The home of Aelia Tatius reflected her upbringing. Organized and luxurious. There were several rooms, gardens, and indoor courtyards all for her benefit and entertainment. When entering her home, one would immediately notice the atrium’s statue, opulent alabaster stone of a woman reaching for the heavens, with sunlight falling down upon it from the compluvium. Four pillars surrounded the little pool of water collected from the last rains. Another passageway led to the triclinium, containing little couches with fluffy pillows of reds and greens and chairs for entertaining guests.<br/><br/>It was unbearably hot in the domus, and Aelia strived to cool herself in the balcony laying on her futon while reading whilst one of her female kept her company. One held a goblet of wine for her consumption while the other gently fanned her face to cool her skin, each touch of air caused a strand of her blond hair to flutter gently around her face. A sophisticated white stolla with gold stitching clothed her body while her only other adornments consisted of pearl earrings, rings about her fingers, and a necklace her husband gave her as a gift.<br/><br/>She lowered her eyes, reading the words on the paper, before gesturing for the serving girl to bring the cup to her lips. After taking a sip, she gestured for the girl to return to her prior spot. “This heat is barely tolerable,” Aelia whined softly to no one in particular before narrowing her eyes at the serving girl, still expecting an answer even though the complaint wasn’t directed at her. “Yes, mistress, the rains will hopefully fall within the next fortnight.” Aelia's azure eyes softened but the frown didn’t disappear from her face. Boredom, loneliness, and overheating did not fare well together.<br/><br/>She yearned for the company of her husband even though he was a controlling as her father at times. Cassius was the only person who knew and encouraged of her crafty mind since he often reaped the benefits of her deeds. It amused her that sometimes he didn't realize when she used her own charms against him. Sometimes, her plans and careful scheming worked against him while other times he found out and punished her, but he was gone away on military campaign again. This left only the servants to entertain her, and nothing they did appeased her. It wasn’t their fault since their mistress was occasionally fickle and unpredictably moody.<br/><br/>Her guests often marveled at how orderly her household ran, asking her how one achieved such well-mannered servants. She merely smiled, feigning disbelief that their staff didn't resemble her own; when truthfully Aelia encouraged a hierarchy in her household so that if she missed any misbehavior among her servants another slave reported it to her as if seeking her favor and a higher position in the household. At the moment, the two girls who attained the highest position in the household kept to her side at all times, Valoria and Latona. Both themselves proved loyal to her over the years, willing to do any task to stay in her favor. Still, Aelia suspected that some servants enjoyed when their master returned home since it gave them a breather.<br/><br/>Recently, the request of heirs from her father plagued her mind. He wanted to see his first grandchild before next years’ time, and she wanted more than anything to please him with one. To give him a grandchild. The only problem was that her husband did not want a child just yet so he refused to sow his seed inside of her body. The rejection was humiliating since rumors and whispers spread on her ability to conceive. There was no logical explanation for his behavior. She was young and attractive. Cassius only responded to her questions and pleas with the wave of a hand, dismissing her concerns about her reputation, while ensuring her that there was time for children later in their lives.<br/><br/>Aelia sighed, rising from her spot, to look down at the garden beneath her. The heat came from out of no where so she wasn't sure if the hotness was in Rome to stay or just temporary. If the unfavorable weather continued, Aelia planned to leave for their country home with cooler climate.  "Latona, make arrangements for us to go out." She didn't turn to see if the command was obeyed since it wasn't necessary. Aelia craved excitement in her world of perfect order.<br/>