Rise of the Lotus - Percy Jackson Fanfic

Chapter 10

Summary: The celebrations of Saturnalia kick off in New Rome

Evie's Notes: Happy Monday! I hope you all are having a wonderful week ! Thank you so much your support of this story, it really and truly means the world to me 💜!

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The Celebration of Saturnalia turned the city of New Rome upside down as its residents celebrated the Winter Solstice and the promise of a spring harvest. The festivities were set to begin that evening with a sacrifice offered by Octavian in the temple of Jupiter Maximus before a public banquet would be held on Capitoline Hill. The law courts and businesses would be closed for the seven days of Saturnalia which culminated in the holiday of Yule, or the Winter Solstice. This allowed all to focus on honoring the gods and thanking them for their many blessings. The days were filled with, feasting, dancing, sacrifices, musical performances, plays and much much more. Antonia was especially looking forward to the chariot races and gladiatorial fights which would be held on the second and third days of the feast. The only ones who were to work were those assigned to guard duty, tasked with the essential role of keeping all of New Rome's inhabitants safe.

Antonia grinned as she took in her latest outfit in the mirror. She was clad in a beautiful gown which at first glance appeared teal, but changed colors to reveal purple, gold and green in the torch light. The dress had a long slit running up one side, allowing her access to her knife if such a need were to arise. Anabella wove a crown of peacock feathers tightly into Antonia's auburn updo. Antonia's make up was a work of art, Annabella had worked with the same colors in her dress and created a beautiful glittery smokey eye. Lacing up her thigh high golden sandals Antonia was ready to go, let the celebrations begin!

* Rise of the Lotus * Rise of the Lotus *

The initial sacrifice went off without a hitch and Saturnalia had officially begun. Octavian had been in charge of the first night's rituals, meaning Antonia was able to stand with her friends and relax. She would have a few days to simply celebrate, before being in charge of hosting all sacrifices on day four.

With the businesses and courts closed and military exercises on hold, everyone had come out to celebrate the holiday. At the banquet, Antonia moved from table to table visiting with her friends and clients. At one table, Maverick and Brina were playing a game of knucklebones with their fellow soldiers. Reyna and Trenton were seated at the head table a few seats down from Octabian, and VERY happy for that space from the sneaky man. Creel and her husband Luka along with Marta and Tobin were also in attendance chatting happily with fellow workers in the skilled laborers guild.

Antonia was thrilled to see Francesca and Farmer Paul seated at a table further down the forum, surrounded by their three children, their oldest on leave from the legion for the holiday. When chatting with the pair she discovered that Lindsey had worked her magic and pulled the right strings to get the family the support they needed from the citizen aid office. The pair were incredibly grateful for all of Antonia and Mollie's help, eagerly sharing photos of the newly rebuilt farm and farmhouse.

Nico, who had decided to remain in New Rome in light of Lady Juno's warnings against searching for Jason, was sitting with his sister Hazel and the girl's friend Frank. The Trio were playing a rousing game of Mythomagic with Nico sweeping the floor with them easily. Antonia was happy to see a small smile of the dour boy's face, the disappearance of his boyfriend laying heavily on his mind and heart. The remaining fifth cohort members had snagged a few tables next to the trio and were engaged in a rousing drinking game of mead pong. Dakota was of course winning and, likely due to his father Bachus' influence. Gwen looked on and shook her head fondly and the dorks she was responsible for.

Antonia had a wonderful conversation with Zhanna and her wife Cordelia. The best part though was playing with baby Cassia. The little girl was so sweet and babbled constantly as she took in the noise and party around her.

Antonia only spotted Bobby and Jacob briefly but waved hello to them across the square. The pair had been holding suspicious shaped packages of what she assumed to be contraband but she really couldn't bring herself to care. Later on in the night the packages were revealed to be fabulous fireworks so Antonia was glad that she hadn't spoiled the surprise.

Over by the Statue of Terminus on the forum lines, Antonia found Mabel and her daughter Julia playing with a few other city children. Things had been hard on Mabel ever since Julia was born. New Rome society already looked down on first generation demigods, but when Mabel became pregnant and the father refused to step up... well the old families got to talking. Rumors began to spread and human cruelness made itself known. Luckily Mabel had friends, such as Reyna, Antonia and Jason to rely on. The gang supported her through her pregnancy and the first few years of Julia's life, helping the woman find her feet in the world. Nowadays, Mabel was the owner of a popular baking stall, Julia was a bright eyed sweet and inquisitive girl, and the rumors were mostly a thing of the past.

The night was not complete in Antonia's mind until she caught sight of a flash of beautiful blonde hair. Making her way back to the center of the forum, she found that a band had struck up playing and couples were taking to the dance floor. Humming softly to herself she glanced around the crowded room hoping to see someone special. A tap on her shoulder and a musical tinkle of laughter caught her attention.

"Looking for someone, Antonia? Should I be jealous?"

Turning around, Antonia found herself face to face with the beautiful Lennon Frommelt. It took everything in Antonia to keep her jaw from dropping or from doing something as uncouth as drooling as she took in the gorgeous woman before her. Lennon was dressed in a tight fitting lace up pink and gold bodice which sparkled in the light. She had paired the corset with a pair of leather pants and pink suede stilettos with golden buttons. Her hair fell in soft golden waves down her back with several front strands braided into a crown and fixed with tourmaline stone pins.

"Uhhh," stuttered out Antonia, her mind blank at the sight of the woman before her

"Very verbose" teased Lennon. Bowing slightly she offered her hand to Antoia. "May I have this dance Toni?"

Her brain snapping back online Antonia nodded eagerly, and accepted the girl's offered hand. The pair made their way out onto the dance floor where they swayed and twirled the night away, welcoming the magic of the season.

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Evie's Notes 2: Thank you all so much for reading 💕! I hope you enjoyed this update, let me know your favorite part of in the comments! I hope to see you all next update 💗!

I love hearing from y'all! Let me know what you think of the chapter and the story as a whole in the comments or my Tumblr Find-y0ur-j0y! Have a great week and stay safe! - Xo Evie🌺