Setting
Alyssa Ogi
Alyssa Ogi
Startled out of sleep by tools banging in the garden, Aelius realized he was late for the market. The high March sun hinted that it was long past dawn, and his best friend Flavius was waiting for him on the road to the Velia. The house slaves had already been up for hours, stoking the hearth and accompanying his father to morning prayers at the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus on the Capitoline. As one of the wealthiest landowners in the city, Aelius’ father needed the gods’ approval when making business decisions in the Forum. Aelius quickly pinned on his toga, and looked out the west-facing window. In the distance, he could see the calm Tiber and fishermen gathering their full nets. His stomach grumbled at the idea of a morning meal, and he hurried out.
The path down the Palatine was worn from use, and curved north towards the Velia. Flavius was standing near one of the old temple ruins, tapping his foot impatiently in the dirt. Aelius made his apologies and the two strolled towards the noises of the Forum. As they turned onto the widening gravel walkway and saw the Basilica Aemilia’s white Doric columns ahead, Flavius began to share the latest political news he had overheard. Only partially listening, Aelius was already scanning the market vendors for his favorite sweet bread. He feigned interest at the rumor that the imperator Caesar was being targeted for assassination, but knew no one was clever or bold enough to do so. Flavius insisted the story came from a reliable source, but Aelius could only chuckle and pat his shoulder. It was a beautiful spring day, and the crowds around the basilicas filled the market with energy; worrying about mighty Caesar was a waste of time.
The path down the Palatine was worn from use, and curved north towards the Velia. Flavius was standing near one of the old temple ruins, tapping his foot impatiently in the dirt. Aelius made his apologies and the two strolled towards the noises of the Forum. As they turned onto the widening gravel walkway and saw the Basilica Aemilia’s white Doric columns ahead, Flavius began to share the latest political news he had overheard. Only partially listening, Aelius was already scanning the market vendors for his favorite sweet bread. He feigned interest at the rumor that the imperator Caesar was being targeted for assassination, but knew no one was clever or bold enough to do so. Flavius insisted the story came from a reliable source, but Aelius could only chuckle and pat his shoulder. It was a beautiful spring day, and the crowds around the basilicas filled the market with energy; worrying about mighty Caesar was a waste of time.
