Chaotic Interruption
The next day, Caligula and Junia Claudilla is can be seen getting into Germanicus's favorite chariot, courtesy of Agrippina.
The chariot's natural shiny wooden body gleamed in the sunlight, its width accommodating the two passengers comfortably. Detailed hand carvings adorned the felly, complemented by a rail that served as both support and decorative design. Fine leather upholstery guaranteed a relatively comfortable ride. With its splendid and cozy design, the chariot was truly fitting for their status!
Two stunning black horses, their coats gleaming in the sunlight, are harness to the chariot, their muscles rippling beneath their sleek black skin as they prepare to move.
*neigh**snort snort*
They are now bound for Circus Maximus for the munera, the time is hora tertia. Agrippina's insistence yesterday, and Asprenas's suggestion made Caligula unable to back out from this outing.
As arranged by Agrippina, Junia Claudilla truly had stayed the night in Nero Caesar's old cubiculum, the one he had occupied before he marry Aemilia. She'll be staying for three days, it has already been agreed by Junia Claudilla's aunt and Agrippina.
As they rode in silence, the chariot's shaded interior enveloped Junia Claudilla, shielding her from the sun thats getting warmer on the skin, her eyes downward as she shyly fidgeted with the folds of her light yellow palla. Not knowing what to do with the silence. She's occasionally looking at the handsome Caligula, she cant help herself... but... she felt like she's being snubbed. He's not even looking at her!
Caligula, seated beside her, is wearing a very dark green tunic and a pair of leather sandals. He is looking away from Junia Claudilla, not minding her, unaware of her train of thoughts. He is mindlessly looking at the changes of the scenery before him. He is there physically, but mentally, his mind is still trying to keep up with the events that happened these past few days.
The winding streets echoed with the sound of hoof beats as they navigated the now crowded road, lined with different thermopolia stalls and throngs of people, through the valley between Aventine Hill and Palantine Hills.
Junia Claudilla's entourage and Caligula's two slave, followed closely behind, riding a plaustrum, allowing mulitiple slaves and guards to follow their masters, a small chatter can be heard, contrast to the atmosphere within the chariot.
As the chariot rounded a bend, the towering apperance of Circus Maximus burst into view. The chariot's horses picked up pace, their hooves pounding the dusty road as they drew closer to the venue. Ahead, the impressive arched entrance of the Circus Maximus, loomed, its gates now fully wide open, to welcome the throngs of spectators pouring in for the munera.
Caligula's thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Asprenas. Waiting for them at the designated meeting point. Wearing a white tunic and leather sandals. Standing just outside the entrance of the Circus Maximus. The charioteer slowed down and look back at Caligula, with a nod as a signal, the charioteer stopped just infront of Asprenas.
"Salve, Caligula! Salve Junia Claudilla!", The excited Asprenas exclaimed, his voice booming among the noisy masses, already infected with a celebratory mood from the said crowd. "We all arrived early for the munera! How about we walk for a bit?" Asprenas already suggested, indicating how itchy Asprenas already is to explore the stalls before the munera starts.
Once Junia Claudilla's feet touch the ground, blushing a bit when Caligula held her hand to help her down the chariot. She shyly glanced at Caligula briefly then looked at Asprenas, "Well, i dont really mind.. i also would love to look around the stalls...", she started to smile timidly but falters when she still saw Caligula's blank expressionless face. "Well but.. but if you don't want to.. then... ", Junia stammered not wanting to do something Caligula doesn't want.
"Oh, let me lead the way!", Asprenas did not even bother to listen or wait for Caligula to agree and started walking with the now unwilling Junia Claudilla to the array of stalls, her slaves trotting behind their young mistress.
Caligula sighed after they left, he looked at his slave and the charioteer and give them instructions to get out of the way and to wait on a not crowded area. They swiftly moved to obey his commands. They expertly guided the chariot through the crowds, disappearing into a less congested area nearby. Caligula watched them go, then turned his attention back to Asprenas and Junia Claudilla. He decided to walk towards them.
As he walk, he saw Asprenas enthusiastically examining a stall, that sells crafted wooden figurines, while Junia Claudilla is now shyly giggling at his antics. Forgetting her unwillingness earlier. 'That was fast'. Caligula's gaze lingered on Junia's smiling face, suddenly recalling Lepidus's enigmatic smile. He shook his head, surprised at what he imagined, 'What in Jupiter's name?'
The sounds of the crowd swelled around him - merchants calling out their wares, the clanging of pots, and the hum of conversation. It distracted him a bit.
'It's because of the eyes.. they're both green. But Lepidus's is much..', he caught himself thinking about Lepidus again.
'Hah!' He tried to concentrate at where he is, 'Forget it.' 'You are to be engage', Caligula chant in his head. 'Why am i even thinking about that.... that pleabian! I don't want to think about him anymore'. Caligula frowned, not wanting to even think of the pleabian's name. Attempting to shake off his thoughts, he decided to join in, on the mood of the crowd. His gaze swept over the stalls, taking in the lively colors and diverse smells, trying to distract himself.
'Hah, what am i really doing? Im getting swept away by the people around me.' Caligula's thought continue to pester. Then a sudden wave of people emerged. He's about to move forward and join Asprenas and Junia, when a long arm shot out from the crowd behind him, grasping Caligula's left arm with a vice-like grip. Spinning him around.
Caligula stumbled, his eyes flew wide in shock as he nearly collided with the people at his back. But to his amazement, the crowd parted like a wave, revealing a narrow path before closing in again. Caligula managed to get a good look of the people behind him, a shaggy haired youth and a freckled face individual. He can't quite remember where and how but Caligula knew he'd seen them before.
Caligula tried to shake off the grip, he jerked his hands, tried to wriggle free, but it wouldn't budge. He then planted his feet on the ground using his body weight to halt their movement but the grip is still too tight, he succeded in stopping the movements though! Some curious people eyed them up, but as Caligula is celebrating his small victory at stopping their movement, the stranger who is gripping his arm swiftly move back and lift him up, making him unable to see clearly who it is. He can only make out the shadows because of how fast the stranger is.
He suddenly found himself dangling at the stranger's shoulder. 'He smelled of mint'. As they rounded an empty stall, Caligula swung his fist to the stranger's back. Once the grip loosen, he was at his feet on the ground, his self defense kicking in. He did not waste his time and he stomp on the foot of the stranger that held him prisoner. Then did a fighting stance.
A pained voice yelped, "Ow, ow, ow! That hurts!" Caligula's eyes narrowed, recognizing the voice. It was Lepidus.
'I should have stomped him with my foot harder!'
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INDEX:
1. felly - wooden wheel rim
2. rail - a long straight stick or long bar
3. hora tertia - 9 am
4. plaustrum - cart/wagon for people's transportation
5. salve - hello/hail
6. Aventine Hill - one of Rome's 7 hills
7. Palantine Hill - one of Rome's 7 hills