A Theatrical Extravaganza
The Winter Fair was a resounding success. As the sun sets over Rome, the visitors to the city return to their villas under instruction to dress to the nines. In high spirits, they do so, excitedly chattering about the festivities that lie before them, and the surprises the Pope has in store. Surely it is to be a grand affair, the likes of which may never be seen again. Rumours swirl about what they may experience. All anybody can agree is that tonight will go down in history.
Darkness has fallen when the carriages arrive, ready to chaperone guests to a secret location. On the outskirts of Rome, an amphitheater has been constructed in the style of the old, ruined Coliseum, a temporary but sturdy structure erected specifically for tonight’s affair. Strings of laterns hang between impressive columns, illuminating the way for guests. Inside, a great spectacle awaits.
Performers meander through the crowd, jugglers, acrobats, men on stilts and fire-eaters drawing circles of onlookers around them. The stalls from earlier in the day have been repurposed, this time, bearing local delicacies from around the globe and refreshments in lieu of the feast some had expected to indulge in. Royal boxes are prepared for the most distinguished of the guests - The Holy Roman Empress Claudia, Empress Yekaterina, Emperor Jingyan, Shogun Go Nagamasu, King Yeonjo and Queen Mun Jeong, King Arthur and Queen Anne, and Sultan Bayezide and Haseki Sultan Fahriye and their respective heirs and retinues. Pope Giulio, too, has his own box, reserved for memebers of the clergy. For the rest, communal seating is provided amongst the lofty stands of the ampitheatre, with plenty of dark corners providing the optimal meeting place for discreet meetings away from prying eyes. On the sprawling lawns outside the theatre, preparations begin for a lightshow to round off the night, with fireworks brought from the far east.
But the true draw of the night comes from the very centre of the amphitheatre, where a large stage has been erected. Upon it, a troupe of actors take their places, ready to begin the biggest performance of their career. The saga being told is that of the monarchs in attendance tonight, and their greatest victories. The news is greeted with excitement from those who do not know their tales, and eyerolls from those who know them only too well. Regardless of anybody’s feelings, the night promises to be one to remember, if those that lurk in the shadows do not put a premature halt to any celebrations.