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Post by rhapture on Nov 3, 2021 13:32:50 GMT -5
"Oh, I read a little poetry sometimes," Livia answered shyly. "Mostly to be knowledgeable about the Roman and Greek classics. But I've never them out loud." She added.
She took a quick look at her brother, who seemed relaxed and absent minded.
"I am much more interested in stories about your travels. We really do not hear much about what long-haired Gaul is like , or how wild the lands north of Greece are." She almost asked innocently .
Her eyes were wide and seemed to want to take in everything, most of her years had been confined to her house, rarely venturing out to even shop.
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Post by Gandalf on Nov 4, 2021 8:00:22 GMT -5
"Gaul? Well, Gaul is an uncivilised place, my lady. Though they live in walled cities like us and act rather the same as we do, from what I could tell, save for their spiked hair and colourful trousers."
Publius took a sip, and his one good eye seemed to glaze over for a moment.
"They are all large, even the women. It is a land of giants, great hairy giants. But it is a beautiful country, wild and untamed, with fog hanging heavy on the trees in the early morning. Colder and harsher than good old Italia, but a fine place."
It was frontier, wild and exciting. He smiled in memory of the times he spent around the campfires of the legions.
"As for my stories, your brother was there too, for the most part. Conquering the Aquitani sounded glorious, but sitting around in the dirt for days makes for poor telling in reality."
Sulla chuckled as he took another sip of wine. He leaned forwards, conspiratorially.
"Illyria was different. We were up in the mountains, lost in the fog for days on end, surrounded by bloodthirsty tribesmen. Every day spelt danger, true danger, and the men lived not knowing whether the next morning they would wake to find a bearded savage at their throats. The Gauls have a certain nobility that the Illyrians lack. They are like jackals, fierce and cunning."
Luscus chose to leave out the time that Lepidus got them lost in the mountains to preserve the honour of his commander. Truly, he had thought then that it might be his end.
"That was the one time I truly thought I would not live to see my next birthday. Save for when I lost this, of course." He gestured to his eye.
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Post by rhapture on Nov 5, 2021 13:20:58 GMT -5
Livia was enraptured with the tales of foreign lands. Publius had her full attention. She added reactions of "Oh my!" and "NO, it couldn't be!" or "It sounds so dangerous?"
She sensed that he truly enjoyed his time with the legions, and he had a purpose with them. She was intrigued with his passions. Locked away so much in her life, she had never experienced such emotions in her somewhat aloof brother, who was much more of a burning coal than any kind of flame.
After a very enjoyable meal. Where the conversation turned more towards the politics and the coming year, and she only commented a few times on issues which were far beyond her, the brother and sister made ready to go.
"I must thank you for a very wonderful evening, Publius," Marcus said. "And I do believe you have proven to be far more exciting to Livia, than my positive remarks to her have been."
Livia blushed then as she moved forward to say good evening.
"Oh Publius, it was such a pleasant evening, and I am so happy to have met you." She finally got out.
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Post by Gandalf on Nov 5, 2021 15:27:53 GMT -5
"The honour is mine, my lady." Publius bade her a courteous farewell and then turned to Marcus. "You are always welcome, my friend. If I am not being too bold, I will be pleased to organise the marriage at your convenience."
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Post by rhapture on Nov 5, 2021 17:10:09 GMT -5
"Yes that will be satisfactory." Drusus replies.
He shakes his friends hand. "Do hurry back from Gaul, Publius. I know how well the military suits you, but she will need a strong husband around soon enough." He adds. "Lepidus will not screw up too much with out you I am sure." He laughs in jest of his former commander.
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Post by Gandalf on Nov 16, 2021 18:06:32 GMT -5
Having received news of his passing, the will of Publius is opened: his property and money shall go to both Marcus Livius Drusus and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, with a portion set aside for the temples as was tradition.
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