Domus Caecilii Metelli

[Rhapture]

"And you, Quintus. I'd heard you were back from your travels for the elections, so I thought of coming by to ask about your journey. It has been many years since I visited Athens with my father. How fare the eastern provinces?"

I must say Macedonia is a mess. I have no idea what Iulus was doing, but his whole experience in Crete, threw away any chance of getting Macedonia running properly." Quintus replied.

"Welcome back to Roma, Metellus. How fares the eastern provinces?"

"Thank you, Flamen Dialis. The people of Macedonia are poor, besides a few large cities, and their shipping. There is not much to be made in taxes there." said Quintus.
"What has been happening in Rome?"

[Dirty Chai]

"Curious. Must be great soldiers, however," Albinus remarked of Macedonia.
"Roma is the same as always. As consuls, though, I and Lepidus have pushed some new taxes through the curia, to ensure we can keep our legions standing."

[Rhapture]

"Curious. Must be great soldiers, however," Albinus remarked of Macedonia.
"Roma is the same as always. As consuls, though, I and Lepidus have pushed some new taxes through the curia, to ensure we can keep our legions standing."

"Soldiers? There did not seem to be many men who looked like soldiers there. It is a worn out place, with too many dedicated to philosophy nowadays. "
"To the north there is still some life, but it would shock me if any kind of rebellion started there."
He answered

[Okmin]

I must say Macedonia is a mess. I have no idea what Iulus was doing, but his whole experience in Crete, threw away any chance of getting Macedonia running properly." Quintus replied.

"Perhaps that can be remedied once his term is up and some new ex-consul can take the reins. But on the subject of Carnifex, I have run into some difficulty investigating the accusations against him. Perhaps you could advise me?"

[Rhapture]

"I was not even aware there were accusations against him, Gauis." Quintus responded.
"Could you fill in the details."

[Okmin]

Aquila leaned closer. If the slaves overheard, well, there would be talk.

"You are familiar with Ahenobarbus? The first man executed for Drusus' murder. He claimed Carnifex ordered it. Unfortunately Sulpicianus executed him without investigating. Now only Gerus remains, and all he says is that they acted in defense of the republic."

[Rhapture]

"Ahh, yes." Quintus was confused, thinking that already Iulus's dealings in Greece had spread to Rome.
"I tried to stop the death of Ahenobarbus, but the Praetor of the year had power, while I had none. "
"I do not think he had anything to do with it, but war and his outburst in the Senate has gone to his head. He is cursed by the gods. Who he now claims descent from, imagine that, Son of Jupiter, he claims. The Divine Butcher" Quintus mused.

[Okmin]

Aquila nodded.

"I have heard little of his misadventures in Greece, save that they are misadventures. It had struck me as odd, his leaving for the immunity of a proconsulship shortly after the accusations. But that has more to do with his crucifixion incident, I think."

The praetor quieted.

"I think I will just have Gerus executed and be done with it. But something should be done to put Iulus' foolishness to an end. We can't have legions being massacred by pirates."

[Rhapture]

"Drusus' death was tragic, but I think we all have to move on from it. " Quintus answered.
"But he will bear watching when he returns from Macedonia. I certainly don't trust him."

"I hear you are running for Consul next year, do you have any plans if elected?"

[Okmin]

"Praetor, actually. I would like a bit more experience before I try for consul. What are your plans?"

[Rhapture]

"I put my name in for Consul, but as I have been away I don't think I will have much chance."

[Dirty Chai]

"Soldiers? There did not seem to be many men who looked like soldiers there. It is a worn out place, with too many dedicated to philosophy nowadays. "
"To the north there is still some life, but it would shock me if any kind of rebellion started there."
He answered

"Well," Albinus said, correcting himself, "It is the home of Alexander, but two hundred years ago; Macedonia is tame now, I should think."

The flamen dialis and consul looked back to his host.
"I've come to continue our conversation from a year ago; We spoke of forming a new collegium of pontiffs."

[Rhapture]

"Yes, the college. It seems so long ago Albinus." Quintus commented.
"I am glad you have not forgotten about it."

[Okmin]

"I put my name in for Consul, but as I have been away I don't think I will have much chance."

"In any case, you will have my vote."

[Rhapture]

"In any case, you will have my vote."

"And you have mine. I trust your daughter is doing as well as ever?" Quintus asks.

[Okmin]

"She is, thank you, and still impatient to grow up. Maria will be thirteen next year... Pretty soon we will have to make wedding arrangements. How is young Sextus?"

[Rhapture]

"He is well, busy with his studies. He enjoys the training on the Campus Martialis with the other boys. He loves the horses however, so maybe we might get a cavalry commander in Rome, Ha!" Quintus replies.
"Take some dates with you for her when you depart, Gauis."

[Dirty Chai]

"Yes, the college. It seems so long ago Albinus." Quintus commented.
"I am glad you have not forgotten about it."

"How could I?" the consul-priest smiled briefly. "An important proposition."

He paused, and then continued, explaining his position.
"Well, I have decided to make strides towards this goal, since I am the most able currently to make this a reality."

Albinus the Elder then looked at the senator's directly, observing his reaction.
"To this end, I would seek to succeed our Pontifex Maximus as the head of the priesthoods of our beloved city, likely in the coming year once I am deprived of my consular duties." The pontiff was on his death bed, all knew.

[Rhapture]

"Hmm," Quintus pondered.
"I do not think you can be the Flamen Dialis and the Pontifex Maximus at the same time, my friend."
"I do not believe you can be totally dedicated to the service of Jupiter Best and Brightest, and still dedicate all the time you will need to the office of Pontifex Maximus."

[Dirty Chai]

"Nonsense," Albinus said, looking away into the distance of the Metelli home.
"Jupiter is king of the gods. Is not the 'greatest bridge-builder' a fitting facet for his glory?"

Aulus looked back to Quintus with a silent pause, with a sincere look.
"It is against tradition, in a way. Unheard of. But I see no conflict in the two priesthoods, and I see none more suitable than I currently."

He shifted in place, pulling a part of his toga praetexta out from under his thigh. Uncomfortable that was.
"We need a pontifex maximus to lead this transition. And we need a pontifex maximus to lead Roma's faithful in these times of growing change and doubt. I have no other motives."