Reunion

[Sarah]

March 77AD

It had been nearly two years since he'd lost his wife. Nearly a year and a half since he'd taken the Quaestorship in Achaea. He'd always been more of a military man than a political one, but suddenly Rome had become claustrophobic, and he needed to get away. Was it fate, fortune or his own nature that drew him back to Achaea, where he'd first met Lucia and fallen for her. It wasn't fashionable to be so in love with your wife, but if anyone understood it was his friend Aulus Calpurnius Praetextatus, whom he'd also met in Achaea, and who had ended up marrying his sister Horatia, and truly becoming a brother-in-law. And one in spirit, Publius had thought. Achaea had been the gateway to his truly stepping into adult life, to finding purpose and fulfillment, so perhaps it was natural that he'd been drawn back there.

This time had been different. This time he had a family. He'd ensured that his children had arrangements for their proper education and socialisation, then thrown himself into his work, finding ways to work with the local military commander despite his being there in a political role. His son had taken his toga in Achaea, much to his pride, but even that had felt a little hollow; Spurius's mother had not been there to see it. He'd hired a local woman, Agape, to maintain his household, and ended up taking her to his bed, out of simple needs than any great desire for her particularly. And she had comforted him. But the revelation of her pregnancy had thrown that slightly hollow contentment out of the window. He'd toyed briefly with the idea of marrying her, but discarded it as not appropriate for his family. His children needed a proper mother figure of the right class and breeding, and much as he wanted more children, to claim Agape's child would be to somehow reduce all that he and Lucia had in their children. The boy's birth had brought the hard realisation that he needed to do the right thing and return to Rome. He'd made arrangements for Agape and her son. They had a home and would receive a peculium, part of which was to be put towards Agapios's education. He would not live in poverty. 

Now they were back, and having settled into his father's domus once  more - to the quiet pleasure of the pater familias, Publius suspected - his first port of call was to visit his sister Horatia, the sibling with whom he'd always been closest, and his friend Aulus, if he was in. He'd sent word of their intended visit of course, and brought his children. Spurius was of an age with Titus and Lucia Justinia was only two years younger than Calpurnia Horatia; the cousins had previously been close. And it made sense for them to reconnect with family as well. So as they approached, Publius and Spurius in their togas and Lucia in her finest chiton and palla. A slave knocked on the door of the familiar domus. 

@Sara

Edited July 4, 2022 by Sarah

[Sara]

Horatia cast her son an unimpressed glance as he finally appeared, breathless and flustered, practically skidding into the atrium from the street. All she had to do was quirk a brow and out came the apology; "I-I was just with Lucius Fadius and time ran away, really the slaves should have reminded me-" Horatia held up a finger and her son stopped his rambling, straightening out his tunica as Calpurnia smirked next to her. Teenagers. If they weren't running late then they were needling one another - even the sweet, well-mannered Calpurnia Horatia. She cast a glance to Quintus, asleep in his nurses arms and she briefly longed for all her children to be tiny, newborn sleep thieves. "You are lucky both your father and uncle aren't here yet." Aulus was in his tablinum, finishing up some business that was pressing and Publius was likely on his way. Titus, embarrassed, merely nodded and cleared his throat, mumbling an apology to his Mama.

And it was clearly Fortuna's bidding that he should have skidded into their domus when he did, as Publius was merely moments behind. The slave announced him and then, in a sea of fine white togas and beautifully coloured chitons, in walked her family. It was all she could do not to embrace him. Publius had been her solace growing up in their home, her favourite - that much had been obvious to all in the domus - and she had missed him more than words could say on his sojourn to Achaea. Instead, she stilled herself - ever the composed, perhaps austere woman - Horatia could hold her nerve. Her daughter and her son did likewise (she'd clearly moulded them in her own image) as they gave big beaming grins and inclined their heads to her brother. "Publius." She managed a laugh and then before any further talk, moved swiftly to lean up and kiss his cheek in familial greeting. She pulled back after a moment and swept her eyes over his children. So big! "Spurius, Lucia, I trust you remember your cousins? Although," She smiled wryly, "You have yet to meet your newest. Brother, this is Quintus." On cue the nursemaid stepped forward, the bundle in her arms.

 

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[Sharpie]

Aulus pressed his seal to the final document as the house's main door was opened to admit his brother-in-law, nephew and niece. He waved Xanthos away as the sound of greeting drifted on the air. "The rest will have to wait, I haven't seen my brother-in-law in a number of years. Put them on the top of the pile and I'll look at them first thing tomorrow - though if there's a bill from one of the bath contractors, make sure it's paid."

Xanthos nodded and Aulus set his pen aside, stretched and finally made his way into the atrium to greet his wife's brother.

"Publius! It's been too long! How are you?" He scrutinised the other man's face. "I was sorry to hear about Lucia."

It had been the thing he'd dreaded most when it came to Horatia - he had no idea how he could manage without her at his right hand should anything happen to her. She had delivered Quintus safely, and he hoped that the news wouldn't be too painful a reminder to his friend of his loss.

@Sarah @Sara

[Sarah]

The door swung open and there stood his sister, graceful and regal, a sight for sore eyes. She was the eldest of his siblings and had always been the closest; the twins were always thick as thieves. He was old enough to remember when she was born; he'd watched her grow up. Now she was a matron of her own household with children of her own. When had they grown so big? Likely she thought the same of his. For all that had happened, he felt his heart lift as she spoke his name and laughed her light, delighted laugh, whilst her children grinned, leaning down a little as she moved in swiftly to kiss his cheek, catching her briefly by the shoulders in the closest he would come to a hug. "Horatia." He returned warmly. 

Did the children remember their cousins? Of course they did, and their respectful nods were at odds with their broad smiles. They were happy to be here, and happy to be home in Rome. But what was this? Horatia suddenly wore a coy little smile. 

Brother, this is Quintus.

One of the slaves stepped forward, a bundle in her arms. An infant. They all looked the same to Publius, but the pride in his sister's tone was obvious. He peered at the little, sleeping face, a picture of health. She'd given Aulus another son. A strange mix of emotions washed over him. In many ways his family and Aulus's had echoed each other; two children, a boy and a girl, then no more. Lucia had lost pregnancy after pregnancy early, and he'd sort of assumed that Horatia had done the same, though of course he'd never ask and she'd never tell. Then Lucia had finally carried again, only to loose both the child and her own life. The thought that Horatia had risked the same chilled him, whilst at the same time there was both joy and a little jealousy that she'd bourne a healthy son at the end of it. He knew it was a woman's lot to risk life to bring forth life, but that was all well and good until it was his own wife who lost that gamble. And Horatia was still with Aulus, whilst he was alone. But his sorrow was none of her fault, and he would be forever grateful that his sister and her son were healthy; only sad that his own wife and son had been lost. 

"Quintus." He echoed. "For Quintus Augustus, I assume?" Please tell me she didn't lose two more children. For the name meant 'the fifth'. "Congratulations." He said warmly, and meant it. "I will make offerings to the Gods in thanks, for you and your son." For his tiny child was family. There were many dangers in a young life, so many children didn't make it, but Patrician families had the best of everything, and their other two were healthy, as were his. Let this one grow and bring joy to his parents' hearts as well. 

Movement in the atrium completed their little gathering, as his brother-in-law made his appearance. "Aulus. Too long indeed. I am well." Or well enough at least. He inclined his head at his friend's condolences. "Thank you." There'd been the cremation and interment and funerary rights of course, for both Lucia and their son, but he hadn't stayed in Rome long after that, finding it easier to leave than to be constantly reminded. Her ghost would always be in the corner of his eye, but today was not a day for mourning but for renewing family ties. "Allow me to offer my congratulations on your young son."

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[Sara]

"For Quintus Augustus." She nodded, confirming and smiled softly, stroking a finger over her son's forehead in the nursemaid's arms. "And thank you, that's kind brother." She'd expect nothing less from her older brother of course, traditionalist as he was. The nursemaid dutifully moved to show the newest addition to her brood to her nephew and niece as Aulus arrived to greet her brother.

She smiled at their warm embrace and arched a brow. "And no congratulations to your sister who bore him?" She jested and then gestured with her head to the garden; "We have wine and food laid out but Titus, why not show your cousins around the domus? Stay out of our offices, but I'm sure it's changed since they were last here."

Children safely escorted away she herself moved out into the soft light of the garden. It was shaping up to be a beautiful day and she drew to a stop, gesturing at the men to sit first on the couches that had been dragged out to fill the garden. Somewhere in the distance one of the fountains trickled. "How was Achaea, brother?"

 

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[Sarah]

It was his children's turn to meet the newest addition to the family as Horatia watched him greet her husband and arch one eyebrow at him. 

And no congratulations to your sister who bore him?

He turned to look at her, given her a look that was both amused and confused. "I did congratulate you." He replied; he'd done that even before promising to make the appropriate offerings. Ah but she was likely still recovering; he remembered how birthing theirs had affected Lucia. "I'll buy you a new ear spoon." He teased with a good-humoured lift of his chin, meaning that she should clean her ears out so that she could hear him. 

Spurius and Luciua Justinia happily disappeared into the domus with their cousins once Horatia excused them, no doubt to have their own catch up after a year apart, and Publius followed his sister into the enclosed garden, with it's gentle light and pleasant greenery, the distant trickle of water helping to hide the sounds of the street outside. Waiting for his host to sit first, Publius then settled onto one of the couches that had been brought out. 

How was Achaea, brother?

It was a simple enough question, but it caused Publius to cast his mind back over the last year, what he'd been looking for and what he'd missed. "Not much changed, since we were there." He admitted. "The figs are still the best, and the retsina the worst, though that lovely taverna by the bay has changed hands and gone downhill, I'm afraid." He added whilst he gathered his thoughts. "It was interesting to be there as Quaestor rather than in a military role. But... it wasn't the same." He admitted, as he felt he couldn't to anyone else. "I'm not so young, and my favourite people weren't there." Not like when they'd all been young and relatively carefree, the four of them, enjoying the Greek summer with little in the way of responsibilities. This time had been lonely; the past had remained the past. 

"So it's good to be back." Even if being back meant facing the empty space in the domus where his wife had been. Time was healing wounds, but slowly. "So tell me, apart from the birth of your son, what else have I missed?"

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[Sharpie]

"You missed my entire year of consulship," Aulus put in with a broad smile. "Anyone would think you'd arranged it deliberately - I daresay there are still one or two walls with graffiti decrying me as being the worst consul Rome's ever had, though most have seen my name painted over with that of one or other of this year's consuls."

What else had his favourite brother-in-law missed? He couldn't think of anything urgent that Publius needed to know about - he would already be aware of Quintus Augustus' decision to step down and hand the imperial reins to his son -  and looked at Horatia, who was bound to know more of what might interest her brother in the way of family news.

"None of us are as young as we used to be - have you had any thoughts about your next step in the cursus?" If Publius went for consul, he could rest assured of Aulus' full support there.

 

@Sara @Sarah

Edited September 18, 2022 by Sharpie

[Sara]

She rolled her eyes. Her brother was much like their father, but she knew he would tolerate his sisters mocking even if he wouldn't tolerate it from others. "I shall look forward to your gift brother." She murmured with a smirk as they made their way into the gardens. After her husband and brother had seated themselves, she took her own seat, reclining on the couch with a contended sigh. 

Aulus came in swiftly after Publius' own question without missing a beat, but she noted the sadness in her brothers voice. My favourite people weren't there. Unconsciously, she laid a soft hand on her brothers forearm, but said no more about it. She was sure that he wouldn't appreciate her making a big song and dance over his late wife, but she made a mental note to make an offering for her memory all the same. 

"And besides that, Livia is happily cocooned in Tibur with her son - you'll be hard pressed to get an invitation though." She rolled her eyes, "And father..." She sighed and glanced at Aulus. "He has missed you." That was a discrete way of saying he was struggling, wasn't it? She glanced at Aulus at his question and nodded, turning to Publius. A distraction was probably for the best. "Mhmm. A praetorship?" A wife? 

 

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[Sarah]

You missed my entire year of consulship, anyone would think you'd arranged it deliberately.

Aulus's broad smile gave lie to any accusation in the words. "Perhaps I did." Publius replied cheekily, then laughed as Aulus claimed that he was apparently the worst consul ever, according to the graffiti, save that some had already had this year's consuls' names painted over them. "I'm sure every Consul is the worst ever in the eyes of some, till the next comes along." He observed, amused. "But I heard no news of riots, widespread starvation or the sacking of Rome, so I'll count your term a success." In the case of the plebs he suspected that they truly had no idea what the Senators did for them and the Empire, and the Consul was just a convenient target of whatever their grievance was today. 

The end of Aulus's Consulship hadn't been the only thing he'd missed; there's been a change in Caesar whilst he'd been away. Publius had taken the news of Quintus's abdication with some regret, but he'd yet to get the measure of the man's son, so was reserving judgement. Right now he was far more interested in things closer to the domus; his family. Gods but it was good to trade banter with Aulus again. And to be near his sister; her gentle hand laid silently on his arm was all the gesture of comfort he needed - and would tolerate. But she knew him perhaps better than any had, save Lucia herself, and that alone was comforting. As was her quick update on their family. He'd had the official version from his father of course, but Horatia had always had a particular insight into others. 

It was good to hear that their sister Livia was well, and apparently content. He was amused by the suggestion that she might be a little too comfortable. "Perhaps I should just show up on her doorstep." He suggested, whilst they both knew he wouldn't unless he had need. Let her enjoy her family. As for their father... Marcus had been pleased to see him on his return, in his own way. He nodded slowly when Horatia said he'd been missed, understanding her meaning. Though he had only been gone for a year, their father had looked older. He would pray to the Gods for Marcus's continued guidance and leadership, but Publius feared that he might become pater familias sooner rather than later. Hopefully not. Perhaps being around he could ease their father's burden. "I shall be staying in Rome." he said simply. "And better able to assist father with his more onerous duties." Indeed, though he had been in training for the role from birth, perhaps Marcus would let him take on some of those duties for him.  "And Lucius is still in Germania?" He asked lightly, shifting the subject slightly since Horatia hadn't spoken of him. That was their younger brother, Livia's twin and Publius's opposite in so many ways. 

It occurred to him that perhaps he himself wasn't the only thing that his father had missed in his absence. His son Spurius was the only grandson in the male line so far, the only one able to carry on the family into that generation. Who knew when Lucius might decide to settle down? The thought hardened Publius's resolve; he needed another son. Aulus and Horatia moved on what his next move might be, now that he was back. It was something that he had asked himself. "I shall likely stand for an Aedileship next year." That was the next step in the cursus honorum. He wasn't like Aulus, who'd achieved each position in his own year, but Publius had an extensive military career behind him instead. Now, having filled a Quaestorship, he no longer needed to be elected to the Senate, but had a secure seat. It was time to turn his attention to his political career. Plus an Aedileship wasn't a provincial role, so he would stay in Rome. "But this year I shall seek a wife. I have mourned long enough, and my daughter needs a good role model." He said, trying to be as objective about it as possible. He would never be able to replace Lucia, but that didn't mean that he couldn't find a good woman out there. "It would be good to have another son, like yourselves." He admitted. 

@Sara @Sharpie

[Sharpie]

Aulus noticed the slight squeeze his wife gave her brother's arm. He couldn't begin to imagine the pain of losing his wife, and Publius and Lucia had been as suited for one another as he and Horatia were. Publius' son and daughter no doubt would find it hard to accept another woman running their father's house, but they would adapt - life would go on as it always had.

"You may count on my support, of course," he said, as if that had ever been in doubt. "And if you need anything else from me, you only have to ask."

He and Publius had been friends since before he'd married Publius' sister and both friendship and family links meant that he would help in whatever way he could.

It occurred to him that of his small inner circle of friends - himself, Titus Sulpicius Rufus, Lucius Cassius Longinus and Publius, he was perhaps the most happily married. Longinus seemed to be seeking some sort of understanding with the niece of Tertius Quinctilius Varus, and now Publius, also widowed, would be looking to remarry.

"Remarrying doesn't mean replacing Lucia in your affections, only filling the role of the mistress of the house," he added quietly. He loved his sons and daughter equally but in different ways because they were all different people, and surely it would be the same for Publius and whoever he took to be his wife.

He wondered for a moment if Publius would appreciate an introduction to his sister Calpurnia Praetextata, although she might be too old to bear children by now - although she was only a few years older than Horatia. Calpurnia would surely appreciate the role of mother to children who had lost their own.

He would speak with Horatia about it before suggesting such a meeting to either Calpurnia or Publius, though.

 

@Sara @Sarah

[Sara]

"He is." Horatia responded to the question about Lucius with a small, wry smile. "I suspect he's enjoying himself too much to come home and enter the political sphere." Of all of the siblings Lucius was the most vibrant, perhaps. Where Publius and Horatia were methodical and calculating, Livia was temperamental (and sometimes downright hostile), Lucius seemed not to have a care in the world. Sometimes she wished she'd been given just a fraction of his temperament. 

But she nodded at his ambitions for a civilian career and Aulus' offer of help, although her eyes widened slightly at the idea of remarriage. She'd known how much her brother had come to love his wife, and in turn how much Horatia herself had valued her friendship. Her death had been a dark day and she knew it had marred the year that followed for Publius, even if he would not admit he ran away to Achaea to escape said dark shadow. She supposed it was a natural desire, to remarry. Particularly given that his son would soon be of an age to venture to the military where who knew what tragedy might befall him. One son was good, two was eminently preferable. And it wasn't as if the Horatii-Justini couldn't afford to nominate two sons to the Senate. 

She flicked her cool blue, assessing gaze to Aulus as he offered words of comfort and nodded in agreement. It would be a practical thing, this new marriage. Publius himself had admitted that - he wanted a role model, and a woman to give him another son. Love, she suspected, would be incidental and not a priority. "You will need somebody young enough to bare sons." She added thoughtfully. "But from an excellent family if she is to be the materfamilias of the Horatii-Justini in the future." After their fathers inevitable demise. She sighed and glanced at both men in turn before settling on her brother. "I would be happy to think on it and provide some suggestions, if that would be helpful?" Her lips twitched in a smile. "Although knowing what sort of woman you like would probably be helpful." 

 

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[Sarah]

Publius Horatius Justinus

Love wasn't necessary in a union, but there had been love between himself and Lucia, more than he could ever have wished for and he had counted himself blessed to have her. Just as he didn't doubt that there was love between his sister and her husband; they understood. But Aulus's words rang true in Publius's ears, and he nodded quietly in acknowledgement, appreciating the sentiment. The idea of trying to replace Lucia, the love of his life, pained him, but that didn't stop the household needing a woman in charge of it. He could still hold Lucia's memory in his heart, and find a woman suitable to be the head of his household, role model to his older children and hopefully mother to his younger ones. Perhaps in time an affection could form between them too, and it would be it's own thing. 

Horatia was right too. This woman would also one day be materfamilias of the Horatii-Justinii, and couldn't be just anyone. "If you would." He said simply, glad of the offer. "I'm sure you know better than I the eligible Patrician daughters." That was the kind of knowledge a wife and mother was expected to have, plus it wasn't something he'd had any cause to pay attention to, so wouldn't know who was of age. But what was he looking for? "As you say, I would seek someone young enough to bear sons, but it need not be their first marriage so long as their previous ended with honour." Indeed if she'd already had a child that might bode well; It would mean that she was fertile. "At least a little maturity; not some fifteen year old." He wanted a woman old enough to be a role model to his own daughter, Lucia Justina, who was 12, rather than a big sister. "Preferably a woman whose family possesses good political connections." He added. The family was wealthy enough that he had no need to seek a big dowry; a leg-up in politics would be far more beneficial. "I'm sure you'll be suitably discerning." He added with a hint of his old humour, seen between close friends and family. Justinia was his oldest sister, her husband's own family of the highest calibre; she wouldn't suggest just anyone to him, and he would value her advice. He would, of course,  make his own enquiries as well, though he might well confer with Horatia to gain her view on any candidates he uncovered. 

"But tell me, Titus must have taken his toga as well?" After all, he and Spurius were of an age. "Has he started the cursus yet? Or will he start next year with Spurius?" Publius wouldn't put it past Aulus to have started his son already; his brother in law had achieved each political milestone in his year. But the idea that the cousins might start together was a nice thought; they would have each other's company at least. 

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