EX OFFICIO AEDILIS P. ANNAEI L. IVLIAE
Ludi Romani Magna 2010: FINAL RACE and Closing of Ludi Romani; today, 13Sept 2010 is dedicated to the Capitoline Triad.
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C. CLODIA CONCHA: Avete Quirites, Amici et Inimici! This is Cardia Clodia Concha back again as one of your commentators for this, the Final race of the Ludi Romani Magna 2763, the race that will decide this Ludi’s Champion! With me is V. Herminius Aquilinus who will once again give us an excellent running commentary of the race from high in the Circus Maximus! Old Sol is rising beautifully this early fall morning, shining brightly and with nary a cloud in the sky. The wind Gods are smiling upon us gently, rustling tender golden yellow and bright red leaves that match the beauty of the abundance of flowers that fill the early morning air with seductive fragrances while birds sing melodies to herald the attendees to their seats. There is electricity in the air, the stands are filled with anticipation, bets are being made and the owners of the chariots, and their friends and entourages are staying close to the tracks. The wine is flowing, vendors are having a record day and it is still early morning, the Pompa was particularly festive; the entertainment highly unusual!
The Plaustra is in place and they are ready for the Ritual to the Capitoline Triad this last day of the Ludi; the Priests and Priestesses take their places.
Aedile Curules et Sacerdos Veneris Genetricis L. Iulia Aquila has just called for Silentum…
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Ritual to the Capitoline Triad
PRAEFATIO
Iane pater testem te testor mihi. Te hoc ture obmovendo bonas preces precor, ut sis volens propitius nobis liberisque nostris domibus familiisque nostris. Illaec advorsum si quid pecasso, Iane pater, veneror te ut misera ego sim.
Sic sit et sic est.
Father Janus, I call on You to witness. I make this offering of incense to you and pray that you will look kindly and favorably upon us and our children, on our house and our households. And if I do anything to violate this (rite), I pray that I shall suffer misfortune.
Let it be so and it is so.
SALUTATIO
Optimus Maximus, protector of boundaries (Fidius) and of the state (Stator), great thunderer (Tonans), watch over this ritual and grant it thy blessing so that it may be found worthy both in your eyes and to the immortal gods.
Juno Regina, celestial light (Lucetia), who warns against dangers (Moneta), who purifies (Februata), sanctify our hearts and minds and grant us your blessing for this ceremony so it may be found worthy both to your eyes and to the immortal gods.
Minerva most skillful (Sollertissima), goddess of wisdom, master of the arts, bestower of victory, let us be eloquent and grant this ritual your blessings so that our words will be worthy both in your eyes and to the immortal gods.
PRAECATIO
O Father Jupiter who inhabits the Tarpeian Heights as His chosen abode next to the heavens, and You Juno, Daughter of Saturnus, and You, divine Virgin, whose gentle breast is harshly girt with the Aegis of the terrible Gorgon, and all You Gods and Indigites of Italy,
Hear us and grant us your blessings so that our prayers and offerings will be found worthy both in your eyes and to the all the immortal gods.
Let it be so and it is so.
SACRIFICATIO
Iuppiter Optime Maxime, ita Iuno Regina Coeli, patrona Rei Publicae, ita Minerva sancta, tutela ab omnis inimicis, invoco vos. Propitii despicete,
Capitolini dii magni, accipiteque hunc oblationem parvum in verbis eoris factus est, qui pacem deorum agere volunt.
(Iuppiter Best and Greatest, Iuno Queen of Heaven, protectress of the state, holy Minerva, defender against all enemies, I call upon you. Look down in favor, great gods of the Capitol, and accept this small sacrifice which we make in the name of all those who would be partakers in the peace of the gods).
Minerva Sollertissima, te coram thus cremo, crustum offero et vinum libo, in adoratio gratiasque. Te placeat hunc sacrificium, ut per novus anno appropinquo ab omnia iniuria protegas.
(Minerva most skilful, I burn incense, offer cake and pour out wine before you, in worship and gratitude. May this offering be pleasing to you, and may you safeguard us all from harm throughout the coming year.)
Iuno Regina, te coram thus cremo, crustum offero et vinum libo, in adoratio gratiasque. Te placeat hunc sacrificium, ut super domi familiaeque nostrae invigiles, quod fortunatem felicitatemque firmitatemque per novus anno appropinquo habeamus .
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(Queen Iuno, I burn incense, offer cake and pour out wine before you, in worship and gratitude. May this offering be pleasing to you, and may you watch over our homes and our families, that we may enjoy health, happiness and prosperity throughout the coming year).
LITATIO
Iuppiter Optime Maxime, rex deorum immortalem, te coram thus cremo, crustum offero et vinum libo, in adoratio maxima cum reverentia gratiasque. Te placeat hunc sacrificium, et nos semper faveas. Adiuva nos, dive maxime, quod per novus anno appropinquo nominem Romanem digneamus in operibus nostris.
(Iuppiter Best and Greatest, king of the immortal gods, I burn incense, offer cake and pour out wine before you, in worship with the greatest respect and gratitude. May this offering be pleasing to you, and may you always be favorable to us. Help us, greatest god, that all we do throughout the coming year be worthy of the name `Roman').
Ita vultis, ita siet!
(As it is wished, so may it be!)
Ave, Iuppiter Optime Maxime! Ave, Iuno Regina, Propugnatrix Divina! Ave, Minerva, Custos Sollertissima Rei Publicae!
Ave, Vesta Mater! Ab divine potestate vestra capite inclino.
(If unsatisfactory or attended by ill omen):
Dive, si quid vobis in illisce neque satisfactum est, vos hisce sacrificio piaculo.
(To the Gods if something in this was not satisfactory to you, may this sacrifice appease you)
PERLITATIO
“No more, Gods on High, do I ask of You today; it is enough.”
“Thus it is done. May all the Gods above and below always love you and wish you happiness in all that is good.”
“May the immortal Gods make it so, as fortunate as it is pious.”
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Without further comments on the celebrity studded attendees’ list, which a body only needs to look around them to gain full knowledge of, here is the list of Chariots today! Although the race is primarily dominated by Albatae semi-final winners the Venetae are out in force, dressed in rich blue Togatae and Tunicae for which I provided the fabrics and co-designed with, and were appointed by, Inner Peacock owner Balbus Gallus Hilarius at a soirée this past weekend.
VITVS: *teasing smile* What? I wasn’t invited?
C. CLODIA CONCHA: Ah Vitus, it is such a pleasure to be sharing this skybox with you; I must say I am so glad you have returned to Rome! But, the reason you were not invited is because I believe you were busy with the Domina of the Albatae, er, attending and planning parties and such… *Vitus passes a small smile and nods* But the sport that occurred afterwards was what you really missed, all that blood and flesh…
*slowly runs her tongue over sparkling canines, the long slim manicured fingers of her right hand gently strums the pommel of her lamb’s leather cat o’ nine tails attached at her waist, then with a wicked grin and a smoky drawl* When I say peacock feathers go well with a garment, one should always listen…
VITVS: I shall remember that Domina Concha…*laughs loudly* You are insatiable!
C. CLODIA CONCHA: Somehow Dominus, I do not see you as the peacock feather type! Leather, and yes, raw silk bound with gold and gems, what I do not know though *turns a sinister gaze his way curling her lips into an even more sinister smile, her ebon eyes blazing* how you are going to keep the object of your affections in line…
VITVS: Ah now Concha while that is not any of your concern, I will tell you that a thoroughbred is best when allowed to remain free and unfettered. *his deep voice washes over her hypnotically in a very easy fashion*
C. CLODIA CONCHA: I think you may one day come to regret that philosophy – as for me I like the object of my affection to take a – slight - upper hand, in private that is. Woe to any man who publicly attempts such action! *her dark eyes flash poison daggers and then segues back to the races*
Oh but today the Albatae is enforce! White, white and more white! Snowblinding! They have three chariots today but having the honor of post position is Tempestas Noctis driven by Nicodemus the Thracian for the Venetae owned by Statia Cornelia Æternia, in second position is Luxogenes driven by Eporicus for the Albatae, owned by my dear Consul Albucius, in third is Ventrus Albus driven by Hermannus for the Albatae owned by C. Maria Caeca and at the fourth gate is Vita Brevis driven by Aiofe of the Silures for the Albatae on loan to Domina of the Albatae, Aedile Curule L. Julia Aquila, by its owner esteemed Senator Cn. Equitius Marinus. I see the troika are making their way around the track in a lively procession, the quadrigae are adorned with wreaths and the agitatores are truly working the crowds. I can hardly hear myself think! The Venetae are stomping in the stands, I do hope they hold up! Near the track is Æternia shouting “GO VENETA! VENI VIDI VICI!!!” and waving those darling Tiger Striped Blue Fuzzy Pom-Poms, now those, I think, are courtesy of Gallus Hilarius!
VITVS: I am afraid she is being out shouted by another Venetae supporter, Tribune Petronius, who can easily be heard shouting: “GO BLUES! BLUES UP! VENETI VINCENT! IN HOC COLORE VINCES! PORRO VENETI! VENETI! VENETI! VENETI VINCENT! IN HOC COLORE VINCENT! VENETI VICERVNT! VIVAT TEMPESTAS NOCTIS! BLUES UP! BLUES! BLUES! BLUES ARE THE BEST! GO BLUES! BLUES UP!” His has been a strong voice in Rome this year and not only in the Ludi.
C. CLODIA CONCHA: Ah, yes and he, and his ‘curls to die for,’ has been the subject of many an admiring tongue. *tosses back her head, her Raven braid spouting down behind her back, her swallow evident in her long ivory neck as she gushed* I would have liked to have watched from the shadows as his agitatore was flogged but I did send him a note requesting to be present and to partake of the feast of steak tartare courtesy of his quadrigae…
VITVS:*his aqua eyes now stormy, his voice deep with a touch of gruffness, his face stern and stoic* With the bloodlust evident in some of the Roman Matronae they should go off to war in the legions.
C. CLODIA CONCHA: *responds with laughter the sound of which is light many tiny fragile bells* ah big powerful warrior, how then do you rationalize the religious sacrifices performed by Domina Julia?
VITVS: *he blesses her with a handsome smile then stands and bows gallantly and deeply from the waist, saying sincerely* lust is one obsession; an occasional sacrifice is another issue entirely.
C. CLODIA CONCHA: You have yet to skim the surface of the mysterious Julia Aquila, I do not think anyone has… *waves him away with a graceful flick of her fingers and rolls her eyes, laughing as she says” Tartare Pegase, Tartare Antares, Tartare Orion, Tartare Sirie!
VITVS: *laughing and shaking his head at the dark haired beauty* The agitatores and quadrigae are back at the carceres behind the gates. Consul Memmius Albucius, Aedile Julia Aquila and Questrix Maria Caeca have taken positions high in the center island to cheer on their chariots!
C. CLODIA CONCHA: The trumpets sound!
From the Magistrates box, Aedilis Curules Placidus drops the mappa; the ostia are sprung…
Missi sunt currus!
And they are off!!!!
VITVS:*shouting over the riotous cheers and protestations of the crowd* RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE NICODEMUS SWINGS THE TEMPESTAS NOCTIS INTO THE LUXOGENES! Eporicus manages control of the Luxogenes then continues a steady pace; The Vita Brevis passes the Ventrus Albus and paces alongside the Luxogenes. Hermannus takes the Ventrus Albus swiftly around the outside and wields the wide quadrigae towards the Tempestas Noctis!
If my eyes are not deceiving me, Aiofe and Eporicus are flirting with each other!
But is this flirtation to gain advantage? Only time will tell. The quadrigae thunder down the track, pure raging motion!
Surging ahead Vita Brevis takes the others by surprise as she begins to pass Tempestas Noctis just as the third dolphin turns and they head down the first stretch of the 3rd lap – Nicodemus throws some yellow sandy matter at Aiofe which she deflects by lifting her forearm protecting her eyes!
Nicodemus steers the wheel of the Tempestas Noctis into the wheel of the Vita Brevis, grinding it audibly!
*the crowds of Albatae shout and jeer - the Venetae cheer and hoot*
The Vita Brevis nearly tips over and a spoke has flown off the wheel!
Aiofe is thrown off balance and holds on to the outside of the side of the chariot which is dangerously close to tipping over, her arm where she deflected the yellow sand is bleeding, cut by the fine sinister glass!
The Luxogenes and Ventrus Albus speed by – and the better for Aiofe if she is unable to maintain her hold!
Hermannus has caught up to the Tempestas Noctis - he tosses back his blonde mane and laughs loudly while he uses his whip across the knuckles of Nicodemus, who tries to appear hardly bothered by it, but coupled with Hermannus’ Ventrus Albus pressing him into the spina, and as sparks fly from the wheels of the Tempestas Noctis Nicodemus struggles to keep his chariot in line but loses his advantage and is now in second place as the Ventrus Albus takes the lead!
Recovered Aiofe, looking more determined than ever, sparks flying from her eyes, droplets of blood trailing behind her urges her horses to pound the sand with all of their might!
Luxogenes is passing the Tempestas Noctis on the last stretch of the third lap!
It is Ventrus Albus for the Albatae, Luxogenes for the Albatae – no wait! Vita Brevis for the Albatae comes out of nowhere and passes Tempestas Noctis and Luxogenes and is now in second, Tempestas Noctis for the Venetae is in last place!
The fourth the dolphin is turned and Tempestas Noctis comes around and is coming back into first place, foam flying off his horses in sheets, but its an upset as Luxogenes speeds between Ventrus Albus and Tempestas Noctis, the three neck in neck as they pound down the last stretch to the finish. The Vita Brevis has maneuvered her steeds into first place and with a war cry her steeds surge ahead leaving the rest behind her!
*the crowds go wild, the sound is raucous*
Aiofe of Silures driving the Vita Brevis for the Albatae crosses the finish line by a full length! Luxogenes for the Albatae comes in second, closely followed by the Ventrus Alba for the Albatae in third and even closer the Tempestas Noctis in fourth place!
*trillions of gardenia petals fall seemingly from the sky, people stream down in drves from the stands and skyboxes*
THE WINNER, IN FIRST PLACE, IS VITA BREVIS DRIVEN BY AIOFE OF THE SILURES FOR THE ALBATAE OWNED BY AEDILE L. JULIA AQUILA, ON LOAN FROM CN. EQUITIUS MARINUS!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW CHAMPION OF THE LUDI ROMANI MAGNA 2763 AUC!
*continues to shout over the appreciative roar of the crowd*
PARTY TONIGHT ON THE PALATINE AT VILLA IVLIA!!!!!!!!!
THE STREETS WILL FLOW WITH THE FINEST WINE, BREAD, CHEESE AND ALL MANNER OF DELICACIES COURTESY OF THE IULII AND THE EQUITII!
©Aquila (Note the Ritual written is smaller text and within borders is free domain)
P.S. Aiofe is pronounced "Eva."
