Lupercalia Ch 01

AN: Some tag's are for chapter two

Chapter One: Day of Lupercalia

≻☀≺

"Silv!" My mother's voice called from the kitchen, sitting in front of the polished silver mirror, I fretted over my appearance. Staring back at me in the reflection was a young woman with a smattering of freckles that made me seem younger than I was. Thankfully for my Mother, I had been given rich black hair that fell in lush waves over my shoulders and back. It shone in the midday sun from the olive oil that I had rubbed into it. Along with the perfumed oils, to make it smell fresh as a field of poppies.

Pressing a hand to the sun and moon designed headdress, that shone in the bright sun, I smiled thinking that it would do nicely. I grabbed a bit of kohl and quickly lined my eyes with it, they were a dark green. Everyone had always told me that it matched my name sake, Silvana, that I was one with the forest blessing for my beautiful eyes. Everything else about my appearance, I had grown into over the years.

My breasts were full and perky, my butt was round and firm, everything about me screamed a healthy and well put together woman from a well off family. But still I had not yet gotten a marriage proposal yet, I had my eighteen year's a month ago.

Marriage proposal or not, that would change tonight, tonight it was Lupercalia. The celebration of fertility, purification of the body and good health. Along with giving thanks for the harvest that was to come in the spring, brought by Flora.

Tonight, I would rid myself of my pesky virginity and be bathed under the moonlight in a festival that had brought my Mother and Father together. It was tradition, and I would see that I had a fortunate outcome by Jupiter!

Adjusting the toga, I ran my fingers over the large golden and emerald encrusted necklace Father had gifted me. It complimented my eyes. Reaching onto the vanity, I pulled out the earrings that Mother had gifted me. They were in the shape of a sun to give thanks to Sol Invictus. Fastening them, I pulled the sun patterned Stola over my toga.

"Silvana," Mother shouted again. I winced, as she had used my full name. Meaning that she was not messing around. My Serva, Juila, an older woman that had already seen her third child into the world, gave me a look that said 'hurry, it's not you, she'll beat.'

Casting her a soft apologetic smile, I quickly left my quarters. I was on the second floor, while the Kitchen was a ways away. Taking quick strikes, careful not to trip, I passed all sorts of slaves and servants as they prepared the house for the Lupercalia.

Smiling to a few of the men that were working, who returned it with courtesy. I felt my heart flutter in my chest, it would be time soon enough, the sun was already waning from its high position. Last night, I had spent hours preparing myself for the festivities of the night!

Sweeping into the Kitchen, I found Mother standing her imposing figure as she directed the chef's to prepare different dishes of all sorts. Her rich black hair was showing signs of grey, she made no adjustments to cover it. She had said that it was a sign of health that she should live to grey.

She turned her similarly luminous green eyes towards me, her stern face broke into a radiant smile as she beheld me. Stretching out her arms, I smiled and headed towards them, allowing her to sweep me up into a warm embrace. She smelled of Hyacinths and rose water, her warm tan skin matched mine and it glowed from the oils.

"Darling, you look radiant, Sol would smile down upon you," she spoke, pushing me back to examine me. Her eyes danced over my body, appraising but warm all the same.

"You don't think about it too much?"

She snorted her beautiful face breaking into a snide smile. "A Daughter of mine, shall never worry about too much, too little should be your concern!"

"Materfamila!"

She turned at the sound of the voice, it was one of her Serva's. Mother raised a hand to pause the woman, releasing me, she brushed her hand across my face. Before squeezing slightly, I wanted to roll my eyes. She always babied me, even though I was a woman ripe for marriage.

"Be safe tonight. I've assigned Lucia to accompany you tonight. You will be going with Martina tonight to the celebration?"

I nodded. "Yes, Mother," I paused trying to find the words, the rings on my fingers clinked together as I twisted the edge of my stola. Her fingers drifted to my own, equally adorned in jewelry.

"Fear not, Juno shall be with you tonight. Push your fear away. Lupercalia is the celebration of fertility," she leaned closer, her braided hair tickling my neck. "Find yourself a man to give you strong heirs," she pressed a hand to my stomach.

"Of course," I breathed. She leaned back, snapping her fingers. Another Serva stepped forward placing a bright blue silken bangle into my mothers hand. She in turn pressed it into my hand. "Wear this tonight my Darling. There is a surprise waiting for you," she said, backing away. Turning her attention back to the task of the Domus. Stepping out of the Kitchen, I turned the beautiful bangle of silk in my hand, it was wrapped around a bracelet. I slipped it onto my wrist, it felt pleasant against my skin.

Lucia was standing at the entrance of the kitchen, her brown hair was braided simply and efficiently. She was a pretty woman, about five winters older than myself. She was one of Mothers serva's, she held her favor, but I couldn't figure out what exactly it was that had gained my Mother favor.

She was slightly thin and couldn't hold much weight. Her eyes were pretty hazel, her lips were inviting as they were a soft pink, her breasts were small, nearly flat, but still many found her appealing. Many of the Servus, male slaves, would leave her small gifts.

Even now Lucia had a pretty necklace made of beads, along with a small earring, a token of Mothers favor. We did not speak much, I didn't understand why Mother had lent Lucia to me for the night. However, she would be the one that would watch over my property during the celebrations. Mother wouldn't have entrusted her with the task if she was not trustworthy.

"Mistress," she said. Her voice was small, pleasant enough to the ears. Extending a hand, she held out my coin purse. It jingled at the movement, glancing down, I pressed a hand atop her extended one.

"Keep a hold of this for me, Lucia. I have plans to meet with Martina at the Temple. There is much that needs to be prepared for tonight."

≻☀≺

The Temple was alight with women that were all arriving early, it was a mix of classes. I could see Martina's guards standing at the entrance. I nodded to my own, having then joined the other two males. They had grown close, as me and Martina were always together.

There were vendors that were gathered around the Temple, they were hawking wares to the women. Some were selling masks that one could wear to conceal their identity once the true events of Lupercalia began. Others were selling all manners of baubles and trinkets, some even had started the traditional selling of the mysterious cakes that I had been enamored with as a child. These cakes were a staple of many other Lupercalia and it appeared that it would be the same on this Lupercalia, as well.

I'd not be able to partake of those, it had been forbade by Father and Mother. Only when I was older should I take a treat such as that! Girls were clambering around, and Mothers were pulling them away by the wrist, it was a sight that warmed my heart. It was now my time to experience the joys of adulthood. Smiling, I turned my attention to the entrance of the Temple, flowing in with the rest of the women that had come to their chosen Temples.

The Temple was grand; the pillars that held up the entrance were wrapped in laurels and other festive decorations that were designed to promote fertility and health. A warm feeling bloomed in the pit of my stomach as I breathed in deep.

Lucia traveled behind like a shadow behind me. The acolytes were standing at the door, I nodded my head and Lucia quickly scampered forward. She retrieved two silver minted Denarius and deposited them into the opening of the acolytes hands. The acolyte that had accepted the coins gave a deep bow towards me, and I smiled.

Although usage of the Temple was free, it would have been unsightly not to donate the Temple. She returned to my side and we entered the temple. Flanked by other women that were all buzzing with excitement!

Now inside of the temple, I could smell the strong scent of incense and the nearly overpowering smell of perfumes and oils. All the women inside were dressed in their finest toga's. Children danced around their mothers legs as they chatted with other mothers.

Making my way to the left of the Temple. I head towards the side rooms that were reserved for people to have smaller gatherings and worship. There were Priestesses that were milling about the Temple, handing out blessings and receiving the prayers of those within the Temple.

Giving a slight bow of my head, I looked into the rooms that had the partition open. It only took a minute or so to find Martina. She was sitting in a room that was adorned with pillows and a table that was brimming with all different sorts of treats.

She had multiple Serva's that were surrounding her. Always indulgent, slipping through the open, my friends' eyes lit up as they saw me. Martina was a beauty; her hair was lighter heritage of her Mother that hailed from the North. Her eyes were an endless brown that seemed to draw in the light, her lips were painted and drawn into a dazzling smile.

"Silv," she beamed. Her arms were outstretched and I laughed before making my way to embrace her. She kissed my neck as I bent down to hug her. Smiling, I pressed one to hers, as well.

"Stunning, you look smart as Minvera and as fertile as Juno," she laughed after we parted. Her toga was a rich red with a tyrian border, the purple was striking. I ran a finger along the edge, her stola was off to the side, it was a beautiful pattern to match the striking outfit.

"Martina you are blessed by Venus," I complimented back at her.

She giggled as she fell back into the cushions. I leaned back, as well, settling onto the cushions next to her. As Lucia took up a position behind me at the wall. Her presence was similar to air, it was there but you didn't even notice. However, I knew she was ready at a moment's notice to take care of any of my needs. "It's exquisite, Father got it for me as an early Lupercalia gift. It matches your stola, I had to have something similar after seeing yours."

Smiling, I unwound my stola, and handed it off to Lucia. Who carefully took it and hung it on one of the hangers. "It's decadent, I'll have to know who tailored it," I told her, reaching for a goblet that was full of wine.

"I already commissioned us matching toga's for the upcoming ceremony, but enough, the main task at hand. You've prepared yourself for tonight's event?" She questions leaning up on her elbow as she kicks her feet at me.

"Of course," I replied. Bringing the goblet to my mouth, I tilted it back letting the spiced wine wash over my tongue. It was delicious, I took a more liberal gulp as I savoured it in my mouth. "Did you bring it?"

Martina raised a hand and one of her Serva brought her a bag. It was beautifully embroidered, inside of the bag, the Serva opened it and Martina reached in with both hands. She pulled out two beautiful wolf masks that were adorned with all sorts of different jewels and designs.

"By Neptune's beard, they're glorious," I gushed, reaching out as she extended me one. Drawing it closer, I traced a finger over the eye slits that were delicately carved. It was a solid mask that had a decent amount of weight to it.

"Not to mention that I snagged us a couple of treats," she laughed giddy as a Serva that had short cropped hair brought a plate over. It was covered in the treats from the vendor stalls, the honey cakes smelled glorious. But these were not the regular honey cakes that you bought, they were made special for Lupercalia.

Martina plucked one from the plate, and I took one as well. It was fragrant and dripples of honey ran down my fingers, as I tried to prevent it from falling on my toga. Quickly I ran my tongue along my fingers, before taking a bite of the sweet cake.

"We've got another couple turns before solis occasus, then it'll be time to head to the feast," she giggled.

Swallowing the rest of my honey cake, I covered my mouth, licking the rest of the honey from my fingers. "The only feast that I want is to feast upon a man," I whispered.

She raised her goblet, I did the same. "Sisters of Lupercalia. Tonight we shall give thanks to the mighty she-wolf, Lupa, for her raising of the twins! By offering ourselves for the hunt," she cheered.

Her excitement was infectious, or, perhaps, it was the spiked honey cake. Either way, I cheered and drank the rest of my goblet. The Serva quickly went to re-filled it, I gave her a winning smile and she blushed softly.

≻☀≺

My head was spinning, the room was glowing with the soft burn of torchlight. They had been lit once the sun had retired from the sky. Looking around, I found Martina laughing as she laid down naked, her Serva's painting symbols along her body.

I blushed, turning away, but I came face to face with Lucia. She was watching me intently, her face a soft, knowing smile. Her lilith body was so close that I could feel the heat that was wafting off of her. She smelled of faint Lavender.

"Mistress, the Matron commanded that I do my utmost to make this a pleasurable Lupercalia for you," her voice was soft. I blinked trying to completely process her words. My mind was hazy with wine and honey cakes.

Seeing that to be the case, she reached a hand out and touched my face, her touch was feather light as she ghosted her fingers to my lips. Her eyes followed the motion of her fingers, before raising up to meet my eyes. There was something magnetic about her in that moment, as if she could draw my entire being into her orbit.

"Pleasureable?"

She nodded her head. "It's not always pleasurable the first time, thus, I shall lead the way. To ensure that you feel only pleasure," she whispered.

"How will you see to this?" I asked. Everything was muddled by the intoxicant that I had consumed. Seeing my confusion, Lucia pressed forward, her lips touched mine and it felt as if Sol was shining the first light upon me.

It felt like a shock had run the length of my spine. I parted my mouth to speak, but she took the initiative. Her tongue darted forward and slipped past my lips, I clenched the pillow underneath my hands. My brain fizzled at the contact!

Lucia leaned back as she looked at me. "I'll show you," she whispered.

Perhaps this was the reason that Mother kept her around. I had heard whispers of relationships such as this between women. But it had always seemed a wives tale, a tale between the older woman to play tricks on us young children. However, no longer, I was an adult, perhaps this was the world of an adult!

It wasn't unpleasurable, it was unexpected no woman had touched me like that. Flicking my tongue out, I could still taste her on my lips, it was a feminine taste, one of mixed berries and wine. That was right, I had given her wine earlier, it would have been rude to not allow her a taste.

"Mistress?" Lucia questioned.

"Silva! Quickly you should prepare! We will leave before the candle on the table burns down. I can already hear the sound of music," Martina called. I nearly jumped, looking at Lucia. I bit my lip, grabbing her arm, I drew her into a side room from the one that we were in.

It was sparsely lit, but it was enough. Breathing hard through my nose, I looked at her. She was standing with the bag of my items and mask in her hand. Her shoulder shook as she raised her eyes to look at me. Releasing her wrist, I smoothed a hand over my toga.

"Does this happen often between women? Do you serve Mother in this...way?"

Lifting her head higher, she gives me a coy smile that is underlaid with a slight blush to her cheeks. She bent down, lowering the bundle, but she didn't lower the mask. Standing again, she moved forward pressing nearer to me, her free hand gently took my hand. Sliding her fingers down my palm, to my wrist and then drawing it upwards to place it upon her chest.

"Only when she desires it."

"The other?"

"Men are strong and desirable, but sometimes a gentler touch can be preferred to derive true pleasure. Not every woman partakes," she whispered as I flexed my fingers against her chest. Her breasts were small but supple, her nipple hardened at my movements.

Swallowing, I tried to collect my thoughts.

Lucia pressed closer her body a mere breath away from being completely upon me. She brought her mouth to my ear. "It shall be our secret, a secret among women. It'll make what comes next even better," she whispered her lips brushing the shell of my ear.

A forbidden shiver overtook my body. I could feel something flutter in the pit of my stomach. It was a spark of desire, leaning down I pressed my lips to hers. It was tentative, I had never kissed another woman. I had snuck a few kisses here and there, from the Servus that had been attractive enough. But it had never gone past that, it was below my station to give myself to them.

My finger brushed across her chest as I parted my mouth allowing her entrance. Lucia was quick to reciprocate, her skilled tongue felt heavenly upon my own. The taste of wine coated the kiss and she pressed herself into me.

Her own hands came forward to touch my stomach, as they grazed down my stomach, moving lower. I deepened the kiss, moving my free hand to her hair. Tilting her head backwards I pressed my lips to her, wanting to devour her mouth.

I pulled back, when I felt her hand press against my woman hood. She blinked and then smiled knowingly as she looked down at where her hand had gone. "Don't be afraid. I'll do all the work," she whispered. Drawing my hands from her body, she glanced behind me. Seemingly pleased she gave me a push, I fell backwards landing on a soft bundle.

It was a set of pillows and blankets. Without a thought Lucia began to strip off her dress. I gasped, her body was thin, but womanly as well. Her pale skin glowed in the soft torch light. Along her stomach, I could see markings of some sort. I had no idea what they meant, but they curled around her body in an attractive manner.

Dropping her dress, I swallowed as her small but perky breasts were on display. The areolas were a darker shade of pink, but her nipples were hard. Swallowing, I looked down at her vagina, the hair was trimmed and neat. I could see the lips of her pussy, they glistened in the low torch light.

I swallowed, finding that my own pussy was clenching a bit at the sight of her body. She smiled, and lowered herself to the ground, I looked at her. Following every movement she made with my eyes, once she was on both of her knees. She gave an enchanting smile before bending over to crawl towards me on her hands.

"What are you doing?" I whispered.

She arrived at my feet, her lips touching the top of them, as she looked at me through her eye lashes. Her lips were tender and warm against my faintly chilled foot. Removing her lips from my foot, she sat backwards onto her legs. Her hand worked their way softly up from my ankles to my knees.

"Pleasing you," she replied. Without wasting a second, Lucia parted my knees, opening my legs to her entrance. The dress that I was wearing had ridden up to around my waist, with my legs exposed and open she could see my clothed covered pussy.

Bending forward she placed a soft kiss on the inside of my thigh. Her tongue flicked out as she gently nipped the sensitive skin with her teeth. Pressing small kisses to the soft as she went, I felt a flicker of excitement and hesitation course through my body.