Death of Lucius Verus
Lucius Verus, co-emperor of Rome, lies dying in his bedchamber, surrounded by Marcus Aurelius, a physician, and attendants. The room is tense with grief and fear as Marcus Aurelius watches his brother
Setting
A dimly lit bedchamber in a Roman villa in Altinum, with marble floors and frescoed walls depicting scenes of Roman mythology. The room is spacious but cluttered with medical supplies and offerings to the gods.
Characters
Lucius Verus
primary
A man in his late thirties, his once robust frame now gaunt from illness. His olive skin is pallid, with dark circles under his eyes. His short, curly black hair is damp with sweat, and his beard is unkempt. His lips are cracked, and his breathing is labored.
Marcus Aurelius
primary
A lean, wiry man in his late 40s with a short-cropped beard showing streaks of grey. His angular face carries deep lines of care between his brows and around his mouth. Piercing, intelligent eyes that now glisten with unshed tears.
Physician
secondary
A middle-aged Greek man with a lean, wiry build and deep-set, weary eyes. His olive skin is lined with worry, and his short, curly hair is streaked with grey. His hands, though clean, bear the marks of frequent washing and the calluses of a man who has spent years grinding herbs and preparing remedies.
Slave attendant
secondary
A young woman in her early twenties, slight of build with olive skin and dark, curly hair tied back simply with a cloth band. Her eyes are downcast and red-rimmed from silent weeping, her posture slightly hunched in deference to the presence of the emperors.
Guard
background
A tall, muscular Praetorian guard in his late 30s with a weathered face, short-cropped dark hair, and a thick neck. His sun-darkened skin bears several small scars from past battles. His posture is rigid, with broad shoulders that strain slightly against his armor.
Dialog
Lucius Verus
Brother... the Fates spin their thread shorter than we planned.
Marcus Aurelius
The Divine ordains all things with reason, even when our mortal eyes perceive only shadows.
Physician
Domine... the humors are beyond balancing. The gods have placed their hand upon him.
Lucius Verus
No more poultices, Greek. I'd rather face Pluto with clear eyes than sticky brows.
Marcus Aurelius
Record every symptom, physician. If this is the pestilence that stalks our cities, Rome must know its face.
Lucius Verus
Leave us, healer. Let brothers speak as soldiers one last time.
Marcus Aurelius
You marched with me through Parthian sands only to fall in this quiet room? Fortune mocks us, brother.