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Post by Julia Gaia on Jan 13, 2008 23:48:00 GMT -5
Julia looked down to the ground for one moment, and swallowed hard. It was not easy to try and persuade the man she loved and especially besides her sick and a little insane mother the only family she had, to persuade him to leave and to send him to danger. Her head told her it was the right thing to do, the best for him, but her heart sickened with every thought of him leaving. But in this moment she needed to stay strong, this was why she swallowed the few tears that had sprung into her eyes to not let him see that on the other hand she wished for nothing more than him to stay.
"You will find your sister. And you will bring her back. These men will help you, they pledged to die for you and so they will if necessary. You will come back to me.. to us." She spoke, trying to encourage him again. The soldiers were lining up in front of them now, the general ahead of them.
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Post by Leonius Gaia on Jan 14, 2008 13:49:38 GMT -5
As Julia spoke to him about leaving, to find his sister and to return, he as well could hear and see the soldiers lining up beside them. They were ready and so were he, if he was allowed he would go to rescue his sister from the brutal Romans that had captured her. Gentle he smiled back to his wife as she looked at him, almost cracking down in tears although she wished him to go. Tight he held her close, but listened till she was finished speaking and then answered, trying to comfort her."Do not worry, I will return safe and healthy. For your sake and our child, now I must go if you want me to."With that being said he leaned close, kissing her lips long and deep, like it was their last kiss. However sonly turned and went over to the general that stood along the soldiers that was chosen, the best warriors they were and able to kill many if needed. They were ready to leave, and a lot was to be done.
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Post by Julia Gaia on Jan 15, 2008 5:46:27 GMT -5
After these last words and the last kiss, Julia remained standing behind, up on the few steps which led up to the palace again. All that was left for her to do was watching while Leonius would leave the city and whole Etrusca. It hurt her, for he was the one main person in her life and to be parted from him almost broke her heart. To prevent this happening, she told herself he would come back, she spoke these words repeatedly in her mind, again and again, as long as it would keep her from having her eyes filled with tears and from showing weakness in front of the public. As queen, she had to be strong, and she had had a few oportunities to show her strength in the past years. However, this time it was an especially difficult situation for her.
She had her hands folded in the front of her body, partly her hair in front of her face because she had been looking down to the ground for a couple of moments. However, now she watched the soldiers formating once more, ready to leave again, led by the general who not yet has been told if he was to accompany his king as well or should be left behind instead.
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Post by Leonius Gaia on Jan 15, 2008 17:34:24 GMT -5
Gentle Leonius said farewell to his wife as she watched him walk over to the soldiers that stood ready, they all seemed fitted enough for the mission though unsure he was if they all would survive. He at least hoped to return safe home, cause a dangerous mission he was to go upon even he did what needed. With a simple order he told them to march out, as horses outside already stood ready waiting for them. With a last glance at his wife, he wished her well but did not speak as she already knew what he would speak.
Quickly he mounted the horse that was brought forth to him, it was a white horse that always had stayed close to him in thick and thin. However as he now sat upon his horse he gave another command to leave, the riders rode ahead while he himself waited as he kept watching his wife upon the stairs close by. With a nod and wave he left, he road along and in distance vanished as not anymore were seen.
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Post by Julia Gaia on Jan 16, 2008 9:41:16 GMT -5
Julia watched Leonius leave on his white horse, together with the ten soldiers and the general. Slowly they marched or rode out of the gates of the palace, and along the street that would lead them south towards Rome. Soon they hardly were seen anymore, the gates were closed again and the servants who have stood to watch this happening now returned to their work
So did Julia, she turned and walked back into the Throne Hall. For a moment she was idealess of what to do and felt vacant inside. She knew, she would have to find some distraction so that she would forget her loneliness. She decided to look after the messanger who had brought them the grave news of Leonius' sister's abduction for now. Later on, or in the following days, she thought she would look after her husband's tasks, whatever needed to be done and whatever she could do she would, now that he couldn't.
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Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 7, 2008 14:29:37 GMT -5
************************************************************************** Months after Leonius had left and returned, the Romans had gone to war. However during the fight, the king of Etruscan had died by the hand of Lucius. As price the land had gone into a part of the Roman Empire, by the sudden conquest the army entered the capital to get what rightfully were theirs. 200 000 men they had brought, but by uniting the lands it had increased to 400 000, all of them along the rest of the army were now to defend their new land and Empire. When Lucius and his soldiers entered the city, they quickly took what they wanted. However to show that they were not barbarians he told the army, only to take those who were poor and leave the rich in peace. The slaves were quickly taken and brought to Rome, as well females were abused by the men who long had lingered after fun. Sadness over Etruscan went threw the city like a storm, but afraid to fight back.
Lucius and 100 men of his personal guard went together with him as he wanted to see the palace, it was a long road to take before he ever could reach it. From the gate of the city were a road that lead up a hill, on top of the hill the palace stood but many stairs was to be walked upon before it was reached. After some minutes of walking, they finally arrived. With the doors open, he were let in. The sight who met him was something he had not expected, but glad he were. The queen, who Leonius had spoken off before his death were seen on the throne. He smiled, but went over to greet her with respect."Greetings, I believe you must be Julia the queen of this land?""He spoke, wondering if what it was true.
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Post by Julia Gaia on Feb 8, 2008 11:22:14 GMT -5
Julia had endured much in the past few months. Not only that her belly had grown more and more round lately because of the pregnancy and had to cope with sudden sickness and the strangest eating habits, but she had to witness her husband raping the Athenian Queen whom he had captured and who furthermore had lost her child in this process, and afterwards she had lost Leonius in the following war. Also, her mother had died only a few days ago. All these news and changes had a bad influence on Julia's health. She was pale, she had lost her cheerfulness and joy, she lost any pleasure in life and mostly stayed inside.
Julia had clothed herself lately only in darker clothes, for in dressing this way she tried to express her deepest feelings and they were dark. So now, she sat on the throne in the former throne room of Etrusca, which now did not exist anymore. Etrusca was no monarchy any longer, but it had been added to the Roman Empire. So Julia was no longer Queen. She was not sure what future would bring for her, since her husband's death everything was uncertain. The Etruscan people were robbed by the Romans now, raped, turned into slaves. She saw her future only dark.
And now Lucius, leader of the Roman army, entered her palace, her Throne Room, adressing her in some patronizing way so that at the first moment she felt only anger and hate for him, and yet he acted politely and respectfully. She got up from her seat, walking only a few steps towards him, standing tall and proud in front of him. The dim light shining in through the windows probably made her face look even more pale, sad. And yet, pride did not leave her, not in front of any Romans. "And you must be the man who killed my husband and took my land, am I right?" she asked him, not entirely politely, her anger and pain easily could be sensed in her words.
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Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 8, 2008 13:28:50 GMT -5
"I am, but for that I am sorry. Sacrifices always appears in war, sadly it had to be your husband who suffered most."Lucius responded seriously, but curious he still watched her as he greeted by kissing her hand. With his gaze fixed on her, he stood up straight again but spoke on." However to honor his death I will give him a proper funeral and I hope you may forgive my deeds, I had none intentions in killing your husband but he so much insisted to fight till death." He said, trying to convince her that he was not evil. If she would like to rule on over her country, he would allow her, but under Roman control. Her beauty truly interested him, but by having her close he looked at her with thoughts inside. Ideas of what he could do came to his mind, even unsure he were in how future would develop. If he could make her his by marriage, then maybe one day the Etruscans would be unafraid in belonging to Rome. However it was just a thought, he at least hoped she would forgive him by killing her husband so they at least could stay close friends.
"Your husband truly were a good fighter, never have I met such strength and courage in battle before. If it is to any comfort, then I would like to tell that the last words he spoke were that he loved you."He said with a smile, but moved closer to look at her. Her character strength was interesting, still after losing the city and a husband she held onto the life she had. The guards Lucius had brought along, were spread around in the castle as the royal guard of him they were. If threats would appear, they quickly would strike the person who tried killing the general.
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Post by Julia Gaia on Feb 9, 2008 6:01:51 GMT -5
Julia had remained quiet during Lucius' speach. She had watched him, closely, to try and get to know him better, his character and behaviour, without having to reveal anything of herself to him yet. He seemed to be truly sorry about Leonius' death, and this meant he did not intend to treat her in any unworthy way, neither anyone of the highest of Etrusca's population. He treated his enemy with respect, even after his death, as he wished for a funeral for her husband. In this moment, Julia truly could not see any evil intentions, neither in his words, in his eyes nor in his mimics or gestures.
Not that she liked him, no, for he was the man who still had killed her husband, even if he had not wished for it. She would never be able to truly like him and admit it to herself. But from her husband speaches about the Romans, she had awaited them, especially their leader and general to be brutal, relentless, never forgiving, taking whatever he wants. But Lucius bringing her the last words Leonius had spoken, that he had loved her, warmed her heart, and for one moment it seemed as if a kind smily appeared on her face, although in the same moment it had vanished again. After all, she had loved Leonius. He was not the love of her life, rather she loved him as a very good friend. However, after his deeds with Felicita and Daphne she would not have spoken to him again before his death, and deep inside she had wished to speak with him once more, and to tell him how much she needed him. And to know that Leonius' last thoughts were about her relieved her a little, he did not die with anger against her in his heart.
"I thank you, my lord, to agree with a funeral for my husband and unborn child's father, and that you have brought his last words to me." She began, speaking still proudly, but with a friendly tone now as well. After a short moment she continued. "However, maybe we should retreat to more quiet quarters of this palace to speak of what shall become of Etrusca, now that it is part of the Roman Empire." She spoke, intending not to speak further of political delicate topics as the future of Etrusca in front of all guards and servants in this house.
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Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 9, 2008 10:03:36 GMT -5
Lucius watched Julia with interest as she spoke, she seemed relieved somehow but unsure he was why. Maybe it was cause of her husband last words, he did not know. However her beauty truly were wonderful, and the sight of him almost made him speechless. When she told it would be better for them to go another place, he agreed with a nod."Yes, let us go somewhere more quiet to speak. It would be best for all parts I believe." He said in return, but with a kind look he reached for her hand. Together they would walk beside each other, like a symbol of peace and harmony. Gentle he helped her down from the throne, but soon after they headed in the direction were they could be alone."Understand this, I am no man of evil. All people deserve respect in life, even enemies." He continued, but looked at her. The elegance in her movement was nice he believed, never had he met a woman like her even many he had been with before. The thoughts he had earlier returned back to him by the look of her, maybe it soon was time for him to get a wife. If a good connection would grow between them, then a good possibility it would be for them to unite as couple.
"Your palace here in Etruscan, is very well made if I may say. You surely know how to build houses, maybe our countries could share the wisdom we have and build monuments that are even greater?"Lucius suggested as they walked, wondering what she thought about it. The idea was good, but also it was a sign of what he believed could happen between them. With their countries united, it also could be clever for them to marry. However it all was thoughts, only fate could decide the outcome they now traveled.
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Post by Julia Gaia on Feb 11, 2008 5:38:18 GMT -5
Julia slowly laid her own hand into Lucius' and moved towards another side room to the Throne Room, where no one would disturb their conversations and discussions. On the way, she spoke "So you plan on merging our two countries, in culture and everything else? Surely my people are grand architects, always were, and with putting our both knowledges together we surely could achieve great goals. But still our cultures are entirely different, aren't they? Our believes, and behaviours." Julia told him. On the one hand, surely it was mainly important to restore the peace, and therefor working together was essential. On the other hand, Julia wished for the Etruscan people to remain independent of the Romans. It was a tough situation for her.
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Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 11, 2008 14:36:24 GMT -5
Lucius was glad Julia accepted the hand he reached out to her, when they walked together he listened to everything she said. Still as she were young, her beauty attracted him a lot. Curiously he looked upon her as they moved, seeing the way she moved was both gentle and elegant. The dress she had on, was unique to all others he had seen before. However such was to expect when he came to another country, with different traditions and culture. In answer to the words she spoke, he simply answered."Yes, our traditions is different but still we can learn from each other. Rome has always been upon for new religions, and if you have others to include we would of course give them a chance among the people. With our different skills in war, we could learn a lot from each other. I suggest we should figure a way to unite our people, as well our traditions."
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Post by Julia Gaia on Feb 11, 2008 14:57:33 GMT -5
They reached the next room and walked through the doors. Comfortable seats were placed in the middle, circling a table with drinks on it. Julia let go of Lucius' hand now, sickness rose in her slowly when she thought that with these hands Leonius had been killed. However, she had accepted Lucius' apology, she had seen that he was honest in this point and appreciated it. After a short moment of suppressing these dark thoughts again, she sat down on the seat closest to her, offering Lucius another seat opposite to her.
Finally, she replied to him. "There you speak true words, two nations, even if they are as different as they only can be, still can learn from each other and work together. I agree, we surely should work on merging the costums of our two nations." She began. Julia agreed, probably it was the best for Etrusca to get better used to the Roman rules. They would not have to give up their culture, the costums they had been used to until now. "However, I am curious on what you have planned about the Etruscan ruler. It is a monarchy no longer, but a Roman province, ruled by Romans. What place will I have in your system? And who will be the ruler?" This question was the truly important one for Julia, and for all Etruscans, who their ruler would be, and how much power the Etruscans still would have in their land, how the political future would look like.
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Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 11, 2008 15:47:06 GMT -5
"Well.."Lucius began as he sat down on the opposite side of her, with a smile he looked at her as the words she spoke were truly important. Not only for Rome, but as well Etruscan who now had turned into a province of the new empire."Etruscan surely need a ruler after what had happened, although since your a female, you can not continue as queen alone. Therefor I suggest, or I think it would be good if we married. Together we could rule, even with the senate in our back. What do you think? Would you accept this marriage proposal?"He asked with great curiosity, hoping she would accept as good it would be for both parts. If they became husband and wife, then the people would see nothing was to be worried about. Even their land was gone, the tradition and culture were to remain in the new Roman system.
"I know this might be soon, but I think it would be best to speak about it now then later. Even your land lost against our power, there are still treats outside our borders. I suggest we do whats best for our country security, but also to make our people understand that with us united as couple we can show them its possible to live in peace."Lucius spoke with a smile, thought moved closer as he wanted to look into her eyes. With gentle he leaned forward, taking her hands in his as he waited for her to answer. Would she accept the marriage, or would she deny it.
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Post by Julia Gaia on Feb 12, 2008 6:08:49 GMT -5
What Lucius now proposed was the least thing Julia had awaited, she had not even considered marriage so soon after Leonius' death. She was with his child, in Etrusca it was unusual to propose to a woman who just has become a widow, especially when she awaited her dead husband's child, it was unusual even out of political reasons. Of course, the situation Etrusca was in was extraordinary, Etrusca did no longer exist as independent country and Julia as its Queen needed to think what was best for the country, no longer what was best for herself or her child. She needed to act to the best of her people.
And the best for her people was peace now, they would not be able to fight themselves free of the Roman empire now, for they were too weak. Peace was the only option, and to gain as much power still over their country as Rome would allow. And if she would marry Lucius as he proposed, she still would have something to say in all decisions made for Etrusca, she would rule it together with him as she was not able to rule alone. A wife has her methods to influence her husband, and so she would do.
All of a sudden it stood clear in front of her. The marriage to Lucius was the only reasonable option for Etrusca to remain as independent as only possible. It was the best for all Etruscans, it also was preferrable for her unborn child as it could be raised with Lucius as father figure in his or her life, and Julia would have someone at her side again, although she knew deep within she never would be able to love him.
After a long period of silence, Julia answered to Lucius, looking seriously for neither did she feel really happy nor relieved with this solution, she did it for her people. "I agree, Lucius, I believe what you proposed would truly be the best for my people." She answered, it was short but she still needed to get to know more about what Lucius had planned, what he sees in this marriage.
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