The year is 130 BCE, or as it is known in Rome, the year of the Consulship of Pulcher and Perpena.
Two young women of the Roman aristocracy appear before the Temple of Divine Manhood. "You sure about this, Flavia?" asks the slightly taller of the two. "Yes, I've thought about it and asked Venus for counsel. I'm ready to be a man for you. Are you sure that you can love me as a man?"
"I'm sure. You're going to be a handsome man."
Flavia and Drusilla were in love and both determined to avoid the fate of Roman wives. But living as a female couple was not really possible as Roman aristocrats, at least once their application to the Vestal Virgins was turned down. The two agreed that the brash Flavia was more suited for a visit to the Temple of Divine Manhood than the shy Drusilla.
The two kissed for the last time as two women.
Flavia strode into the Temple with determination. She laid the gold necklace her father had brought back from the Sack of Corinth before the god.
"Flavius sum" muttered the handsome young Roman man standing before the statue. After thanking the god, he left.
Flavius seized Drusilla in his arms and kissed her heartily. They both thought at the same time "this beats being a Vestal Virgin."