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Somewhere en route to Rome... 01.05.2010 18:56:00 --- 1 Year, 9 Months ago
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As the sun was rising in the east, Aelius Decimus Maximus, exiled Praetorian and General of Rome got out of his field bed, washed his face in the crystal clear water brought to him in a washboard by his loyal steward Cicero.
'Thanks, Cicero'- general stated - 'Prepare the horses while I dress up. Put the saddle with silver inlays on Argento.'
When the servant left, Maximus took the few small figurines out of a small wooden chest. The figurines were in fact small statues of Roman divinities. Right next to the fireplace, surrounded by the thick darkness of the tent, he prayed to the Gods for the upcoming day.
They started their 5 milles journey towards the village of C. not long after General put on his armor and helmet. He looked strong and powerful on the back of his gray horse, Argento - silver saddle was trully an amazing masterpiece of some forgotten blacksmith from Spain.
The path was stony and perilous, leading them through hills covered in thick pine forest. On the west, to the right of them, they could see the Adriatic sea, in all its blue beauty. The day promised to be hot - as the sun rose, warmness swept over the land and golden light painted the tops of the trees.
[img size=150][/img]
As they approached the gates of the village (there were 10 horsemen following the General), Maximus ordered his company to stop. They heard sounds that could only belong to another group of horsemen. Few moments after, as they predicted, another 10 ]men on horseback appeared out of the forrest, and headed towards them. Through the chocking vail of dust, Maximus saw the face of Senator Marcus Aurelius, famous politician and speaker.
Marcus Aurelius was camped by the sea, some 10 milles away, and was marching for almost 3 hours through rough terrain to meet with the General. These two fine men were chosen by the leaders of the Exiled to represent them on the following negotiation with the heads of the Usurper's regime.
They shoke hands and, with serious, almost grim faces, joined up and as one company headed cautiously inside the village.
The village itself was abandoned - due to the cruel civil war that tore apart Roman state, the villagers either fled to the safety of the nearby mountains, or were slaugtered by one of the opposing sides. Buildings layed in ruins, houses were burnt, fountain was dry. But, the village agora was, more or less, saved. It was there, on the stone paved center of the village, that Marcus Aurelius and Maximus saw again the Usurper's face, and the faces that stood next to her when that awfull chain of events bursted.
Ildico was not so sure of herself, General saw it very well in her eyes - after the rebellion of the Exiled Senators, she started losing regions, one by one, to the hands of the Loyalists; what was more perilous - she started losing followers. Rome was a ruin now, and its strength couldn't be compared to the one it had before Ildico treacherously took the throne.
General and Senator dismounted and headed, closely followed by their men, towards the gathering in front of them. It was agreed that this village, as a neutral zone, be chosen for the conference. All agents present will be considered " sacrosanct", every affront against this diplomatic immunity will be " washed away with blood" in the best Roman Republican tradition. Both sides agreed to this, and although there was a danger of Ildico doing something irracional, Maximus and Marcus Aurelius still decided to come.
After the traditional greetengs amongst enemies were conducted, Maximus was first to speak.
QUOTE:
In the name of the Gods almighty, that look upon us from the heavens, I, Aelius Decimus Maximus, exiled General and Praetorian of Rome, call upon thee, Ildico, whom we call the Usurper, to state your peace proposal here, in front of these fine men. When I, and Senator Marcus Aurelius hear it, we will tell you what is the will of the People.
Commander of the Felix Legions, Leader of the armies of the North.
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Last Edit: 2010/05/01 18:57 By Aelius Decimus Maximus.
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Re:Somewhere en route to Rome... 01.05.2010 19:40:43 --- 1 Year, 9 Months ago
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In Campania , Ildico hears from what was going on in Neapel. She decided to move there with some soldiers. But right now she sends a messenger to the Army of former Romans. The Messenger should read the following Words to the Soldiers.
Dear Romans and free Soldiers
I`m Ildico . Caesar of Rome. You all know me well. I`m the one that has taken the power in Rome in a dark time, against the will of many Romans. But that was neccessary. Believe me or let it be, it doesn`t matter.
What matters is Rome. You all are still a dominating Force and beloved Romans. Rome has become darker without you. And I`m sure ROME will need you in the future.
So I have to make a peace offer to all of you.
You have to accapt the following points. If you do, you may come back.
Ildico terms can be found
here
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Last Edit: 2010/05/04 07:45 By Sigfried.
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Re:Somewhere en route to Rome... 02.05.2010 20:56:07 --- 1 Year, 9 Months ago
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Marcus Aurelius was surprised at Ildico's appearance.
Days ago, still in his camp at Cumae, the arrival of his messenger caused quite a stir. Both he and his soldiers approached to hear the proclamation of the " Caesar", as now called herself the old "Empress". Everybody expected that, in the present circumstances, Ildico would accept the situation and abdicate. Senator's scriptorium recieved new reports each day: whole Italy south of Rome was in hands of forces loyal to the Republic, despite of Ildico's efforts; news came to him from the north, sent by friends he still had under the yoke of the Empress, all them speaking of discontent and rebellions emerging everywhere; the great powers of Europe and the Mediterranean sent messages of support to the Republic.
However, despite the dramatic situation of their forces, Ildico still maintained the same arguments, the same arrogance and pride. More than an offer of peace, his message seemed an ultimatum: "You have to accept the following points. If you do, you may come back." That was a statement of purpose.
Now, at the Forum of that ruined colony, lost in the Alban Hills, her look seemed less defiant. However, doubts persisted, Ildico's proposal not mentioned his own position in that new Rome whose structure was also being dictated by her, not included either the future of the returnees or even not promised to leave the throne before the return, though she certainly required to not be exiled from Rome.
Clearly, negotiations would be long and arduous.
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Re:Somewhere en route to Rome... 06.05.2010 13:40:14 --- 1 Year, 9 Months ago
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Upon hearing Ildico's words, Maximus was stunned - how the blazes, after all that happened, after she lost so many regions and brought Rome on the brink of destruction does this woman still have the guts to talk like that? "If you accept it, then you may come back" - that was not an apropriate way to negotiate for peace, especially if your side is the one that is in a way worse situation...
But Maximus hushed the angry voice inside telling him to go over the small plateau and put some sense into the enemy negotiating party with his bare hands. He stood up in front of the men and spoke loudly and clearly, his words sharper than the swords:
QUOTE:
You, whom we call the Usurper, hear my words again. We have heared your proposal, and processed it. Now, you listen to what we have to say.
1. First of all, before anything else, we demand you to abdicate, and allow another to be chosen during the negotiation effort to sit on the throne and arbiter. This is essential to be accepted, until then none of us will return to Rome.
2. Second, the dungeon you built to throw us into it - has to be dismantled. If needed, one of us will come to Rome, with your word that nothing will happen to him, and see its demise.
3. We don't see the need for Praetor Maximus - though extraordinary situations may occur when it is needed to reach a decision fast, there is no immediate need for a leader for the Republic to function normally.
4. In good spirit of Rome, we think that two Consuls are enough. They are in charge of military and foreign policy.
5. Senate should be consisted of provincial governors (as you call them - Praetors). The Senate will be responsible for discussion of foreign and military policy under the proposal given by the Consuls, and the decision of the Senate will be final.
6. Consuls will be chosen among all Roman citizens, while Senators will chose two offices:
a) Governors (Praetors)
b) Censor (person responsible for menaging the finances of the state, and for expeling the cititzens that need to be exiled).
The grounds for expeling Roman citizens you stated seem reasonable to us - if needed they can be modified later if necessary.
7. The citizens that are not members of the Senate or are part of the goverment may chose between themselves a "Tribune", who will represent them, and who will take part in the conferencies of the Senate, and will raise citizen's complaints (if they occur) so they can be discussed and legislated.
8. Finally, as for the special office you call 'Praetor Maximus', we, as said earlier, think that it would be ok to have one only in extraordinary situations. A "Dictator" could in special ocasions be elected - for examle if we are facing great defensive war or similar situations. But the office shouldn't bear the name "Dictator", as it has a negative connotation. We agree that it should be called: "Princeps Senatus".
As for you, no matter which two become Consuls, nobody will throw you out of Rome. You may stay and take participation in the political life of the Republic, if you want to.
These are our terms.
Long live the Republic!
Maximus finished his speech with his right hand raised, then fell back and rejoined the group behind him. Marcus Aurelius nodded at him and smiled - the bulk of the terms Maximus just said were the doing of Marcus Aurelius. Without his great political skill, Maximus would've been lost in all those phrases and terms...
Now it was up to Ildico to state does she agree with the proposition of the Exiled or not.
Commander of the Felix Legions, Leader of the armies of the North.
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Last Edit: 2010/05/06 13:42 By Aelius Decimus Maximus.
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Re:Somewhere en route to Rome... 06.05.2010 23:59:20 --- 1 Year, 9 Months ago
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A messenger arrives at the Camp of the former Romans.
Than he says to the troops.
In the Name of Ildico.
Rome accapts the following points of your offer.
1. First of all, before anything else, we demand you to abdicate, and allow another to be chosen during the negotiation effort to sit on the throne and arbiter. This is essential to be accepted, until then none of us will return to Rome.
Rome will accapt that.
2. Second, the dungeon you built to throw us into it - has to be dismantled. If needed, one of us will come to Rome, with your word that nothing will happen to him, and see its demise.
It has already been done.
5. Senate should be consisted of provincial governors (as you call them - Praetors). The Senate will be responsible for discussion of foreign and military policy under the proposal given by the Consuls, and the decision of the Senate will be final.
This will be no Problem.
6. Consuls will be chosen among all Roman citizens, while Senators will chose two offices:
a) Governors (Praetors)
b) Censor (person responsible for menaging the finances of the state, and for expeling the cititzens that need to be exiled).
The grounds for expeling Roman citizens you stated seem reasonable to us - if needed they can be modified later if necessary.
This point is also accapted by Rome.
7. The citizens that are not members of the Senate or are part of the goverment may chose between themselves a "Tribune", who will represent them, and who will take part in the conferencies of the Senate, and will raise citizen's complaints (if they occur) so they can be discussed and legislated.
It is fine with Rome.
The Title , Princeps Senatus will be fine ,instead of the title Praetor Maximus. But he will function in that way Ildicos former offer said.
If you could and would accapt these points, Rome will open it`s gates for you and we can discuss in the holy halls of Roman Senate.
If not Rome will close it`s for a long time for all of you.
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Re:Somewhere en route to Rome... 09.05.2010 10:36:45 --- 1 Year, 9 Months ago
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Marcus Aurelius was reflecting on the situation, sitted at his table in the small accomodation his men had prepared in one of the abandoned domi near the city center. After several days of arduous negotiations with little progresses, at last seemed to have taken an important step forward in reconciliation and reconstruction of Rome.
A few hours earlier Ildico, by means of her agents in the negotiations, had made them know that she accepted most of the points that Aelius and Marcus Aurelius himself had prepared and submitted for her consideration in previous days. Republic and institutional return to normal seemed closer and closer.
Earlier, before a meager dinner, the former senator discussed with Aelius Maximus their interlocutor's answer. Ildico accepted all loyalists' demands except those relating the Princeps Senatus, whose functions she wished to put on a level with that of her regime Praetor Maximus. As former General thought, that was the touchstone of negotiation. Marcus Aurelius backed in his seat:
- There must be a solution... perhaps if we all cede a little.
Like every morning in last days, both sides met in the ruined city forum. This time, after clearing final points with Aelius, Marcus Aurelius went ahead, standing before Ildico's agents:
QUOTE:
We have carefully considered your Caesar's answer. We recognize, even knowing current state of affairs is in our favor, she has come a long way since her initial proposals, and we are pleased to know that accepts most of our demands.
It seems that powers of the Princeps Senatus are in fact the only obstacle between us. So, we make a new proposal in this question. Princeps Senatus will become the symbolic embodiment of the Imperium and Auctoritas of the Roman Republic. As your Caesar established, will be able to make suggestions and present advices to the Senatus in relation to any matter of the roman policy, either internal or external. However, will only be able to use his executive faculties with a Senate autorization and in the absence or disability of the Consules.
We can't accept him however, considering past abuses, to be able to exile roman citizens. This attribution will remain, as stated above, in the hands of the Censor of the Republic, but in return, Princeps Senatus can request Senate approval to exile citizens considered unworthy of belonging to the Republic, always providing a respectable reason. In this case, if Senate agrees, Censor will proceed to banish the mentioned citizen.
Princeps Senatus will be elected by vote among all citizens of the Republic; won't be a hereditary office, though it's allowed to whoever holds it to make a suggestion about his successor to the Senate in the case of retirement or deselection. Once vacant, Senatus may submit up to three candidates who will be voted in election.
That's our proposal. In case of acceptance, we all will choose a candidate to take power in Rome during the time required to implement these reforms, until elections decide who will be definitely the first Princeps Senatus and first Consules.
Salus!!
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Re:Somewhere en route to Rome... 09.05.2010 16:34:03 --- 1 Year, 9 Months ago
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A messenger from Rome arrived at the place and reads a message to the waiting warriors.
Dear Romans
Rome has heard your last wishes. And as Rome said it the last time.
If you could and would accapt these points, Rome will open it`s gates for you and we can discuss in the holy halls of Roman Senate.
If not Rome will close it`s Gates for a long time, for all of you.
So here is only the place to make a decission. Not for talking anymore.
Than the messenger awaits a decision of the warriors
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Last Edit: 2010/05/09 16:34 By .
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Re:Somewhere en route to Rome... 09.05.2010 16:54:39 --- 1 Year, 9 Months ago
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Maximus listened to the words of the messenger, then stood in front of Exiles negotiating party once more.
QUOTE:
"Yes" - he stated - "this is indeed the place where we will reach the decision. Senator Marcus Aurelius had issued a proposal considering Princeps Senatus - if you, Ildico, read his words carefully, you will see that we accept the office of Princeps Senatus to be established. The only thing that stands in the way or rebuilding Rome is your acceptance of the terms which will shape this office, rules under which it will function.
Now tell us - do you agree with these terms? If not, then say it - what is not to your liking? The proposal is very reasonable, if you understand it correctly, and I would suggest that you read it once more, this time more carefully, before you state your mind."
General's words were sharp and piercing, a product of the state his mind was in due to the lack of Ildico's willingness to process and think about the proposal his friend, Marcus Aurelius, brought before her. These negotiations have been long and exhausting indeed, and Maximus's patience was nearing it's end...
Commander of the Felix Legions, Leader of the armies of the North.
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Last Edit: 2010/05/09 16:56 By Aelius Decimus Maximus.
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Re:Somewhere en route to Rome... 11.05.2010 17:54:08 --- 1 Year, 9 Months ago
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A Senator arrives at the ruins next to Rome. There he spoke to the people.
To all of you. Rome will be happy to get his lost childrens back.
Rome accapts your last wishes.
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Finally in Rome... 18.05.2010 15:12:39 --- 1 Year, 8 Months ago
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Senator's horse rushed down the cobblestones of Via Appia for the Tiber valley. His bodyguards could hardly follow him while Marcus Aurelius, forgeting fatigues of the past days, sleepless nights and days full of hardships, advanced at full speed, scrutinazing the horizon with eager eyes...
Rome, at last... From the top of a near hill, he could finally look back into the land of his ancestry. What a long time! Although he knows had only been a few months outside, deep down he felt a century had passed away since last time watching those walls, those temples, that sunny landscape, those friendly people, industrious, courageous... Inadvertently, tears began to run down his face. The escort commander, an optio, kept his men away, Marcus Aurelius needed a time alone.
Thoughts raced through his mind. Negotiations had been tough and complex, too many details had to be defined, too many grievances accumulated during the war. Romans were hard and loyal people, but patience and prudence aren't always their better virtues. However, they had finally reached an agreement. New elections and new leaders would bring peace and stability for the Republic.
Taking his mount reins, Marcus headed for the Urbs. Passers-by slowed down and stared at the small group, many cheer and greet them in their passing. He crossed the narrow streets in the lower city, between Caelius and Aventinus Mons. Marcus recognized some faces happy with their return, and found the city plenty of an activity and optimism he could not remember months ago. His fellow citizens knew things were now different. He even passed Ildico's litter, and she greeted him with a gentle sign...
Finally the small retinue reached the place Marcus Aurelius was begging for... Before him, was the square in front of his villa. And there, at the door, his family, his acquaintances, his friends waiting for him. It was a great welcome. And before everyone else, Lucius and Marcus Aemilius, two friends who played their role in last days, and his comrades in the Army: Ralen, Marcus, Egil, The Mummy, Elendil... Hugs and handshakes, praises and thanks giving before entering the house to celebrate the beginning of a New Dawn.
Only a few absences cast a shadow in the air. Decimus, Elpis and Lucius had taken their own ways but, it's said "Every road leads to Rome", so maybe they would meet again. Aelius and Titus Pullo had not yet arrived to complete the celebration. Neapolis wasn't just around the corner, but hopefully they will return soon...
- My dear friends, today it's gonna be a wonderful day!
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