de minimis non curat praetor.

[al-shairan.livejournal.com]

Kalends of Maius, nearly noon
The year of the consulship of Isauricus and Sabinus
The Forum marketplace

It is a clear morning, a good omen for the first day of the month. I came to the Forum this morning to hear a pontiff call out the fasti. I could have a slave do it, or I could wait to see the list written up in the Senate, but I like to hear it from the mouth of the priest - and I take some amusement in the scurrying of people as they hurry to arrange their month based on which days are forbidden to carry out business. I have my suspicions that the priests take bribes for the banning of certain days, but I think a man would have to be a fool to risk the wrath of the gods in such a way. In the same vein, I have gone to the temple of Venus, as today is the Vinalia, the celebration both of the wine harvest and of the goddess. I poured wine over her altar - and gave many amphorae to her priests so that they might pray for me. Privately I offered my own prayers to Venus Acidalia, since she is concerned with troubles. Not that I have much faith in her interest in my troubles, since I am sure that Venus is quite content for Tetricus to keep making a fool of himself over that boy. She seems to enjoy men playing idiots in the service of love.

Tonight in honour of the Vinalia I have been invited with my wife to the Palace, as her Royal Highness is giving a party - a small affair, the invitation said, of one or two hundred guests. That should mean much of the Senate will be there, and I have sent word to Ageria Altinia to find an appropriate gift. I know that my wife can be trusted with such delicate matters. It is a relief to me to have so sensible a spouse - we had met only twice before we wed, and I had thought she seemed a clear headed girl, but it could all have gone quite wrong. But she has managed my household well from the first, and blessedly produced our twins within a short space of time, which is a relief for many reasons.

I walk through the crowds, people stepping out of my way when they see my toga praetexta. Many are discussing their plans for celebrating the holiday this evening; I think the centre of Excolo will be rowdy tonight. And I do not doubt that the celebrations at the Palace will also be debauched, given the occasion and the host. Tanicia is always careful to behave perfectly herself, but to encourage bad behaviour in others, and I doubt tonight will be an exception. Luckily I can trust Ageria to behave in a way that is a credit to our family. I am sure that if Tetricus is there I will not be able to say he is doing the Ilicus name any credit, particularly if he brings the boy. Barely sixteen and a plebeian. At least when Tetricus acted as my patron we were closer in age, and I had enough wit that we had things in common besides my looks and his interest in them. Arruns Ramnes is a nothing, an exile scratching out a position based on the charity of his patron and now Tetricus, with only a perfectly unremarkable handsomeness to recommend him.

I am clenching my jaw, I realise, and so I stop at a stall to buy a morning cup of wine. My business for the day is discharged; soon it will be time for the baths and then preparations for the dinner and party tonight. I sip my wine and sit on a bench, watching the crowds of the Forum mill by.

Comments

[valmont-vicomte.livejournal.com]

Tetricus talks of Allectus's stubbornness, and I can't help thinking that it's more likely that Tetricus's affection for the boy will wane before Allectus gives up his resentment. But Tetricus turns the conversation, so I tactfully leave the subject be.

"And you, friend Valentinus - will Hymen smile upon you soon?"

"I hope so," I say. "I have a few prospects in mind. The daughter of Messalinus Barbatus, for instance." Barbatus is a knight, though not a great one, and his daughter is plainer than a man in his position might hope. He might not mind a plebeian marriage in such a case. I do not mention yet my interest in a rather more auspicious match. To dare to hope to marry a Vestal Virgin is audacious of me, but I know one who approaches the end of her term of service, and who has been a friend to me... Yes, I hope. To win a Vestal Virgin would guarantee my name is known.

[tezcatl-ipoca.livejournal.com]

"I have a few prospects in mind. The daughter of Messalinus Barbatus, for instance."

One can only hope the children take after him. "A fine match," I say mildly. It would be, for him. I wonder if a word in the right ear might help him to secure it. Certainly I can make it known that I do not disapprove.

There is a pleasure to be found in helping a good man; even the thought of it has eased my tension a little. "You must let me know," I add, "if you believe there is anything I can do to - smooth your way. Marriage is the best state for a man, after all." My voice makes it plain that we are both aware of the irony of that, given my wife. "I would wish to see you with a bevy of fine children before too long."

I have wondered, sometimes, if I have other offspring besides Dacia. Certainly my dalliances have not been limited to boys. It would reassure me somewhat, I think, if I knew that some girl had kindled and birthed a son - that the fault lay with Calida and not solely with myself.

[valmont-vicomte.livejournal.com]

"Thank you," I say with gratitude, and it is truly felt. I know my patron will not let me down if I need him. "I would like to be married; it settles a man, gives him respectability. And I would like more children, if the gods will grant them." One daughter, even though much cherished, is not enough - as Tetricus knows well himself. I sometimes think that contributes to our friendship, that shared concern. Of course, if I do manage to marry Silvia Aurelia, I will be unlikely to have sons, as she must be nearly forty... But the honour of that marriage would doubtlessly make a man of good rank willing to take on my name when he married my daughter, and so my line would continue.

"I should not keep you from your day," I add, bowing again, "but I look forward to seeing you tonight. Give my best regards to your wife and daughter."