Birth of Commodus
The birth of Commodus, the future emperor, in the imperial villa at Lanuvium, amidst a mix of joy and political gravity.
Setting
A lavish chamber in the imperial villa at Lanuvium, adorned with frescoes and marble. The room is spacious with high ceilings and a large bed at the center, surrounded by attendants and midwives.
Characters
Faustina the Younger
primary
A woman in her early thirties with a regal bearing, her face flushed from exertion. Her dark hair is damp with sweat and loosely braided away from her face. She has the classical Roman features of high cheekbones and a straight nose, with piercing dark eyes that convey both pain and determination. Her hands clutch the sheets with a mix of strength and vulnerability.
Marcus Aurelius
primary
A man in his late 30s, with a lean yet strong build, his face marked by the cares of rulership. His dark brown hair is neatly trimmed in the Roman style, and his beard is short and well-kept. His deep-set eyes, often described as pensive, betray a mix of concern and anticipation.
Midwife
secondary
A sturdy, middle-aged woman with strong arms and weathered hands from years of assisting births. Her dark hair is pulled back in a simple bun, and her brown eyes are sharp with focus. Her face shows the lines of experience, and her posture exudes calm authority.
Imperial Physician
secondary
A middle-aged man of slight build, with sharp, observant eyes and neatly trimmed grey hair. His hands are clean and well-cared for, indicative of his profession. He wears a serious expression, with deep lines of concentration etched on his forehead.
Handmaiden
background
A young woman in her late teens to early twenties, with a slender build and dark hair neatly tied back in a simple braid. Her hands are calloused from labor, and her posture is slightly hunched from years of servitude. Her olive skin is smooth but shows signs of fatigue under the dim lamplight.
Dialog
Faustina the Younger
Juno Lucina, bear witness... this child must live. Marcus... swear to me.
Marcus Aurelius
By Jupiter's will, Faustina, he shall. The gods favor our house.
Midwife
Now, Domina. Push as the wave crests. Breathe... then again.
Faustina the Younger
Ecco! Enough of... your Stoic platitudes, husband. This is... real pain!
Marcus Aurelius
Pain is but the body's opinion... but your courage, Faustina, is fact.
Midwife
The head crowns! Bring more linen and olive oil.
Faustina the Younger
Let Rome... have her heir then. Ah!