On the tenth day, Marduk began his celebration with both the underworld and upperworld gods, all setting around a table at a feast. Now this was more to Bel-Ibni's liking. There was plenty of food and drink for the old man. He needed the drink to steady his nerves (at least that was the story he told his wife). Soon, as the sun sets, Marduk will have more to celebrate. The marriage and coupling of Marduk and Ishtar will bring life in spring. He suspected this was Zig's favorite part of the festivities. (*wink* *wink*)

Today, on the eleventh day, the gods will decide the fate of the people of Marduk. This is the day its all led up to - the day that has caused Bel-Ibni to sweat so profusely. (that and the fact that if he'd screwed up even the most minute detail, he would suffer a separation at the hand of the king - a separation that would come right about neck level. Young kings take things like loss of honor or the displeasure of the gods so personally.) More so now because of the heat of the day and the abundance of joy in the form of really good kash that he'd drunk the night before. (hmmmm....maybe it was the Kash that is causing him to sweat so profusely today.) Today the gods will decide the fate of the people of Marduk. The covenant between heaven and earth only existed as long as many served the gods. To the gods happiness isn't complete unless humans are happy. "So our destiny will be to be given happiness as long as we continue to serve the gods." as he thought of his next drink. "As long as they continue to serve us kash", thought Bel-Ibni, "I'll continue to be happy."

The background images are from Samarcande's Kilim Bazaar.

The clipart is from Phillip Martin's Mesopotamian Clip Art .

Map of Babylon courtesy of www.livius.org