Father, I’ve met someone that I hope to marry. I know you feel I’m too young to be worried about boys, but love is love. We are, after all, the descendants of Venus. Now, don’t panic when I tell you his name, which is Otho. Yes… That Otho. The nephew of Septimius. I know you don’t like Septimius or his politics, but Otho is nothing like his uncle. He is kind and compassionate and dreams of becoming an actor. I feel like you are probably on the verge of throwing this letter against the wall… an actor and a boy related to the man you call the Great Windbag. But, father, I love him, and I think he loves me too.
Monday, August 24, 2020
My Heart Sinks
Father, it was a beautiful day. I spent most of it with Cousin Titus. We snuck into the theater today and saw Cato’s celebrated play. It was magnificent. You would have hated it. But I came to see Otho. He proposed to me. He wants to make me his wife! I ran home with so much glee that I thought I could fly, but then I saw Remus. I hadn’t seen him for so many years that I barely recognized him, but I knew something terrible had happened. You're dead… How can this be true? Remus must be lying to mother and me; some sick game he is playing with us. But I saw how heavy his heart was. He was a brother to you. I ran to Otho and collapsed in his arms. He was so wonderful, but I can’t stop crying. How could this have happened? I want you back! I curse to the Gods and demand them to give you back to me!
Exiled
I’m alone, father. I’ve been alone my whole life out doing what I wanted, driving you and mother crazy with grief. But right now, I’m truly alone. I’ve been cast out of my home and my city. My heart has been ripped out and stomped on by Otho, and Tullus… that evil man has taken everything from me simply because I was in love with a boy from his enemy’s family. What am I to do, father? Titus is with me, that damn fool. He’s given up everything to stay with and keep me safe, but he’s just a boy, as I am just a girl. We’re hungry. We’re cold, and I’m getting sick. Titus tries to put on a brave face, but I can see him starting to fade away with each day. I beg him to go home and not endure my fate, but he won’t leave me.
I don’t know what to do, father. Mother is alone. She grows weaker with news of your passing. Now she has no one to keep an eye on her. Will I ever see home again? I need your guidance more than ever.
A New Life
Father, Remus found me! I was nearly dead from sickness and Tullus sent assassins to murder Titus and me despite giving his word I was to be spared. But there he was, Remus, out from the shadows after tracking me down upon learning of my exile. I can barely remember what happened… I was so sick. He took me to his ship and nursed me back to health. Titus never left my side as I was out for weeks. When I was well enough, Remus said the only way he could protect me was if I joined his legion. Titus, of course, jumped at it. He always admired you, father, and hoped to live up to your example. I, on the other hand, was more hesitant. But I agreed, nonetheless.
Remus tells us that he made a bargain with Tullus that if he would call off his assassins on my life, all of Chimera Legion would side with him in the war against Septimius and his loyalists. It is madness. To save one life thousands of men must now serve a madman in his genocidal crusade to punish Septimius for offensives I had nothing to do with.
I’m here now and there is nothing I can do about it. This is not how I hoped to live up to you, father, but I pray to the gods you are watching over me.
Into the Fray
Here I am father, about to go into battle for the first time – my first real battle, I mean. I was there for the fall of Rome when Tullus’ forces stormed the city. I’m no stranger to death and violence. But this is something different entirely.
The war against Septimius is apparently put on hold. The Pontus king has done something unimaginable. Tens of thousands of Roman citizens have been murdered across the eastern part of the empire. Now, the legions rally behind Tullus’ banner as we march out to avenge the massacre of so many innocence.
I’m scared, father. I wish you were here to provide me with some words of comfort. What do I do? What if I’m not capable of being the soldier you were? What if I die? I have so many questions that I can’t get answers too. I don’t dare ask Remus or some of my comrades. Even Titus is thrilled to be going into battle. I do my best to pretend I’m just as eager, but it is a lie. I’m terrified of what might happen.
The only comfort I can find is if I should die in the next few hours, then perhaps I will get the chance to see you again.
Friday, August 21, 2020
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