#titus forest

[waxesnostalgic]

Dorcas and her mother spend a moment alone before the wedding.

"Don't cry, Mother," says Dorcas. "I've never been so happy."

The guests comment on how happy the young couple looks.

At his marriage, Titus leaves his brother's home and establishes a household in town with his new bride.

(While Google states that Roman brides wore white, I remember quite distinctly reading they wore red when reviewing a book about Roman marriage customs. Maybe we're both right?)

[waxesnostalgic]

That evening, Felix's banquet goes off splendidly. Antonius is impressed with Felix's house and Flavia's hospitality. But two people at the table seem quieter than the others.

Later that evening, Sage finds Caul in the library.

Sage's fist clenches before she speaks. "Don't you dare let it slip about our past together. We both know it's over now, but just a stray word from you could ruin me even now!"

"What do you mean? Aren't you married now?" asks Caul.

"No thanks to you! Antonius thinks I'm a widow, and that my son isn't illegitimate. If he knew he was raising your son, and that I was never married--I don't know what would happen."

Caul swallows. "My son? I have another son?"

[waxesnostalgic]

The day of Titus and Dorcas's wedding arrives. Felix greets each of his guests personally.

Rufus and Willow arrive, dressed in the local garb.

"Is he wearing trousers?" whispers Aurelia.

Cassia's reply isn't as soft. "I think so. How barbaric!"

"Does he not have proper clothing for his brother's wedding?" Cassia wonders aloud.

[waxesnostalgic]

At the bathhouse one day, Titus runs into an old friend.

"Is that you, Dorcas?" Titus's voice trembles. The young woman in front of him is beautiful, familiar and yet nothing like the little girl he'd once played with.

"Titus? It's been so long..." The young woman smiles, and she doesn't seem so strange anymore.

This new aspect of their relationship blossoms quickly.

"We want to get married," Titus explains to his brother.

Felix smiles. "I don't see why you shouldn't. Dorcas's family is well-connected. I'll make the necessary arrangements."

A wedding, Felix thinks to himself later. Who shall I invite?

It's never a bad time to make some more friends. You can't know when you might need them.

[waxesnostalgic]

The whole family heads to the bathhouse one day to relax and socialize. Well, except for Felix, who is here for an important meeting.

Hana thought bringing a table for Caul to sell his fish would keep him occupied. But he's very loud, calling out "Fish! Get your fresh fish!" and disturbing the sophisticated patrons of this bathhouse.

"Dad, can you be any more embarrassing?!" Titus exclaims.

Flavia enjoys playing her lyre and the attention it brings. The people who visit the bathhouse know how to appreciate her playing.

Everyone ends up in the water eventually, though.

[waxesnostalgic]

The day came when Rufus felt he was old enough to leave the island.

RUFUS: I want to go and be with Willow. Since she can't come here, I will go with her and join her tribe.

WILLOW: Don't worry. My tribe will welcome him. We’ll take good care of him.

RUFUS: Don't cry, Mom. It isn't going to be forever. It's not far away, so we'll see each other again soon.

[waxesnostalgic]

As time passed, Hazel's stomach grew larger. She was able to tell Felix that he would soon become a father. Fortunately, he took the news better than his own father had.

Their first child, a daughter, was born. They named her Cecelia.

(Cecelia is the first and only girl I've had in my history challenge so far, so she will definitely be spoiled by me. XD As per history challenge rules, the birth of the first child starts the next era, so this is the last stone age story post.)

[waxesnostalgic]

CAUL: Oh. That was amazing, but... I'm definitely not as young as I used to be. The gods forgot to give me my energy back.

LILY: What if the gods bless me with a child? Conceived here in this sacred glade...

CAUL: Well, that might be a bit more than I was thinking...

LILY: Oh, no, I wouldn't expect anything else from you except such a blessing. My tribe is large and would welcome such a child.

LILY: My, what is this plant?

CAUL: (thinking) Is that the white flower Hana has been looking for?

CAUL: I caught many fish. But I found something else as well.