Chapter 1: Caligula (different version)
Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus from birth, Caligula to his family and for those who know him. A 17-year-old young nobleman, came from a family of distinguished military generals. Well educated and dignified like his noble blood, with elegance to match. And he is very proud of it, like any other nobles.
Caligula, still lying in his bed, suddenly stirred from his slumber. Wincing, as a warm morning sun that is coming from the wide open window, assaulted his closed eyes.
The bright light made him question the time - was it already hora secunda? Because the sun's gentle burn on his face told him it's already past solis ortus, marking a new day.
A dull ache in his head reminded him of the previous night's revelry with his childhood friend Asprenas. They had celebrated their upcoming participation in military training with copious amounts of passum, a strong sweet wine. Caligula's piercing blue eyes shut open, and squinted, he let out a low groan.
As he slowly sat up, his thin athletic body unfolded from the soft bed. The thick mattress filled up with soft wool and feathers, cradled his form. The finest linens with intricate pattern design suggests of his family's wealth. The beautifully hand crafted wooden headboard, adorned with fine and delicate carvings, rose above the soft pillows. A testament to the noble class's fondness for opulence.
Caligula rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. He stretched, revealing broad shoulders and a muscular build, although in the thin side because of his age - a reflection of his passion spent in sports and martial pursuits. The morning light danced across his features, illuminating his smooth handsome face that is yet to shed the boyish look.
His blond hair, akin to gold, was cut short, framing his face with subtle elegance. This refined appearance belied the wild, piercing sparkle in his blue eyes. He stands to his feet, he moved with fluid movements even though he just woke up. It was both captivating and intimidating - really a noble from his blood. He is fully naked, his smooth, unblemished skin glowed in the morning light, with slightly golden undertone.
After looking around the luxurious room, he spotted his white tunic on the small triclinia, along with his belt and subligar. After leisurely clothing himself and wearing his leather sandals he slowly strode out of the room taking his time to go to the triclinium.
He can hear small noises of chatters and laughter as he got nearer. He is betting that his family are in the middle of ientaculum. He's stomach growled in silence.
Despite his youth, an aura of power and authority surrounded him. That it made the young female slaves he met on the way to triclinium, shiver, as they bow their heads while whispering, "..ave, dominus iuvenis..", avoiding eye contact and moving hurriedly out of the way, he heard them giggling quietly.
Caligula is quite famous for his looks and seems to be a favorite topic among the females, young and old, slaves and noble women alike. He doesn't mind it. Not exactly thrilled or enjoying it. As long as it doesn't hurt the family reputation, he has no reason to disapprove of it. It that sense, Caligula maintains a detached demeanor to the people he had no friendship or relationship of. Be it an imperial family, other respected noble to a slave. They're all the same. But when it comes to his family, he is willing to lay down his life like a devoted son.
The family house, the domus, stood as a grand testament to his father's success and influence Located in the Caput Mundi Roma, the residence looks plain and unassuming from the outside, with plain walls and a wide simple entrance. However, the interior revealed a different story. Intricate colorful frescoes adorned the inside walls, while polished white marble floors gleamed under his foot.
The central courtyard, the atrium, bustled with slave's various activity. A large fountain splashed, surrounded by statues. Various rooms branched out from the atrium including the tablinium, the triclinium and the cubiculi.
As he got nearer, the voices got a bit louder and clearer, he can hear the joy in their chatters and laughters. Then, Caligula's gaze met his father's, Germanicus, as he stepped inside the triclinium.
Germanicus's strong hard features and eyes that seemed chiseled from the same marble as the floors, welcomed his sight. His presence commanded respect, and Caligula, felt a familiar surge of pride and admiration as he approached the family table.
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INDEX:
1. hora secunda- second hour in roman, in modern times its approximately 7 to 8 in the morning.
2. solis ortus- my rising of sun or sunrise
3. passum- served at banquets, a strong sweet wine
4. triclinia- couches or benches, often arranged in a U shape, where people reclined while eating or socializing.
5. subligar- a type of undergarment, or loin clothworn by men
6. triclinium- dining room or area, with couches
7. ientaculum- a light breakfast or morning meal
8. ave, dominus iuvenis- hail young master
9. domus- a house or home
10. Caput Mundi Roma- Rome, the capital of the world
11. atrium- central courtyard or entrance of a Roman house
12. tablinium- part of the house used as a reception or for receiving guest
13. cubiculi- small rooms or chambers, often used as bedrooms
