Vitellia but after Clemens was killed by Quintus she moved into the Domus that had once belong to her nephew. ADULTHOOD [62-73 AD]: With the restoration of the Imperial lineage, Julia moved into the Domus that had been willed to her by her nephew. While normally able to take care of herself, the Domus was too much for her to handle and Julia purchased a few slaves to help her maintain the house. She was surprised when Canus paid her a visit- he proceeded to hand her a letter. Upon reading the letter she saw that it was the same one that she had penned when she was first placed under house arrest by Clemen’s men. She had feared that she would be killed and Canus, after confiscating and reading the letter, had promised to deliver the letter and she made him agree only if she was killed. As she wasn’t killed, he was returning the letter to her. Julia filed the letter away as she didn’t see a way it could be useful at this point. Julia invites Canus to stay for a quick meal and he does not have to return to Claudia so he agrees. Although Julia is no longer employed directly by the Imperial family, as the next decade goes on she maintains a close contact with the family- especially Rufia and Flavia this has her running into Canus occasionally. In April 63 AD, Octavius at Quintus’ request gathered a list of exiled nobles and Julia used the opportunity to ask the Imperials for advice and help searching for her biological son. She presented the letter she had written to her son and provided the name of her former master. Her former master was still alive but with major encouragement he agreed to sell. Julia purchased her son, who was 15 years old. While she was glad he had been well treated, she was also glad to be able to finally put her past as a slave behind her. Julia freed her son and hopes he will adjust to a life with her. He took the name Sextus Julius Fidelis after his grandfather (Julia’s father). One month later (May), Julia and all of Rome celebrate the return of Tiberius. Four years later (66 AD) Julia figured marriage would never happen and was enjoying watching her son grow into a responsible young man but fate has intervened and she married Canus, who is still in service to the Imperial Family, however no longer a Praetorian. It is not a socially advantageous marriage but for Julia that is fine. The two have gotten to know each other and their marriage is one of comfort/companionship. As Canus had fallen from the equestrian class and therefore she was marrying someone who was not a patrician they were not entitled to be married by conferratio (her transferring to his authority) instead they were married by usus- Julia remains under the authority of her son and is required to leave the domus for 3 nights a year to maintain this marriage. After Canus’ fall his family had moved into the Subura but with the marriage Julia offered Canus the chance to move into her Domus- he accepted. With the marriage Julia has achieved her goal in life- wife and mother. Sure all of her ‘children’ are grown and starting to have children of their own but she is ready for the next generation to take over. Marcilla, her step-daughter, became pregnant in 67 AD and Julia supported her throughout the pregnancy while in the same year she watched with joy as Flavia was finally married and seemed very happy. Blessings and tragedies continued to follow the family (illness, death of Marcilla and her family) but the family did their best to hold together. When her husband became ill with pneumonia Cana, his eldest daughter returned to the Domus to help her care for Canus. During the time she was back in the Domus Julia encouraged both Cana and her husband to talk and reconcile their differences. She knew what it was like to be estranged from family and while their situations weren’t the same, she was happy when Cana finally forgave her father. Julia could feel the relief and wondered if that helped her husband make improvement with his pneumonia. Cana announced that she had fallen in love with a Greek freedman and hoped her father would give his blessing to returning to Greece with him. Knowing he had just reunited with his daughter Julia was glad that he agreed- she feared Cana would never forgive him again if he had refused. Julia wished the couple well and reminded her if there was ever anything they needed all the had to do was ask. Also in 69 AD Julia learned that Flavia was pregnant and although she did not serve the Imperial family directly she offered her support to Flavia who gave birth to a healthy daughter. As the year finished out and a new decade began her husband was still struggling with the bout of pneumonia he had developed the year before- he was still serving the Imperial Family and Julia could see the toil the sentence was having on her husband. Julia herself was no longer in service of the Imperial family but she works alongside her husband supporting him as much as she can. With the continual decline in his health/mental state he was released from servitude and it was at this point that her husband could finally consider a ‘retirement’. Many years earlier her husband had told her his ideal retirement was a small plot of land that he could farm and in 71 AD Canus, and Julia by extension, moved out of her son’s Domus and took up a small plot of land belonging to his friend Alaric whom Canus had worked with as a Praetorian. Her husband works with horses and Julia maintains a small domus on the property. In 73 AD, during the Saturnalia festival, her husband Canus had one of his health scares and although she remained at his side nursing him through it, he did not recover and succumbed to his illness. She is now adjusting to life as a widow 62 AD- Moves into the Domus that once belonged to her nephew and begins to establish her own household by. Canus pays Julia a visit to return the letter, Maintains contact with Flavia & Claudia and she asked the Imperial Family to help Julia restore her son. 66 AD- Julia marries Canus 67 AD- Canus and Julia learn that Marcilla and her husband are pregnant. Julia supports Marcilla throughout the pregnancy and is there to help deliver the child- while not a midwife, she knows about delivering children. Canus begins to develop arthritis 67 AD- Julia learns that Flavia is going to marry one of the nobles in Quintus’ army. Julia attends the wedding of Flavia and Gnaeus Sestius Vacticanus 68 AD- The joy was short lived as the building Marcilla and her husband live in collapses and the family are killed. Julia mourns along with her husband 69 AD- Canus becomes ill with pneumonia and her step-daughter Cana whom has been estranged returns to help care for Canus. Julia learns that Flavia is pregnant and although she does not serve the Imperial family directly she offers her support to Flavia. Julia is happy to learn that Flavia gives birth to a healthy daughter 70 AD- Her husband, has been serving the Imperial Family BUT no longer a Praetorian (as 'punishment' for his part during the Clemen's rebellion) for 8 years and never fully recovered from his bought with pneumonia. Finally he is released from servitude -71 Julia’s husband retires from active service and finally returns to his farming roots. During his Praetorian days he became friends with Alaric Stilicho, who was a former Germanic prince brought to Rome under duress, and it was to Alaric that he turned. Alaric offered him a position raising horses and that was most peaceful she had ever seen her husband. -72 Occasionally receives letters from Cana. Learns she finally had a child, a girl. -73 Canus becomes ill again during Saturnalia and does not recover, leaving Julia a widow. JENN | EST | PM/DISCORD

December 73 AD Saturnalia had arrived once again- one of those holidays that she had enjoyed as a child, but during her slavery years found it painful. While the slaves around her enjoyed having the roles reversed and being treated like nobility for the duration, it was a reminder of what had been horrifically taken from her. It was a reminder, on top of the regular reminder she received from her master, that the direction of her life had reversed. When she was restored to her patrician status Saturnalia became ‘fun’ again although often found herself in limbo between the slaves and nobility. She had seen what it meant to be at the lowest of society and knew what it was like to be towards the top. With her marriage to Canus, in a way she had found herself again in the limbo state. There were those like her son who simply wanted to see her happy, Alaric who had given her husband a reason to be and her by extension and then there were many who despised her husband for what had occurred during the civil uprising. To Julia, he was her husband and simply a man who had been doing what he was ordered and by extension was put into a situation that haunted him to this day. It haunted him not only in his dreams but also his health routinely suffered. While the entire city of Rome was celebrating the holiday of Saturnalia, Julia once again sat at her husband’s beside nursing him through another bout of sickness. He would have his good days and appear to be on the mend, then his fever would spike and he would become delirious. In his moments of delirium, he would cry out, apologize repeatedly for what he had done and then he would slip into a comatose state. Julia had sent word to her step children informing them that their father had once again become ill and it was the worst round yet. She told them to keep him in their thoughts, but she suspected this would be the last- it would be a miracle if he recovered. She also had word sent to her son just as a heads up. Day by day passed and one day Canus took her hand rather weakly, apologized for leaving her. “Don’t you worry about that- if this is truly the end you can go knowing that I will survive like I always have.” Canus looked directly at her, nodded his head and gave up his last breath. Julia, sat alone, next to the body and unbidden the tears began to fall. She had entered a new stage in life- that of a ‘widow’.

Although she was still a part of this society as she had retained her family’s status upon marriage to Canus, she of course knew that the fact she was married to him in the first place was a little unusual. Looking around the room she noted how many people had arrived there with their husband or wife on their arms. When she had received the invitation, she knew right away that she would be attending alone. Her husband did not particularly enjoy social gatherings and with his ‘punishment’ handed down by Quintus it really wasn’t socially acceptable for him to be amongst the upper class of Rome anymore. She had debated about staying home, but they both knew that her loyalty would always be to the Imperial Family and it might be perceived badly if she gave an excuse that wasn’t true. She would eventually make her way to those she was familiar with but for the moment she was content to do what she had done for many an Imperial social gathering- stand on the fringes of the room and figure she would be ignored. But that wasn’t to last very long. She had always been good any ‘people watching’ and she noted Alaric, technically her husband’s land lord, enter the room with his wife Seia. It was good to see them attending the event- he had been so instrumental in helping to protect the young children during the uprising. His wife after making her entrance must have excused herself as she went off in a different direction, perhaps to greet a friend she had seen. Julia followed her for a moment until Seia disappeared in the crowd. "Salve Julia, it is good to see you."[/] At the sound of a deep voice next to her Julia turned her head to see Alaric standing at her side. With a smile she turned slightly to face him. ”Salve, it is good to see you as well Alaric. I believe I saw Seia come in with you? I hope she and your children are doing well?” When her husband had been released from Livia’s service Alaric had offered her husband a small plot of land to do the one thing he had always wanted to do-raise horses. Technically they rented the land from Alaric and Julia took it upon herself to make sure rental money was made available/offered for payment and sometimes Alaric would take it, other times it would seem he simply ‘forgot’ to collect. Alaric Aetius Stilicho

When word of the Imperial Banquet was released Julia flashed back to the more recent Imperial Banquets she had attended over the years. Some had been moments of joyful celebration but often many of them ended in tragedy or a struggle of some sort. She, in her decision to go, had prayed that everything would go off without a hitch. As the event was at the Imperial Villa in Naples, Julia and her husband had rented a small villa to stay in for the duration of the event however her husband would not be going with her to the actual event. She would be attending the event without her husband for two main reasons…besides the drop in her husband’s status due to his involvement with Clemens, her former young charge Claudia had made a very clear threat- if she ever saw him she would rip him to shreds. Julia, for the occasion, had donned one of her more elaborate stolas’- a dark emerald green dress with hand embroidery followed by a lighter green palla. After twisting her mass of curly hair up into a formal updo Julia said goodbye to her husband and stepped into the litter she would travel in to the event itself. The littler wove its way from her home in the Roman countryside to the palace gate and when it arrived, she stepped down with the help of one of the slaves, gave him a quick thank you and proceeded inside. Entering the hall she noted already that a good number of people had arrived. As hosts of the party, many of the Imperial Family had already made their arrival- she noted her two former charges, Claudia Caesaris and Tiberius were already engaged in conversations. She would make her greeting to Claudia later when she wasn’t engaged.

The conversation between Julia and Alaric seemed to have stalled, but that didn’t bother her. She was very comfortable with breaks in conversation. As the event went on the noise in the room ramped up with each passing minute. She heard bits and pieces of various conversations, but she was not deliberately eavesdropping. A woman a short distance away from them, admonishing her son, caught Alaric’s attention and took a few steps closer to her and caught the woman’s attention with a simple greeting and then a comment on his son and how he looked like he was going to be quite the soldier. Julia didn’t know whether to join them or move on to another conversation- she didn’t want the woman to assume that she was Alaric’s wife but if that came up she would clarify. Julia joined the pair with a smile. “Salve” Livia Lucretina Alaric Aetius Stilicho

Life had been cruel to both of them- different situations but still cruel. Time had restored her and brought Alaric to what seemed like a peaceful place. She noticed the frown when he returned the question he had originally asked but noted that he then went on to make his answer. "No, I would not have my children with me. They never would have been born," That was true in her situation as well but again for different reasons. She would have still had children it just wouldn’t be the son she had now and probably not the step children she had either. “It all feels worth it despite it all” She understood completely and gave a nod of her head. Julia finished the goblet of wine she had in her hand and placed it on the tray of a slave who came by. She would take another in a bit but was never one to indulge so it was better to spread it out. Her gaze passed over the crowd again. She did see a few that she knew and made a note to say hello to them by the end of the evening. Julia turned her focus back to Alaric but didn’t know what to say. Alaric Aetius Stilicho

Ah, I understand. Work is a harsh Mistress of us all," Wasn’t that the truth. “That she is-regardless of who you are in this life.” Julia knew all too well what it meant to work hard. While she has always been someone who needed to keep busy, there were many different ‘levels’ of busy depending on your social status. As a noblewoman, she would have grown up to become a wife/mother and a firm supporter of whatever her husband did, however she experienced a much different life. Her position was one that no women of her social status would ever dream of experiencing. During her years as a slave she had worked from sunup to sundown and often late into the evening- it was not uncommon for her to be up through the night. Although she had been restored from that life, her need to keep busy had not lessened- she just found more socially acceptable ways to keep busy. "Do you ever wish you could go back in time?" Upon hearing his next question it was one that she sort of shrugged her shoulders at. When she had been sold, if someone had asked her at that point if she wished to go back in time she would have absolutely said yes because it was not the life she had expected but things have a way of either working out or at least changing to a spot of security and peace. Now she wasn’t so sure if she would have gone back in time- she knew where her life had arrived and she had a pretty good idea of where it would continue into the future so she was more than content with what life had finally allowed her to have. “That is one of those questions that depends on the circumstances and the timing- you can certainly appreciate that.” Julia knew he had a very similar experience and both of them had managed to wade through the craziness of their lives. “There was definitely a time shortly after I was sold where I would have gladly gone back in time if I knew I could avoid the whole situation, and of course I wish my family was still intact, but if it hadn’t been for what happened to me I wouldn’t be the person I am today….” As her gaze once again drifted up to where Claudia was standing, Julia took a sip of her wine. “Would you?” Alaric Aetius Stilicho

"She is well, as are my children, What about you? Is your son here?" Julia was glad to hear that Seia and his family were doing well. She followed his gesture and noticed his son Alarius talking to a couple of his friends. It truly was wonderful to see the younger generation stepping into their adult years- sometimes moment of awkwardness but overall it seemed that they were having perhaps an easier time than her generation had…Hopefully it would stay that way. At the mention of her son she shrugged her shoulders. “I believe he is coming, but we agreed it was probably best if I came alone in case something held him up. This would be a good opportunity for him to socialize, but my son has taken to his work and no amount of my telling him otherwise will make him change.” Her son certainly took after her in that regard- she had always been one who needed to keep busy but an event like this, in her son’s case, was a perfect place to not only work but also mix and gain support & companionship. Alaric then went onto ask if she had seen a lot more of her young charges of late. Her young charges? There were times she still thought of them as youngsters, but they were far from it. Flavia, the first of the imperial children she watched over, was married with children of her own. Her gaze travelled up to Claudia who was still engaged in conversation with Antonia. The more Julia saw her the more she saw her mother Lucilla- Claudia would have made her mother very proud. Then there was Tiberius- he was slowly coming into his own as a young man. His issue was he was ‘figuring’ out his place in the hierarchy of the Palace. ”I have to remind myself constantly that they aren’t so young anymore- seeing your son, my son and my young charges reminds me how much time has passed. Especially with Claudia- I have cared for her since she was a baby and it has been amazing watching her grow & change. She is so much like her mother.” Alaric Aetius Stilicho