Thera saw Odessa approaching and she called out to her then they each went together as the gates were opened for Thera and the two warriors entered their territory; however they did not return to Themiscyra, instead they headed west into the setting sun towards Colchise where the army had amassed for the cleansing ritual. As was the custom of this region the warriors were unclean and not fit to return to their home city with the blood of men on their bodies and battle fresh in their minds. All warriors would remain for seven days to cleanse the gore of war from their bodies and minds. When Thera and Odessa approached the aroma of braised lamb, roasting vegetables and baking bread made their stomachs burn with hunger.
Before they could feast Thera and Odessa were stripped of their armor and garments so they could join the warriors in the lake where all the ladies swam in the cool water, as the sun set, rinsing the blood from their hair and skin. Even a few of the prized tigers of the fighting force joined in splashing and swimming after their trainers frolicking in the water. Laughter and feelings of elation rose up from the group as they rejoiced that not one of them was killed in battle. There was much excitement in the air as the young warriors spoke of the anticipation in their hearts as this would be many of the young warriors first involvement in the breeding season. Thera seemed distracted as Lexa and Lucia Vega began discussing the prowess of their established breeding partners.
Three large bonfires were raging outside of the temple as the ladies came out of the water one by one drying their naked, glistening bodies by the fire. Five hundred warriors were wrapped in linens as they were seated at five long tables there under the stars where they were served endless portions of meat, vegetables, fruit and freshly baked honey wheat bread and goat cheese, along with amphora after amphora of sweet red wine. At the head of each table were the captains of their respective divisions with Thera at the head of the center table where a mix of warriors, who were her veteran class of warriors, sat and supped talking of the battle. All were encouraged to eat as much and drink as much as they desired. As the sun set the full moon arose in the east and Lacuna spoke saying "Look my sister's! Our goddess Artemis has come to gaze at her reflection in the water!" Thera stood raising her flagon of wine as she stared up at the face of the moon, twin sister to Apollo god of the sun.
As she looked out over the sea of happy faces Thera stood on her chair saying in a loud voice "Oh Artemis you have watched over us and kept us safe in battle and tonight we come here together to salute you!" a great cheer came up from the victorious warriors. "Now my sisters fill yourselves with the nourishment of our fields and drink the blood of the grape from our vineyards, and may blessings be upon those who serve us! For without the daughters of the temple we would not be able to fight!" here another uproar came from the mouths of the drunken warriors to show respect to the women in their society who tended the fields, flocks, orchards and vineyards.
By the light of the fires and the silver light of the moon the conversation turned, once again, to men and the art of lovemaking. Lacuna, who sat to the right of Thera, began speaking of her last campaign saying "Ah yes! He was very sweet, like traquilazoma to me.., easy going down my throat!" she laughed.
"Of what do you speak?" Thera asked intrigued.
"You must take your partner in your mouth and swallow his seed." Lacuna laughed taking a large gulp of wine. "There is much nourishment and, as my mother has assured me, to do so after procreation betters your chance of bringing forth a daughter."
"An old wives tale!" Thera balked.
"Oh, Commander and tell us how many daughters have you issued forth from your womb? For you know that I have three." Lacuna smiled her eyes sparkling in the firelight. Thera said nothing instead she sat there embarrassed. "Come now Thera. Come to Scythia with me and I will teach you how to bring your lover to his knees." Lacuna laughed along with the other women and Thera felt a blush come to her cheeks.
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