"Argh,” I groaned as I rose from my bed. My head was pounding. I should not have accompanied Livia and Julia for drinks. The posca must have been bad. Gazing around my messy room, a wave of irritation washed over me. Clothes were strewn across the floor, and in my drunken state, I had knocked over several items. Rummaging through the mess, I found nothing of value. Then it struck me: My father had sent me to fetch his salt. Desperately searching for the bag, I found it empty. A chill ran through me, colder than the underworld, and I broke into a sweat. That was my pay from the last harvest, meant to sustain us through the winter. By the gods, what am I going to do now? My father was injured, and my little brother was preparing for his journey to the city of Eternalis.

“Claudia, rise and assist your mother on the farm! The cows need tending,” my father’s voice bellowed. Hastily, I left my room. “I’m coming, Father; just let me freshen up,” I called back as I headed to the lavatorium. I quickly lifted my tunic and removed my stola. Grabbing a cup, I splashed water on my armpits and chest. Then, I dipped my left hand into the fresh oil my mother had bought last week and anointed my armpits and neck. Running back to my cubiculum, I donned my clothes: a simple white linen tunic, a clean subligaculum, and leather caligae.

“Claudia, what’s taking you so long?” My father's voice echoed behind me. I turned to face him, encountering a man of broad shoulders with piercing blue eyes and raven-black hairnd and a rectangular jaw, a. A jagged scar marred his weathered face, and a tattoo bearing the numeral V adorned his neck. With a stern gaze, he sniffed the air, detecting the unmistakable scent of posca. He was breathing quite heavely and his brow was sweaty.

Seizing my arm, he drew me close, his voice laced with frustration and authority. “Is that posca I smell, Claudia? By the gods, how many times must I remind you? Do not consort with your debauched companions! Your reckless behavior reflects poorly on our family. Consider your brother’s prospects! How is he going to secure a suitable match if you persist in this drunken folly? Do you wish to face the wrath of the Praetorians and be reduced to slavery?” He concluded, his breath heavy with exasperation.

As I parted my lips to respond, he cut me off abruptly. “Silence. I will converse with your mother later. For now, please attend to your duties and assist her. Your brother shall arrive presently,” he commanded, pivoting on his heel and striding into the kitchen to prepare our evening meal.

Suppressing the urge to retort, I exited the house, squinting against the harsh glare of the sun. After a moment’s pause, I resumed my stride, the weight of my own self-assurance buoying my steps. The familiar scents of livestock and earth enveloped me in a comforting embrace. Ahead of me was our expansive fields sprawled, attended by the diligent hands of our slaves. Nearby stood our granary, where my mother and a male slave tended to a gravid cow.

Drawing near, I saw a lifeless calf at their fee, the umbilical cord wrapped around its neck and blood pooled around its mouth. Walking to my mother i stepped on a twig, hearing the sound she voiced her my reproach. “You are tardy. Through your negligence, we have lost a calf. Praise be to the gods for Wenzel’s assistance.”

“Mother, it is merely a beast. We possess an abundance. My delay is inconsequential,” I countered coolly, striding over to inspect the dead calf, moving it with my foot, I felt it was already getting stiff. “Nevertheless, I am present now to offer my aid.” Seizing a pail filled with the remains from last week’s dinner, I declared, “I shall attend to the swine. Farewell.” With a flick of my head, I departed, leaving my mother’s exasperated sigh in my wake.

The swine thrived in their pens, as robust and content as they should be, tended to under my watchful eye. Glancing down at my calloused palms, a simmering frustration stirred within me. If only my brother were present to share the burden, but alas, his scholarly pursuits whisked him away to the illustrious halls of the University of Eternalis. For the time being, he labored under the tutelage of the local temple of Lumina and was granted education at a discounted price merely for his gender. Bah. With a disdainful snort, I dispensed the swine’s sustenance, which they greedily consumed. Abandoning the pail by their enclosure, I strode toward the equine stalls to ensure their hydration. Discovering their troughs empty, I fetched another pail and set off for the communal well.

Amidst my solitary march, approaching footsteps intruded upon my thoughts. Wheeling around, I greeted Marcus with a tight-lipped smile. Though he was another servant in our household, to me, he bore the mantle of a confidant. He had been purchased some years ago—a kind man who listened to my troubles despite the risks. Our talks were comforting, but if anyone saw him acting so familiarly with me, he would face thirty lashes.

“Domina Claudia, how fare you?” he inquired, falling into step beside me.

I met his gaze with a nod. “Hush, Marcus. You and I share a bond beyond that of domina and servant. Speak freely.”

He chuckled softly. “Of course, my lady. But tell me, what troubles weigh on your brow? Your countenance betrays a tempest within.”

I sighed, frustration gnawing at my resolve. “It is my parents, Marcus. Their incessant demands weigh heavily on me. I yearn for freedom and adventure. And yet, they persist in their disparagement of my chosen companions.”

Sadness washed over me. Beyond yearning for freedom and adventure, I craved my parents’ approval, but it seemed forever out of reach. The birth of my brother brought a glimmer of hope to our poor household, offering the promise of wealth and political influence in the capital. For my parents, it was an opportunity; for me, it was an added burden.

“Besides that,” I continued, “My nineteenth winter is approaching, and our crops are failing. I overheard some of the servants complaining about how our wheat has been plagued by rodents and insects.” As we neared the well, I noticed other villagers using it. It was a communal spot. Cassia and her sister Flavia were there, along with Cornelia the Veteran, and her husband Quintus.

Not wanting to attract unwanted attention, Marcus put his hand on my shoulder and talked “Well here i leave you Cluaida, no need to get unwanting attention, a servant being chaty with his Domina is not a good look” i sighted, even my only friend cant be around me in public, what life is this, joining the line i waited for my turn to fill my bucket, i watched Quintus kiss his wife on the cheek before walking back to his home. Cornelia approached me, a playful glint in her eye.

“Hail, Claudia! You look stressed. Have you still not found a young man to warm your bed?” she teased as she joined me.

“Shush, Cornelia. You know I’m still searching for the right one. A woman’s virtue should be given to a man she truly loves.”

“Bah! When I was your age, I had already made several boys into men. That’s why i was sent to the legion. If not for that, I would have never met my dear Quintus. Such a lovely man. Since then, no other has shared my bed.” Cornelia’s tone was both wistful and proud.

I couldn’t help but smile at her candidness. “Perhaps, but I am not you, Cornelia. I seek something more, something deeper.”

Cornelia laughed. “Ah, Claudia, always the dreamer. Just remember, love and life rarely go as planned. But who knows? Maybe you’ll find your adventure and your true love. Hmm, why don’t you try joining the legion? Our Caesar always needs fresh blood. I heard those damned Hesses are poking at our border.”

“Me, a soldier? You know I seek adventure, not death. Besides, even if I join, do you think I have a chance at greatness? Who would tend to the farm? Who would help my parents? Without my brother, the burdens are growing worse, and the slaves are only allowed to collect. They are forbidden to assist in any other work, as you know.” i spoke a little mad at her.

“Look,” Cornelia said, her tone serious. “I know life is becoming harder, but you need to think. Do you truly want to be here all your life? I know you care about your family, but consider yourself more. The legion can give you meaning in life, just as it did for me. And if you’re lucky, you might find a husband like I did. Just think about it. I have some contacts that can offer you a little help.”

Noticing it was my turn, I started to fill my pail, pondering her words. I understood her point, but the reality of our poor crops and my lost salary weighed heavily on me.

“Thank you, Cornelia. I will think about it. If I decide, I will let you know. Now, goodbye—the equines are thirsty.” i said as i grabed the full pail.

Cornelia nodded her expression a mix of concern and hope. “Goodbye, Claudia. May the gods guide you.”

As I walked back to the farm, the weight of the pail was nothing compared to the weight of my thoughts. The more I thought the more I was certain, was I truly gonna waste my youthful life here, besides the animals of burden? Forever working until my dying breath or would I find a bigger meaning, does the gods have something better for me?

Walking back to the equines I saw that they already had water, frustrating came over me, I wasted my time for nothing, really.

Putting the pail down, I started to look for my mother, but neither she nor the slaves were tending the fields. It was eerily empty, the fields barren under the watchful gaze of the sun god. As I walked back to the house, a sense of foreboding crept over me. My worry only deepened when I discovered the reason for the abandonment. A magnificent white horse stood by the house, a sure sign that my dear brother, Julius, was home.

Opening the door, I entered to the comforting aroma of food mingling with the scent of burning incense, a tribute to the household gods. Hunger gnawed at my stomach, but so did the weight of uncertainty. Making my way to the kitchen, I saw a few slaves bustling about, setting food on the table. There, seated regally, was my brother, clad in a toga with a purple belt cinched around his waist—a symbol of his status as the male head of the household. His brown hair fell in waves around his face, and his piercing blue eyes sparkled with mischief, like the mischievous gaze of Mercury himself.

"And then I bested Flavius in a drinking game! Oh, parents, you should have seen it. Thanks to him, I have brought home his salt. Poor soul, but alas, I was the victor,” Julius boasted with a grin. His eyes widened when he finally saw me, and a broad smile adorned his face. “Oh, sister, welcome! How are you? Come, recline and dine with us. Tell me, how is life treating you? Have the gods smiled upon you?”

Mother looked at me, her gaze conveying what she did not need to say aloud. Father slowly stroked Mother's arm, his expression a mix of pride and caution. Giving them a cold glare, I took my seat, as usual, Julius was smiling, lost in his little world.

“I am well, brother. The gods have been kind; the crops are plentiful, and all is well,” I replied, not wishing to engage further.

Julius’s smile widened as he grabbed a cup of wine and downed it in one go. “Splendid! Oh, I’m so happy for you, sister. I was worried,” he spoke with a somber voice. “From what I have heard from the temple, all over the Empire, things are dire. Crops are failing, the Hesse Empire is testing our borders. Worse still, I heard that a very important vessel was lost at sea.”

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Father interrupted him, his voice firm. “Let us not dwell on somber thoughts now, son. Remember, the Empire has endured and will continue to prosper. Not every year brings good fortune, but our Caesar will restore balance. She is like Alexander the Great, having triumphed over the Hesse Crusade. I know she will bring order.”

Mother chimed in, trying to steer the conversation away from gloom. “Now, now, let's leave the somber feelings behind. The gods will provide, as they always do," Mother said, trying to steer the conversation away from gloom. "Cheer up, son. Tell me, how are your studies progressing? Do you need any new scrolls or anything else?”

Julius smiled and set down his cup. “My education is advancing well. Even better, the priestess informed me that my magical abilities are improving. I’ve been granted admission to study directly in Eternalis, and we won’t have to pay a single denarius. So, you can stop worrying about the trip.”

His words hung in the air, a mixture of pride and relief. The promise of his future seemed to lift the mood in the room, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped in the shadows of his achievements.

"I'm happy for you, son, and for your achievements, we have bought you something with our denarii. You are the pride and joy of our familia," my father said, his eyes gleaming with pride as he looked at my brother.

A mix of sadness and anger roiled within me, but I clenched my teeth and held my tongue. As a slave approached, he carried an object to the table: a small amulet that fit in the palm of my hand. It had a black exterior, and at its center, an emerald was fashioned into the shape of a swirl.

"We have procured this amulet for you," my mother said sternly, "It cost us much, but it shall protect you from the enchantments and potions of other practitioners. Remember, not everyone is as virtuous as we are. The capital is a place of great opportunity, but it is also full of powerful people. And where there is power, there are always those who abuse it. Beware of the women in the capital; they can be dangerous. When I served in the legions, I witnessed terrible things. I do not wish for anything ill to befall you."

My brother's eyes teared up a little. "Thank you mother, I will bring honor to our household," he said, standing up with his arms open. My parents did the same, embracing him warmly.

I stood up too, but only to retreat to my cubiculum. My appetite had vanished.

But I was stopped by the voice of my brother.

"Dear sister, why do you not join us?" he said, looking at me with a warm smile.

"I would like to, brother, but I am feeling unwell. I need to rest in my cubiculum," I replied, trying to avoid his gaze.

My parents looked at me with stern expressions, but I ignored them. Before my brother could speak again, I was already leaving the room. Just then, a slave entered, carrying my empty bag. Seeing this, I quickened my pace, but my father’s voice thundered through the atrium.

"Claudia! What is the meaning of this?" he yelled, his face turning crimson with fury.

"I… I can explain, Father. It’s just that my drinking—"

"Your drinking? Foolish girl! It was those friends of yours, wasn't it? You squandered the salt you earned! How are we to survive now? That salt was meant for trading new cows and sheep. But you wasted it on your drunkenness. How many times have I told you to stay away from them?" he shouted, his voice trembling with rage.

"Shameful, Claudia! Did you not listen to us?" my mother screamed, her fists clenched in anger.

My brother looked worried and tried to intercede. "Parents, calm down. Father, breathe. You must not get so angry at your age," he pleaded.

"Calm down? Do you not see how this affects us? She’s always like this, drinking and drinking. Thank the gods she’s not whoring herself—yet. But seeing this, she may well be!" my father raged.

"Now look here, Father. I only drink. And my friends are always there for me, not like you. You, you worthless man!" I yelled back.

Silence fell over the house. My mother buried her face in her hands, my brother looked horrified, and my father, now drenched in sweat with his clothes clinging to his skin, breathed heavily.

"How dare you! You are my daughter. I raised you better than this. And a worthless man? Don’t you see this numeral, this scar? I have been to the infernal regions for this family, for our future, and you dare—" He clutched his chest, unable to finish his sentence.

"Father!" "Dear!" they shouted.

He collapsed to the floor and began convulsing. We rushed to his side, his mouth foaming with saliva. My brother tried to pry open his mouth.

"Slave, bring me a piece of wood quickly! Mother, hold him down!" he commanded.

When I tried to help, my mother pushed me away. "Can’t you see you’ve done enough already?" she cried, her eyes filled with tears.

The slave arrived swiftly, delivering the wooden piece into my brother's hands. With practiced precision, he inserted it into our father's mouth. My brother placed both hands firmly upon our father's chest and began to chant:

"Sanus esto, corpus tuum fortior fiat,

Venena omnium morborum nunc expellantur.

Per hoc carmen sacrum, sanatio adveniat,

Ut corpora nostra sint incolumia."

His voice, resonant and commanding, filled the room with a solemn incantation. Slowly, our father's chest began to rise with regularity, and the convulsions ceased.

My mother, her face flushed with anger, turned her gaze towards me. "Go to your room and do not venture out. Thanks to the gods your brother was here," she commanded with a mixture of relief and reproach.

With teary eyes, I retreated to my chamber, where the slaves cast judgmental glances in my direction. Collapsing onto my bed amidst the disorder, I wept until exhaustion overtook me, enveloping me in restless slumber.

I was roused from my troubled sleep by a gentle knock at the door. Expecting my mother, I was surprised to see my brother enter, a flickering candle illuminating his weary countenance.

"Sister, I know you're awake. We need to talk," he said, his voice tinged with concern.

Feeling a surge of anger, I met his gaze, daring him to continue.

"Listen, I'm not angry. I understand how it is, but father is not well. His heart is weak, and upon examination, I discovered that he has Pestis Sanguinem. It's advanced, already affecting his heart," he explained with a heavy heart.

"How can I not be angry? They are always furious with me, scolding me. All I want is for them to be proud," I lamented.

"They are proud. Without you, the crops would not have been tended, nor the animals cared for. I know my studies are costly, but I pursue them for the sake of our family, for us," he replied, his voice laced with affection.

"That's the problem, brother. It's always about you, your accomplishments. You're the one who receives praise, while I am constantly reprimanded. What about me? Don't I deserve some happiness?" I retorted, unable to contain my frustration.

He hugged me tightly, his embrace offering solace amidst the turmoil of emotions. "Sister, I may not fully comprehend your relationship with our family, but I know that mother and father love you dearly. Things are difficult right now. Haven't they informed you?" he asked, a hint of concern in his eyes.

"What do you mean?" I inquired, intrigued.

"The governor has imposed heavier taxes, and a bandit group has disrupted our usual trade routes. Our family has been greatly affected. Have you not noticed the ailing crops? Mother and father have even resorted to selling some of our slaves. This is why I study, to secure a better future for us. But with father's illness, I believe it's time for me to stay. Your well-being is my priority, and I cannot bear to burden you any longer. Tomorrow, I will relinquish my studies," he explained with resolve, his decision weighing heavily upon him.

Panic seized me, and I grasped his shoulders firmly. "You cannot! You've worked for years towards your dream. What about the university?" I implored, my voice trembling with emotion.

"I know, but I can always return. Family comes first. And sister, do not underestimate yourself. If you desire adventure, and freedom, go seek it. I will remain here and tend to our family. Besides, I have not been here in years. A few more can do me no harm," he reassured me, his gaze unwavering.

“But i also bring sumber news, father illnes is bad, it could have cost his life if i was not here and done the healing” he spoke with mcuh sadness

"I cannot bear to hear such news. Is our father's illness truly grave?" I asked, my voice trembling with concern.

"It is indeed. His heart is frail, but thankfully, the ailment is in its early stages. If I can continue with my incantations, I may be able to heal him. However, the required medicines will be costly... which brings me to my next point. You see, there is a manor in the town, and I have heard whispers that the mistress loves to seek young men, abd more withthose with their virginity in tact. Given my innocence, I believe I could fetch a handsome price. It would provide us with much-needed denarii," he explained earnestly.

Enraged by his suggestion, I could not contain my fury. With a swift motion, I delivered a stinging slap across his cheek.

"Never! My brother shall not stoop to such degradation. The blame lies with me; I should have been the one to seek additional means of income," I declared, my voice tinged with regret.

"But it was my arrival that prompted these circumstances. I am to blame," he countered, his eyes filled with remorse.

"No, it was I who indulged in revelry, squandering the salary entroudted on me. Perhaps I could seek employment in the town," I suggested, my mind racing with possibilities.

Or perhaps, a more drastic measure beckoned. A voice within me whispered

"Let us put an end to this discussion for now. It is late, and we must rest. Tomorrow, we shall continue our deliberations. I will inform mother of your decision. Father should awaken by then. Sleep well, dear sister. May the gods watch over you," he said, his words laden with emotion as he turned to depart.

My dear brother stood up and left the room, and various conflicting feelings began to emerge. I wanted to be glad that my brother would start to live the same life I have, but I didn’t want him to abandon his dream. After some minutes, I could not fall asleep. No matter what I did, rest eluded me.

After several hours, I made up my mind. Rising from my bed, I surveyed my chamber, gathering garments, some denarii I had hidden, and bread that a slave had left. I prepared myself for what lay ahead. Exiting through the window, I stealthily made my way out of the domus. When I was certain no one had seen me, I began running towards the town.

Some people saw me but paid no heed. The local guards questioned me briefly, but after receiving satisfactory answers, they let me be. Soon, I arrived at Cornelia’s domus. Knocking on her door, I waited for a few minutes. The door finally opened, revealing Cornelia, wearing a toga that barely covered her modesty. After a few seconds, she looked at me with a hint of irritation.

“Oh, it’s you, Claudia. Do you know how late it is? I was having a good sleep. Why are you here, and why are you carrying a bag?” she asked, her tone shifting to concern. “Did something happen? Are you alright? If you need to, you can stay here for a while,” she said, ushering me inside.

I shook my head and spoke, “I’m fine, Cornelia. Something happened at my domus, and we had a quarrel, but that is not of importance. After some contemplation, I made my decision. I wish to join the legion. I yearn for freedom and, more importantly, to aid my family,” I said with resolve in my voice.

Clauida looked to questionme but after looking me at my eyes she sighted “Well I was the one who put that idea in your mind…Alright i will help you so,,wait here,I will bring you something” she sadi and entered her house.

Thus i waited a few minutes, looking as the sky I marvelled at its beauty, with the stars and thetwin moons. One black and the other white. Tranquility filled and I took a deep breath, feelling fulfilled. For the first time in a while I feel like im doing something with my life. Soon after my sky-gazing was interrupted by Cornelia opening the door,in one hand she held a scroll and in the other a dagger

“Here” she told me hading me the scroll “this is a personal recommendation from me, go to the capital and hand this scroll to a legionary named Juliana, shes a deer friend of mine, she could help you get into the legion with less troubled. This is only a sigly push for you not a full on promotion. And if you are asking about the dagger is for your defense, if somebody attack you just stab them, and if they fall stab them until stop moving” she said, thinking she wasdone i stepped back to leae but she called me agia “And claudia, please be save, it is a dangerous world aoutside of your home remeber, and more importantly, take care of your self.If anything happens remember you could always come back” she said with a sad smile.

Leaving her domus, I embarked on my journey to the capital. The road ahead was vibrant with life—the song of crickets, the gentle caress of the wind, and the glow of the twin moons filled my vision. Glancing back, a solitary tear traced down my cheek. I knew my familia would be worried, but the hope of joining the legion filled me with resolve. The stipendium and bonuses would secure my brother's education and afford my father's medication.

As I walked the via, a sense of peace enveloped me. My new life, filled with the honor and discipline of the legion, was unfolding before me.