Beautiful People || September Edition || Bethany's characters

I've shared a few novels in progress before, mainly "Long Road from Canaan", and "Regrettably a Gentleman", that seem to disappear, never to be heard from again.

(Just so you know, they might pop up again, after some major replotting and such)

But, I'm feeling pretty excited about "Mithras & Myrrh", as I'm about 57,000* words into my first draft, and still writing steadily onward!!!

*this is an estimate based on about 200 words per page. As I am writing by hand, there's no computer counting my words. 

I don't know what's been the most helpful- the three act outline, writing in a notebook instead of on a computer, or just the fact that I've wanted to write a story set in ancient Rome for a loooong time, thanks to authors like Mary Ray, Rosemary Sutcliffe, and Henry Winterfeld. I love my setting, story, and characters, and I'm excited to keep working with them till the very end!

So, would you like to meet another beloved character?

Take a bow, Rufus Ignatius, first centurion of Salonae's urban cohort.

What that means: Quintus's commanding officer.

There's no need to give us a look like that, Rufus, now really.

1) How did you come up with this character?

    Well, Quintus needed a commander, and so the person of Rufus Ignatius was slowly built from there. His personality emerged as I began writing him, and in many ways, he's opposite of Quintus, so they can both work together very well, or also rub each other the wrong way.

2) Have they ever been starving? Why? And what did they eat to break the fast?
     I can't say he ever has. He came from a middle class family, and has been stationed inside the Empire where food is plentiful for those who can afford it.

3) Do they have a talent or skill that they’re proud of?
    His charming personality? (or so he thinks :) ). Maybe his skill on horseback? 

4) List 3 things that would make them lose their temper.
      Rufus has a fairly slow burning fuse, but when set off, stay out of his way. To make a list... 
1. Seeing innocent lives taken, 
2. People who seem blind to the obvious right of a situation, 
3. Quintus. :)

5) What is their favourite type of weather? Least favorite?
      Warm days. It doesn't even matter if the sun is shining, as long as it's not cold. I guess that answers both. :)

6) What is their Hogwarts house and/or MBTI personality?
     Rufus is a definite ISTP- He doesn't care what others think, doesn't want to be tied down to anything, yet is fiercely loyal to his men, and to the city he is sworn to protect. When that means trying to protect it from those in authority- the senate and nobles absorbed in their own interests, he can get pretty discouraged. He's risen slowly through the ranks because he's decided not to play the games of politics. He doesn't give respect unless it's earned, and that's left him going into his 40's and still a centurion. 

7) Are they more likely to worry about present problems, or freak out about the unknown future?
    Rufus wouldn't waste much time worrying, but present problems weigh more on his mind then thinking into the future.

8) What is their favourite thing to drink?
     A good strong wine- not that diluted stuff people consume like water. 

9) What is their favourite color? Least favorite?
     Favorite would be blues and greys- like the sky and the sea. Salonae is right on the Mediterranean, and he gets quite a view of both. Least favorite...Red. It reminds him of blood, and painful memories.  

10) What is a book that changed their life?
   Rufus, have time to read a book? Hahaha. nope. Something changes his life though, but you'll have to read my book to find out. (Maybe it will change your life :) )


   Some favorite snippets staring Rufus Ignatius:

       "...Not every new soldier stationed in Salonae gets a welcoming party."
       "I knew there was something I forgot to tell you," Rufus said, coming up behind Quintus and Varinius.
       "That seems rather important to forget to mention," Quintus replied.
       "Only if you consider that sort of thing important," Rufus shrugged, walking over to his desk and picking up a sheet of parchment.
       "You aren't going?" Quintus turned to Rufus, who handed the sheet to Varinius.
       "I suppose I have to be there, but sit me next to a pretty girl with some good wine, and I'll leave the socializing to you."

~

      "You wouldn't want some company back there, would you?" Rufus turned in his saddle to look back at Quintus. "I didn't know this legionary of yours talked so much."
     Marcellus's face fell. "I've only been making conversation."
     "There's no need to produce such quantities of it."

~

     "What I want...what I want?" Rufus began pacing in the small area he had, rubbing a hand over his forehead. "I want to get rid of this guilt, to do something, if possible, to earn your forgiveness."
     There was silence, and Rufus looked up, ready to hear any answer they would give.
     "I'm afraid that's impossible," the old man spoke for the group.
     "Fool, I knew it!" Rufus hissed to himself, but the old man held up a hand.
     "You can't earn it, because it's already been given to you."
     That wasn't what he expected. Already given to him?
    "Explain." The request came out like an order- Rufus's more familiar way of speaking.
    "I will," the old man smiled.

~

       Rufus let out a sigh and glanced into the garrison yard. "Look at me, traitor to the gods of the empire, and joking with slaves. If my future didn't look bleak before..."
       "I'd say it's definitely brighter, though not guaranteed to be easier," said Milo.
      "Well aren't you just full of insight."