We help each other get dressed and start walking towards the main amphitheatre. The preparations begun a while ago and now the silhouette of the amphitheatre is lit by hundreds of torches placed on its top around the perimeter. On the opposite side of the main plaza, which is filled with celebrating people, the magnificent Temple of Mars is lit in a similar fashion. The main plaza, the people on it, the forum, the market, and other buildings all bathe in glows of reddish light.
Stunned by this gorgeous sight, we stand rooted and admire it. Olivia takes my hand into hers. Our eyes meet. Her face is beautiful in the reddish glow of festival fires. I feel an urgent need to cover her with kisses and do so without hesitation. First her sweet lips, then her soft white neck, then moving down her chest, trying to mine her two treasures from under her toga. She receives my attention happily, but stops me before I sink too deep.
“We must be going, .” She reminds me gently.
I know she is right and we start moving towards the grand celebration.
“Olivia, does it not seem strange that this festival is at night? Most festivals take place during the day.”
A mysterious smile touches her lips. “Not this one, . What did you do during the day?”
Slightly surprised by her question, I answer honestly. “We marched from our camp. Then we fought the barbarians. Then we took part in the official ceremonies and took care of some little things.” I smiled. “And then me and you…” Olivia silenced my tale, placing her gentle finger on my lips.
“The last part was almost at night, .” She smiles lightly. “See, just like you, Mars is too busy fighting battles during the day.” She smiles further. “But when the sun comes down, it becomes too dark to fight. Then, Mars returns to his beloved Venus…” Olivia stops, letting me figure out what exactly great Mars does with beautiful Venus during the night. Somehow, I can only imagine one thing. “This festival is to both gods, .” That mischievous smile returns to her face. “And I have a feeling, my hero will be elected Mars today.” She gives me a brief kiss and runs off into the Temple of Venus, leaving me completely puzzled. She mentioned the festival is to both Mars and Venus. Perhaps as a priestess of Venus she will be taking part in the performance as well and has to prepare.
At any rate, Tarraco sure seems to celebrate festivals in a very different way than where I come from. I have absolutely no idea what Olivia was talking about. That part about being elected Mars puzzled me especially. How can you be elected Mars? Great Mars is the God of War, not a senator. Who’s to elect a god?
Though, I’m still puzzled, standing in the middle of the street pointlessly for too long would look stupid. But where should I go? To the main plaza, where most of the town is feasting and celebrating? To the amphitheatre, where a performance will soon take place? Maybe I should follow Olivia into the Temple of Venus and try to get some answers? |