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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 14, 2008 7:06:40 GMT -5
Freya had always wanted to escape her father’s clutches. Every moment she had for herself was interrupted by his devious plots. However, at the moment she had secured a position that entitled her to be away from him for a while. To prove to herself that she was capable of doing things without him overseeing everything, and that she was able to move about without the likes of him travelling with her. Even without his knowledge she would still move about, and do things for her people. She did not do them for her father, she despised that man.
Walking along the streets of Rome, with her Ladies Maid at her side, and a few guards. They inspected the wares and produces that Romans had to offer. Occasionally Freya and her maid would talk and laugh as they moved about. When they came to a small arena, where tradesmen had horses on display, Freya took the moment to look at the animals. She was an animal lover, and just watching them act delighted her.
Attempting to delay speaking with the Roman leader for a short time, she had wanted to see and move around the crowds of people, just to feel and know what living like a Roman was like. For the first time, she was able to move about, without her heritage or name being known and treated like a commoner, until the guards were sighted. In fact, she was on a charge to speak with the Roman King about the relationship between it and Carthage.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 14, 2008 7:17:23 GMT -5
It was a warm and promising day, Rome shone with the splendour of decades and the sweat of those that made it possible. People in Rome seemed to move about, the city was filled with life as many things were exposed for the public as well as small markets nearby in order to promote Roman possessions and beautiful culture.
Marcus was walking with some soldiers of the Legion he was to instruct, in order for them to join it. He was dressed in his official attire, the one that would show he was at work or in service at the moment. He would talk from time to time and show them around, since they had joined the Legion not long ago and were not purely Romans, but of towns nearby.
He spoke with a strict yet not annoying tone, always looking at them in case they wanted to ask something or also to listen to whatever they had to say. It could be said they already felt affection to their new Centurion. He smiled at them as they gave a turn and came across the arenas, he then added looking at them, and unwittingly not looking where he was going “this is where the arena lies. I strongly recommend this, since this is where I enjoy myself the most, they surely know how to make Romans feel proud of their culture…”
Suddenly he stopped talking and for a moment his men looked worried for Marcus had stumbled into someone while talking to them and looking at the arena. They were trying to warn him that there was someone staring at the arena, but it had been too late. Marcus quickly grabbed that person by the arms so that he/she would not fall and turned to apologise. He noticed it was a woman, and by the looks of it one of royal blood.
He felt ridiculous by trying to ask for forgiveness, all this made him feel really silly but he then looked at her into her eyes and said softly, “I beg your pardon madam, I did not see you.” That was the best he could think of saying, he could have hit his head right now for being so stupid. He only hoped she would not mind…
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 14, 2008 7:29:45 GMT -5
With the sun shinning down on the arena, Freya had no intention to move on, nor leave it. Her eyes rested on the animals that held their heads high and moved about, raising their feet high as if the ground was quite hot for their hooves. All of a sudden she felt herself slightly bumped, yet she was caught by the person, whom she had to admit had quite good reflexes. She caught the mans eyes and noted that he had a legion behind him. He was wearing official colours, which made it quite obvious that he was of status. Freya’s maid was at her side instantly and her own guards, came quickly and took their stand behind her.
For a moment Freya hesitated, with what to say. However, she let that moment pass and took a deep breath, finally settling a smile on her face. She nodded, and accepted his apology, “Forgive me. I was too dazzled by the general splendour, that I did not notice I was standing in the middle of the conduit.”
One of her guards came forth, placing a hand on her shoulder, “My Lady are you harmed?” The Guard was a tall man, standing taller then most. His eyes looked at the man an his garrison that had stumbled into them. Freya turned her head slightly and rested her hand on the Guards, “No harm was done. If any was,” she said looking at the fellow that had stumbled into her, “… it was of my doing.”
The Guard nodded, and took a step back, mingling with the rest of the retinue. Yet still, the Carthaginian Guards kept a close eye on the men before them. They were bound by conduct to protect the Princess with their lives, no matter how much she tended o refuse it.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 14, 2008 7:49:10 GMT -5
Marcus could not stop himself form smiling, she was beautiful and on top of that simple and honest. It was hard to find that sort of people among a military environment. He slowly let go of her arms only hoping to not have harmed her when holding her, for sometimes soldiers did not measure their strength in life.
He looked at her guards; his suspicions were confirmed by their words, she was an important person, perhaps a Princess or a Queen. He then looked back at her and added “Blame yourself not madam, I should watch where I am going more often.” He admired how easily she blamed herself of such incident, that was uncommon in Rome, little could it be said that did not earn a punishment.
He was sure she was not Roman, for she held an ancient air, one that took her to, perhaps face being one of the most ancient and admirable races in the world.
His men only stared at her blankly, half in shame half in awe. It had to be said, Romans loved and admired beauty, but by no means, at the same degree as Greeks. Therefore someone out of the ordinary always grabbed their attention. Marcus noticed their silence and turned back to look at them as he discreetly stepped on one of their foot so they stopped making him feel like an idiot. The soldier did not omit a sound but quickly turned to look at the sky, as the rest did.
Marcus then asked the Lady, “I dare say I have never seen your Grace before. Is it you come from another country on a visit?”
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 14, 2008 7:56:45 GMT -5
The warm hues that the sun and clear sky set about the land, made Rome seem quite tranquil. Every inch of it seemed to hold a story, every citizen had a history. Freya had always enjoyed spending time with her people. It was the one thing she marvelled at. She loved her people and would do anything for them.
The warmth radiating from the sky was luxurious and it was ever so tempting to find a nice place to sit and enjoy the energy it threw out. The gentle breeze had a lively feel about it, and tangled itself in Freya’s gown, and golden twirls of hair.
She smiled at the stranger. Once again he took the blame upon himself. She admired him for that, it was not often she came across someone that did not blame her for a mis-doing. Her guards and servant kept quiet allowing the princess to interact, “Aye. I am from Carthage,” she said quite calmly.
She noticed that one of the Soldiers that was within the Roman legion watched he sky, wondering what was so marvellous about it. However, she returned her blue eyes to the young man her was conferring with her. Hoping she did not seem rude, by not speaking of her status or heritage, or even her name. She was not truly familiar with Roman customs, being a woman from Carthage.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 14, 2008 8:16:28 GMT -5
He smiled at her, for a moment he began to recall the story of the Queen of Carthage and Aeneas, a Troyan warrior who escaped the fate of many. Many times have the Romans wondered how it could be that a Queen, even one as magnificent and powerful as Dido, could make one of the most admirable warriors week on the knee.
Had it not been for the sister of Fate, Aeneas would have stayed in Carthage forevermore. That did not mean Marcus agreed with what the young man did, to abandon someone you love has to be the most hard and condemning thing to do. As he looked at the lady in front of him he seemed to think that if there was a strong and admirable woman, it had to be her.
However he came back to reality, feeling rather dumb again, and bowed his head as he said, “I am Marcus Flavius Aquila, Roman Centurion and a most honoured man for making your acquaintance.” He hoped he had not been found rude for not doing this earlier, but they had met in a rather awkward way.
He then looked into her eyes, her blue eyes and asked, “As you seem to come for a visit, you must not know many things about Rome. Is it the first time you have come here madam?” If she wished so, he could give her a tour, for he had almost finished with his men and they could leave if she pleased.
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 14, 2008 8:33:40 GMT -5
Freya remained content, a forever abiding smile lingered upon her face, framed with her golden curls. As he bowed, and introduced himself, the Princess curtsied the way that was respectable in her homeland to other royals, “Greetings Marcus Flavius Aquila, Roman Centurion. I am,” she hesitated for a moment towards introducing herself, however with all respect she finished her introduction, “I am Freya, Princess of Carthage. It is a pleasure to meet you, and may the honour of our meeting be mine.”
She inclined her head once again, before she took her stance. He was an inquisitive fellow, some might say it was rude. However, she knew it to be just conversation and no harm was truly meant of it, “Indeed. It would be my first visit to Rome. Might I be fortunate to say, that it is indeed as beautiful as many travellers and bards say it to be.”
She heard the restless feet of her guards behind her. Her eyes left Marcus for a moment, and she looked over her shoulder, “Please men, discover the delights of Rome. There is no need of you at my side constantly.”
The Guard whom had come forward opened his mouth to refuse, but Freya lightly spoke, “Please, Archon. Do not let me be the only one to enjoy this visit. Have your men buy whatever they need to be comfortable, and I shall fix the costs later. If I am in need of you, I shall send Atari to find you.”
The Guard knew better then to argue with Freya. He had been a constant presence when her and her father argued, and she was not one easy to put down. He inclined his head, gave the Roman Centurion a respected nod, and he and his men slowly left her side. Lingering into the crowd, but not too far.
Freya returned her attention back to Marcus, “I am sorry for the disturbance.”
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 14, 2008 8:44:52 GMT -5
((OOC: I’ll be back, I have to take a quick shower and prepare my lunch )
IC:Marcus smiled, so she was the Princess of Cartage. Now he felt more stupid than ever, but if he managed not to do anything clumsy again, he could live. He turned to look at his men and told them “Adeste fideles Domina ad honorem.” [In the honour of the Lady be present faithful ones] I other words, Marcus had let them go and enjoy what was left of the day. Since their duty was over, for the moment. He always used certain formulas only his men could understand so that in the middle of a battle, not even those with knowledge of Latin could understand… He then watched them go for a moment before he turned back to the Princess and smiled at her last remark, “Worry not, milady. It is common to stumble into anyone with such a crowd and movement.” He then watched her men not leave her entirely alone and added, “Could this humble servant show your grace the beauties and charms of Rome?” Perhaps she could do her duty later, if she pleased to relax and enjoy Rome at the moment, now that the sun shone bright and the day was warm enough for a stroll around the Roman capital. He felt the soft breeze as it caressed his face and hair for a moment before it kept on with its journey to the end of the human abilities.
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 14, 2008 9:00:33 GMT -5
Freya listened to the words he spoke to his men. She could not depict what he said to them. She did not inquire knowing it to be rude. She watched his men leave, and let the silence between herself and Marcus linger. He seemed an honourable man, the one that stood before her. No wonder, he was a man of status in Rome.
She caught his glance wander after her men, knowing that he was probably wondering as to why, despite her command they lingered close to her. She smiled, when he turned back to look at her, “No matter how hard I try to be rid of their presence they still linger near by,” she nodded to his last statement, catching his eyes with hers, “It would be a pleasure to have a true Roman show a foreigner the delights of Rome. If he is not engaged in other matters.”
From the corner of her eyes, she saw her ladies maid, Atari wander to Archon. There was no denying that they shared more then just words, for the look in their eyes whenever they were present with one another betrayed them. Her smile broadened, only out of happiness.
She was glad her father was no where near her. Otherwise her every decision would be questioned, and another argument would start between Father and Daughter. There was not one moment that Freya and her Father agreed, even in public or with guests. The fact that she was alone with a man she barely knew, would have her father in an uproar and she knew it would anger him when he found out she had left for Rome. It did not worry her, not one bit.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 14, 2008 9:33:13 GMT -5
Marcus smiled at her and presented his arm for her to hold, as it was a noble tradition to do, for courtesy and respect to a lady. He heard her talk and for a reason he understood they only wanted to protect her, but perhaps she needed indeed some free time, some private time of her own.
Perhaps it seemed more than obvious, even though he was a Centurion, though that post was quite elevated, he was the son of the last ruler. Though for an unknown reason he had disappeared and then Lucius and Senator Marius did as they could. Despite being the direct heir of the Emperor, Marius believed in the republic and therefore never imposed himself, he rather have the people choose who they wanted and he would never oppose so.
He smiled to her last remark and then added, “I am engaged now to the beautiful Cartagean Princess.” He started to lead her toward the forum, so that she could see Rome’s splendour and magnificence, though it was nothing compared to what Troy once was or what Greece now was. He wondered if her guards would follow them everywhere.
He had planned to take her to the main places and then some of the most important mountains, on one of them his villa resided, it used to be his father’s but he inherited it when the Emperor disappeared. Still Marcus could not rest, one day he would know what had happened to his father. The sun shone on them both, presenting them as if they were children of gods.
Once they arrived he smiled at her and said, “This is one of Rome’s greatest pride, here the centre of economy lies. And some temples I normally visit, especially the one of Castor and Pollux.”
Engaged referring to being busy or having an appointment.
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 14, 2008 9:44:44 GMT -5
She accepted his arm with a warm smile. She was not sure if it was a tradition or in fact just a simple courtesy, but she guessed I was an experience. She smiled brightly towards his last comment, and kept within a competent pace at his side. Her eyes skimmed across the people, each moving about their daily lives. Sometimes she wished she was one of them. Royalty was not as good as they made it out to be, for royalty held the fate of life on the edge of their fingertips. There was no privacy and your life surrounded around better defences, allies, trades, war… Impossible things.
Moving in the warmth of the sun was indeed a much needed experience for all. Soon they had came to a stop, surrounded by people, walls, towers, temples. She looked around, taking in its existence and taking it in as a memory to be treasured. If her father was here, she’d probably be restricted to a room, and not allowed to see such delights. But right now she remained silent as she took in the atmosphere of Rome. Each bit was as thrilling as the next.
“Words can barely describe this,” she said taking a look back at Marcus, “It seems so peaceful.” She was not really one to place words with what she saw. Seeing things with her own eyes, and then just trying to describe it was deniable. No-one could ever explain how she saw this place.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 14, 2008 10:00:05 GMT -5
He smiled at her because he was glad she was enjoying this bit. Her eyes seemed to tell him of the little she enjoyed being in her homeland. As they walked among the forum and he told her the history of the small markets and how long did it take for the forum to be finished and in action, he made a pause to show her inside the forum.
They stood at a certain distance where most was visible; he explained this was the economic and administrative sphere of Rome. He smiled and looked around, he was glad of being Roman, a descendent of the Troyan warrior, but sometimes he seemed to think that the Roman code was much too strict and somewhat deficient.
He smiled at her and then said “I shall take you to where Rome's greatest building shall be built in the futuret…” Whilst guiding her towards the greatest Roman monument, some little girls seemed to be playing nearby and one of them hid behind the Princess. Since the Princess had a beautiful dress the girls stared at it in awe and giggled at her, they seemed to like her already.
Marcus laughed lightly as two boys, who seemed to be friends with the girls ran toward Marcus and jumped at him, as if they tried to climb on him as if he was the giant of Rhode. He tried not to fall but they were pulling him so hard and he was laughing in such a way he felt on his back with them sitting on either side of him. One of them called Iulius sad in a demanding way, “Cousin, you must do it. You promised yesterday and who is the pretty Lady?”
The boys stared at Lady Freya and seemed on a spell for her beauty. Marcus laughed and said leaning on his elbows “It will have to be later Iulius, I am taking Lady Freya to see the beauties of Rome.” The boys nodded but then the other called Pollux added, “At least let me ride the horse…” Marcus stood up slowly and tried to shake the dust off his clothes and arms as he said, “Let your father know and then you may.” He then picked him up and caressed his hair as he said, “Off you go then… And be careful…” The boys and girls left as quickly as Marcus spoke and were not seen anymore.
He smiled at them and then turned to look at his guest “I am terribly sorry, they caught me unawares.” He laughed and then kept on walking until they reached a small ‘plaza’ where the great building stood. He did not dare to take her inside, he did not know if she enjoyed what was displayed inside.
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 14, 2008 10:13:35 GMT -5
Freya was an intent listener, and tended to take in as much information as she could. Learning new things had always been a strength for her. She looked around enjoying the magnificence and finery of each and every individual thing that made Rome what it was. She nodded her heard, alerting him that she was listening and indeed she was surprised by how much he could recite from just off the top of his head.
Freya smiled as little girl ducked and hid behind her gown and then marvelled at the beauty of it. The two girls touched it with surprise and huge smiles lightened their faces. Freya smiled back at them, just as two boys pounced on her escort. She turned and laughed lightly. Watching them with interest.
She smiled, children would be children and they seemed so focused on whatever it was they wanted. A little girl grasped her hand and said, “Your dress is very pretty,” and Freya smiled and spoke back, “It is. But I think yours is quite as stunning as mine.”
The little girl smiled, and they turned their attention back to the boys. Within a moment they rushed off, Freya watched them as they went before casting her glance back at Marcus. When he apologised, “All is well. It bothers me not at all.”
She strode beside Marcus, as they came to the plaza. When he stopped she gave him a curious glance. Only she did not say anything. She looked at the building, it was immense. However she was unsure of what it was, what it concealed and contained and most of all what its purpose was. Curiosity tended to be a great weakness in her, as she tended to allow her curiosity dominate her actions some of the time.
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Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Jan 14, 2008 10:14:16 GMT -5
(hm just to fill you in about this period, Rome is a republic who does not have a king and collusseum wasnt built yet. Sorry for the interuption.)
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 14, 2008 10:29:52 GMT -5
((OOC: Modded my Colosseum mistake...))
IC:
Marcus loved Rome; he truly did, as much as he loved its people. But he could not say he enjoyed every single thing in it. There were some things he did not like, and many would call ‘barbarian traditions’. He knew she was wondering what could lie there, but how could he explain it to her without being affected by how much he disliked such violence?
He then said, trying to explain some of it, “This is the very spot where it is planned to be built. Though I am glad I will not see it in display.” Marcus only hoped that she did not dislike Rome because of that.
He then began to walk southwards; he would show her the Roman baths now that was something to rejoice on. Most found them fascinating and quite relaxing. Marcus loved them and went there as much as he could. He began saying as they walked to the baths, “I’m afraid you would not have liked going in there… as much as I don’t.” He did not know why, but it seemed that even though she only listened to him talking he felt as if they both were exchanging their life-views.
Once they arrived at the baths he turned to look at her and said, “This is something that helps anyone when stressed. But I like the view on top of the seven mountains best. Would you like to go to my Villa that is right on top of one? It is called the Cispius.”
He hoped she did not think him an abusive man, there was no darkness in this proposition, and they could even skip her guards if she so wished.
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