The Borgias fic: Sed Libera Nos a Malo

[meridian_rose]

Title: Sed Libera Nos a Malo
Fandom: The Borgias
Pairing/Characters: Cesare
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 265
Prompt: For the writerverse fanfic challenge
Summary: The traditional prayer does not meet with Cesare's approval or ambition. Content Notes: No standard warnings apply.
Also @ AO3

Pater noster, qui es in caelis

God, the Heavenly father may be in heaven, but the Pope, Cesare's father by blood as well as spirit, is here on earth. Sometimes Cesare wishes that it were not so, that he had been born a peasant, or that Rodrigo had never become Pope, or that…no, he must not think of death. Survival is all, survival of the family.

et dimitte nobis debita nostra
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;

They need all the heavenly help they can get on that score, he thinks. Of course they will continue to sin, for they are mortal and fallible. Besides, without some trespasses they would soon fall, killed or ousted (or both) by their enemies within or without the Church. Forgiveness isn't an option, no matter how often he repeats the words.

et ne nos inducas in tentationem;
sed libera nos a Malo

Temptation, trials, challenges; Cesare walks straight into them often enough for the sake of his loved ones. And evil? Well, that depends on your definition of wrongdoing, of your point of view, of the situation at hand. There is a fine line between self-defence (and defence of others) and murder. Increasingly, he cares little for the distinction.

Amen.

Cesare makes the sign of the cross automatically, with no reverence attendant upon the gesture. Let him bear a sword and let his father pray and then the world would see what the Borgias family can accomplish on earth. This is what he prays for in truth; Lucrezia's safety, his glory, the family's name remembered ever and always, amen.

Comments

[eternal-moonie.livejournal.com]

Very nice Borgias fic sweetie!!

[meridian_rose]

Thank you :D

[brontefanatic.livejournal.com]

Wonderful look inside Cesare's head - and heart. In a way he reminds me of what a young Darken might have been like, except Cesare is not out just for himself - at least at this point. No matter what he does, he is still intensely loyal to, and protective of, his sister and mother. His relationship with his father is much more complicated, but I blame that on Rodrigo's refusal to see Cesare as he is, or appreciate his strengths.

I am really eager to see where they take this character in the show, since in history he becomes more and more unhinged, paranoid (not that the family didn't have reason to be paranoid with enemies on all sides), and ruthless.

There is a fine line between self-defence (and defence of others) and murder. Increasingly, he cares little for the distinction. I think that started with his murder of his brother.

This is what he prays for in truth; Lucrezia's safety, his glory, the family's name remembered ever and always, amen. This is so perfect - love it!!

I would never have heard about this show if not for you, and now, through marathon watching, I'm up to date on all the eps and totally hooked. It's a beautifully shot and acted series, and I'm so glad you introduced me to it.

My only complaint - Rodrigo's infernal constant whining
annoys me no end. It may be that the writers are writing him that way intentionally, but his self-pity makes me want to slap him - hard.

[meridian_rose]

Thank you! I really appreciate your comments :D

I think that started with his murder of his brother. Possibly :)
I left this vague; it's somewhere after he's a made a Cardinal and before he's released from his vows, so this could be before he kills Juan.

I have lots of feelings about this show and the characters. The cinematography, the costumes, the intrigue, the acting! I wish it had a bigger fanbase (there's a lot of graphics on Tumblr however). I'd love to have a fuller discussion about it – I'm currently rewatching season one with my sister after she got me the s1/s2 box set for Christmas, and it's her first time seeing it. I've seen season two and I'm seeing gifs and photos from s3 (not due here until July) and I'm struck by how much the characters – Cesare and Lucrezia in particular – have developed.

Rodrigo's hypocrisy is what never ceases to amaze me – he alternates his whining with forceful military or very religious acts. I'm working on a fantasy AU which Anna is beta-ing for me; as she's unfamiliar with the fandom I sometimes leave a note about the characters. She suggested I make a meme for Hypocrite!Rodrigo which I something I've been thinking of doing (eg "Makes Son A Cardinal"; "Tells Son 'you're too much like me' "; "Bribes Way To Papacy"; "Criticises Corrupt Cardinals For Misuse of Funds")

Interestingly during this rewatch I started thinking about Darken/Panis and the Darken/Richard brotherly conflict and how the Cesare/Rodrigo and Cesare/Juan dynamics compare. I did once begin a crossover fic with Denna trying to break Cesare, and thinking about the red robes and other similarities. (But I began it before I had that breakdown and I find it hard to return to fics I was writing when I've had a crisis. I really want to go back to it and I'd consider it a victory against my various issues to do so, but I need to tread carefully.)

I was going to make this a short comment but I have so many thoughts! Thanks again for reading. HUGS.

[brontefanatic.livejournal.com]

I'd love to discuss the show further if you are ever interested - by e-mail, journal, PM. Only if you want to, of course.

The 3rd season started here last week, so I will be able to watch ep. #3 in a few days, so we're a little ahead.

I also find Caterina Sforza a compelling character.

[meridian_rose]

Great! If/when I can get my thoughts together then. I've got meta type things I want to write on other subjects but I'm having problems writing anything other than comments or doing editing right now but maybe soon.

Yes, Caterina is fascinating - the men may be in charge but the women have their share of awesomeness and deviousness, and Caterina is a leader in her own right :)

[riverotter1951.livejournal.com]

A crisp piece letting the words of the prayer interweave with thoughts. Survival is Cesare’s motivation while his father prays as his responsibility. Both skills are necessary for his family's glory and remembrance. Cesare knows exactly what drives him and what is important as his thoughts echo and amplify the words of the prayer.

[meridian_rose]

Thank you very much for your thoughts! I always appreciate comments :)