“No.”

“No you don’t think his name is Zig? Or no you don’t remember what the guy who was with him said?”

“No – that gentleman said, ‘I think they get the idea, Zig’ – so I agree that that other guy’s name is Zig.”

“Too bad that we didn’t find out what your guys’ name is.”

“He’s not my guy, Enerie – no more than Zig is yours. We …”

“I know, Ceres. We are Vestals of Rome, etc. etc. etc.”

“Exactly.”

Exhaling audibly, Enerie whispers, “But I’m not sorry to have seen such a handsome man up close.”

Sighing softly Ceres replies, “Nor I.”

Squealing happily, Enerie exclaims, “So you, too, think Zig is a cutie-pa-tootie?”

“SHH, Enerie!”

“O, Ceres – surely Vestals are allowed to think!”

Smiling encouragingly (and dazzlingly!) when Ceres agrees that Vestals can think Enerie adds, “So tell me what you think of Zig.”

Looking around to make sure no one can overhear, Ceres replies, “I think Zig must be a very friendly man to have wanted to walk with us. And I suspect he’s a man of courage given the way he didn’t hesitate to address the crowds regarding the situation he and his companion and we were in.”

“Yeah. But did you find him handsome?”

Blushing, Ceres whispers, “Very much so.”

Nodding her agreement, Enerie says, “I too think Zig is very handsome.”

Looking at the marble pillars where Zig and his companion had so recently been standing, Ceres thinks,

I think both of the Babylonians are very handsome …

But I think it would be wonderful if I could know what his name is so that when I’m thinking of him I’d know who I’m thinking about …

And I thank the gods that Vestals are allowed to think …

So I think I’ll ask C.C. if he learned his name while he was escorting the Babylonians to the thermae!

“You okay, Ceres?” Studying the Vestal, Enerie adds, “You got quiet again.”

“I’m okay, Dear – I’m just waiting for C.C. to return to us so he can escort us home.”

“I’m in no hurry to see him!”

Laughing softly, Ceres teases, “You’re just not anxious for C.C. to walk us to the Atrium Vestae – or, to be more precise, you’re just not anxious to return home and begin your Duties in the Temple!”

“Bingo!”

Smiling happily, Ceres replies, “But just think, Dear – C.C. might have news from the baths … or info about the Babylonians …”

“Oooooh – I hadn’t thought of that !!!”

Standing on tiptoe as she searches the crowds in the Forum, Enerie adds, “Where in the Ancient Worlds is that boy??!!??”