Chapter Text
Lydia could hardly believe it when she received a letter from her father. The great centurion Pomodorus had been absent for most of his daughter's life, always on military campaigns, for the honor and glory of Caesar, and a little for his own glory as well. The last time she had seen him was two years ago, which always made her more anxious when she received news from him.
Feeling somewhat anxious, she opened the letter. She scanned the message, understanding the general picture. He was well, in the distant lands of Iberia, receiving new soldiers. It was precisely because of them that he had an unusual idea, the part that left Lydia most astonished.
“Soldiers who served in Gaul told of the last unyielding village to resist Caesar’s conquest. They are said to use a magic potion that gives them superhuman strength. Numerous attempts have been made to defeat them, but without success. So, given this situation, I have devised a plan that involves your direct help. Infiltrate the village, find a way to prevent their access to the potion. Then we can neutralize them. I trust you, my daughter, so that we can be successful. Report to me as soon as you arrive.
Centurion Pomodorus”
What her father asked was sacrificial, and at the same time, tempting. Lydia knew everything there was to know about Gaul, after all, her mother, Naturalina, who was now in the kingdom of Avalon, was from there. The girl grew up with both cultures, but as far as her mother’s death was concerned, she was more Gaul than Roman. It was then that her father deprived her of everything related to Gaul. At first, she thought he was a brute who only hated his enemies, despite having fallen in love with one of them. Lydia had always believed that.
Even though it seemed like a betrayal given her origins, she remembered that her father, who was still alive, was Roman. Hoping that he would get closer to her, Lydia made her decision.
Closing the letter, she took a deep breath.
She had accepted the mission and would soon leave for Gaul.
—--
In the aforementioned country, Lydia's cousin was preparing for a great trip. Corina had been tired of sewing in Massilia for some time and wanted to look for new clients in the countryside. It was before leaving that she received a letter from her cousin Lydia. Apparently, she was in need of Gallic clothes.
Corina waited happily for her until she finally appeared. Her pink Roman dress and dark brown hair tied in a bun made her stand out in the crowd.
-Lydia! - her cousin ran to her and hugged her tightly, which surprised her.
She had really missed a hug and it seemed like she had only just realized it.
- Hi, Corina, good to see you - said Lydia after catching her breath.
Her orange and gold plaid dress and braided black hair highlighted her excitement and kindness even more.
- Come in, we have a lot to talk about - invited Corina, and her cousin followed her to her studio/home.
It was a cozy place, very different from what Lydia was used to. Her house in Rome seemed colder and emptier than anything else. And even though Corina lived alone, the details of the house showed that she was happy there.
- Thank you for having me - said her Roman cousin, with relief.
- No problem, it's a pleasure - Corina continued smiling and welcoming - would you like some goat's milk?
- I accept, please - nodded Lydia.
- Well, what brings you to Gaul? After so long? - her cousin asked, after offering her the cup.
Lydia took a sip before answering, thinking carefully about what she would say and how she would say it.
- Well, I got tired of Rome, I wanted to try new things - she said - and also, remember my mother, before I forget her.
- Oh, Aunt Naturalina, I remember her, I understand your decision - Corina took one of her hands, quite understanding - well, if your intention is to try new things, perhaps you can accompany me on my adventure.
- Adventure? You? I always thought you were so peaceful - Lydia was surprised.
- Yes, you're not wrong - her cousin ended up chuckling - it's precisely because I'm peaceful that I want to leave Massilia, live in the countryside and look for new clients.
- In the countryside, you say? - the Roman woman pondered - I think I heard about the perfect place to go.
- Really? Where? - Her cousin lit up with curiosity.
- A village that still resists Rome's conquest - Lydia explained.
- I heard about it, don't you think it's a dangerous place? From what I know, Rome hasn't given up on conquering it, patrols are always around it - the dressmaker replied.
- But if they still resist, they should keep the village safe - the Roman continued - well, a place like that at least arouses curiosity.
- Yes, you're right, we can try then - Corina agreed with a smile.
- Deal - Lydia smiled.
She finished the goat's milk, feeling pleased with herself. She was glad to have her cousin's company, hoping she wouldn't harm her while she carried out her plan.