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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 15, 2008 0:29:35 GMT -5
(lol. Shows you how much I know about the Republic. Well you learn something new everyday. ) Freya watched Marcus, no dismay or regret trailed in her eyes, as they moved on. Her eyes retreated to looking around. Their destination was now bound southwards and she wondered how many delights Rome could conceal. She did not question Marcus on the place they had just left, for it seemed un-necessary. Instead he voiced his opinion as they continued along the path. She nodded, showing that she respected his decision. The Carthaginian Royals had their own private baths, separated from the public. It was not exactly a privilege, for they did not contain the interesting gossip that took place in public baths. She was aware that her guards and ladies maid were straying behind them and keeping an eye on her. Did she never have any privacy? It was tormenting to be a Princess never being allowed the privacy the commoners took for granted. Some would say that royalty is like being a god or goddess, but it was no where near that. It was a constant struggle for freedom and individual rights. As they came to the baths, she could see the steam slowly float across the top of the water, showing that the baths were filled with warm water. Yet, they baths were not near as beautiful as the ocean was during the night. She smiled as Marcus turned to her and told her that the baths were a place to be rid of stress. Then stating that he in fact lived upon one of the Seven Mountains. That was indeed interesting. “I would enjoy that experience very much,” she looked back to where they had come from, in the distance was her main guard with her ladies servant, although they tried to make it look as though they were busy and otherwise pre-occupied, Freya knew they were only wandering this way because of her. She had to admire their daring, for although she had ordered that they took the rest of the day off, and spend it how they would wish, they still remained duty-bound and followed her. She accepted that they were doing only as their pledges to serve Carthage, but she truly wished that they’d just leave her alone for one day. Freya looked down at the ground between Marcus and herself for a moment, before she returned her most acute attention to Marcus, “Is there anyway that I may be able to loose my followers? I would not have them trespassing on your hospitality also.”
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 15, 2008 4:35:36 GMT -5
He smiled at her; she seemed never tired of his babbling. He was used to showing around since new soldiers came almost every year from the training choosing and some were not Romans. But it was hard to find a woman half as interested to whatever he had to say, as was Lady Freya, she was an exception indeed.
He turned to look behind them, as he noticed the Lady did so as well, and found they had been followed as he had thought they would. But he smiled when she asked him to get rid of them. It was as if their minds were connected in many ways for he was about to propose to get ride of them.
He winked at her and said, “Your wish is my command Lady.” He then looked at her deep into the eyes as he said, “I was planning on doing so anyway. If we go to the ‘pretorum’ it is always filled with guards and officers I know quite well. Once inside they will not let anyone in at my command and we could then leave for the mountains on horseback.” He laughed lightly and then added, “they will never know we escaped and if they know we will be back before they know it.”
While he uttered his last words he escorted the lady to the atrium pretorum where they would attempt they escape. He pitied the Lady, that was one of the reasons he was not an Emperor or Senator. Even though he loved Rome and would have loved to do anything for her, he still valued his own freedom and person.
As they walked he kept on talking about Rome, just in case her escort could hear whatever he said. He was willing to talk more about himself, to listen whatever she had to say, but they would not manage that until they were left alone. He did not like his life to be published by annoying gossips.
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 15, 2008 6:00:58 GMT -5
His deep look was interesting, and almost like a genie he had an idea on how to be rid of her servants, which was quite a relief to her. It was not often that she managed to loose them, yet when she did she treasured every moment spent away from their prowling eyes. When visiting other places she could not even eat her food, without them testing it before her, “I like that idea,” she said with a smile, her eyes symbolising some gratitude.
In a few moments they were on their way to the pretorum. Trying to conceal the escapade they had just considered, so that her servants were not likely to follow her anymore. She grew tired of formalities a lot, and the sooner they were away from servants and commoners, she would be able to speak freely. Voice her opinions without having to worry about them being told to spies or her father, to make things worse.
She wondered, well her curiosity led her to wondering whether Marcus had done this before. He had come up with the idea quite rapidly. Still linked to his arm she tried to remain as casual as possible. She listened to his words on Rome and knew that he was bound to her. It was interesting to find a man, that would almost do anything for the land that held him.
When they arrived, she took a quick glance behind her, just nonchalantly a relaxed and calm smile whispered across her face. She could not see Archon or Atari, but that did not mean that they were no longer following her. They knew how her mind could work, which was quite a problem. Because they had served her Father and her since her birth, they practically knew her thoughts. There was no doubt, that they had cottoned on to her plan to try and be rid of them. Her eyes looked into the crowd, but she could not see a trace of them anywhere.
She turned and looked at Marcus, and took a deep breath, she hoped they had not cottoned on. It may truly cause some conflict.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 15, 2008 6:45:31 GMT -5
Marcus seemed busy looking for something, or someone… Once he saw a crowd coming their way eh knew it was now or never. He whispered prudently to the Lady’s ear “When those travellers pass us duck and follow me quickly, as quickly as you can manage. That crowd will be our shield until we enter the atrium.”
The young Centurion nodded to one of the guards in the pretorium that had just recognized him. He knew what the Centurion wanted to do. Marcus pretended to talk to the Lady about the building while he looked for her escort but could not see them yet. He sighed because this would make things easier.
Once the crowed went past them Marcus quickly ducked and telling her “Now!”, he ran toward the atrium while the crowd still walked by. Once they entered he leaned his back against a pillar not to be noticed and some guards were already at the entrance to block it, as if they were talking casually. Marcus looked at his right hoping to see the Lady, he laughed lightly and said, “and that’s how it is done.”
He took a deep breath and then beckoned her to follow him silently as he arched an eyebrow. He walked noiselessly to the right of the atrium and grabbed her by the hand since they were to encounter another crowd, so that he did not loose her. Once outside the pretorium one of the guards presented two horses for them: a black stallion for Marcus and a white mare for the Lady Freya.
Once they reached the horses Marcus caressed the horse’s mane and whispered, “long time no seen wild one, do you think we can do this again?” He turned to Lady Freya and said, “Would you like some help?” while he approached her in order to help her get on the horse.
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 15, 2008 7:01:46 GMT -5
Freya watched him with an amused expression on her face. She nodded, allowing him the knowledge that she knew what was required of her to do. Then she remained content with listening to what he was saying about the building. Trying to look like she was enjoying the lecture, and that she was not indeed trying to escape.
Then she heard him signal her to make a run for it. She ducked and used the crowd as her veil. She almost felt like a child ducking through the crowd, she wondered what they were thinking of her. They were most likely thinking that she was up to no good. In a moment she was at Marcus’s side, as he leant against the pillar. She laughed, after his comment, “I feel like a child.”
With a beckon, she followed him. She felt his hand take hers, and move her threw a crowd. All this was exciting, if she could say the least. She hadn’t felt like this in quite awhile. Within a few moments they were briskly walking away from the crowd, and came outside to where a guard had two horses awaiting them. That had been quite kick. Had they expected that both herself and Marcus would come by in means of an escape?
She noted the horses. A black, and a white. Both held their head high, and their ears twitched with excitement. She walked to the mare, and offered her hand to the horse. She’d always been fond of these creatures, and thought it was better to befriend them before one rode. The mare pushed her muzzle forward and nuzzled Freya’s hand in acceptance. Freya glanced at Marcus, who spoke to the large black. He was a fine looking creature, black as night. Then Marcus approached her, as she moved to the right hand side of the mare, gently letting her hand brush against the mares neck and shoulder, to alert the horse where she was.
She turned and smiled, “I thankyou, but I am capable.”
For a moment she let her eyes keep in contact with Marcus, before she placed her foot in the stirrup, took the reins and propelled herself gracefully onto the mares back. She rested a hand on the mares shoulder and uttered kind words to her for a moment, before returning a smile to Marcus.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 15, 2008 7:22:37 GMT -5
Marcus’ HorseLady Freya’s HorseFor a moment he was amazed, few women ever rode horses in Rome knowing how to get on them on their own. But soon he recovered his spirit as she smiled at him, he then bowed his head in acknowledge and lightly mounted his own horse, he pet it one more time before he rode towards her and said, “let us go then, I fear that our delay could betray our escape trial to your escort.” He then pulled the reins lightly and the horse broke into a wild neigh. Then, without looking back Marcus began to ride the wild horse. Presently few could ride such magnificent horse, since most men feared its wild state, but it seemed to be Marcus’ soul mate in that aspect, the rider knew the horse and the horse knew the rider. As they rode they got great views of the countryside, which were worth seeing. There were great trees that surely have been there for years, perhaps hundreds or thousands of years… Marcus liked this side of Rome by contrast to the one ruled by men, this one seemed ruled by nature herself and resilient to any other sort of leadership. The horse’s name was Cipirus, the noble friend of Marius, the one that would always be there for him. The horse the Lady was riding was called Artemis; even though it was not a good attribute to the goddess it had been bought not long ago from Greek trades-men. As they rode he would turn to smile at her from time to time and when he knew they were to arrive soon enough, he then said loud enough “let us see who arrived to the end of this road first…” He then made Cipirus ride much more fast, Marcus did not know why he was doing so, perhaps now that they were not being watched nor anything… he could be himself, plain and simple… Marcus’ VillaIt did not take them long to arrive to Marcus’ Villa. Some slaves were already coming out to attend to their master’s needs. His horse started to loose speed as they soon reached the statue of a nymph, right next to the fountain. He jumped off his horse and clap on its neck softly as the servants took him. Marcus laughed lightly and recovered form such a fast and enjoyable ride.
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 15, 2008 7:40:34 GMT -5
The sun crept its warmth onto Freya’s exposed skin, not burning but adding it heat to it as she sat upon the placid mares back. She held the reins loosely allowing the mare her head, and comfort. With a nod, she guided the mare with her legs instead the of the reins and tapped her sides to follow the Black horse.
The mare had a comfortable gallop. It was smooth and she placed her feet well, choosing a genuinely comfortable path. Freya made sure her seat was well positioned to make sure the little mare was not in any discomfort. Within a few moments the mare had caught up with the black, and rested into a canter beside their companions.
The scenery from what she was seeing was splendid. Indeed it proved to be quite a sight. If only she had allowed herself the time to travel her own countryside, she may fortunate to see the beauty Carthage also offered. However, with her father constantly nagging and her always wishing to be alone, she was highly ever seen anywhere but the palace.
Then Marcus issued a challenge. One that Freya would not step back on. The horse she rode was much smaller then the stallion and did not have as much fight in her as he did. However, Freya knew the mare had quite a bit of flight in her, just from riding a horse would could almost tell their personality. With the black stallion galloping a few lengths ahead, Freya tapped the mares sides again and urged her into a gallop with her seat. She loosened her grip on the reins and leant into the mares neck.
The little mare was fast, her long legs catching the distance between the black, so that now they remained but one length behind. Without in moments Freya could see their destination, and the black stallion was backing off, his speed slowing. However, the mare wanted to keep going. Freya sat up in the saddle, and gently shortened the reins. The mare pulling to a stop a moment after Marcus had dismounted.
Freya took a deep breath as a Guard came to take her horse’s rein and she swung her leg over and landed quite steadily on the ground. She brushed the mares neck for a moment. That had been quite a thrill to have the wind racing through her hair once again. She turned to Marcus and laughed, “Nothing will ever top that experience.”
She turned and looked around. The garden was stunning. The hedges were neatly trimmed and were a fair green. The water creased slightly with the wind touching it. Each pebble seemed to stay in one place.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 15, 2008 7:51:12 GMT -5
((OOC: I like that post))
IC:
Marcus laughed to her comment, he was glad she had taken the challenge because few ever did, not that he bothered to invite many to do so… He then walked to where she was and noticed her stare at the fountain. Marcus smiled and then said, “I am full of surprises…” he then nodded to a slave boy and he giggled and ran inside the house. Soon after the fountain seemed as if it had been mechanically turned on and some light drops of water would travel from one side to the other giving it much more charm than it already had.
He watched as this happened and then turned to look at the Lady, he wanted to see how she would react to this and if his house was worthy of such a guest. He was glad they had some privacy now, no one would disturb them in his house and they could talk and do as they pleased.
He was told; by a slave that waved at him that the dinner was ready, for both of them. Marcus smiled and nodded his head. The slave went inside the house and went to set the table. It could be said that Marcus did not like treating slaves as animals or beasts, more like friends. He was glad he did so, he had given them all their freedom in order to see if they would still stay with him and be loyal to him and in the end… they did. And they seemingly seemed to love to have him as their master.
Marcus brought in as many as he could help, he knew Lucius had recently taken in a slave from the Senator and was treating her like if she was part of the family. Marcus smiled and folded his arms.
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 15, 2008 8:05:10 GMT -5
((OOC: Thankyou. It would come from Horse-Riding experience..))
IC:
Freya raised her eyebrow and added a smile, “Full of surprises?” She turned to watch the fountain again, and as she did water trickled from it. Like magic. She wandered over to the fountain, almost as though she was under a spell. She turned and looked at Marcus with an amused smile, “Now how did you do that?”
There was not fountains like this in Carthage. The ones in Carthage were like waterfalls, and needed a constant flow of water to keep them going. Perhaps Carthage had not updated her technology yet. She leaned down and let her hand trickle in the water, hoping it would not bother him that she let the smooth liquid glide across her fingers.
From the corner of her eyes she saw a slave come to Marcus and alert him of something. She wondered of what that could possibly be. Still, she allowed her eyes to watch the water. It was so radiant, if that was a neat word to describe it.
She stook up, and with the remaining drops of water, she flicked them playfully at him, watching the servant wander away, inside the villa. The servant seemed quite happy, and his air was happy and enjoyable. That had to say something about Marcus, obviously he treated his slaves like any other human.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 15, 2008 8:17:52 GMT -5
Marcus smiled at her as she played with the water, she reminded him of a sweet little girl. He would often see Felicita, whom he loved as deeply as he would a sister; enjoy herself with the royal fountains touching the water as it flowed along. He approached Lady Freya and looked at her in awe, the sun shone oh her beautiful golden hair and her crystal eyes shone playfully at him. He tried not to think about it but it seemed as if he had never seen a more beautiful woman in his life, even though he had seen pretty girls.
He had never met anyone that shared such connection with him as the Lady did; she was full of vitality, curiosity and wisdom. He could not understand why her father did not allow her any free time at all.
Suddenly, his stupefaction stopped when he felt her flicking him some water. His eyes closed as some water entered his eyes and he laughed and then said mocking a tyrant’s voice “thou shall pay for that.” He then grabbed her by the shoulders and threatened with throwing her to the fountain while he laughed whole-heartedly. He tickled her while he did so but never leaving hold of her so that she did not truly fall inside the fountain. He could not say he had lived a sad life, on the contrary, but for a reason, an unknown reason, this Lady seemed to double, triple… this joy he felt within.
Meanwhile in the house the slaves prepared everything for dinner and one of the old maids laughed and told others of what was going on. Marcus had never loved before, and he doubted he ever would, but for an odd reason he seemed to enjoy the time he was sharing with a Lady no one knew. Perhaps it was fate… the fate that united young and innocent hearts from the threats of merciless life.
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 15, 2008 8:31:17 GMT -5
Freya smiled. She was enjoying this. It seemed, at this very moment she carried very little problems, and she was not held back by her father at all. With this man, she saw gentleness and loyalty, and he carried with himself such pride that it was almost like she understood his every words.
She laughed when he came before her, and in a playful voice threatened her. She squirmed in his hold, a courageous smile wiping across her face as she giggled, feeling like a child with no cares in the world, “Don’t you dare,” she said as he threatened to throw her into the water, “Or you shall feel my wrath,” all this was said in between laughter, with a happy tone added to it.
It felt strange to laugh as she did. She had not been this happy for quite some time. It was hard to say how much better it felt to actually be enjoying herself, and not faking it to gain her Father’s approval. She felt him tickle her and it made her squirm just a bit more. Of course, this man was full of surprises. It was quite fascinating.
Her eyes looked at him, happiness reflected as she tried to contain herself from laughter. In ways she could be like a child, letting her seem immature and reckless. But it was a way of setting herself free from everything that held her down. To be mature only placed more pressure on her. That is one of the reasons she argued with her father. She knew if she acted any more mature, that she would already be married off.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 15, 2008 8:40:33 GMT -5
He seemed thrilled by her playful threat and then asked in a challenging way, “really? What sort of wrath is that?” He leaned her so near the water as if to challenge her playful menace but this only made him contemplate her like an enchanting water nymph ready for mischief if he let her go. She could go in the water and take shape of the same element and then play tricks on him just to make him like her more.
He looked at the Villa and knew dinner was ready, but he was enjoying this so much he could not let her go as some edges of her beautiful hair, like golden string of the sun rays, touched the water of the fountain gently and left a mark of waves that would keep on expanding as they moved along. He was quite keen on knowing what she would do next if he dared push her further down, but this was just a playful nature he so possessed, he did not mean to make her feel uncomfortable or annoyed, he was just a simple man.
It seemed as if she had never been so happy in her life, her deep blue eyes were shinning in such a way, as if those were the very eyes of Venus, goddess of love, looking at him as the sun shone on them. She looked beautiful but at the same time tender, warm and alive, not like a cold being better compared to a cold marble statue, than anything else.
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 15, 2008 8:53:19 GMT -5
She stopped for a moment, and a thinking expression crossed her face for a moment, “Well, you shall just have to go in with me, won’t you?” she laughed. She was only inches away from the water, it was quite nerve rattling. She looked up at him and wondered whether he’d actually let her fall in. If he did, she’d just have to take him with her.
She let her hand drop into the water and she flicked a little more water at him. Her other hand held his arm, but not tightly, just incase. Her face lightened up when she looked at him. For a moment all her thoughts surrounded about how happy she was at the present moment. She had missed being this happy, and she wondered if she could ever feel as happy again, as she did at this very moment.
Freya was not like other nobles. She did not allow her life to be ruled, she constantly argued until her point was heard, and voiced her opinions quite randomly. But that was her. She was, or atleast tried to be a free spirit. Each day she prayed to the gods for happiness, joy something more then she experienced each and every day. She wanted to feel alive again.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 15, 2008 9:13:46 GMT -5
“Will you?” Asked Marcus in a mocking way as she said that and laughed more. But then he did not expect the drops of water she threw at his face, again. Accidentally he let go of her and lost balance since one of his feet was on the muddy earth, just at the side of the fountain and the other was a bit loosen and leaning at the edge of the fountain. When he let go of her, feeling her arm drag him, he lost balance completely and fell in the fountain with the Lady. He quickly came back to the surface and took a deep breath. He then ran both of his hands on his curly wet hair and laughed as he looked at her, wet as well. He was not really going to drop her but that little playful deep of her brought this at hand. It did not really matter since they could have her clothes dry for when she had to leave. He kept on laughing and then flicked some water at her as he then got out of the fountain, it would have to be cleaned now, but he did not mind for his slaves would do it more than glad. It barely ever needed to be clean, except for when leaves would fall in, or insects, therefore it was no big problem that could not be solved. Once out of the fountain he stood at his fullest height. The sun shone at him, as his tanned skin seemed illuminated and resembled Aeneas when he took the Pallas and fled from Troy from the secret passage. He smiled at her and offered her a hand. It was curious that even now, wet, she looked lovelier than ever. A boy and a girl slaves ran towards them with two towels and giggling as they did so. Marcus knew his slaves had seen it all. He laughed and then patted the boy on the shoulder fondly and thanked him for the towel. He then took off his red cloak and gave it to the boy along with his shoulder-back armour. His tanned skin was now exposed to the sun’s light and splendour and for a moment a cool breeze blew nearby. Marcus then got as dried as he could with the towel and then placed it on his back, he then nodded to the girl and told Lady Freya, “she will take you to bathe and relax, everything is ready for us to dine if you wish. Then I can show you my Villa, your humble abode.” He bowed his head and then winked at her playfully and then followed the boy inside the Villa. The girl, who was called Fabiola bowed her head to the Lady and handed her the towel and giggled as she was to take the lady to the bedroom that used to be of Marcus’ mother:
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 15, 2008 9:27:45 GMT -5
Freya looked at him, and nodded, “Of course I would.”
Then a few moments later she felt herself tumble into the water, closely followed by him. She brought herself out of the water and laughed, as he flicked some water back at her. She hadn’t expected to have fallen in the water, it came as quite a surprise. However, she had kept to her word and dragged him in with her, leaving them both saturated.
She looked at him, with a calm smile, “Is it not the right time to say I told you so?” she asked, when he extended his hand to her, to help her out. She fondly accepted it and took his hand, letting him help her out. A cool breeze flew in just as she came out of the fountain, and against the wet clothes, it was quite chilling.
Still she kept a smile on her face, and watched as two servants ran to their aid with some towels. Both giggling with one another, and she had no problems as to guessing why. She accepted the towel the young girl offered her, and nodded when Marcus said that she could relax, as well as alerting her that there was food ready for whenever she wished. A playful wink following his comment as he followed the young servant.
Freya dried herself, well every possible aspect, and let the young maid un pin her hair so that to could be dried. She followed the girl, to the rooms she was to prepare herself in. And she marvelled at the beauty this villa contained.
Within half an hour, Freya had been given some dry clothes to abide in while hers were dried, and the young girl helped her with her hair arrangement. Freya marvelled at how well prepared Marcus and his servants seemed to be for guests. It was quite interesting. Within moment of having placed on a black gown, and having her hair slightly pinned so only a few bits strayed down her back and framed her face.
The young female servant took her to the room where Marcus would be awaiting or would find her. The young girl spoke of her master with great pride, and happiness, which made Freya understand how interesting he really was. In a matter of moments the two ladies came to the room, linked to one another’s arms like close friends or family.
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