Reminiscence of the Past

XXXXVIII.

I ran after Blandia and Aufidia as they squealed in excitement. Me and Juventia decided to take them out onto the land to give them more freedom and area to play. Lucius stayed with Juventia as they walked around slowly. I picked them up, all three of us laughing.

"Daddy!" Aufidia yelled, when I hung her over my shoulder

"Yes, my Aufidia?"

"Down!"

"Okay," I spun around, holding them tightly and set them both down

They wobbled around before attacking my legs, "Here comes the hook," I reached for them and they ran off again

"You better get them, Aulus!" Juventia yelled

"Will do, Juv!" I took off running after them

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We sat on the blanket below us as we looked at the sky. The triplets fast asleep on our laps. I looked down at the girls, just wondering how I got lucky.

"Aulus," I looked at Juventia, who held Lucius close to her chest

"Yes?"

"I love you,"

I chuckled, "I love you too," I kissed her, "You know I was always afraid the children wouldn't live past one because of how I found them, but I owe it all to you for taking care of them,"

"It was you and me together, showering them with love and care," She smiled at me, "Them taking their first steps and saying their first words was the happiest days of my life as we succeed in raising them,"

"We'll continue to see them grow and talk. I just know Blandia is going to be a wild one if she continues to follow Aufidia's behavior,"

"Then it'll be fine. It's always better to have them on our feet then not," Juventia stroked Lucius hair, "But Lucius is the one I'm worried about,"

"I know, but he's always smiling and cheerful regardless if he can see, but he's always up to do anything,"

"Our little babies," Juventia smiled

"Our family,"

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"Mom, Caius? What are you doing here?" I asked as I secured my cloak

"Where's Juventia?" Mom asked

"She's asleep. And come on in," I moved to the side to let them in

They didn't come in and that's when I realized. I looked at Caius's clothes. My heart dropped.

"No...," I stumbled back, "I haven't been back to the battlegrounds in a few years, Caius,"

"I'm sorry, Aulus, but were being called," Camillus apologized

"What of Juventia and the children. I-I can't leave them alone," I just couldn't abandon them

"I'll stay with them," Mom said, pushing past me

"Then what about Anji?"

"Her husband isn't going. Vospicus already went and came back handicapped," Caius answered my question

"What? Is he okay? Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"Anji and Vospicus didn't want to worry you as they know you'll be next,"

"When do I leave?"

"Now, we have to leave immediately,"

I was taken back. I knew they was a constant battle against the barbarians, but I didn't think it'll be this bad.