It is 4 in the morning. Publius Caecilius Rufus can't sleep any longer, all the reading of scrools has his mind buzzing with names, places, facts, figures. He walks to his children's rooms, and begins to think....

Publius Caecilius Rufus loves his two red-haired children. Publius, almost a teenager, shows signs of massive power and strength already. He is almost at tall as his father already, and he can outrun his father.

His baby girl, his former wife's gift of love to him was born while PCR was on campaign, as was his son. She looks like her mother, except her hair. Her hair is like flames, and her spirit matches...just like her mother.

After 2 hours, Publius Caecilius Rufus realizes what is missing: the children have no mother, and Publius is tired of being alone.

Publius Caecilius Rufus is tired of raising his two children without a mother. While he loves his children completely, he can see they are growing up like him, hard, determined, focused. He sees his children have little compassion, and outside of himself, they show little emotion or love.

Just like him. Rufus is a military man, loves serving Rome.

But Rufus KNOWS his children must NOT be like him. They must serve Rome with more compassion, less logic. Publius Caecilius Rufus knows he is needed for know, his battle skills, his determined method of problem resolution, his determination to become Consul and Censor.

But his children will hopefully inherit a safer world, one where KNOWLEDGE will be valued more than fighting skill, the ability to resolve problems WITHOUT violence shall be needed.

Publius Caecilius Rufus realizes he is NOT the one to teach them this, at least not now.

While his children sleep, Publius Caecilius Rufus takes a walk to the temple of Murcia, sub-goddess of Venere, who brings men's dreams to come true. He goes in quietly, and kneels before her image. He prays silently to her, his heart's dreams, feelings, passions, desires, hopes...giving them all to her. He tells her of his love for Rome, his children. He tells her of his fears for his children, and his desire for them to become better than he.

He places his gift of 500D in gold, and lays on her pyre. He asks for a mother for his children, and a wife for himself. The Goddess knows the woman he needs, and Rufus places his trust in the Goddess.

As silently as he enters, he leaves.


From there, Publius Caecilius Rufus goes to the temple of Mater Matuta. Once again, He goes in quietly, and kneels before her image. He prays silently to her, his heart's dreams, feelings, passions, desires, hopes...giving them all to her. He tells her of his love for Rome, his children. He tells her of his fears for his children. He tells her that he knows she can guide him to the right woman, and the Goddess can guide the right woman to him and his children.

Rufus places his sacrifice of 500D on her altar, and prays silently for another hour, then quietly returns home. His heart feels lifted, his spirit soars. Rufus just KNOWS his dreams can come true...all he must have is faith.

And as Publius Caecilius Rufus watch his children sleep, he realizes he has the faith...

And he can now go to sleep.