A knock on the wall outside the office, a gesture repeated enough times to cross the border between determination and insolence.
Canuleia sighed, rubbed her eyes and put her stylus down. Few people would disturb her at work without announcing themselves; only one would be that insistent. She scribbled some notes and suggestions to the maritime law proposal in front of her. Only then did she acknowledge the intrusion.
"Yes, Arpineia, what is it now?" Canuleia barely raised her eyes as a smaller woman entered the
scriptorium. Only when she approached the writing desk did the head of the Department of Law and History recognize her mistake. In front of her stood Tarpeia, odd and wearing formal vestments. Canuleia corrected her assumptions. "Vae, I was mistaken. I was not expecting you, Vestalis Tarpeia. My apologies."
The empty silence and tense glances of two persons that had little to say to each other. Tarpeia fiddled with her sleeves, uncomfortable in the heavy clothing. She awkwardly approached her colleague.
"Funny that you mention her. She must be constantly in your mind." Small talk was difficult to the head of the Department of Engineering. Canuleia was unsure how to react, defaulting to a side-glance and a disheartened eye-roll.
"Do not read much into it. She was the first person who came to mind when someone showed at my door unannounced."
"Makes sense, she tends to do that."
"She would test the patience of Iris Nuntia, yes." Canuleia pressed her tongue against the space between her incisors. Her eyes rested on the latest nonsense Davinia hat sent her. An annotated study that demanded - demanded! - a follow-up analysis of the impact of Sicilian private administration upon the impoverishment of the locals. "But I'm sure you did not come all the way here to discuss our irreverent peer."
"No, that is precisely what I came here for." Canuleia hid her displeasure as Tarpeia leaned over her workstation. "You are Arpineia's biggest critic, but you are also one of her oldest friends."
"Within the order? Definitely." It was hard to swallow, but denying a well-known fact would make it even worse. Canuleia's eyes narrowed into slits. She rotated uncomfortable on her seat, as her left indicator described circles over one of her scroll racks. "I was older, but we cleared our Class II trials in the same year. We both grew outside of Rome, and we discovered we had other things in common - friends, tutors and crushes."
"There is a tinge of regret in your voice." Tarpeia noticed, unable to keep that to herself. "You miss those days."
"I miss the friendship. I still do not care for her impious behavior."
"Is that not something between her and the Vestalis Maxima?"
"She may run her Department like an undisciplined
castrum of gamblers and indolence, as is her right." Canuleia's voice rose two octaves, revealing her contempt. "However, Arpineia and her mob are not owed our unconditional support. Especially when they do not comply with the requirements of others."
Tarpeia was unfamiliar with rhetoric or arbitration, but she knew a structural flaw when she saw one. She applied a metaphorical chisel to it.
"Careful now, lawkeeper." Tarpeia gestured, attempting to loom menacing despite her youthful appearance. "You are talking about our peer; I am sure she will revise it twice and file it in triplicate and get all the nice seals before archiving things. She is our equal, in everything but funding. If nothing else, she has earned that respect."
"You're invited to associate with her, as long as you do it on your own silver." Canuleia challenged back. "You will see by yourself if you can afford the price Arpineia's collaborations demand."
"What was she done to you, Canuleia?" Tarpeia insisted. "Why such resentment?"
"That is between me and her. If you want to know, why don't you ask her?"
"I did. She has nothing but respect and love for you." Tarpeia leaned further, as if ready to spring. "But everyone knows she broke your trust. Now, was that a personal issue or is it Flame-bound? I need to know if it is the later."
"You are not owned my story." Canuleia marked her territory. "If that was all, Tarpeia, I advise you return to the road."
"It would help me, and I would be grateful." Tarpeia remarked, turning away from the writing desk and walking alongside the massive scroll cases. She poked one, and it creaked. The Vestalis slowed as she approached a case containing documents marked with seals of other departments besides Law and History. "Vestalis Arpineia is proactive, energetic and a wellspring of ideas. It is hard to deny her dedication when one hears her talk."
"Ideas? Is that all she offered you?" Canuleia's eyes followed Tarpeia, angry at the plebeian boldness. "That is all they offer, sand in the ocean. Ideas are worthless; I can walk from here to the Forum and on the way I will stumble on more ideas than refuse. And the latter is more useful! Everyone thinks their ideas are just what everyone needs, that everyone needs to hear them. The best dream or project is worthless as long as it stays a supernal entity, floating above materialness. It needs to descend to earth, to soak in Dis Pater and become concrete, real. If Vestalis Arpineia wants to work with others, she first needs to present something. Something real, something she has done. If she gets that, if she commits to work, even I will work with her."
Tarpeia halted.
"So what I hear from all that is that it is personal. It is not related to her priestly piety, despite what you said."
Canuleia almost bit her tongue, furious at being outmaneuvered by the younger woman.
"Under the gaze of Juno Regina there is no difference. There is no public and private morality: Arpineia is Arpineia."
Without reply or acknowledgment, Tarpeia pulled out a scroll tied with the seals of three departments.
"What is this? Urban planning and assets reallocation to expand Ostia's port complex?" She unrolled it under the incredulous gaze of Canuleia. "I don't recall giving approval to this. But look, there it is! My seal!"
"It must have been handled by your underlings. Or predecessor." Canuleia mouthed between grinding teeth, unamused.
"Still negligent. I don't want to misrepresent the College. Imagine if the contents of these scrolls somehow influence a vote proposal, how can I stand by it? And yet, it has been approved internally."
The two Department Heads locked eyes, daring each other. Both knew there was nothing there, that Tarpeia was threatening to make noise for what was a non-issue. But if they insisted, they could stall work for months, as they scrutinized everything. And if they found a single mistake, they would have to go through it again. And there were always minor mistakes; it was impossible to avoid in projects that size, copied over and over by Class III priestesses. Tarpeia was daring Canuleia, betting that the appearance's obsessed patrician tendencies of Canuleia would swallow her good sense.
It did, but Canuleia would not consider that. In her mind, the Vestals of Law must be beyond doubt itself. She was making a small personal sacrifice to keep things cordial and preserve their honor and dignity.
"Maybe later I can send you some copies, for you to consult in the comfort of your laboratory." Canuleia pointed to a foldable stool in a corner of the room. "Now, I thought you wanted to know about my friendship with Davinia?"
*
"Davinia, this is illegal!" Canuleia protested, even as she held the ladder up. "We are not supposed to support anyone!"
Arpineia, dressed in a heterodox mix-match of Vestal uniforms with Italian fashions, whistled as she vandalized the wall of an usurer. She balanced on top of the ladder, proudly contemplating her work. The worries of her friend amused her.
"Canu, who cares about a Class II Vestalis and her political stances? We don't even get to vote." The ladder shook, Canuleia making her disagreement known. "Hey, pay attention down there!"
"Just because the crime is beneath anyone's notice that doesn't make it less harmful, or the one committing it less of a criminal." Canuleia pointed out, even if her tone was too joyful for this to be a genuine opinion. "And it can hurt us in other ways. I want to advance in rank by the end of this year; if Vestalis Maxima hears about this, she will remember this when deciding."
"You worry too much. Relax." Arpineia climbed down and kissed Canuleia. They turned around, checking their work.
Italia United In Friendship. Gaius Arpineius For Praetor Is A Future For All.
"And you worry too little. Or rather, too much about the wrong things."
"I wish someone went to the Vestalis Maxima to complain about me. I have the sniffling well-rehearsed, and it would get me in the same room as Veneneia."
Canuleia licked her lips and smirked in anticipation.
"I can picture it, Davinia. "Oh, Vestalis Maxima, what did I do that was so wrong? I am just an Italian hillbilly that is still getting used to life in the Urbe.""
Arpineia threw the ladder down, distracting Canuleia as she covered her face. When she revealed herself, Davinia was tearing up, her lower lip trembling.
"I wanted to do my civic duty, and I could barely contain the fire within. Seeing the excitement of the children of Romulus with the joy of citizenship, it awoke something within me." A whimper and a soft smile, Arpineia rubbing her face and revealing a charmed shine in her eyes. "Oh, to be part of this fantastic world; Oh, to cherish the sweat and grim tasks that define the Republic and keep tyranny away!"
The other teenager lost the smile, mouth agape as a shiver crawled down her spine.
"I forget how good you are when you just spew it out. It scares me, every single time."
"Is that who I think it is?" A third voice interrupted, accompanied by the scornful giggling of a fourth presence. The young women turned to confront another pair, women only slightly older. Their clothing, simple but fitting the subtle ostentation of current fashion, marked them as affluent patricians. The company of fasce-less bodyguards marked them as Class I Vestalis.
"Ah. You two." Canuleia crossed her arms. "What brings you to this part of the Urbe, Nautia and Herminia?"
"The pretensions of your pretender of a friend, what else would it be? You have to sniff cloaca if you are to catch mice." Nautia clenched her hands together and approached Arpineia. "Darling, it is so good to see you, especially with garb more fitting of your position. There may yet be hope for you."
Arpineia grinned ear to ear, no mirth reaching her eyes. Canuleia noticed that her left hand shook, slowly wrapping into a fist. Canuleia reached out and spread her longer fingers over Davinia's. Nautia seemed frustrated with Davinia's silence; Herminia's eyes wandered, perceptive enough to find an opening. She exploited it with powerful provocation.
"That is adorable! Someone is still campaigning for daddy!" Their two senior Vestals exchanged conspicuous smiles. "Fatum surely is cruel; it rendered all your work pointless."
Arpineia's false mirth faltered. Canuleia released Davinia's hand. She grabbed her upper arm and leaned closer.
"How much money have the Arpineii spent on this election?" Nautia continued the assault with a rhetorical question. "And on the previous one? Or the other one? How many times do they need to be taught their place?"
"That does not matter, not to you." Canuleia interrupted her superior. "Gens Arpineia must be appreciated for what they contributed to civic affairs. Even if Senate and People have decided not to appoint them as magistrates. Taking part in the process is important, and it will have a cumulative effect. You do yourself and your department a disservice by making light of such an important part of our democratic institutions."
"Sure, that is all good if you are a patrician, Canuleia." The situation delighted Herminia. "But for Arpineia here, money is everything. You know how plebeians think, always looking to exploit any meager opportunity for profit. And profit here is victory, not fine-tune democracy. A loss is a loss, and that is it for them."
"If that is what you think, I have bad news to you." Arpineia could not take it anymore. "My father is the current favorite. We can do this."
"Perhaps, if your father was not too successful for his own good." Herminia pointed out.
"Oh, let me tell her, let me tell her." Nautia almost jumped in delight. "His inevitable ascension to the higher magistracies caught the attention of the Censor!"
Canuleia turned white at what that implicated; Arpineia stared blankly.
"Can you imagine our surprise when the Censor came with a new appraisal of the Arpineii estate? Every piece of propriety, every source of income." Nautia approached them, tapping Arpineia's forehead with her index finger. "These Roman ambitious cost you family too much, Arpineia. So much that we don't have to pretend you are patricians because of your ridiculous wealth. We can openly call you what you are: obscenely, hoarding plebeians."
"We don't have to tolerate you around the Temple." Herminia sneered. "We can clean the House of Vesta from all plebeian filth."
Canuleia shoved Nautia aside, shoulder first. They glared at each other. The teen's eyes screamed at the Class I Vestalis, threatening violence if they did not back away.
"All right, all right. No need to lower ourselves to her level." Herminia lifted her hands. "We all know when we are not welcomed. However, before we go, we want to clarify that we will not let this injustice continue. As Vestals, it our duty to preserve Roman culture. And that cannot happen while a plebeian impostor is within the ranks of Class II. We will present a case for this to be corrected, with a demotion or laicization."
Arpineia escaped Canuleia's grip and challenged Nautia and Herminia.
"I deserve to serve Vesta more than the two of you together. Do you think I don't know how you squander your departmental stipend? Or how you delegate your work to lower Class priestesses while you spend mommy and People's money in wine and boys?"
Canuleia cursed her friend's incautious tongue.
"Vae, you are worth two department heads, are you not?" Nautia smirked. "I guess you will have no issue completing an examination elaborated by us, right? After all, you know as much as we do. No, you know more than we do, was not it?"
It was nonsensical, but Arpineia was forced to accept. She nodded, little confidence in her gesture.
They laughed, the seniors departing after they got all they desired and more. Canuleia hugged Arpineia. Davinia whimpered. Canuleia did not need to look to know that the tears falling on her shoulder were sincere.
*
"Have you reviewed the tables of relative autoignition and known pyrolysis reactions?" Canuleia inquired, pushing another pile of books roll towards Davinia.
"It is the fourth time you ask me that, Canu." Arpineia answered, eyes red and arms squashed. She languished defeated across the table. Davinia pressed her stylus between upper lip and nose, trying to keep it balanced as she talked. "Do you insist in kicking the donkey, as of that will make it run faster? My legs cannot go faster, cannot I change to another subject?"
Davinia extended her hand towards one scroll, right next to where Canuleia was working and started copying more notes. She was rewarded with a stubborn slap.
"Those idiots would not provoke you only to go with half-measures. However, they are prisoners of their own prejudices, and let's be honest, incompetence. They will try to prove that as someone raised plebeian, you lack the education to grasp even the basics. You need to have Vestal fundamentals on the tip of your tongue."
Arpineia frowned. It was degrading and patronizing.
"I have other responsibilities, Canu. Class II responsibilities, responsibilities of a tier of service I earned through hard work and while having to prove every single day I belonged here. I have been working to be the first name on the list when Viviana considers who will advise the Senate on agrarian reforms. That may be the single important thing I may do in my life! I know Viviana, she will keep that folium if she sees me struggling with my current work load; it is a huge commitment!"
Canuleia ignored the protest; it was the eleventh time she had heard it. She unfurled another scroll and passed it to Arpineia.
"How are you supposed to do any of that if you expelled? There will be no agrarian reform speculations, or collecting soil samples from mount Vesuvius, or whatever Viviana sends you to Campania for." She turned away as her finger indicated a specific passage. "A Vestal of the Roman tradition has no place in this House if she has not mastered the processes of fire. They will not attack your actual work, but what they imagine your work is."
Arpineia kept the frown but turned the parchment to herself. Studying was unproductive, as her mind kept wandering. Davinia slipped a foot off her sandal, unfurling another scroll and picking it up. Canuleia kicked her bellow the table, making her gasp as the document landed on the floor..
"You want something from Agriculture and Natural Resources? How about a Class III subject, something tangentially related? Like this one." Canuleia sighed and rolled her eyes, conceding to Davinia's protest. "Composting and its storage in rural and urban settings."
Davinia gently tapped her foot on Canuleia's leg as her eyes begged.
"Fine. You can also distract yourself with these. Second hand annotations and commentaries on a lost treatise on mine safety and deluge treatment."
Arpineia devoted herself to study. Frustration still crept in, distracting her at every opportunity. Arpineia poked the arm of the other Vestalis with her stylus.
"Canu?"
"What is it?" She stopped writing but her head remained lowered.
"There is a citation here about Camilla defending keeping any extraction of natural resources subject to the common lands of a community, and the expropriation of any private mines. Or at the very least, the need for private enterpises to adopt a gradual traditional to the work-share and safety measures of similar communal endeavors. Do you have anything about third century Urban propriety law and how would that expropriation be handled?"
Canuleia nodded, disappearing into the lateral corridors of the House of the Vestals, in search of a text that Davinia was confident had been lost to fire and greed generations ago; and if Canuleia was lucky enough to find it, that would be a trump for Davinia's dream-project. Arpineia got to her desk and advanced some of her neglected work. Canuleia eventually ran out of shelves to check and returned with some poor replacements.
"I cannot imagine a Vestal ignorant of archiving and inheritance law." Arpineia nudged with a celestial expression.
"That is material too advanced for Class III, Davinia."
"Vae, did a Law and History Class II of the gens Canuleia just suggested that it is an unimportant subject?"
"No!" Canuleia chucked. "Seriously, how can you consider yourself an adult without knowing the Law of Shares?"
"Then why don't you pass me volume III so I can review it?"
The date of Arpineia's re-evaluation was the most inconvenient: XIII of September. Followers of Vesta gathered to discuss their projects, network, and plan for next year — all while cooking and eating mola around the Sacred Flame.
What better time to be publicly humiliated?
Class III Vestalis gathered around workbenches, kneading the dough and grinding any ingredients, their efforts judged and praised by the ever-vigilant Class II priestesses. One by one, they called junior Vestals before the seven Class I departmental heads. This was the only opportunity for the entire order to mingle, chatting over salty pastries and discussing the agenda for the following year.
Arpineia was summoned before the Sacred Flame, her features covered by a heavy cloak with a hood and a veil of humble gray and brow. She held in her hand a clay tray of flat ungarnished mola, which she offered for Nautia to feed the fire. Canuleia nodded, approving the whole image of humble contrition. Maybe Davinia had abandoned her foolish pursuit; maybe she would be modest and accommodating.
Nautia tended to the Sacred Flame while Herminia unleashed vile, treacherous questions. Their Class I peers were irritated and distant, bored and anxious about the Vestalis Maxima absence. Canuleia relaxed at every concise and detailed answer Arpineia delivered; Davinia had lost weight, color and even her good nature. Arpineia had been a bundle of nerves for weeks, but the extra work had been worth. Yes, the confidence of Arpineia as she outmaneuvered the weak snares of Herminia was inspiring. She could forgive her, Canuleia could preserve their friendship.
The questions' edge dulled into something more draining than treacherous. Exhaustion started to weight down on Arpineia. Herminia smirked, hoping to trip her. This was a marathon, not a race; they knew the teen had the mind and time to master any subject, so they focused on pressure and urgency. Under an unrelenting barrage, a mistake was inevitable.
Herminia delivered a fatal blow with an obscure question about their spiritual predecessors — the cult of Vesta of the lost city of Alba Longa. Davinia's expression was hidden by hood, but this was the longest she had taken to give an answer. Nautia nodded in celebration. They got her.
"You know, there is a funny story about them, those priestesses of old. In fact, something common among all priests of the etruscan-asiatic world that sailed here from the East. Did you know that the predecessors of our predecessors came from scribes and artisans? That creation was the first rite and work the first prayer?"
Good students kept working into the night, servants bringing candles and lamps to lighten up what seemed to be a long study session. Canuleia was playing brave, but she could not keep yawning at bay; Arpineia struggled, eyes barely open and a half-dead expression. Canuleia stumbled closer, massaging her friend's shoulders as she read (or rather, stared at) an old catalog of peninsular cultivars.
"We will continue tomorrow. We still have time."
Canuleia dragged herself away from the books. Struggling to find the right words, Davinia called her back.
"Canu." She stopped, turning with a tired smile. "I will make sure we have all the time. No matter what. I will crush them."
*
Canuleia woke up early, ready to start a new day of study. To her surprise, Davinia was still on the study hall, sleeping on her seat. Canuleia caressed Davinia's head and nudged her friend into a more comfortable position. While doing so, Canuleia had to see what she had been studying. A volume of Lex Sacra? That was odd.
The Vestalis could have let it end there. She could have closed the book and woke Davinia. Instead, Canuleia went through the other documents. Letters, a whole bundle of them. Back and forth correspondence on questions of law, lists of books for Davinia to consult. She recognized one name amongst the correspondents — Sextus Sergius, another friend of Arpineia and ruthless lawyer. Canuleia covered her mouth as her eyes watered.
Arpineia had just been indulging her. Davinia was planning more than just suffer the abuse; she was taking the fight to them. It was an awful idea and Davinia knew it — what other reason there could be for her not to share her intentions with Canuleia?
Leaving Davinia to sleep, Canuleia opened her own copy of the Lex Sacra. She did not start this but she would end it.
The date of Arpineia's re-evaluation was the most inconvenient: XIII of September. Followers of Vesta gathered to discuss their projects, network, and plan for next year — all while cooking and eating mola around the Sacred Flame.
What better time to be publicly humiliated?
Class III Vestalis gathered around workbenches, kneading the dough and grinding any ingredients, their efforts judged and praised by the ever-vigilant Class II priestesses. One by one, they called junior Vestals before the seven Class I departmental heads. This was the only opportunity for the entire order to mingle, chatting over salty pastries and discussing the agenda for the following year.
Arpineia was summoned before the Sacred Flame, her features covered by a heavy cloak with a hood and a veil of humble gray and brow. She held in her hand a clay tray of flat ungarnished mola, which she offered for Nautia to feed the fire. Canuleia nodded, approving the whole image of humble contrition. Maybe Davinia had abandoned her foolish pursuit; maybe she would be modest and accommodating.
Nautia tended to the Sacred Flame while Herminia unleashed vile, treacherous questions. Their Class I peers were irritated and distant, bored and anxious about the Vestalis Maxima absence. Canuleia relaxed at every concise and detailed answer Arpineia delivered; Davinia had lost weight, color and even her good nature. Arpineia had been a bundle of nerves for weeks, but the extra work had been worth. Yes, the confidence of Arpineia as she outmaneuvered the weak snares of Herminia was inspiring. She could forgive her, Canuleia could preserve their friendship.
The questions' edge dulled into something more draining than treacherous. Exhaustion started to weight down on Arpineia. Herminia smirked, hoping to trip her. This was a marathon, not a race; they knew the teen had the mind and time to master any subject, so they focused on pressure and urgency. Under an unrelenting barrage, a mistake was inevitable.
Herminia delivered a fatal blow with an obscure question about their spiritual predecessors — the cult of Vesta of the lost city of Alba Longa. Davinia's expression was hidden by hood, but this was the longest she had taken to give an answer. Nautia nodded in celebration. They got her.
"You know, there is a funny story about them, those priestesses of old. In fact, something common among all priests of the etruscan-asiatic world that sailed here from the East. Did you know that the predecessors of our predecessors came from scribes and artisans? That creation was the first rite and work the first prayer?"
Herminia, Class I Vestalis of Law and History, was baffled; she recovered with a cruel smirk. Good, they had reduced Davinia to rambling.
"That is not the answer the question demanded. You are wrong and I would like to present your mistaken words to my colleagues. Therefore" Herminia turned the knife, only to be interrupted by Gegania, her peer from Ephemeral Arts. The other Class I leaned forward, shaking an incense stick in Arpineia's direction.
"Come on now, Herminia. The girl was talking! You let her go on and on and on for hours and now you cannot let her even finish? Do it for me, at least! Finally, something interesting is happening and you want to deny me that? So, artisans and work, you were saying?"
"Surely!" Arpineia curtsied towards Gegania, ignoring Herminia. "All of our religious principles, the pursuit of sacrifices and knowledge, all that is the consolidation of the work of countless of women. It may not be the sort of work on display at the market or the farm, but it is work. Invisible, essential work. Their biggest achievement was the Divine Fire and the covenant of Peace between Humanity and Gods, a reminder of what a people united can accomplish. It is easy to look at Rome, at what we conquered, what we liberated from kings, and attribute it to mythical figures, powerful politicians and wise philosophers. Those closer to Gods than to each other. Just as we watch over the Flame we watch over the truth. On our eternal vigil we celebrate the grand truth of the Roman peoples: Everything we are is the accumulation of someone's work."
"Vae, young Vestal." Gegania nodded in agreement. "The Divine is not foreign to human nature. All, all of us have a spark of divinity that lets them express themselves, to share and give their work for others. Infernal and celestial realms lay at the ends of every tool, every embrace and every word."
"That is correct." Arpineia pointed three times towards the Sacred Flame. Nautia twisted her head in confusion. She accidentally dropped some mola into the fire. "And yet, every spark needs to be ignited. Learning, contemplation, feats, and above all, failure. And salt, what is of a life without salt? Through our work, through our bonds, we make bridges; by ritual, by blood, by sweat, by tears. The ancient priest-artisans knew that, and so they pursued the Craft. The fruits of that Craft, the first Offering. Before there was Peace, there had to be a Truce. It ignited long ago, but we maintain it here, today. We are all that, and it is our responsibility to leave more."
"What ridiculous babbling is this?" Herminia shouted, unable to contain her frustration. This was against their plan! Davinia should be exhausted, not holding a cordial conversation that was flying over her head. "What that has to do with the origin of the Vestalis and the functions of the priestesses of Alba Longa?"
Arpineia pulled her hood back, revealing a frowning expression and careful make-up — her choice of color a challenge and an attack on Nautia and Herminia's position. She shook her shoulders; the cloak fell on the ground. The whole sanctuary gasped and whistled at her flowing, intricate garb that put even the Class I priestesses to shame. Davinia opened her mouth, then closed it again. As she opened it a second time, she waved her arms. The entire priesthood was with her, drunk in her presence, begging for her words.
And yet, no words. A relieved, powerful sigh: a victorious exhalation of despair, contempt, and incredulity. Hermenia shook, her fearful eyes darting towards Fire-side Nauria. Towards the Class III Vestalis working dough. To the Class II teaching different recipes to the youths. To the other leaders of the College of Vesta, the bearers and guardians of Roman culture. Arpineia's triumphant smile.
Arpineia had feinted, feigning ignorance to make her look foolish! And she had reduced this examination to a spectacle. Herminia unleashed more questions, angrily pacing around Davinia; the tide of emotions washed over her, the tested priestess savoring every answer. The other Vestalis openly cheered for Arpineia. The nerves were getting to Nautia. A shriek and smoke interrupted this mockery of an exam: Nautia's sleeve had caught fire!
Without missing a bit, Arpineia pulled her heavy cloak and smothered the endangered Class I of Innovation and Progress. She blew a kiss to her colleagues as they praised her bearing and coolness.
"Every question they asked, I replied." Davinia addressed the enraptured audience. "Who am I?"
"Arpineia!" A lot of them shouted; those that knew better shouted Davinia.
"And what am I?"
"One of us! One of us!"
Nautia lacked gratitude. Pulling the cloak away in disgust, she advanced against Davinia.
"So what? Every single one of your answers reminded us of what matters: tradition, tradition and tradition." Nautia wriggled an accusatory finger towards Davinia. "You said it yourself: our duty is to protect and preserve. Ritual, purity, and integrity of the order cannot be compromised. But you? You, by your very presence, defile us, weaken us. You, Arpineia, are an insult to gods and you risk breaching the Covenant of Peace during each day you impersonate a priestess. You dim the light of the Sacred Fire and invite doom upon Rome."
Silence fell over the sanctuary, as Nautia had pounced on Davinia and revealed the naked truth of their goals. Arpineia lowered her head, as if acknowledging her own inferiority and unworthiness. It was with Nautia and Hermenia's surprise that she beamed with resplendent energy, humming one of the order's many work songs.
"Oh Nautia, how liberating it is that you gave up any pretenses of fairness." Davinia was a resolute bulwark. "You seem dazzled and confused by what you perceive as a rotten contradiction. To me, we are talking about something empowering and wonderful. You despair that someone not nurtured by the orthodox, incestuous patrician culture could join our ranks. I see this as the best way to preserve our traditions. Many of us are from Etruscan or Latin stocks, other from beyond that. A hundred cultures and micro-cultures, salted and oiled together. We all are foreigners, outcasts, refugees. A pile of a thousand generations of failures, rejections and assorted bad decisions. Most of you call me a plebe; others have the courtesy of pretending wealth equals class and call me equestrian. I received many other names: socia, italian, rustic. Labels designed to other and isolate me — to paint me as a walking pantomime of decadence, not a peer but an enemy. Well, take a good look. All the things you think of me? They are what Rome must aspire to be if it is to remain Rome."
Arpineia did not move, head high as she let them bask in her presence. She dared any advocate for her expulsion to advance. Murmurs rose between the Vestalis, Viviana saluting her student for what could very well be the last time. Everyone had an opinion about Arpineia and her future; however, they were wise enough to keep that between themselves and their immediate neighbor. All discussion halted as someone screamed. In her addled and defeated state, Nautia had left the Sacred Fire grow pale and dim. Cursing at being responsible for such an ill-omen, Nautia fell to her knees. Arpineia rushed towards the fire-table near to Nautia, ripping straps of her expensive dress. She doused them in igniting fluid and resin, rolled them in sulfur and threw the soaked rag into the Sacred Fire. It revived with a blue jet and rotten smell.
"I think it is pretty clear who belongs here and who does not." Vivinia dropped her shawl and embraced Arpineia, tending to her minor burns. "My girl is a prodigy, and I am honored for all years she gave Agriculture and Natural Resources. Anyone chirping more Latin to attack her will have to face me and the rest of the department. I am not as daring as she is: I do not know if hostility towards any non-patrician woman joining our ranks is a bad idea or the worst idea. However, if there is one thing that I learned on my thirty-eight years of service, it is that ignorance is not a source of shame but an opportunity to learn. Shame belongs only to those who believe they know all the answers. A Vestalis dances in the twilight, forever between luminous beams of learning and the vastness of the dark unknown. Arpineia embraces that; can my two colleagues say the same?"
Nautia and Herminia lacked even the decency to be ashamed, unwilling to accept the crowd turning on them. Looking for anything to save face, they welcomed the entrance of two women. The first, the burnt and imposing figure of Vestalis Maxima Veneneia. On her shadow, a shrunken and displeased Canuleia. Everyone bowed to the veiled and sharp head priestess, as Arpineia heart filled with void. Canuleia had left the sanctuary and Davinia was so enthralled on her string of gambits she had not even noticed her absence. Canuleia carried a pile of books. When the two of them joined the assembly by the Sacred Fire, Arpineia pouted and checked the titles. Weird, a lot of them were the same that Sextus Sergius had sent her way. She raised an eyebrow and looked at Canuleia's eyes. Her hateful gaze confirmed her fears. She had been caught and Canuleia took issue with Davinia's indiscretions.
"Things here seem busy. May I assume the September meeting is going well?" Veneneia inquired as she removed her veil, her intense green eyes falling on the two Vestalis responsible for this.
"Childish behavior and classist tantrums bear no weight on how I run my College." The Vestalis Maxima hissed, the room's mood turning glacial. "My presence was needed somewhere else, as I was informed of a threat to the security of Rome — a threat born from within our ranks."
"The other priestesses backed away, leaving an empty circle around Arpineia. Davinia looked around to see what was happening. She was hunted as Veneneia circled her, like a shark preventing its prey from escaping.
"Vestalis Arpineia, you have served as Class II for how many years now? Two? More like three, right? During that time, I supposed you have been performing your duties. And on their fulfillment, you had access to section XXXII, to the transcripts and protocols for Sibylline Books, auguring records, property registry and wills?"
"I had access, and I have used those Class II privileges, and many others, for both my duties and on my own time." Arpineia replied, refusing to feel the fear other Vestalis believed she should. "What is the matter, Vestalis Maxima? I was within my rights; I was expected to do so. I never took sensitive content outside of the House of the Vestals nor did I discuss our matters with any magistrate, augur, flamens, other oracles or private citizens."
"Oh, don't worry Arpineia, I assumed that was the case. As someone aware of their sensitive, polemic, and fragile position, you were very conscious about the space that you occupy in the College. The same cannot be said about you." Veneneia turned to Nautia and Herminia. "You are so used to the privileges of your birth and class that you did not even consider the consequences of Arpineia's laicization. There is no telling the cascade of trouble you would cause if you had your way. All out of pettiness."
Nautia and Herminia looked at each other. Veneneia was not finished.
"You can expel a Class III, but a Class II must be dealt with a sharper and more precise scalpel. A Vestalis of such rank would have much deeper resources to exploit for political and financial gain. If we keep her around, she will be useful. If we kick her out, she would be one of the most powerful private citizens of our community and have a grudge against the People and their institutions. There is a reason this is a thirty years commitment position; it just happens to not be reason enough for you."
"Please, Vestalis Maxima." The offending Vestals threw themselves to the ground, pleading mercy. "We did not understand this would be so problematic. We were blind, unaware that we would cause the incident we sought to prevent."
"Ignorance doesn't excuse negligence. At worst, you are traitors that intentionally sabotaged one the most sacred institution of the Urbe; at best, you were criminally incompetent." A cruel smile reached the burns on Veneneia's face. "It is a good thing that a lot has been written in how to deal with a rebellious Class Is. Why won't we discuss your punishment?"
Nautia and Herminia argued their for hours, Veneneia interrupting them to get the occasional advice from the other high priestesses. A silent Canuleia stood beside Veneneia, taking notes and reading previous statements when prompted. The Vestalis disagreed on much, but they agreed that no Class II Vestalis should serve under Nautia and Herminia. The two patricians were ill equipped to support the intellectual development of women on such critical phase of their priestly careers. They would no longer be leaders of the College, but what should be done with them? Nobody had the stomach for macabre punishments. The priestesses settled on Gegania's proposal, as elegant as one would expect from the head of the Department of Ephemeral Arts. There were many sister priesthoods across Italia and as far away as Magna Grecia. Nautia and Herminia would serve as goodwill ambassadors to those institutions and would be expected to sow the seeds of new Vestal orders.
Seven became five. An unsustainable affair.
"The Department of Progress and Innovation has tarnished our College for too long." Veneneia declared. "I know their efforts are made more difficult than they have to be, that actual advancement is nearly impossible and resisted at every turn. How can there be social and civic progress when everything favors inertia: tribes, legal code and constitution? Status quo is the sole king Romans tolerate. I understand why this makes this department poisonous to talented and ambitious Vestalis. However, the role of Rome in the world is changing. We need someone sharp and inventive that can prevent new threats and forms of exploitation. Vestalis Arpineia, come to me."
Arpineia presented herself and bowed, receiving from Vestalis the tiara of red lappets that had not that long ago belonged to Nautia.
"We need Progress and Innovation, and they will be managed by someone that embraces their ideals. Arise, Arpineia: italian, equestrian, daughter of the People and the Senate. Vestalis."
Davinia and colleagues gasped. How could someone that young and common get such an exalted position? There was something stimulating and disturbing in the eyes of the ascending Arpineia, the promise of interesting times. Canuleia bit her lower lip with such abandon that it bled.
"Sun and moon, light and darkness, tyranny and democracy, mortal and divine. All forces are interlinked and defined by their opposition. The same must be with a force of change; a force of stability must balance it. The Department of Law and History is well-regarded, but it has suffered from poor leadership; it appeals to women that blindly support the Senate, magistrates and lawyers. We must reinforce the College of Vesta as the ultimate authority in legal precedent and custom." Veneneia put a hand over the shoulder of Canuleia. "Vestalis Canuleia has made me aware of what has been happening and kept a perfect account of the incident. She also assembled the case and examined how it interacted with Lex Sacra. Her brilliant mind offered me the best legal council I ever got as Vestalis Maxima. It is our very duty to preserve Senate, People and Republic and yet, she was the only keen enough to address the issue. On account of her extraordinary cultural and civic service, I am advancing her to head of Law and History."
The seven, restored. Some could swear the Sacred Flame burnt with new vitality. Arpineia and Canuleia exchanged glances. Once again colleagues, once again peers.
What they always had dreamed.
Poisoned.
*
Canuleia insisted in arranging her new scriptorium in person. Herminia had taken everything valuable, leaving rudeness and vandalism as a farewell. Sorting through damaged volumes, Canuleia could only roll her eyes. Vindictives acts of pettiness and shelves full of neglected duties. With a heavy sigh, Canuleia wondered if she had taken more work than she could manage; perhaps she could still reject Veneneia's offer. She climbed on a ladder, looking for anything salvageable.
She was surprised by someone hugging her legs, forcing Canuleia to look down. A cheerful Arpineia clung to her, dressed in old clothes and ready to assist with the cleaning. Ambushed, Canuleia could not cover her contempt, and she kicked her colleague away.
"What in Janus name." Arpineia retreated as Canuleia returned to firm ground. "I came here to help you, not to be kicked in the face!"
Canuleia turned around, grabbed some fragments of older scrolls and sat at her desk.
"What may I do for you, Vestalis Arpineia?" She asked between sighs.
"Canu!" Arpineia threw herself over the lid of the desk, arms folded and supporting her chin. "This is all we wanted. The two of us, heads of department. Working together, friends and partners now and forever? We wanted to change the Urbe, now we can!"
"Straighten yourself. If you are a Class I, behave as such and display proper posture and bearing." Canuleia waved dust towards Arpineia, making the other woman sneeze. "And there is no "we" here. You could have taken the beaten route, defend your case, and save yourself. But no, you had to be reckless and go on the offensive because that is how you always act. Things would have gone differently if I had not figured out your idiocy and approached Veneneia with the matter. I am done protecting you from yourself."
Davinia's smile faded. Part of her wanted to shout at Canuleia that she was condescending, that she too was ready to fight and win. But that was not how she would treat anyone; that was not how she would treat her friend.
"I don't understand. We collaborated, we worked together. And we accomplished this."
"Do not presume to call that a collaboration. We blundered through a disgraceful performance. I give thanks to Fortuna and cut my losses and toxic ties to you."
"Who cares how we got here or that it was not as you planned in your head. We are here now, we have make it this far." Arpineia reached out and held her hand. "Together in this, able to make all the projects you dreamed of real."
"I was a child when I thought that." Canuleia blushed. "Such musings have no place in this House, Arpineia."
"It was last week!"
"You were worthy of my respect one week ago!" Canuleia struck the table, her disgust unrestrained. "Progress and Innovation is a disgrace that will never be fixed. Your stipend is a joke; they burden you with dead-weigh and debt. Your underlings are the worst Vestalis in history, incompetent and lazy, spending their days making-out or drinking. And guess what, they are to a woman snouty patricians that you will never respect you! You are asking me not to be a partner, but to offer you charity."
"Charity." Arpineia lost the smile and pulled her sleeves up. "I don't need you, Canu. Keep your charity. I was planning to invoke the Lex Sacra, if you are so upset for having to do it, blame yourself and your nosy temper."
"Please. You used all favors, money and friends you had to help you, to organize your rambling thoughts into something that resembled a coherent argument. You did not do it on your own."
"Yeah. That is how people working together look like." Davinia pulled back in contempt. "You should familiarize yourself with the concept, now that you are a team leader."
"What happened to not needing someone else? How daring of you, to tell me how to clean my house when you will never bring order to yours."
"I don't need you."
They looked at each other, regretting their words but unable to reach each other.
"Good luck, Vestalis Canuleia."
"Good omens, Vestalis Arpineia. Salve."
*
"She always had passion." Tarpeia commented.
"I never said otherwise. However, I hope you understand what it means to collaborate with Arpineia." Canuleia explained.
"I do. Thank you, Canuleia." Tarpeia rose and prepared to depart. "And I genuinely hope that you too figure that out."
