14944/What've the romans ever done for us

What've the romans ever done for us
Date of Scene:	17 April 2023
Location:	Rome, Italy.
Synopsis:	When in Rome, discuss the impact Rome had on the rest of the world. And then have a moment of shock at the vatican.
Cast of Characters:	Sinister, Lucifer

---

Sinister has posed:
A promise is a promise -- we don't make them unless we mean to keep them! And thusly, on a glorious day in April, Rome happened.

Now, given that some individuals in this particular equasion are older than antiquity, it must be a little odd, having visited this place in several states of its prime, from modern to medieval to Golden Age, to village someplace in the distant past. To fields, before they got their act together. But now? Now it's all narrow streets, weird road systems, because so much has to go AROUND the ruins and a lot of very shiny places to visit -- morning had coffee and gelato, midday had a stroll along the cobbled medieval streets to little shops and boutiques, leatherworkers and jewelers and afternoon had the pampering treatments...

And with the roll around of the evening, the nightlife is beginning to emerge, bars are opening and the air is brisk to take strolls through to the colliseum.
    "One thing I think I might have liked to see is the hayday of the age of Myth and heros. I imagine the hippodrome here would have been quite packed... and also I would dearly love to get my hands on the original designs by the engineers that made this place. They were /centuries/ ahead of thier time." Sinister gazes up at the walls that remain, sacrificed to build other pieces of Rome and toppled by earthquakes and other such events.

Lucifer has posed:
"Shame most of the immediate area is deemed protected and therefore it's forbidden to do any sort of digging. I bet the designs are buried beneath the centuries of quake shaking and building dust.." Lucifer comments this much as they walk through. "It truly was amazing in it's prime...but as life grows...so to dothe people and places within it."

Sinister has posed:
"Indeed. We went from gladiatorial slaughter to hockey. Blood sports in an arena remain the same, even if the sands became a rink..." glancing down at the dust and packed earth, walkways and concrete, Sinister shrugs lightly. "If they survived at all -- it's a bloody miracle and a lot of Death beliefs that have any papyrus surviving after all and we get occasional scrolls, but realistically, unless it was carved in stone and even then..." he spreads hands, looking up at the areas where wooden flooring once was. Scaffolds for sea battles and such. "What was it like? Did you ever visit?"

Lucifer has posed:
"Stranger things have happened... but you're right. There wasn't a lot of ways to preserve back then." At least not without a lot of time, patience, and salt. Depending on which era you're going back to. Lucifer glances around and then smirks. "On occassion. There was that time I supposedly led Jesus out into the desert for a time. Tempted him to do things. Story says he banished me back..." A laugh comes from him then. "But it was crowded. Merchants selling their items, guards patrolling everywhere, and there was a definite line between the rich and the poor. I'm not sure if I'm describing it with any justice. "

Sinister has posed:
"You're describing civilization, my dear. I think I can picture that quite clearly, only with less pollution and considerably more togas," pressing his lips together, Nathaniel pauses to consider one of the columns that still stand. "I imagine that it also must have been a little different, as daddy dearest hadn't dominated everything yet. You might have run into actual Roman gods, who I think were essentially just Asgardians and Greeks in disguise, you know."

Lucifer has posed:
"Oh I did. I never called them out because it wasn't my place to, but when you're among a crowd of mortals and suddenly sense a surge of power...it's not hard to determine why." Lucifer offers while they stop and Nathaniel considers a column. "Tho, I guess a lot of engineers were ahead of their time. The Romans here with their columns and arches. The Egyptians with their lever pully system when building the pyramids. Makes you wonder who the real miracle workers were in those days..." Every so often Lucifer pushes against a stone or two on the columns, or one of the walls. Like he's expecting one of them to push in and reveal a secret hide away or entrance.

Sinister has posed:
This stone-pushing is watched keenly, hands tucking into the small of his back as he does so, standing with his heels together and his head cocked. "Are we trying to find something, or is this wishful thinking?" he asks, with a reverse nod at the latest push. "I am quite in awe of the engineering techniques, if I'm honest. I studied a good deal of them to form a fundamental understanding -- my engineering is all self-taught."

Lucifer has posed:
"Little of both? I am pretty sure Rome had hidden passages in some of their buildings, I just can't recall which ones. And who knows, if there's one here, we might be able to find the plans you wish you had." Lucifer offers this much before giving a little smirk. "At the end of the day, aren't most things self taught? Whether you read it from a piece of parchment or watch a video on YouTube...they weren't taught how to do these things, they just formulated the idea and technique themselves."

Sinister has posed:
"Oh, well, carry on then." Unlikely, but it entertains, no? Rocking on his heel, Sin side-eyes that statement though. "Well, there's a good deal of universities and colleges and schools and professors out there that might beg to differ on that -- but the originals had to uncover the techniques on their own, yes." He turns though, as there's security guards arriving as they've been in one place for a while and he moves along, aiming toward the 'Three Coins' fountain, which is up stairs and across streets, but really not all that far. "Out of interest, are there any Wish myths that were occasionally true?"

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer abandons his quest as they begin to head upstairs and across streets. Hands in pockets as he's simply being a casual passerby. Nothing to see here, nothing out of place - or perhaps even perfectly in place. "Wish myths? Oh probably... but as much as I know a lot of things, if this is tied to the Roman pantheon then I don't know a lot. At the very least, all I know of them is the rumors that they are, not of any truths that actually came." He offers this as they make their way over. "You know, it's almost like Rome was a melting pot of different religions and it just happens that one took precedence over the others..."

Sinister has posed:
Sinister hums softly, his baritone murmuring "...it's only a little bit of history repeating..." with a grin. "Again, I agree. And the nature of civilization it seems, is cyclic. Look at America, a melting pot of religions, where one became dominant, where there's a distinct line between the rich and the poor, the senate and the house play politics with everyone's lives and ... the streets are lined with merchants." He winks... then trots up the last few steps to the trivelli fountain, of which songs were writ about. It's pretty, sitting on a weird little plateau, like it was placed there for people to get some rest, half way down the huge staircases. There's some above, there's some below and here's this little space, with a fountain in it.

He jerks his chin to it. "Three coins in a fountain, which one will the fountain bless?"

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer just nods his head in agreement while they move up the last bits of stairs to reach the fountain. When Sinister poses that question, he tilts his head and then reaches into a pocket to pull out three coins. "The middle one." He says this very confidently while setting those three coins on the lip of the fountain.

"See. Your first coin represents the folly. The grandeur of what one wants. A person will wish for a million dollars on their first coin and hope that it's the one that comes true. It never is." He then flicks the first coin into the fountain.

"The middle coin is what you really want or need. Whatever it may be. A partner. A job. Freedom. This is the heart's truest desire and so it will be the one the fountain blesses. Little hope is put into this one...so it's the one that gets the most attention..." He then flicks the middle coin into the fountain.

The last coin he'll pick up, roll it between his fingers and then hands it to Nathaniel. "The last coin is always a filler. Just something used to fulfill the idea behind this particular fountain. Three coins offered for one of them to come true. This is something like, to be the most beautiful or to never grow old... something like that. Ridiculous fancies that can't come true no matter what." Then he shrugs.

Sinister has posed:
Sinister takes the coin, runs it through his fingers then over his knuckles once, in a little sleight of hand, or show. He gazes at it, then flips it into the air, end over end to hit the edge of the fountain and plop in. "Mankind is a superstitious lot, constantly seeking a higher power, or meaning and sense in a universe. And so we have wishes... and three is a significant number in a lot of cultures. It's a repeating meme--" but he reaches for the devil's hand then, to stand there before the fountain hand in hand.

"Very eloquent. And also just a little jaded. What did you wish for?"

Lucifer has posed:
"They need something to believe in. Something to guide them. And society has made it to where if you do it all on your own, with your own internal guidance, that makes you crazy. Or some other derogatory thought therein." Lucifer says this as his hand is taken and they just stand in front of the fountain for a moment. Listening to the water trickle, the idle sounds of conversations as they drift by. He doesn't speak for a long moment.

"I didn't wish for anything. I didn't need to. I have all I want right here beside me." He answers after that moment, then goes quiet again.

Sinister has posed:
Sinister looks sidelong, an equally silent response in the gazing. He smiles a small smile after, full on though and not crooked. There's a short nod, then he steps on closer and shifts the hand holding to an arm around, to stare at the water and the evening bustle. "Likewise," softly said at last. "No contest..." short, sharp breath in! "...so are you ready for a simple feast? Today might have only been a single day in the life of everything, but I did say it was going to be a day to be spoiled. This place is supposed to be five star."

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer smiles and gives a nod. "Course, I flipped in two coins and you flipped in one, so the odds are not in our favor." Then he grins. "And we may have fucked the agorithim..." This much more and then Nathaniel is speaking on feasting. "A simple feast at a five star place? You've piqued my interest, and I am very well ready for a little more spoiling..." A tilt of head. "When do I get to fuck with the Vatican?"

Sinister has posed:
Sinister grins widely. "Now. That's where the restaurant is opposite. I just want to -see- how long it takes before weirdness starts happening at the gates." There's a wink as more steps, this time UP... are taken. Rome in and of itself, isn't that large. But it's all hills all around, with the Vatican city in the middle of it all. Where the one, dominated the many.

Lucifer has posed:
There's perhaps a bit of new giddyness from Lucifer at the revelation that they'll be across from the Vatican. He follows Nathaniel up the stairs towards their next destination. "Some rumors even say that I shouldn't be able to enter the Vatican at all... but I plan to prove those rumors false...oh this is exciting..." He almost cackles as they continue to climb.

Sinister has posed:
And when you don't get fatigue easily, lots of stairs isn't that much of a chore.

There is a 'ring road' around the place, it's constantly got attention, day or night, but it is also a residence of the papalcy, so some lights are on in buildings further back. The touristy section, with access to the Sistine chapel and the like are closed for the day -- cobblestones, worn by time, make the steps a little uncomfortable unless you're wearing padded soles like sneakers. And of course, there's tourist shops with souvenirs and the ridiculousness of the Swiss guard. And there, across the way, is that restaurant, which Sin is heading towards. Nothing major, a little patio with open seating, indoors has some french style awning and the smells coming from it... well. Italian food is simple. It really is. But done /right/?

With a grin on his face at the giddy one, Nathaniel pauses here, to light up a smoke and watch the evening traffic. And Lucifer. Both catch the eye.

Lucifer has posed:
Nope. No easily fatigued by anything. Though Lucifer is now antsy and wanting to spread his wings and FLY. All around the Vatican, cackling while doing so.

Or just walk right into the Holy Catherdral and boil the holy water in the front basin.

He still follows Nathaniel to the restaraunt all the way tot he table where he sits. Sitting across from the man, his gaze will continue to dart towards the Holy Place in the middle of Vatican city. "A city all on it's own...and with Papal Restrictions in place so this and that cannot happen within it's boundaries. It's amazing and ridiculous at the same time..."

Sinister has posed:
"It is. And a testament to why the later constitutions and Senates advocated the separation of church and state..." Prosecco to begin, a nice little nip, antipasti, bruschetta, deliciously toasted and suppe of the day. Sinister settles, enjoying his smoke as he watches, can practically feel the urges washing off the one, to go and test faith, wreak havoc. "How do you feel about this? Really, now. You seem eager and yet also..." you're behaving yourself!

And the heavens have NOT opened to bring down a bolt from above, to strike them down. Yet.

Lucifer has posed:
"Because if I did it, it's to give Dad the finger. To laugh in his face. But..." Lucifer sighs. "I'm literal proof that some of the things these people believe are truth. God exists. Jesus existed. I exist. People fear me - and I suppose for some it's for good reason. Do I -want- to reign holy havoc? Yes. At the expense of those within and around? To test their faith? To potentially cause people to get hurt? In this instance...no. It's...weird...to feel...conflicted."

He takes a sip of the proseco and lights his own cigarette to enjoy. "I know I joked about it, in a serious way, but now that the opportunity is here...I do want to go boil the holy water...at least."

Sinister has posed:
And lo, on the Seventeenth day of April, was the temptation of Lucifer Morningstar brought forth and presented. And great was the urge, presented so openly and without reservation! But in the moment, he was tested...

Sinister regards the devil over the top of his wine glass, his lips obscured by the distortion of white wine and the curve and light refraction. The smile, sly, is hinted only a little on them, but far more in his regard. He sips, then sets down the glass, taking up a little bruschetta.

"You know... of all a father's brood, they say parental love is equal. It isn't. You do have favourites, anything that isn't a mindless automaton, does. But you've had it rough." Sniffing, he raises the glass in toast. "I admire you, Morningstar. You've spent all of time being hated for doing the hardest job of all, because you cannot do it in Grace. And now, here you are, with a domain that runs efficiently in your absence, finally having the chance to find out who you truly are, without the shackles of what you were made out to be. I think you can get away with a freak out at the blessing fountain." He flicks his eyes that way.

There's a couple of them, for pilgrimage people of which the catholic church has a few; fonts imbedded into the wall so you can trail on past, dip and bless yourself in passing.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer eyes Sinister for a moment and then shrugs. He could do the one thing he's always wanted to do and since it's a sort of passing thing he might just get a few stares, gasps, and then people will move on. It'd be the talk of the evening and maybe the next morning for a few people.

So, he stands without saying anything and gives Sinister a little grin before moving to head across the street. A bit of a shift shuffle to sort of 'get in line' with other people who are blessing themselves in passing. The anticipation kills him slowly as he walks up to one of the center basins. He moves to place his finger in and...

...nothing. No sizzle. No bubbling. Not even a hissss of water. He blinks, lifts his finger to look at it a moment and then gives a face. Once more, with feeling, he dips his finger for nothing to happen, and then doesn't bless himself. Simply shifts to walk back across the street and re-take his seat across from Sinister, still silent, only also looking bewildered and puzzled.

Sinister has posed:
Sinister watches all of that whilst indulging his cigarette. It's spent by the time the devil gets back all bewildered and corn-fuzzed. He looks over at the few still doing the same thing and back, tilting his head quietly. The question is said by body language, the lofting of an eyebrow, mostly because nothing extravagant happened over there. "Do you suppose they cheapened out and just poured tap water into the fonts? Some novice having a stressed out day, just grabbing the gallon jug from the back and forgetting to tell the diocese that they'd run out earlier?"

Because there's nothing quite like having an unholy moment of performance anxiety and subsequent *cough* dysfunction.

Lucifer has posed:
"No. It was holy water. That's why I tried it twice. There's a different power to holy water that most can't feel but...well.." He motions at himself. "Celestials can. Demons can to. Why do you think they use it at exorcisms?" Lucifer chuckles then. "By the by, have you ever witnessed one of those? They can be quite entertaining. I've sat in the corner of one a time or two just watching for the hell of it and then dismissing whatever demon is possessing the person at the time."

Then he looks back over to the basins. "Maybe I'm losing my touch. That's a thing... or... well I don't know. It's gonna bug me for a little bit. I might have to go have a discussion with the Pope tomorrow."

Sinister has posed:
Sinister listens, but shakes his head. "Not a sphere I moved in, where I'd get to witness such things. I have had people try to cast -me- out once or twice, but that was just about as efficient as throwing a hissy fit. But I imagine it might well have been..." he purses his lips together, looking over at the fonts again thoughtfully, then back.

And then he gets up himself, walks on over to them and when it's his turn, dips his finger in. He pulls it out quite quickly, as if it burned and wanders back staring at his own digit, running the water over the pad.

"Strange. Anyway, I'm going to have the pollo con forno." Chicken and mushroom in white white cream sauce. "And afterwards, I /did/ book a hotel room. So you can definitely have words with the pope tomorrow." Pause "I /never/ thought I'd hear myself saying that."

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer nods his head and then smirks. "Hissy fit or not, I'm a little irritated on the whole. Could probably try again tomorrow..." Then he watches as Nathaniel stands and walks over to the basins. A brow raises when that finger quickly enters and exits the water, before the man comes walking back.

"Interesting, I'd say." A pause before he glances to the waiter and considers. "The bolognase for me, please." Another smirk at the idea of a hotel room and then whatever tomorrow may bring. For now, it's food and wine, some conversational dribble between and indeed, a wonderous night in a foreign hotel to follow.