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Here's to the Ladies...


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June, 75AD

Horatia smoothed down her stola and glanced at herself in the mirror. She was not nervous, per se, she was mostly quite an unflappable woman, but this was the first time she was hosting some of these women, and certainly the first time she'd done so without Valeria Flacca's exuberant personality to outweigh her more reserved, composed demeanour. She just hoped it would be a success; the family could use some of that. Whilst her husband might busy himself with political schemes and dealing with the troublesome Praetorian's in his own way, she knew better than most that men were made and fell at the whispers and words of women. To be seen to be hosting something for the great and the good of the City's women was valuable, especially given the diverse names on the list for today. Nobody could call Horatia Justina a snob given the equite girls that had made the cut. 

The house was vacant; Aulus and Felix had left the women to it and taken her son to the baths, and Calpurnia was with her maternal grandfather on the Caelian. It meant that the domus; usually filled with life was oddly quiet today and that only made her perfectionism spiral. She strode from her rooms silently and set about adjusting everything to within an inch of its life. No food was out of place on the richly decorated table in the triclinium, the copies of the Odyssey (picked for its ease for novices or those not interested in literature) for those that had forgotten their own (there would always be one!) lay on a table to the side. Couches were furnished with rich throws and slaves stood diligently by waiting to serve the guests. 

She had not forgotten herself, either, although in true Horatia fashion had opted for traditional reservation in her clothes. The shade of amber of her stola complimented her bright auburn hair and contrasted with her eyes. Her hair was neatly, and properly, swept up into twists and turns but it wasn't overzealous or overtly fashionable. She wore little jewellery save for her betrothal ring, a simple gold bangle (a gift from her husband) and a fine pendant with a ruby in. She didn't wish to seem as if she was promoting the families wealth, after all. 

As she finished adjusting everything to within an inch of its life to make it perfect, one of the slaves silently announced the first guest and Horatia put on her best, beaming smile and moved to the atrium to greet them. 

 

TAG: Open! Open to all Senatorial or Equite women who want to join a book-club with Horatia!

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Marcella had been practically glowing since her recent engagement, from the moment she meet Titus she had felt as if she had no reason to continue avoiding others. That was perhaps the reason why she had decided to go to this book club in the first place, as much as she enjoyed literature she was not a fan of the women typically found in book clubs. From her experience they tended to be pompous and cheeky little prudes who feigned virtuosity when she was sure that they all had more than a few skeletons in their closets. Of course, Marcella couldn't condemn them for that, she had her fair share of bones but the way they all gossiped about the others, she believed it to be pathetic. Of course, while she didn't participate, she did always listen and take note of anything that could be useful to her in the future. 

As the domus came into view she began questioning if going to this book club was such a good idea, she never would have RSVP'd yes if she hadn't been in such a good mood when the invite had arrived. It wouldn't be hard to get out of it, she could always explain that her father had taken a turn for the worst that morning or previous night. She pushed those thoughts out of her mind, this would be a good opportunity to make some valuable connections. She straightened her dove grey palla as she reached the entrance of the domus and adjusted her grip on her copy of The Odyssey. She was hoping to make a good impression, she had never meet this Horatia Justina but from what she knew her husband was a well respected senator, she would almost certainly be a fountain of valuable information. 

Upon entering the domus she removed her palla and handed it to a waiting slave, reveling a dark blue chiton. Her hair was twisted into a deceptively simple style that was securely pinned in a braid at the top of her head. She looked rather plain but compared to her usual attire she was dressed up. She matched Horatia's smile when she came to greet her, "hello, I'm Marcella Laelia" she said introducing herself "I would like to thank you so much for hosting this club, literature has always been a passion of mine." 

@Sara

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Elsewhere in the city another Horatia was getting ready for the day. The gentle hands of her highly skilled wove braids of heavy chocolate brown hair into an fashionable hair style befitting her station in life. Horatia Pullvilla had never been one for her vanities, but she was a wife of a well known senator who had family ties to the Imperials. It would not do her any favors to look like the cat had just drug something wretched off the street. 
 
Going to this ... gathering ... was not her idea. But her daughter's. Appiana was desperate to enjoy the late spring weather, where everything was warm once more. Winter did not ever sit well with her. And Horatia found hers impossible to say no to. So their names had been sent and they would be reading The Odyssey together. A story they both knew all too well, but it was not their choice of what the first gathering would read. Perhaps the hostess simply believed it was best to start off simple.
 
"Thank you." She muttered to her slaves as they finished dolling her up. Nothing to fancy or heavy for the day time. Just enough to mask what age and laughter was slowly adding to her face. She stood and moved out of her room, heading towards where her daughter was quartered in. She was in the favored white, gold embroidery along the hems. The scarlet stola draped over her shoulders. She would pull it up right before they left the house. 
 
Her daughter rushed out of the room, carrying both copies of the book they were to read today. A miniature of her mother, but only in a soft blue. "Are we ready then? Good, lets go!" She asked with a laugh as her daughter confirmed that she was and they took down the stairs hand and hand and out to the litter that would carry them across the city to the Aventini Minoris. 
 
"I know I don't need to remind you to be on your best behavoir, but to save us each three headaches, tell your brothers I did." she said with a wink as they arrived. They weren't the first to arrive it was clearly but surely the weren't the last as they entered the domus, the tail end of the chatter from the woman that enter before them and she hung back, her hand holding her daughter's as she waited for the others to get done with their greeting. 
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There were several reasons for Sestia joining the gathering and unfortunately not one was a particular love of The Odyssey. Sestia was no philistine. She had read the work before - who hadn't? It was a staple of the Hellenic canon! However, as recent experience had highlighted, she was not exactly as much of a literate book-lover as she wanted to be. Her want of experience in that regard made her feel self-conscious.

But that was no reason not to go. Firstly, Horatia Justina was a woman she classed as a friend. A friend and something more too. It was to her that she had confided her dark secret before her engagement with Lucius. She knew enough to socially disgrace her if she wished. Sestia therefore had a vested interest in keeping her on side. In addition, since her wedding to Lucius Cassius, she was now living in a house which was decidedly male-heavy. Her domus had been before it had been her and her two sons. The slaves didn't count. Her sons, though, were mere boys and their masculine habits and ways could be coloured and offset by good mothering. She loved Lucius and loved living with a man again but - and it was all coming back so quickly - she was learning how to adjust to no longer being the sole point of authority in her house. She was learning how to live with a grown man again and everything that entailed! Lucius and his decidedly odd-ball slaves. His coterie had not gelled well with hers. At least not thus far. The result was that, whilst her immediate family life was happier than it perhaps ever had been, it was offset against a backdrop of a wider familial life that was bordering on the dysfunctional. Her sons had taken to having a step-father in different ways. Her youngest was thrilled and was forever pestering Lucius. Her eldest, on the other hand, was waging a taciturn passive aggressive war against him in a series of petty means which were driving Sestia mad.

After a morning with - to her taste - far too much male company for that time of day, she had decided that it would be a good idea to have a little time to restore her femininity in congenial surroundings. Who knows, she may even make new friends?

Her litter dropped her off at the door of Horatia's domus. As befitting the family, a thoroughly sumptuous urban pile. Her hair had been straightened and was coiled in braids into a crown about her head. Her dark eyes had been accentuated with Aegyptyian kohl. Her stolla was light blue, with a dark blue edging, embroidered with small and elaborate dolphins in white thread. Lucius, with his enthusiasm but masculine ability to go for size rather than subtlety, had bought her an array of jewelry for their wedding (she was also wearing the four golden pins given at their first meeting), including a particularly large and brash gold and lapis lazuli necklace which she thought was a bit much but wanted to be seen by him wearing it so he wouldn't be disappointed!

As she was ushered through she saw she was not the first to arrive. There were already some unfamiliar faces. "Horatia, thank you for having me"

@Sara

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Septima Minor was thrilled to be going to a book club. Talking about books with other women! It had been a long time dream of hers, but given her family's social standing as equites, and her young age, so far she had not been introduced much into high society. But now, she had the perfect occasion, one she would not feel nearly as awkward in as other social gathering. There were going to be books! And the Odyssey, no less. She'd read it many, many times, both in Greek and Latin, ever since she was a child. And now she was going to get to talk about it with other women!

(It was possible that Septima Minor had unreasonably high expectations for this club.)

Of course she'd invited her sister Thalia along. She was not sure she'd actually come, or if she'd find an excuse not to join in; she was not much of a reader, but the company of all the other noblewomen might entice her. Or might not. Septima was not going to fault her.

Getting out of the litter she was escorted inside by a slave, seeing a small group of women gathering, most older than she was. She couldn't see Valeria Flacca anywhere, but she recognized Horatia Justina the hostess, and also Sestia from their book shop encounter. Septima was wearing a simple, dark green tunic, with her hair pulled into an elegant but plain bun. Her copy of the Odyssey, the one she'd chosen to bring, was carefully cradled in its leather sheath. 

"Lovely to meet you. Thank you for the invitation!" she smiled shyly at Horatia when the hostess' attention turned to her. Her smile widened when she greeted Sestia. "It is good to see you here!"

@Lauren @Sara @Atrice

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Septima was most used to participating in social events at their family home, so this was something new, different and kind of exciting too! Not that the topic of the event interested her much – sure she could read and who had not been forced to read the Odyssey? Of course she knew it. But she had not read it countless times like her sister. It was a piece of a story you had to be familiar with, and she was, because that’s how it was… but she had felt no desire to read it again. There were many more interesting things to do than reading.

Like… picking the clothes you were going to wear, when you were going to meet other and more mature ladies, most of them married, as far as she understood. It was a good idea to participate, to socialize and meet some new people. Meanwhile her sister was probably even more excited than she was… because it was a book club. Septima just hoped not all of them were heavy readers like her sister. Hopefully there were others that were a bit more down to Earth about that, like she was.

She wore a pretty, light pink chiton and a darker palla, when she stepped out of the litter and followed Clio into the house of one Horatia Justina. It was a beautiful house and it was obvious that the inhabitants were even wealthier than she was. She watched her sister greet some of the other women and felt a bit strange, she had never met any of them and Clio knew them. How was Clio more familiar with them than she was? Clio was always… reading… and thinking…

But she smiled at Horatia too and bowed her head, “Greetings and thank you for the invitation. It is a pleasure to meet you… I have been looking forwards to meeting everyone here.” She said and moved further inside to where a large triclinium had been prepared for the meeting. Other women were there already and they all looked so… so… grown. She felt young. Hopefully they’d not blame her for it.

@Sara @Chevi

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Pinaria inhaled a breath and looked into the polished mirror in front of her. She could still be a striking figure when she wanted to. She was all ready to leave the house and participate in this book club. Little Gaius looked into the room where his mother stood and put on a huge and contagious smile when he saw his mother in a pretty dress and with her hair done up too. She wore a dark green dress with a light green and golden palla over it and jewelry to match it. Sure, it was no party, but she still wanted to make a good impression. She had not really participated in any social events since her husband died last year. Now, encouraged by her brother, it was time to re-enter society.

“How do I look?” She asked her son and he laughed and ran to her and she crouched down to embrace him, “You’re beautiful mama!” He said and threw his arms around her neck. They hugged for a moment, but then she pulled away and told him she had to leave for the day. She looked at her freedwoman and servant, Gaia Lucia, who sat on the bed behind her.

“He’s right, you know. You do look beautiful. I’m sure you will make a good impression.” She said and Pinaria smiled at her. They were both being so kind. Lucia followed her out to the litter with Gaius in her hand and together they waved, while Pinaria stepped inside and was on her way. Not too long after, the litter stopped and Pinaria stepped out. She brushed her gown and inhaled another breath, before she walked up to the door and a slave let her inside.

All these women… she had seen most of them before, but it was a long while ago. She was not exactly the insecure or nervous type, but she had not seen them for so long and hoped she had not been forgotten and that she was not just a lost item in their memories.

But she put on a friendly and warm smile anyway and approached the beautiful hostess of the event, “Salve… how kind of you to extend this invitation. I have been looking forwards to it. The Odyssey is a fascinating tale and a good piece to begin with.”  

@Sara

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Horatia beamed as woman after woman filed into the domus until the atrium was full. She greeted each one personally, and paid special attention to the women and girls she did not know well; which was to say, most of them. She wished, not for the first time, that Valeria Flacca was here to help. "It's a pleasure Marcella," She smiled at the woman and inclined her head as she moved through the gaggle of women - noting one with a little girl at her waist. She bent a little so she could be at the same height and smiled, "Welcome...unfortunately my daughter isn't here but she has plenty of her dolls I'm sure, if I can interest you." She smiled as she stood and inclined her head at the other woman. "It is Horatia Pulvilla, isn't it?" She inclined her head, "Thank you for coming." 

There were so many women in the domus (she was sure some of the male slaves would consider this heaven) that she spent only a little with each, and some she knew better than others - Sestia mainly - she only greeted with a friendly smile and an inclination of her head. She was a little startled when two identical girls came over to greet them; one with a bigger grin for Sestia. "You must be the Septimas!" She smiled and inclined her head to both of them. She'd put them on the list as some distant connection, but one worth cultivating if only to allow hers (and Aulus') names to be connected with old equite families. 

She drew to the last woman and smiled, "I thought it would be something for everybody," her smile widened and she inclined her head, "It's a pleasure Pinaria." She didn't know the woman well, but the same could be said to all those assembled here, and it never hurt to make new friendships or acquaintances. Besides, everybody on the list to attend had been thoroughly vetted. 

She moved back through to the front of the group and indicated for a slave to start walking; "I have us set up in the triclinium for now, but we can always move to the garden if the weather holds." Grey clouds were encroaching on the summers day but she had back up chairs and tables for the peristyle if it was warm enough. Turning on her heel, she moved back through into the triclinium, admiring everything set up exactly perfectly and wondering where to sit. 

 

TAG: @Laria @Anna @Echo @Lauren @Atrice

Because there's so many ladies in the thread I suggest we don't do a post order and groups can break off to chat amongst themselves and Horatia will try and interject with thoughtful musings on the Odyssey! 

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As more women filed into the domus, Marcella took care to memorize every name she heard, Horatia Pulvilla, two Septimas, Pinaria, and of course their hostess, Horatia Justian. She still did not know the name of the mother and the woman whose presence delighted one of the Septima so greatly, but she was confident that she would learn of their identity's by the end of the meeting. In addition to that she hoped to learn the full names of ever woman present and the occupation of their husband, brother(s), father, and son(s); one could never have to much information in her opinion. 

"It's a pleasure Marcella," 

She smiled warmly in response before Horatia moved on to greet the next woman and her daughter. Marcella couldn't help but feel the corners of her mouth momentarily twitch downward as Horatia offered to lend the child her daughters dolls. In her opinion, children had no place at a book club unless they were prepared to participate, she had no qualms with children, just so long as they had some worth. She hoped that the girl would at least stay quite and make herself scarse if she was to be playing with toys during their discussion.

 "I have us set up in the triclinium for now, but we can always move to the garden if the weather holds."

She smiled in recognition of the statement and followed her into the triclinium, she was impressed by how utterly perfect everything looked. "This all looks beautiful" she commented, before sitting down. She waited for some of the other ladies to sit before she did, that way she could choose who she would be sitting next to. She chose to sit next to the woman she didn't know, not the mother, if her daughter was stay the whole meeting would be dreadful, instead she chose the one who the Septima girl was so happy to see. 

After sitting she unfurled the top if her scroll, it look as if it were brand new even though she had owned it since she was a child. This was both because she took exceptionally good care of her books and because in he life she had only read it twice. She read it as a girl and had decided that she didn't care for the story, it was very well written but the plot seemed to unrealistic to her, and Penelope annoyed her. Until reciving the invite to this very club, she hadn't bothered to reread it. Once she was situated she turned to face the woman whose name she didn't not know and introduced herself "I'm Marcella" she said with a smile, "I don't believe I caught your name?"

 @Anna @Lauren @Sara @Chevi @Atrice

 I figured we might as well use the order we already had going 

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A few days prior to the book club Barbara and her daughter had been shopping in the market when she heard word of the book club. Her daughter had asked what exactly a book club was and when Barbara told her she scrunched up her nose ‘that’s boring mater’. Barbara gave a bit of laugh and ruffled her daughter’s hair. “You are so much like your brother…It will mostly be a chance for women to get out and socialize.” Her daughter asked if she was going. Barbara shrugged her shoulders; they finished their shopping and headed home. That had been followed up by a formal general invitation to their domus. She had discussed it with Marcus and he said the decision was up to her- Barbara wasn’t someone who absolutely needed social outings, but at the same time she had been trying to dedicate some time to herself as she got older. She had spent so many years of her earlier life caring for other and carrying so many thing on her shoulders.

 

On the day of the book club she had one of their slaves assist her into a dark blue chiton and then arrange the palla overtop for a warmer layer. Her red curls were arranged into a braided twist. Her daughter sat on the bed watching her get dressed ‘you look lovely mater’. She gave her daughter a kiss on the forehead. “Thank you- now you be good while Mater is gone.” Her daughter nodded her head. With the warnings out of the to both her son & daughter, she left her domus and travelled to Horatia Justina’s domus. When she arrived, she noted there were a range of women that had already arrived- it did not matter that she was not the first to arrive. She greeted a couple of women on her way in, and when it was time to greet her hostess Barbara introduced herself “Thank you for hosting this event- I am Barbara Stilicha" Then followed after their hostess towards the Triclinium. 

@Anna @Lauren @Sara @Chevi @Atrice

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The invitation found its way to her, and Valeria was struck curious of the subject. A social gathering where the ladies of Rome could read together. It was ... interesting ... to say the least, not something she had expected to have made its way to her. But she still accepted it with great curiosity. After all, it wasn't often she could get out of the domus for herself and not because she had other social requirements to meet for the day.

The children were left behind. Valeriana, though she protested, was much to young for something as heavy as the Odyssey to read on her own and the mother of two made a promise she'd read it to her youngest child later that night when it was time for bed. It seemed to sate the little girl who was growing up to look very much like herself.  And the younger of the two Octavius' in the household was off playing with his cousins, while the father was going over more plans for the library he was building.

She wore green that day, to compliment her skin color and to show off her natural ginger curls, which had been styled that day accordingly. She was a proper Roman matron, after all, she would look the part as much as she could without be washed out by whites or whatever color was the fashion now days. There was soft sound from her sandals upon brick when she slipped from the litter, and before she approached the doors, she pulled her stolla around her to add modesty.

Entering the building she glanced at the gaggle of women that had begun to gather until she saw a familiar face and smiled to the young girl with Horatia, the wife of her husband's cousin. Then she looked for the mistress of the house, if she knew events, she knew the hostess would be the on with a gathering of chattering women around her.

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Caecina was not a fan of book learning. She never willingly opened a book unless Aia forced her to, and she rarely enjoyed it very much. But Juliana had decided that the young Roman lady would be attending Horatia's book club, if not for the enjoyment of literature, then for the necessity of making contacts with other ladies of Rome. Caecina expected Juliana also wanted her to make some female friends, since Caecina's track record with female friends was not the best. So, the evening of the book club, the young woman dressed in some of her finer clothes, picked up her copy of the book of choice, and traveled to the domus of Horatia Justina and her husband. 

She was definitely out of her element. Parties with drinking and socializing, she could do... but a room full of women who evidently enjoyed reading, and not a male in sight to engage in witty banter and flirtation? She definitely didn't know what to do with herself. But she could always rely on the social niceties that had been drilled into her head since birth, so she immediately found the hostess and approached her, giving a friendly smile. "Good evening, Horatia. Thank you for the invitation! I look forward to our discussions." Afterward, she looked around, trying to find anyone she might know. There! Septima Major! Thank the gods, a familiar face. Caecina made her way over to the familiar girl, greeting her with a friendly hug and a kiss on either cheek. "Septima! How lovely to see you!"

Edited by Echo
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She had to admit it actually wasn’t that bad to be out among people again. And only with women, which made her feel a bit more relaxed. Not that she disliked spending time with men, not at all, but they were sometimes so demanding… and if she met with men of proper ranks and told her brother about it, he would ask her about marriage potential and all that. This little event with just women, it was perfect. Horatia had smiled kindly to her and agreed that the Odyssey was something everyone could enjoy.

Then she led the way into the triclinium, where everything was set up for the guests. Behind her three other women arrived by the sound of it and she glanced to see who it was. Barbara Stilicha she knew by name; the woman was of German origin, she knew that, but she was beautiful none the less and appeared a proper Roman lady to Pinaria. What a name to give her though; Barbara, like the Barbarian she had once been. It wasn’t really fair now. There were also a few very young women that she didn’t know and then another appeared, another with a red hint to her hair. They seemed popular around here, she thought with a smile as she sat down on a couch.

She glanced around and noticed how others were taking their time to sit down, so she thought she’d help the hostess a bit, “There’s a space right here if you need one.” She said to one of the other women, patting the space next to her on the couch, “This all looks so nice and comfortable. Horatia did a wonderful job.” She then commented while wondering if they were actually going to talk about the great tale of Odysseus or if it would just be chatter and gossip.

@Sara @Echo @Anna @Laria @Chevi @Dev @Jenn

Edited by Atrice
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Septima felt perhaps a little bit of an outsider here – she had read the book, once, but although it was an interesting story, there were things far more interesting to her. Septima liked the real world and she liked people… so she liked being here, with all these other women, although most seemed to be older than Septima and her sister. They had children of their own while Septima was not even married yet.

She followed Horatia towards the triclinium when another few guests arrived and she smiled widely, as Caecina was approaching her! Thank the gods for a friendly face, she thought to herself! They had met at the market once, when Septima had lost her purse – or rather, it was stolen from her – but Caecina had been so kind to help her and they spent an afternoon together. And now they were going to do it again, it seemed. She returned the friendly hug and kissed Caecina on each cheek too, “How lovely to see you too, Caecina! I hope you are well…” She said and now that she had a friend here, that wasn’t her sister, she leaned in, speaking with a lower voice, “Have you read it recently?”

@Sara @Chevi @Dev @Jenn @Echo @Anna @Laria

Edited by Atrice
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Caecina not only was out of her element because of the enjoyment these other women seemed to share of reading, but also because they were all older. In the young senatore lady's experience, older women tended to be catty, with snarky comments about her decorum if she stepped out of line. Older women seemed to forget their youth when they got married, forgot how many rules an unmarried girl had to follow. Caecina was much more at ease with girls her age, but even more at ease with young men. 

Septima was such a pleasant girl, though! She greeted her with such a welcoming air. "Gods, I am so happy you're here." She dropped her voice conspiratorially. "No, I haven't! My stepmother made me come. I really don't even like reading!" She laughed at the absurdity of being at a bookclub when she didn't even like reading. 

@Atrice @Sara @Chevi @Dev @Jenn @Anna @Laria

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Barbara entered the triclinium and took a glance around. There were several couches and women were sitting down nearby people they knew. Barbara knew of the people here, but she was not directly connected to anyone as family or friends. She figured she would wait until people had settled where they wished and then take a spot that was leftover, but she then heard someone near her speak up “There’s a space right over here if you need one.” Barbara turned in her direction. “I would appreciate the spot, if that is alright.”

After she got approval, Barbara sat down next to Pinaria. “This all looks so nice and comfortable. Horatia did a wonderful job.” Barbara agreed with Pinaria- it was absolutely beautiful and very comfortable. “It certainly does seem wonderfully comfortable in here- she has done a wonderful job. I am Barbara Stilicha.”

@Atrice (also @Sara @Chevi @Dev @Anna @Laria @Echo)

 

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Aelia stepped into the domus one of the last to arrive, despite living on the same hill of the gathering's hostess. She had swiped her sister's copy of the tale to be read after spending an evening with her, not wanting to come unprepared.  A gathering of women pouring over some old story was more her sister's cup of tea than hers, but Aelia was never a wallflower. Nor was she a social climber, but having married up when she married her and her sisters' childhood friend she felt her place was to be in society. 

Finding an empty seat on the outer reaches of the placed settees, she opened the well loved book that had her sister's hand writing on the sides. Little notes made by Gaia for future references, she supposed and she smiled tenderly before glancing up and taking a quick study of the room. Others were chattering and she contented herself to listen to the chatter instead of joining it just yet. 

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Pinaria had kindly offered a space next to her, to one of the other women, and Barbara was the one who took the offer, approaching her to settle down next to Pinaria. Pinaria gave her a smile, “Of course it is alright.” She said to the woman, whom she knew by name and some of her history through the eternal gossip of Rome, but she had never met her in person. Pinaria had commented on what a good job Horatia did on the book club here and Barbara agreed and said it seemed wonderful and then introduced herself.

“Pleased to meet you, Barbara – if it is alright I call you that.” She said, looking at her newfound companion for the day, “I am Pinaria Gaia.” She added with a soft smile, she kind of wanted to ask into Barbara’s family history and everything, but she didn’t want to embarrass the other woman or offend her. She had been born in a faraway country and probably now felt that Rome was her home. Then it would be unfair of Pinaria to suggest it was otherwise. She should find another topic to talk about…

“Do you enjoy reading a lot then? Since you came here?” She finally asked, glancing up briefly as another lady appeared in the triclinium and settled down with her copy of the piece they would read or discuss today. So many had come. It was very interesting.

@Jenn ... and everyone else in the thread... 

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