|
Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 5, 2008 15:30:19 GMT -5
Since an army of 100 000 men were lunched upon the southern borders of Rome, the Etruscan had captured important persons who close to them stood. It was time for the city of strong men to go at war, more land they needed if an empire was their dream to become. However countries nearby were a huge treat for their growth of power, something was to be done and it should happen quickly. Marcus who was the step-brother of Lucius, had gone to war with men in south, but in Rome other plans were made. By the cause of the Etruscan king kidnapping Felicita and Daphne, it had made the Senate to decide for 200 000 more men to fight them. These were to be controlled by Lucius, long had he wished for it to happen and finally it did.
In the great armor of red and silver, Lucius dressed on ready for fight. His sword were placed down in his belt, while his helmet he took upon his head. No shield or spear he carried, but strong he were to handle just a sword in need. The armies he took along contained by many different kinds of soldiers, 50 000 cavalry with lances and shield, 20 000 archers with bow/arrows and knifes, 30 000 sword men with shields, 100 000 spear men with shields. Before Lucius ever left Rome, he always secured it was safe to leave it. By the orders senate had given, they also had made sure that more were ready if trouble appeared. With a new law set out, every slave who joined the army would be realized from service, every boy who could join and fight were to get rich in future, every elder who rejoined the army would never need to pay taxes again. With that done, many joined in reserve.
As Lucius would be out fighting with his 200 000 troops, those capable in Rome would be left behind to train. With the orders given, the army who was assembled marched out to fight the Etruscan. Time was come to expand the empire, as large they wanted it to be. Not long Felicita and Daphne would be captive of those evil who close lingered, cause now Rome had come to free them all.
|
|
|
Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 6, 2008 17:35:44 GMT -5
After the war with Etruscan, Rome had won. Without even a single loss of any soldier, they had managed to take the land. Only by the duel Lucius and Leonius had fought, had made the outcome be so remarkable. As the army returned from enemy territory, they were greeted as heroes by the people who lived in the city. However danger were still not over, the army of 100 000 romans that were sent to attack the italics would soon need help if they were to win.
Lucius who rode together with the army into Rome, were pleased by the victory he had won. Not only more land had they got, but also bigger population. With the army of the two lands joining, it had increased the strength of their force more then ever. 400 000 they now were, but even more since the new law had been set out. Almost all the slaves had joined the army as freedom they wanted, teenagers and elders also joined by other causes. Together that made 200 000 more, all in all the force were now 600 000 strong. Those who had been in the city while armies were gone for war, had trained them self to fight when time were needed. Lucius were very satisfied by the sight who met him, although when he came to the stairs of the senate. He asked the senators to take the 400 000 soldiers with him south, to help those in need against the Italics. They agreed, something Lucius liked a lot. Within not long time, they would be ready to head south.
|
|
|
Post by Octavia on Feb 6, 2008 17:47:27 GMT -5
Queen Octavia's ship had arrived earlier in the day. She was accompanied by 40 of her elite guards. She was in Rome for a rather odd proposition. Both Rome and Celtibaria had a common enemies, Carthage. It was almost a year ago when Carthage captured the southern part of her country, but they stopped advancing. Now, Octavia was ready to strike back at Carthage, and she has hope that Rome will help. Of course, she knew what the risks were of allying with Rome. Most of the other Celt countries were enemies of Rome, which would present a problem in the future.
As Octavia walked in the streets, her dark scarlet colored dress blew in the wind behind her. She could tell by the celebrating people that something good must have happened, yet Octavia did not know what it was. She wore a crown made from gold, which was in the shape of delicate golden leaves. Her people were skilled in the art of crafting and their armor is also designed. After a few minutes, Octavia was walking up the stairs to a building, which she assumed was the senate. When she got to the top, she saw a man who she recognized from the description she was given.
Queen Octavia walked ahead of her guards as she approached him, she bowed her head slightly, as a sign of respect. "Greetings. I assume that you are Lucius Valerius Silvio, am I right?" Octavia asked as she stopped walking, her guards standing behind her, obviously well trained and knew when she was in danger, for she would make a sort of move with her arm if she was in any. "I am Queen Octavia of the Celtibarians and I have come here to talk about our... diplomatic relations." Octavia said, a smile on her features.
|
|
|
Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 6, 2008 18:33:17 GMT -5
By the warm welcome Lucius and his legions got by the people, it pleased them a lot to be greeted like heroes. All what they had taken from enemy land they had brought along, goods like gold and slaves were taken in as all of it were splitted and shared. Only the rich people of Etruscan were leaved behind to become citizens in the Roman Empire, however those poor were to suffer a different fate. While the people were busy celebrating, they did not discover the ship from distant land who had entered their harbor. Lucius who kept on greeting the senators about the victory he had achieved, sonly discovered that more surprises had come to Rome when a voice behind him was heard.
By hearing someone calling his name, he turned to see who it could be. The voice were not familiar, as never before had he meet the person before. When he saw the woman who spoke to him, all attention were drawn to them. Curiously he listened to what she said, but interesting it seemed what she had to offer. When she spoke finish, he in return spoke."Greetings Octavia, queen of Celtibarians. I am Lucius, welcome to Rome."He said with a smile, but further down the stairs he went to get a better look at her. Her beauty amazed him, but slightly he bowed his head as at the same time he kissed her hand in respect."If a talk about diplomatic relations is what you wish to speak, then I suggest we go to a more quiet place to speak."Lucius continued, thought in kindness he reached out the hand for her to link with, so they together could go inside to speak.
|
|
|
Post by Octavia on Feb 6, 2008 18:43:43 GMT -5
Octavia watched Lucius walk towards her and kiss her hand. A smile began to show on her features as she watched him. "Thank you, Rome is a magnificent city." Octavia said, as she looked around at the buildings. Her attention came back to him when he spoke to her. "Of course. It will be better to talk then yell." Octavia said with a small laugh as she extended her hand to his as she turned her head to look at her guards. "Two of you come with me, the rest stay outside." Octavia said, in their own native tongue.
Octavia turned her head back to Lucius as they went inside. "Quite the celebration outside, has something happened shortly before my coming?" Octavia asked, her brown eyes going to his. She truly didn't know what had happened, since she had just arrived and she never asked anyone. But whatever it was, it must have been big for the whole city to be celebrating. She went over the diplomatic proposition in her head, getting ready to tell him. She knew that in doing this, the rest of the Celtic people wouldn't like it, but she knew that only Rome could help her push back the Carthaginian occupants in southern Celtibaria.
|
|
|
Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 6, 2008 19:20:06 GMT -5
Instead of answering at first to the words Octavia spoke, he simply smiled in return. Her words and beauty truly interested him, but that also made the senators curious. As she accepted to go somewhere private, he lead her into the right direction. However followed by the two guards she had picked out, in case trouble would appear. Lucius had no intuitions of capturing or ambushing her, as a great day it had been for Rome to celebrate. When she spoke on and he listened beside her, he in return answered as the people outside cheered in joy."Rome has won a great victory today, today Etruscan becomes a part of our Empire."He said as proud he were, specially since it was cause of his deeds that they had won.
With gentle steps and raised head, he walked inside the senate house as there was the place for them so speak. The senators who were busy celebrating, still stood outside to greet the army for the good deeds they had done. Lucius who curiously watched the queen that walked beside him, thought the dress she had on were special then those he had seen earlier. However that also could be cause she were from a different land, with different traditions. When they reached the floor of the senate, he offered her a place to sit as he himself sat beside her."Now let us get on to business, shall we?"He continued, wondering what offers she had to come with.
|
|
|
Post by Octavia on Feb 6, 2008 19:43:49 GMT -5
Octavia nodded as she listened to what he had to say. She was surprised that such a small land had conquered Etruscan, but she would ask how he did it later. As they walked, Octavia could feel his gaze on her, even though she wasn't looking at him. In her country, if another man saw him doing this, he would loose his head, but they were not in her country, so he was safe from that fate.
Octavia smiled as she walked to her seat, sitting down as she looked at Lucius. "Right. Well Rome and Celtiberia both have a common enemy. Carthage. Almost a year ago, they came into my land and took most of the southern coast. I am tired of sitting there, allowing Carthage to abuse our land for their own purposes. I have heard of Rome's hatred towards Carthage and I come to join you. Both of our soldiers combined, we have a better chance of pushing them out of my country and we have a better chance of defending your lands. What do you say, will our two countries be allies?" Octavia said, her hand extending so he could shake it if he agreed.
|
|
|
Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 6, 2008 20:35:11 GMT -5
"Allies toward a common enemy is an interesting offer, your land certainly would be good help against those who long have threaten us. Normally I would have to speak before the consul before such an alliance were made, but on behalf of it I will accept."Lucius spoke with serious words, but to make the deal come true he took her hand and shacked it. Rome and the Celtibarians would stand united, in one common cause as well others that could appear. With the deed done, it were more to celebrate for them then only victory of war. Scouts had told that ships from south were advancing, it was not sure if the Carthaginians would attack, but it always were a chance as instability was in south. However strong enough Rome now were to stand against any treat from lower countries, it was good cause more it helped in expanding the empire of Rome.
"Together we will fight our foes and trade between our nations will be opened, if you so wish."He said smiling, satisfied that the day had gone so well. Not often were it seen that history were made, but in it they lived and shaped it. Lucius who looked at her did not go further with his looks as respect had to be shown a queen, since enemies would cause more troubles then friends. By the last words he had spoken, he wondered if she would also accept trade between them. If such happened, then more goods could come to them both and make them richer then ever.
|
|
|
Post by Octavia on Feb 6, 2008 22:43:54 GMT -5
"Excellent!" Octavia said with a wide smile. This was the best news she had heard in weeks. Now, with the help of the Roman army combined with her's, they would be able to push back the Carthaginians out of her territory and this alliance would also secure a strong economic future for her country. She was surprised at how organized Rome was. In her country, she had warlords that looked over pieces of her land and they would report to her. But Rome was so much different. They had a thing called a Senate, something Octavia will have to ask Lucius about later.
Octavia listened to what he said and she nodded in agreement. "Yes, a trade route between our nations will strengthen us both." Octavia said, a smile on her face. "Together, I think our countries will flourish, of course after this war with Carthage and any other country that challenges us." Octavia said, her eyes going to his. She could tell something was wrong, most likely about Carthage. "You seem troubled, what is wrong?" Octavia asked, a concerned look on her face.
|
|
|
Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 7, 2008 8:46:24 GMT -5
Lucius listened with interest as she agreed to it all, he smiled cause great news this was not just for himself but also for Rome and its people. However a little troubled he were about what was happening to the south, it was important for them to do something about it before it reached the city. When she asked if something were wrong, he got silent for a short moment. Most of all he did not wish his looks on her make her think he was only after her beauty, but also he were worried of those things that happened south to the city. In return to what she said, he answered with a gentle look at her."I am just a bit worried that those attacks that happens in the south will soon come to Rome, if we don't do anything soon then our countries might be lost for good. I have 6 legions ready, but only 4 is capable for fighting so far. My scouts tell that Carthage is on the move, I think they may aid the Italics. Would you send troops to help?"He asked curiously, wondering what her answer would be.
It would be good if her army could join his, that way those in south would be outnumbered three too one. Although always with a war there were risks of failing in mission, but that Lucius would not let happen. Rome had just started to grow, and more it would in the years to come. He hoped her army could strike against Carthage in Spain, that way it would draw the ships away from Roman land or at least split the the forces of the enemy and weaken them.
|
|
|
Post by Octavia on Feb 7, 2008 18:30:24 GMT -5
Octavia listened to what he said and she nodded. "Well, I guess I should tell you the number of my army now. I didn't want to bring this up before, for fear that Rome may just use my people, but I know that your heart is pure and your words true. I have over 850,000 soldiers, most trained and some still in training, but they are ready to fight. I don't know how many to send you, since some will need to stay in Celtiberia to attack Carthage in the southern parts of my land. Perhaps that will make them split their forces, giving us the advantage." Octavia said, her eyes going to his. "How many do you think you will be needing?"
Octavia was curious to the amount he will be needing. Her troops were well trained and they had brilliantly crafted weapons and armor, flexible enough for them to move and strong enough to protect them. Her people were renowned armorers, so that is why their armor and weapons are elegantly crafted. Octavia had her own sword, that she would have to show Lucius later. That was made especially for her and to fit her needs.
|
|
|
Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 7, 2008 19:05:42 GMT -5
Lucius who listened curiously to what she said, got more and more pleased by the news she came with. All those troops she commanded would be good against the enemies who attacked, together they would stand strong against any foe. With a smile he returned the words in answering her question, as she asked how many Rome would need."According to my spies, many are coming to attack. We will at least need 350 000 of your troops, if your willing to aid. However yes, I believe striking Carthage at your own territory would be good to make them split forces. When news about their own land being attacked, they probably will turn and face yours, but I wont give them that pleasure."
Lucius were satisfied, cause a great plan he had in mind. The Celtibarians surely were a worthy people to co-operate with, they were not only strong but wise as well. With the two master minds gathered like his and hers, it would be dangers for any enemy who would like to fight them. With a kind look he watched her, he thought her as clever but also beautiful even a Celtic queen she were.
|
|
|
Post by Octavia on Feb 7, 2008 19:41:07 GMT -5
"350,000? That is a lot, but I will make it done. I will send a message back to Celtiberia, but I do not know when they will come. If Carthage does attack soon, we will need to hold them off until my people arrive." Octavia said as she looked at Lucius. "I will assemble our troops to attacking the southern coast of our nation, to take our land back from Carthage. Maybe when they split up their forces, it may be easier for us to choke them in their own nation. Is it possible that you could blockade their ports, or will their navy present a problem?" Octavia asked, her eyes going to his.
Octavia could tell that he was looking at her, but she didn't say anything. Both of their minds and strengths combined, they would be a force to be reckoned with. "Lucius, i have a question, I don't want war to come to my Celtic brethren, but I need to know if you have any intention to move north?" Octavia asked, her eyes going to his.
|
|
|
Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 7, 2008 20:05:13 GMT -5
"No, I do not intend in attacking the north as far I concern. At the moment, Rome`s eyes will be fixed on our closest neighbors and those in south. However yes, the Carthage navy is a problem, as it always have been. Their strength at see is greater then ever, but if Rome is to fight them we will do it well."He answered in return, but when she suggested about those ships she would send with an army, he got an idea. In deep thoughts he looked at her, but believed the things she said were wise and interesting. He also believed that if she attacked the lands in her southern territories, it would turn the gaze of Carthage away from Rome."I have a suggestion thought, with your ships coming to aid us with your army. Maybe you could attack the Carthage fleet from behind, if my spies is telling me the truth then they will settle at the shores of our southern borders. That way they would not be able to go against you with the army who is stuck here, and easily you and I could destroy their armies like trapped animals." With the idea spoken, he wondered what she would answer. He hoped she liked it, cause a great plan it truly were if they succeeded in trapping the enemy.
The only weakness Rome and the Celtibarians had, were the sea as strong and great the Carthage people ruled the sea. If they somehow would be capable in destroying their fleets, nothing could stop them in doing as they pleased. As close Lucius and the queen sat in the Senate house, none disturbed since busy celebration outside were kept on. He himself still had on the typical armor that Romans used, after the long war he had been in, it still were not over. He just hoped he did not scare her with the blood who were sticked to his cloths, since fighting he had done. She were a beauty, which he truly adored but deeply he respected her as queen and allied.
As victory was achieved over Etruscan, Lucius sonly ordered outposts to be set around and in each city. Treats all over had come to challenge Rome, it was time to be careful even strong the military they owned were. More plans were as well made inside his mind, while he waited on her to respond. If Illyria were to busy attacking lands in south, it would leave their homeland unprotected. Maybe if he sent an army against it, he could make them homeless as the men were in battle. With signal for a guard to enter shortly, he told to gather 50 000 men to get ready as well to tell Proximo, one of the centurion to lead it. With the deed done, he turned back to the queen to hear what she answered.
|
|
|
Post by Octavia on Feb 7, 2008 21:00:10 GMT -5
Octavia's eyes lightened up as she smiled. "That is a brilliant idea. We are no match for them out at sea, but if they are beached while you are fighting them, we can destroy them, while coming in behind them, squeezing them together. They don't stand a chance." Octavia said, a smile on her face. This was a good plan. They would be taking out their navy, making them have no place of retreating and effectively trapping them there. It was ingenious. They were taking out two issues at once.
Octavia watched as Lucius told a guard something. Her own two guards were standing near her, both were grinning at the thought of the near battle. "Now, from your spies, how large did they say the army was and how many ships do they have?" Octavia asked, her eyes going to his. She was curious about how many there were, just so she could get an idea. It would be easiest to light the ships of fire and then rush into the enemy before they even knew what was going on.
|
|