{MEMORIES}{AURELIA}

[antonia]

A N T O N I A | V I D E T T E | L A E L I A

All alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days.
I was beautiful then.
I remember the time,
I knew what happiness was.
Let the memory live again.

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It had been four years since that horrific day in Rome. It was the day she found out she would be alone for the rest of her life. Well, at least that’s what she thought at the time. Antonia Laelia had never loved a man as passionately as she did her then fiancé, Fabius. He was the light of her life so the day he was expected to return would have been a great one had he actually returned. His father entered the castle in which they lived with one less child than he had set off with. It was hard on all sides, especially for his family, but Antonia could hardly bare it.
In the following years she would allow herself to move on slightly, but he was never far from her memory. He was always in her heart even though he was not in her arms. It had been less painful by a fraction since she moved off to Hadrian directly afterwards. She didn’t have to see his family if she didn’t want to and therefore did not have to trudge up any old memories that still lingered around. Today, however, was the exception to that rule.
Today she had been summoned, well asked to tea rather, by none other than the Princess of Rome herself, Aurelia. She just so happened to be the sister of Fabius. My, my how twisted fate is. The women had remained mutual friends through it all, but nothing more than letters and the simply greeting at the market had ever taken place. They hadn’t come face to face since the day, four years ago, and it even though it was long overdue it still carried a bit of anxiety. Would she remind her of him? Would she be able to handle the thought of seeing his family again?
Antonia dressed in silence, a spectacle not known to this woman. Her busy socialite status kept her bouncing from galas to dinners to ceremonies so dressing was an unrecognized beauty to her. She took the time and care to pick out the vibrant maroon sarong she wore, tied with a wide belt of bear skin around her waist she looked the part of nobility. Long, golden earrings set off the ensemble and gave her neck an elongated quality. Her hair done in loose curls, slightly brought together at the top kept it out of her face while adding a touch of style to the look as well. She glanced at herself in a mirror, even though she knew Aurelia would have her beat, and stepped out the door.
The ride to Arthur’s castle was not a very long one, but tense nonetheless. Antonia could not let her mind rest. She constantly worried about how her meeting with Aurelia would affect her mental status. She had come so far in the last four years; she certainly did not want to revert back to being desperately sick over the loss of her lover.
As was customary the two women would meet in the tea room of Arthur and Guinevere’s castle. Her being so high up in society and her also being in love with one of Arthur’s main knights granted them the use of the room, and it also set the tone that they were likely going for. Having it in the castle kept things from getting too emotional and Antonia knew well that was why it was selected.
Antonia entered the tea room and took a seat next to the window. It was such a lovely place and she was a touch early so she took just a minute to look about her. All seemed so very comfortable and yet so very royal that it was almost confusing to the senses. The smell of the winter wind blew silently through the room, that cold and sharp smell of snow passed her nose as she drew a deep breath at the sound of a door. Maybe she wasn’t as ready for this as she thought. Her foot began to tap repeatedly against the stone floor and her hand began to tremble as the sound drew closer. “Please Lord let her face have changed over the years.” She begged inside her head to at least let her not resemble him too much. It would kill her if she did.

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[Princess Aurelia Augustus]

What was she thinking? She has summoned Antonia Laelia, the widow of her deceased brother, Fabius. He had been crown Prince of Rome, while her father still reigned, until that fateful day when Cassius walked home, with one less child. When news arrived of the Roman Prince, the royal family went into seclusion, into mourning. Queen Laelia, had taken a liking to staying cooped up in her sleeping quarters, while Cassius recovered from his wounds. Aurelia, she tried her best to stay strong for the people of Rome, but it was hard.

Fabius was not only her brother, but her best friend. He had taken care of her whenever Laelia and Cassius were away on diplomatic trips. Aurelia was the one he had turned to, whenever, he butted heads with Cassius on what was better for the people of Rome. Aurelia continuelly worried about Fabius's widow, Antonia, and her state of mind. Over the years, Antonia and Fabius had become unseperable, and even had children together, but they had perished. After his death, it seemed as everything went downhill.

Aurelia had been 19, whenever Cassius had passed away from a fever, after a war wound became infected. Later, Laelia gave birth to Caliuna, Aurelia's younger, half sister. The people of Rome were in an uproar, and eventually forced Laelia to agree to a treaty. Nine years later, Aurelia had been crowned Princess of Rome.

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Aurelia sighed softly, lifting herself off of her bed. She had to go to this tea, like it or not. After thinking about it, she realized how much this meeting could change her life; it could be memories of Fabius back. Not that, that was a bad thing, she just didn't want to have ot deal with the hurt anymore. Aurelia was even more nervous about coming face to face with Antonia, it would be the first time, ever since Fabius's death.

Grabbing a candle stick, she held it outwards as she walked over to her 'closet', gazing at the togas, tunica's, palla's, and stola's. Aurelia grabbed an off white stola, and a royal blue palla. The woman set the candle stick aside on the stone table to her left, and dressed in silence. A few minutes later, Aurelia made sure the golden leaf clasps of her palla where in the correct place, and inserted some golden ear rings into each ear, trying to buy herself some time. Leaning over, Aurelia wrapped her fingers around the golden crown, decorated with golden leaves, and placed it atop her head, and pushed the golden bangle up to her left bicep. Her hair was left down, allowing the gentle curls to accent the out fit. She truly looked Roman now.

The Roman Princess slipped out of her room, closing the door behind her, and began to manuever down the hallway. On her way to the tea room, her mind ran hay wire. What was going to happen? Would Antonia hate her, for looking like her brother, and bringing back memories, Aurelia hoped not. Aurelia stopped for a moment, watching as Marina came running up to deliver a message from one of the nights, Galahad, most likely. Aurelia pulled her lips into a faint smile, shaking her back and forh, as she glided past Marina. She was beginning to near the door of the tea room.

Stopping outside of the door, Aurelia inhaled deeply, and adjusted her palla so that it covered one arm. The woman held her head high, as she pushed the door open, and stepped inside. Her heart felt as if it was about ready to beat out of her chest, as she looked Antonia over. The woman looked great, a tad nervous, but that was understandable. "Hello Antonia. I take it, you have been doing well?" Aurelia inquired, as she swiftly made her way over Antonia, and embraced her in a hug.

Stepping back, she motioned for her liadies in waiting, and sat down in a seat at the table. Aurelia nodded her thanks to the ladies, and dropped a dollop of honey into the tea, and began to stir it up. " It is good to see you, Antonia." Aurelia said, giving Antonia a bright smile.

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[antonia]

A N T O N I A | V I D E T T E | L A E L I A

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Antonia could not fathom why Aurelia would want to meet with her, especially since it had been so long since their last meeting, but nonetheless she found herself unable to refuse. Even politely, she could not –or would not- bring herself to turn down the meeting. There was a certain mystery behind the woman she knew for so long and any delve into that mystery promised to yield something special. So the thought of the meeting excited her, but when it came right down to it her stomach was telling her to run.

Antonia knew it was a long shot to expect Aurelia to look less like her brother than before, but still she hoped in a silent reverie. She prayed to any and every god she could think of, in the vain hope that she would not appear to be him in female form.

Upon Aurelia’s entrance she stood immediately and embraced the woman warmly. It was a nervous hug, but it felt like two friends who hadn’t seen each other in a long while. There was no malice in the room only anxiety and a bit of intrigue. Once she hugged the heir to the Roman throne she took a held her at arm’s length and examined her face, for a split second. There he was. He was in her eyes, the very place she knew he would be. He was staring at her and if this had happened years earlier Antonia would have broken into sobs at the very sight, but as it stood she was much stronger now.

“I’m doing just fine, and you’re looking radiant as always.” Antonia released her gentle grasp of the woman’s arms and smiled widely at her. It was a smile of admiration. She couldn’t help but admire her for her fortitude and a small amount of it was the fact that she got to keep a part of him forever. Anytime she wanted to see him all she had to do was look in the mirror, whereas Antonia had nothing but memories and even though they were vibrant they could not compare to the physical.

“As it is you, dear.” This being a half-truth, Antonia spoke it a sense of practiced niceness and not much else. It was good to see the woman that used to be so dear to her, but then again it wasn’t so good to look into those eyes. Through no fault of her own Aurelia had created a personal hell for Antonia. Again, had she been weaker this might have heavily affected her mind-set.

“How have you been keeping Aurelia? It has been so long.” She longed to continue conversation with her old friend, mainly to get her attention off those eyes but also to find out how she had been living and how fruitful life had been for her.

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[Princess Aurelia Augustus]

Aurelia stopped outside of the door, inhaling deeply as her heart beat frantically. She could always run the opposite direction and leave her hanging, but to think about it, that quite un-lady and un-Princess like; she would have to face Antonia sooner or later, might as well be now. Glancing down, she noticed that her fingers shook as they clasped around the door knob, and opened the door, holding her breath for a split second.

The Roman Princess embraced Antonia warmly, as if they were two friends who hadn’t seen each other for years, but she knew different. Aurelia smiled slightly as she held her at arm’s length, and examined her face; she began to feel slightly self conscious. Aurelia felt anxious; would Antonia break into sobs at the sight of her? She couldn’t be sure, but she did know that she looked like a twin of her brother, just in the womanly form. Antonia seemed to fare well, as she released Aurelia, slipping a comment in also. ” That is good to hear, Antonia. “

Aurelia pulled a chair out at the table, and took a seat, as the ladies began to circle around the room to make sure all the preparations were ready. Glancing up, she smiled warmly at one of the younger ladies, as she poured the tea; it smelt delicious. Reaching over, Aurelia picked the hot cup and placed it in front of her, and dropped a dollop of honey inside, it would substitute for the sugar. The young woman could tell this was as hard for Antonia, as it was for her. But, Aurelia felt the need to rekindle close ties, especially those with Antonia. She wasn’t sure if Laelia had spoken to Antonia recently, but part of her, told her she hadn’t. Laelia had been acting as the consort, taking care of affairs in Rome, while Aurelia divided her time between Rome and Hadrian.

Glancing up from the stirring the tea, Aurelia listened as Antonia spoke. Aurelia smiled, lifting the cup to her lips, and took a sip, allowing the hot tea to slide down her throat. ”I have been doing fine, Laelia has been taking care of affairs in Rome, while a visit with Arthur, and some dear old friends. What about yourself?” Aurelia wouldn’t be surprised if Antonia mentioned something about Aurelia and Galahad, it seemed as if everyone in Hadrian knew about the two love birds, but then again, Aurelia wasn’t willing to hide her loves from family and friends. It seemed as if she spent more time in Hadrian, than she did in Rome.

Aurelia was curious about Antonia. How has she been for the past years? Even better, why didn’t Aurelia know she lived in Hadrian, up until a few days ago? But then again, Aurelia was sure there were more people in Hadrian, that she knew from Rome; she just hadn’t found out yet.

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[antonia]

A N T O N I A | V I D E T T E | L A E L I A

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Having the awkward part over with, Antonia took her seat and re-crossed her legs at the knee. She kept a straight back of course, but she allowed herself to relax a little. The hardest part was over. If she could meet the woman's eyes then that was all she had to worry about. She had conquered that fear and now it was time to get to know one of her eldest friends.

Antonia too smelled the tea and decided on a cup. She took two dollops of honey in hers, only because she had always possessed a rather wicked sweet tooth. Once the ladies-in-waiting were situated Antonia took a minute to look over them. They were the crème de la crème of Roman and Hadrian women. Everyone wanted to either be with or be one of the ladies-in-waiting. Antonia found herself longing for that kind of sisterhood as well.

While it was true that the people of Hadrian had received her well she still had no gathering of friends that she could rely on. Yes she had friends, but they were more the “I’ve got money and you do too” type instead of the true friend type. Life was simple for Antonia, in Hadrian, but simple could and often did cross the line into monotonous.

“My life? Well I’ve been living plain for a while now. You know small gatherings, a few galas every now and again, and occasionally the trip to the market.” She smiled towards the end knowing that her dull life would not add up to what she presumed was the extremely busy schedule belonging to her friend.

“I imagine you’ve been very busy what with readying Rome to take arms alongside Arthur. Out of shear boredom I’ve contemplated getting myself a sword and going with them.” She smiled again, this time wider, to let her know she was obviously joking even though the woman probably already gathered that. Antonia was far from the fighting type. She did however hope that her comment about going off to war with the soldiers wouldn’t bring up thoughts of the man they both loved. After all, that was a very big controversy at the time. Antonia was not very well thought of after all that, even though his family stuck by her side. It was just unheard of, at that time, for a woman to go out onto the battlefield.

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[Princess Aurelia Augustus]

Aurelia took a sip of the tea, and crossed her legs back over at the knee. After years of learning how to sit, walk, talk, well basically act like a Princess; it stayed with her. Aurelia’s back was straight, her shoulders squared, yet relaxed. The young princess remembered the lessons the Queen Laelia had taught her, so clearly that it seemed as if it had only happened yesterday. Aurelia also remembered her brother’s remarks, and his rebel ways. In Fabius’s eyes, he would act the way he wanted to, and rule the kingdom any way he wished; if only he had made it to that day.

She watched as Antonia looked the ladies-in-waiting over. Some of them were some of her ‘closer’ friends, other than Marina, and some other people of Hadrian, including Antonia. They were always dressed so properly, and quiet and courteous. Personally, Aurelia was grateful to have them; they helped her out quite a bit. Aurelia smiled warmly at the ladies, and beckoned for them to join Aurelia and Antonia, listening to Antonia. It sounded as if Antonia’s life had gone to the simple side. Aurelia was almost always busy; she was either with diplomats or lounging around with Marina, or Galahad. There were times Aurelia would give anything if her life could be on the simple side, after a while, an hectic schedule grew boring.

”That is good, I wish I could say the same though. It seems that my schedule is always filled with something to do.” Aurelia said with a sigh, glancing over at the ladies-in-waiting who were sipping the tea, giggling amongst themselves. Aurelia tilted her head to the side, repeating Antonia’s words in her head. Joking? She hoped. Lady Marina would be going to war, and Aurelia had lost track of all the times she had tried to stop the lady knight from going. It was dangerous out there; plain and simple. ” I believe Laelia will be sending troops in, later on in the week. I believe Arthur will be needing all that he can get, soon enough.” It sounded wrong to say, Laelia, when it should be Fabius. If Fabius had been in control, the Roman troops would already be stationed around the border. Aurelia wasn’t the only one who believed that though, but there was no need to worry; Arthur had plenty of allies.

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