Thread: A Praise to Bacchus ( Father x Shadow)

The temple was an impressive sight, second only to the Temple of Jupiter in the Heliopolis. Surrounded by forty-two unified unfluted Corinthian columns it was a place of awe amongst the Roman people, a place of brilliant and gorgeous beauty, and one of great secrecy. For while comers and goers could be found during the day within the temple, the holy hours were sacrosanct to all but the clergy and those rare few individuals that they invited to partake in the higher mysteries. The temple walls were enriched with refined reliefs and sculpture, drawing the eye to the trapped beauty of the stonework as if ensorcelled to never break your gaze from the god's good works. Deep within was the cella, half columns flanking two levels of niches on each side, containing scenes from the birth and life of Bacchus. Finally, to those called to the god's services was the adyton, the inner shrine, standing above a flight of stairs. It was a place of mystery and frightening power, each piece of art calling to the baser demons of the human soul. Tonight the temple had called upon it's brothers and sisters to hold a masquerade and they had answered the call with eagerness. The true nature of the temple was not the architecture, but the perversion that could be found inside. The bodies writing upon dais and floor itself were mingled in lovemaking that would make even the most experienced blush with realization of their ignorance at the art of lust. Debauchery was a term thrown around lightly by those who felt they understood the nature of passion and the experience of lust. It was a foolish attempt to compare to the depraved hungers on display within the temple that evening. The smell of burning herbs filled the temple along with the accompanying smoke, a haze that permeated the stone walls and gave the briefest indulgence of intimacy to the acts of defilement culminating about them. Flesh anointed by holy oil slid with animalistic urgency, the sound of throats slick with honeyed wine calling out and echoing within the chamber. A stirring cacophony of pleasure. At this masquerade it seemed the only clothing worth noting were the masks themselves. The man standing near the entrance to the inner shine was one known by many there that night. Aurelius Regulus, Senator of the Roman Empire. Tall and austere, his frame still clothed unlike those of the other worshippers. Robes of rich cloth fell over his powerful frame, the shoulders tight and unyielding as he waited for the target that he had chosen. His mask was that of the raven , a portent of things to come, he had chosen it specifically for what it signified - the spirit guide that would lead those who sought his knowledge. He ignored the indulgences that had been placed before him. These things would normally not be beneath him, but his mind was on the true intended target of this evening, a young woman of enviable breeding. Born of a powerful politician and a priestess of Bacchus, the young girl had been invited specifically by the head of the temple to join in the festivities that evening. He would know her immediately, he had little doubt, for she was his daughter - Aurelia.