Reminiscence of the Past

XXX. Shocked

I breathed out heavily as my sword hung by my side, staring at the bodies in front of me. My breath hitched as I spot a familiar frame falling to his knees. I ran towards them, but I was too late.

"Camillus!" I yelled, my hand reaching out to him

"Aulus!" My eyes shot open and I frantically looked around

My face was grabbed and I stared at my abuser. It was Cesia.

"W-where am I?" I swallowed

"Oh, my poor boy," She cooed me, worried, "You just had a bad nightmare, that's all,"

I breathed heavily as I stared in her eyes, trying to calm myself down.

"Just take a deep breath, Aulus. Everything is fine," She said, laying my head on her chest as she caressed my hair

"Where am I, Cesia?" I asked, clutching my hand on her gown

"You're at the domus in your room. You'll be leaving to the Curia with my husband in an hour," She said, her voice soft and gentle

I nodded my head, trying to calm my breathing down.

"Take your time, Aulus," She rubbed my back

All I wanted to do was scream, but I just... couldn't .

"I'm sorry, Cesia," I pulled away from her

"Don't be sorry, Aulus," She smiled at me, "You've been through a lot in these past years,"

"I think I just need some fresh air," I pushed my covers back as Cesia moved back

"Are you sure, Aulus?" She looked at me, worried

"Yes, I just need the air to fully wake me up," I fixed my toga and stood up

I walked past Cesia and to the wall, that hung my paenula which was a winter cloak with a hood, and draped it on me.

"Aulus, shouldn't you wear my layers?" Cesia asked, worried

"I'm fine, don't worry," I put my hand on her shoulder, "You should head back to bed before Praetor Julius comes looking for you,"

She took my hand off her shoulder, holding it in her hand, "Just be careful," She smiled

"I will," I kissed the back of her hand, "I'll walk you to your room," I pulled her along

We walked out of my room and around the open garden. We went through a corridor and stopped in front of a door.

"I'll be back before Praetor Julius wakes up," I let go of her hand and walked off

I exited through the back doors and walked through the alley before entering the main street. I let out a shaky breath and continued to walk.

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I stared at the sun peeking from behind the landscapes. I looked down at my hands, rubbing over the cuts and scars I gained over the years. From countless fights between barbarians or the Visigoths or anyone deeming as an enemy to the Roman Empire. Being pulled from the meetings or my bed and then tossed onto the battlefields is not what I imagined even when it's becoming constant. I got up from the bench and walked back to the Domus, a.k.a. Praetors Julius bigass home.

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I followed behind Praetor Julius. My eyes wandered watching as servants ran back and forth with paper, senators in groups, talking and soldiers making their rounds.