Subject: A Higher Law 1/5 Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 08:15:07 -0800 From: Kristen Fife To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU In honor of Valentine's Day I'm posting my story from last year. http://fkvoyage.com/fkfanfic/fife_kristen/a_higher_power.txt ================================ Kristen Fife 2/2004 A Higher Power Prologue LaCroix scowled at the crass and vulgar displays of red hearts and cherubs facing him from storefronts as he passed through Eton Center. He was on his way to his tailor to pick up the new suits he had ordered. Although HE didn’t change, his clothing did wear out, annoying as that was. As he passed a greeting card store, a particularly large metallic display caught his eye. The History of Saint Valentine’s Day As he read the fanciful account of the holiday of “love” his anger grew, while in the back of his mind memories of his early centuries as a vampire began to invade his mind. Rome 268 CE, Midwinter Part I As he was known in this life, Gauis Lucius Priscus awoke from his dreamless slumber and felt hunger, as usual. His preternatural hearing discerned his slaves readying his small city house for the evening before retiring, as per his instructions. The cool damp air caressed his skin as he rose from his bed. The windowless antechamber to the large bedroom beyond served his needs very well. His slaves, most of whom were mute-having lost their tongues for various reasons-believed the master of the house slept in the bedroom and did not realize the antechamber was his sleeping quarters. The main bedroom was furnished with a bed and several low couches, as well as a table spread with maps and various military plans, field correspondences, and reports of ongoing campaigns within the empire. The retired and reclusive General was known to prefer keeping late-night hours and early evening appointments with his field staff as a military advisor to the empire. As he rose, his body servant timidly knocked on the door bearing his shaving implements. He unbarred the stout wooden door to allow the elderly mute slave to enter. The man put the water, stropping belt, razor and mirror on the low table and bowed himself out, without ever having raised his eyes to his master. Lucius walked over to the table and carefully proceeded to shave his pale cheeks. It still amazed him that even in his altered state he still needed to shave. Ah well, some things would never change through eternity. As he finished his toilet, he rose and proceeded into the larger room, peering out the window onto the darkening city streets. He could smell the roasting of some sort of meat, and hear laughter from laborers returning to their homes. The cool rainy streets acted as a deterrent for all but the most adventurous and he smiled a feral grin to himself, realizing that his evening’s hunt would be aided by the long night and unpopular weather. He wandered over to the table bearing the reports and picked up several sheets of parchment from various sub commanders within the city. There were multiple reports of desertion among the men in the lower ranks. The numbers were growing daily, and all efforts to gain more information seemed to be dead ends. He sighed. It seemed he would need to do his own investigating, not trusting to lesser beings. He suspected that many of the disappearances could be traced to dissatisfaction with the Emperor’s latest frivolous and completely uninspired law. But he would wait until he was able to track down some of the rumors in the street. He pulled a dark cloak out of a chest at the foot of the bed and draped it over his pale blue tunic. Although weather didn’t affect him per se, he still had appearances to keep up. He left the bedroom and antechamber and proceeded out into the hall, down the steps and out into the cool night air. He wandered back around the corner of the house and made sure there was no one to witness him taking to the air. As he silently rose, his mind continued mulling over the disturbing reports of army desertions within the city. As he scanned the city below him, he finally decided on one of the poorer sections of human habitation, and descended behind a crudely built shack. As he extended his hearing for a telltale heartbeat, he unconsciously wrinkled his nose at the pungent smell of garbage around him. Finally, he caught the seductive sound of a human heart. He honed in on it, and saw a young woman hurrying about her business, trying to ignore the darkness and dampness impinging upon her. Lucius stepped out into the deserted alley in front of her, his senses already locking on her heartbeat. She stopped and looked up into his eyes, unaware that his basilisk stare was the first step on the very short road to her death. Lucius reached out and brought her to him, turning her back to his and leisurely pulled her head to one side, then sank his fangs into her creamy throat. The intoxication of her blood filled his mouth, and the sensations started washing over him. He sensed sadness and desperation coupled with the sweet love of youth tied to a young man in uniform. Then, a ray of hope, a face of a kindly man, smiling indulgently at her and her young man. Then blackness. The images and emotions puzzled him. He understood her love and desperation; obviously her beau was a munifex in the city. That alone explained much to him. He scowled again thinking of Claudius’ latest law affecting the military. It was ludicrous. But who was the older gentleman with the kindly face that the girl associated with hope? It was a puzzle, and Lucius was NOT fond of puzzles not of his own devising. He absently lifted the body into the air with him and headed for the swamps several leagues outside the city walls to deposit the body. An hour later, Lucius entered a tavern close to the barracks on the north end of the city. He casually found a seat and ordered some wine. As he pretended to drink the wine, his acute hearing picked up the general tone of anger that Claudius’ law had kindled. Nearly every table held at least two or three soldiers complaining about it. Some were moaning in frustration, but a few of the older men were scornful. They apparently did not feel that even the Emperor had the right to interfere this heavily in their lives. Lucius personally agreed. What HAD Claudius been thinking? Even conscripting every youth over the age of 14 was a better answer to the growing war with the Alamanni. His suspicions regarding the desertions occurring increasingly were confirmed. What WAS the emperor thinking, outlawing marriage and engagements for the military? CANCELLING unions that had been established for years if not decades? The man was a brilliant martial tactician, but his understanding of the human psyche was seriously lacking. Lucius threw a silver coin down on the table in disgust and stalked out. His keen hearing picked up a snippet of conversation as he walked past a table. Something about a priest, from the troublesome sect. Odd that they didn’t seem to be talking about the marriage ban. He mentally shrugged and stepped out of the tavern to enter another. Again, in the next three taverns, the general tone was one of anger and disgust with the newly enacted laws banning marriage and engagements. And, again, there was talk about a priest of the Christos sect, although no mention of the ban. Lucius, being a highly intelligent being and having had almost two centuries to study humanity, quickly suspected something within the Christos community that bore investigation. But where to start? Ah, yes. Young Urban. Not only was he the descendant of his beloved protégé Severius from the now-buried Pompeii, Urban had apparently taken up with the Christos sect in the last five years. Perhaps he would be willing to tell his “Uncle Lucius” some more about it. And, if he remembered correctly, Urban was betrothed to a young woman; amazingly the arranged union seemed to also be blossoming into a love match. If that was the case, perhaps he would be given a birds-eye view into this matter. Pleased with his solution, Lucius headed back to his home. It was too late to contact Urban, but he would leave a message with his major domo to send by courier during the dread daylight hours. Subject: A Higher Law 2/4 Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 10:46:33 -0800 From: Kristen Fife To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU Part II The following evening, after he completed his nightly ablutions, his major domo presented him with a scroll from Urban. The pup would be most honored to receive Lucius in his home at three hours after sunset. The General smiled. Before his visit, he went on a quick hunt outside the city walls. A small army of displaced refugees had a camp there, and he entered among them and took an elderly man to sate his blood hunger. As Lucius approached the home of his protégé’s great great grandson, he pondered how best to proceed with this quest. He decided that showing some interest in this upstart religion would be a good place to start. He knew the army had been having some difficulties with the sect. It seems their founder had been an extreme pacifist. And it was apparently a monotheistic offshoot of the Jewish religion. Something about their messiah having appeared. Who would follow a total weakling, a man who supposedly wouldn’t even defend himself? In his day, Lucius had been a firm follower of Mars, of course. How could a good Roman General NOT honor the god of War? He knocked upon the door and was bowed in by a middle-aged servant, and shown to the receiving room. He hadn’t been in this house in several years and looked around. Apparently Urban’s father had done quite well financially. After he retired from the military he had bought a farm outside the city walls and raised sheep that were known for the fineness of their wool. Senatorial togas were still commanding high prices from the stock. Just then Urban entered. A slight man in his early twenties, he had the distinctive dark coloring of the native Inicii tribe he was descended from. “Uncle Lucius! It was so good of you to contact me and let me know you are in the city! I hope your travels and writings are going well. I must say, sometimes I envy you the freedom and means to travel and write our military histories.” Lucius smiled. “Yes, it is interesting, but sometimes one longs for the civilized comforts that can only be found in the cities.” “So what brings you to my humble home? May I offer you some wine?” Urban gestured them to sit down in on a pair of carved chairs in front of a crackling fire in a fine marble hearth. “Thank you, wine would be fine. The reason I was calling is that I have been trying to learn some more about the Christos religion, and I remembered that you had started following the path when you attained your majority. I find the bits and pieces I have heard to be quite intriguing and was wondering if I could learn some more about it.” As he spoke, Urban’s face took an almost glowing look of adulation. “Of course Uncle Lucius. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have; better yet, I can take you to one of our services tomorrow. At sundown we have a quiet vespers ceremony on Fourth Hill. I remember you preferring the evening to the daylight hours. Perhaps after the ceremony I can introduce you to brother Val. He is quite knowledgeable about the background and history of Christos.” Perfect. The whelp was playing right into his hands. “That sounds excellent.” He pretended to sip at the wine in his hand. “So, tell me, are you still betrothed to the lovely Junia?” His casual question brought a scowl to Urban’s face. “I am sure you have heard of the Emperor’s edict concerning his soldiers, seeing as how you document military history. It is ridiculous. He has CANCELLED and BANNED marriages and betrothals. What idiot counseled this? If it weren’t for his battle prowess and the loyalty of the upper ranks, Rome wouldn’t HAVE an army right now.” He sighed. “Officially, I am no longer betrothed to Junia. But the heart will have its due. The Messiah urged us to love one another. We are patient, but not infinitely so. It is difficult trying to be circumspect. We see each other at public gatherings and each sight of her makes my heart beat faster.” His features took on a dreamy look. “Did you ever marry Lucius? Was it not the most amazing thing?” Lucius smiled indulgently. “Yes, I was married. It was a very long time ago, and she has been dead many many years, along with our daughter.” He thought briefly of his lovely Divia and the dark gift that she had given him. And the price he had been forced to pay for the gift. The evil in his child he now revered, whereas a mortal he had been troubled by her contempt for life. Sweet Divia. Evil child. His smile deepened in remembrance and regret. Urban had a surprised look on your face. “You know Uncle Lucius, I don’t believe Father ever knew or talked about that fact before. I know so little about you, and yet it seems as if you are a part of the family for as long as I can remember.” Lucius looked at the young man before him. “Did your father never tell you that our families go back for several generations? That your forebear Severius saved the life of the General Lucius Pompeius in Breton? The General loved Severius like a son, and was in the process of formalizing his adoption when Vesuvius buried that ill-fated city. For my family, the memory of the golden Severius is as fresh as it was 200 years ago.” Oh, my Severius, my son. I miss your golden hair and quick smile even now. Urban smiled. “Of course I have heard the story. I am glad that it keeps our families together. One day when I DO marry Junia, I hope you will be with us if you are able.” “That would please me greatly.” Lucius pretended to take another sip of his wine. “So, what time and where should I arrive for this vespers you mentioned tomorrow?” “We meet on Fourth Hill, two blocks west of the baths. The building used to be a temple to Juno, but it was abandoned when the temple closer to the hippodrome opened. We received permission from the city prefects to use it. We sanctified it and use it for our gatherings. It is a lovely old building.” He smiled again, a beatific look. “I am sure you find brother Val’s words to be inspirational”. Lucius rose and held out his hand to his “nephew”. “I look forward to meeting this brother Val and asking him some very detailed questions. I must go for now, I have an appointment. Thank you very much for the conversation and the wine.” As he departed the thought about the words he had heard from young Urban. The next evening should prove to be very interesting. ================= Kristen Fife, 2/2004 All Rights Reserved http://fkvoyage.com/fkfanfic/fife_kristen/a_higher_power.txt Subject: A Higher Law 3/4 Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 10:54:21 -0800 From: Kristen Fife To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU Part III The next evening as soon as the sun was below the horizon, Lucius left his house. The weather was much warmer and milder than it had been, almost as if a zephyr had brought the warmth of the south to Rome. It could not be helped that he would miss the first half of this vespers ceremony; he could always blame it on directions or lack thereof. He chose to fly, careful to avoid being seen. He found the old temple easily enough, and luckily it had a high walled courtyard behind it. He landed discreetly and went around to a side entrance. He could hear the pleasant tones of a trained orator, and when he entered he saw quite a large crowd gathered, at least 200 people, many of them in the uniforms of the city’s military. As he scanned the crowd for Urban, he saw the young man standing toward the back of the room, next to Junia. She was a fetching creature. In other circumstances he might have considered her an excellent meal. After locating Urban, he let his eyes wander toward the speaker at the front of the room, and froze in shock. It was the face he had seen in the girl he had fed from two nights ago. He listened in to what the priest was saying. The topic of his oration was, unsurprisingly, marriage. Lucius listened intently to what this priest had to say, hoping it might shed some light on the Christos soldiers’ behavior. The warm baritone voice filled the space easily. “Brothers and sisters, we all are aware of the Emperor’s latest edict concerning marriage and betrothals of our soldiers. Jesus himself did not necessarily disagree with the Emperor. As was set forth by blessed Peter in his communications with the Corinthians, we know that the Lord did say: ‘The unmarried man is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to please the Lord; but the married man is anxious about worldly affairs, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried woman or girl is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit; but the married woman is anxious about worldly affairs, how to please her husband.’ So, we can see that the Emperor has seen the word of the Lord although he may not know his counsel is divinely inspired. However, Jesus spoke further on the institution of marriage, saying unto his disciples ‘If any one thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry--it is no sin. But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well.’ “ “My brothers and sisters, it is well for our protectors to eschew marriage if they are able; so had the Lord said. But if a man and woman desire each other, and their passions are inflamed to high pitch, they should do as the Lord has commanded and marry; he has said it is no sin.” His kindly face took on a look of sadness. “My brethren, it is wholly difficult to decide whether the secular laws of the empire are more binding than the laws of the Lord. Each man and woman must make those decisions for themselves. But I will say unto each one of you. If you desire marriage, and it is within your hearts to do so, the Lord has given the command that you should do so. Let each man and woman that desires marriage come to me in their time and we shall discuss the options and truest course of action.” The priest went on for another quarter of an hour, talking about this Jesus person. Lucius now had more questions than before and tried to organize the thoughts swirling in his capacious intellect. If he remembered the information correctly, this Jesus had been born a Jew and had claimed to be the son of the Jewish god. He had preached tolerance and love for all men. Herod had had the idiot crucified, some two or three hundred years ago, but apparently his followers were a tenacious lot and had separated from the Jewish faith and formed their own religion. He sneered to himself at the thought of following a pacifistic deity. Especially soldiers. What lunacy. ============== Kristen Fife, 2/2004 all rights reserved http://fkvoyage.com/fkfanfic/fife_kristen/a_higher_power.txt Subject: A Higher Law 4/4 Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 22:15:32 -0800 From: Kristen Fife To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU He broke out of his reverie to realize that the priest had finally finished his oration, and that the crowd was mingling. Urban approached, his hand holding that of his love, the fair Junia. She followed her betrothed shyly. She had met Lucius once as a young girl, and found him charismatic and imposing. He smiled at her, trying to put her at ease, but an element of fear entered her large dark eyes. She lowered her eyes after giving a barely civil greeting. No matter. “So Uncle Lucius, what did you think of the teachings of brother Val? Does he not stir you with his eloquence?” Urban’s smile was almost brighter than the oil lamps and candles dotting the walls. “Yes, he has a wonderful way about him. I would be honored to meet him.” Hoping Urban took the hint, Lucius prepared to follow his statement up with some subtle mental compulsion. His preparations were unnecessary, however. Urban turned to Junia, and brought her hand to his lips. “My love, we are going to seek counsel with Brother Val. Will you wait for me? I would also have you join us in a bit to continue our earlier discussion. I will come for you.” Junia’s smile transformed her face into one of stunning beauty. Her look of adoration as she gazed at her betrothed and nodded was truly a sight to behold. Lucius was almost envious of the young lovers. Never in his long years had he ever found any woman that inspired him to such devotion. Ah well, his current state precluded entanglements of the heart, and truly the enrichment of the mind was his pleasure in his dark-filled life. Urban dropped her hand and turned, motioning Lucius to follow him. They wove their way among the milling mortals, and finally joined a ring around the celebrated priest. He was talking to several of the young people in the group, referring them to various writings of this or that apostle. He set up several appointments to meet and discuss philosophy with some of the elder members of the group. Finally as the crowd started to thin, the priest caught site of Urban and his manner became warm and inviting. “Ah, young Urban! What a pleasure to see you this evening.” He held his hand out for the young soldier and pulled him into an embrace, kissing each cheek. Once released, Urban turned toward Lucius. “Brother Val, I’d like to introduce you to an old family friend, Appius Lucius Decalaron. Uncle Lucius, this is brother Valentinius Aureii.” Valentinus held out his hand. “A pleasure. Please, call me Valentin.” Lucius held out his cold hand and it was clasped warmly in this mortal’s. He could sense the lifeblood pumping below the skin of the talented orator-turned-priest. “The pleasure is mine. My name is Lucius.” They exchanged pleasantries for a few moments, when finally Urban cleared his throat nervously. “Brother Val, I find your oration this evening most timely. Do you have a few moments to discuss some of the …ramifications of it?” His manner must have touched something in the older man, for he peered intently at Urban. “Yes, why don’t we adjourn to my home? It is only a few blocks from here. Lucius, will you be joining us?” He turned to the older man. “Oh, most assuredly. I would not want to miss the opportunity to discuss your interesting theological views.” Urban went to find Junia, while Valentin and Lucius discussed some of the current politics within the city. Soon, all four of them were heading out of the old temple toward an older and elegant part of the neighborhood. They traveled in silence. Finally they stopped before an elegant two story home, torches lighting the front entryway and path to the door. As Valentin lead them up to the doorway, Lucius smelled the distinct scents of olives and lemons. As they entered the well-appointed house and went through to the peristylium realized the reason for the scent. The walled courtyard had several lemon trees and two olive trees within it. He smiled appreciatively. Valentin bade his servants prepare wine and a light repast, and then led his guests to stone benches dotting the courtyard. Glass enclosed lamps dotted the landscape, and light shone through the doorways and windows. Even the mortals would have no trouble seeing one another in the myriad lights. . While waiting for the promised refreshments, Valentin and Urban discussed some finer points of theology. Lucius listened in, trying to understand the appeal of this religion. Apparently one of the selling points was an afterlife at the hand of their god. That and an unconditional forgiveness of sins, merely for truly believing that this Jesus was the living flesh son of their god. He found the precepts of the religion no more bizarre than some he had encountered over the centuries, but he was still puzzled as to why it was so popular with the military. This religion preached tolerance and love for all. That was antithetical to a career as a military officer. Silence reigned for a few moments while servants presented wine and snacks to their master and his guests. After they were alone again, Lucius prepared to start asking questions, but Urban broke the silence. “Val, you know that Junia and I became engaged at the will of our parents. Beyond all hope and to my joy, we find that we are more well suited than could be imagined. Both of us walk the path Jesus set before us, and we also know that there is no other on earth for either of us. We have talked about this at great length, and we have come before you to ask your blessing and aid in becoming husband and wife; will you wed us? Here, now. We know that our marriage will need to remain a secret from the public, but we cannot bear the thought of being parted one more day.” Lucius stared at Urban. Was the boy mad? He was intending to break an imperial edict. It could cost him his life. He turned to Valentin for support in quashing this foolish line of thought. What he saw on the priest’s face made him start. The priest was beaming. “My children, you have both reached your majority, and both of you are valued members of our sanctified fellowship. If this is what you truly wish, so shall it be.” He turned to Lucius. “Honored friend, will you witness the union of these two young citizens?” His look of utter resolve and conviction stunned Lucius. He could not say anything. Apparently Valentin took his silence as assent. “My children, kneel here before me. Each of you take the hand of your beloved.” Lucius watched in shock and consternation as the priest spoke the words of binding. It was, of course, a sham. As the only witness, it would not be truly recognized. And, of course, until such time they were able to publicly and legally appear as husband and wife, no one would even know they were married. He sighed. It was almost done. Urban pulled his signet ring off his finger and placed it onto Junia’s. He leaned forward and reverently kissed her lips. As the whole farce concluded, both Urban and Junia turned to Lucius. “Uncle Lucius, thank you so much for witnessing our vows. Now that God and his Son have witnessed our marriage, no man-not even the emperor-can pull us asunder. May he shine his light and love upon you.” Urban’s words touched a place in Lucius’ cold heart. Junia leaned forward and kissed him gently on the cheek, her large dark eyes shining in the light. Unwillingly, Lucius felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth. He turned to Valentin. “I hope you are aware of the danger you put yourself in. The Emperor does not take kindly to his laws being broken so negligently.” The priest smiled. “I answer to a higher law than the Emperor. I have faith in God and his Son, and will stand by my words and deeds in this world, knowing that I do as Jesus bid us.” Lucius just shook his head at the madness. As the evening continued and talk turned to theology, he became ever more firmly convinced that this Christos religion would die out in a few decades or a century or two at most. Finally, the young lovers retired, and Lucius took his leave. He would make a note of this in his histories. He briefly toyed with the idea of alerting the prefects to this serious flagrant disregard for the imperial word, but decided that it was not for him to squash the happiness of the young couple. ========== Hope you enjoyed it! Happy Valentine's Day! 2/2004 All Rights Reserved ===== Kristen Fife http://www.fkvoyage.com/fkfanfic/fife_kristen/ "When a half-breed vampire becomes the object of Mafia revenge, the ensuing power struggle pits immortal and mortal families against one another." -THICKER THAN WATER "The strength of the vampire is that people will not believe in him."