Behind the Temple of Demeter’s inner doors, the High Priestess sets the sealed offering record and hollow coin beneath steady lamplight. Marcus remains close, while Titus Celer waits near the threshold.
Two archive witnesses enter with the temple clerk, carrying fresh tablets and cords for sealing. The doors close behind them, shutting out the Forum’s noise and palace ears.
The High Priestess
Let the record show that this coin was surrendered willingly, with no claim of ownership attached to it. We examine its contents for protection, not profit.
Marcus Flavius
And let the witnesses note who handled it. If the command names an agent, no one will later pretend it was found in secret.
The High Priestess cuts the coin’s softened edge with a temple tool. A narrow lead strip slides onto the cloth, marked with cramped letters and a second, darker seal.
Titus Celer
That hand belongs to the palace intermediary. The words will identify the meeting place, but the seal identifies the person who ordered it.
The High Priestess
Then we read it once, copy it twice, and bind every copy to Demeter’s archive. Let the command become evidence before it becomes a weapon.
“When the sealing is completed, Valeria goes to the Temple of Marcellus, where her fans are waiting.”
SUCCESS (Superb Agility, rolled -2)