We live in dangerous times....
Author: * justina Cassius - 21 Posts on this thread out of 744 Posts sitewide.
Date: Mar 4, 2003 - 10:29

I am the daughter of Cassius Justinus Cassius, a Commander in the Roman Army, now retired. My full name is Cassia Justina Cassius. I have a brother, Justinus who serves the Emperor in Rome and lives there.

I was born on the Cassius Family Estate and had a very happy childhood. At the age of 15 I was married to Gaius Flavius Candidus. He was sent to Britannia Inferior as a Decurio and I came with him, leaving our 2 children, Justina (6) and Gaius (4) under the protection of my father in Rome.

Gaius was killed in a scrimmage during a raid when out on an exercise with his men. I was in Eboracum when I heard the news.

I have vowed to stamp out all resistance to the Emperor and the Empire and applied to be Legusti Augsuti of Britannia Inferior. I am based in Eboracum.

It is rumoured that there is a plot to assassinate me. I fear that there are Dissenters all around me, even amongst my own staff. I plan to travel to all the towns under my command and protection. Not only to collect taxes but also to keep 1 step ahead of my would be killers. I have to keep safe the child that I am carrying. A son I hope! I do not trust anyone in this country and am beginning to think that I have made a dangerous enemy in Rome. I do not know whom; maybe I got the post that someone else wanted.

I have tried to be fair and govern with justice. Although taxes have to be paid, squeezing the native people of the Provence beyond their means is not beneficial in the long run to Rome. Maybe that is why I have made an enemy.

I shall ask for assistance from Rome to find out how far this plot stretches to Rome. I fear that even the Emperor could be in danger. These are dangerous times we live in.

Letter to Decius Aemilius Scaurus Cocceianus
Author: * justina Cassius - 21 Posts on this thread out of 744 Posts sitewide.
Date: Mar 4, 2003 - 10:34


Salve!

I write to you to ask permission for an investigation to be made into the possibibilty that there is a plot to assisnate me.

I fear for my life and the life of my children in Rome. I beg you please to assist me.

Respectfully

Justina Cassius
Legati Augustii Britannia Inferior


Waiting.......
Author: * justina Cassius - 21 Posts on this thread out of 744 Posts sitewide.
Date: Mar 5, 2003 - 14:55

Justina paced up and down in her private quarters in Eboracum. Julius Secundus had been gone for 2 weeks and still no news. She had given him a pass to use at all the posts so that he could the best horses and knew he would go as fast as he could, but the waiting was agony. She longed for news from Rome, to hear about how her family were and her children. She wanted to hold them and smell their special childlike smell. She shook herself and tried to gather her thoughts. Longing for the impossible would do her no good. She must keep busy and be on her guard. Until she heard from Decimus there was not a lot that she could. There was one thing she could do though. Justina called for her Secretary. "Milo, I think it is time we went on a little trip". Milo opened his eyes in surprise " Madam, Surely you should be resting in your condition? The roads are bad and you...." "Milo, stop right there! I am going to have to visit towns and collect taxes. I might as well do it now, before I am too fat and cumbersome to do anything. I remember I used to just want to sleep all the time." (And also keep ahead of these plotters, if I keep on the move, they will find it hard to attack me without arousing my curiosity). "Now, we will travel in gentle easy stages. I want you to send a letter to each of the Decurios in Britannia Inferior and warn them of my arrival. DO NOT give a date or indication of my length of stay." Milo turned and went to do as he was bid. "Milo, stop! Cancel that order. I think I shall just surprise them! Catch them "inflagrente" so to speak. Give them no time to clean the streets and make cosmetic repairs" Justina smiled to herself - whom shall she call on first? Eboracum was under control. "This might be just the thing I need to keep me busy and stop me getting jumpy" she thought. Milo turned and started to tick things off his fingers, muttering. Well at least Milo was happy, he had some organising to do! He was a good secretary. He ha been Gaius's Secretary and had refused to go back to Rome or get another post with another senior office. He would stay and look after his Masters wife until he died he had said dramatically when Justina had broached the subject, wishing to sell him. "I can trust 2 people around me", she thought, "Julius Secondus and Milo". Justina walked to the window and looked at the busy street below. Rome was so far away.... A single tear trickled down her cheek "Oh Gaius, look over me and guide me, I miss you so much my love".


A treachious missive
Author: * justina Cassius - 21 Posts on this thread out of 744 Posts sitewide.
Date: Mar 5, 2003 - 16:06

Milo closed the door to Justina’s quarters and made his way to his small office nearby. He scowled as he sat at his desk.

“My Patronus is not going to be happy with these developments,” he thought. "All I was supposed to do was get rid of that fool Gaius and then I could have returned to Rome. But Justina Cassius had to get it into her head that she had to carry on where Gaius had left off. He was getting too close to the truth. I had no choice but to arrange that “raid”. “

Milo felt he had been cheated all his life. His mother was a slave, his father her owner. Of course, as the son of a slave, he could not obtain citizenship. He had to work hard. He hated this cold, wet, wild country. “Barbarians the lot of them” he muttered.

He sat a long time and thought. He came to the conclusion he would have to delay Justina’s journey somehow. He would have to think of something soon. Julius Secondus, would be back and once he was by her side, it would be hard to arrange mishaps. Julius did not like Milo, but then the feeling was mutual.

“I think, first of all, I will warn the Decurios of Justina’s “surprise” visit. I shall have to hint that they are to be surprised as Justina wanted it done this way.” Milo started writing his letters, wording them carefully. Just in case a letter got into Justina’s hands, he must make it look innocently written and a message that could be misconstrued easily.

Once he had completed them he pulled a fresh piece of vellum towards him and thought before he put pen to paper.

“Salve, I Milo, your loyal servant, write to you, My Patronus with grave news from Britannia Inferior to you in Rome. I have sent this letter via the normal channels so that neither of us can be traced.

Justina Cassius has taken over her husbands work and is now Augusti Legatus of Britannia Inferior. She has written to the Vicurus in Germania, where he is posted, begging for help. She has detected that there is a plot against her and has sent Julius Secondus to Decimus Amelius. I did not have time to arrange an “accident” but maybe you could arrange something to happen to him on the way back to Britannia. After all, travelling across the Empire is not as safe as it was…..”

Milo sat back and chewed his pen, thinking. “That will be one less thorn in my side. I like Justina Cassius, but she is a woman trying to do a man's job. If I am successful in this task, I can go back to Rome and gain my freedom”. He sighed, and bent over his letter. It must leave tonight and there was no time to waste.

Arrival
Author: * AeneasIulius Romulus - 15 Posts on this thread out of 303 Posts sitewide.
Date: Mar 5, 2003 - 21:30


The weather on the channel crossing had been calm and the arrival in port had been uneventfull. Being Aeneas Romulus, a rich plebian with no political aspirations had up until this point been exactly that, uneventfull.

So far he'd been travelling around hitching himself to the rising star that was his patron and deepest friend. No internal will to work for power came to Aeneas. Life was only something to be enjoyed and lived to its fullest. And for Aeneas fullfilment came not with the paperwork and listening to the endless droning of complaints, that came with civil or military office.

Seeing these past events and characteristics made it somewhat surprising to his friends that Aeneas would make the venture to britannia to do anything. Let alone run a hole like Eboracum. But going did have its advantages... Aeneas thought he was to take over soem important management of Decius' "militray supply" empire that was going awry, and a similarly important job of investigating the possible assasination attempts on the governor.

Upon arrival to Eboracum he found out it was indeed not the dung heep he was led to believe but instead somewhat of a pleasure palace on the frontier. Boasting baths, theatres, libraries, a forum, and the military camp. There seemed to be plumbing and a sewer system, all in all a clean city. There was an ample view of the sunset and a fine amount of gardens which he could laze about in while listening to fools complain.

Aeneas made his way through the streets in his sedan chair to the military camp in hopes to find the Legatus. He made his way to the officers complex and deseated himself to make his entrance.

Upon making his way in he announced himself as Aeneas Romulus Dicurio of Eboracum to the the staff member that was waiting around.

"Where might I find the Legate?"

"This way Dicurio, I will show you..."

They made their way through the office area to the main office that held the governour, he announced himself again and waited just outside until she was free.

A new arrival
"Show the new Decurio, AeneasIulius Romulus in Milo."

Justina rose from behind her desk and stepped forward to greet AeneasIulius Romulus. "Welcome to Eboracum!"

"I am so glad you have arrived at last! I need your help here".

AeneasIulius formerly saluted Justina and presented her with his official papers with the seal. She broke the seal, and scan read the contents. She looked up at AeneasIulius and smiled at him. "So, what do you think of our little town?"

AeneasIulius Romulus coughed, "Madam, I was pleasantly surprised by how modern the town is!"

"We are lucky, Eboracum is the main administrive centre for Briannia Inferior so it has to be kept in pristine condition. The further north you go, the more basic it gets!" He smiled and looked at Justina intently.

Justina felt uncomfortable being scrutinised by this young man. She was the one supposed to making him feel gauche and apprehensive! He was not looking at her in an insubornunate manner or aggressively. Why did she feel so nervous in his presence?

"Forgive me Justina Cassius, I was not expecting you to be so... young" he blurted.

Justina blushed, "Well, I do not know how much you have been told about my position here? My husband Gaius Flavius Candidus was Decurio of Eboracum, your predecessor in fact" She grimaced and sighed. "Gaius was killed in a raid by we think Brigantes. Not all his men returned from that exercise and those that did cannot tell much of their ordeal. Some came back here half dead." She looked away and took a deep breath. "I applied to stay here and the only way i could do so was by taking a position here. My Father and brother I think called a few favours in, and I find myself now a Legati Augusti!"

"Madam, please rest assured, I am here to serve you in any way I can. Decius Ameilius says you need me here. What of this plot to assinate you?"

"Decimus sent you? How did you get here so fast?" AeneasIulius Romulus looked confused. "Madam?" "Julius Secondus would have left Germania before you. He should be here by now!"

Justina bit her lip and sat down. Julius would have come here as soon as he could, he would walk through fire to be near her. Something must have happened to him. AeneasIulius Romulus had been sent by Decius Aemilius Scaurus Cocceianus, he was to be trusted. So that meant that someone must have delayed Julius or he was ill or had had an accident.

"Aeneas, you have come at the right time to help me, we have a lot of work to do. You must settle into your quarters and come back here and dine with me tonight. We shall dine informally you understand, I do not want people listening to what we have to discuss. "Trust no one, AeneasIulius Romulus ,trust no one!"


As you wish
Aeneas walked out and made his way back across the river to search out his lodgings. His eyes watched intently as they passed through the streets, he noticed the theatre, a forum with its curia, various temples, and many extravagant buildings, no doubt owned by local merchants. People dressed in a Roman fashion and no one was too questionable looking.

The sedan chair stopped infront of the Imperial Palace that had been built by Septimus Severus in his court visit.
It boasted fine marbles, statuary, extravagant gardens and various other trappings of home. Decius had done well to send him me here rather than some heap in the woods, Aeneas thought as he made his way into the palace.

He presented his papers and seals and was directed to a suite of rooms that would serve their purpose well. Fine tapestries, fresh fruit, private chambers, views of the gardens awaited him to his delight. Yes this will do indeed... wentthrough his mind...

His slaves were quartered after unpacking his bags and trunks and Aeneas sat on an engraved chair watching the afternoon sun turn everything into gold.

"Titus!" Aeneas bellowed

"Yes Magister" responded the hurrying slave that had been there the moment Aeneas was born and would probably live until he died.

"Bring some wine and cheese to go with this fruit..."

"Yes Domine, anything else?"

"Bring two glasses and some water, we will toast to our new arrival and some cheese to hold us over until dinner at the Legates."

"Yes sir" and he quickly departed

Murder? Assassination? What for, what could anyone really do up here that would get someone killed? Fools... probably just a bunch of fools... people just care too much for money and power... Oh well maybe I'll read some poetry or see a play in the mean time... Maybe the Legate will attend with me...
I wonder what is playing... I wonder how old she is... seems quite young to be a legate... Oh well... I'll have to remember to remember to write Decius.

"Good time Titus, now pull up a chair and enjoy this sun"

"Yes sir, what time is dinner sir?"

"Oh I dunno lets head over after this sun sets... Its too beautifull to waste... Don't you agree..."

"I do agree..."


After the golden rays dispersed Aeneas made his way with Titus to the legionary camp and walked into the expansive officers quarters. He announced his arrival to the Maior Domo and waited patiently in the peristyle for Justinia recounting lines of Old love poems to himself...

Arma gravi numero violentaque bella parabam
edere, materia conveniente modis.
par erat inferior versus--risisse Cupido
dicitur atque unum surripuisse pedem.
'Quis tibi, saeve puer, dedit hoc in carmina iuris?
Pieridum vates, non tua turba sumus.
quid, si praeripiat flavae Venus arma Minervae,
ventilet accensas flava Minerva faces?...

An Informal Dinner
Author: * justina Cassius - 21 Posts on this thread out of 744 Posts sitewide.
Date: Mar 6, 2003 - 22:23

Justina reclined back on her couch and waited for Aeneas to be showed in. Thank the Gods that women could recline at the dinner table these days. Not like in Republican times, when women sat on chairs, seated in front of their husbands, drinking watered wine! Things had changed for the better!

Aeneas walked into the Dining room, with a confident stride. he bowed to Justina and she indicated that he chose whichever couch he wished. He sat on her left. Justina noticed he had shaved and obviously made use of the baths. He was wearing a tunic and looked quite happy and relaxed.

"You look happy" Justina remarked. Aeneas smiled, "Lady, I have had the best bath in 2 weeks and watched the sun set over Eboracum. And now I am about to dine with a beautiful young Matrona. I am happy indeed!" Justina blushed and lowered her eyes "He is flirting with me" she thought.

Well, first of all, thank you for coming to my aid so quickly. I know you have been posted here primarily as a Decurio and your duties to the Empire come first, but as your Legati, you are also under my command. I am going to visit the other towns in Britannia Inferior. I am afraid I will be dropping you in at the deepend, letting you find your feet on your own. However, I do not think you will mind the challange, will you?"

"No, Lady Justina, I cannot wait. I must confess I was not pleased to be posted here at such short notice, but Decius stressed that you needed help and he is my Patronus. Now that I am here I am indeed pleased to see such a vibrant town and have a boss that is as radiant and graceful as you", Justina blushed and fiddled with her goblet. She indicated to the slave in attendance that the food could be brought in. "I am afraid that our food here is simple and not as exotic as what you are used to. But it is fresh, and if you must, you can always add more garum sauce if you wish!"

"Do you know who is behind this Madam? Have you been warned of this plot?"

"As you know, Gaius, my husband, was killed in a raid, supposedly done by Brigantes. The Brigantes although very aggresive and warrior like, do not attack for no reason. There has been no trouble before or since the raid, which is what troubles me. Gaius and his men, from what can be gleaned from the survivors of that attack, were just set upon. One minute they were marching through some woods and the next, these natives attacked them from nowhere."

"Hmmm, so do you think they were Brigantes, could it have been another tribe?"

"No, the Brigantes are the only people in that area. There have been no skirmishes,theft of animals, sabotage or other things that constitute as rebellious or indicative of unrest. They have paid their taxes to date and no pleas have been put forward for a reduction in the taxes due to be collected."

"Very strange ndeed. I think Justina Cassius that this had been planned by someone clever. Also, it must have been someone who knew where your husband were going to be. It sounds like they were well and truly ambushed. Sounds a bit like Varus and his loss of the legions if you remember your history!"

"Yes, you are right. I thought maybe it was ex-soldiers, dressed as natives to make it look like it was the Britons that were responsible" said Justina.

"If that is the case Madam, then you have a traitor in the midst of your staff. Only someone on your husbands staff would have known where he was on route to".

Justina bit her lip and looked at Aeneas. "Then, we must be very careful in everything we say" she sighed.

She lifted her goblet of wine up "Aeneas, I toast you and welcome you to Eboracum. I hope we will be good friends. To the future, whatever it may bring" taking a big swig of wine, she tossed her head back, swallowed her wine and smiled at Aeneas.


Continued...
Author: * AeneasIulius Romulus - 15 Posts on this thread out of 303 Posts sitewide.
Date: Mar 7, 2003 - 01:29



"Well my lady that was certainly a thing to toast to... I too will make a toast..."

He lifted the pitcher and poured another glass of nectar for each of them... Raising his glass he stated..

"To beauty, the enrapturement of mens hearts, the truth of the gods, the flowering of virtue, and the meaning of the stars"

"To beauty" she repeated with a blush

Both knocked down another glass and more was poured...

"What is playing in the theatre?"

"Seneca Minors Medea I believe..."

"Would you like to go with me then tommorow, it sounds like you could use some relaxation? And I would be honored to escort such a resilient being... you could meet my staff as well... Also Do you have any gardens in this area... I would like a night breeze right now and some stars..."


An invitation accepted
Author: * justina Cassius - 21 Posts on this thread out of 744 Posts sitewide.
Date: Mar 7, 2003 - 02:22

Justina looked startled. "oh, erm, Yes" she blurted. She lowered her eyes and fiddled with the folds of her dress "I would be honoured to accompany you Aeneas. I think we should make an ocassion of it". Aeneas smiled at Justina. A comfortable silence fell, Justina gazed out towards the window. "Let us go out onto the garden, and look at the stars. I think it is a full moon tonight. We will see the town clearly". She stood up and walked towards the door leading to the garden. Aeneas got up from his couch and picked up the pitcher of wine and glasses. He strolled outside and looked up at the stars. He smiled to himself. Things were looking up, what more could he ask for, good wine, stars in the sky and a beautiful lady to share it with.