Happy Holidays, unovis_lj!

[amand_r]

Title: Gods Above and Below
Author: amberleewriter, aka Why Do You Bother To Even Look Here Anymore?
Written for: unovis_lj
Characters/Pairings: Darius, Marcus Constantine
Rating: PG
Summary: "There was a time when I found it difficult to forgive him for bringing the Goths to Rome."
Author Notes:
If this fic, it hath offended

Comments

[amberleewriter]

Thank you. You sent me this assignment and I very nearly had an attack of nerves which kept me from writing a stitch for weeks.

Constantine is a favorite of mine for writing though I didn't care much for the actual execution of him in his only episode (though I suspect that has more to do with the story and less to do with the actor in question). Older Immortals give a writer an opportunity to stretch and, since I know how much Unovis enjoys both Darius and Constantine, I was able to try to address some questions in my mind with regard to both of the characters. I was intrigued by Constantine's toss off to Duncan about his friendship with Darius. I also found it interesting that so many Immortals considered Darius a friend and yet Duncan did not know them and they were not able to attend any form of shown memorial service. I wondered how these Immortals might find closure with regard to their friendship with Darius given the way events transpired.

The idea for showing the rituals came from Bulfinch and many of the details came from various religious and historical reference books I've got on my shelves. I will, however, admit to picking up Rome and doing a little Netflix binge of Hollywood Roman interpretations (everything from Caligula to Gladiator in the course of a couple of weeks). Given the fact that I feel Rome probably captures more of the casual religiosity of the culture than any other attempt I've seen. I'm pleased if the story reminds you of such a well done portrayal. (Though I'd have thought it would have reminded one of Caesar's lament for Pompey first. Even though I historically knew how things would go, I still was so sad to see Pompey die and sniffed quite a lot when Caesar knelt before the pyre.)

And while I am here, thank you so much for your hard work in making this exchange happen. So many wonderful stories have come from this and you are to be commended.

[amand_r]

Yeah, I liked Pompey's funeral in Rome, but in some ways I've seen it so many times in so many different films, that I get used to it. OTOH, Servilia's text struck me because it was actually authentic. They dug it up for the show, and it has that chanting kind of ritual that I liked.

I will never get over how awesome the portrayal of religion in Rome is. I think the best thing it does is erase any approach to religion that might have been influenced by Christianity. Or as much of it as possible anyway, since barely any od us know what that might be like.

I'm glad that you had fun, and I'm glad that you had a chance to address something that you found intriguing. And still, your Author's Notes are delightful.

[amberleewriter]

Most authentic religious ritual is based in repetition. The chanting and tonality of the words assist in transporting you from the nominal to the spiritual. As a former religious scholar I was very impressed by the way the writers, art directors, and, in point of fact, every part of the execution of Rome, gave you a realistic impression of life being lived instead of a costume being worn. They all obviously did their homework and then used that as a basis for creative interpretation which adds to authenticity. They deserved every award.

And I'm glad you liked the author's note. I'm sure old Professor Forker is pleased in his afterlife (or next life, of heaven, or hell) that I haven't entirely forgotten my years of Shakespeare (though he might find my usage suspect).