Sword Crossed Lovers

To Church

The grand cathedral down in the main city of Verna is beautiful to behold.  Years and years of master builders had been improving on the original design from a classical wondrous architect in the high Renaissance.  Now, with the funding from the wealthy Escalus family, this cathedral would make Verona the height of love and architectural marvels.  The spirals and the dominating piers overtake the square before the cathedral.  Just as the ancient architects aspired, Verona is known for it's piety but not it's faith.

Intricate designs on the outermost part of the cathedral symbolizes the twelve gates of Hell and as it rises higher, the ladder or stairs to Heaven.  One is motivated to move past the ground level, which is Hell and all it's gates, to finally ascend to Heaven.  The top tower contains the bell and the clock facing the square and there is the 'seat of Christ' which is a pure gold seat at the top of the plated roof.  Such a site indeed and the people of Verona thank their ancestors for creating such a powerful landmark.  All in Italy know of Verona's gift of building.

Yet, their family feud has also made the city well known.  None to this day can remember the cause of their fighting, but the cathedral bares the three main coat of arms on its doors.  It stands as the only place in all of Italy where the three families cannot strike one another.  Such a pact was made at the origin of the feud and its reason too has been long forgotten.

The young Montague Romeo lets his feet slap the beautiful white steps leading up to the church.  The way his legs feel as he aspires higher only confirms his desires for his rationale for being here: Juliet Capulet.  Yet again, what is in a name other than letters?  Such thoughts cram themselves into the Montague's mind as he goes over and over what to say to the Friar.

Friar Lawrence is the father's name and he has long known the young Montague Prince.  As a boy, he was tutored here in the chapel and by the Friar himself.  Indeed, the old man saw potential in the boy for church work, but when his love of women and adventure began to grow, Friar Lawrence gave up hope on maintaining his chaste body and soul.  'Some men were cut from the similar cloth of God, and others not so much,' the Friar would always tell the Montague.  Romeo would laugh and deny such a statement.  'Surely thou art cut from the very loincloth of Jesus himself!'

Feeling the hot air outside the chapel doors, Romeo lets his hand graze the Capulet crest on the door to his right.  The prickling of the old wood on his smooth hands leave a small mark against his palm but he doesn't care.  The blood red color on the flower on the crest reminds him of the mark on his wrist: the Capulet Mark.

Romeo sighs and presses the doors open.  His mind also being distracted about the Capulet retaliation, he forces himself to focus on one thing at a time.  Juliet comes first.  Family next.  Although, she was soon to categorize in both of his priorities.

"Good morrow, Father?" calls Romeo as he opens the door to the church.  Inside, the tall walls are engraved with magnificent carvings of biblical figures and each a tableau of their famous myths.  Sensing no reply, the Montague walks down towards the main alter, ignoring the few stragglers remaining in the pews.