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Post by oznerol on Nov 12, 2021 12:08:53 GMT -5
"Of course, I will"Said Crassus, not even considering he could lose.
"Speak"He waved a hand, motioning for the man to talk. "An outlandish thing to say"He said. "You might be many things, but not negligent"Crassus added. He remains silent for a moment. Which dragged for a bit. The man always had a flair for the dramatic. "Aye, aye, I will do it. I have no need of coin. I just want you, after you're acquited of all charges, to propose the Senate to make me Princeps Senatus..." Mugillanus nodded in agreement. "Simple enough, I agree. If you win me the case, of course." A sword to the guts or knife to the wrists would prevent his family's utter doom.
"But let's not speak about it and prepare your case, shall we?"
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Post by Gandalf on Nov 12, 2021 14:34:42 GMT -5
"Africa.. first legion." Vitus stared at Metellus for a long moment, evidently confused. His eyes widened, however, ever so slightly and he approached a few steps closer, into a more well-lit position. "Ave Consul Metellus Pius," His hand struck a fast and rigid salute before he could remember his new status as a citizen.
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Post by fairies wear boots 👢 on Nov 12, 2021 14:52:27 GMT -5
“You must have served under my father or Marius then, against Jugurtha. I recall your face.”Pius gave a nod of acknowledgement to the salute, looking a little amused at the military formality as a smile crept into the corners of his mouth.“At ease, citizen. We are in no need for soldiery. I requested to see you because myself and our good friend Crassus believe you could be fit to stand for office next year.”Metellus paused just to continue drinking his wine, and then continued with a wave of the hand.“How would Plebeian Tribune sound to you? My clients would canvass for you, of course, so you would not have to worry about being voted in.” Faustus Vitus' eyes flickered in disbelief. He glanced at Crassus, a confused expression on his face. If a soldier could be caught off guard, this was what it might look like. "I.. but I am no politician.." The civis shook his head, very gently. "I cannot see myself bearing a laticlavus. That is a sacred office.." The tribunes of the plebs were obligated to advocate for the people and to veto through intercessio any action considered harmful to the people taken by any magistrate. Vitus knew that, but nothing else - and wasn't sure what even those basic responsibilities would entail. "My experience is with discipline.." He also found it strange that two men of Old Wealth would present him for this specific office. |
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Post by Gandalf on Nov 12, 2021 15:09:08 GMT -5
"Nonsense. A man who served on the field can serve on the forum. This is our way."
Metellus sat up a little straighter now, the smile having quickly vanished.
"Would you not march under and carry the sacred Eagle if your commander ordered? This is just the same." Pius lightly tapped the side of his cup of wine, perhaps betraying impatience. "You will not be without help. Crassus would guide you, as is his duty as your patron." The Consul gestured to his father in-law. "There are few men more experienced in the workings of this city."
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Post by fairies wear boots 👢 on Nov 12, 2021 20:54:22 GMT -5
"Nonsense. A man who served on the field can serve on the forum. This is our way."Metellus sat up a little straighter now, the smile having quickly vanished. "Would you not march under and carry the sacred Eagle if your commander ordered? This is just the same." Pius lightly tapped the side of his cup of wine, perhaps betraying impatience. "You will not be without help. Crassus would guide you, as is his duty as your patron." The Consul gestured to his father in-law. "There are few men more experienced in the workings of this city." , he thought, but they know that. He'd expected to have followed the Eagle into the halls of the fathers long ago. Gladly, for some inexplicable reason. Vitus looked towards Crassus once again, seeing an epitome of the confusing nature of Roma's streets - where there was no darkness and light, but only shades and twilight. "Am I permitted some time to consider this offer?" he asked, knowing he'd have to learn to make quick political decisions in the future just the way he'd learned to make quick calls on the field of death.
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Post by Gandalf on Nov 13, 2021 4:55:39 GMT -5
”We shall expect an answer before the month is out.”
Replied Pius, seeing that the idea had at least taken root within the retired centurion. Something that these soldiers always resonated with was their eagle. He supposed it was why Mugillanus’ defeat had been received in Roma so poorly. In the old days, a man would have fallen on his sword rather than accept such a disaster.
”And, good soldier, remember that we value discretion. Until you have accepted or declined, tell this only to your wife and kin.” The Consul added swiftly.
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Post by oznerol on Nov 13, 2021 8:38:49 GMT -5
"This is your duty, towards Rome"
Said Crassus, who had remained silent, reclined on his seat.
"Do not tarry, Vitus"
He sets himself straight on the triclinia.
"Isn't this what every man could dream of?"
Puts the globet aside.
"Hear the consul. And take our offer"
A smile, all teeth.
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Post by fairies wear boots 👢 on Nov 13, 2021 19:33:37 GMT -5
"I will answer soon, I promise. Thank you, consul and censor."
~~~~~~~~
He returned after two days had passed, knocking on the outer doors of Crassus' impressive domus. He had a letter in hand, in case the censor was not present to receive his answer.
It was a yes.
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Post by Gandalf on Nov 17, 2021 10:21:06 GMT -5
Pius leaves word prior to his departure that Crassus could move out of the Domus Publica and live instead on the Metellan house on the Palatine, at least until his own home is rebuilt to a sufficient standard.
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