Okay,I have received some reveiws asking if this is an Esca fic or not, and to clarify, it is. Lol I am just showing that Marcus would do anything for her, since they have such a strong friendship. Esca will be showing up in one more chapter I believe.
There is some fast forwarding, so hope it isnt confusing.
Almost three years have passed and we found out Marcus's father never made it home, along with our Eagle standard and his Legion of soldiers. My father said the Aquila's Household was now cursed, cast away by the gods. He had to leave, even with all my mother's pleading and my crying, father never relented. He would be leaving soon after the sun rose over the mountainside. Enroot to another family's household, until he became of age to join our Empire of elite soldiers.
We never thought this would happen, we believed we would be married forever and then join the Roman Army. We had it all planned out, but then Sir Aquila died, and now Marcus had to leave. It was not fair. Who was going to protect me from a courtship with Black Beard now? Who was going to spar with me, and be my friend in crime? So many questions buzzed about in my head.
I was afraid of the future now.
"I could hide you?" He smirked at my idea.
"How would I eat?" He said, folding his arms across his chest, waiting for a response.
"I'll get Calista to steal food for you!" I smiled wildly, thinking that it would be a brilliant plan.
"Come on son, it's time to leave." An older man said from the horse, waiting to take Marcus away.
I grabbed Marcus into a tight hug, not wanting to let go at all.
"I can't breathe Cornelia." He gasped out, and I finally let go. He thumbed to wooden eagle around my neck. "You take care of yourself." He said bravely.
"D-do you want this back?" I said, getting ready to untie it.
"No. It's a promise, so when we both get older, we can have a real courtship in front of everyone. I'll be your husband-"
"And I, your wife." I finished the sentence and hugged him once more.
Marcus was put on the horse, and they began to trot away, until they were nothing but a spec in the distance soon. My mother took me by my shoulder and we walked back to our home.
"You'll see each other soon enough." She replied with a smile. And for all my might, I prayed to the Gods that it was true.
Years Later.
So many years have passed since that day and a part of me had almost forgotten Marcus, the only reminder I held of him was the carved eagle, hidden in a box. I haven't opened that box since I was married to Decimus, a part of my child-like mind back then was mad at Marcus for not coming back to get me, saving me from the marriage. The only excuse I had now, was because I didn't want my husband questioning it, if I did indeed wore it around my neck.
I have heard stories, of the ill-named of Aquila coming up in ranks, fast and steady. He was determined to bring honor back to his father, but we all knew without the Eagle Standard, it would almost impossible for us to just forget the past.
I laughed; sometimes I would lay in bed at night and just think of Marcus and I, in our gleaming armor, fighting side by side. I even voiced to mother once that I wanted to be in the army, but she retorted with a harsh look and said "You are now a young woman, act like it." And I suppose I should, but the child like intent still flared in my heart on occasion.
I wanted to learn to fight, but like everyone has said before me, I am a woman and I needed to act like it.
I sighed loudly, letting Calista finish putting my brown locks into an up-do. When she turned around, I quickly pulled a few strands out, along with my bangs. While I smiled happily she gave me a displeased look.
"Your husbin' will not like it if you keep this up." She spoke in that interesting accent of hers, that I would sometimes actually find myself trying to copy.
"Calista, you should know by now, that I don't care what my husband thinks." I grinned while looking at my reflection. My breast protruded loudly in the thin white fabric before Calista put the orange dress over my head and shoulders. I looked once more, unlike most roman woman my frame seemed smaller than most. Which I suppose was fine with me, since I gave Decimus a second thought about starting a family. But it did make me feel almost unworthy of the Gods, why would they give me such a body, if my purpose in life was to bring a child into our arms, why would I be giving a small frame? Maybe they were trying to tell me something, something that I have to figure out on my own.
I scoffed loudly, while Calista slipped on my footwear. Today we were going to visit another city, one my husband had business in. Why I even went was not quite certain, since whenever we traveled I was left to my own disposal my Decimus talked with the other politicians. But to say I didn't enjoy it was a lie, it gave me time to visit the markets, and meet new people. Or at least try and meet new people. Many saw my fine clothes and jewelry and just respectfully looked the other way. Calista would keep me company though, and for that I was grateful.
We set off in the early morning and made it there by mid-day. I greeted the other men with a wide smile, and told them my hellos before Decimus left. I turned to my dear friend and grinned. "To the Markets?"
She nodded softly, and we began our short walk to the inner city. The sun tanned our already lightly browned skin; a breeze could be felt every so often, making a chill run down our backs. I leaned over a stall and marveled at the wild flowers they carried.
"If I remember correctly, there is a villa here, with Marcus's uncle living there." I mused out loud, now turned around to face Calista. "I feel as if I should visit it…but what could I say? Hello, I used to be your nephew's childhood friend?" I chuckled despite myself.
"It could help." Calista spoke out, while we walked forward.
I shrugged my shoulders, and looked at the stall to the left of me, it held many knives but one caught my eye in particular. It was made out of some type of bone and as sharp as anything. While the handle was a dark wood and clothed in a silk blue. I bought it without much thought, and turned around to leave.
"Why did you buy a knife?" Calista said wildly, catching up with me.
"Well, why not? I need to protect myself."
"You are not sane in the mind Miss Cornelia."
I laughed and we continued on our way.
When we finally got to where we were staying for the night, it was well past dusk and the night air chilled us to our bones. I said goodnight to Calista and slipped into our room.
"Where have you been?" Decimus spoke.
I jumped with a start and turned around in the dim candle-lit room. I dropped my basket on the floor, and put on a small smile. Even after these many years, I was still somewhat uncomfortable with the man I called my husband.
"I was at the market with Calista, my husband."
"You should not put that much trust in a slave." He spat out while getting up and coming over to me.
"Calista is-" I stopped for a moment when he put a slightly wrinkled hand on my shoulder. "She is a good friend, slave or not." I said, trying my best to continue smiling.
A mumble into my neck, and then a pair of lips made me freeze up. Sure, we did consummate our marriage…but the thought of it, has always drove me into a state of shock.
"Decimus, please not tonight." I said, trying to move away. But he grabbed me, and pushed be against the wall.
"You have been saying that for far too long my wife. It time for you to have a child."
The next few moments were a blur to me, I grabbed for the knife I bought today and jabbed it into his leg. He screamed in pain, while I pushed him off of me. He fell and had hit his head against the floor, quickly falling silent. I scrambled to grab a few belongings and left. I knocked on the servants quarters and as soon as I saw Calista, I reached for her hand and rushed out of the villa.
"I'll tell you on the way, but we need to leave…Where are the stables?" I whispered loudly, searching for the horses.
Finally finding a few, we hoisted up on them and we began to run out of the city. Many hours passed before we finally stopped by a creek. We got off the horses and sat down in the bed of grass.
"Can you please tell me what happened now?" Calista cried out frantically.
I took a deep breath before answering her. "I think I killed my husband."
And there it is, the ball is rolling. :D Muahaha.
Thank you for all of your amazing reviews (Midnight!) It really gets my butt into gear.
In other story related news:
If you read any of my other stories, a new chapter will be up/ re-written for:
Dead Space (Isaac/oc)
Halo: Reach (John117/femnoblesix)
Lord of the Rings (Legolas/oc)
Avatar (oc/?)
Harry Potter (Draco/oc)
Reviews are welcomed:D And thank you all for the support and love so far!
-Ashland. (If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.