Revelry

In the fourth millennium AUC, the Roman Empire thrives through technological prosperity. Polytheism, commerce, science, and art flourish beneath terracotta roofs.

Sapient beasts—humans, hyenas, foxes, ravens, snakes, and frogs—prefer to dress in tunics, trousers, and sandals. Horses, mounts akin to birds and lizards, cars, lights, and signs crowd the streets of Rome.

I'm Eugene, a middle-aged hyena—mated to my boyfriend Magid. At the Lotus bookstore, I trade goods and counsel for coin. When free from working his own store, Magid offers mature advice too. 

One afternoon, we advised a young fox named Phillip who’s become a frequent visitor in recent times. He’s friendly with Lucian—another young fox who frequents the Lotus bookstore. They often study in the back room together.

“Lucian speaks with candor,” I say. “You should talk to him.”

“But what if he rejects me?” Phillip asks.

“You won’t know until you try,” Magid says.

“Speaking from the heart is often scary, but it’s worth the risk,” I say, adding a modest Venus charm to his bag with a wink.

"I wouldn't have met Eugene if he didn't approach me all those years ago," Magid says wistfully.

“Okay. I’ll speak with him tomorrow,” Phillip says, leaving with renewed confidence.

In time, Phillip’s hidden affections for Lucian are revealed and returned in kind. Once they feel more comfortable with each other, Phillip and Lucian decide to join Magid and me at a lapidean music concert. Magid and I introduced Lucian to lapidean music recently, and he’s been eager to introduce Phillip to the scene ever since they started dating.

On the day of the concert, the frenzied dancing, driving percussion, distorted strings, and ethereal synths that define lapidean music dominate the concert venue. Enraptured by the enigmatic aura of Bacchus, I watch from afar as Phillip and Lucian lose themselves in the music—driven by the same frenetic impulses that ebb and flow around them.

Despite Lucian’s doting concerns about his otherwise gentler, nascent boyfriend, he decides to trust Phillip’s judgment. When a drunken snake shoves him forcefully, Phillip stands his ground—striking the snake with a swift headbutt before staff intervene and eject the snake from the event.

During the intermission, Lucian and Phillip look particularly close. They approach Magid and me with smiles on their faces. Phillip says to me, “Thanks for bringing me along. This has been really great. Let’s do it again.”

"You're welcome!" I reply. "There are plenty more lapidean bands to see in the future."

“I’m glad you’re both having fun,” Magid says brightly.

Turning towards Phillip, Lucian smirks playfully, saying, “For a newcomer, Bacchus must really favor you, Phillip. I’m glad everyone’s welcomed you.”

“Me too,” Phillip replies bashfully. “Thanks for letting me be myself, Lucian.”

“It’s my pleasure,” Lucian says.

As the concert ends, Phillip and Lucian find joy beyond their college studies. Like Rome itself, the freedom of music culture deepens their trust. I hope that the guidance Magid and I offer at the Lotus bookstore inspires others seeking the same liberty.