Caligula, a 17-year-old young nobleman, stirred from his slumber, wincing as a warm morning sun thats 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 lean athletic body unfolded from the plush bed. The thick mattress filled up with soft wool and feathers, cradled his form, while the fine linens with intricate patterns suggests of his family's wealth. The beautifully crafted wooden headboard, adorned with fine and delicate carvings, rose above the pillows, a testament to the noble class's penchant for opulence.
Caligula rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. He stretched, his broad shoulders and muscular build a reflection of his passion for sports and martial pursuits. The morning light danced across his features illuminating his smooth handsome face that yet to shed the boyish look and the determined glint in his eyes.
He rose to his feet, he moved with fluid movements even tho he just woke up, it was both captivating and intimidating. He is fully naked, his smooth, unblemished skin glowed in the morning light, with golden undertone. His golden blond hair cut short framing his face with subtle elegance, belied with wild, unpredictable glint in his eyes.
After looking around he spotted his white tunic on the small triclinia *, along with his belt and subligar *. After clothing himself and wearing his sandals he strode out of the room to go to the triclinium *. He can hear small noises of chatters and laughter as he got nearer. He is betting that they 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, domine 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 smirks to himself, enjoying it.
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 unassuming from the outside with plain walls and a simple entrance. However, the interior revealed a different story. Intricate frescoes adorned the inside walls, while polished marble floors gleamed underfoot.
The central courtyard, the atrium *, bustled with slaves activity. A large fountain splashed, surrounded by ornate statues. Various rooms branched out from the atrium including the tablinium *, the triclinium and the cubiculi *. Caligula's gaze met his father's, Germanicus, as he stepped inside the triclinium.
Germanicus's strong chiseled features and eyes seemed chiseled from the same marble as a floors. His presence commanded respect, and Caligula, felt a familiar mix of admiration and trepidation as he approached the family table.
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, domine 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. tablinum- part of the house used as a reception or for receiving guest
13. cubiculi- small rooms or chambers, often used as bedrooms