Fic: Simulacra (Rome) 10/10

[neverfaraway]

Title: Simulacra (10/10)
Fandom: Rome (HBO)
Rating: R

Notes/disclaimer: HERE.

Comments

[elviaprose]

Stunning. The quiet subtlety of your writing, the richness of the historical detail, makes those flashes of anger, passion and tenderness stand out in such sharp relief. Really, truly stunning. You've etched Cicero and his world in such fine detail--the topics that cross his mind, his ability to lose himself in the quotidian (I don't think I've used that word before--Cicero, I blame you), his desperate need to be remembered well. All three of the principal characters are so complex in their pettiness, in their cowardice, in their love and hope and desire for friendship.

I love all of the subtle ways in which you've portrayed your characters misperceiving each other. I love the revelation that Cassius hates Cicero because he sees himself in Cicero. I love that Brutus has no idea. He sees so little, sometimes. Oh, and on that note. The first explicit scene between Cassius and Brutus: utterly wrenching. Cassius adores Brutus, worships him, and Brutus won't have any of it, won't let himself see any of it, because he hates himself so much.

I can't help but ramble; it's just so good, and you are a wonderfully talented writer. I can only hope that you, unlike Brutus, are not averse to having your virtues named. ;)