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Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 12, 2008 16:09:34 GMT -5
"Great!"Lucius answered smiling, glad about she accepting the suggestion he gave. With they being married it would make an example for the people, to show them that still peace could be achieved even in times of destruction. Curiously he looked at her, wondering what thought when he first had asked the question. Silent had she stayed long, but at least she answered yes. It pleased him, cause never had he married before and she was quite a beauty that he was sure to love. After his first respond to her accepting, he continued sonly after with the look he had on her."I am glad you accept, together we will achieve many great things together. That I am sure about, however is there anything you wish then I will give it to you."He smiled, but took her hands in his as kindly he watched.
Being married to a woman that he would promise to love forever, was something totally new for him. Mostly his time had home he had spent fun with his slaves and others, but never had he thought of marriage before now. It all was done for the safety of the kingdom, being a couple would give them both good advantages in what they wanted to achieve. Softly he had her hands in his, as he leaned over the table to look into her soul by the eyes she looked around with. She were lovely and happy he was to be with her, soon they would marry and become important persons for Rome but also them self.
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Post by Julia Gaia on Feb 14, 2008 10:09:57 GMT -5
Julie put a smile onto her lips, she was not filled with joy of this new, and most of all surprising offer of marriage. Too soon after the loss of her first husband was it, the emotions swirled around in her as if in a hurricane. Only a short time ago, she had not even dreamed of ever being with another man. She had been in love with Leonius and her world was perfect like that. And within such a short time it all became ruined, and she now found herself in an engagement with the Roman Pro Consul, the man who had killed Leonius.
But still, Julia was strong and she smiled, pretending that this marriage was the best that now could have happened. She replied to Lucius "Yes, I agree to this marriage, for it is the best for Etrusca. However, I hope you haven't missed the fact of me awaiting Leonius' child." Unconsciously she there stroke over her bit rounded belly. "For some men it would be unthinkable to marry a woman like me, even in this situation." She now wanted to hear Lucius' thoughts and plans, what was to happen with their child and if he truly was sure the Roman people thought it a good idea as well for him to marry a pregnant widow.
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Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 14, 2008 16:48:46 GMT -5
The news Julia gave suddenly surprised Lucius with a shock, her being pregnant with Leonius was something he had not expected. If the child was born then it could become a threat to Rome, something they would not like to happen. Silent he watched her, but unable to speak as thoughts went inside of him about what to do. Shortly after he nodded, but spoke worried."A child? well..that surely is unexpected news, however that wont change my mind in us being married. Although the child we would need to do something with, either we kill it or we could raise it together as our son. To do that we would need to go more private, so my men wont believe its Leonius child but instead would think of it as mine."With that said, he watched her, as she carefully touched her belly with the hands robbing it. He could see she was happy about, but difficult it now was as her husband lived no more. If they were to raise the child together, it would be teached like a true roman.
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Post by Julia Gaia on Feb 24, 2008 5:38:48 GMT -5
Julia had been surprised that Lucius had not thought about the possibility of her being pregnant, or seen it as her stomach already began to form and to grow rounder and rounder. Obviously, Lucius had not yet so much experience with women to know about pregnancy and its symptoms, she figured probably he never before had been married. However, Julia knew in which danger her child now was, caused by revealing this news to Lucius. She knew well, conquerors of a land feared any heirs of the former ruler, for these heirs could later on try and claim back what rightfully would belong to them, fight for it and cause trouble to Rome. Clearly, the easiest method to get rid of such a threat was to let these heirs be killed at the earliest time.
However, Julia tried to think hard now of arguments to lead Lucius away of the thought of killing her child, for this child was the only left of her family. Her mother had died, so had Lucius and now she had no one else than her unborn child to give her love to and to call family. She would not let any harm come to him or her. So, after Lucius had spoken, Julia replied calmly, although anger and a touch of fear could be heard in her tone. "You will not kill my child. If you would do so and the news of your deed would spread in Etrusca, my people would squirm in anger and pain, you would risk revolts and the Etruscans would lose all respect they have left of the Romans." She told him, making sure to find all negative to talk Lucius into not daring to touch her child. If he now chose to rise the child together with her as their son, Leonius' child would be safe, raised as a Roman. She agreed, a marriage would not only be the best to her people, but even more to her child.
Julia leaned a little back when Lucius touched her belly, this was too close. She just had met this man sitting in front of her, now knowing she would have to marry him, be intimate with him was enough for her in change and news. Being closer than aquired in a political discussion was something she not yet was ready for and so she retreated, hoping that Lucius would understand her reaction. She needed time to get more accostumed to this new road she had chosen.
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Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 24, 2008 16:47:01 GMT -5
The reaction Julia made after the words he told made Lucius worry, even calm he watched her as close his hands rested on her stomach. However deeply he looked into her eyes, thinking what to say until he finally decided."I do not wish to harm your child, only to protect it as a lot it means for you, and possible me in time to come. If you accept then your child will be safe, if not then I can not help what the senate asks me to do."With that said he removed the hands from her body, although gentle took her hands in his."You don't need to fear me, I am on your side."Lucius spoke, glad to have her close but also suspicious in what she thought about him.
Softly he touched her cheek, but deep he looked into the eyes with care and love. She was lovely and the feelings for her grew large, even little he knew so far about her. Together they would rule if married, and with the people of both lands under their command. Although the senate stood the highest and still they were elected to rule, however Lucius had other plans. Carefully he leaned closer, and with a slight touch he kissed Julia with deep passion. If they could make the people believe the child she now had inside was Lucius, then no harm could come to it, but only if she accepted the sleep with him that very moment. He did not know what she wished, thought hoped she would agree and lay down with him.
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Post by Julia Gaia on Feb 24, 2008 17:10:34 GMT -5
Julia believed Lucius' words, he did not wish for more harm to come to the Etruscans or to her. She knew that with her agreeing to marry Lucius she could save them for sure, and therefor she had accepted his proposal. However, she found no love for Lucius within her, she did not wish for any intimacy or bodily contact. Julia could read Lucius' thoughts, she knew he thought about making other people believe that she carried his child and not Leonius'. However, she did not believe this trick could work, in any way. Her belly already was swollen, rounded, surely not easily to see for outsiders. But still, the unborn child was many weeks now old and biologically Lucius simply could not be his or her father.
Although Julia had retreated from Lucius' touch, he had come closer still, touching her hands and kissing her. She did not further withdraw from him, however wished him to stop. So, she did not return his kiss and turned her head to speak. It all came too quick for her, she had not yet known Lucius for an hour and he already wished for them to wed, and was kissing her. "Stop." She began, not ordering but rather begging. She knew, she had given him her word for marriage, and he should be allowed to kiss his bride, but it was no usual situation, no marriage out of love. After a short breath she continued. "I am very grateful for your help, Lucius, but this is too fast. I will not lie to the people and child about who the father is, but raise it as Leonius' child. This last respect you should grant him." Julia spoke, knowing that what she wished for, almost now in ordering tone, was not easy to achieve.
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Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 24, 2008 18:52:03 GMT -5
Lucius reacted in a slight fury by the things Julia did and asked for, he did not like the idea cause to risky it was for the child to be alive. He knew what it could cause in the future, since an heir it would be to the Etruscan throne. Unsure it all made Lucius, but as quickly she removed he himself stood up to think. With a short walk over to the window, he looked out and tried to figure a good decision he could make. With a sigh followed by words, he started to speak."You ask the impossible, if I let the child live and make the people believe it belonged to Leonius then risky it would be for Rome itself. The senate will not like it, nor do I believe they will let it stay alive. A revolt it could cause if the child was killed, but that our government would not make happen. However..."Lucius said while turning, looking at Julia in deep passion and suspicion as he continued."If you birth the child without it being linked to me in any way, then I have no other choice then letting the senate decide."
Lucius spoke, but soon after went to sit down next to Julia in deep thoughts of worries. Having her pregnant was something he did not like, easier it would be if she never had got pregnant in the first place. Although even she was with child, he would marry her cause beautiful he still believed her to be as also royal she had been. Together they would rule and make peace, as the people would stay behind them and forever do as commanded.
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Post by Julia Gaia on Feb 25, 2008 10:01:02 GMT -5
Julia understood how difficult this decision was for Lucius. However, she needed to try and make the best of this situation, get as much out of it for herself and her child as possible. So, at this moment she needed to continue her stubbornness, at least a little longer. "I do not wish to lie to my child, I will not tell him that you are his father, but Leonius." She argued on, not realising she called the child 'he', it seemed easiest to say for her. Soon she went on. "I know that this could cause trouble for Rome, but not if no one else than us three would know. I want this truth to live on and not raise my child with a lie."
It was a highly delicate subject to discuss, and she was not sure Lucius would accept or at least give in a little. But she had to try, what worse could come from it, she asked herself.
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Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 25, 2008 10:38:39 GMT -5
"And you think that this secret could be kept only between us three? Others would know in one way or another, which sooner or later can cause your child to be killed."Lucius spoke as he lot out a sigh, his eyes looked down at floor since unsure it all made him. About Julia being pregnant was something he did not like, if possible he would remove it thought difficult that seemed to be. Neither did she wish to lie, which made things dangerous for all romans. Carefully he touched her hands, but soon after looked up to speak while watching Julia`s eyes."If your child lives and knows Leonius was his father, then your child would forever hate me. I can not let that happen."He said as he turned to look another way, thinking deeply in what to do but hoped she as well could come with suggestions.
Outside in the city, people were taken slaves and brought to Rome as the riches were left behind in peace. Soon the city and country would be changed forever. If Lucius married Julia, then the people would stay true to the new Empire and also do whatever commanded. The queen of Etrusca surely was beautiful, but dangerous it was for her child to live on if birthed it got. He just hoped the child would be a girl and not a son, cause more a treat it would be if a boy where born.
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Post by Julia Gaia on Feb 25, 2008 15:53:12 GMT -5
Julia knew, Lucius had a point there. With always letting her child know that he was the heir of Leonius, the last king of Etrusca, would on one hand secure that Leonius' tale would not be forgotten, neither his line, and Etruscian people would keep up their hope to one day be able and fight themselves free of the Roman overpower. However, on the other hand it was risky for Lucius to let this happen. The child surely would dislike Lucius, as Julia did, they could not feel close to Lucius while knowing that Lucius was Leonius' murderer. As well, if the Romans would discover that Lucius had looked after Leonius' child it would not only have consequences for Leonius' son, but even more for Lucius. Who knew how the Senate would react?
Julia sighed. She knew there was little hope, and still she wanted to somehow make it come true. She spoke "Maybe you are right. But without telling the child about his true history, it will be forgotten, and I do not like the thought of this." She told, not knowing how to express her feeling any better.
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Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 25, 2008 16:28:23 GMT -5
"The history of the past always will remain written, however your child does not need to know everything. Anyway I only see three options, one is that I raise the child of Leonius together with you and try to make him like me as a father even risky that might be, or the child could be birthed but kept in prison as long he/she lives under strong guard. If the senate get to know you are pregnant with the child of this land previous king, then they will order it to be killed at once."Lucius spoke seriously, unsure what to do even thoughts in his mind started to grow. If they married and stood together threw thick and thin, then she maybe one day could help him with the plans he made for future.
From time long ago, had he planned what to do with the senate of Rome when time was clear for an open strike. Maybe with her on his side, they together could change the way of ruling. Making it in the way they them self wished it to be, then no harm could ever come to Julia`s child or him.
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Post by Julia Gaia on Feb 26, 2008 4:55:50 GMT -5
Julia felt herself giving in, she felt that Lucius was right and that these were the only rational options of how to deal with her unborn child. She of course would do anything but letting her child being killed, neither did she want to see him grow up in cold prison walls. So, as Lucius has wished for, her child would be to him like his own son, would look up to him and be proud of him.
In earlier years of her life, Julia always had creamed of how her future once was to be. In these dreams, she was no queen and was only responsible of herself and her family. Her family lived in Etrusca, on the countryside, surrounded by fields of crops, trees and being free. She had dreamed of having children there, and they were playing happily. Julia was reminded of this image now, as in this moment this dream seemed to shatter and not return, not being able to ever be reality.
"I will accept your first offer then, Lucius, and you will bring up my child like his true father would." Julia at last spoke with a sigh.
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Post by Felicita on Feb 26, 2008 14:59:54 GMT -5
All of a sudden, the door to the private room where Julia and Lucius were talking and discussing opened and in stepped Felicita, surrounded by a few Roman soldiers. Felicita had a brown, rough cloak wrapped around herself over her dirty blue dress that she had worn the day that Lucius and she had visited their cousin's camp. Somehow she looked confused, or rather in distress with her mazy hair, bruises and small wounds that could be seen.
As soon as Felicita saw Lucius, she walked towards him, just wishing to hug him in this moment. She did not take any notice of Julia who sat not far from her, but in this moment she was not able to concentrate on too many things or persons at once. "Lucius, you finally came..." she said, hardly to be heard, shortly before she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him.
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Post by Lucius Valerius Silvio on Feb 27, 2008 11:52:54 GMT -5
In return Lucius smiled at Julia who agreed to his first suggestion, it was good she accepted but difficult it would be to raise a child that never truly belonged to him in the first place. In return to the words she spoke, he in answer returned before any other could interrupt."Good, then its settled. I will raise your child as an real would, together we will spend all our love to make it good."He insured her, hoping that everything truly would go well in the future to come. If the child got wrong teached by them and the people around, then a great threat for Rome it could be.
Suddenly in surprise Felicita, the sister of Lucius entered along many guards. It was a shock, even his hope had been in finding her there. Which was one of the reasons to why he had attacked with the force of Rome, finally he had got what he wanted and his sister back alive. As Etrusca was no more, but a province of the new Roman Empire. Lucius had ordered his legionaries to search for his sister and cousin, in every corner of the land. When the doors behind him opened, and the soldiers was seen together with Felicita, he smiled. Quickly he went to hug her as she embraced him, glad he was to her again but sad to see what had happened."Of course sister, I could not let this happen. How are you? you must be hungry...come."Lucius spoke, bringing her over to a place to sit next to Julia and him. Soon after food was brought forth, in case she was hungry after the long time of being captive.
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Post by Julia Gaia on Feb 28, 2008 15:46:46 GMT -5
Julia nodded to Lucius answer, however, at the same moment the doors behind her opened. In came several Roman soldiers, whom she gave a suspicious look before noticing the young girl in their company. She was covered with a blanket, looking awful, and Julia at first did not recognize her at all. Only when this woman came forth to embrace Lucius, she remembered her. Days ago, when Leonius still was alive, she had been in the dungeons and had seen her. However, at that time she had not known who she was, not even that she had been a Roman. At this time, Julia only knew that Leonius had taken the Athenian Queen as captive, to trade her for his sister.
She now stayed silent, obviously she was Lucius' sibling and she did not want to intervene in their reunition.
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