Well, here you are. My first Gladiator fanfic. I wrote this because I was disappointed by the severe lack of Commodus fics. *g* I am also putting this up raw. It has not gone through any beta reader so please, if you have any comments, hints or suggestion please R&R.
Erm. What to say, what to say... This is written in my usual, fragmented, monologue-style so I hope it makes at least some sense. I usually dislike describing the plot, so I'll leave it for you to work out, but I will say that it's set sometime before the film.
If anyone is really unsure of what the hell it is about than I'll happily write a better explanation..
Anyhoo..here you go. Please, be gentle! *g*
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True Virtues
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Hot breath on my face. Sighs. Bitter cries. He's here again.
A nightly lament. Daylight avoidance.
Yet, I knew. I have always known. The son he never wanted.
Torment. My virtues, his faults.
Wisdom. I see the truth. I may lurk, linger, but I listen. My father, my ruler. The philosopher will know.
I may be young but I have plans. A dream that is mine - Rome Colonia Commodiana.
A golden age. One day, Imperator Caesar. I will be named.
Justice. To punish my enemies. To command. Am I not generous? Merciful. I know what it is to feel unloved, unfairly treated. Is it just to ignore a son? To leave him wanting...begging. A hug. Only to be pressed to your breast! To be loved, as I loved you! One day.
Fortitude. Courage, perhaps not on the battlefield but there are many forms of courage. Descendant of Hercules. Brave. My whole life on paper.. reduced to nothing. But I have my own virtues. Those were not in your letter. Those you did not value!
One day.
My father, no longer stealing in at night. My sister, no longer ignoring me, pretending not to hear.
One day.
They will all know! I will be loved.
One day
Respect to rival that of the great Marcus Aurelius. The cheering crowds. I will have the love of Rome.
One day!
Temperance. Hot nor cold. Impartial. Calm. One day.
A cold wind. Sighs. Bitter cries. He's gone again.
The son he never wanted.
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I hope you understood that. I really should start writing in continuous prose, I know *g*. As I said above, any tips, hints, comments or criticisms are greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading!
Gem