Lucius and Julia`s wedding

[Lucius Valerius Silvio]

As the plans between Lucius the proconsul of Rome and Julia the previous queen of Etrusca had made a decision, they had finally agreed to unite their nations peacefully after war. A marriage was needed if the people were to feel comfort and to live without fear, hopefully it would settle the people down so traditions and believes could continue as usual. In Etrusca the wedding was set to be held, which many from all over came to see. At the palace where Julia lived, the decorations had been made. The noble people who came to watch the event taking place walked inside, curious in now was to happen. If everything went well without bloodshed then no worries would trouble the population, making them calm and able to unite.

Lucius who were to marry, waited at the alter together with a priest. Around the people watched, wondering when Julia would appear. However many believed it was difficult for her to fulfill the marriage, specially after the loss of her ex husband Leonius. Even necessary it was for future, without peace only war could come. Although Lucius understood if Julia wanted some time before entering, although good it would be for all parts. Mostly for her people and her own child, as well Lucius and herself. It was time to marry, so everyone could be happy.

[Julia Gaia]

Julia was in another room, not far from where the wedding ceremony was to be held. She already had been dressed in her wedding dress, it was not white coloured, but lightly cream. The long, wide sleeves did not cover her shoulders and so moved the attention to her decoultee and her face, rather than to her lightly rounded belly. The gown fell from her hips in light waves and was bound closer to her body by a wine red cord. Her hair was pinned up to an elegant knot, and was winding down her neck with only a few strains. Gold and jewels were placed on her to show her wealth, and the light crown of the Etruscan Empire laid on her head.

Julia was sitting on a chair, she knew, people awaited her coming and celebrating, however she felt as if she would have needed more time for herself. She should walk out of this door now, and yet she did not move. She was reminded, especially on this day, of her marriage to Leonius and wished these old days back when she still was happy and life felt so easy at his side. And now, it was as if all the weight of her people, her country and Rome, and her child was resting on her back and she needed to carry it. She was not sure if she was strong enough, but at least, she had to try.

She did not know how much time had passed by since she had been deep in thoughts, but now she slowly got up. She moved towards the door that would lead her towards her new husband, Lucius of Rome. She took a deep breath, stroke lightly over her stomach before she opened this door, stepping out and moved towards the altar. The people had formed a way for her to pass, and so she already saw Lucius standing ahead.

[Lucius Valerius Silvio]

When Lucius saw Julia approach in the distance of the crowd, a smile could be seen upon his face. She looked lovely and becoming her husband was an great honor, he did not know much of her past but he knew she had granted the title queen threw the marriage of Leonius. Now she was to marry Lucius, as her previous husband were no more. Together they would rule Etrusca under the Roman Empire, her land had now turned into a province that needed fresh leaders to continue its life. Which Lucius was perfect suitable for, he would be the governor and Julia would become his wife and first lady.

Before the wedding was clear to be held and Julia had been gone for a while, it showed clearly that her feelings still had not changed about Leonius. She was unsure about getting married again, but needed it was for her son and the people that lived in her land. However Lucius understood, but still he hoped she kept some feelings for him as well. Since mostly he had grown fond of her since he took over. For long time they had prepared the wedding together, now as time were ready everything seemed perfect. The people who stood close by, watched with interest as Julia walked down to where Lucius stood. When she finally arrived, he gentle took her hand in his and smiled.

[Julia Gaia]

(You know, the son isn't born yet, so she doesn't know that she'll have a son. )

As Julia walked through the crowd of people, towards the altar where Lucius waited for her together with the man who was to marry them, she noticed that most people around were Romans. They had come the long way from their home town to see their Proconsul marry, but Julia guessed that the most important reason was that the new development in politics had made them come, to see Etrusca and the former Etruscian Queen. She felt uneasy in such company, and searched in the crowd for faces she knew, who looked friendly towards her, and indeed, a few Etruscan Lords and their wives had come. In their eyes she saw that they tried to encourage her, but that deep in their hearts they wished themselves back to the old days when their Queen did not have to marry a Roman, and when the Romans did not yet want to claim more and more land and countries for themselves. And still, their presence here made Julia smile a little.

She now arrived at Lucius' side, catching his glance on her only shortly before turning towards the Roman priest, who now began a speach to all people in this room, about marriage, and about the couple which stood in front of him. Only after this speach, he lightly took Julia's hand and laid it onto Lucius' hand, and so binding them together.

[Lucius Valerius Silvio]

(Right hehe, forgot)

Lucius could not help smiling when he saw Julia approaching, already by seeing her he could feel the day would be good. Not just for them self but as well for the people, together they would unite the lands who long had been in war. With a calm stand he watched, curious in how she felt and what others would think of them. As soon she had arrived, the guests had moved for her to walk straight. All of them bowing in respect, but as well interested in how the marriage would play out. Julia truly were a beauty where she went, the dress she had on amazed him a lot as well her appearance looked good. The more closer she got, the faster his feelings went inside. Although he also noticed that her hands shacked, probably by fear of what would happen or sadness that still lingered in her after Leonius death.

"You look lovely."Lucius whispered for only her to hear, then listened to what the Roman priest had to say. Soon after their hands was laid on top of each other, as costume in Rome who showed them they now soon belonged together. Words had now to be exchanged between the couple before ever they could be declared married, although a glass of wine from the same goblet they both as well had to drink of.

[Julia Gaia]

Julia had been instructed by some Roman maidens how the celebration of a wedding in Rome took place. It was different to the Etruscan costums, however easy to understand. The hands of the bride and the bridegroom would be laid on each other by a priest, to symbolise the bond between them. As well, they would have to drink at least one sip of wine from the same goblet during the ceremony, to strengthen this bond. And at last, they would have to say sacred words in latin, to prove that they belong to each other, respected each other, be there for each other like husband and wife would.

One of these procedures already had been made, and Julia's right hand now rested on Lucius' left. The priest now reached out to pick up the goblet with wine, and gave it to Lucius, for this was the next step. After him taking a sip, Julia would have to drink.

[Lucius Valerius Silvio]

Lucius gladly accepted the goblet of wine that was given him, but with a smile before he ever drank, he looked at Julia deep into the eyes. Glad that she soon would be his wife, as beautiful she was. With them being married it would as well unite their countries, in peace and happiness they would live together. He just hoped she also felt the same for him as he felt for her, even difficult he knew that could be as her ex husband recently had died. Gentle he took a sip from the goblet, and after handed it over for Julia to drink. Curious he watched, but glad to marry a such great woman. The dress she had on was amazing, even she was pregnant with Leonius child. However as long they would be together, that did not matter. It surely was a big risk for future if the child grew up and wanted the throne of Etrusca, although impossible it would be to reach when Lucius and Julia would be together.

With interested look, everyone around watched as she now were to drink. After some Latin words would need to be spoken, Lucius just hoped she had practiced it. Her tradition were different and so was her language, but with time she would learn as everyone else. In the moment they had meet, Lucius had spoken in her tongue. Since war had gone on between the two lands, he had learned it. Now as a marriage was to stand to keep Rome safe, it had gone more important.

[Julia Gaia]

Many thoughts rushed though Julia's mind when she took the goblet from Lucius to drink, but she suppressed them, simply did not think them through. This had to be done, she told herself, so just do it and get over with it. Make these people stop staring at you. Finally, she moved the goblet to her lips and drank one sip out of it, not hasty but gracefully. She handed the worthful beaker back to the priest before turning now fully towards Lucius. It was now time for the sacred Latin words, whose meaning she had tried to understand in the past few days. However, she had practiced and now spoke, looking up proudly into Lucius' eyes.

"Where you are Gaius, I shall be Gaia." She said in latin words, looking at Lucius, however not really thinking of him. She did not mean these words, not full-heartedly at least, but needed to keep up the image of them as happy couple. So, she thought of someone she loved and to whom she would say these words. Her eyes saw Leonius instead of Lucius.

[Lucius Valerius Silvio]

"When and where you are Gaia, then and there I am Gaius." Lucius replied with a smile, watching her in great happiness as she had drunk the wine and spoken the common words. Now they by law were married and soon they could celebrate the magnificent moment, together they would rule in peace or war but with a united people behind them. He was glad to have a beautiful wife as Julia, he just hoped she too were glad to have him. Although whenever the child she carried inside her stomach would be born, then everything had to be better secured. Not just for Lucius, but as well for the Roman Empire. With Lucius as a father, he would teach the child to be true Roman so never he could change and turn against them.

When everything was done close to the priest and alter, Lucius quickly rose his hand up. Still holding Julia`s, as it showed the people what had happened. The couple were now finally married, time had come for them all to celebrate. As all watched, they cheered with raised goblets of wine and started feasting. The whole city who was glad about this event, felt secure and knew everything would turn alright after the war.

[Julia Gaia]

With Lucius rising his hand and so Julia's hand as well, the official part of their wedding ceremony was over. They now were a married couple, one of the finest and wealthiest people in the Roman country. Julia let her eyes rest on the people, who cheered at them, a few had wine glasses in their hand and raised them in joy. The former Queen of Etrusca smiled lightly, happy to see that now the war between Rome and Etrusca truly was over, because people of both nations celebrated together, they had grown to one single country. However, still she knew that deep down in their hearts, the Etruscan people wished back the days of Leonius, with their freedom, with their independence.

[Lucius Valerius Silvio]

With happy thoughts, Lucius lead his new wife Julia into the dining room. Where dancers would be shown, food and drink given, as everyone would celebrate the marriage. Now Rome and Etrusca was one, together they had become the new Roman Empire. The servants who worked in the palace gave all the nobles and people what they needed, the whole city was thankful that no more blood would be spilt cause of war. As Lucius and Julia entered, they sonly went to sit down among the closest friends and family. In front of the table female and male dancers came to act, followed by an orgy. It was a happy day, a day worth celebrating. Kindly as Lucius watched what happened around, he laid his one hand upon the lap of Julia. Showing that he was excited about the wedding night and the time to come, she was beautiful and the dress she had on looked great."Isn't this a great day?"He leaned closer and whispered, only for her to hear.

[Julia Gaia]

(Well, I believe we soon can end this thread.)

"It is one of the best days I have experienced lately." Julia answered Lucius, truthfully. After her husband's death, not much joy had she found. However, with the marriage to Lucius she gained all possible luck and happiness for herself, her unborn child and her people. This day was happy indeed, even althought it bore much sadness for her as well. She had lost much through this war with Rome, but she also knew that now, the days would, they had to get better.

All the music around, people dancing, cheering for the newly wedded, drinks and food that was moved around, this feast was a success. It heaved all moods, even of the Etruscan people in the room, and laughter, cheerfull talks and music filled the rooms.

[Lucius Valerius Silvio]

(Yes I believe so as well, not much need to continue if you don't want too)

"Excellent."Lucius responded with a smile, as he took her hand in his. It was great seeing her happy again, specially after so many days of grief. Hopefully she soon would forget all about her ex husband Leonius, who was killed during the war. Together Julia and Lucius would set an example on how Rome and Etrusca could work united, giving the people hope that a future without sorrow could exist. Curiously Lucius watched his new wife that sat beside him, glad to have someone to enjoy life with. The people around were happy, celebrating the new marriage and bond that had linked the two nations closer together. With a short lean forward, Lucius kissed Julia on the lips as he stroke her cheek.

[Julia Gaia]

(Good, then let's end it here)

Julia kissed her newly wedded husband back, lovingly and caring, even although she did not fully felt it. She wanted to make him feel loved, for it was their wedding day, it should be the most happy and cheerful day in their life, and the people around them should cheer out of glee for them when they see each other together. However, Lucius knew that her feelings could not, or maybe also would not grow so strong for him. He was the murderer of her husband, he claimed to be the father of her unborn child, she blamed him partly to bring sadness to her people.

On the other hand, she also sensed some restraint in Lucius' kiss. She wondered, as their marriage had no emotional reasons, but political, if he was in love with someone else? Another woman? Just like her, only that her beloved was dead?