Featuring: Celomenda and Quintus
Date: July 3, 2004
IC Date: February 26, 3930
Summary: A lost halfbreed woman finds the streets of Parnassus much more chilly than normal when she stumbles across the path of one the Praetorian Guard's most arrogant members.
Via Gloriae - Parnassus
This road that connects Via Virtutis to the Forum in the northeastern portion of city is home to the majority of Praetorian families residing in Parnassus. The homes here are commonly single story dwellings, but some of the larger homes are two stories tall. Many homes are decorated with symbols of the Praetorians that dwell within; signs of their cohor, their weapons or other symbols of the Guard are popular choices.Shadows cast by Praetorians flying overhead are a constant along this street for the back walls of the city's Praetorian complex can be seen to the west; a secure enclosure where the Guard of the city train and, in some cases, live. A few trees are planted along this road, but otherwise the road is stark in its appearance; a no-nonsense avenue that perfectly represents those that dwell here.
To the south is the city's central forum, and even from here the enormous walls of the Basilica Drusus can be seen. To the north the Via Gloriae meets the Via Virtutis, a road populated with many of the city's Plebian families.
Dark wings standing out against the brilliant blue of the afternoon sky, Celomenda is easy to spot as she comes in for a landing along the thoroughfare. While some might mistake her for a darkling, the halfbreed's wings are just undersized enough that it's easier for her to take short hops rather than the more effortless flight of Empyreans of comparable age and fitness. Looking around at the buildings, the girl furrows her brow as she glances at the writing on a package in her arms.
Quintus steps through the gates of the Domus Antoninus as about the same time Celomenda is descending. While his golden eyes quickly note the brightly clad halfbreed (who could easily miss her?), the golden winged praetor looks away just as quickly with a shake of his head. Hobnailed caligae click on the stone of the street as his steps carry him into the Via Gloriae proper.
Frowning a little, Celomenda looks around the street, again looking at the writing on the package in her hands. Slowly, she turns in a circle trying to figure whatever is troubling her out. Before she can get her bearings too much, though, a wagon and horses comes down the road heading towards the Forum, causing her to quickly get out of the way, moving to the side of the street where Domus Antoninus is.
As the black winged woman removes herself from the path of the cart, she places herself in the path of Quintus. The praetor pauses his steps, frown marring his features as golden eyes narrow a bit further upon Celomenda. He waits a moment, expectantly.
Shooting a glare after the rude cart and driver, Celomenda eventually notices Quintus and the frown upon his face. Quickly noting the uniform, she hesitates a moment but then offers a bright smile, deliberately ignoring anything that might be amiss with the situation, "Excuse me, Dominus, but I'm supposed to deliver this package and I'm unsure which home is actually the correct address I'm supposed to find."
Quintus's countenance does not clear at Celomenda's sweet smile. Rather, his deep voice is rather cold as he replies, "You are excused. Now remove yourself from my path." Well, are'nt we feeling friendly today?
There's only a slight dimming of Celomenda's smile, but there's a hint of irritation in her eyes at the commanding attitude of this particular Praetor. With only a pause, she blithely continues on, taking a half step back, but not far enough that he could pass without having to step around her, "It says here that this is to go to Domina Erachme Amadeia Antoninus Acesian of Domus Antoninus." Looking up and giving a look of innocent confusion, she says, "But I've no idea which home is which here."
Quintus is silent for two heartbeats' time before inquiring, still without taking the half step forward, "Who has set you upon this errand?" the Empyrean asks with quiet intensity, his frown fading back into a more stoicly neutral expression, though eyes remain narrowed.
Tilting her head up at the Praetorian who towers over her by at least a head, Celomenda says matter of factly, "Domina Louisa Corinthius, mistress of a weaver and tailor tent upon the bridge. She was overwhelmed with work today and needed some assistance in delivering orders." If Quintus is familiar with the various merchants on the bridge, Corinthius is a plebian Empyrean who mostly creates fabrics, but occasionally takes on commissions for clothing.
Quintus answers quickly enough that he nearly cuts off Celomenda's last word, "Then lay this parcel within those gates," he begins quietly, his free hand raised to indicate the Domus Antoninus. "I say lay it within those gates with purpose, for no hibrida abomiamentum like you is ever to set foot inside." As he continues, Quintus' voice raises slightly in volume, a sneer beginning to twist his lips, as he steps closer now to the black winged messenger, "You may then return to Domina Corinthius, and inform her you were *fortunate* enough to find direction along your way, and beg her pardon for blackening her name with your service. Now you may ask my pardon, and be on your way."
Both dark eyebrows lift and Celomenda loses the mock innocence she had been wearing during the brief bit of conversation. Shoulders take on a determined set as she regards Quintus with a mix of anger and wariness, "If that is Domus Antoninus, then I'll do as you suggest, but if the package does not reach the hands of the one who ordered and paid for the goods, then who shall I tell Domina Corinthius to seek out at the Eyrie?"
"You forget your place." Quintus glares balefully back down at Celomenda, "A black winged halfbreed, dressed in the manner of some Varati whore," the way he sneers at the words, its difficult to tell whether 'Varati' or 'whore' is meant to be the insult.. "Hie yourself across the river, hibrida.. they may crown you Queen. Here, your insolence will not avail you. You are fortunate to be speaking with Quintus Augustus Antoninus, the Younger. You may now ask my pardon, and be on your way. I'll not repeat myself again."
Fury rages behind Celomenda's dark eyed gaze as she looks up at Quintus. Lips pursed, the girl says with carefully controlled tones, "Actually, sir, I am a resident of Parnassus and not Irha-Esh. All I seek to do is ensure the successful delivery of goods purchased by a member of your own House. Forgive me if this is considered offensive in the hinterlands of the Empyre. I shall be on my way now." And with that, she steps to move past the Empyrean and towards the indicated gateway.
"You are forgiven." Quintus answers curtly, before resuming his own steps northward, wondering to himself, "A Varati halfbreed.. disgusting. What is Parnassus coming to?"
Pausing once she's passed, Celomenda shoots a glare at the back of Quintus' head. Though she mutters lowly to herself, he might hear her comment, "Varati *and* _Empyrean_ Halfbreed." Fluffing her wings with rattled discontent, she turns and resumes her steps towards the indicated building.
"That," Quintus voices with a scowl and a sigh, "Is the shame of it."
