Villa Urbana Aurelii

[Winter]

'But then, who is the more powerful? The bombast, the overpowering fool, the man all cannot ignore inspite of their own efforts? Or the quiet man, the one content to sit back on the bench, and work his machinations from the background?

Indeed, words, used sparingly, tend to carry extra weight...'

- Lucius Aurelius Lepidus
X, 203-4, Annals

Aurelius Lepidus, at an earlier time, fancied himself a poet.

Born into a wealthy sect of the Plebian Aurelii, Lepidus wanted for little in childhood. Attended to by expert Athenian pedagogues and trained in the ancient arts of combat, his father had high ambitions for the young boy. Entering politics as a matter of course after his 20th birthday, Aurelius was enrolled as military tribune to the famous consul Publius Decius Mus. Learning much from the Consul, his entry into the Senate was informed by his experience.

And yet, throughout Aurelius has shown little interest in politics. Throughout his youth, he cultivated a following of intellectual and literary friends. A prolific author, Lucius had written tracts on subjects as diverse as epicurean philosophy and the history of Magna Graecia, as well as several comic plays, by his 20th birthday. Despite this disinterest, however, Aurelius carries a keen understanding of the workings of the Senate, and has been known to be an effective plotter.

Lucius lives here in his ancestral home on the Aventine hill. He splits his time between entertaining friends and writing in his garden, as well as with his young sons and precious daughter.

[Merula]

A messanger arrives and passes a message to the slave that opens the door. The message is addressed to Lucius Aurelius Lepidus.

Ave Senator,

My name is Marcus Atrius Merula, I do not know if you remember me but I served with you in the Consul Decius's Legion. I was the Senior Centurion of the Primus Triarii maniple at Asculum, I led the charge into the Epirote phalanx after the Hastati and Pricepes had run, then held the line until I was told to retreat.

Some call me a war hero for that action, I discount this as foolish talk by women and young boys wanting to play soldiers. But nevertheless I have some influence among the plebs in the Aventine area, and this is advantageous to any man who wants either to become quite wealthy, or to have the mob on their side in the senate.

You may wonder why I write such things to a man I barely know, but the reason is this; I have been looking to gain a seat on the Senate floor, and I would be honoured if you would sponsor me to be inducted into it.

If you so choose to help me in this path, you will ever find a friend in me from this day forth.

Your comrade in arms, Marcus Atrius Merula.

Spoiler for OOC: 

Ok some reasons for the letter:
Its addressed to Lepidus because he seems most aligned with my character, and serving in the army etc.
My character is not actually in the Senate yet in my RP, so i had to work out a way to get in (im not sure if sponsor, and induct are the correct words however...)
I feel my character needs to have an aliance of sorts with a veteran YATS member, so at least i should get some experience without being crushed into the dirt by Poplicola haha
And i have used the Aventine not because of the HBO Rome series but because that is where most of the Plebs lived. (not to mention Marcus' father being a merchant)
Thanks

[Bjorn]

A horse came from the distance, entering the land of the Aurelii. On top of it was a man, dressed in a plebian manner, his clothes had not the details or the vibrance in colors of the finest adorns of the Patricians. The man that came was obviously Cornelius Victor.

As Cornelius came close, he asked for a slave to call on Aurelius for him, since it has been some time since he has seen his friend. Cornelius would do that sometimes, apear without being invited. Although it was not for malice, but simple thrive of the moment, it did cause some people to believe him rude, but he gave little heart to those and visited them less.

It was in debate and conversation that Cornelius found his leasure, and few around his household were good at that art. So he usually travelled alot to visit his friends.

OOC: I posted that they were friends because they both had the same type of friends (poets, philosophers, thinkers and etc), If you think it best not, I can delete the post I just thought it was a cool idea.

[Winter]

ooc: guys, you don't have to justify things you do with an ooc every time! I will very rarely turn down an idea anyway .

Birds chirp and hop from branch to branch, cheerfully pip-piping away in the sun of midday. The sound of water flowing from fountains fills the air. The lion's mouth spits forth the cooling liquid into the fishpond, and a middle aged slave woman bends over the flow with an amphora. Her knees creak with the strain of a routine repeated regular. Aurelius leans back, eyes closed, seeing. The old and familiar smell of the garden in spring. The aroma of Narcissus folded open to the sun swam between the lilies, the smells of bread baking from the kitchen. Bees buzzed by, battling for space among the blooms. Floating on, industrious little creatures, collecting and creating for the good of the hive. A parable in nature.

-Dominus, a message. Aurelius's eyes snap open. Davus, the doorman, stands before him with a message sealed with a sign unrecognized.
-On the table man. There. Thank you. The slave deposits the scroll amongst papers and the remains of his master's midday meal, half stale bread and leftover meat from the night before. The seal lay before him. Aurelius reaches out to the roll, taking it in his hand, and cracks it open.

Atrius Merula. Remember. Asculum. Decorations of warriors. Was it the corona civic - saved a few that one did. My maniple? Perhaps. Decimus didn't make it though. lost, no coins. That scar. He reaches and feels the ridge on his thigh. The pain dulled though fresh and white hot in his memory. The face. The man, right before him. A stab of spear. Pain. Frantic struggle. Bringing him off his horse, in the mud. The dagger from his hip. In the air now, in his neck now. His eyes, the blood in his mouth...

Shake it off.

-Davus. The man stops, heads back to his master's side. Aurelius scribbles a note, folds it, drips wax over it and seals it with his ring. Return this to the man that sent me this note, if you please. Off you go. Davus nods, and heads off.

A knock at the door.

-But show whoever that is in first. He leans back in his chair. A memory he had tried long to forget. Everywhere. Everything.

The door opened. Words exchanged. Steps step stepping across the atrium.
-May I present Senator Cornelius Victor.

Lepidus smiles. Standing, he greets him.

-Cornelius, my good friend, how are you? Blood in the man's eyes. In the mud. Terror. Terror in his eyes. and he does cry out he CRIES OUT he shouts heshouts MHTEP Terror in his soul Terror I'm sorry.

Appeal to the Gods Control yourself!

Aurelius manages a smile, his eyes betray not his inner turmoil.

-How is the family?

ooc: Just trying a stream of consciousness thing. I might do a bit more with it, let me know if you like it or if it isn't working.

[Bjorn]

Cornelius smiles his usual open smile and takes Aurelius' for-arm and greets him with a pat on the shoulder with his other arm.

- Father seems to be catching a tendency to fall ill, it is the age I suppose. But his wits are still as strong as ever, as is his tongue. Said Cornelius with a laugh, knowing of his father's temper, that always was rather moony and unpredictable.

- But how fares you, great Aurelius? What is the field's temperment this year? Are the slaves at rest? How goes your family and your business? Tell me of all this, as we sit and eat a bit, we have much to catch up to. All this said Cornelius, as he liked to ask things all at once, to absorve the news in the same manner. Cornelius saw not of Aurelius' worries, for he was good at masking his suffering, but he still wondered much of his old friend, since it has been time since they last spoke.

[Winter]

Aurelius smiled. Strange way of speech, this one always had. Ten thoughts at once. The dark thoughts slowly fell back into the dark corners of his mind.

-Glad to hear your father is well. Shall we have some wine? Come into the garden! Smiling. Waving towards the portico. Memories of years ago. As boys, here in this house - their fathers best of friends. Big imposing men with big purple striped togas. All sorts of power. Grown apart over the years though.

The men adjourn to the garden, sitting in wooden chairs at a table worn down from years of continuous use. Several iron plates and old scraps of paper are scattered about it, evidence of a night's continuous work.

-Ah, you'll have to excuse me, my history of the Etruscans is progressing at a rather quick pace but its leaving destruction in its wake. He motions for a few slaves to come and clear the table. And bring some wine, will you?

He turns to his friend once more. Eyes of green. Never noticed.

-Well, to answer your questions from before, things are well with me. My sons prosper, as does my daughter, who is near to marriageable age. My properties fare well as well. I dare say it is just politics that weighs on my mind these days, but onerous it has always been.

Cornelius long long gone. Here alast but now why? Timing interesting, elections. No! banish the thought. But, no, of course not. Paranoia, aftermath of episode. Loyal he everwas.

- So, Cornelius, what brings you all this way after so long? With a smile.

ooc: Its hard to stick to this stream of consciousness thing! Might drop it. Also tried to flesh out their backstory a bit. Add some more if you like.

[Bjorn]

- I come precisely because of it being so long, good Aurelius. Our fathers were always friends, and as children we used to play and boast of future endeavers we never thought possible. I remember those days, and frankly I feel tired of the pressures of the Senate and it's endless schemeing... His face now seemed tired, as if he was but an old man, instead of the usual vigorous and jovial way of always. I need a time to simply talk of things without worth, to speak of poetry and philosophy with a friend. The times are dark, Aurelius, and sometimes I feel that people like me are bound to simply disappear in the fog of time... grey in comparation to the red of blood that covers the pages of our present days...

The wine came and Cornelius thanked the slave, giving him some coins, as was one of his unusual habits. He poured a cup for himself and one for Aurelius, and then said. I just wish to talk, and that is that.


OOC: You could alternate between thought, speach and description by using " " for speach, Italic for thought and normal writing for description. Or instead of using the " ", you could put words in bold. What do you think? I also tried to make Cornelius one of those exceptions to the rule when it comes to treaturous Senetors xD He'll probably do his share of evil, but he would probably do it because he believed it was truelly best for the republic, he's that "dreaming poet" kinda guy

[Merula]

ooc: Aghhh! hurry up and leave bjorn!!! i need to talk to Lepidus about actually getting into the senate!!

[Winter]

Aurelius nods.

"I understand, my friend. Unfortunately I have a prior engagement for today, but I am having a small dinner party in a couple of days time - perhaps you may consent to join me then?"

ooc: I think I'll use the stream of consciousness and the dash dialogue only for narrative pieces from now on. Also, since Blip's business is urgent, shall we just pretend that time has passed and that you've come back for the party?

[Merula]

ooc: ok im just gonna pretend you guys have finished up your conversation and if you want to tie things up later thats fine (just think of it as a rip in the space time continuem or something haha)

Marcus approaches the gates of the Villa Aurelii, he is amazed at how quickly some of his fellow plebs can procure wealth, the villa of his former commanding officer is oppulent indeed (for pleb standards at least). Marcus had inherited quite a bit of money from his father (who had benefited greatly during the times of war because of the increase trade in weapons and armour, for which he had been quite renowned in the production of), and had also made his own wealth through the time in the legions, so he was set to start his career as a senator. But the wealth portrayed by these huge silver guilded gates that stood infront of him made him very aware that he was still an outlying aspect to the hidden privaledged circles in Roma. It made him shudder to consider the power created by the wealth that men aquired, this villa was small compared to the ones he had seen on the Palentine hill.

He knocks on the gate and and is warily greeted by a well dressed slave

-Good morning sir, what is it you seek here at my masters villa?

The slave still does not open the gate...

-I am here for a meeting with your master Aurelius Lepidus, now let me in man, I am late as it is!

The slave looks Marcus up and down, judging him, but still does not open the gate. Marcus is getting frustrated now, but realises the reason why the slave is still hesitant; Marcus had not bought any new garments since he had come back from the army, wanting to save everthing coin, just in case. He was currently dressed in his battle torn centurians uniform, and that was obviously the reason the slave was being so impertinant. The slave continued

-I see, he smiled mockingly, who should i tell my master is calling on him?

Marcus was angry now, unusual.

-My name is Marcus Atrius Merula and i did not fight my way through Asculum and Beneventum to trade conversation with a mere slave! Let me in damn you or by the gods i'll....

At that moment the inner door burst open and out strode Lepidus...

[Bjorn]

OOC: No prob This is more important. When the party starts, Ill come back

[Winter]

"What is the meaning of this!?"

Aurelius steps out his door, followed by two burly slaves, truncheons in hand. The sound of the scuffle had reached the inner house, and years in politics had taught Aurelius to take no chances in a streetfight. At the sight of Merula, however, he stops. The man was shoddily dressed, his toga slung haphazardly over a dented breastplate, soldier's boots covering his feet. Clearly he had been traveling for some time. Given his state, it was not difficult to mistake him for a beggar.

"Ah, I'm sorry soldier, I have no....wait. You would not happen to be Marcus Atrius Merula, would you?" His voice contained a marked tone of hesitation. The man before him was not an impressive specimen.

The doorman responded "Dominus, if you will permit - he said something to the effect as he tried to get in."

Lepidus's face darkened at the comment from his slave. He turned to the man, giving him a stern look, seeing him melt before his master's gaze.

"Phormio, did I not specifically instruct you to watch out for this man?"

The slave did not respond. His eyes were wide with fear. Lepidus put his hands on the man's shoulder.

"It is lucky for you, my man, that I am not a violent man. But treat another of my guests so, and I may be." he turned away.

"Now, good Atrius, before we eat and talk, perhaps you may wish to avail yourself of my private bath? Go in, to the left - I will instruct my slaves to bring you new clothes. When you are ready, I will be under the portico around the garden."

Lepidus nods to the man, and recedes into the house, leaving the doorman looking apologetic at the new guest. He gives a sheepish, contrite smile, never quite meeting the man's eyes.

~~~~~~

Aurelius sits heavily at the table in his garden. The man he had met at the door was not what he expected, but the stories of his heroism were too good to resist. If anything, the man might make a useful client, or even a prop, in the coming year's elections. Then again, he may just prove to be more than he seemed...

ooc: feel free to show up again, bjorn!

[Merula]

Marcus emerges from the house and strides out into the garden courtyard, clean and dressed in a new white toga.

"Ah, i am sorry for my appearence earlier, I new I should have at least bought a new toga, but you see these vanities do not mind me much. I am content with my uniform, my cloak to sleep on, and some bread and cheese, but, I realise that if I am to be a senator, I must be more articulate than that!" He chuckles

"So Tribune, how do you find peacetime?" It has obviously been very kind to him Marcus thought..

[Winter]

Aurelius stands as his guest enters the courtyard.

"Ah, I am tribune no longer friend, you need not address me as such. I should say, those clothes suit you far better. Please, come and sit."

Aurelius directs Marcus to the chair opposite his side of the table, and they sit.

"Well, as to your first question, peacetime, as you may imagine, is far preferable to war. Though I still bear those days with me..." He puts his hand to his thigh, rubbing his scar.

"At any rate, I believe you are here about entry to the Senate, if I am not mistaken? I believe I can help you on this front, if you are willing to become my client. What do you think?"

[Merula]

Marcus takes thi in, he is thinking over the information, pleased at the way the conversation is going, but none of this shows, his face neutral and calculating.

"I too found myself lost on my path when I left the eagles, that is why I look to the Senate for my future...A client you say? Well, I will of course have to know your requirements to this before I accept. But it is not really a case of what you can offer me, but what i can offer you."

He leans forward in his chair, looking straight at Lepidus, not quite sure what will happen next....

"As you well know I am farely influential amoung the plebs, and as I well know you are a young man (ooc: at least i think you are younger than me you actually haven't given your age...) looking for advancement in the Senate. I can offer you firm support from the Aventine if ever you try for election as Tribune of the Plebs, which you will no doubt next year, and also a trusted friend in the Senate from this day forth."

[Winter]

OOC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patron_client_relationship - This concept is massively important to the Roman social order. Your character would understand this.

Aurelius nods, considering. He seemed useful and eager.

"Well, I'm sure you can see that our relationship would be a primarily political one, but the traditional rights and responsibilities would apply. Once you became a Senator, I would, of course, dissolve the relationship at your request, but that need not mean we cease our...friendship." Aurelius smiled at the man across from him.

"I will be level with you, Merula; I believe you have the makings of an influential Senator. Your touch of heroism has brought you popularity with the mob, as you say, but popularity with the mob is fleeting. Shortly the campaign will begin to capture Tarentum, and new heroes will supplant you in their memory. You will need support past this next election season, and that support I can provide. However, I would expect a certain amount of loyalty from you on certain issues - not all, of course. But if I am fighting for an issue particularly important to me and my people, I need to know that you will be there to support me if I am able to help you join this august body. Is that a promise on which you can deliver?"

Lepidus eyes the man. His smile has disappeared, and his eyes appear cold and calculating.

[Merula]

"I do not mind one way or the other what happens to my popularity as you put it, but it was not just I that gave the Atrii name sway amoungst the populace, but my father. I can tell you that the respect will stay firm as long as I honour my father's memory. That is why I can become your client but for one thing; I will never take on another's name, or give up my own. I know that is the norm, but if I lose my name, I lose all I have." Marcus stops for a moment remembering what his father had told him before he left for the army, "Money and power are nothing compared to honour and duty. "

Marcus became very serious now, staring his host straight in the eye, to the point where Lepidus was almost uncomfotable sitting across from him...

"I can say without shame, Lepidus, that I am one of the most loyal men out there, if I give my oath, I would be taken into the black pit rather than break my word."

A bit more easy natured now Marcus says,

"Even if you...he pauses, looks at the sky for a second... partake, in a course of action not usually seen, I, will, be, loyal."

ooc: thanks for the link, i did know about this, but forgot most of the details...

[Winter]

Lepidus paused. After a moment, a sharp smile crossed his face.

"Well, I suppose our little arrangement will have to remain unofficial then."

Leaning forward

"And Marcus, do not fear. I would never ask you to do something beyond the constraints of your conscience." He pats his hand and gives a wink before leaning back.

"I have some pull with one of our august Censors, familial obligations since our fathers' time, you know how it is. I shall see to it that he enrolls your name in the Senate by the end of the week. Now,"

Waving to a slave "Let us have some wine to toast our new pact, and perhaps pour out a libation to mother Concord, eh?"

A smallish slave comes over with a metal tray and several cups. She fills them with wine from a small amphora, and hands one to Lepidus. He holds it up and takes a drink.

Sitting back, relaxed.

"Ah, there we are. Now, if that damned Cornelius Victor might finally arrive we may be able to have our dinner before the Kalends!"

[Merula]

Marcus smiles, and relaxes, glad that everything is going as planned.
I hope though, that our arrangement being unofficial does not impare the relations in any way? But enough of this, I think wine is a good idea! And I would like to meet this Victor, his name intrigues me...

Aside from this, what do you think of the two consuls, that is if it is apt to speak of them in this place? Marcus wanted to find out what Lepidus's political persuasion was, eager to delve into this new life he now led...

[Winter]

Lepidus chuckles at the question.

"Ah, the Consuls. That one with the Greek beard and the pecuniary affectation, he is clearly in the midst of some sort of game I've yet to comprehend. As to the other, I shall say I will withhold my judgement, considering he's yet to say much of substance. Yourself?"