Main Plot: Wedding Feast

[Decimus Junius Silanus]

Decimus had been planning for this day for quite some time. The younger of the two Caesars approached him almost a year before in regards to marrying Junia. At the time the pater familias of the Junii-Silani told Caesar that he needed time to consider the proposal and of course to speak with Junia. He spent some time talking with his sisters, one in Rome and the other in Gaul just across the Po, and speaking to his two brothers--Marcus in particular, who was Junia’s birth-father--through the lares. Born the youngest of five by several years, Decimus had been raised to lower expectations than his brothers. It was decided that he would inherit less, and that only through the successes and good graces of his elder brothers would he advance through the political world. He had never expected to be the one who had to make the decision whether or not a proposal was for the best of the entire family.

To add to his unexpected stress there was the fact that of all the branches of the Silani that at one time existed, there now remained only Decimus, his nephew Lucius, and his own son Marcus that carried the name. Indeed, the Junii-Silani had a mixed history with the Caesars. Men that carried the name had been prominent throughout the history of the Republic, often times more for their failures or corruption than for their prowess in warfare or politics. Regardless, they allied with Augustus and received his blessings and were added into the ranks of the patriciate. They rose in prominence, sometimes through good works, more often through rumors and scandal. Then, Decimus’ own father was engaged to Aemilia, the great-granddaughter of Augustus himself. Decimus’ father had ensured that his sons were example Romans--and they all were. Yet, within a span of ten years three of the Junii-Silani of Decimus’ family were dead.

First was his own father, Marcus the Elder who was accused of treason by Claudius’ second wife Valeria. Second was Lucius, whom had been engaged to Manius Caesar’s sister as an act of good-will by Claudius. He then was accused of incest with his sister Junia Calvina and took his life with Calvina going into exile. Then there was Marcus, and while the official reports claim that he died of a brain hemorrhage, Decimus was not so naive as to think that his brother--who was healthier both mentally and physically than any man--died so unexpectedly without any sort of outside influence. And so, Decimus Silanus, proconsul of Britannia had approached the subject of marrying Junia to Caesar with a good deal of apprehension and caution. It seemed to him that each time his family grew closer to the Caesars they also lessened in numbers. In the end he accepted the proposal, on the terms that his sister Junia Calvina and deceased brother be acquitted from the charges of incest and treason, and that Calvina be allowed to return to Rome as a full citizen once again.

He arrived at the celebration afterward with his bride-to-be Flora on his arm and despite his intentions to remain at her side for the whole of the party almost immediately after arriving he was taken away by a group of senators. They were colleagues of his, men he had not seen in some months since departing for Britannia. With them he spoke briefly of improvements in the province and progress in the war. He pointed the gentlemen to Titus Lupus, also present for the celebrations, when it came to their questions on the war and assured them that they could call upon him the next day to speak of other matters. "Today I am here to celebrate the marriage of my daughter and Caesar," he said in parting.

With quick, purposeful strides Decimus swept through the atrium--a place he had seen only one time before--and found Flora just leaving the audience of Junus, Junia and the Augusta. He approached with a smile and first looked at beautiful young Junia. "Junia," he said, with a pride that only a father could know, "congratulations. And to you, Caesar, congratulations. I am hopeful that this is only the beginning of closer relations between our two families. Myself and the Junii-Silani are, as always, faithful servants of Rome," he said, choosing his words carefully. "I pondered what there is that I could give that a Caesar does not yet have, or cannot procure in short time... and then it occurred to me..." Decimus turned and seemingly from nowhere his attendant appeared, carrying a rather simple-looking small chest.

"Knowing that you are a man of learning, I thought that perhaps an original copy of Thucydides' history of the Peloponnesian War might fit your tastes. Then I considered that you most certainly already have that title. I thought, then, of all the scrolls and writings I have in my personal library and a thought occurred to me: a library. Rome has many great buildings, alas we do not yet have a library to rival that of Alexandria. Thus, without further ado, take this..." he opened the box and took from it a parchment with blueprints for a new library. "And consider it my gift to you. If you should grant me the honor of funding it myself, it would be a library built in the name of my daughter and your wife, a wedding present and a gift to all of Rome."

It was something of a bold move, but Decimus did it with a sincere heart. His whole career had been about improving Rome, and he considered a building for the people to be something that would both improve Junus' opinion of him and also the general opinion of the newly-wed Caesar.

[Titus Imperios Acuelo Gurges]

There were many places he would like to be and this was not one of them. Yet, it was expected for a man of his political station and wealth to be in attendance of the Imperial wedding feast. In truth, he hoped all the members of the Imperial family and all the hangers on would go to Hades! But... for the moment, he would have to play nice and he gave a fond smile to his wife at his side. With Seia, he had found a renewed reason for life but that didn't mean that she was immune to hearing his complaining. With her on his arm, he lent down a little to murmur into her ear.

"Well.. isn't this a lovely little event, my dear. Do you think that the little Caesar looks twelve? Or are my eyes just failing me." His words were whispered for her ears alone, hushed mockery in a den filled with Imperial snakes.

Titus waited for her to chide him before the man wore his more diplomatic smile as he approached the Imperials. He certainly noticed the three of them as they sat and gave them a smile.

"Salve, it is an honour to be here today and I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to you both. It must be such a pleasant day for the pair of you, along with the rest of the family." He greeted, as his gaze moved around to look for the rest of them and moved back to them. As expected he had brought them a gift as a sign of his 'goodwill' and presented them with the gift.

"I offer you eight Nubian slaves. Able to do with as you choose." He answered with a smirk and after the necessary greetings, before he led Seia away from the group and gave her a wink.

[Flavia Caesaris]

To say Flavia had been excited for her brother's wedding was an understatement. It was her first real party she was allowed to attend. True they'd had Darius' homecoming and the like over the years but she'd always been deemed too young to attend. Finally she'd hit thirteen and was considered a grownup now apparently. Still had she done a lot since slipping in behind her mater? Not really. Techinally speaing she was supposed to be in here before the guests had started to arrive but she'd slipped in just after Silanus and his wife had arrived. Why was it she always seemed to be running late?

Hopefully she hadn't missed hearing all the presents. The little blonde stepped behind her mother hoping to avoid a scolding. She wouldn't say anything infront of so many people. Flavia knew her mater too well. She pulled a face at the mention of Silanus' gift. A library? Why would anyone want a library for a present? Then again it was Junus. He spent most of his time reading books about men dead long ago.

Weird.

[Junia Silana]

This was the first opportunity to have met Flora who was engaged to her father Decimus. She was rather lovely and seemed kind. For the most part it also did not seem to be a deception to capture her father. Her past occupation made her doubt that course as well. Polite but graceful greetings, and thank you were given to the myriad of guests that poured in to offer their blessings and gifts.

She made sure not to get too excited or curious about any one particular person's gifts knowing that it might convey the wrong message of favoritism over others if she did not fawn for the appropriate amount of time as well. There was always the same smile upon her lips with a greeting ready and then appreciation when a gift was presented. She really hoped she was doing this well. So many names, so many faces, and she worked at remembering who offered what and why they were.

It was rather daunting at first, but Junia continued to be polite yet elegant as practised. The gifts were so extravagant, one and the next, and her father had even granted Junus a library. She missed him so and he looked healthy and happy which was far better than melancholy and grieving. Junia would watch Lucilla from time to time to ensure that she had gotten the mannerism down, but did manage to stop a full on grin as she noticed Flavia being a little bit late to the greeting line. Instead, she gently bit down on her lower lip to get ahold of her enthusiasm and then managed the sweet smile from before as if she held back some laughter. Her hand gently squeezed Junus hoping he was enjoying himself.

[Decimus Claudius Caesar Junus]

Junus hadn't really known what to expect of an Imperial Wedding, not when one was the focus, but sitting and watching was always his forte. He tended to enjoy studying people and being the centre of attention may not have been new but in this case, such a thing allowed for all sorts of understandings about the personalities that surrounded him. His wife, his beloved Junia, was a vision of quiet happiness beside him and though they were both likely nervous enough for a score of people, having her beside him helped keep his worried mind in check.

He didn't like the idea that some would come to him with presents and only have a shallow smile to offer as well… but he knew that simply being himself made him a target for dislike. So as this man and that approached, offering present and gift and kind words, Junus took them quietly, calmly, his smile never faltering. Even Gurges, a noted critic of his father's, earned a smile and a few kindly murmured words before he too stepped away. It left him alone with his wife for a moment, long enough to give her a soft smile and a nod.

But that was when her father approached, and Junus had to admit, his shoulders went a little straighter, his expression a little warmer. This was Junia's blood… and that alone was reason to give his respect. "You do me honour, father-in-law," he said as he slowly lowered his head an inch or two, his expression calm and relaxed, though his hand didn't leave his wife's. He was about to open his mouth to go on but it was then that the older man gave his gift, and at first, Junus didn't know what to say. A library was a far more thoughtful present, to his mind, than slaves or gold, or even varied jewels… because it was for Rome, not just for himself. He sat there a moment or two, stunned, before he opened his mouth, and nothing came out.

At first. But then… he slowly grinned, the expression making his face look terribly young.

"I thank you for such a thoughtful gift… not only for my sake but also Junia's… as well as that of the people of Rome. It is… a substantial undertaking, but one we need. Alexandria's own library will seem a small thing compared to this, Rome's own," he said and then slowly grinned again. "I thank you. I cannot think of anything more fitting of my bride." And with that, he turned his head to look at his wife and smiled softer, his hand squeezing hers lovingly.

[Julia Aquila]

Julia could honestly say that she had never seen a wedding so beautiful, or a couple more right for each other. The wedding had been absolutely flawless, with no expense spared for the couple vowing themselves to each other. Julia looked on in quiet wonder as the ceremony went on before they officially became husband and wife.

The looks on their faces brought a quiet smile to her mouth while her father readied himself to present their gifts. Marcus Aquilus stood tall as they waited for their turn to greet the Caesar, his new bride, and the Augusta. Marcus was dressed in a deep blue-green robe* with a lighter green sash thrown over his shoulder. His expression was stern and professional and his dark hair was threaded with gray as they approached. Julia was dressed in a soft blue and her long hair was pulled up with twisted pieces of curls falling down in the back. When it was their turn they walked to the wedding bench that the two sat on. Marcus's expression never changed, but Julia offered them a soft, genuine smile. "Salve Caesar, Augusta, and Domina Junia. From the house of Aquilii I would like to present to you our wedding gifts." He pulled out a piece of light parchment sealed in an envelope and offered it to the guard to hand to the royal family before him. "I have procured two sets of furniture including chairs, couches, and tables for you. They are light weight and detailed ornately in gold so they can be moved easily but still be showpieces." Marcus stepped down a step and Julia moved forward. "We have also bought you sixty bolts of fabric in varying colors and textures from different parts of the world." After all, Junia and Junus would wear out their clothes, and it would be presumptuous and possibly distasteful if Julia just bought them clothes and guessed at their sizes. "With these fabrics we have hired two tailors who will work with the fabrics as you see fit. May the two of you enjoy a long, happy marriage and have a prosperous household."

With their gifts offered, the pair politely stepped down and allowed the next guests to come and present their gifts.


{*Robe, toga, I always get them confused... and I had no idea what to get them as gifts. Sorry! XD}

[Valeria Julia]

Having spent the last few years of her life in the palace under Lucilla’s protection, Valeria had watched Junus grow from the young quiet bookworm in the shadow of his brother into the well spoken and seemingly confident young man who was now married. She could tell from Lucilla’s demeanour that, although the woman had stated that she was not overly comfortable with children, she was beyond proud of her son and Valeria could not have been any happier with this outcome. She had arrived at the wedding in a long dark green chiton, her dark brown hair curled up and pinned in place so it wouldn’t fall and the most elaborate jewellry that she owned- anyone who had known Valeria since her escape would see that she was trying to present herself properly to society once more.

She watched as person after person approached Junus and his beautiful bride Junia and after each murmering their greetings presented them with gifts. There had been gifts of fabric, a library, eight Nubian slaves and the list went on. As the wedding had gotten closer and closer Valeria had been struggling with what to get the couple. Although Valeria had been freed and now earned a stable source of income in the back of her mind any gift that she were to buy for the couple would be like Lucilla buying it since Lucilla provided her with a stable source of income- although an amount had been also set aside from her family’s seized estate for her well being. A gift for Junus had been easily- she made the decision to present him with a book. As for his bride, that was a harder one. Finally the gift had come to her while having a conversation with Flavia. Flavia had been whining about how Patrician woman although they were taught to weave and spin would never have to weave in real life.

When it came her time to present her gifts Valeria approached Junus and Junia. “Salve Caesar, Domina Julia. I wish you both all the happiness in your marriage. May the Gods be good to both of you as you join your families together.” Valeria looked down to the two gifts in her hands and then back up to the couple. “In honour of your marriage, for you Caesar I was able to find a copy of a book that my father garnered much of his wisdom from and you Domina a hand woven tapestry to grace your home and a hand woven shawl.” Alright so not the most elaborate gifts but they were given from the heart to a family that she truly cared about. With the gifts presented she gave a curtsy and left the couple's presence.

[Laelius Flavius Alexander]

Going to this wedding did not excite Laelius at all. In fact, he dreaded it. His mater literally forced him. What was enjoyable about weddings? Absolutely nothing. You just stood there and congratulated the newly-weds. What was so nice about marriage anyway? It was disgusting in his opinion. Companionship was so undesirable for him at the moment. However, he did not mind courting Fabia Minor. She was acceptable. Others were not. Oh, Fabia. His thoughts barely lingered from her. She penetrated his mind after that one encounter. No, he had to let go of such thoughts. He needed to be more mannish.

And so he got dressed in fine cloth and followed his mater outside the domus. She was looking nice. Laelius complimented her with a small smile before they made their way toward domus Augustana. The ride wasn’t long, thankfully. They made with it within a short period of time. It was silent though but he wasn’t complaining. He enjoyed silence. Silent places made Laelius feel cheerful. They helped him meditate and re-collect all his irksome thoughts. Finally, they reached domus Augustana and his mater stepped out of the litter first. He watched her for a few moments before mirroring her actions.

Laelius questioned what his mater got for the newly-weds. He could care less, really. It could have been a poisonous snake for all he knew. Now, that would have made the event a little more interesting. He gently dusted himself off before stepping into the domus. He took a quick look around, examining the scenery. It was admittedly lovely. Quite a deal of work had been put in it. He could tell. His sister had good taste. He followed his mater further into the domus, rubbing his arms a slight bit. The first thing his blue eyes caught were Junus and Junia. He tried his best to hide a scowl.

Wandering over to them, he kept a composed smile on his face. “Ave, Caesar and Junia,” Calling him Caesar was hard enough. “I congratulate you both,” Laelius then sauntered over to Lucilla and gently held her hand. “And I congratulate you also, sister.” The boy moved away from her. He wasn’t really good at praising people. Laelius' noticed his brother Quintus for a moment. He gave him a short nod before inspecting the place again. Laeli was on a quest to find someone tolerable to speak with. He finally discovered his niece, Flavia. He inwardly rolled his eyes. Would he really go to that extent? It wouldn’t hurt.

He reluctantly walked over to where she stood and greeted her, “Salve, Flavia,” he forced a smile. “It’s good to see you again. How have you been?”

[Lucius Cornelius Sulla Magnus]

Spectacles, weddings, what to think of them? On one hand it was a celebration to join two human together in a marriage in the eyes of both gods and mortals. As such it was immensely important to Lucius. On the other hand there were so much people all over, and it was rather known that Lucius was not a man who felt at ease in such contexts, at least not completely. Had it not been a religious festivity it would have been very doubtful if would have attended at all. Yet now much were at stake, his reputation for one, and the assuring of the future Caesar’s goodwill towards him.
So impeccably dressed he arrived with his wife to the feast. Not a hair on his head was in disorder, not a wrinkle was visible on his toga.
Together he and his wife found their way to the area where the newly wedded couple stood. As he approached he and his wife bowed. As he rose again he gave the young ones a smile, as unstudied as ever his smiled could be.
“Ave Junus Claudius Caesar Honorianus and Junia Silana. I wish to congratulate you most sincerely upon your wedding, I am sure that the gods will forever watch over you both and make it a prosperous marriage” he started with saying, with great courtesy as always ”Since the favourable auspices for your marriage was sighted I have offered my prayers to you and your prosperity. Now I wish to present my humble gifts. To the young Caesar I offer the sword of my great-grandfather Lucius Cornelius Sulla. May you wield it as he did, and be victorious as he was. For the Empress-to-be I offer my great-grandmother’s necklace, given to her by the Pharaoh of Egypt. Finally I offer you a gift to hold in common; An estate upon the Alban hills, an area sacred to Jupiter” he finished and then bowed again ”I wish you a pleasant day and a joyful feast” he concluded the little audience and then stepped back along with his wife.

[Lucilla Augusta]

It was good to see the amount of people who came to attend the wedding, there were many familiar faces who were present. Soon her nephew arrived to this formal function, the nephew of her first husband had come to offer his congratulations to the couple and his gift was impressive. Lucilla gave him a discreet nod and smile of approval for his choice. Tiberius was certainly growing into a fine young man - at least as far as presents were concerned. "Salve nephew, it is good to see you and I'm sure Junus would greatly love to see his new property." She answered; if he was ever away in Rome - she would act in his interests to protect him back in Rome.

And then came the pretty Greek, an ornament and a remnant of the past who somehow managed to stay on. Yet she was going to provide a useful connection that could benefit the family. The woman greeted her with a smile. "Thank you, Gaia. It is good to see you here again and I hope you enjoy your night." She greeted her, as another guest arrived.

The Father of the bride herself. The husband of Lucretia Flora, who's own family would soon be arriving at the Domus Augustana and offered a gift that would certainly be pleasing to her son. Lucilla and Decimus had made a difficult interview in the past, where the informed him that she offered no spite towards his family and had assisted in protecting them from Claudius' wrath. Now? They were to become family through marriage with the hope of children who would bring further unity between them. Lucilla smiled and gave him a nod. "You are most kind Proconsul, later during the celebrations. I would like to offer my own congratulations about your own marriage." She offered to him; but the night continued on and more guests were arriving.

And, next came Titus Gurges, the Republican serpent.

The Augusta greeted him with a diplomatic - yet regal smile and let her son after on behalf of the family. Although the Nubian slaves looked to be quite good.

"Flavia, darling. Come sit by me." She bid her daughter and gestured to one of the seats near her. Lucilla loved Flavia, although the girl certainly was developing some rather weird traits. Another Senator spoke and Lucilla noticed that he had brought his daughter along with him. "Salve Senator, it is a pleasure to see you and your daughter here today." She greeted them; the gifts would certainly be very welcome additions. The next guest had been with her for many years, she was the sister to the traitor Camillius who had been forced into slavery before Lucilla rescued her from the fate and allowed her to be raised with her family. Valeria and Flavia had begun to form quite a bond with each other.

"Salve Valeria, it is good to see you and you're looking well." She said, before her youngest brother joined the greeting. Her hand extended to briefly take his in her own for a moment, before he left and went around with others.

The next guest had arrived and it was Lucius Cornelius Sulla Magnus, an Augur, Pontiff and Senator. He came with his wife and both offered their congratulations to Junus and Junia. She offered her own before the Domina waited to see who else would arrive.