APOLLONIA

One

        Being evening, the sky was purple and red, ornamented with golden clouds. A breeze blew softly through the almond trees' white blossoms, carrying the falling petals away. Grape vines, stretched out in the fading sunlight, had thick clusters of sweet fruit which gave the air a lovely smell. Apollonia wandered the garden and admired the calm, beautiful scenery. In her arms, purring contentedly, lay Jovian the cat. Stroking his striped brown fur, Apollonia stepped about the olive trees in her soft sandals. Peacefully, she sighed. Jovian, suddenly uncomfortable, leaped out of her grasp and silently slipped out of sight.

Brushing the cat fur from her pale white dress, Apollonia followed her pet around the vines and toward the porch. She heard Jovian mew as she looked up and saw her father walking near. Jovian ran to him and rubbed his head against his master's leg. Scooping the tabby cat up in his arms, he came closer and spoke to his daughter. "Salve, Dilectus." He kissed her head and they walked through the almond trees.

Her father was a consul, a leader in Rome. He was well respected and adored by their people. He came from a long line of great generals. Apollonia's grandfather, Scipio, was in the Punic War with Carthage. He was on a ship in the naval battle and brought back three cats from the ship. Cats were commonly taken along with the legions to kill any mice that could eat up the food supply. A descendant of those war cats became the beloved family cat, Jovian. Rome was victorious in that war. They obtained all of Spain and one of the islands which they wanted so desperately. It was an amazing feat.

Unfortunately, that war was mostly at sea, where the cowardly Carthaginians, led by the treacherous Hamilcar, had the upper hand. Rome, which had always been fierce in battle on land, fared quite well. Grandfather was full of fantastic stories when he came back. She loved sitting at the table and hearing about the wild and fabulous lands far away. But now Grandfather was gone. He died years ago of the same sickness that killed grandma, marsh disease. He had brought it back from battle. All Roman soldiers risked everything by joining the legion. Anything can happen to you in 20 years. They were so brave, Apollonia thought. Most of the red clad army was native to Rome. Only a portion were foreigners, who pledged loyalty to the Emperor. There was a sense of unity and trust that the menacing Carthaginians' armies did not have. The sworn enemy of Rome hired mercenaries to fight for them. The cowardly people. Apollonia was glad there was peace now. Her father had been about her age when he fought alongside Grandfather. Her older brother, Scipio, and she were born after it ended, when Father came home.

It was almost dark when they went back inside and ate dinner. Lying down on the bench beside the table, a servant set a platter of down and stuck a knife and prong in it. A slave boy poured Father and Mother wine in gold goblets.

"Tomorrow, we are invited to dine in Nerius' parents' household." Mother said, nonchalantly. It was quite often that they were asked over by Father's best friend and his wife. Their son, Nerius, was a bit older than her and had been good friends with Apollonia and her brother since they were children. Apollonia popped a grape in her mouth. Nerius had always been fascinated by making things. He loved learning about how things are built or put together, everything from calcei to gladiuses. Someday he would become a fine craftsman. She dropped the small hand knife on the table before standing and going to bed.

HOPE YOU LIKED IT! MORE TO COME! ~MK

BTW:

Dilectus means "beloved" in latin.

Calcei are shoes

Gladius is "sword"