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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 28, 2008 7:50:58 GMT -5
Marcus smiled because he was glad her father was as healthy as always, he was a good man. And it seemed the gods had been fair to him with the beautiful daughter he had. Though he had to keep appearances this Lady could help it in being possible for he always heartedly welcomed guests. He then asked, "when would I have to send a reply to the commandments of the Senate? Did they tell you of that?"
He motioned them to follow them for the guests awaited in the stables and as they walked he then asked her, "do not worry about it, if you need to go you are able to do so whenever you wish, though you know you and your family are always welcome to my Villa and can stay as long as you wish." It was a costume in his family to be such warm hosts. They loved and honours Jupiter as if his father himself had been a child of his.
Marcus finished his own goblet and gave it to one of his approaching servants he then smiled at him and watched him go. He then opened the door for the Lady Rhea to enter the stables and so the guests were all set to go. He got on his horse and then said before his guests, "Behold Lady Rhea Lianna Lesari, she shall join us in this morning's ride, who is as noble as the news she just brought to this house."
He then nodded to his servants and they moved so that they could all enjoy the lond ride along the countryside. He started galloping but made sure his horse was not too fast so that he could travel with his guests and explain them all everything that coudl be told of the landscape, of course the Lady Rhea could explain her favourite parts too since she was also Roman.
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Post by Rhea Lianna Lesari on Jan 28, 2008 8:07:50 GMT -5
Rhea nodded, “In a few days. They will not rush a fine Centurion,” she said a little teasingly, her brown eyes flashing over him once again, as he made the motion for them to follow him, “I thankyou for the water,” she said as she followed his pace, her servant following behind with both the horses.
As they came to the stables, the smell of the beasts ratted at her nose. She thought it was such a terrible smell and wondered how people could enjoy being with such filthy and smelly creatures. All they seemed to be good for was transport.
She entered the stable, motioning for her slave to wait behind. He did, when she came in she noted a tall and dark man. Strong build and a stern face, mounting a stallion she seemed to recall. It must be one of Marcus’s. Then her eyes fell upon another young woman who was as pretty as a swan. She wondered who this might be. She simply nodded her head to the people, before turning to her horse. Her servant rushing to help her mount.
She gripped the reins, and hit her heels hard to the flaxen geldings sides. He screeched in a little terror, but picked up his feet, and followed the young Centurion at a reasonable pace.
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 28, 2008 8:08:49 GMT -5
Dressed in immaculate oranges and gold, was Rhea. She had a golden hue to her skin colour, which depicted that she was no servant, but was a guest. Perhaps of title, as the way Marcus had introduced her. She seemed fairly adequate, yet simply arrogant too. Yet, that was Freya’s opinion.
Freya took the reins of the white mare, and lead her out into the courtyard behind Archon and the horse he was riding. He seemed to be struggling to keep the old stallion at bay, if Archon would simply speak gentle words, he might calm the horse down a little. But he was not the type to sweet talk especially to animals. She swiftly mounted the mare herself, loosened her grip on the reins, and let the mare chase wildly after the others. Freya’s hair blowing gently in the wind, as the hardy little mare, caught up to the both Marcus and Rhea. Archon and Rhea’s servant were close behind.
The Roman atmosphere, was like it had been when Freya had first arrived. Tranquil, interesting and beautiful. Truly Rome had a lot to be proud of. The white mare had such a steady gate, that there seemed to be no awkward jolts, like other horses Freya had ridden.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 28, 2008 8:20:26 GMT -5
It could be said that the atmosphere had changed severely since now there were more guests, but it was convenient for Marcus to keep an indifferent state among his guests and this would surely lessen Archon's suspicions as he was to do more activities too now that he had to tame his father's horse.
As they rode along the green scenery, Marcus would explain from time to time the history and myths of some natural resources they so proudly had in Rome. Though, of course, it had to be said that Roman history was not as ancient as Greek in many ways, still it made its way into its splendour and magnificence. Marcus would turn to look at his guests from time to time in order to make sure they were fine and enjoying the ride. Even though he was aware of the fact that maybe Lady Rhea would leave, though he hoped she stayed some days if she liked to regain strength after the long journey.
Once they reached some curious waterfalls that seemed enchanted water-caresses, he stopped for a moment and then said, "no man is ever allowed to enter nor touch these waters for here is where Jupiter's will came to be in Romulus and Remus' fate as brothers they were." For a moment he looked into the waters as if he could see the eagle that delimited the boundaries of the two brothers who in the end fought for power. He then turned to ask his guests, "If you need to rest do let me know for we have reached the half of the journey but the other half is the hardest."
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 28, 2008 8:31:52 GMT -5
After a speedy gallop from Marcus’s villa, the horses slowed down to a gentle pace, where Marcus could explain the scenery. Freya paid great attention to every word he spoke, for she loved the sound of his voice. However, she made sure that when she was paying him attention there was no fascination that would portray her heart to the others.
Archon came up beside Freya, his hands tight on the reins and quite firm on the horses mouth, whereas Freya’s little mare had her head and was quite content. It seemed she was listening to Marcus as well. Freya leaned over and adjusted Archon’s hands, and after a moment the stallion began to behave a little more.
Freya listened to what Marcus said about the waterfall, as they came close to it. The mare coming to a stop and lowering her head to the grass. Freya watched the water and wondered about these two brothers. She’d heard the story before, yet was not truly aware of the entire situation.
“Perhaps we should rest a moment,” she suggested, “Archon may need to rest his hands. Since he had quite a firm grip while we rode,” she glanced at Archon who raised an eyebrow but nodded. A rest may give him the opportunity to work out more about the horse.
She looked to Marcus, “What would happen if one was to enter the pools?” she asked calmly. Aware that Rhea was giving her a bored look. Oh well, Freya enjoyed learning about history, and if she had the chance to learn more, she’d take it up.
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Jan 29, 2008 7:20:05 GMT -5
Marcus laughed silently; he did not wish to make Archon feel bad. But he thought the man was not gentle even with horses and that was clearly a problem he had to solve. When everyone dismounted, Marcus approached the guard and making sure no one else heard him he told Archon, “It is not strength nor dominion what made this horse fear and love my father. It was his humanity that connected with the horse, work on that Archon and you will have a friend for life.” He clapped on the man’s back and then went over to his own horse so that he could take it to green pastures to enjoy it while everyone rested.
He then approached Lady Freya and Rhea and to her last question he said, “If you know what ‘being d**ned by the gods’ mean, you will get the idea of the fate that would be imposed to the one that dared enter the stream, even if he or she did not know of it being forbidden.” His eyes had been looking at the stream as he spoke with a stern tone, for the gods were not to be trifled with.
He walked over to some rock formations that were near the stream and sat there. He then looked at his two guests and then said, “I hope you enjoy this trip as much as I do whenever I come across this, for one must be proud of his/her own country. Lady Rhea, is there any place you like in particular?”
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Post by Lady Freya on Jan 30, 2008 4:19:23 GMT -5
Freya dismounted the mare, and loosened the girth strap, so she had some more room to breath. She watched as Marcus approached Archon. She gathered Marcus was exchanging some advice towards Archon, especially so that no-one could hear. Archon was a proud man, and to have his pride thrust about was truly not a good way to befriend him.
Freya allowed the white horse to the green pastures, before she came over to the stream, followed by Archon who seemed to be tackling something within his mind. They both listened to what Marcus said about the stream, as politely as possible. Freya understood what he said, and then she remained in silence. Her eyes downcast towards the water. Keeping away from Marcus, especially when Lady Rhea who always seemed to be curious about Freya’s movements and conversation towards Lord Marcus.
Archon simply nodded, and raised his hand to rub the back of his neck. There must have been some strain there. When he removed his hand, Freya had noticed a large cut on it. Preferably two days old, according to the scarring. She moved over to him and took up his hand, looking up at him with a questioning look.
“Cut it, My Lady,” was all he answered before taking his hand away from her grip, and returning his gaze to Rhea and Marcus, just as Marcus asked a question. Freya decided not to question him further, nor attempt to interrogate him, especially in public. Her attentions returned to Rhea. The fairly tanned skin woman, who seemed to enjoy every possible acquaintance with spotlight.
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Post by Rhea Lianna Lesari on Jan 30, 2008 4:25:59 GMT -5
Rhea dismounted her horse rather quickly and handed the reins to her servant before stumbling over to the streams, waiting on everyone. She wondered who the woman was, and her serving man. He was no simple servant, for he wore armour and bright colours. She took her figure and stood quite tall, and when Marcus arrived she did not allow her eyes to remove from him.
Watching him, as though there was nothing else in the atmosphere except him. Why did he not have a wife? Or a mistress? He was surely a striking man, and could definitely have anyone he wanted. She glanced at the woman, Rhea’s very eyes quite quizzical and stern. There was something about the blonde head, she seemed so passive, so discreet, like she was holding a secret.
However, the woman was keeping silent, so that did not take away any of her spotlight. Rhea shuddered, when Freya reached for the hand of the armoured man, and looked at him with genuine concern. Why would she touch her serving man, especially when she could not bath directly afterwards?
“I enjoy the temples,” she replied to Marcus, “Rome truly knows how to worship the gods.”
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Post by Lady Freya on Feb 9, 2008 8:07:58 GMT -5
Days had past since Archon had sent a messenger to the King of Carthage. The messenger had been fleet to relay the message to the King, taking all possible means to get to the King. He had told the King of Carthage all that Archon had wished, and with the confidence to stand and await the King’s reaction, had eagerly rushed back to find Archon with the demands the Carthaginian King ordered.
The messenger had returned to Rome, as swiftly as he had gone to Carthage, by similar routes. He searched the market place for days for signs of Archon and his men, and the woman he guarded. Alas, no trace could be found. Until, however he passed by an old merchant man begging for a few coins in exchange for the information the messenger sought. All was good, after the coins were handed, and the messenger was given the information he needed.
He rode swiftly on a pony, to small for him to where he had been told to travel. The heat was exhausting, and the messenger had to stop ever so often to allow himself some water, and the pony a rest. They travelled for several hours, until they crossed a small group of travellers. The messenger, realising that one of the men, was indeed the man he sought, Archon.
Without any heed towards the others, he dismounted the pony and ground tied it, before slyly moving towards Archon, giving an occasional glimpse to fellow companions of his. Nervousness broke over the messenger, for he felt eyes upon him. However, he moved swiftly to Archon and begged for a private audience. Archon accepted and excused himself from the company, and moved along the road as the messenger spoke of the King’s demands, privately.
Freya had not noticed the messenger, until she had heard the little pony coming along the road. In fact, she had thought the person simply a traveller, and payed him no attention until he stopped and seemed to come into contact with her personal guard. Her heart sank, as she noticed Archon and the lad move away to privacy, and she knew all to well what it meant.
Her father knew, and he wanted her to return immediately. It had not been long, since Archon had told her he had sent a messenger to her father, and she marvelled at the speed of the messenger. But, in truth she knew her father had ordered a hasty reply to Archon, it also meant her Father had arranged a suitor for her. Her body went numb, and cold as she tried to focus on what was being said between Marcus and Rhea. However, her eyes went cloudy and she took a deep breath. She looked towards Marcus and Rhea, “Excuse me. I need to tend the horses,” was the only excuse she could conjure, and with a great amount of haste she headed down the valley alone, to where the horses grazed. She’d be headed home tomorrow. So soon…
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Post by Marcus Flavius Aquila on Feb 13, 2008 4:23:33 GMT -5
Marcus knew quite well Freya was simply avoiding company in her pain and sorrow. But Marcus would talk to her that night, perhaps the last night they would be together. He then thought of a good excuse for them all to go back to his villa and perhaps arrange a meeting with her to know what could be troubling her though he suspected the reason as he looked at her escort.
He then looked at the other guests and then said, "it seems the Lady Freya got tired from our day's excursion, or so I think when she excused herself. Let us mount and go back to the villa where refreshments will be served for everyone and a small feast will take place in honour of the news Lady Rhea brought for this house, the house of Flavius Aquila." He then nodded to his libertos and they headed back home to make sure things would be ready before they arrived and soon he got on his horse.
He then turned to look at the rest of people and awaited for them to be ready to go, he then lead the way in a gentle trot not to get any of the ladies tired since that was the excuse he had given to go back home. For a moment he started to regret ever kissing Freya because now she would suffer being parted form the man she loved and this would add pain and grief to her life. He did not show anything he was thinking, as his eyes kept on the track to bring them back to his villa, but sometimes he wished he could erase the past or find a way for them to be together forever...but it all seemed pointless.
Meanwhile the libertos worked hard so that the house was ready for another feast, though Marcus was not fond of them he always kept Jupiter's hospitality and Roman customs as long as they did not affect his way of thinking. This would be a good idea to talk to Freya, or perhaps wait till the night surrounded all his guests to make sure no one would interfere. Once Marcus and his guests arrived he was surprised to see one of his men, Fabio waiting for him in his villa, but soon he got off the horse and saluted him the Roman way. Fabio then simply brought him a letter form Lucius, Marcus nodded and read it as Fabio got back on his horse without a word and left him. Marcus was bewidlered of such treatment but then went back tot he letter, it seemed Lucius was already expanding the kingdom and wanted his help.
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Post by Lady Freya on Feb 13, 2008 7:09:30 GMT -5
Freya had returned to the company of the horse, holding back everything so that the entire entourage was un-able to view what was truly bothering her. Freya stood beside the grey mare stroking the silky coat with a tenderness that she wished her world could hold forever. The type of tenderness that Marcus knew how to wrap her in. It seemed that her escape from her father in hope for some happiness, had only turned into more disappointment. She stayed with mare for awhile, letting the cool breeze and the sunlight bore down upon her, without any gracefulness.
Archon soon arrived at her side, baring the tidings the young messenger had brought. Freya pretended to feel ill again, which covered up her gloominess, “My Lady. It seems Lord Marcus intends to return to his Villa. We should accompany him and get a good rest before we leave tomorrow,” he spoke to her, as he began to tack up the mare. Freya stood motionless. Tomorrow. Tomorrow she would be headed for Carthage her dreaded homeland.
She mounted her horse with the aid of Archon who lead the mare to the group, where he had his horse. They soon mounted and the company began on their journey back to the Villa. It seemed as though the entire trip was full of silence, except for the constant chatter of Rhea, who always turned to see where Freya’s glance was. To Freya, it seemed as though this young Roman was indeed after Marcus. Was it jealously that bubbled inside her? Or was it fear that their love would be intercepted, because she must return to Carthage and marry another? It seemed all to confusing. However, as much as Freya attempted to smile every now and then as Rhea turned to glance at her, her mind was elsewhere. As soon as they returned to the Villa, she would retire from the company, bidding for rest.
She did exactly that. She bid Archon to tell the retinue for she simply felt under the weather. She returned to her chambers, where she lay down on the bed, and held herself together. What would happen if she did not return? Would Carthage come to Rome demanding her return? She could not be the cause of war like Helen. It just would not be fair to her people.
When Archon had taken the horses to the stable he found Marcus. Archon stood nobly, “Lord Marcus. I am afraid I have some tidings. Rather poor ones if I might say,” Archon looked directly at Marcus, “My King has sent a messenger ordering Freya’s return as swiftly as tomorrow. Which I might also add, Freya will not be dining with us this evening. She has retired to her chambers feeling rather ill, however she humbly apologises and has the most sincerest thankyou for the hospitality you have so fondly aided us with.”
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