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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 27, 2008 8:06:20 GMT -5
Marcus held her silently as she spoke of her fears and suspicions. It seemed as if other gods were at work against them both, but he would pay them no heed for he fully trusted Minerva, Castor and Pollux the twins, sons of Jupiter and his mighty grace. He nodded to her words and for a moment seemed lost in thought as he kept on holding her lovingly and stroking her hair for her not to fear as much as he would like to be able to fight all her fears away.
But clearly this was something for both of them to handle. He knew both of them were noble at heart as well as by blood lineage, and that was surely something the gods admired and appreciated. But now it was when both had to be strong and rely on one another.
He then sighed and said, "you are not alone in this, my love. We will find a solution." Many thoughts came to his mind, as he thought of killing Archon; or getting him to prison; or even venturing to Carthage in order to ask the King for Freya's hand in marriage. But even as he wished to do anything to help all these solutions had grave consequences, but Marcus would not leave Freya to her fate.
"I will not let them take you, this I promise you." His eyes burned as his love for her was visible in her eyes. He would protect her as the most precious thing in his life, even if he died for her, he would willingly do so for even in death he would love her and give his love to her, until they would meet again.
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 27, 2008 8:24:46 GMT -5
Freya felt his touches, they were ever so comforting and relaxing. She’d stay like this forever if she could. She listened to his breathing, his heart beat, the words he spoke so gently to her. The ones that held so much power, she knew that he spoke no lies. Her body still trembled knowing that her father would call upon her any day and she’d return and have to face his wrath. She usually planned ahead, or atleast tried, but the thought of leaving altered her to not.
“I know you wouldn’t my love. I would not let them take you from me either,” she took a deep breath, “If Archon suspects anything he will remain forever watchful. He barely left me today until I had to fake being ill.”
This was surprisingly something she was good at. Remembering that she had quite an immunity to illness, she always played against it and played being ill to get away from things. It always worked, and one could never deny her the comfort of her room when she was “ill”.
She looked up at him and kissed his cheek softly. If he went to war for her, she’d follow him to be at his side. If Rome went to war with Carthage, she’d remain at his side even if she was betraying her own people. She loved her people, but she loved Marcus a lot more. Even though their love was not orthodox. It was still enough to bind her to him. No matter what was at stake.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 27, 2008 8:45:13 GMT -5
"Even if he kept an eye on everything you ever did or said, I think you strong enough to manage him, even your father." He took both of her hands and kissed them before saying, as he looked into her eyes, "you do not see it yet Freya, but I do. I believe in you and you are unlike any woman I have ever met. It could be inherited by your father, but you could achieve anything you ever wanted. All you need is confidence."
He kissed her neck gently and pressed her body against his softly as he then whispered to her ear, "and that is something I will give you." He then kissed her cheek and said, "fear not, for they cannot hurt us in any way. We cannot separate...you are part of me as I of you." He then sat back and held her against him as the most precious thing in the world.
"I just think we must keep on our guard. On the morrow, we will go for a ride with your whole escort. Then I must go to do my duties but you are free to do as you wish in my house for all my servants will attend your every command." He stroke her hair carefully as if she was to break with any rushed movement and added, "I believe Archon would be easily dissuaded of his thoughts if we easily conversed and easily dismissed each other. If he sees you are happy being with me as you are without me nothing will he ever suspect again."
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 27, 2008 9:07:52 GMT -5
Freya observed his every move, for she was infatuated with him. His words were positive, encouraging and strong. He believed in her, more then anyone had in her life. It made her insides tingle with knowing that he held her in every possible way. That he loved her.
The smooth touch of his lips graced her neck, and she felt his firm hold about her, draw her closer to him. She took his hands in hers, and kissed them gently listening to his words. He was so strong, both in mind and body. It was amazing. She felt like a newly discovered gem, one that was rare and cherished like more then royalty, in his arms.
“You’ll always be part of me,” she kissed his hands lightly again, before looking up at his mystifying eyes, that made her so strong at heart. She gently caressed his hands with hers, as she listened to the rest of his intelligent words. They held her together, like a sticking substance, like a nail.
“Hmmm. I long for the day, where you and I will be free from these secrets,” she said calmly, “I hope that day will come soon. Until that day comes, I will cherish every moment we spend in one another’s company.”
A few moments passed, with the gentle silence and caresses passing between the two lovers. Somewhere a horse threw its hay about, water dripped from a leaking bucket, someone snored. Yet, all of that was distant, and for the night, it was the only time where the two lovers were alone on earth. She’d keep her guard up, and do her best to keep Archon’s suspicions to a minimum. She was good at faking sick, why could she not be when it came towards the relationship? She’d hide it, the best she could. Which made her wonder at how well she could play a Princess who could not possibly be in love with this man?
“Archon just needs to be occupied at all times. When he grows bored, that is when his suspicion rises. I’ll find things to keep him occupied,” she said positively, “He will not have anything more than suspicions about us, My love.”
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 27, 2008 9:45:34 GMT -5
He smiled and then said, "What we have is a sacred treasure from the gods above, my love, and so it must be kept safe within us."
He laughed silently with her soft kissed and words, he liked to see her smile, it seemed to brighten his life and make it much more bearable than it truly was. It seemed as if she was powerful enough to make his life one to always treasure and never forget, as if she had made his own mind and memory grow at an extent to always remember and cherish whatever she did or said.
"With you I can do anything Freya, and what is more, be even more thankful to the gods for such a life even when we must suffer for it." He then kissed her passionately again, with a longing for her touch and magic that it made him forget their problems and weariness as if a sea of purity cleansed them away. He only hoped that his love would make her forget, for a moment, they were not supposed to be together.
He knew a day would come when the gods would aid them in this and make their lives possible, Marcus had made an oath, if this came to be he would please the gods in the best of ways, never to forget any of them in his sacrifices and prayers. And so that he would teach his own children as well.
His love flowed like a river through her as he slowly untied his night-robe revealing his tanned and strong body for her to feel him and love him as what he was and what he would always be to her no matter how many years passed or whatever that came to be. He then slowly held her, as he longed for her like he had never before, after the night before his body had burned for her and with her, now he knew that he would only love her and burn for her touch. No one would ever change that.
And so his love came to be hers with every touch and whisper in her ear, to please her as well as he was pleased until they became one, again, and would forget anything else that night. Until it was time for him to leave again and meet her, as a stranger once again, the next day...to await eagerly for Minerva's grace and Nix to come to them, once more.
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 27, 2008 10:03:43 GMT -5
Each touch was enough to rekindle the wild fires that had been triggered the night before. His words were true, their love was a treasure. Love was made by gods, during the day they ignored it and suffered like none could imagine. Freya wondered how people could live an entire mortal life without love? After the past night, she knew she would not be able to live without Marcus. His love was all that kept her together.
She touched his lips passionately once again before allowing him to produce the golden body she loved and cherished and graced. At the same time, she removed hers to reveal her milky white skin to him. At first she had been conscious about exposing herself to him, however now she knew he loved every inch of her, she could not tremble. She leaned forward and traced her lips along his neck, ever so softly. Like the touch of the finest feather, slowly down along his collarbone, and to the opposite shoulder.
She looked up at his fiercely ardent eyes, and let a smile pull him down to the bed with her. The fires of worship and affection burst between them. Warming and transferring heat to each body. Words, and mutters quiet in the nights darkness that hid in the corners until the flames grew low on the beacons. Wishing to the gods that this night and the eternal bliss the mortals shared would last far longer then ever. She swore to the gods that she would trust them, more then she ever had and would do anything for this one treasure to be hers eternally.
When the bliss of bodies passed, and again they lay intertwined in one another’s embrace, facing each other Freya slowly and gently traced the contours of his handsome face. The face of a god, the face of her lover. She would occasionally linger forward and brush his lips with hers, as her eyes continued the most amazing path. The path into the mysterious eyes, that passed right into his heart.
“I love you,” she whispered to him, as the darkness slowly wrapped about them. The lights in the beacons, slowly coming to the end of their reign.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 27, 2008 16:18:42 GMT -5
When Marcus felt her warmth and softness as he held her in his arms he smiled in contempt. He heard her words, those he loved to hear coming from the lips of the woman he loved so. He caressed her cheek and chin allowing her to kiss him as much as she wished, for every kiss seemed like a blessing for him, from the mighty gods.
He then whispered back, “I love you too, with all my heart Freya.” He kissed her head and knew that soon he would have to leave, and yet he felt the happiest man alive. He held her in a way to keep her safe and warm as he watched her rest and soon to fall asleep.
He closed his eyes for a moment as he dreamed of the day Freya had mentioned before, the day when they would be able to love each other in the eyes of the world. But for now, secrecy seemed their vital weapon. And so, when dawn was soon to warn Marcus of the incoming of the Sun God, he who sees it all, he left Freya fairly covered by her bed blankets and hurried back to his own chambers where he left his night-robe and sank inside his bed to ponder about what to do concerning Freya.
He clearly knew there was not much that could be done, but he loved her and he would never let her go, especially when her father would torment her. He could not bear living while knowing she would suffer so, with no remedy at all. He closed his eyes for a moment, for even when he would sleep a little; he would still rest now at peace and enjoy the last hours of sleep.
When the first rays of the Sun entered through the window, Marcus got up and took a relaxing bath before he went downstairs to have some breakfast before he went to the stables to check things so that horses would be ready for the Princess and her escort. As soon as he drank some water and ate some, his eyes met Archon’s as the man had been talking with the dancer, again, before he turned back to enter the house. Marcus really wondered what that man intended to do, but then he nodded to the guard and beckoned him to have some breakfast before ridding. As he showed him what he could pick up form the buffet, he said, “Good morning Archon, guard of Carthage, I hope you rested last night for today we are to venture through Rome’s natural landscape. Do have some breakfast, good man.”
Archon looked at Marcus as he looked at everyone else, with a cold indifference and yet it seemed as if his eyes threatened Marcus when he handed him a glass of fresh water. Freya was right, thought Marcus, this man needed things to do, but what could he do now? Marcus acted as if he was not disturbed at all and then clapped Archon on the shoulder and then said, “Since you seem a strong man you will get to ride my father’s stallion. No one has been able to tame him in years, but you seem the kin of man capable of.”
For a moment Archon’s eyes shone with the challenge as he laughed silently and then said, “I will indeed. Take me to him.” He said as he finished the water and took some fruit to eat on the way. Marcus was relieved for such change in his manners, Marcus supposed that such was the way people turned for working for the Carthaginian King, still he tried to avoid thinking about it. While arriving at the stables it seemed Archon wished to test his host as he had his Princess and then he said in a humble way, “I am sorry for all these things you must do to please my Princess. She is so stubborn, I dare say no man will ever tame her.”
Marcus could clearly see the trap in the guard’s words but did his best not to punch him in the face as he answered in a diplomatic way, “There is no problem Archon, for all guests must be pleased and stay as long as they wish according to Jupiter’ law of hospitality, even when it is an enemy the one to ask for sanctuary.” He then opened the door of the stables and said, “as for her future, only the gods can help her. Though I am sure the King will see to that matter, like any good King and father would.”
Marcus stopped before his father’s horse and caressed its nose and mane before he said, “Lumus. My father’s tame-less stallion.” He then turned for Archon to meet him and if he could manage, tame him. In the mean time Marcus made sure the rest of the horses were ready and he then went to see his. As the servants took out the other horses, Marcus spoke with his and exposed his warm affection toward his horse. He smiled at Archon and then said, “Us Romans talk to our horses as we would to ourselves. For it is the horse who becomes your soul as you ride for battle.”
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 27, 2008 23:37:28 GMT -5
The Princess had fallen asleep in Marcus’s arms like the previous night. Feeling safe, loved and protected. His muscular arms ensured her safety. She knew he stayed awake, and watched her sleep before he rested. It made her feel ever so precious, that she must be guarded by such magnificent eyes. The coolness of the night did not affect them, for the warmth that extended between them was like a forever burning flame.
She woke when the cool touch of the morning breeze went through the room, and touched her skin. When the rays of light finally caught her. Like the morning before, Fabiola and an older serving woman tended to her. They gave her a white gown, that pinned up behind her neck with some silver embroidery and pearls decorating the simple design. They fasten her hair, so it lightly trailed down her back, and dabbed her with a powerful and refreshing smell of roses. They ate together, and Freya listened to them gossip. It was quite interesting. She learnt that Archon had spent the night with the dancer, which surprised her not. After they had eaten, they told Freya that the horses were being prepared, and the Lord Marcus should be overseeing it, with her Guard Archon.
Archon listened to what Marcus said about the horses, and raised a brow. In Carthage horses were horses, no higher then a dog or any other animal. Even though Archon did not admit it, there was truth in what Marcus spoke. He watched Lumus, studying the horse to see where there was a weakness or some way that the horse would actually be bale to be ridden, “Carthage is very indifferent to Rome. Horses are prized,” Archon said, still with the cold tone he always used, “Yet, they are treated not like humans.” His eyes did not move from the stallion as he continued to watch the reaction, “I’d say some people deserve to be treated like beasts, it might cure them of their stubbornness.”
Freya had made her way to the stables, and she stood at the door quietly listening to them. She could see Marcus was trying to befriend Archon, so that there would be less suspicion and she praised him for such an attempt. Many could stand in Archon’s company, for being with him was like all he happiness was sucked away. That every movement must be precise otherwise he would look down on you, “Would you have me treated like a beast then, Archon my humble servant?” she said moving herself over to Archon, and placing her hand out to the stallion.
Archon had turned in surprise, when he heard the Princess’s voice, “No. My Lady.” The stallion nuzzled Freya’s hand for a moment, his ears forward as though he was listening. She flashed a smile at the horse, and stroked his forelock with tenderness, “How did you sleep, Princess. I trust you are well.”
“I slept well,” Freya made it, as though she had only just noticed Lord Marcus, “My Lord,” she inclined her head in greeting. Before stepping away from Lemus and Archon, and wandering over to the white mare. The white mare raised her head and nickered when Freya approached. A stableboy was brushing the mare, and then moved to place the saddle on. Freya went over, and took up the bridle, and slowly offered the bit to the mare. The mare took it up eagerly, and allowed Freya to fasten the straps. The stableboy, finished with the saddle and then bowed his head to the Princess, before moving to prepare the last horse. Freya sweet talked the mare, soothing words. Peaceful words, calm words that the mare seemed to enjoy.
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Post by Rhea Lianna Lesari on Jan 27, 2008 23:54:33 GMT -5
Two riders came towards Marcus’s villa. One was dressed in an orange and gold attire, which flapped about in the wind as the horses galloped forth. The lead horse as a distinguished horse, a flaxen chestnut. It’s coat a honey brown, the main and tale a creamy fair colour. It carried 3 white socks, and a pure white blaze. The horse was known as Rhea Lianna Lesari’s horse. The daughter of Senator Asif Lianna Lesari. The other rider with her was a servant, for she never travelled without one. Especially when she hated animals.
The flaxen gelding was pulled to a halt, the bit ripping at the horses mouth. The servant quickly embarked his little buckskin pony and came to take the horse’s reins. She removed herself from the horses saddle, and stood as far away as she could, “What are you doing just standing there?” she hissed at the servant, “Cool those animals out! Alert Marcus Flavius Aquila that I have arrived and expect his hospitality. I want those parchments I entrusted to you for the journey here.”
She looked around, her eyes scrutinising every inch of the villa. She took a deep breath, “They had better be in the same condition as when I delegated them to you,” she barked at her servant. Useless pheasant, “Fetch my fan will you,” she then said, “I am absolutely parched.”
The servant nodded at her commands, wondering how he was going to do all of this. The last servant she had gotten rid of because they simply kept her waiting to long, and when she asked for fresh water it was too hot when she received it. He cooled the horses by walking them around for a moment. Then passed her the fan and parchments. The dark skinned young woman, was pretty and she had an uncanny way of flaunting it, with her vicious intent. She was definitely a woman ruled by her own mind to the detriment of her passions. She was the type that would not stop until she go what she wanted. If anything got in her way, gods forbid they didn’t, they would have a very harsh penalty to pay. For being screamed at by her was more deadly then facing poverty for a week.
The servant rushed off to find Marcus, and stumbled across one of his servants. The servant of Marcus led Rhea’s servant to the stables, where Marcus seemed to be preparing for a ride with guests. He knew that Rhea should have sent word ahead that she was coming to Marcus’s villa, but she had insisted.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 28, 2008 6:39:49 GMT -5
Marcus smiled at Freya as cordially as any host would to his guests, showing clearly that there was no personal interest but to being kind to any visitor that graced his house. Though only Freya knew the truth and in her immensity it would stay.
He was about to get on his horse when he saw one of his servants bringing news form another eh did not know. He excused himself form his guests and went to meet the servants. When he mentioned the name if his mistress Marcus pretended not to show that for a moment there was shock in his eyes. But, as he had to pretend before the world, he bowed to his guests and excused himself for a moment.
He then followed the servants to meet this lady. Once he saw her outside of his Villa he bowed his head and then said cordially, “Lady Rhea, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” Marcus had always been taught to be a gentleman to all women and elder people. Even when they did not deserve it so he was used to appear a gentleman before the ladies…
He looked at her hands, as she seemed to be holding some parchments, he then smiled warmly at her and knew her servant seemed to be trembling from head to foot. He turned to his own servant so that he would take their newly arrived visitors’ horses for a rest.
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Post by Rhea Lianna Lesari on Jan 28, 2008 6:53:20 GMT -5
Rhea was flapped her fan in her face a few times, as she waited. She was not the waiting type, she never had been. She was impatient and rude, and down right intractable. When her servant returned, Marcus was not far behind him. Rhea slapped her fan shut and handed it to her servant. She did not thank the man for his attempts towards pleasing her, only her eyes remained upon Marcus as he arrived.
She tilted her head, in greeting, yet not as long as a usual cordial greeting would, “Lord Marcus, how very good it is to see you again,” she said with a smile. It was almost haunting, and her servant trembled as he watched the horses being taken away by another. Wishing he could go with them, but he knew that would rather displease his mistress.
Rhea slowly circled Marcus, before coming up to him, and holding out the scrolls of parchment for Marcus, “These are from my father. The senate wishes you to oversee them, as they concern your militia. I believe that Rome may be commissioning you a further unit,” she said with a pleased smile. She looked around at the villa, interesting, very interesting. It was well taken care of. She was a perfectionist, and liked everything to be beyond perfect if it could be done. If one rock was out of place she would scream until it was placed correctly. If one animal passed her she’d scream too. It was commonly known as attention seeking, or the enjoyment of being centre of attention.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 28, 2008 7:08:30 GMT -5
He watched her silently as she gave him the parchments and spoke o their content. He wondered how she could know of such businesses, but surely being the daughter of a Senator had its advantages.
He listened to her and for a moment was speechless, he never attempted anything that would make him reach excessive pride, in other words, as a prudent man he always avoided sinning against the gods with ‘hybris’ or extreme pride. He swallowed and for a moment repeated what she had just said in a disbelieving way, “…further unit? How could this be?”
He was so astonished he was to forget everything in the world and stand there, thinking and getting the inner meaning of her last words for years. But he then turned his attention back at her and then said recovering his own self, “Thank you Lady Rhea for making sure I received them from a reliable source as you.”
Thinking in cordiality he then inquired as he beckoned her to follow him inside the Villa, “how far have you travelled Lady? Would you like something to eat or drink?” He was still pondering about those parchments but he would not be able to look at them until that night, since he had work to do in the afternoon.
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Post by Rhea Lianna Lesari on Jan 28, 2008 7:15:56 GMT -5
Rhea watched him, and knew he was surprised about gaining more men. Having a man that knew how much this honoured him and how lucky he was, was quite enjoyable to watch. She did not cast her servant a glance, but knew he was standing nearby awaiting her next order. She loved power, she’d do a lot to have men at her feet. She had quite a reputation to , and among many men she was known as impure.
“You are spoken of highly by the your men, I believe The Senate see that,” she said, after his words of disbelief trailed, she outstretched her hand to her servant who came forward, not sure what she was wanting. Her eyes turned to meet the servants, she would have slapped that pitiful thing, if Marcus had not been there, “My fan,” were the words that she threw at her servant. He quickly placed the fan in her hands, and she snapped it open to fan herself, before returning her gaze to Marcus.
“I have not ridden far, but I would have some water if you please,” she said as cordially as possible, “My servant can fetch it, if you just tell him where it is,” her servant came forth and bowed before Marcus, Rhea rolled her eyes in disgust, but nevertheless made no further commotion.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 28, 2008 7:26:10 GMT -5
Marcus smiled to her words concerning the Senate appreciating him for his efforts but he still had to fight away his demons. Too much power can blind the best of men and that was something his father had told him and had brought him up in a way to avoid.
Marcus nodded to her words but then shook his head when her servant was more than eager to attend his orders and then said as they arrived to the main salon, “It is not necessary Lady, I have everything ready in case any guests come.” He then went over to a small table and poured cool and fresh water in a goblet of silver edges and offered it gently to Rhea as he then said, “if you need anything else fear not to tell me.”
He then inquired, “Was your father in good health when you left his house to bring these words to me?” He himself was thirsty so he had poured some water for himself. He drank peacefully and then thought that if he dismissed her concerning going for a ride it would not be polite.
“I was going for a ride with some guests but I fear leaving guests in the house violates Jupiter’s laws. Would you like to come for a ride Lady?”
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Post by Rhea Lianna Lesari on Jan 28, 2008 7:36:56 GMT -5
The servant felt a slight relief that he was not required to fetch Rhea anything, at the moment. For all he knew, was she would probably throw it at him and tell him it was too hot. He stayed in his bowing position and did not move until both Marcus and Rhea had positioned themselves nearby a table.
Rhea took the chalice, her throat dry from the ride, and lifted it to her lips and drank it peacefully. When she was silent she appeared like the nicest of women, for she was fairly attractive in kindness, yet her kindness did hardly ever reach great limits, “My Father,” she took another sip, “Was well. He was reading his other scrolls, like all old men do, I suppose,” she laughed. Yet, that laugh lifted after a moment, and she finished the remaining of the liquid and placed it down on the table.
He had guests? He had guests! She had been quite intrusive then, however her father had wished her to get the scrolls to him. Usually, her father would send a rider forth first to make sure that the person needing information was not occupied, just not today. Must have been a memory lapse, “My servant and I would enjoy a humble ride. We will accompany you and your guests, however only until the turn off. For I fear, my father will require my services once again this afternoon.”
Her eyes trailed over him. He had quite nice body, and the clothes were simply there just to dress it up. She looked to her servant, “Fetch my horse, would you,” it was not a question, but a comment and the servant quickly rushed off to the stables. Returning a few moments later with their horses. Rhea made no move towards them yet. If she could go somewhere on foot she would, it took her to extreme limits to ride. She hated animals!
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