A Proposal

[Sara]

Mid December, 74AD

Longinus enjoyed the walk up the Esquiline Hill, perversely finding the ache in his legs satisfying. But he lingered now, outside the domus for Titus to join him before he was admitted. A request for a meeting had been sent a little over a week ago and he was bringing his closest friend for moral support (and because he suspected the opportunity to speak to a Praetor was decently tempting for Titus). He'd had absolutely no luck in engaging Tertius' elder brother, Secundus about the matter of his niece (his letters going unanswered and the offer of wine and a meeting refused). In frustration, he'd complained to his mother where he'd been promptly been informed that the oldest Varus was rumoured to be of unsound mind and that should Longinus wish to make any inroads, it would be better to speak to Tertius. 

And thus he'd found himself standing outside the domus, enjoying the last few dregs of warmth from the December sun. Seeing Titus approach he grinned and offered a dramatic roll of the eyes, "What a good first impression we're to make - late." He snorted and inclined his head to the slave who promptly swung open the door to admit them. 

Their presence was announced and Longinus couldn't help but glance around as he waited for the older man to join them. The domus was suspiciously quiet, or quieter than Titus' whose home was filled with the chatter of children and hurried feet of slaves running after them. He'd understood the Senator was widowed, much like himself, and had a young daughter of similar age to Cassia (his mother really was the font of all knowledge) and supposed the two men had more in common (at least superficially) than he'd anticipated. 

As Tertius approached, he cracked a broad grin in greeting; "Salve Senator Varus," He moved to clasp the other mans arm. "Thank you again for agreeing to meet me."

 

TAG:  @Atrice @Liv (& @Sharpie if you want Attis or Teutus to join!)

Charis is also in the domus and may/will join the thread if/when invited over by Tertius. She's currently working in the garden, dressed up in the fancy chiton Tertius had picked out for her and looking eerily identical to her sister Nymphias...just more petite and brunette.

[Atrice]

He would be lying if he said that he had not smiled, when he received the note from Lucius Cassius Longinus concerning marriage to his own niece. She lived with her widowed mother, who still lived with his brother Secundus, although it was astonishing that anyone could stand living in the same house as said brother. Tertius rarely saw him, which was for the best. He did not recall them not getting along when they were younger, but since Secundus' return to civilization and Rome, he had been changed... and not towards the better. Despite that, he was still (again) the Pater Familias and this officially in charge of their sister and her children. But that was only officially. It was hard to get close to Secundus and he wasn't very social. Secundus thought he was better than Tertius; but he was clearly not.

And now that there was apparently a suitor for Quinctilia's daughter, said suitor came to Tertius and not Secundus. He did enjoy that; he did still believe he was the better Pater Familias of the brothers, even though he only 'ruled' over his own household now. And now the visitors would come; Longinus along with a friend of his, Titus Sulpicius Rufus. Tertius had made sure the kitchen slaves were preparing a fine meal and the triclinium had been prepared for the guests. Tertius himself was clad in crimson, gold and dark blue when the two other Senators entered and he greeted them in the atrium, with his loyal slave Hector standing near. 

He offered his guests a friendly smile as Longinus was the first to greet him, "Well of course, I don't see why I should not." Tertius said, "I hope you don't mind, I have arranged for us all to have a bite together, while we talk. The food is ready soon and the triclinium is already prepared." He gestured for the two men to follow him. It had not been Saturnalia yet, so Teutus would not be joining as an official member of the family, but he did want to introduce the youth to the two men, if Teutus was around of course. You never knew these days.

In the triclinium, the couches were set up and ready and so was the table in the middle, so that they could all lie down on their left elbow and dine with their right, as the costum was. Wine and water in two pitchers was already there, along with cups for them all and a tray of grapes. Hector would follow them quietly and wait in the doorway so far. 

@Sara @Liv (and @Sharpie and @Joaquin)

[Liv]

Only Longinus and his hunt for a new wife were equal parts interesting and urgent enough to make Titus crawl out of his sickbed and venture outside. That and, in all honesty, the prospect of becoming acquainted with praetor Varus. Even without having met the man, he and his family seemed already quite intriguing, what with rumours of the eldest Varus brother, Secundus, not being all there and being paterfamilias in name only - which explained why Longinus had decided to consult with Tertius instead about his niece (although Titus had to wonder: was there a Primus?). 

So he dragged himself through the Viminal and to the Esquiline, shivering despite the thick woollen cloak wrapped about him and body aching as if he'd spent weeks on horseback. It took him longer than expected to reach his destination, but he couldn't help a wry smile as he saw a very familiar figure standing outside Varus' domus. At least Longinus had had the decency of waiting for him.

"My sincerest apologies. I was having so much fun coughing up a lung that I lost track of time," he croaked back  to his friend with a scowl, pronouncing each word with painstaking care so as not to provoke another fit. He could only hope that whatever was afflicting his father-in-law had not decided to make a new home inside his chest. Showing up all bleary-eyed from illness and lack of sleep would not help aforementioned first impression either, but at least he'd shaved, and fortunately it was Longinus who would be under the most scrutiny.

The pair entered the domus and before long the master of the house appeared to welcome them. Following his friend's lead, Titus greeted Tertius as energetically as he could. "Thank you for having me," he replied in a low, raspy voice, and followed the praetor into the triclinium where drink and grapes awaited. Eating would make his sore throat ache even more, but for the sake of good manners, he'd have to nibble on something when the food came.  Not wanting to seem too forward, Titus waited for the others to pick their seats.

 

@Atrice @Sara @Sharpie @Joaquin

 

[Sara]

Longinus greeted Tertius with a warm smile but couldn't help but cast a sidelong glance at poor Titus. He hadn't heard his friend was unwell and the sound of coughing made him tense. Antonia's illness* was apparently virulent in the districts where plebs congregated and he'd heard from medicus' that had treated his late wife that the coughing disease was poised to infect the whole city of the elite weren't careful. Still, he tried to shake the thought from his mind and focus on the task in hand. 

He inclined his head, "That's very generous, thank you." Gods look at him...being all polite! His mother would be staggered. He followed his host dutifully and took an offered couch to the right, leaving the middle one for Tertius with Titus opposite him. "You have a beautiful home, Senator Varus," And not bad company as he cast an especially subtle glance over who he presumed was the mans body slave by the way he lingered. His eyes flicked briefly to Attis who took up position a little way back from him and smiled a little. Despite the blonde youth's beauty, he knew who he'd preferred. 

"Is it just yourself and your daughter here?" He asked, slaves didn't count (obviously), "I find myself in a similar boat, although I have my mother as well." He couldn't help the little eye roll, both at the mention of his mother and his not so subtle way of attempting to segue the conversation. He offered a grin at Titus, trying to cheer the man up from his illness; "Not all of us can have the perfect family like our good friend Senator Rufus." He said candidly.

 

TAG: @Atrice @Liv

*Antonia had tuberculosis.

Edited January 17, 2020 by Sara

[Atrice]

Tertius arched a brow at Rufus' appearance, well-dressed and shaven as he was, he didn't seem to be in the best of shapes. Surely Longinus could have taken care of this little visit on his own, but of course, Rufus was more than welcome too. Tertius did like making new acquaintances and friends and knew how important that was in Rome. He might be a back-bencher in the Senate, but he also made sure to remain as neutral as possible in most matters. So no one would think too ill of him and if he ever had to choose a side, he could do it when it mattered and not before. 

Rufus thanked Tertius for having him over and so did Longinus, calling him generous and then they both followed him towards the triclinium. Tertius noticed how Longinus glanced at Hector and hoped the man would not disappoint his niece, should they come to a useful understanding in that matter. Longinus commented on his home and wondered who lived here, while sharing how it was the same in his house.

"Yes, it is indeed just me and my daughter Antonia." Tertius confirmed, slaves did indeed not count in this matter... however... "Although there is also my son born as verna, Teutus, who will very soon become a freedman." He added with a smile, pleased that the prepartions for the Saturnalia feast were going so well. And there was no issue with mentioning Teutus to other Senators now; if they didn't know about him, they would soon, once he was freed and gain more responsiblity, of course. Longinus said Rufus had a perfect family and Tertius looked at Rufus with a smile. Tertius' own little household was very good, but the rest of his family - especially Secundus - made the whole of it seem a lot less than perfect.

"He is lucky, I think. If he is one of the few in Rome, who can proudly speak of an entirely perfect family, I say Fortuna must smile upon him." Tertius said and indicated that the guests could pick a couch first. Then he glanced at his body slave, acting as servant in this round, and he looked at Longinius handsome body slave, who had also followed. He supposed they would figure out between themselves, who would pour drinks for the free Romans now relaxing on each their couch around the table. Tertius picked a grape and looked at Longinus again.

"Now, concerning families... I understand you are hoping to expand yours once more?" He said and ate the juicy grape while waiting for an answer.

@Sara @Liv @Sharpie @Joaquin

 

Edited January 16, 2020 by Atrice

[Liv]

Titus took his place opposite on the couch opposite his friend and contented himself with listening to the other two talk about their respective families. Two widowers in lofty positions with young daughters and slave sons; even if no marriage plans came out of the meeting, a political alliance or play dates for the girls could very well become a thing. Who would have thought Varus and Longinus had so much in common from the get-go?

He wasn't oblivious to Longinus' furtive glances at Tertius' body slave and then at his own, almost as if he was comparing the two (and their host's servant was the winner in physical attractiveness, although Titus was staunchly devoted to the fairer sex). As far as Titus was concerned, he didn't think the action to be especially wise considering the subject that brought them to Tertius' domus, but as he too plucked and ate a juicy grape, he gave a mental shrug. He wasn't there to be judged as a groom and his judging of the potential bride had already been done in written form - he was only there for moral support, possible connections and a well-timed fit of coughing if a distraction was called for.

"I truly am lucky, Fortuna has been very kind to us." He lowered his eyes in a display of humility, but his cheesy smile spoke volumes of his agreement with the other two's praises. And was it not perfect? He was happily married to his first and hopefully only wife, all of their children were living and sound, and save for the occasional spell of illness like the current one, everyone was healthy. The same went for his siblings' families, and the grim exception belonged to his father-in-law, who'd mourned a wife and two sons and was not doing too great in his old age. Compared to the other two senators, though, he was doubtlessly blessed by the gods, although he didn't know what he'd done to deserve such favour and would not wonder nor complain lest they think him ungrateful. "Although it gets a bit rowdy sometimes with three children. My youngest is particularly boisterous, even though she's a girl." Hopefully she would grow out of it in the coming years, but if not, pity the man who ended up with her. 

A second grape turned out to be a great offence to his throat and lungs. For a few seconds he coughed into his elbow pit with no respite, but at last it subsided. "Apologies," he muttered gravelly when it finally went away, eyes even more watery than before. "I'm afraid you'll have to put up with quite a bit of this today." Maybe some honeyed wine would help, if one of the slaves could be bothered to serve them...

He liked Varus already, though. The man had wasted little time in cutting straight to the point, although he remained polite enough. Why waste time with empty platitudes or long-winded speeches about nothing of interest? Titus gave a silent nod of approval, curious as to how Longinus would phrase his intentions.

@Atrice  @Joaquin @Sara @Sharpie

_______

Worry not, it's just the common seasonal flu.

 

[Sara]

Longinus couldn't hide his surprise at the mention of Tertius' son. He glanced cautiously to Titus, who knew the full drama of his saga with Pelias* but Longinus decided not to say anything. The thought of freeing his own bastard born child had never remotely occurred to him and he had to bite his tongue lest he enquire why Tertius had decided against remarriage and instead was putting all his eggs in a slave boy...but he smiled politely and inclined his head. "That's good news, I'd be happy to meet him." The unspoken when he's freed was left lingering. He didn't make a habit of socialising with slaves, after all.

He grinned at Titus' description of his family and rubbed the skin at the back of his neck. His comment might be seen as flippant but he genuinely was pleased for his friend, but Gods was he jealous. Which was odd, considering how swiftly he'd abandoned his daughter after her birth. But he'd grown and matured in those intervening years and now family life didn't seem quite so depressing or dull. 

And it seemed Tertius shared that sentiment given how swiftly he moved the conversation on. With a little smile he shrugged, "Indeed. My wife sadly passed a few months ago," He sighed and winced at Titus' cough. The sound made him twitch after what their family had experienced. "And she'd never been able to give me a son." Because you were swanning off in Britannia rather than in bed with your wife, you idiot, "Titus and I had been discussing potential brides and your lovely niece's name was mentioned." Flattery was never his strong suit, nor were these sort of conversations but  he was trying his best. "I had written to your brother but sadly received no response, so I thought I'd come to you instead." He said plainly, before adding with a little grin, "I've been in the savage wilds of Britannia too long to  know what's proper or how these things are done, you see."

 

TAG: @Atrice @Liv

*Longinus had a bastard son Pelias who was (illegally) sold by his mother when he was absent in Britannia. Longinus has yet to find him.

[Atrice]

He noticed how Longinus had seemed a bit surprised, when Tertius mentioned Teutus, and then he said he'd be happy to meet him. Tertius nodded, "I'm actually planning a small feast in his honor, for Saturnalia... I think that would be a proper occassion regarding a manumission ceremony. You're welcome to join." Tertius said with a smile, Longinus seemed like a good enough man so far. Then they had discussed their families and named Rufus the one with the happiest family. The other agreed that Fortuna had been kind to him, but then said it was rowdy with three children. Tertius chuckled at his mention of his daughter.

"I just have one girl... and believe me, that is plenty. I hear it's going to get even worse when they mature." He said with a little laugh, only hoping that it wouldn't be too bad with Antonia... but you never knew. Gods knew she was spoiled into to be a pain in the ass, if she continued to demand she get everything she wanted when she was older. He did recall how his own sister had been like at that age and Antonia was a redhead like his sister... and like her mother, who had luckily been the calmer sort. He was torn out of his thoughts when Rufus coughed, as if his lungs were going to escape his body and then apologized. Tertius thought of how Charis had recently helped him with an illness, so maybe it would be useful to have her here... he glanced shortly at Hector, knowing it would displease him, but he was not the master who gave the orders here... then he looked at Rufus again, "No need to apologize for something that is not your fault." He said to his guest, surely he could not be blamed for being ill! It was very kind of Rufus to come with Longinus anyway! 

But the men were also here to discuss something entirely different and Tertius saw no reason to continue beating around the bush, so he asked into it with Longinus. The other said his wife had passed and Tertius nodded quietly, he had been through that too. Also with a wife who did not give him a son. But he smiled a little when Longinus mentioned his niece and then how he received no answer from his brother. 

"Good thing you have your friend to show you the ropes then." Tertius said, "I do apologize for my brother mistreating you so, not even responding to your request. He is... not quite the man he should be, anymore. But my niece and nephew and their mother visit with us often enough, so you have come to the right place." He added with a smile, "She is most definitely of the age to marry, and quite an elegant young woman, I think. And young enough to give you plenty sons. My father had three, in fact, so it does run in the family." Tertius added, hoping Longinus would be interested enough in Sergia by the description of her. She should have been married years ago, but trust Secundus to not get that job done either. He sighed and as if on cue, Hector rushed to fill up Tertius' cup with wine, he knew exactly what Tertius needed! Well, almost... "Hector, tell Charis to come?" 

@Sara @Liv

[Joaquin]

Right at ‘Charis’, Hector’s amiable ‘service face’ tensed, microscopically it had disintegrated into a scowl where his lips tightened. All had been well until he uttered ‘that name’. Despite all the annoyance rising once again through every fibre of his making, he gave his master a sycophantic smile followed by a quiet brown-nosing ‘of course’, even though the words tasted sour in his mouth, accompanied by an adoring nod. As he bowed and backed away to make his exit from the room, his first quiet steps quickened into a brisk walk that led him out into the gardens in search of the rat. As he entered, he stopped a few steps short of her, looked as if he were confused by the proximity, and then backed up and retracted those few steps.

“My master wants you, you elephentine turd,” he said through gritted teeth. “And try not to smell, he has company.”

 

@Sara ( @Atrice @Liv )

[Sara]

Charis shot her peer a glare and moved from the work she was doing (if it could be called such) inspecting the roses. "Ele-phen-tine." She repeated with a frown but made no move to ask him what it meant. It was absolutely insulting, that she could gauge from his body language, and that was enough. Brushing down the still-pristine chiton that Tertius had spent far too much on for a slave, she beamed up at him and stepped around him. "I know, important company."

Important to her, perhaps, more than Tertius. Rufus' tablet had arrived a week before - long after the household had been made aware that two senators - Rufus and Longinus - would be visiting. The name written in neat script had made her heart leap into her throat and it still hadn't settled. She'd spent most of the morning preparing herself (she wanted to make a good impression, it might come in useful later) and styling and primping herself and her hair in a manner she remembered Ardra doing. She wanted to make the already fairly explicit family resemblance even stronger. 

When they'd finally arrived she'd tried to catch glimpses of the two visitors but for the life of her she couldn't work out who was who, nor get a really good look at either. Fortuna was smiling on her then, and for once Tertius' request to see her was welcome. She half wondered if he already knew, but thought it was too improbable and so the meaning behind this summons was as opaque as the man himself.

She dutifully padded behind Hector into the triclinium and after casting a cautious glance between the men, settled in a spot next to Tertius; "Domine." 

 

@Liv @Atrice @Joaquin

[Liv]

Tertius was as gracious a host as he was straight-forward in speech, inviting his guests to the manumission of his slave son. Titus gave the man a non-committal smile and murmured "It would be an honour." He reckoned it would be more of a familial event, but from what little he'd seen so far, Varus was a contact worth exploring. He'd have to confer with Valeria later and get her opinion on it.

It was kind of Longinus to omit the rather carefree way in which Titus had referred to Tertius' niece in their correspondence, which only proved how seriously he was taking the meeting. Ordinarily, such a golden opportunity for ribbing would not have gone to waste. In exchange, Titus would refrain from badmouthing Britannia and any native habits Longinus might or might not have picked up there.  "Thank you for your kind words. It's still bothersome, though," Titus admitted, feeling more than a little self-conscious as his eyes darted back and forth between the two pitchers. Water might be the better choice for once since not all spices were created equal, particularly when one was sick. "And your niece sounds like a very fetching young lady, which is why it came as a surprise that she is not yet married. Have you not found the right man yet?" he asked, sharing a meaningful look with Longinus. If his friend had any wits about him, he should be paying very close attention now.

The master of the house sent his body slave to get someone, and in the meantime Titus had no choice but to grab the water jug and pour himself some water. Varus was nice and all, but his slaves could do with being more attentive. This kind of lapse wouldn't fly at his own domus.

As he took a large gulp of water as quickly as his sore throat would let him, Tertius' body slave returned with a female slave in tow. She looked strikingly familiar, but Titus' fever-addled brain was unable to place the resemblance right away. Prolonged staring to jog his memory would not be polite; going by the fine garments on her and the way she settled next to her master, this was a slave of some importance to Varus. Gods, where had he seen the likes of her? It had been very recently, that much Titus was sure of. Was it her face or her hair that looked so well-known to him? Perhaps both. Even her build was like one he'd seen before... but where?

He furrowed his brow in contemplation and saw no other solution but to steal a glance at the woman every now and then when their host wasn't looking and see if it came to him.

@Atrice @Sara @Joaquin

Edited January 25, 2020 by Liv

[Atrice]

Well, look at that, the ceremony for freeing Teutus might become more of a spectacle than he first planned - but he knew he had promised his son this for a long time, so perhaps a proper celebration was really in order! And guests like these would be interesting to have, especially on such a night. Saturnalia was always an interesting festival, regardless. 

After Hector had poured Tertius some wine, he sent his body slave out to find Charis - the main reason was to see if she had any good ideas for Rufus' cough, but it may also be to parade her a little bit. He had two bed-slaves now and he was fond of both of them, for their own reasons. And both were quite stunning, he thought. While Hector was fetching Charis however, Rufus replied to Tertius' speech about his niece then, saying how it sounded like she was quite fetching and wondered why she was not married.

Tertius rolled his eyes, "Technically, I don't have the final say in this... my brother does. I don't know how seriously he has taken the task of finding her a husband. I wish I could take the matter into my hands entirely, but I fear it would lead to a lot of drama with my brother, and I would honestly rather avoid that." Or else they might end up in another fight - and it would not be the first time a verbal discussion became physical, it had happened before and he imagined it could happen again. Tertius was usually a very controlled man - he didn't lose control with anyone. But Secundus brought it out in him. He sipped his wine to calm himself after such thoughts, "Let us hope that the right man will be found very soon." He added with a smile, lifting his cup to Longinus, hoping he would understand. The man was very fetching, his niece would do very well with him he thought. Longinus would be a fine match.

At last Hector and Charis reappeared and Charis found her place next to Tertius, "Charis... please meet my guests, Lucius Cassius Longinus and Titus Sulpicius Rufus." Tertius said to her and then looked at his guests for a moment. Rufus especially seemed to take great interest in her, he thought. But he looked at Charis again, "Now I made Hector fetch you for a reason, because I know you have great knowledge about plants and herbs. Do you have any advice on what to use for a bad cough?" 

@Liv @Sara @Joaquin

Edited January 26, 2020 by Atrice

[Sara]

Longinus smiled easily although the way Tertius spoke made him uneasy.

He was no stranger to familial drama, given his own's complete inability to come down on the same side during the Civil War, but getting into bed (proverbially, of course) with a family blighted by lunacy and one in which a pair of brothers refused to even meet...well, that was not the simple deal to secure a second wife that he had been imagining. He'd not even met Sergia yet, either, and didn't particularly want Tertius to think poorly of him and so instead offered a, "Of course. I know what difficult families can be like." and a polite smile. 

Gods Titus, what mess have you dragged me into here? He thought to himself, but continued; "And I'll be sure not to mention we spoke - if I ever do get far enough to meet your brother, but...without being indelicate," Attis would find that hilarious, no doubt, given being indelicate was his bread and butter, "May I ask what your niece is like?" Hopefully pretty, clever, charming. You know, just all the fantasies a man could have about a woman. Titus had lucked out with Valeria, if memory served, and Antonia certainly had, had the looks but charm and a mind of her own had been somewhat lacking. Unless they were discussing his appointments and moves to Britannia - then she'd certainly been full of fire. 

 

TAG: @Liv @Atrice

 

[Sara]

Charis couldn't help the little sly glance upwards as he introduced her to his guests, eyes flitting very briefly between the two men. Unfortunately, the second man - who she presumed was the one she was interested in - was staring at her right as her big blue eyes lingered on him. Demurely, she cast her eyes back down and hoped he wouldn't make a fuss out of it. You never knew with Rome's upper echelons how touchy they were with slaves getting ideas above their stations, after all. 

She added, quietly in her Briton-soaked accent, after the introduction; "It is a pleasure, Sirs." And cast a quick glance to Tertius to make sure that was allowed. When he continued, she presumed it was.

A cough? She frowned and nodded, quickly. Tertius seemed well recovered from the minor ailment he had suffered but her quick, initial look at this Titus bloke made it clear he was to be the recipient. She shook the flash of 'what if I dropped something incapacitating in the tisane?' from her mind. That would serve Ardra no better. "Yes domine, mint - which I grow in the garden - and pepper, with some honey and poppy usually works." It tasted like horse piss, mind. "Would you like me to prepare a tisane?" She didn't really know who she was asking permission from, her master or the sick man spluttering across from him.

 

TAG: @Liv @Atrice

[Liv]

If the only reason why Sergia had not found a husband yet was a busy or negligent paterfamilias, that could be worked around, eventually resorting to unsavoury actions if Longinus really was smitten with the young woman. However, if it was because the whole family were off their rockers, then Longinus had better run like a hare from a fox. With baggage like that, the poor girl would have a hard time finding a husband unless Varus knowing picked a fight with his brother.

Good one, Longinus, Titus thought to himself with a hint of sarcasm from behind heavy-lidded eyes. Of course Sergia would be lauded as incarnate Minerva, Juno and Venus all in one, the perfect woman. They all were until you laid eyes on them or they opened their mouths. If Tertius had been favourably impressed by Longinus as prospective husband for his niece so far  - and all appearances led to that being the case -, then he would proclaim the virtues of the young woman like the merchants at the Emporium did their wares. But at the end of the day he was only there for support, and it would be for his friend to decide what to do next. 

Tertius' female slave introduced herself to them and it was her accent that finally ignited the spark of recognition in Titus. Of course! It was his own slave Nymphias who she had reminded him so strongly of. One was blonde and the other brunette, but both had round faces with big clear eyes and the same small, feminine build. Hadn't Nymphias mentioned a sister in one of their early conversations? This woman could very well be her. But how could he make sure without alerting her owner? 

Her rattling off of herbs and honey distracted Titus from his findings and he found himself nodding at her suggestions. "That would be lovely, thank you," he croaked back, already daydreaming about the poppy. How grand it would be to conk out in the arms of Morpheus and sleep this fever off... if he were in his own home. If he did fall asleep at Varus' place, it would not look good on him or Longinus. "But will it still work if you leave out the poppy?" When he returned home he would have to ask Nymphias if she too was adept at preparing soporific tisanes.

He could think about how to confirm his suspicions while the slave went and prepared the remedy. In the meantime, he made sure to thank their host for his solicitude. "It was most kind of you to send for your slave on my account, Senator Varus. I am in your debt."

 

@Atrice @Sara

[Atrice]

If Tertius was a less honest and proper man, he probably would have made sure his brother disappeared, so that he could become Pater Familias once again. But that would look bad in so many ways. Secundus had been missing before, but came back, and now too many people knew there were troubles within the family, especially between the brothers. Everyone knew that Tertius had once been Pater Familias and that Secundus had rambled about how he'd have loved it if Secundus never came back to resume his position. And maybe that was true, but by the gods... everything would really have been easier if Secundus had not come back. He just couldn't say that. Or do anything about it. It was a mess.

Thankfully, Longinus smiled at him and said he knew about difficult families. Well almost every family had their issues, didn't they? They were just different issues. Longinus then promised to not mention to Secundus that they spoke, if he ever met him. Then the groom-to-be (to someone yet unknown) wondered what Sergia was like.

"Her mother has raised her well. She's a very confident and mature young lady, and beautiful of course, like her mother. I know she is very eager to find a proper husband and start her own family." Hopefully with Longinus, if he'd have her. It would all be easier if Tertius could make the decisions here, it really would... 

Rufus had said nothing while they talked about Sergia, but then Charis had appeared and she was here for a reason. Tertius introduced her and asked if she knew anything that would be useful for a bad cough. He did not mention any names yet, but Charis frowned and then thought about it. Finally she had a solution with herbs, pepper and honey and wondered if she should prepare it. Before Tertius could answer, Rufus had nodded and said it would be lovely if she did it. But wondered if the poppy could be left out. Then he thanked Tertius for having Charis brought in for this.

"Don't think about it, Senator Rufus." Tertius said with a friendly smile, "Charis here works in the garden, among other things, and she recently cured a minor cold I had, with her useful knowledge. So I thought it would not be a bad idea to ask her." Tertius added and almost unconsciously lifted a hand to gently brush her arm, as she stood there close to him. If she did well here and actually helped Rufus with his cough, well then she definitely deserved a reward tonight, he thought to himself. And didn't she just look all kinds of pretty today, in her new chiton and with her hair like that... he smiled a little as he looked at her, "You may go and prepare the tisane, Charis." 

@Sara @Liv @Joaquin

[Sara]

Longinus smiled politely at the description of Sergia. If his suggestions were even halfway truthful then it would be criminal not to try and arrange a proper introduction with the lady herself. The idea of how was beyond him though, if her Uncle Secundus was so keen on being an unmannered pig. And that was saying something coming from a man like Longinus. "And with the Gods blessing she will soon." He arched a brow, a touch suggestively. He wanted a woman with motherly instincts - one of Antonia's saving graces - but he didn't just want a pretty face good with children, he wanted more than that. 

Their conversation was briefly interrupted by more of Titus' spluttering and he couldn't help the sly grin on his face, even if his hearth thrummed with memories of his late wife's own coughing fits. He eyed the slave dispassionately as she rattled off ingredients, although as a man might he cast a surreptitious glance over her. But in comparison, he still favoured the man's blonde body slave standing a few paces away. 

As the small woman left as instructed, he arched a brow and indicated at her retreating figure with a jerk of his head; "British? Her accent," He explained, "Is eerily familiar." He chuckled. He knew it irritated Titus no bloody end when he droned on about Britannia but hopefully his suffering friend would appreciate its necessity now. He needed this man to be impressed and by his own estimation his three successful tours of the miserable wet isle were some of the only things he had going for him. "I confess I've been absent from Rome for quite a while, tell me what does a young woman like to do with her free time - like Sergia, for instance." He grinned boyishly and diverted the topic back to their intended discussion. He wanted to understand the young woman outside of platitudes about her grace and beauty.

 

TAG: @Liv @Atrice

[Sara]

How Charis successfully managed not to flinch as Tertius rubbed her arm was a miracle, if only because it was incredibly ticklish. She nodded at the Senator opposite her and arched a brow (although kept her eyes respectfully averted); "Yes it will work without the poppy sir," It will be a whole lot less fun though, she grinned to herself a little. At Tertius instruction she should go and prepare it she nodded mutely and padded away to the kitchens. 

Rhoda, the cook, eyed her up and down with an amused scoff at the fancy clothes and intricate hair: "Who are you trying to impress?" She chuckled and Charis only rolled her eyes, giving the other woman a playful jab on her belly. Moving deftly around the kitchens she proceeded to scoop some of the freshly boiled water into a clay cup before depositing some of the mint from a cutting board into it, letting it steep. "Domine's guest is ill." She said by way of explanation with a roll of her eyes to which Rhoda replied with an exasperated; "Bloody great, and we all will be now by the time the day is bloody done!" Charis only chuckled and proceeded to sprinkle in a generous amount of pepper and a thick gloop of honey. 

She was tempted, oh so tempted, to deposit a good few poppy flowers in it for amusement but managed to restrain herself. After she had stirred the foul looking concoction ad fished out the now blanched mint leaves, she cupped small hands around the cup and padded back into the triclinium. She had been gone for a good few minutes by the time she returned, and had no idea what conversation she was walking  into. Silently, she stepped to place down the steaming cup of gloop and pepper in front of Titus on the table and cast another glance over him with an inquisitive gaze. No. Not what she imagined at all. 

She returned dutifully to Tertius' side and asked him, quietly: "Is there anything else domine?"

 

TAG: @Liv @Atrice

[Liv]

While the slave was off preparing her concoction, Titus was trying to come up with a plan as fast as his overtired brain would let him whilst still paying a modicum of attention to the conversation between the other two senators. For the state he was in, he considered it a mighty fine plan: the slave would come and hand him a cup of that famous tisane, he would thank her out loud and right after that drop his voice to a murmur and ask her in Brittonic (or what his mind insisted passed for it) if she had a sister.

Regrettably, it failed the moment she placed the cup on the table in front of him and immediately retreated back to her master's side. And it had been such a good spur-of-the-moment plan, too. Disappointed, Titus grabbed the steaming cup brought to him and gave it an experimental sniff. Minty. He took a careful gulp and not one second went by before he put the cup back down with haste, spluttering and coughing like there was no tomorrow. Now he knew that Tertius Quinctilius Varus was an immensely rich man, because only the fabulously wealthy would have an elephant-sized supply of pepper and allow his slave to use it all on one single cup.  Was the bloody Briton trying to poison him?

Feeling tears come to his eyes, Titus flushed in both embarrassment and effort. "My apologies, it's hotter than I expected it to be." Vapour was still emanating from the cup, so even though that wasn't the type of heat he was referring to, it provided a good excuse. He would have to let it cool down... and mentally prepare himself for a few more sips so as not to be impolite.

Longinus may yet be of use, though. Perhaps he could be goaded to place the female slave's origin in a roundabout manner. "Senator Longinus has spent quite a lot of time in Britannia in command of our glorious legions, so he's grown used to their accents." He slowly turned his head to look at Longinus, willing him to play along. "Say, doesn't Senator Varus' slave sound a bit similar to mine? Where was she from again?"

Now to redirect the conversation to the reason for their visit, hopefully in a sufficiently graceful way. To buy himself some time Titus brought the cursed peppery cup to his lips again, finding that it was a lot more bearable now that the infusion had cooled down a bit; the honey was finally coming through. "Of course, his dedication to service is why the pastimes of ladies like Sergia elude him," he added with a small amused smile.

 

@Atrice @Sara

[Atrice]

Tertius nodded with a smile, when Longinus said that he hoped for Sergia that she would find a husband and start her own family soon. Then Charis had appeared and Tertius instructed her to prepare a tisane for Rufus and she soon enough left to do what was asked of her. When Charis was gone, Longinus looked after her and said that her accent was familiar and suggested she came from Britannia. Tertius nodded, "She is indeed from Britannia, I purchased her earlier this year... in March, I think it was." He explained, "I didn't know I'd become so fond of her, but after a few mistakes in the beginning, it seems she is adjusting well to her new life." He added with a smile, there were certain parts he liked very much of course!

Longinus then went back to asking what young women do with their free time and Tertius had to shrug with that, "Honestly, I would not be the right person to ask when it comes to such things. I have a daughter who is over ten years younger than Sergia, and my wife is a distant past too, now." Tertius admitted, "But I am certain she will be more than happy to tell you, if you manage to set up a meeting. She does actually visit with me sometimes, so I could help with that." He added, already considering how he could set up a secret meeting for his niece without Secundus' knowledge. It should be possible - this opportunity was too good to miss, honestly! 

Not long after, Charis returned and set a steaming and scented cup of tisane in front of Rufus. He picked it up and took a gulf and then he began spluttering and coughing all over the place. Tertius was quite taken aback by that sudden outburst and gave Charis a stern look, while Rufus finally managed to speak and apologized for the incident. This was certainly not meant to happen - what had she put in it, exactly? Had he not told her that the actions of the slave fell back on their master? 

"It must have been." Tertius merely commented, when Rufus said the tisane was hotter than he expected. Rufus tried to speak of other things then, explaining how Longinus had been in Britannia and knew their accents well. Then he spoke of how Charis sounded similiar to his own slave and asked Longinus if he knew where she was from. Tertius arched a brow at the strange interaction, wondering why they cared so much. Perhaps a strange personal interest or was there more to it? He glanced to Charis again and picked up a drink to take a good gulp, seeing no need to interrupt the conversation between the two others now. This was going up and down, he thought, he had no idea where it might end! 

@Liv @Sara

[Sara]

Longinus arched a brow at the idea they could, perhaps, meet covertly. "Your assistance in organising that would be very welcome." He said with a grin. What was the hunt for a spouse without a little deception? And it would be a win-win situation. If Sergia wasn't right for him, he hadn't broached it with Secundus so no affront would have been made, but if he did want her, then he could speak with her about the best way to approach her uncle. Satisfied that he had a plan, he arched a brow at Tertius and raised his cup as if in thanks, "Please do send word the next time she visits, I'm sure I can just...drop by, coincidentally." He grinned but his mirth was interrupted by a spluttering, choking Titus.

He glanced across at  his friend at his questions, a quizzical frown on his face. They were were supposed to be talking about Sergia or a praetorship, not the provenance of slaves. Still, Titus was right and Longinus was easily goaded. With a little grin he shrugged; "I'm not as good as I used to be," He used to take pride in his Brittonic fluency and ability to know the nuances of regional dialects, even if it was very much at odds with his role in life, "And I'm not sure - I've not really spoken to her," Besides the odd few words here and there, "She's Brigantes, I think? Parisii?"

[Sara]

She couldn't hide the little smirk on her face as he coughed and spluttered everywhere like a baby who'd had too much milk. That smile was quickly wiped from her face, however, as she felt Tertius' frown glare up at her and her face resumed the blank expression she'd finally honed that all slaves wore around their masters. That he didn't dismiss her irritated her, however, and she stood limply - eyes averted - listening to their conversations knowing full well she had plenty of other things to be getting on with. Not that Tertius would care of course, she doubted he knew half of her daily schedule of work. 

But as their conversation listed aimlessly from discussing her dominus' niece to Britannia her interest was piqued and she cautioned a very quick glance up at this Titus Sulpicius Rufus. So he knew then, or at least suspected. Why else would he be asking these ridiculous questions which sounded inane to her ears, gods only knew what her dominus thought of them. She felt her heart hammer in her chest as he successfully goaded his friend (who seemed, by Charis' estimation, a thorough idiot) into discussing the provenance of his own slave, her sister undeniably. 

As the taller one, Longinus, droned on and finally settled on Brigantes or Parisii, without prompting and forgetting herself she added quietly; "I am Parisii." She glanced down to Tertius quickly, and corrected herself, "Was, Parisii." Surely that was not too much of an overstep? Of course they hadn't asked her to interject but if this Titus wanted to know why she sounded so similar to his own slave, why not confirm it for him?

 

TAG: @Liv @Atrice

Edited February 9, 2020 by Sara

[Liv]

By all appearances Varus had grown fond of his Briton slave all right, even if he was not infatuated to the point of ignoring her poor tisane-making skills. If this was his most able slave, Titus dreaded to think how the Quinctilii-Vari survived illness as well as its treatment. At any rate, it was good the wife shopping seemed to be progressing well, despite Titus' own ill-timed contributions, if they could even be called that. He really should have stayed home, sleeping this fever off...

... But then he wouldn't have been able to practically confirm that this precious slave of Varus and Nymphias were sisters, thanks to good old Longinus and his inability to pass up an opportunity to show off. "Parisii, of course," he nodded offhandedly before taking a very cautious sip of the concoction. The more it cooled down, the less difficult it was to bear, thank Jupiter. The boatload of pepper had been bad enough without the boiling heat burning off the few parts of his tongue that had survived the spicy onslaught. He wasn't shivering as much anymore, either, which was a good thing.

Now he had new information, but he didn't need to decide just yet what to do with it. Satisfied, Titus diverted as much of his attention as he could to the reason for this visit. "Should you require a chaperone, just say the word. I'm sure my wife would love to get acquainted with your niece," he suggested (hopefully helpfully). And do some underhanded digging on your behalf, Longinus. "Is there anything she takes a particular interest in? Literature, philosophy, theatre... Perhaps she and Senator Longinus have common interests." Titus nodded conspiratorially at his friend, knowing fully well he cared for none of the topics he had mentioned. Still, Longinus could do his homework and try to impress the young lady if they did end up meeting.

@Atrice @Sara

[Atrice]

What would Secundus think, if Tertius went behind his back and let Sergia meet with Longinus in his home... it could just be a coincidence, after all, just like Longinus suggested. See, Tertius would be so much better at this than his brother, but his brother was still the eldest and the official Pater Familias when it came to their sister and her children, because she had not remarried. He smiled at Longinus' suggestions about sending word if she visited here, so that he could drop by... "I will send a messenger to your home." Tertius said, he could always find out later in which part of Rome Longinus lived, "I am certain she would not mind staying a little longer if I promised that there would be an interesting and handsome visitor more." He added with a smile to the other man. 

Then for some reason, Longinus and Rufus were discussing where Charis was from, and Longinus gussed she might be Brigantes or Parisii. Honestly, Tertius didn't know - he never asked and her former tribe and home should not matter now. She was here in Rome now, after all, and he had no plans of selling her or setting her free. Not with how pleasing and useful she had proven to be! Then Charis suddenly spoke up, saying she was indeed a Parisii and then glanced to Tertius, who had arched a brow. She added that she 'was' part of that tribe. Good, Tertius thought to himself. She really must have paid attention.

Tertius was about to dismiss her, there was no reason for her to be here and he also had Hector, but then Rufus was still interested in talking about her. This was getting a bit odd, he thought to himself. There really was no point in talking about a slave for so long, he thought... "There are so many slaves in Rome with so many different origins. I think Charis here has adapted quite well to Rome so far." Tertius said and looked up at her, "You can return to your other duties." He didn't know what she had been doing when he sent for her, after all, although he suspected the garden - there was a scent of fresh air about her. 

Rufus then changed subject again, saying he would happily be a chaperone to Longinus if he came here to visit to meet Sergia and wondered again what Sergia enjoyed, "She does enjoy reading and even writing, as far as I am concerned. And she is very good with my daughter, Antonia." Which was always a good trait in a woman, that she knew how to take care of children. He wondered if Longinus had any female children and if his wife had only been unable to give him a son, or if the man was entirely childless so far... and since he disliked beating around the bush when he was curious, he decided to just ask, "You have no children at all so far, Senator Longinus?" 

@Liv @Sara

[Sara]

Charis only nodded meekly with a muted; "Yes, domine." and without another glance to the two men, departed for the garden where she promptly sat down on a bench, out of sight. This Titus Sulpicius Rufus was not what she had expected, but then she didn't know if that was good or bad. She put her head in her hands, musing over how to use this information and how to broach this very delicate situation with Tertius. He'd never paid any interest in her origins, she doubted he'd be thrilled with the idea of a sister in Rome (had she even mentioned she had siblings?) but something needed to be done. 

Meanwhile, Longinus smiled politely and added reading and writing to the list of things that young women enjoyed - alongside poetry, theatre and flowers. Those ideas had come from friends spouses, although he couldn't say he enjoyed them much himself. Still, being good with children was a positive and he nodded with a smile. "I have a daughter - Cassia, she's..." He winced, Gods how old was she...he had to count backwards, "Eight. Nearly nine." 

Poor little Cassia. Thank the Gods he had Metella to govern her. The British slave was a bit cold to him, but doted on his daughter in a way he never could. It was the closest she'd come to having a mother for the foreseeable future, he thought to himself with a little sigh. But deciding there were other topics to discuss which didn't exclude Titus, he arched a brow between the men and sipped at his wine. "Tell me, you're a Praetor aren't you?" He offered a good natured grin. Better to be honest, he thought, he wasn't a man who was any good at schemes or intrigue or hiding the truth, "How are you finding it? With elections coming up and finding myself at a loose end...the thought of the magistracy has crossed my mind." And Titus', he knew, but if the man wanted to press on it he should have asked himself!

 

TAG: @Liv @Atrice