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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 9, 2008 8:04:23 GMT -5
OOC:
About Castor and Pollux:
Castor and Pollux were the offspring of Leda and the Swan, under which disguise Jupiter had concealed himself. Leda gave birth to an egg, from which sprang the twins. Helen, so famous afterwards as the cause of the Trojan war, was their sister.
When Theseus and his friend Pirithous had carried off Helen from Sparta, the youthful heroes Castor and Pollux, with their followers, hasted to her rescue. Theseus was absent from Attica, and the brothers were successful in recovering their sister.
Castor was famous for taming and managing horses, and Pollux for skill in boxing. They were united by the warmest affection, and inseparable in all their enterprises. They accompanied the Argonautic expedition. During the voyage a storm arose, and Orpheus prayed to the Samothracian gods, and played on his harp, whereupon the storm ceased and stars appeared on the heads of the brothers. From this incident, Castor and Pollux came afterwards to be considered the patron deities of seamen and voyagers (One of the ships in which St. Paul sailed was named the Castor and Pollux. See Acts xxviii.II.), and the lambent flames, which in certain sates of the atmosphere play round the sails and masts of vessels, were called by their names.
After the Argonautic expedition, we find Castor and Pollux engaged in a war with Idas and Lynceus. Castor was slain, and Pollux, inconsolable for the loss of his brother, besought Jupiter to be permitted to give his own life as a ransom for him. Jupiter so far consented as to allow the two brothers to enjoy the boon of life alternately, passing one day under the earth and the next in the heavenly abodes. According to another form of the story, Jupiter rewarded the attachment of the brothers by placing them among the stars as Gemini, the Twins.
They received divine honors under the name of Dioscuri (sons of Jove). They were believed to have appeared occasionally in later times, taking part with one side or the other, in hard-fought fields, and were said on such occasions to be mounted on magnificent white steeds. Thus, in the early history of Rome, they are said to have assisted the Romans at the battle of Lake Regillus, and after the victory a temple was erected in their honor on the spot where they appeared.
Macaulay, in his Lays of Ancient Rome, thus alludes to the legend:
"So like they were, no mortal Might one from other know; White as snow their armor was, Their steeds were white as snow. Never on earthly anvil Did such rare armor gleam, And never did such gallant steeds Drink of an earthly stream. . . . . . . . . .
"Back comes the chief in triumph Who in the hour of fight Hath seen the great Twin Brethren In harness on his right. Safe comes the ship to haven Through billows and through gales, If once the great Twin Brethren Sit shining on the sails."** IC:Marcus walked through the city of Rome; he came to the forum and stared at it in awe for a moment. He sighed and nodded, he was more than glad of being part of such strong and determined Empire. The only thing he wished for was that it did not change, that no tyrant ever ruled and made it diminish in the splendour it once was. Of course they had to expand, perhaps, but make that not as important as it truly was for them to remember the ‘res publica’. Aeneas had come to Italia in order to follow his mother’s dream and desires of having an Empire brought by one of her children, but all Empires could grow blind when too much power came across. He looked around as he watched people with their own comings and goings, he smiled, this was Rome, and he liked everything about it. He then resumed his walk by entering with respect and reverence to the Temple of Castor and Pollux. For a moment he walked slowly looking around until he stared at the statues that represented each of the twins. He smiled for he had always felt great respect and reverence towards them and heir mutual love. Marcus wished and begged the gods for the same love for Rome and his men at arms. Since it was not easy to always be the one to command a Legion, especially at such a young age. He knelt on one knee and lowered his head as he greeted the twins and then offered some incense and prayer wondering if he really was that good enough. For he always wished to please his General and Senator. He always worked hard so that his Legion was more than fit and on time wherever needed. He also worked hard on battle strategies and whatever required his control. He then looked up at the twins and then whispered, “I shall not fail, I will not fail you Roma Immortalis.” **-Link-
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Post by Felicita on Jan 15, 2008 6:29:26 GMT -5
Felicita has been walking on the forum, a little basket on her arm because she had been out for buying some exotic deliciousness for next day’s breakfast. Of course, normally the slaves did the shopping, not her, but this day she felt cornered in her house and she wanted to get out, so she, accompanied by slave girl, were strolling around the streets, walking from one little wooden stall in the main street to the next, sometimes also into the bigger shops. A little glass with honey in it, two loafs of wheat bread, a little bag with dates in it, then eggs cheese and meat already was in her and her slave’s basket divided, almost everything they further needed for the next few days they had bought.
She had stopped at a few other shops as well, at shops for jewelry, or for fine fabrics, but had not bought anything, it was not needed. Her way had led her not far from the forum now, and ahead she thought she saw Marcus, her brother, although they were not related by blood. He had entered the temple of Castor and Pollyx, and Felicita now followed him. She stopped at the door to the temple, not wanting to disturb his prayers or thoughts, but waited until he seemed to have finished and spoke then “Marcus, so I did not see wrong. How are you, is everything alright?” She asked him, not in a loud voice, but loud enough for him to hear her and know she was present.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 15, 2008 6:59:37 GMT -5
As he knelt there in deep rest, meditation and prayer he felt a presence. It was not an uncomfortable one; it brought him peace and deep joy. He opened his eyes and suddenly a soft voice, like the morning breeze that seemed to caress the trees, buildings, the faces of those officers that were on early shift.
It was one of the sweetest and wisest of all beings, he knew that voice well. He smiled and stood up still looking at the statues in awe. He then turned to look at his sister, the closest thing he had to a family along with Lucius. She looked radiant and beautiful that morning and seemed relaxed. He went over to where she was and hugged her tenderly and then kissed her forehead. She always brought him joy and always did he wish her well.
When he looked at her basket and the slave girl he smiled and said, “Dear Felicita, did you need sometime to wander about in Rome? Were you stressed about something, sister?” He smiled to her words and then said, “Yes, I am alright though I knew I owed them a visit…” he said looking back at the statues, he then added looking back at her… “But tell me, my sister, Lucius told me you were to marry Senator Marius, how do you feel about it? Have you met him yet? He is a good man, I am sure he will always strive to make you happy as you deserve.”
He offered her his arm so that they walked about the temple freely, talking to one another. Or they could walk home if she so wished.
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Post by Felicita on Jan 15, 2008 9:44:33 GMT -5
Felicita gladly hugged him back as greeting before she accepted his arm and linked hers to it. “Oh no, I am alright, brother, don’t worry. I simply needed to take a walk again.” She answered him, and went on. “And oh, you already know of my marriage? I thought I could be the first to tell you.” She spoke with a little laugh. Indeed she actually had been looking forward to tell him personal. She was very close to him, to both of her brothers. And as Lucius had arranged her marriage, she hadn’t thought he already had told Marcus as well already and had looked forward to it. However, nothing to do about it and she did not further mind.
“Marius is a good man indeed. I met him two days ago and… I think Lucius made the right decision for me, and for himself.” She continued. “I think this marriage could work.” She said, not directly saying that she fell in love with Marius on that evening, but she circumscribed it. Marcus surely knew what she meant, he knew her well.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 15, 2008 9:56:28 GMT -5
Marcus laughed lightly and then said, “Still hearing it from you relieves me. An arranged marriage is not always easy nor heartedly welcomed.” He knew that Felicita meant what she said and that relaxed him a bit. Marcus admired those he worked for, especially Senator Marius…but Marcus would never allow anyone to be unkind to Felicita.
He loved her dearly and whatever affected her affected him. Though on the other hand he was glad she would marry the Senator since nothing would she scare and he wanted her to live as happily as possible with all she needed and much more, he then spoke in order to bless her marriage, “may Jupiter grant you the Horn of Abundance, sister.”
He could read her mind by just looking at her beautiful eyes, he smiled, they could talk without words since they were so close and knew each other well. And the way she talked about the Senator, as her mooneyes shone whilst thinking about him, assured Marcus that she was deeply in love with the man she would marry. He smiled at her and with his free hand he softly squeezed hers in order to tell her how glad he was of such happy news.
He then said, “I think Lucius did right, he is a man of an interesting mind and knows well how to plan. But tell me, my sister, did the Senator agree to make Lucius Pro Consul?”
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Post by Felicita on Jan 16, 2008 12:50:14 GMT -5
Marius and Felicita now began to walk out of the temple of Castor and Pollux, out to the hot and crowded streets of Rome. The girl who had followed Felicita had waited outside and now followed them closely.
“Thank you, Marcus, you know how important your blessings are for me.” She told him, and went on. “And I know, for some an arranged marriage is like a punishment, or torture. But I have known that Lucius would decide this for me, and I am glad he did. I am sure I will get happy with Marius.” She knew this for sure, there was a fire between them that she never had felt before, and she could not await their wedding. She truly was in love with Marius, and trusted him fully. He was a good man, who would not treat her badly, at least this was her impression after her first meeting with her.
“Well, for Lucius my marriage probably is even more important, he will become the Proconsul at Marius’ side indeed. They agreed on this bargain, Marius would marry me while Lucius will become Proconsul and now owns one of Marius’ slave girls as well.” She told Marcus all she knew about this bargain, she wanted him to know everything new in her life, as well as Lucius’.
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Post by Felicita on Jan 18, 2008 12:14:09 GMT -5
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 19, 2008 6:05:35 GMT -5
((OOC: Sure will )
IC:Walking alongside his sister, out of the Temple, going home as it seemed, but perhaps they would go walking so they could talk and enjoy the scenery of the land they called their home. He smiled when she spoke of the Senator. He nodded and as if he tried to assure her he said, “He is responsible and a good man indeed. Many times I have seen him in action, and realize his heart plays the most important role in every single one of them.” He then looked into her eyes as they went downstairs and to the centre of the forum, “just remember, my sister, that he is a statesman. He will not be with you all the time, like I am sure he would wish. But he will always try and make the best of every day with you by his side.” He knew that Felicita was a strong woman, but he knew as well that she would always reside home and sometimes she could get lonely. But as Marcus looked at her he was sure Felicita understood that she could always come to seek him, since he considered himself a brother to her, and he could try and cheer her up. Marcus laughed silently, Lucius was so smart, and he had always admired him. He nodded but then was amazed that he had wished to have one of Marius’ slaves. Of course he knew Lucius always wished to treat everyone like humans, and, after all, slaves were once free people, and nobles, “I hope that with the power granted to him he will be able to do great things, for he has a strong and determined mind.”
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Post by Felicita on Jan 19, 2008 7:02:46 GMT -5
(Thank you ) Felicita nodded to her brother’s words. “I know, Marcus, he is a statesman and the state often requires more treatment and especially time than the wife does, am I right?” she asked, although already was convinced she was right. Often enough she had seen or heard of this before, either from some of her friends who had married Roman politicians, or simply from rumours and gossip. She would have much spare time whenever Marius would leave the house to take care of other businesses. However, on the other hand she also had much to do, after all she was moving to another house, and to feel at home there required work as well. She certainly would keep herself busy, and she knew that her brothers, especially Marcus would mostly find time for her, would she ask for it. “But you know me, I will manage that of course.” She told Marcus and so ended her thoughts about this topic. “Well, with such an alliance between Lucius and Marius, our brother had chosen the right way to gain more power, something he always had wished for. I just hope that this power will not make him a person who lusts for more and more power, as it often does with people.” She told Marcus. She knew, Lucius was an honourable man, a good man, who wished to be known even after his death. However, she did not know what he was willing to do to remain in people’s mind, certainly it was combined with the power, which he now would gain.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 19, 2008 9:58:06 GMT -5
He smiled but shook his head, “Nay, my sister, nothing is ever more important than the wife. But Marius has a profession that will absorb him even when he will wish to be with his wife, with all his heart.” He nodded, she knew her place quite well, but even when one wished it, life would not always be joy and freedom.
But, as they looked at each other, he became assured that Felicita knew that, no matter what happened she would always come to him or Lucius if she needed anything, even when it was simply company.
Marcus knew well what she meant, concerning Lucius and he agreed. Both of them loved Lucius with heart and soul but power was something to fear, even Marcus fear it more than anything since it could turn the best of men into the must threatening and savage of all tyrants. That was one of the reasons he had rejected the power of Rome when proposed. Still he also had to find his father, or at least learn of his fate.
He then smiled at Felicita; he wished for a moment that they were entirely alone so that he could share something with her. He dared not talk about it with anyone but herself, since there were no secrets between them. These feelings in his heart threatened to break him unless he shared them to someone special, and who else could be more worth it than his sister? She was wise enough to suggest something if it came at hand.
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Post by Felicita on Jan 20, 2008 6:01:28 GMT -5
"Yes, you probably are right." Felicita spoke and nodded in affirmation. "But let us no longer talk about me, shall we. What about you, shall I accompany you home and stay with you for some time? Or have you other plans?" She diverted the topic they were talking about. After all, she knew what awaited her in her marriage, at least she could guess it. And talking about Lucius, well, he was a difficult topic. They both loved him, at the current status were a little worried about him. However, talking of him in public might not be fully correct.
She sensed that something there was that troubled Marcus, that lay on his mind. Felicita did not wish to push him in any way to tell her what it was, but thought that maybe if she could spend some more time talking with him he would inform her and so assuage her curiosity. She always thought that time mends most wounds and worries, and so she gave him time to come to her whenever he thought it might be the right moment, but she would not push it.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 21, 2008 6:04:03 GMT -5
"I never seem able to escape your eyes, do I?" He asked her smiling at her as she looked at him and guessed something troubled him. He nodded to her proposition, he really wanted no one else to know. He only could trust this to his sister, for now, since he knew his brother Lucius was too busy with all he had to do.
He kept on walking with his sister along the Roman streets, soon to leave the forum behind them. He looked at the people as they came and went as he thought about their lives, and how everything had a purpose, and everyone a different and unique life. He loved Rome, and everything she stood on, but he only hoped it would not leave its normal road and loose everything, for not all Roman leaders were born to rule a Republic.
"I would prefer to speak of this in private my sister, but you know I can never hide anything from you." He did not fear such thought, for he loved his sister and he knew she loved him with that which unites a good and noble family. This could never be broken, not even by time or death.
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Post by Felicita on Jan 21, 2008 17:08:34 GMT -5
Felicita smiled at Marcus' first words, but returned to seriousness quite soon. "Then let us go to some private place, where no one else shall hear us. I hope it is nothing extremely serious, is it?" she asked her brother, for she had not one clue what it could be he wished to tell her. If he did not want to tell it in public in most certainly implied that it was something secret, potentially nothing good, something the public should not get to know.
Felicita, with her arm still linked to his, walked together with Marcus and they have left the forum behind them by now. Felicita's servant was walking patiently behind the two siblings. Felicita now turned for one short moment and gave her a sign to leave them, the girl should return to the house of Silvio to bring all bought goods there and help preparing dinner.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 22, 2008 5:05:34 GMT -5
Marcus thought for a moment and then tried not to worry her, but was no light problem, "not too serious..." He was not good at lying, but he hoped she could wait until they arrived to somewhere private. There was a small hill, with a cave in it where Marcus and Felicita would always meet to talk about things and plan things for Lucius' birthday... That was where Marcus was taking Felicita now. He tried not to sound alarming, but thins could bring a war and he knew how much Felicita disliked that, as much as Marcus did really, but some things happen without previous planning. Men are puppets in the gods' hands. All Marus could do now was tell his sister and trust her w ise judgement.
Once they arrived to the spot, many memories came back to his mind and suddenly he started laughing. He remembered that one time when Lucius had followed them secretly and caught them in the middle of planning something for him, Felicita had gotten annoyed and Marcus had to pretend they were talking about the weather, of course Lucius had not believed that. Still it had been a funny experience.
Once sitting there, Marcus took a deep breath and pondered on how to begin, he then said looking at the horizon, "It was not long ago, but I was commissioned to show around my new soldiers, so I did. And doing so I came across the most beautiful woman in the world... Though I did not know she was the Carthaginian Princess until later." He turned to look at Felicita and then resumed, "when I did I decided to show her around ad courtesy. But then...the gods decided to play along the chessboard... Oh sister, I am in love..."
He stood up and walked a couple of steps in order to throw some small stones at the river making steps as they go on the water. He sighed and then said, "I do not know if this is good or bad, I hardly know anything but that I can't let go of her now."
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Post by Felicita on Jan 22, 2008 6:23:15 GMT -5
Marcus' answer did not sound assuring, she could tell from the sound in his voice whether he hid something while speaking or not. And now, she knew it was something serious still, or at least could turn out to something serious. But she did not answer, she waited until they were in their secret place where they had often met in their past when they had to speak of secret things. This place not even Lucius knew well, although he once had followed them, but he most certainly has forgotten about its exact location. They surely would not be disturbed here.
Felicita now sat down, for there was a wooden bench fixed to and on the rocks around them. She listened to him, and her mouth almost dropped open when he mentioned the Carthagian Empire. She suddenly felt as if everything twirled around her. She was happy, incredibly happy for Marcus, being in love was the greatest feelings of all. However, on the other hand, how did the Carthagian Princess come to Rome? Had she been escorted here, a royal visit, everyone in Rome would have been informed, she herself would know of her current stay in Rome, and Marcus would have realised he was falling in love with a princess, not a mere woman. The only conclusion Felicita could make was that the carthagian princess was under cover here, or without the consent of her father.
"Marcus, I'm truly happy for you!" She began, and she leaned forward to hug her brother. She hoped that the foreign princess felt the same for him as well. "But... it's the Princess of Carthage? What is she doing in Rome?" She asked him, not sure what she was to think. If Freya truly was in Rome, unknown by her father, it was an incredibly serious situation for Rome, because war probably was at stake then.
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