The Grace of Juno

[Lady_Mornington]

Casting Call

An idea for a thread set in Ancient Rome around the time of Julius Ceasar's ascension to consul. Centered around a patrician family with all that such a scenario might entail. I had to take certain liberties when writing the different roles, although I hope this will not prove to be a problem.


The Gracchi

Tiberius Marcus of the Gracchi. - Severusmax
40 years of age. Head of the branch of the Gracchi family. "A thinking soldier" commanding one of the Legions in Gaul. A staunch supporter of Ceasar and an up and coming man of the new regime. Undisputed ruler of the house yet not a tyrant. Loves his family and has a close bond with Aurelia.

Tiberia Julia
35. A devoted wife and mother. Intelligent of a kind disposition. Trying her utmost to preserve the standing of her family. Concious of her rights as well as obligations as a noble in Rome.

Tiberia Aurelia - Honey B / Alexandra 1979
Aged 19. Eldest child of Marcus and Julia. Originally to have been married into the Avitus family, but her intended husband died before the ceremony. Intelligent yet overly cautious knowing that she is to be married off to strenghten the ties between the Gracchi and another family of importance. Very much a child of Marcus.

Tiberius Livius - Steiner
Aged 18. Youngest surviving child of Marcus and Julia. Not yet a man according to the law of Rome. Studious and highly intelligent. Marcus intends for him to become a general in time and to succeed him at public office, although his inclinations is more to the arts. More like his mother in personality

Lycia - MelancholyBaby
18 Scheming slavegirl. But a nice person at heart.

There may be additional roles as well. If you're interested please respond by PM. The Gracchi would, with today's standards, be viewed as depraved yet incestual relations were not uncommon in Rome...

LM

 

[Steiner]

PM sent!

 

[Lady_Mornington]

IC: Tiberia Julia

There had not been a thunderstorm like this for well near a decade. Lighning marred the sky so that even the Great City of Rome seemed cowed by the intensity of its wrath.

Tiberia Julia of the Gracchi was wide awake. Not because of the thunderstorm but rather from the pain she experienced. Her hands clasped to her stomach, tears running down her cheeks.

She had already lost one son, and now it seemed she would lose another. The pain searing from her womb and throughout her entire body.

"Livius" she spoke his name through clenched teeth. Livius had been plauged by the fever, his skin burning to the touch. His illness bringing back the pain she had felt when when Vitus had been taken from her. It had been but a year since his passing, a year of mute grief in the house.

She had however not been able to grieve, her attention focusing on her husband, trying to console him. Vitus had been his favourite, the one of their children that resembled himself the most. He had been gracious about it in public, yet she knew of his intense pain that he could not hide. She had done her best trying to offer him solace, yet there seemed to be no words that could bring him out of the darkness he was currently wandering in.

And now Livius as well. Julia bit her lip, fighting the need to scream out her frustration, the feeling of utter helplessness. The Gods knew how much she had tried to keep their family together, trying to be strong for the sake of her husband and for her remaining children.

Looking at Aurelia's sleeping form. "Darling Aurelia". Julia's pained features for a moment softening, as she looked at her daughter. Still afraid of the thunder and insisting sharing her bed for the comfort Julia could offer. Carefully pushing a strand of hair from her daughter's face.

"Why must my children be cursed?". Aurelia's intended husband having succumed to one of the numerous epidemics that ravaged the city from time to time, leaving her in the ward of her father. "The poor girl isn't going to find a husband anytime soon". Julia thought to herself.

"At least she has a father who cares for her".

Marcus did care for Aurelia, perhaps more than was to be expected. He had taken time for her, even though she was only a girl, and the bond forged between them had persisted through her life.

Looking at Aurelia again, Julia silently stood up. She needed to see to Livius. There would of course be a slave in attendance but something told her, "A premonition", that she was the only one who could save him. Walking barefoot through the house and only pausing to light a candle by the altar dedicated to Juno. Godess of Mothers. Kneeling in front of the figure she silently prayed

"Mother see to thy servant, look to my son and bring him unharmed through his illness"

Putting her soul into the prayer, not remembering when last she had prayed with such a fervour.

"I will sacrifice a bull in your honour, Mother, if you grant thy lowly servant this boon"

Getting up she walked to Livius' chamber. Demeter, the elderly house-slave was in attendence and she quickly stood up and bowed as the Mistress of the House entered.

"He is stable" was her laconic answer to Julia's wordless question.

Telling her to leave, Julia kneeled by his bed, soaking a cloth in the bowl of water sitting beside it she wiped Livius's forehead, almost burning herself.

"Please see him through this" her wordless prayer yet again directed to Juno.

Remaining prostrate she took his hand, gently caressing it, trying to convey some little solace to her son.

"Don't take him from me, don't take him from me"...

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Tiberius

He hadn't touched any woman, even his wife, let alone a slave, since the child died. Normally affectionate and tender with everyone, he felt sullen and withdrawn. He felt cursed by the Gods, as if they were out to get him. Now, however, he'd had enough wine and self-pity. This was not how a legate of Caesar's behaved. He didn't want to disgrace himself or the legions that fought in Gaul, or his family, by acting so out of character.

"My dear wife, I know that I am in command of this house by law and custom, and you normally obey me, but keep me away from wine for a bit, eh? Don't dare let me touch the stuff. It's turned me into a stranger the past few days. Instead of solace, it's given me morbid obsession with death. We'll make it through this storm and the loss of a boy. My apologies for being so distant lately," he said aloud.

"Perhaps I can make it up to you tonight."

Then he had the most bizarre thought...how lovely his poor daughter was. Oh, now that's the wrong thought for a senator. Everyone knew that incest happened now and then. Look at Publius Clodius and his sisters, after all. Still, it was something that wasn't openly admitted, unlike adultery and lechery, which was quite frequent and even winked at these days.

 

[Steiner]

Livius

Livius stirred in his fever-dream, the one where the snakes coiled endlessly around his limbs and his very bones burned with fire. Sometimes he imagined that the fire burned in his eyes when he opened them and that was a good thought - it made him feel closer to the Gods, somehow.

He wondered if that was how it felt to be his Father. The General. The Hero. The Senator. Friend to Gaius Julius Caesar and stalwart commander of Legions.

The memory of his father caused Livius to stir uncomfortably in his feverwracked sleep. How to tell his father that wrestling and horses and arms bored him? He knew that soldiering wasn't entirely unintellectual as a pursuit, but it would take so long to reach the level where his thoughts would be considered important - why when he considered the secrets to be unlocked in the study of the Greek Mathmatics, the mutable and shifting truths of Philosophy or the classic beauty and order of geometry...

The cold water from the cloth rolled over his brow like liquid ice - soothing the fiery pain and helping him think again. That'd be his mother, no doubt. The servants were attentive only when watched, and seldom lifted a finger to ease his pain. Dear sister Aurelia feared contagion too much to visit often and his father barely intruded upon Livius's sick bed. He knew why, of course, it was undoubtedly the memory of his elder brother, now with the Ancestors. Seeing Livius wracked with the same fever that stole his golden child from him must wrench at any fathers heart, he supposed.

Again he stirred, feeling the tight bands of the fever starting to loose a little. He wouldn't die tonight, he knew it. Flickering his eyelids he managed a weak smile up at the face of his mother - barely able to see her face in the dimness - before passing into a deeper slumber.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Julia

The voice of her husband, her master echoing through the otherwise silent house. Turning her head to look at him where he was standing in the doorway. He made no sign to precipitate an entry, not wanting to get to close to the one enemy he could not defeat. Turning slightly and bowing her head she spoke softly, indicating wholly that she understood just how great trust Marcus had bestowed her with.

"We will not lose him"

Julia had kept her voice low, not wanting to wake Livius from his troubled sleep, yet her tone carried the ultimate conviction that Juno would indeed be merciful. Livius would be spared.

"Mea Vita, he will live"

The realisation of the fact now evident to her. Slowly standing, her legs long since numb from her prostrate position, and walking towards him. Bowing her head slightly and tentatively placing her hand on his arm.

"Would you require me to attend to you?

The qustion hesitant as Julia feared that by leaving her son's bed, he would succumb anew to the fever. Looking at Marcus and seeing how he struggled to maintain his dignity. He had always been composed, analytical, some would even call him cold. Yet Julia knew just how kind he was and his seemingly infinite propensities to love. Yes, he was indeed kind and he had given her numoerous tokens of the deep affection he still held her in. Knowing that he prefered her to be the one sharing his bed even after so many a year. Yet now it seemed imprudent to leave Livius's side, now when Juno seemed to have heard her prayer.

Caressing Marcus's arm again she gathered the courage necessary to speak her fears, telling him how she feared that by leaving she would anger Juno and condemning his son to death.

He had agreed and kissing her forehad left her to her wake. Julia returned to her son, once again sitting down by his side. His breathing calmer and his skin not quite so hot to the touch. Taking his hand in hers she waited...

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Tiberius

Tiberius felt poisoned, as if the excess of wine he'd consumed the past year had permanently harmed him in some way, though thankfully not in a fatal way. In any case, he intended to avoid wine from now on, possibly forever. He needed to "dry out", was the only phrase that came to mind. No more wine. Stay sober, regain that intimacy with wife, family, slaves, both the erotic kind with wife and certain slaves and the more filial kind with his son and daughter. Somehow, he had a dream the night before, a dream of the Goddess Juno, warning him not to neglect his roles of husband, father, and master, not to drive away the ones dearest to him in his grief. She told him that the time for mourning was over, it was time to prevent his son's death and look out for his wife, his daughter, and his slaves.

The meaning was clear. His beloved wife had been remarkably patient with him, but she had needs, both physically and for consolation too. She needed his strength and protection too. His daughter needed her father now. His slaves needed their master, especially Lycia, a slave whose real name was long forgotten, but who reminded him of his days in Lycia, hence her name.

She was the niece of a dead pirate, whom he had captured once during Pompey's campaign and he kept her ever since. His wife turned a blind eye to it, as was proper for a Roman wife to do, provided that he not neglect her. The tragedy was that the past year, his only mistress had been wine, and he HAD neglected everyone, from his beloved Julia to his son and daughter, to his sweet Lycia. The only reason that he knew for sure that it wasn't too late to remedy it and be strong for them, was that the Goddess had told him so. He had appeared strong in public, when he bothered to appear in public at all. Lately, even Caesar had complained about his absence from several sessions of the Senate and several rites of divination, for he was an augur, a priest whose duties involved omens and foretelling the future.

Perhaps that was why the Goddess had appeared to him in such a manner...unless, she had simply answered his wife's prayers. He was not blind to his wife's piety and reverence for the Gods, particularly Diva Juno, patron Goddess of motherhood and women.

He forced himself to stand up and go to his son's room at last. It was time to make up for lost time.

"Livius, my dear boy, you are my heir now. We can't let you stay ill. Tomorrow, we'll make a sacrifice to Aesculapius on your behalf at his Temple. I'll call more physicians, don't worry. Perhaps one of the old army docs can help you. I won't lose you as well.

"Last night, the Goddess Juno warned me in my dreams that I stood to lose my family if I didn't act to save you, your mother, and your sister. She jolted me from my lethargy and drunken stupor. I was sober again and saw things clearly for the first time in a year. My year of mourning is over. It's time for me to be a father again, a husband again, a master again, and a senator and augur again. I'm the paterfamilias and will be until my death. It's time that I became myself again and acted like it.

"She also told me that you wish to be a great man, but in a different way. You're no vir militaris, no professional soldier. I can pull strings and get you secretarial duty. It would be best for you and the legions. Only natural soldiers should be in combat. I should know. I've been on a battlefield. I wouldn't want to lose you to an enemy sword, because you lost your nerve and didn't defend yourself in time. You'd be bad for the army and the army would be bad for you, in anything other than a clerical role.

"There is another path for a man to rise to prominence. The path that is best for you, as a man of your rank. You're luckily of noble blood, so that will help you. You're more secure than that rustic Cicero, but you can follow his example. He rose to power by being a great advocate in the courts. That will allow you to study as much as you wish, both philosophy and law, and use that knowledge, to get your clients acquitted and your enemies convicted. A man of letters can still be a great advocate, senator, and augur. I hope to see follow in my steps in that much. Maintain your reverence for the Gods and seek a priesthood of some kind, at least an augurship. Perhaps you can even become a pontifex.

"You're a good boy, soon to be a good man. You're been through the Feast of Juventas. You've been given the toga of manhood. Now, you just need to prove yourself as a man, to be acknowledged by all as a man. It is long past time that you find your first client. Luckily, Rome is at peace on most fronts for a change. It shouldn't be too difficult. We Romans like to sue each other all of the time, after all. Become an advocate, a great one with my blessing. We'll find you a wife in time too. One fit for your rank.

"Don't act so surprised that I am aware of things. I've been out of it during my drunken grief, but that is over. I don't plan to touch the stuff again, even casually. It's too dangerous for me. It has become a poison for me, I don't know how. Now that I'm sober, I'm aware of things again. A vision from Juno doesn't hurt. I've done a lot of thinking today. And the thunderstorm has just confirmed everything. The Gods want me to act," he told his son, as he ruffled his hair a little and then left the room.

Seeing his wife, he planted a kiss on her mouth, the first in a long time that was free of the smell of wine. He wanted to let her know that his mourning period was over, his drunken moments were no more.

"I'm not going to drink anymore at all, dear. It's done. No more drinking. I want to be a good husband, father, and master again. Thank you for your patience with me. Juno spoke to me last night in a dream and told me to act now, to keep my family from destroying itself. This household will fall apart unless I do something."

He then gave Aurelia a kiss on the forehead and hugged her.

"Don't worry. We'll find you a new husband. I'll make sure of it. I'm back. The drunken madness is gone. I can see things clearly now. The Goddess Juno spoke to me and let me know what I was allowing to happen, what I must not allow to happen. Now, kiss your mother and stop avoiding your brother. You won't catch it from him. It's not a contagion. It's just the fever, and we will sacrifice tomorrow to Aesculapius, to make it go away.

"Now, everyone, how about some dinner? We can all use some food. Even your brother. We can have his favorite slave girl, Eunice, feed him a little here and there. That should improve his mood, which would increase his chances of recovery. We'll have the physicians brought over as soon as we can again."

 

[Steiner]

Livius

It was almost more than he could bear, to hear his father speak so, the man who had almost been dead in his heart. Again he forced his eyes open, a hint of iron visible in his effort.

"Father... I will..." but the effort to speak was too much after his long silence and he slumped back gasping. The path he had long wished to tread was now open to him at last! At last! First as an Aedile he would have plenty of time to study at his own pace. Then he would become maybe a Quaestor where he would be able to put that knowledge into ACTION. Making a difference. It was all so clear - now that his father had decided to help him rather than work against him. With his father rebuilding their prestige at court, a Senatorial position was guaranteed him - perhaps even high office later. The possibilities open to a Patrician family were many - they went far beyond military service. He knew his father was right - he would be a poor soldier, too wound up in thinking his way through fighting, he'd be sure to fall before some quick-witted savage.

He felt his fathers presence leave the room and sank back. Resting. Hoping. Healing.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Julia

The change brought about in her husband could only be attributed to Juno.

"Thank You Diva Juno, Holy Mother, Protector and Guardian"

Julia mouthed the prayer as her husband kneeled by Livius's bed, recounting his plans for him. She could feel tears burning in the corners of her eyes, yet this time out of joy. Her husband had decided not to send him to the Legions, but instead allowing him to follow the path he wished to wander.

As he turned to Aurelia and kissed her forehead, telling her how he in time would see to it that she would be married to a suitable noble, Julia's tears fell freely.

Tiberius looked at her, and she sensed the warmth she had thought long since gone, flow to embrace her yet again. Shaking her hand, trying a smile as she gently placed her hand on his muscular arm.

"Mea Vita, your judgement is as sound as ever, and I shall summon Demeter and Eunice to prepare our meal"

She couldn't resist and, for a second she rested her head against his shoulder. Mouthing a more intimate thank you, not intended for any other ears than his. The Gods knew how much she had missed his company, his caresses. However Julia was well aware that she was not to initiate any more intimate exchange than the innocent affections she now bestowed on him.

Giving Aurelia, who looked throughly disshevelled, a reassuring hug before summoning Demeter and Eunice. Giving them instructions to prepare the meal in celebration. Giving Eunice a thoughtful glance as the girl slowly made her way to the kitchens. She knew the affection which her son held the slave in, and while this was all very well it could potentially mean that she forgot her station. Reminding herself to gently bring the issue up with Tiberius, askinig his advice as how to react.

Sitting down again by Livius's side and caressing his cheek. His breathing stable and there was the shadow of a smile on his lips. Gently and without disturbing him she leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead, safe in the knowledge that he would remain with her now.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Tiberius

He was pleased that dinner seemed to go well, with the tension relieved by his new sobriety and return to his senses. He was good as his word, drinking only water that night, while eating a hearty meal for the first time in weeks. Gone was his diet of wine and dates. He was sick of both. He ate what everyone else ate, including the salad.

He was also pleased to see his daughter hug her brother and kiss her mother. He was even pleased to see his son's spirits improve for the moment as he flirted with Eunice. A slave lover was fine...provided that she didn't put on airs because of it. That was dangerous for any slave to do, since she needed to learn that a master's favor could vanish as easily as it occurred. And it was dangerous for Livius to get used to being puddy in his slaves' hands. Kind, yet firm, that was the best policy for slaves. Enjoy their favors now and then, but don't let them rule the roost.

Yet, he was proud of his son...for all of the boy's poor health and unmilitary nature, he was a handsome and intelligent youth. He'd be a great advocate and senator one day.

He then kissed his wife more passionately, at the end of the meal. Tiberius wanted her to know that he would be a complete husband to her again. Already, he had to restrain himself, for fear of taking her on the spot. That might be bad for the children to see....then again, they were both of age. Even so, they had to be proper and keep that for the bedchamber. Slave girls were for other rooms, wives for proper marital beds.

 

[Steiner]

Livius

The smell of the food had awakened him - weak and embarassingly hungry. He'd tried to sit up and feed himself - but the effort had exhausted him quickly. Luckily the slavegirl he thought of as 'his', Eunice, had been allowed to remain in the room for the meal, and had fed him when it looked as if his mother might leave her own couch to do it.

Livius had always been close to his mother, his frequent brushes with illness and his quiet nature as a youth had resulted in him spending time in the villa when Vitus and his father had been occupied with more boisterous outdoor pursuits. He knew she was more attentive to him than many Patrician mothers, but counted himself lucky. He knew that too many of his contemporarys suffered under parents who saw them as little more than assets. With his fathers newfound health and focus Livius mused that he had as close to perfect a homelife as any man in the great city.

He caught his fathers eye at one point as the man was studying him and smiled his first genuine smile at him for some months. It seemed incredible that the Pater of old had returned, yet for now he was as good as his word - once more the firm center of the houses business and moods. Out of respect for the mans stand, and also due to his weakness, Livius drank water to match his fathers abstinence.

After the meal he relaxed back on his couch. Content, tired, and for once not feeling the ravages of his illness.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Julia

As the meal progressed Julia was certain that her family had left the evil times behind them. Her beloved husband once again the rock on which she could lean. His assertive yet kind manners once again visible. The way he carried the conversation, even doing his utmost to engage Aurelia made Julia's heart swell with love and pride for him.

Like any other woman of her class she had been married with the suitable candidate in order to strenghten the ties that bound the Patrician class together. Yet she could count herself fortunate having ended up with Tiberius. His manners, even when going through the darkest despair after Vitus's passing, had always been impeccable and among his peers he stood out as he had not once raised his hand in anger to her.

Smiling as he whispered sweet nothings to her, knowing what he wanted and expected. It thrilled her that he still found her attractive enough to desire her. She had been considererd, and was considered still to be beautiful, even though she hardly claim so herself. As for her husband, Julia had to admit just how blessed she had been, given Tiberius's striking appearence.

Keeping her attention equally divided between her husband, Aurelia and Livius she found herself increasingly annoyed with the way Eunice kept lavishing he attention on her son. It was not that Julia was averse to the liason as such, yet she couldn't help but find the girl's attentions going way past what was to be expected.

"Eunice" using her most stern tone of voice "I belive that Master Livius had had quite enough now" looking at her son once more as he lay back being fed morsels from the hands of the girl. "I'm sure Demeter needs you in the kitchen"

The young girl stood up in an instant, bowing and scurried off. Julia had never been a tyrant vis-a-vis the slaves of her household, yet any one of them knew that angering the Mistress, no matter how kind she may be, would certainly have dire consequences.

Turning again to her husband she let herself be kissed, gently deflecting the wordless question as to her action. Tiberius would of course have been more patient, knowing exactly the mind of a young man. Whispering in his ear that she'd be with him shortly after seeing her son to bed.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Tiberius

"Meum mel, you're definitely a mother," he thought. Julia was probably worried that Eunice wanted to manipulate Livius's youthful exuberance and get a higher station than was usual for a slave girl. Emancipation was rare for the overwhelming female majority of slaves, whereas male slaves could usually expect to be manumitted, unless they worked at grazing or some other form of heavy manual labor, in which case male slaves could expect to die after a short bit of hard, backbreaking work. Even gladiators fared better than those "gruntwork" slaves.

In any case, it was a cause for worry. Now and then, a silly slave girl got notions in her head that her master would free her and marry her, which seldom ended well for either of them. Or she just put on airs around the household, which was bad news too.

The case of Cato the Censor and his slave girl after he became a widower was a case in point. The slave got exaggerated ideas of her importance in the household and had to put away as a lover. Of course, the old man then got revenge on his jealous son by marrying the daughter of his freedman, a Salonia. He got away with it only because he was Cato the Censor, a famous Roman consular who was beyond reproach by then. It was still an object lesson in the dangers of getting too close to the help. They were part of the family in a way, but not totally.

And they were certainly not equal to the likes of an educated young man like Livius, of impeccable birth and breeding. Sleep with them, but never become too enamored of them. A bastard was one thing, and perfectly normal, but no such bastard could be a replacement for the fruit of a respectable Roman marriage, not when one parent wasn't Roman or even free. He needed a good Roman lady, and sooner than most. There was plenty of time for foreign women after he had safely sired a son or daughter on a Roman woman of his own class.

Not a snob exactly, Tiberius knew the necessity of having legal heirs, you see. Ones that could be given land and money in a proper Roman will that was stored with the Vestals. No children of a slave could ever be consul, either. Not realistically. Tiberius wanted not only sons, but grandsons in the curule chair. He wanted generations of consuls from his loins. No child from a Greek slave girl could be a consul, or realistically even a senator.

He also thought of his daughter, Aurelia. He couldn't blame himself or any man for a liaison with slave girls now and then, but his daughter....incest was still scandalous...so why did he have such thoughts? He also wondered if Julia had such nasty thoughts about Livius now and then. He wouldn't be surprised, given how handsome and yet frail his son was. A tender maternal love and care might well turn into....lust? After all, his growing attachment to Aurelia was rooted in paternal feelings of passion for his bereaved daughter. Could it be that lust often originated in such compassion? Incest, no less! He had to find some solution to his fondness for Aurelia. Even now...his loins felt a sensation thinking of her.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Julia

Kissing her husband gently, promising to attend to him very shortly, she led Livius to the bedchamber. He seemed so frail as he held on to her arm, and Julia could not help to feel a surge of worries again. "

"Will he ever be wholly restored" and instantly chiding herself for doubting Diva Juno. Of course he would recover, and become just a great man as his father. The thought of his coming greatness once again made her heart swell, Livius had always been her favourite, not that she'd admit it, but that was the plain truth to it. Vitus had been the spitting image of Tiberius and Julia had to conceed that so was Aurelia.

Hugging him to her, in what would have been seen as perhaps a bit inappropriate a way, Roman mother's were not supposed to openly show such affections for their sons, yet she could not restrain the impulse. He responded in kind, being generous with his affections as well "so like me". Making sure he was confortable, she kissed his forehead before leaving him but not before turning in the doorway giving him a final look as she went to the Master bedchamber.

Tiberius was waiting for her, his eyes speaking volumes of what he needed. She had grown adept in reading his signals, and sometimes she knew what he wanted even before he himself did. She had taken some pains in order to please him, having dressed in the robe he liked the most, putting her hair up in a fashion that would enhance her femininity and wearing the expensive fragrance he liked.

Slowly undressing and getting on all fours on the bed, her head held low, waiting for him to penetrate her. Julia knew that it pleased Tiberius that she showed a bit of initiative, yet she would never dream of initiating such intimacy between them. It was his prerogative and she was to make herself availible. She could feel the matress shift as he got on the bed, running his hands across her naked back, Arching slightly she made herself ready, her arousal triggered by his...

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Tiberius

Tiberius couldn't resist the sight of his lovely wife on her hands and knees. It had been so long...and he owed her a good fucking...and/or lovemaking session...to remind her that he still wanted her. As he entered her sex from behind, he made a point of kissing the back of her neck and her shoulders....while lightly caressing her clit...wanting to tease and tantalize her a bit. He also began softly touching the puckered hole of her bottom...rubbing it tentatively, as if to gauge her level of interest in something like that...as wild as they had been together...he had never pushed for that yet...but he thought that he might like to try it with her at some point...if he could get her interested in the idea. It was just hard and awkward to approach with a lady of his and her class. A senator's wife traditionally did NOT let men take her asshole, even her husband. Then again....she was not a typical wife...she had proven so much more passionate and alive than most women in her class...who knew for sure...he wondered, as he continued to thrust inside, deeper and harder finally...after being a little more tender at first.

"Meum mel...you are so lovely....I have forgotten just how sweet and smooth you are...always smooth skin...always soft and feminine...always full of passion and fire...and warmth...and heat....," he said, as he took her more forcefully.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Julia

Feeling Tiberius enter her brought sensations of utter pleasure to reverberate through her body. She had always enjoyed his sexual attention, and more often than not, been ready to accomodate him, even at the times when his urges flared up without much prior notice.

Julia had always thought it proper to make herself availible for his advances, and she'd thus leaned to wholly embrace the gratifications it brought. His manhood pushing into her softness coupled with his gentle touch, brought small moans of pleasure to escape her lips, Tiberius had always paid attention to her pleasure as well as his own, and doing so in an expert manner.

His roaming fingers trailing between her cheeks, pushing for a moment at her backdoor, Her first impulse to pull away, it was not supposed to be like that between husband and wife, but as his ministrations to her petal became more intense she let him have his way, arching her back to further help him reach.

His thrusts became more intense, holding on to her slender waist for leverage as he slammed inside her. She moved back in rythm with him, every push sending waves of pleasure through her. She could hardly recall the last time Tiberius had shown such passion or raw lust, and she treasured it. The knowledge that he had chosen to lay with her instead of the young slavegirl he'd had such a keen eye for.

His fingers penetrating her in unison with his cock, making her groan, a little from the pain but mostly from the intense sensations...

Keeping her head down, resting it on the soft pillows she arched her back, bottom high allowing him to proceed...

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Tiberius

Tiberius was...very aroused...very excited...still gentle and loving, but now animalistic below the waist as well...probing her bottom slightly more with his fingers...not ready to introduce her to full-scale buggery yet...wanting to be considerate of her fears and inhibitions...even as he tried to melt them away...he continued playing with her clitoris as well....wanting to show her pleasure....wanting to prepare her more for a climax...he loved it when she had her orgasm...always did...it was one thing to bring slave girls off...that was much easier...fewer inhibitions...but a lady, his own wife...that was an achievement...and always more prized when he loved the lady in question.

And, after so many years of marriage, he definitely loved her by now. His dalliances with slave girls now and then, usually when he was on campaigns journeys or she was otherwise unavailable, did not change his passion for her. Always, whenever she was ready and able, he made her his first choice...always showed preference...never would consider putting any woman above her...even the house girl that he sometimes liked to sleep with knew to wait for moments when Julia was exhausted or busy or otherwise couldn't....for one reason or other, because she would never have his manhood in her whenever her mistress could give it to him. It was his way of showing his love for his wife...to put her first...and now...after a year of neglecting her in the pursuit of his grief...he would naturally give her what he had denied her.

He loved the feeling of her flesh against him...even now...her body...as he kissed and fondled her...as he drove deeper into her....he intended to make a night...though he felt guilty that while his mind mostly thought of her....thoughts of Aurelia crept in....why his daughter? Did he really want to make love to his own flesh and blood....? That was taboo...he shrugged it off and resumed his focus on pleasing his wife....her needs above any other woman's....after all...she was such a good wife and never reproached him for his liaisons...the least that he owed her was this...first billing...first turn...a whole night all to herself...especially since she had been so kind and accepting of his year of mourning....so wrong he had been to her....so unfair to distract himself with wine and drown his grief...neglecting her needs for the only time in their marriage....but she hadn't said a word...

...he made sure to please her...he loved her still...he'd prove it..

...he massaged her buttocks and kissed her neck...her shoulders...toyed with her clit...playfully rubbing it...thrust harder into her, still wanting to combine pleasure with love....make her feel both from him....

 

[Steiner]

Livius

Late at night now, the house mostly quiet except for... Were those the sounds of love from his parents room? He concluded that they were and felt a profound sense of warmth at the knowledge that things were returning to normal in the Villa.

Livius turned on the large bed - thanks to his mothers scolding he was alone, even if he'd felt strong enough to require Eunice's services, she was hiding deep in the servants part of the house and he wasn't about to go in search of her. Part of him resented the loneliness - it was all very well for his mother to chase the slaves from his bed, but where was SHE when he was rolling around like a pea in a gourd, too lively to sleep and too lazy to get out of bed?

Suddenly a most immature stab of jealousy welled up in him, and he was apalled at himself. Jealous of his parents? What kind of Roman son was he? Might as well be jealous of the Gods! Still he settled back in bed, with the feeling of his mothers lips pressed against his forehead branding him. And that wasn't the worst, now the pleasure he'd taken in her unashamed hug was suspect in his own mind too! What was wrong with him? He'd always appreciated his mothers closeness as a younger boy, knowing he could never be his fathers favourite, knowing his features were too fineboned, his build too slight. His father was a stocky man, powerful as a soldier must be and his square jaw and seamed face were the epitome of a Roman Legionaire in all the monuments that Livius loved to study in town.

Well, Caesar was at least a good rolemodel for Livius. He shared Livius's quick and mobile mouth, his shrewd looking sharp face. Perhaps, Livius decided, his wasn't a bad face at all for a Roman to have... And with dreams of Consular grandeur, the young man slipped finally into sleep.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Julia

She experienced feelings of pure bliss at the hands of her husband. His expert fingers finding the right spots and his thrusts bringing her ever closer to the climax she had so long been denied.

Her breathing grew heavier as she pushed back allowing him full access to her body, his manhood throbbing inside her as he increased the pace, his hands now holding her slender waist like a vice.

Julia closed her eyes, resting her head on the soft pillow as her husband drove his spear inside her, sensing how he tensed up before erupting inside her, the warmth of his seed filling her. Her mind blank as she convulsed, clenching him inside her. She felt happiness beyond words as Tiberius lay down, his muscular body ontop of her slender frame. His lips on hers, an intimate kiss. Then to her mind, it was not Tiberius who bestowed his affections on her, but Livius!

The image so vivid that she cried out. Her first thought one of utter disgust. Scrambling away from her husband's embrace she curled up in a ball, tears of shame running down her face.

"Diva Juno"

She mouthed the name of her patron Godess over and over again as Tiberius tried to talk to her, gently bringing her to tell her what had made her turn into such a state.

"I cannot tell him"

Biting her lip, feeling physically sick at the thought that had passed through her mind only a second ago. It was wrong, sick, degenerate. Julia was by no means unknowing of the incestual relations that happened from time to time in Roman families, yet it was always on the insistence of a man. A brother might covet his sister or a father his daughter. But a mother her son? No it was so horrible a thought she couldn't bring herself to contemplate the outcome.

Yet the image remained with her, she couldn't make it go away. And as Tiberius once again tried ot make her tell him what ailed her gently touching her arm she imagined the touch to be Livius's rather than his.

"Mea Vita. I'm sorry but I do not feel well and I'm worried that your son might have fallen ill yet again" biting her lip "I better go and see to him".

Tiberius gave her a questioning glance yet he didn't protest. He knew well that Julia would sooner drink poison than seeing any harm come to Livius. Nodding his assent and turning over on the bed.

Quietly Julia put the robe on again, walking once more through the empty villa. Stopping first to clean herself, not wanting to approach Livius still with her husband's emissions tainting her skin. Then walking past the altar, making a reverence asking Diva Juno for forgiveness for her impure thoughts.

Slowly and silently so making her way to his bedchamner. Stopping in the door to listen. His breathing soft, he was asleep. Quietly tip-toeing to the side of his bed and kneeling beside it. He looked so much like a child when he slept. His features even softer than when he was awake. Reaching out she traced her fingertips along his cheek, making him stir and quickly pulling back. She didn't want him to wake up, didn't want him to see her now. Taking his hand in hers and ever so gently resting her head against his shoulder.

"Forgive me..:"

 

[Honey_B]

Aurelia

After dinner Aurelia walked to her room. Her steps felt lighter, her heart freer. For too long, she feared her family would be dragged down into the abyss wrought by sickness and death. It pained Aurelia to watch the effect the death of her brother had on her family. So many times, Aurelia wanted to reach out to Julia, to help ease her suffering, but the girl did not know how. Even worse, her father had retreated into a world of his own, into a place where Aurelia could not reach him. Tonight, her parents had seemed happier than they had in a long time.

Aurelia knelt at the tiny shrine to Diana that she had kept in her room ever since she had come of age. Even as she lit her offering of sweet incense, she felt her heart stray. She had just turned 19 on the Kalends of Januarius she felt her life slipping away. Will I ever get a husband! Even as she thought crossed her mind, Aurelia felt her cheeks color with shame. How could she think on such matters when her family was just now beginning to recover.

How good it was to see that Livius was on the mend. Even though Aurelia had always felt herself in a race with her brother for her mother’s affection, she did love him – deep down. Aurelia couldn’t wait to see Livius back on his feet even if it meant he resumed his teasing and pranks.

The lady Juno had indeed smiled on her family. Perhaps I should begin praying to her! Aurelia’s eyes darted back to the shrine before which she knelt, hoping Diana had not heard the thought. Terrible things happened to virgin girls who were rejected by Diana before that had been embraced into the arms of Juno.

Aurelia turned away from the shrine and began to prepare for bed.

 

[Steiner]

Livius

The fever had finally broken and Livius had shaken off the last hot-iron bands around his lungs and limbs while he slept. Now dawn crept into his room and the change of light awoke him - the absence of pain making him restless before the usual hour.

Unlike usual awakenings he was still under the bedcovers - further proof, if such were needed, that he had broken his fever and was on the mend. He stretched, gloriously, still with his eyes closed and was surprised to feel hair brush his ear. Quickly snapping his head around and opening his eyes he discovered his mother, slumped in what looked like uncomfortable sleep against his bed!

He'd never seen a line on his mother's face before, but she looked careworn even in sleep now and Livius contemplated this new side to the woman. Followed was a hot flush of shame - it was his illness that had caused her to worry so. He knew that she had been with his father last night, he'd heard them after all, and the knowledge that her worry for him had cut short that night of reconcilliation was upsetting. Feeling a profound stab of compassion for her, he brushed her hair away from her face, wanting to restore her poise and grace to her by the act. The act was strangely tender and provoked an upwelling of concern for her so strong that he sat farther back in his bed as if recoilling from the intense feelings.

In an effort to break the odd spell he took her hand where it was limp on his sheet and squeezed it to wake her. The thought that a member of the family or, Gods forbid, a slave should enter and find her sprawled like this... She'd never forgive him for allowing it, he knew.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Julia

She had merely intended to stay for a few brief moments, but it seemd to Julia now that the bottled up worries, all the sleepless nights had finally claimed their due.

Feeling the light squeeze, rousing her from her sleep and looking at Livius as he sat up in bed. She couldn't help but smile, seeing has he well out of the grasps of the fever. His finely chisled features almost making her gasp. He was beautiful and the troubled frown made him look distinguished beyond his years He's a man now, she thought then she realised her position.

He had found her, on her knees like a slavegirl in attendance. She felt her cheeks blush with colour as she stood up, pushing a strand of hair from her forhead.

"I wanted to..."

She knew that any attempt trying to explain her behaviour would sound utterly transparent, and for a second she thought that Livius would see right through her and behold the shameful image she had experienced last night.

"I wanted to see how you were faring and I must have fallen asleep"

Julia stammered the pitiful explanation. It was so unlike her to seem flustered. She had always been capable of handling herself in most situations. Even when Vitus was taken from them she had remained graceful although her insides was utter chaos. And now, her composure failed her and rightfully so she added.

Giving him a look which he couldn't interpret and quickly leaving his bedchamber.

"Diva Juno please give me strenght"

She mouted. She needed to consult with Tiberius. She didn't care what he might think now, she needed his advice or she risked losing her mind alltogether.

 

[Steiner]

Livius

Livius leaned forwards and watached as his mother almost scrambled out of the room. To say he was surprised by her behaviour would be an understatement - he had NEVER seen her lose her poise like that. Never.

Even during Vitus's illness and finally at his deathbed, she'd been griefstricken - obviously - but totally in control of herself. The proud patrician. To see her stammering and flushed, dishevelled and beside herself. That was something he'd thought NEVER to see.

But, she was gone now, before he'd even had time to apologise for the burden his sickness had placed on her heart and household. Livius laid back, watching as the light turned from grey to rosy with the dawning of the day. Soon the slaves would be shaping new bread for the ovens and the work of the villa would begin. Livius idly wondered what new manifestation of his fathers recovery would occur. As certain as anything, he would want to restamp his parental guidance on the two children. Would Livius be the one to recieve his start on the road to advocatehood, or would today see him sending for the marriage brokers and Aurelia's new start?

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Tiberius

Tiberius had never felt a mix of anxiety, guilt, and excitement so intense....here his wife was in a state of severe worry over losing her son...so bad that it returned the instant that her climax had come...and all that he could dream about was his daughter's smooth and lovely bottom...her curvaceous hips and waist...her long legs...her silky hair, which smelled so good...why did thoughts of Aurelia's marriage suddenly seem wrong....why did he want to keep her at home...not just to protect her...but to make love to her...he had always favored her...try though he did to avoid it....did Julia's favoritism toward Livius ever take such a form...lust for him...?

As he stood up and felt his morning hard-on, he called for his slave girl Lycia...he wouldn't normally when Julia was technically available...but he didn't know where Julia was, aside from probably in Livius's bedchamber..and a man had needs...this qualified under his rules...he went to his study and she arrived....oh, but why as he mounted her and entered her bottom, did he thinking of taking his daughter's body...feeling the warmth of her sex and her anus on his phallus....oh, yes, he thought of Julia too and of this girl underneath him....but he especially thought of Aurelia.....sweet, lovely Aurelia...his darling daughter....fruit of his still strong passion for her mother...he seriously had to initiate Julia into anal intercourse at some point....his desire for such things was becoming too difficult to restrain for much longer...and the longer he waited, the greater the danger of an act of incest.

When the act was done, he had his slaves wash his dick, while he gently kissed his Lycia on the lips...less passion than he gave his wife...but still kindness ....well, what to do....time to seek Julia out...as much as he hated to disturb her comforting Livius, everyone needed breakfast...and Livius had to get Eunice out of his system...once he lost his virginity, it wouldn't loom so large and his early infatuation would be less of a force of a nature...he'd recognize it as lust. Besides, while the act itself was sometimes an animal one, it was always easiest on youth when it was accompanied by some form of affection. Even for boys, though to a lesser extent than girls. Far better Eunice than a whore in a brothel....far better a slave...who was like family to him...no, get that out of his mind...don't say family in an erotic context....it made him think of Aurelia too much....

Time for breakfast..."Demeter, get everyone ready for breakfast. A large one. Anything not eaten goes to the servants. We'll all eat well this morning."

Very rare this indeed. Roman breakfasts were usually light, due to the Mediterranean heat. But today was a celebration, not a mourning...his son was doing better...and today he would lose his virginity and begin his overdue apprenticeship in the law courts....

He was pleased to see Julia, Aurelia, and the absence of Livius for a little bit...yes, if his plan worked...Livius would be very hungry this morning...not exactly a bad thing. He kissed Julia with plenty of tongue...not ashamed...he wanted her to know that he cared about her and wasn't upset with her about last night. She had been a good wife to him and then a loving mother to her ailing son....

He could wait for Livius to show up....

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Julia

She had spent longer than usual getting ready for the day. Taking time to bathe and making the effort to clean herself bodily, in the futile hope that by doing so she would cleanse herself of her impure thoughts.

Laying back in the pool, her mind still went to her son, her sex tingling as she pictured his slender body next to hers. His lips on hers, his manhood pushing into her body.

Sinking down beneath the surface of the tepid water she tried focusing her mind to discard these thoughts. He was her son. It was wrong. That was the end to it. She thought for a minute that she should stay well away from him, but discarded the thought as soon as it had appeared. How could she do such a thing. Livius might have recovered from the fever, but he would still need her. She knew that although he was now a young man he was still in need of her.

It was not that they had shared an intellectual bond. Livius's knowledge of philosophy and history well surpassed hers. Julia was by no means stupid or ignorant, yet she had never been given the chance to educate herself, having been a wife and mother at the tender age of 13. From that perspective she was happy that Aurelia had been encouraged by Tiberius to read, to study, to make herself aware of the world outside the safe confines of the villa. "Dear Aurelia. May you never have to deal with emotions like this".

Knowing she'd better get ready, having heard Tiberius call for a proper breakfast, she slowly got out of the pool. Having specifically asked Eunice to assist her. "She's so pretty" she thought as the slavegirl dried her off and helped her don a robe. She pictured Livius taking advantage of Eunice, wondering how the young girl would react. Would she be accomodating? Would she guide him? Teach him to bestow pleasure on the woman as well as catering to his own needs? Then chiding herself for thinking such things.

Applying a bit of make-up after having her hair dressed she made her way to the central room of the villa, knowing Tiberius would be there. She'd made up her mind. She'd ask him to sell Eunice.

Her husband proved to be at high spirits, and the way he greeted her temporarily lifted her spirits. Tiberius didn't usually show such affection, yet she didn't protest. His tongue invading her mouth brought her focus from Livius at least. Smiling she whispered that she wanted to talk to him privately at his leisure. Knowing he would acceed to her wish.