Visiting Rome (Lucius)

[Octavia]

Octavia, Queen of the Celtic people on the Iberian Peninsula, arrived from ship from her homeland. It had been awhile since she has been to Rome and she had heard news that Lucius had gotten married. She came with gifts for him and his wife, as a token of congratulations for their marriage. She was wearing a dress, very similar to that of Roman royalty. In fact, her people have changed in the years. They were no longer like their Celtic brethren. The Celtiberians were now more of a Romano-Barbarian society and people. Their cities were beginning to look more and more civilized and her armies were changing as well.

Octavia's long, wavy brown hair was up in a bun, with a pin holding it all together. Two of her guards, that of which looked strikingly familiar to the Roman ones, were standing at her sides as she walked threw the streets. Another man behind her carried the gifts that she was going to give Lucius. Although it had been awhile, she still remembered her way to the palace. Most of the peasants stopped what they were doing and looked at her as she passed them graceful, her dress flowing in the wind. Most of the people around her got quite when she passed, but once they were behind her, she could hear their whispers.

After a few moments, Octavia arrived at the palace. A Roman guard raised his hand, signaling for her to halt. She stopped walking and she looked at the guard, her brown eyes going to his. "I am here to visit with Lucius. You will let me pass?" Octavia said as the guard nodded. He and another guard went up to the doors, opening them. She smiled and walked inside, her guards and the man who was carrying the gifts followed her inside. She walked a little further into the palace and she looked at one of the Roman guards that was looking at her. "Well, can you go get him?" She asked, as the guard nodded and ran off to find Lucius.

[Lucius Valerius Silvio]

Lucius who had been inside his house resting was by a sudden surprise called by a guard to meet a visitor that had just arrived, quickly he got up and went out. Behind him four guards followed, fully dressed in their great Roman armor. Only to protect, nothing else. When finally he arrived the room next by, his eyes fast got on Octavia. Nothing had changed from the first moment they met, but beautiful she surely looked where she stood. It was clear to see that her nation had grown more familiar Rome the past days that had gone by, mostly cause of the deal that earlier was decided between them. However with gentle steps he walked over to where she waited, smiling with a small nod as he started to speak."Welcome, to Rome and my home."

It was nice to see her again, as long it had been since they last met. However things had changed, Lucius who ones was single were married. Although the wars between Rome and Carthage had still not changed, even difficult times appeared for all. Since the marriage between Lucius and Julia had happened, more power the pro-consul had gained. The senate since then began to feel unsafe, as little they grew in respect. Spies had been sent out to watch Lucius, to figure whatever things he might have planned. However it would not be long before he would move to Etrusca, where he could live in peace until his plan were relieved. Until then he would need support and help, Octavia who was his friend could hopefully assist with it."What brings you to Rome, is there anything I can help with?"He asked with a smile, glad to see her again.

[Octavia]

Queen Octavia was speaking to her two guards in their own language when her eyes went to Lucius when he entered. She turned to face him as he approached her, bowing her head slightly at him. When she raised her head, her eyes went to his as a warm smile appeared on her gentle and serene features. When he spoke to her, she nodded her head. "Thank you, Lucius. It has been awhile, has it not?" Octavia said as her arms crossed slowly. She would have to tell him the news about her nation, but maybe at a later time.

When she heard him ask why she came to Rome, her lips formed into a smile. "Well, I have heard the news that you were recently married. I thought that I may stop by and give you some gifts for you and your new wife." Octavia said. It was odd, that even though they had not seen each other in awhile, she was surprised he had gotten married so fast. If the rumors were true, he married the last Etruscan monarch, after he had killed her husband. In her culture, if the husband died in battle, the widow was to be left alone, giving her time to grieve for her loss. Of course, she knew things were different in Rome.

Octavia held out her hand and the man behind her rushed forward, with a sword in its sheath and he put it on her open hand. She moved the sword to in front of her, her right hand grabbing the hilt and pulling it out of it's sheath, showing a blade with writing and intricate designs running down the center of it. After looking at the blade, she moved her eyes to Lucius. "A blade, made by one of our best crafters. I assure you that it is probably more better then what your Roman smiths have made for you, no offense. Down the center, it says in our language 'May we live together in harmony'." Octavia said as she sheathed the sword and she held her hand out for him to take it. "Your wife will be getting some of the best jewelry made in our country." Octavia said, a smile on her face.

"Well, there is another thing. Ever since our two nations have become allies, it put me at odds against the other Celtic people. All trade rights that were to them were instantly cut off, their leaders not giving us a reason why. Surprisingly enough, our economy did not suffer and we were able to support ourselves. Since our culture is now different from the other Celtic tribes, that sort of makes us a new kingdom. I decided that it may be the best time to start a new nation. A nation called Spain, since that is what the Carthaginians call us. What do you think of that idea?" Octavia asked, her eyes going to Lucius.

[Lucius Valerius Silvio]

"Yes, it surely has been long since we last meet, but I thank you, for these wonderful gifts. I am very pleased, and I am sure my wife also will be."Lucius answered with a smile, glad to see her again and overwhelmed by the gifts he got. It surely was a surprise he had not expected, but happy he was about it. As she continued speaking, he listened while he offered her to walk further into the palace with him. Not far away, some comfortable chairs were placed for them to sit. She probably was hungry after the long journey, although a lot they had they catch up. It had been some months since they last spoke, but still their alliance had stood strong by every help their nations had offered each other.

With a kind look upon her, he told her to sit down as he too would do the same. By the look of her, he could see how beautiful she was. The dress was very pretty and suitable on her, as also her hair was put greatly together. If he hadn't been married he would probably asked her, although necessary business it was to marry the queen of Etrusca to gain the peoples trust. "You wishes your land to have another name? well Spain sounds good, but are you sure that is what you wish your land to be called. I have a offer to you, although I don't know what you think about it. What do you think of becoming a province of the Roman Empire, you and your kind already are very similar, you don't have much contact with your other Celtic friends. Perhaps it is time to change to something greater, if your kingdom became a part of an Empire then I am sure your people would be a lot more happier and safe. You could still of course rule it and keep your traditions and gods, I only suggest it cause I believe we united can stand against any foe that might approach. It wouldn't have been much of a change, just that more people would immigrate each others land, as also your borders would be more safe from enemies then you are now."Lucius asked and suggested with great curious, but with good intension's. If she agreed, it would show the world that Rome wasn't as terrifying as people believed.

[Octavia]

"Your welcome." Octavia said as began to walk with him. She was hoping that Lucius would understand what her nation was planning on doing. They were tired of being called barbarians, since they felt more civilized then that. As mentioned before, they were now a Romano-Barbarian society. Which means that they have begun to adopt the styles of the Roman people. Even her army was changing to be more like Rome's, but it still had it's own differences.

Octavia sat down in the chair gracefully, her eyes going to Lucius. Octavia listened to what he proposed, her eyes moving away from him. She knew that this point was going to happen eventually. She had prayed to the gods that this would not happen, but now she had to make a choice. She knew that if her kingdom would join, it would be safe and secure, but at what cost? She just did not feel comfortable at leaving her new, young kingdom into a empire that could possible make her kingdom never truly be free, which is what they wanted.

Octavia's eyes went back to Lucius. "Yes, I am sure that Spain is a good name for my new kingdom. But, to your other proposal..." Ocatvia said, taking a breath before continuing. "As of right now, I do not percieve any hostilities between the other Celtic tribes and my own nation. My nation, whether you know this or not, is relativly protected from land. The strip of land at the far nothern end of my nation, connecting it to the rest of the mainland, is all mountains. It would be suicide for them to send an army that way and as long as we hold the mountain passes, we will be safe. As convincing as your offer is, I cannot accept. I just don't think it is time for my nation to join an empire. But, I will be sure to accept your offer later, when the time comes." Octavia said, her hand going on top of his. "I hope you are not angry, but I am just looking out for my people. Going into a empire so fast will make my people get uneasy and soon there will be unrest. Then that unrest will lead to a revolt and a revolt will lead to the end of my new nation. Let me get everyone threw the transition first, then I will consider your offer." Ocatvia said, a smile on her face.

[Lucius Valerius Silvio]

"I understand and I am not angry, however its not me you should worry about, its the Roman senate. For days now they tried to keep me under observation, curious about everything I do and I have seen their fear in how afraid they are about giving you and your people more power then them self. They know a lot about your land, which have almost caused them to stop the trade between our nations."Lucius spoke out quickly and frustrated, he did not like what the senate did anymore as more watchful they had become. All since he married Julia, the queen of Etrusca. Since more power he had gained and made alliances with other land without speaking with the council first, they turned more suspicious. Which was the reason to why he moved out of Rome, in Etrsuca he would live until his plan everything was settle and ready.

Shortly after the words he spoke last, he continued with more to say as another request he had in mind. "I do not wish this alliance between us to end, although I cant do much in the senate anymore as spies they have sent to look at every move I make."He said, but worried looked around, hoping that no one heard what he were talking about even loud it slightly were. With a gentle look he watched Octavia who in front of him stood, but moved closer to whisper more into her ear. He did it to not allow any other to hear what he wished to say, thought by the close presence he felt strong attraction to the Celtic queen. "Come with me, this place is too crowded."Lucius spoke and stepped back, watching her as he hoped she understood what he wanted. With a gentle turn, he went into another room where he hoped she would follow alone. He knew that the alliance could stay strong, if they worked together to make it so.

[Octavia]

Octavia listened to Lucius as he spoke about the senate. They sounded power-hungry and if someone got too powerful, they would feel helpless. She thought that it was rather pathetic, sending people to spy on another. She listened as he said that the senate had considered breaking off trade to her land because they were gaining more power then themselves. "The Roman Senate sounds, for a lack of a better word, selfish." Octavia said as she looked at him, her brown eyes going to his.

Octavia watched him as he spoke in her ear to meet him some place else. She looked at her guards and she said something in Celtic to them and they nodded. She stood up after Lucius and she followed him to the room. Her dress dragged lightly behind her in a elegant way. When they got into the room, she turned around to close the door. When she turned to face Lucius, she had a look of frustration on her face. "I knew that this day was going to come. Ever since the things Rome used to be trading us seem to be going down, I knew that something was wrong. Do not take insult to what I am about to say, but your Senate is corrupt. Even you have to see this. They care nothing about the people but only about their own goals. I think Rome needs a leader who can lead her people to victory." Octavia said quietly as she looked at him, hoping that he would not be angry.

[Lucius Valerius Silvio]

Lucius watched Octavia back into the eyes as she replied, but turned to follow her into the room were they could be alone. As they arrived, the doors was closed behind them and further he listened. What she said were true, it was as if she read his mind from an open book. Soon after she spoke finish, he smiled and turned once again to look at her as he answered with a calm mind."You are right, Rome does need a new leadership."He said and stepped closer, watching her with great interest as tall and proud she stood with the beautiful dress she had on."And I can provide that, help me to take over the senate and I will grant you and your people more then you ever could have desired. The senate these days only thinks of them self and power, selfish each and every one of them. If Rome could change from being a republic to become an Empire then I am sure things would turn better, not only for us only but also for everyone else. Spies watches me everywhere I go, I can not live with that. With us united, we can change it all. Soon Carthage will be destroyed, but after I fear worse things may happen. I want Rome and Celtiberia to stand together, you know that. What say you, would you like to help me bringing down the senate?"Lucius spoke seriously as he asked, hoping she would accept since great plans he had about it all.

If they helped each other to change Rome into the better, then closer the bonds between their nations could be. Octavia was a wise queen, a lady who knew the best for her people. Rome on the other hand was different, ruled by old men chosen by the people, thought still unwise and greedy many of them were. Long had Lucius planned on becoming the ruler, ever since the war started with Etrusca and others, as well when he married the Etruscan queen to gain more loyalty. If the world had been different, he would have chosen another to marry. Perhaps Octavia to link the power between them stronger, thought impossible that was now. Only time could show what were to come, even dangerous the path may be.

[Octavia]

Octavia listened to Lucius as he spoke about changing from a republic to an empire. She nodded as he said that Carthage was about to be destroyed. She knew that if he said that, it must be true. She would finally get her land back from the Carthaginian pigs. But, now it was the time to deal with the Roman senate. She knew that there would be a few ways that they could manage to do it. One way is to kill off all the senators, but that would take to much time. Another way is to cripple Rome and show that the senators cannot help the people. Maybe by spreading a disease, but Octavia did not like the thought of so many people dying just to prove a point.

"Of course my people and I will stand with you. I was never allied with the Roman senate, Lucius. I was allied with you, not them." Octavia said as she walked towards the window of the room, looking out it and over the city. She stayed silent for a few moments as the sun-light flowed into the room. Octavia turned back around to face Lucius, her eyes going to his. "Before we discuss our plans further, I suggest that it is wise for us to leave Rome. As you have said, they are spying on you and who knows if they are listening now. Perhaps I can got back to Etrusca with you, where it is safer for us to discuss these sort of things." Octavia suggested, her eyes going to Lucius.

((Would you want to make a post there? ))

[Lucius Valerius Silvio]

"I am glad to hear so, but yes we should find another place to talk. Etrusca will be good enough, I was actually making myself ready to leave when you came."Lucius answered as curiously he watched Octavia, the things she said pleased him exactly it was as he wanted. The Celtibarians was on his side, which would be good in case he one day would take over the senate and make the Roman Republic into a Roman Empire. To change the land into a different way of ruling, he knew it would not work without the people on his side.

That was his cause for war, when he came back home to his wife he had planned to send an army of 50 000 to attack Veneti and Apulia close to their borders. That would not only increase his honor and respect, but as well make the people happy by the spoils that would be given them all after war. Still Lucius was in Rome, making things ready before he would leave. Now as Octavia was with him, they had spoken of great importance, even glad he was their conversation wasn't over. She would follow him to Etrusca, where both could speak alone without spies watching them. With a deep look into her eyes as close he stood, the sight of her made him feel different. She was an adorable woman, although still different in some way they were."We should leave at once if we don't want any other surprises to come, would be bad if the Senate knew about our meeting."He spoke on, worried that spies from the senators already had discovered them.

(Sure, well I posted in the throne room in Etrusca now. You can post there.)