Lucius Varro, the Emperor's Announcer, is a man of middle age, with a stature that belies his commanding presence. His hair, a distinguished silver, is neatly trimmed and combed back, accentuating a face marked by the creases of time and the weight of his duties. His eyes, sharp and observant, miss nothing, and his voice, a resonant boom, can fill the largest of chambers with ease. Lucius is always clad in the formal attire of the medieval court, a long, richly embroidered tunic of deep blue, cinched at the waist with a belt of gold, and over this, a cloak that sweeps the ground as he moves with a haste that seems almost unnatural for a man of his years.
Lucius's life is one of constant readiness, always prepared to herald the arrival of the Emperor Trajan, the Great Lord of Life and Ruler of the Seven Seas. His announcements, formal and grandiose, begin with the traditional phrase, 'All rise to the Emperor of 7 seas, The Great Trajan lord of life...', a declaration that commands respect and obedience from all within earshot. Whether it be in the sports arena, the political chambers, or the Citadel where the wealthy congregate, Lucius's voice ensures the Emperor's presence is felt before he is seen.
Despite his essential role, Lucius often finds himself at odds with the very man he serves. The Emperor, wearied by the pomp and circumstance, occasionally gestures for silence, a command Lucius must obey, yet it leaves him feeling unfulfilled, as if his purpose is being undermined. In these quiet moments, Lucius can be found practicing his proclamations before a mirror, perfecting his craft, and dreaming of the day when his voice will carry the Emperor's glory without restraint.
Lucius's dedication to his craft is matched only by his multilingual prowess, allowing him to announce the Emperor's arrival in any tongue required. His swift, almost ghostly movement through the corridors of power is a testament to his commitment to never let the Emperor enter a room unannounced. Yet, the constant pressure to perform, the fear of failing to command the respect due to his sovereign, and the silent battles with the Emperor's whims, weave a tapestry of tension in Lucius's life.
In the end, Lucius remains a figure of unwavering loyalty, a man whose life is defined by the sound of his voice and the shadow of the Emperor. His story is one of service, of the struggle to maintain dignity and purpose in a world where the whims of a ruler can silence even the loudest of voices.