Roman'verse: take two

AN: Second attempt at this 'verse - reminder for names

Ahriman stood next his father, his deep ochre colored eyes focused on the Roman emperor, Augustus. He knew he really didn't have to be there - he was still young [a mere princeling] but he wanted to know everything his empire did since he would one day rule it. He knew he wouldn't have the iron fist his father had - his mother had made sure he had learned the concept of mercy at an early age - but his rule was still decades away so he figured he'd truly worry about that when it was the proper time. His eyes drifted from the emperor to the side door, where a small figure was. A brow quirked ever so slightly at the sight of the child before he dismissed it. It was a mere toddler that seemed to have slipped away from a nurse - possibly a minor noble's child so he paid little heed to the child.

Augustus caught movement out of the corner of his eye and his head turned to see what it was. A frown crossed his features at the sight of the figure before it smoothed into a smile as he carefully bent down and picked up the toddler. An eyebrow was arched ever so slightly, silently daring the other emperor to question why the child was there.

Ahriman's eyes widened ever so slightly before they half closed in thought. So, that toddler was one of the emperor's. He mentally nodded - filing that information for later use.

"And who is this?" Artachshatra asked, his eyes fixing on the toddler.

"My youngest," Augustus said, shifting Auriel's weight in his arms, trying to get the child into a comfortable position while he waited for either Irene or Har to arrive to retrieve the wayward prince.

Auriel smiled up at his father, babbling a bit before turning his head to look at the others. His pale blue eyes locked on the figure of Ahriman and he reached out, wanting to be held by this newcomer.

Ahriman was startled out of his thoughts at the sight of the toddler reaching for him. He glanced both at his father and then at the emperor before taking a steadying breath and allowing the child to take his spot in his arms. He glanced down at the toddler, who was happily babbling at him.

Augustus's mouth twitched, just a tad - as if he was trying to suppress a smile at the sight. That was an interesting turn of events since thus far Auriel only tolerated Har, himself, Irene and Alexius holding him. Perhaps he should keep this in mind for the future..? Of course, after he discussed it with Irene and received her insight in regards to this. Perhaps she'd see it in a different light - that was always a help.

Artachshatra glanced over at his son and the babe, silently studying the scene before him.

Roman'verse 2.0: later on

Saul grinned at his younger brother. "Ariel, your boyfriend's coming," he playfully taunted, enjoying the sight of a crimson flush staining his younger brother's cheeks. He knew he probably shouldn't be teasing his younger brother, he was supposed to be setting an example after all - but it was just so easy to slip into old habits.

Auriel glared at his older brother. "Not funny, Saul," he snapped.

A lightly cleared throat caught their attention and both turned to see their mother standing there. "Boys," she said quietly, gently admonishing the pair. Her left hand reached up and tucked a stray lock of hair off her face. "I trust you will be on your best behavior when the Persian emperor arrives?"

"Yes, Mother," came the answer.

Irene nodded. Now, to wrangle her daughter and her handmaid into proper new gowns. She loved her daughter dearly but it was such a fight some days to get her properly attired. She took a steadying breath and made her way off.

-

Martialis massaged his left temple, trying to work the growing ache out of it and not quite succeeding in doing so as the voices of his men echoed outside his tent. His unit was one of the best in the Legion but there were days when they just tried his patience, and today was one of them. Not to mention it was coupled with the growing feeling of guilt for leaving behind his family without telling them his intentions - but, this was the only way he could see to actually do something to help his people, rather then leave it for someone else to do. He took a steadying breath and rubbed the bag with the protective charm, the one keeping his family from finding him, in it between his fingers before he placed his helm back on and strode out to survey his unit.