Intent #
The aftermath of the eruption and the confirmation of the household's survival.
Narrative #
Days later, in Picentia, the world was grey. Ash coated the vineyards, the roads, the roofs. But they were alive.
"Pompeii is gone," Gaius said, looking at the grey horizon where his city used to be. "The villa, the fullonica, ash. Only this house stands. I may be poorer, yet my family lives."
"LET THE COLLEGIUM IN," Gaius ordered his staff. "FEED THEIR FAMILIES. OPEN THE GRANARIES."
A servant ran in, breathless. "Dominus, urgent dispatch. Via Appia collapsed."