Burning Man -- Logs

The twelfth morning of Burning Man dawns to the sound of rain hammering down on the canvas of the yurt roof. The burning heat has disappeared, replaced by weirdly chill air. Soma spent the night in half-glamour to leave more room for his guests in the bed. Without his wings, the summer lord looks strangely more delicate. The lack of wings is the only thing that has changed for him; the cobalt hair and smooth blue skin have stayed the same. He has yet to actually sleep, but he's looking drowsy in the gray dawn light. With the rain has come lightening and there's a flash that illuminates the interior of the yurt and fills the air with the scent of ozone.

Shateishael had woken up with the dawn, given his customary affectionate greeting to the unseen sun, then whispered to Bella and Rosie to stay warm and cozy. He was going to go shift their campsite, but he was hoping they'd stay at the Ethereal encampment, so they didn't lose their wonderful animal-form glamours. Then he'd slipped out the door, and the last they'd heard was him bounding off, laughing in the rain.

Much later Rosenstern wakes up slowly and lazily, stretching in a very feline-like way, giving a tiny mew-yawn at the same time. Bella has pulled a blanket up over her head, only her brush of a tail peeking out. Rosenstern is still very slow in his waking up, as he kneads the bedding beneath him a little, eyes still half-closed. Soma watches Rosenstern waking up, reaching over to pet his back rather languidly. "It will be challenging for Slate to move things in this downpour, but I suspect he is not one to back away from a challenge." The shining energy that has surrounded the sidhe seems to be fading slightly.

Rosenstern gives a long, low purr, arching his back with the petting, a smile curling his lips. "Oh, if he can, he will," he purrs softly.

Soma chuckles quietly, perhaps trying not to disturb Bella, "Persistence is a virtue in almost everything. It makes me glad to know it will be on the side of my court." He closes his eyes, seeming almost to drift off into sleep for a moment or two before opening them again, "I did have a thought as I watched the three of you sleep." Rosenstern prrts? softly, peeking open his eyes fully to look at Soma over a fold of the blanket. Soma laughs and moves to gather Rosie into his arms, the overwhelming cuteness of the Mercurian making snuggling imperative. He nuzzles between the triangular cat ears with a smile, "When I first asked this of you, you were not so intertwined with the court."

Rosenstern curls up against Soma, prring deep in his throat, his ears flicking only a little as he nuzzles against Soma's neck. "Does that change anything...?"

Soma smiles slightly, "It may... after the ceremonies on the last night, your status as my consort is going to be a bit more entrenched. It will mean you may have to be more up-front..."

Rosenstern nods, biting his lip. Then he nods again, smiling and his tail curling. "Come what may, my Lord," he purrs, placing a hand upon his chest, "I would not wish it any other way."

Bella raises her head and peeks out from under her blanket, asking blearily, "Ceremonies?"

Soma brushes his lips over Rosie's forehead, fingers scritching through the fur at the base of the little angel's tail, "And... if my glamour is stronger, Bran's is likely to be as well. I've been thinking that you may need to be on-guard for how Bran's glamour may effect all of you."

Rosenstern prrs, his tail arching with the touch. He blinks at Soma. "Oh... what should we watch out for?" He looks over and smiles, "Good morning, Bella.."

The Bright wriggles more of her head out from under the covers and gives Rosie a vulpine smile, ears flicking, "Morning. Ceremonies?"

Rosenstern nods, reaching over and lightly scritching Bella's hair. "There are some fae ceremonies that evening, like some handfastings, oaths, and..." he smiles up to Soma, "formal, uhm, consorthood?" Bella wriggles and nuzzles into the scritching, giggling quietly.

Soma nods, chin resting on Rosie's head right between his ears, "The last night is an important one for us. There's quite an outpouring of energy from the humans and we plan to harness all that undirected energy to so some powerful workings." He laughs quietly, "It will be something like a coronation. More coronation than commitment ceremony, anyway." Rosenstern closes his eyes, smiling and prring with the closeness, continuing to scritch Bella. Soma nods, sounding quite drowsy, "And it's been going through my mind that if Bran's glamour is stronger, the effects could be quite startling."

Rosenstern makes a quiet, nervous sound, shifting in Soma's arms. "What... what effects might they be?"

Soma trails his fingers from the nape of Rosie's neck down to the base of his tail thoughtfully, "Well, my glamour brings out parts of your inner self. Bran is essentially my baser self... and his glamour may have a similar effect. The thought concerns me."

Rosenstern shivers, his back arching nicely with the touching. "Why does it concern you, my Lord?"

Soma thinks for a moment, "What might your baser nature be, sweet flower?"

Rosenstern blinks. "I... I don't know. I've... never really thought about it that way..." Bella's face gets serious even under her fold of blanket.

Soma watches Rosie's face carefully and says quite solemnly, "It may be something you want to think very, very seriously about." He glances at the Bright, "It seems the Seductress has an idea of hers."

Rosenstern bites his lip a little and nods slightly. "I'll... I'll think on it..."

Soma nods quietly, "It may be wise for the Warrior to think on that, too. And the other? How do you feel about being expected by them to be the main negotiator?"

Rosenstern bites his lip again, then shakes his head. "I do not dread that, my Lord. It is what I am meant to do; it is my nature."

Soma breathes a large sigh of relief, "Then I have one less thing to be concerned over." He chuckles softly, "I'm actually slightly surprised more of my court have not tried to curry favor somewhat."

Rosenstern smiles softly, closing his eyes and snuggling against Soma again. "How so?"

Soma mmms, eyes closing. The glow has faded the slightest bit more as the three have been chatting, but it's still quite noticeable in the rainy gloom, "By endearing themselves to you. I know you have made friends among them, but others may want to be close to you for less friendly reasons."

Rosenstern shakes his head, "I'll be on the watch for that. Mercurians... we're good at reading people."

Soma nods quietly, "That will come in very handy, petal. Both here and among Bran's people."

Rosenstern's face suddenly clears a little, and he blinks with a moment of clarity. "Oh," he says softly. "Soma... I just realized... I... I haven't had the chance to talk with Slate about the ceremony. I... really should before any decision."

Soma blinks slightly and looks chagrinned, "Oh... that would be an issue. My mind has escaped me as well. So much has happened since I first proposed it." He looks slightly worried, "For certain, let's speak with your Warrior first."

Rosenstern nods sheepishly. "I should have asked him immediately, but then... well... the glamour..."

Bella giggles and crawls over toward Rosie and Soma a little, the blanket sliding off her and leaving her bare. The longer she's in this form, the less she seems concerned about social niceties, "But then the glamour has been scrambling our brains." Rosenstern nods sheepishly to Bella, and feels himself returning bit by bit to a feline -- or pseudo-feline -- mindset. Bella rubs her cheek against Rosie and smiles at Soma, "Can I have breakfast? Is there somewhere we can get real food? Not flowers and stuff?" Rosenstern prrs, his tail flicking as he rubs back against Bella almost instinctively, one last bit of his mind that has clarity hoping Slate comes back in time to see this.

Soma chuckles quietly, "Mmm, I am certain we can find someone willing to share something more to a carnivore's palate."

Bella grins and the enormous brush of her tail flits back and forth with contentment, "Mmm... I can wait a bit longer. Too many snuggly people."

Outside in the general Ethereal encampment, Shateishael comes striding through the rain towards the yurt, looking extraordinarily cheerful for someone who's streamingly wet and liberally mud-splashed. The occasional blinding spear of shivering lightning highlights the dancing gleam of his bright, delighted eyes, and the flash of his teeth as he laughs aloud, his voice lost in the rumbling roar of thunder that follows. The glamour has continued to work toward an animalistic turn, even upon Slate's re-entry to the dome. He's even feline again, as if seeing him in the tiger form set into Soma's mind the idea that the big Seraph is very feline.

The big cat that he has manifested is perhaps closer to the idea most people might have upon seeing the enormous blond. Tawny fur covers his body except for the tip of his tail and a luxurious mane of darker fur that covers his head and spills down over his chest and shoulders. The rain has slicked the fur down to his body, showing the lines of his musculature to quite an advantage. The mane is also soaked, though there is so much body to it that it doesn't lay down quite flat.

Shateishael had set up the tent as carefully as he could in the rain, trying to keep the inside dry, with Karl's and Ajax's help. The truck has been parked with the other vehicles brought by the Ethereals, and Slate figures he can transfer goods to the tent later, when it's not quite so wet. He's cheerfully amused at the form he's gotten again, taking a moment to examine it and then laughingly commenting to the two centaurs that Bast should like this one even better than the previous one, since there were lions but no tigers along the Nile. Karl and Ajax both laugh and agree with Slate, the younger of the two smiths commenting that leonine is a word he can easily see describing the Seraph. Once things are set up and mostly dry, they shoo the angel away, back to the yurt to wring some of the water out of his pelt.

Shateishael had growled out cheerful thanks to both helpers before heading for the yurt again -- on a day like today he's guessing all three folks he left there are still curled up in the warmth. It's as he's turning to stride through the tangle of rain-slicked tents that the urge hits him, running strongly through his body... he blinks, drawing in a breath, and it just happens: he tosses his head back, shaking the shaggy, rain-heavy mane out of his face, and his fanged jaws part in a deep, intensely powerful, carrying roar! He blinks, looking a bit startled, then glances apologetically at the centaurs, "Er... 'scuse me..."

Both the centaurs startled a bit and Ajax squealed in alarm, but then looked embarrassed about doing it. Karl snorts a bit and rolls his eyes, "Just warn us nex' time. Now go on, shoo."

Internally there's a strong sense of satisfaction as well as his own startlement: nothing like a good, strong declaration to warn off possible enemies and to let one's pride know you're there! Slate grins ruefully, "Uhm, sorry. Later, guys!" then turns and heads swiftly off, his tail switching happily back and forth.

Shateishael pauses at the yurt door, taking a moment to wipe his muddy clawed hindpaws on the mat, and to wring the worst of the water out of his mane and fur. He taps lightly on the doorframe before opening it, then stoops slightly to fit through the little doorway. A gust of cool wind and the scent of rain and wet fur come in with him, as he turns to pull the flap firmly closed behind him. It's as he straightens that he realizes he's even taller and brawnier this time -- he can't stand straight except for in the center of the yurt, and even there his rounded ears are brushing against the inner struts. He steps with easy grace to there, then grins down at the tableau on the bed before him, his slitted eyes and big fangs gleaming as much as his rain-sleeked, heavily muscled body, in the yurt's dim light.

Rosenstern is there, blinking at Slate's appearance, curled up in Soma's lap and in the middle of rubbing against Bella. Bella rolls over a bit and looks up at the even bigger Slate, eyes huge. "Oooo. Even bigger kitty. She flops her tail over Rosie's hip.

Shateishael's voice is a bit louder -- he's been speaking up to be heard over the storm -- as he growls, "Hey, y'all. Tent's set up." He tilts his head and his whiskers quiver slightly as he inhales with slow pleasure... then he tones his voice down a bit as he rumbles, "Y'all smell good 'nuff t'eat." He grins at Bella's comment, crouching down onto his haunches to reach over and gently rub the pretty fox girl's tummy.

Soma smiles slightly, "And even more appropriate. Slate does certainly have a pride."

Shateishael's chuckle at Soma's comment is a low rumble like thunder, and he growls again, "Mmm... beautiful pride. Beautiful clan." He leans to carefully nuzzle Rosenstern, then sits back as he realizes he's dripping cold water, "Gotta towel I c'n borrow, Soma?" He glances over his shoulder at the sheer length of his body, and ruefully amends, "Several towels?"

Soma examines Slate for a moment and then carefully disengages himself from Rosie to go in search of towels, "I only brought six and only four are clean, but you're welcome those four." The sidhe digs them out of his wardrobe and hands them to the enormous felid.

Shateishael thanks Soma, settling in the center of the tent so he doesn't get water everywhere. He starts patiently rubbing himself dry... then at some point looks up at the wide-eyed looks he's getting, and grins again, "Wanna help?"

Bella giggles and scrambles out of bed, happily grabbing a towel and starting to work on the back parts of Slate. Rosenstern grins and 'stalks' over towards Slate, grabbing a towel by one corner in his mouth and prowling towards the big man, not using his hands until he's knelt by Slate. The stalking gets another wide-eyed look, but this one from Soma whose gaze gets locked on the way the catboy form flows along. He settles himself on the edge of the bed, casually pulling one of the blankets over his lap. Shateishael rumbles happily, turning his head to give Bella a quick, appreciative tongue swipe. His eyes light up at Rosie's approach, and he takes a moment to lean down and rub his damp cheek ruffs against Rosie's soft-furred head before he continues working on drying himself as well.

Trying to dry a huge lion turns out to be harder than expected, especially when the lion is easily distracted and cheerfully cuddly! There are a couple of squeals and amusedly grumbled sorries when cold, wet bits accidentally get rubbed against nice warm bodies, and things rapidly get a bit silly and giggly, with Slate occasionally cheerfully (and gently) tumbling his smaller lovers between his big paw-hands, tickling their whiskers with his own, or rubbing their soft tummy fur while they're lying in his lap. Rosenstern takes his time about it, not quite willing to spoil Slate's good mood, and besides he's thoroughly enjoying this! Bella is happily distracted now and then and keeps making little vulpine yipping noises at the cold wet bits. At some point, she throws a towel over Slate's whole head and starts trying to get his mane dry, "Really got a mane now. Makes sense, though."

Shateishael laughs aloud under the towel, his big paws running gently along Bella's sides, fluffing her twitchy tail as his own tail switches happily back and forth. Eventually, Bella decides that either Slate is dry enough or she's just done drying him and curls herself around his lower back, spooning her belly against him and resting her chin on one of his hips. Rosenstern's purring is rather loud and impossible to not hear, as he works on drying Slate's haunches. He finishes at about the same time Bella does, and perches himself on the floor, curled up, in front of Slate. "Slate... there's something we should talk about..."

Shateishael growls contentedly, the end of his tail curling back over Bella's, and he reaches out to gently draw Rosie into his lap.Soma has been watching the three angels playing and almost tumbling around like kittens, the glow seeming to brighten by the tiniest of degrees as the affectionate laughter fills the structure. Rosie's comment makes him nod, the chagrined expression coming back, "Indeed, and I should not have let the surge of glamour cloud my intentions."

Rosenstern snuggles against Slate, taking a bit of a breath, though his ears are perked and comfortable. "Soma asked me to participate in a ceremony on the night of the Burning Man, to establish me as his consort for the fae."

Shateishael is resting one large hand back behind him, half-supporting Bella where she lies against him. With the other hand he cheerfully (and deliberately) tickles Rosie through the soft belly fur. He grins broadly, his fangs gleaming and his pupils huge in the dim light as he watches Rosie wriggle and squeak... then he looks up at Soma, still smiling, "Soun's like a nice idea, if'n th' li'l Rose's 'kay wi' it. Whut year y'thinkin' 'bout doin' it in?" Rosenstern yipes! and laughs, squirming and curling up into a ball with the tickling, batting his hands lightly at Slate's hands. Shateishael beams at Rosenstern, utterly distracted by the incredible cuteness! Bella, too deep into kitsune mode to really think about anything serious at the moment, is grinning at Rosie's squirming and trying to capture his tail as he wriggles around.

Soma smiles at the adorable Mercurian curled across Slate's lap, then schools his face into something more serious, "I had considered this year, Slate..." he takes a deep breath and hurries on, "but with the rush of energy and the sheer distraction presented by sweet Rosenstern, it has slipped my mind to ask you before now."

It takes Slate a few heartbeats to register what Soma's saying -- the urge to continue tickling Rosie with his own tail tip is fairly strong at this point! -but then Slate's big ice blue eyes blink, the pupils narrowing as he looks up at Soma again, "This year? Ain't that li'l bit rushed, Soma? Y'all been lovers... whut... mebbe 5 days now?"

Soma smiles slightly, "Technically, Rosenstern and I were lovers long before that. But I do understand your objection. I proposed the ceremony somewhat in the heat of emotion, when I had him here with me for those days." Shateishael stares silently at Soma for a long moment... then simply raises an eyebrow at him. Rosenstern slows in his squirming as Slate pauses, making his tail easy prey for Bella. He looks up to Slate, glancing back and forth between them. Shateishael strokes Rosie's stomach in a long, gentle rhythm, still watching Soma. The Summer King inclines his head, lowering his eyes, "I apologize for my oversight, Warrior. This needn't happen two days from now if you are uneasy with it."

Bella pounces, or tries to from her wrapped-around-Slate position and grabs Rosie's tail with both hands, getting her mouth around it before she realizes that biting Rosenstern on the tail might not be the best thing just now. Shateishael rumbles quietly, "Bella, Rosie, 'n I ain't even made any 'fficial c'mmitments yet, Soma."

Soma raises his eyes and smiles slightly, "I asked about that, as well."

Shateishael glances over at Bella, then grins, reaching over to gently ruffle her ears, "Don' bite pretty Rosie's tail, sweetheart." Rosenstern doesn't even notice Bella grabbing hold of his tail. Shateishael looks back at Soma, still stroking Rosie's tummy as he rumbles, "Then y'know we ain't done it yet, yeah?" Bella looks slightly abashed -- very, very slightly -- and takes the tail out of her mouth, stroking it instead.

Soma nods slightly, "Yes, I do. This would be... less a commitment ceremony and more a formal recognition of his status as consort. Almost a coronation, though not quite so... pretentious. There is no actual crown."

Shateishael's ears tilt back, and his whiskers flatten, "You insistin' on this, this year?"

Soma shakes his head, "No, I'm not. I'm wishing it this year, but the humans have an excellent saying: If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. What I desire and what would be prudent may be two separate things." He smiles quietly, "And I did wish to extend to you the opportunity to have a ceremony with us between the three of you, though it needn't be this year either."

Shateishael glances at Bella, his eyes warming... then he sighs and looks back up at Soma, growling quietly, "Cain't yet. Hopin' sometime soon, though." Then he sniffs, his head tilting to look down at Rosenstern, "Sumpin' wrong, prettykitty?" He's still gently stroking Rosie's tummy, and he grins at Bella's stroking Rosie's tail.

Rosenstern shakes his head, unable to keep from faintly purring with the rubbing. "No, nothing's wrong." Shateishael rumbles in quiet pleasure, watching his lovely beloveds.

Soma bobs his head, a clear look of disappointment flashing across his features for a moment. "There may be something else you may wish to think on, as well. My power seems to have increased. Bran's may have as well. Just as my glamour brings out inner aspects of your being, his may as well... but they are likely to be the darker aspects."

Shateishael looks back up at Soma, his ears perked up in curiosity, "How y'mean?"

Soma smiles slightly, "Bran is my baser nature. His glamour may bring out your baser nature."

Shateishael frowns, considering that for a moment before he rumbles, "Think Pan as't 'bout that 'whiles 'go... sumpin' t'do wi' ids 'n egos 'n stuff, right? So whut'sa baser nature? 'Zat like bein' diss'nant 'r sumpin'?"

Some frowns a bit, trying to think of a way to explain it; he looks to Rosie as if the smaller feline might be able to translate. Bella speaks quietly, "It's... not like being dissonant, more like... like the parts of yourself you have to work on controlling. The things you sometimes just want to do that aren't nice or polite or socially acceptable..."

Rosenstern bites his lip, thinking for a long moment. "It's like... not dissonance so much as... what is your base desire? Not anything from outside influences, not anything restrained. Just... let loose." Bella nods to Rosie, smiling slightly.

Shateishael tilts his head towards Bella, listening -- then grins, "Ah! Blurtin' out th'truth when it makes folks uncomfortable?" He blinks large-pupiled eyes at Rosenstern, then thinks a moment... then rumbles, "Y'mean like wantin' t'not bother wi'clothin' 'n stuff?"

Bella giggles, "Mmmm... sort of, but not really..."

Rosenstern tilts his head to the side. "As a start."

Shateishael grins at Bella a bit bemusedly, then licks his chops as he considers Rosenstern, "Start t'whut, li'l kit?"

Soma folds his hands in his lap, "As a start to the things you might wish to do." His smile is slightly wry, "Such as the way that I wish to sometimes slap my cousin's face, but I restrain myself because it would be unbecoming."

Shateishael chuckles at Soma, his tail swishing mischievously back and forth across the rugs on the floor, "Mebbe someday I c'n do it fer ya, then!" He curiously adds, "Y'do that in Bran form? Slap 'im, I mean?"

Rosenstern murmurs, "Again, for starters. Or what we'd want to do, anyway...."

Soma smiles crookedly, "He has a time or two, yes. It is something to consider."

Shateishael looks interestedly at Soma, his tail stilling, "Hol' on now... y'sayin' it's 'kay t'challenge folks in Bran's court?!"

Soma hmms thoughtfully, "It would be more... diplomatic not to."

Shateishael looks faintly disappointed, "Yeah? Huh... 'kay." He glances at Rosie and Bella, rumbling, "Don' wanna make thin's more diff'cult f'y'all."

Rosenstern smiles quietly, taking Slate's hand. "It'll be fine. Negotiation and diplomacy is what I'm supposed to know about."

Shateishael's golden-furred face warms as he smiles at the little kitty-boy, "Know y'll do fine, sweetheart... jus' wanna be sure I'm useful, 'n not a detriment, y'know?"

Bella giggles quietly and nods, "Rosie negotiates, you look big and scary and I... uhm... huh... I'll do something useful."

Soma chuckles, "You will be extremely useful, Slate. As the Seductress said."

Rosenstern keeps holding the hand. "You will be, Slate. I know you will.

Shateishael grins warmly at Bella, his big curving fangs gleaming again, "Y'r th' lov'lies' distraction I know of, beautiful." He glances up at Soma, tilting his head curiously, "Yeah? Hope so... guess shows a' strength help."

Soma smiles again, "I explained the baser nature, yes? Sometimes shows of strength are not only helpful but necessary. The iron fist inside the velvet glove of the Flowerkin's sweetness."

Shateishael rumbles, "Jus' keepin' m'mouth shut might help then, I guess." He grins teasingly, ruffling Rosie's fur gently again, "Think I c'n do that, pretty kitty?"

Rosenstern prrts happily, and nods, "Yes, you definitely can, Slate." Shateishael chuckles, contentedly cuddling both lovers and almost purring himself as well.

Bella's eyes twinkle, "He's already good at being inside Rosie..." She nibbles at the outside of one of Slate's thighs.

Shateishael snorts amusedly! and gently tugs on one of Bella's ears, "Bad foxie!"

Rosenstern purr-giggles merrily. "'Bad foxie?'"

Bella grins unabashedly up at Slate, "Nope. I'm very good. Besides, it's true!" Shateishael tosses his head, his low, growling laugh rumbling through his chest -- then he grins and leans to gently nip the edge of Bella's ear.

The rain does eventually let up, but not before thoroughly soaking the playa and leaving the dusty plain covered in mud. Once the heavens are no longer pouring water down, the angels and the Summer King leave the cozy warmth of the yurt, Soma to take care of court business and the angels to finish setting up the tent. The final set-up of the angels' campsite goes fairly smoothly, partially because they find they have a lot of help once the rain clears. It seems everyone they've been friendly with comes by to either assist or to offer some small gift. Shale and the Jotunsens help with what little heavy lifting is left. Rose, Lily, and Peony help get things settled inside the tent.

By the end of the day the Celestials end up with a small pile of gifts and tokens. Pan stops by and gifts Bella with a pair of latex pants, Rosie with a waist cincher, and Slate with a pair of leather gauntlets stamped with an intricate knotwork pattern -- the gauntlets lace up rather than buckle or snap. Rose and Lily leave three tiny carved lotuses of rose quartz. Bast gifts them with a bundle of sweetgrass and sage. Bacchus' gift is a small oak box carved with a bas-relief of nymphs in a river.

There is no gathering that night. Bacchus explains that for the next two days many of the Ethereals are going to be preparing for the final night's ceremonies, and much of the preparation for some of them require isolation and meditation. Soma also stops by as the sun is lowering and bids Rosie goodnight somewhat reluctantly, explaining he will take the glamour down at sunrise so he can be ready for the night of the actual Burn. Thus are the angels left to their own devices on their first full night among the fae.

Shateishael is reduced, by the end of the day, to simply giving repeated, very sincere, bewildered thanks. He's never experienced anything like this before, despite being familiar with gift-giving cultures. This level of generosity is startling and deeply touching to him. His thank-you hugs are careful and warm and very heartfelt. At one point when they're all alone, he rumbles bemusedly to the others, "We jus' gotta come up wi'somethin' nice t'gift nex' year!"

Rosenstern is a bit more energetic about it still, though it does vex him they have nothing to give in return. He nods enthusiastically to Slate. "Yes, definitely!"

Bella giggles and covers her mouth with both hands, "Oops... forgot my little goddesses... was going to give them away."

Shateishael grins ruefully at Bella, "Still can, sweetheart. Don' think anyone's gonna refuse 'em, y'know?" Peony stops by after moonrise with a basket full of cookies and a large jug of iced tea. Shateishael looks around thoughtfully, "Okay... so we got th'evenin' t'ourselves, 'n t'morra's th'Burn." He grins at his smaller companions, his fangs and eyes flashing in the dim light of the rising moon, "What'chall wanna do?" He blinks at Peony, then grins and shakes his head in amused amazement, his heavy mane rustling over his broad furred shoulders, "Many thanks, pretty lady. Wish't we had sumpin' f'y'all too." He'll open his arms to offer her a careful hug also.

Peony smiles and shakes her head, "It's your first Burn. Don't worry about it. Gifts aren't required." She hugs each of the angels and grins, "I just wanted to leave these with you and let you have your night alone." The little leprechaun then literally scampers off.

Shateishael blinks after Peony, then looks back at his lovers, "I... get th'feelin' I'm missin' sumpin', almos'? We s'pposeta be meditatin' 'r sumpin'?"

Rosenstern thanks Peony warmly, then after she leaves he chuckles softly to Slate. "I don't think so, but I do think they expect us to have a wonderful night together.

Bella blinks and laughs, "I think they're going to be meditating and stuff... or some of them are, anyway."

Shateishael smiles quietly, sliding an arm around the little catboy, "Well, don' see any reason t'waste it then -- d'y'all? 'Less y'all wanna go walkin' 'roun' Black Rock City one las' time?"

The Bright grins and wraps her arms around Rosie from the other side, "Kitties." Rosenstern yipes! softly, and giggles snuggling up against Bella and Slate. Shateishael chuckles quietly -- that answers his question! -and gently urges both the foxie and the kitty into their tent. The Bright swishes her tail back and forth, "Got another day..." She happily follows the felines into the tent for their first night of play and sleep inside the glamour. The next morning is cool and dry, the mud from the previous day starting to dry into a crazy-crack plane in places.

The Celestials find themselves back in their normal bodies as the sun filters through the sides of the tent on the thirteenth day of the festival. Shateishael yawns and stretches carefully, considering his current length -- then realizes he's in his usual human male vessel. He grins and rumbles quietly to the sun,

"I could light the night up with my soul on fire
I could make the sun shine from pure desire
Let me feel that love come over me
Let me feel how strong it could be
Bring me a higher love!"

Rosenstern still can't resist the yawn-and-stretch as the sun comes up, though it's not as feline and he doesn't raise his butt up into the air at the same time. Still, some feline mannerisms have carried over for the time being. "Aw, they're gone," he murmurs a touch disappointedly.

Shateishael gently strokes one large, slightly scarred hand down the smooth length of Rosie's back, and rumbles affectionately, "Y'r still here, beautiful... 'at's whut really matters."

Bella rolls onto her side and strokes Rosie's back just like she did when he was a kittyboy. She smiles drowsily and traces little spirals on the small of his back where his tail would have emerged, "I'm thinking if we ask nicely we can have them back again sometime."

Shateishael nods with sleepily relaxed pleasure to Bella, "Hope so. Wuz fun. Y'all're jus' entrancin' 'at way... 'n th' smells were unb'lievably fun!"

Bella nods, sighing happily, "Dear god, yes. I liked the smells, too."

Rosenstern shivers -- his back really does arch with the tickling of the sensitive spot -- and he laughs softly. "We probably can, yes...."

Shateishael lazily kisses Bella's bare shoulder as he strokes Rosie's back, and simply admires their loveliness. "'M so blessed... y'all're jus' so beautiful..."

Bella continues lazily tickling that same spot, hair falling over her face, smiling at Slate through the curtain of it, "You're sweet." She pushes her hair back off her forehead and asks, "What do you want to do with the day? From what people were saying, a lot of the Ethereals are going to be all sequestered."

Shateishael nods thoughtfully, "Yeah... dunno. We c'n wander 'roun' th'city one las' time durin' th'day, 'r stay here, 'r see if'n any a'th' 'thereals need a han' wi'anythin'... think tha's 'bout it?"

Rosenstern nods, still half-tired. "A bit of both? Go around, see what we can help with, then take one last walk around the City?"

Shateishael nods relaxedly, rumbling, "Works f'me, lovely."

As they're discussing plans for the day, there's a quiet scratching at the flap of the tent and an unfamiliar voice calls quietly, "Halloo the camp... anyone awake in there?"

Shateishael opens his mouth to speak to Rosie, then looks curiously at the tent flap. He rises a moment later, carefully not tipping his lovers or anything else over, and paces out to rumble, "Hey. C'n we he'p ya?" He's gotten used to feline forms -- he's still nude. Inside the tent, Rosenstern sits up, briefly checking to see what he needs to do to be decent, and looking curiously at the tent flap. He and Bella both would need simply some strategic draping of blankets, but the Bright seems not to mind so much.

The timbre of the voice is decidedly male, and when Slate opens the tent-flap he finds a gray-skinned sidhe with brown, black, and gold moth wings folded down his back. He offers his hand, "I wanted to introduce myself. I've not been in camp when you have. I'm called Cerberus."

Shateishael politely shakes hands, rumbling, "Hey; good t'meetcha." He studies the fae thoughtfully... moth wings -- friend of Gaelach's? He's not sure. He grins, "How'd we miss ya?"

The new sidhe smiles slightly, "I've been watching the perimeter of the camp most nights, and during the day I mostly prefer the company of the humans."

Shateishael looks a bit surprised, "Y'do? Huh. Where y'usually hang?" He calls over his shoulder, "Hey, folks, y'wanna c'mon out, 'r can I bring someone in?"

Cerberus continues with that barely-smile, "Here and there. I'm a bit of a nomad."

Rosenstern looks around and tries to find something to pull on -- no, not the waist cincher. Ah! He hauls on a pair of cutoff jeans shorts, looking to Bella to see if she's decent before he calls out to Slate that they can see guests. Bella stretches out and pulls on the closest piece of clothing, which turns out to be a t-shirt of Slate's. It covers her decently enough for company -- at least it does for company in the Ethereal camp.

Shateishael nods politely, not really sure what to say to the strange and fairly reticent seeming fae. Saved by the call from within, he rumbles, "Wanna c'mon in 'n meet Bella 'n Rosie?"

Cerberus says, "Very much so. It behooves a guard to know those he is meant to guard." His wings, unlike many of the sidhe, fold flat down his back, making him much more compact and leaving his movements much less circumscribed inside the tent.

Shateishael figures this must be one of the few warrior sidhe... he politely introduces Cerberus to his lovers, letting them take the man's measure. They're better at it than he, after all. Rosenstern tilts his head curiously at that comment. He smiles politely to the man, standing and bowing slightly.

Cerberus bows in turn to Rosenstern. He's slightly shorter than Slate, and slender, but wiry like a martial artist. "Greetings, Flowerkin. Seductress." He inclines his head toward Bella, an extra little motion before he straightens again.

Shateishael rumbles thoughtfully, "So you guard durin' th'night, 'n hang wi'th' humans durin' th'day? When d'ya sleep, guy? 'N whut group a' humans most innerest ya?"

Cerberus continues smiling slightly, "Mostly in the early evenings. The humans in general interest me, but I've been spending a lot of time with the folks that are doing some of the body painting. It's like they're trying to become us."

Shateishael nods in slow interest. "Like that m'se'f too... real pretty." He glances at the other two, "Y'all wanna walk 'roun' th'city wi'Cerberus?"

Cerberus's eyes are staying on Rosie, "I'd be honored to escort the summer lord's consort."

Shateishael raises an eyebrow at that, unconsciously folding his arms. Must be one of Gaelach's, then. Rosenstern studies Cerberus for a few moments, then smiles quietly and ducks his head. "The honor would be ours, Cerberus. Thank you."

Bella stands up and wraps her arms around Rosie from behind, looking the sidhe square in the face, "My. Things are starting to get all official-like."

Shateishael hms. Then again... the guy may be one of Gaelach's, but he's telling the truth -- he does see it as an honor to be sent to escort Rosie. Apparently he's also aware Slate can sense lies. The big Seraph frowns silently. What, he's not good enough for Rosie any more according to the sidhe? He growls quietly, "Yeah," and turns away to yank on some clothes.

Cerberus watches Slate carefully, then asks, "Have I given offense in some way, Warrior?"

Shateishael glances over his shoulder at the fae, then rumbles, "No, don' think you have. Jus' won'drin' why alla sudden we're gettin' all 'fficial-like... like Bellisima said." He glances thoughtfully at Bella, wondering what she just read. He'll ask later.

Cerberus' smile widens slightly, but it's not amusement so much as a placating expression, "I believe it was meant as a gesture of inclusion, actually. Until now you have been guests. Now you are almost considered full members of the court."

Shateishael raises an eyebrow, "Alla y'all allus escortin' ev'ry member a'th' fae 'roun'? Ain't been whut I seen." He tilts his head thoughtfully, "'R I jus' missin' sumpin'?"

Cerberus shakes his head, "No, it's not normal. But I was also told you wanted to speak with someone who you might be able to connect with at the Winter Court."

Shateishael nods slowly, finally remembering where he's heard of Cerberus before -- the slightly 'slow' sidhe that doesn't change much. "Gotcha. Well, le's go wander 'roun' some, 'n we c'n talk."

Rosenstern tilts his head to the side and says as innocently as he can, "Out of curiosity, who told you?" as he pulls on a tee shirt and sandals. Shateishael sighs quietly -- he supposes he's going to have to get used to Soma getting excited and trying to do stuff with Rosie, and forgetting Slate and Bellisima are part of the emotional package as well. He settles to lace on his hiking boots, listening silently.

Cerberus looks at Rosie, "Who told me which part? Bacchus mentioned that you'd wanted to talk to someone about the winter court. And Ymir mentioned that the Warrior had offered us training. I was hoping to negotiate that as well." Rosenstern nods, considering. He can always check with Bacchus later -- thanking him for sending Cerberus around -- and if Bacchus claims ignorance, well, that'll make things interesting, won't it? In the meantime he has confidence in Slate.

Shateishael rumbles quietly, "Unarmed 'r swordwork?"

Cerberus says, "Swordwork. I am competent at hand-to-hand." He is not quite hovering over the Celestials.

Shateishael finds himself not quite bristling, and he amusedly reflects it's a good thing he doesn't have a tail -- it'd be switching irritatedly back and forth right now! He doesn't like being hovered over, so he rises abruptly, straightening to his full height and stepping slightly between his lovers and this strange fae. Cerberus takes a half-step back when Slate does that, looking levelly at the big angel again, "I still feel I am somehow giving offense."

Shateishael nods quietly, "Don' know ya yet. Sorry." He adds quietly, "Y'do know there're plen'y others here, prolly lot better wi'a sword'n me, yeah?" He's a bit perplexed -- it was the unarmed martial arts he'd apparently been good enough at that the Jotunsens were interested in training with him. Who is this guy?!

Cerberus says, "There are, but it seems you have a style unusual among us. It is good to have knowledge your opponents do not." He bows to the three angels, "I will meet you in front of the pavilion. It will give you a chance to dress and decide if you trust me." With that he slips quietly out of the tent.

Shateishael silently watches the Ethereal leave, then looks back at the others. He sighs, running his hands frustratedly through his hair, making a horrible mess of the shaggy gold mane, "Got th'feelin' I'm bein' rude, but he makes me feel real wyrded f'some reason. How's he know I gotta strange sword style? Ain't done anythin' but kata s'far. Why's he actin' like Bellisima 'n I don' count? Why'd Soma send him t' 'scort Rosie -- there sumpin' we don' know?" He frowns, adding, "'N th'moth wings... he one a' Gaelach's, 'r whut?"

Rosenstern says dryly after Cerberus leaves, "Trust is proven; it's not something that you just decide to give." He shakes his head a little. "Well, he's on the level. He considers himself superior to angels a bit, but isn't bitter about it. He thinks of himself as an artist -- possibly the other reason he likes the body painting. The names 'Cerberus' and 'Acherontia' seem to be kind of blended together for him. Maybe it's another name he's known by."

Shateishael raises an eyebrow, "Considers himself s'perior t'angels? Gotta be one a' that li'l snot's boys, then."

Bella smiles slightly, "If he was one of Gaelach's he'd be bitter about it, I think. Of course, I could be wrong," she adds.

Shateishael says, "Well if'n he's th' slightly slow one we wuz warned 'bout earlier, c'd see how he'd not be bitter." He adds thoughtfully, "Takin' th'name a' th'three headed dog guardin' hell seems kinda... wyrd t'me too..."

Bella shrugs, "He sounds like he's a guardian. It would make sense to name himself after a famous guardian. There aren't a lot of them."

Shateishael says, "Yeah, but guardians a' hell?"

Bella shrugs again, "Hell wasn't really a bad place to the Greeks. It was where you went, mostly."

Shateishael says, "I mean, Cerebus is s'pposedta be standin' guard by th'river Acheron, by th'gates a'hell. An' it was a dead, gray, hopeless place, as I r'call? Acheron wuz th'river a' woe, 'm thinkin'." He thinks, "'N Charon's th'ferry man that takes th'dead 'cross th'river, if'n they've gotta coin on 'em."

Bella mmms, "You might be right, but wasn't that just the doorway into the whole place?"

Shateishael rumbles slowly, "Yeah... think so. Th'dog wuz a monster too... din' it have a dragon's tail, three dog heads, lion's claws... 'n I think a snake mane too, wuzn't it?" He adds quietly, "Whut'd y'see when y'looked at 'im, Bellisima?"

Bella laughs, "I'm not that good at mythology. I remember three heads and guarded the underworld. They didn't believe in Heaven and Hell, they believed in one place everyone went with different sections." She looks sheepish, "Not a damn thing. I think I'm still a little sense-drunk."

Shateishael nods and sighs quietly, "'Kay." He looks inquiringly at Rosenstern.

Rosenstern says, "I already said what I saw when I looked at him. We should be a little wary, in case he's one of Gaelach's. But he might also be just what he says and looks to be: a bit acerbic and a bit abrasive."

Shateishael smiles ruefully, "'Kay." He's silent a moment... then sighs and shrugs again, "Well, we'll be 'mong th'humans. Doubt he'll do much t'stan' out 'roun' them, yeah?" Without much enthusiasm he rumbles, "So... guess we sh'd go." He glances at Rosenstern, adding, "So whut're alla these ceremonies 'n stuff that're s'pposeta happen t'morra night?" Bella pulls on sweatshorts under Slate's shirt, tying the shirt itself into a knot under her breasts. Shateishael tilts his head, smiling faintly as Bella distracts him.

Rosenstern says, "Mm, there are a number of different ones. Handfastings, the making of oaths, the completion of oaths, contracts finalized." He smiles. "Also something that they call 'becoming,' when young sidhe get their wings. I think it's an acknowledgement ceremony but the actual fledging is in private."

Shateishael rumbles absently, "Soma tell y' alla this?"

Bella smiles quietly, "I didn't realize they had weddings, really."

Shateishael says, "Don' think handfastin's th'same as marriage, is it?"

Rosenstern nods, "Yes, he did. Sometimes the handfastings are two people, sometimes more, I think. But it's not the same as a marriage, no."

Bella smiles, "Well, the human pagans use it sort of the same. Sort of a wedding without the legal bells and whistles."

Shateishael sighs quietly, "Wonder why he din' bother tellin' us 'bout th' b'comin' 'n stuff." He snaps water bottles onto his belt, then holds the tent flap open for his beloveds.

Bella ducks out of the tent, "Probably the same reason he forgot to mention the whole acknowledgement thing. Rosie stole his brain for three days and then he found himself supercharged and that distracted him."

Shateishael grins at Rosenstern as the Mercurian leaves the tent, "Hear he din' leave his tent 'tall!" He chuckles, "'N I thoughtcha were distractin'... he's got me beat on that'n!"

Rosenstern says gently, "Besides, 'becoming' seems to be one part ceremony and two parts private thing. Do you talk a lot about when you fledged from a Reliever, or when David first made you?" He is, however, blushing, and trying to divert attention from himself!

Shateishael says, "Nope, but 'at's cuz no one's as't." He looks curious, "How'd y'learn s'much 'bout it, Rosebud?"

Rosenstern says, "I met a fledgling: Iris. He -- erm, I think he -- or she... went to ask Soma for permission to 'become.'"

Shateishael looks interested, "Whut'sit look like? Soma let it innerupt y'all's lovin' time?"

Bella looks thoughtful, "I think... aren't the little green guys baby sidhe?"

Shateishael says, "The ones wi'dragonfly wings?" He looks at Rosenstern, "They like babies, then -- jus' fly in wi'out thinkin'?"

Rosenstern says, "No, not at all, I met him-" He breaks off, blinking a bit. "Oh. I met him while going to the pavilion. Soma had gone on ahead because a leprechaun and a clurichaun had woken us up with a loud disagreement that they needed resolved. I got changed and followed after a few minutes later, which is when I met Iris."

Shateishael is grinning teasingly as he listens to Rosie, but he loses the grin and his eyes widen slightly as the Mercurian speaks. He goes quite still for several seconds... then rumbles quietly, "I... see..."

Bella blinks, glancing at Slate with concern, "What's wrong, lover?"

Shateishael draws a slow breath, then rumbles carefully, "Not... sure yet, sweetheart. Think mebbe I needta talk t'Soma at some point, though."

The Bright arches a brow, "About what?" She slips her arm through Rosie's arm, petting the Mercurian's wrist.

Shateishael rumbles quietly to Bella, "Promises," and paces thoughtfully after his lovers. After a moment he simply sighs and shakes his head, then more cheerfully asks, "So whut happened wi'th'leprechaun, th'fledglin', 'n th'chlurichaun?"

Rosenstern says, "Well, Iris is going to fledge -- apparently they don't consciously choose what colors their wings are. Iris asked for blue wings, and Soma said that that is up to Iris -- and the leprechaun and churichaun had their disagreement resolved."

Shateishael says, "Who were they? Anyone we know? Whut were they dis'greein' on?" He's silent a moment, then muses a touch worriedly, "Sure hope we'll be good dipl'mats..."

Bella squeezes Rosie's arm gently and smiles, "Rosie will be, I'm sure. You'll be a fantastic champion."

Rosenstern shakes his head and says simply, "I can't say. I promised not to. I was present to witness the judgment, and so I can't repeat any of the details. It's a private matter between them." He lets out a breath. "About all I'd say is misunderstandings suck." Shateishael stops and draws in his breath slowly again, his sharp -- and slightly incredulous -- gaze going to Rosenstern for a heartbeat... then he determinedly returns to pacing along with his beloveds. Rosenstern looks up at Slate. "What?"

Bella smirks slightly, "Yeah. They really, really do." As the three angels round the pavilion they see not only Cerberus but Soma speaking together, the Summer Lord looking serious and the moth-winged fae looking... well... blank, mostly.

Shateishael frowns, his gaze on the two Ethereals as he gently runs a hand down Rosie's back. He rumbles quietly, "Nuthin' f'you t'worry 'bout, pretty Rose. Jus' wanna talk t'Soma at some point." He adds a touch dryly, "'Bout misunderstandin's."

Before they get completely around to the two sidhe, Ayra trots up, grinning, "Rosie! I have a present for you! Mother sent it back with me when I went to tell her about incipient saplings. Or, well, sapling."

Shateishael laughs quietly, then rumbles cheerfully, "Blessin's on ya both, Miz Ayra."

The dryad grins at Slate, eyes shining, "She also asked me to send her regards to you and Bella."

Shateishael grins, bowing his head in courteous reply, "Y'r lovely mom's too kin', ma'am."

Rosenstern blinks and blushes, smiling to Ayra shyly. "You didn't have to, Ayra, you or your Mother... but thank you to the both of you."

Shateishael gently nudges Rosenstern, "Why'n'tcha go wi'Miz Ayra, see th'present, pretty flow'r?" Rosenstern nods cheerfully to Slate, giving him and Bella a warm, tight hug, before going with Ayra.

The dryad draws Rosenstern off toward her tent, urging him inside where she presents him with a delicate little bonsai trimmed to resemble a weeping willow. Around the roots of the diminutive tree are tiny blue flowers. The fecund Ethereal smiles, "She wanted to give you a reminder of her place."

Shateishael watches Rosenstern scamper off with Ayra, then sighs quietly, smiling as he looks back at Bella, "'S it jus' me, 'r is he darned cute?"

Bella smiles and takes Slate's hand, "It's not just you."

Shateishael chuckles, raising Bella's hand to lightly brush his lips against the back of her hand... then he rumbles, "I need t'talk t'Soma 'bout sumpin' bit serious, pretty lady. Y'wanna come 'long, 'r go have a nice time som'eres else 'n I'll join ya later?"

Bella chuckles softly, "I'll go with you in case there's need of an interpreter."

Shateishael grins ruefully, "Thanks, beautiful." He looks up, then sighs, "Well, no time like th' present. Le's go." He paces over quietly towards Soma, still holding Bella's hand. The Bright follows along, smiling quietly.

Cerberus nods to something Soma says and then inclines his head toward the Bright and the Seraph, saying, "I have a message to deliver. It will only be a moment." He paces off into the camp, in the general direction of the forge.

Shateishael glances after the moth-winged fae, then back at Soma, "Um... we din' innerupt anythin', did we?"

Soma smiles and shakes his head, "No, indeed. I had just finished asking a favor of Cerberus." The blue-skinned fae holds his arms out in his normal inclusive greeting, "I am glad to see you before I am drawn back into preparations for the morrow."

Shateishael hugs Soma gently, then steps aside so Bella can hug the fae also. Bella hugs Soma and smiles up at him, "It sounds like the next couple of days are busy." The Summer Lord laughs and nods, "Very, very busy. My mind is overfull and thoughts are tumbling like leaves in a river."

Shateishael rumbles thoughtfully, "Wuz gonna ask t'talk t'ya, but... is now bad time?"

Soma shakes his head, examining Slate's face, "Not if it's an important matter."

Shateishael frowns thoughtfully, looking after Cerberus, "Well... we wuz wondrin' who Cerberus is...? He someone Bacchus mighta sent t'us?"

Soma follows Slate's gaze and nods, "He may have, yes. What did he say he was sent for?"

Shateishael looks back at Soma, rumbling half amusedly, "Said he wuz sent t' 'scort th' Summer King's consort."

Bella wrinkles her brow, "Actually, he just said it would be an honor to escort the Summer King's consort. I got the feeling he was sent to escort us all."

Shateishael says, "Mm, true. Said it b'hooved a guard t'know those he wuz s'pposta be guardin'." He folds his arms and continues, "Glad you got that feelin', Bellisima. I sure din'."

Soma's brows go up slightly, "I can't think why you would need an escort, other than a purely friendly gesture. But he is one of our guards. On the night of the ceremonies he's part of my personal bodyguard, though it's purely a ceremonial post."

Shateishael tilts his head thoughtfully at Soma again, "'Kay. So... he one a' Gaelach's, 'r whut? 'N wouldn' a frien'ly gesture include lettin' us know 'head a' time?" He adds almost apologetically, "Sorry if'n we're bein' spooky, but th'guy feels li'l strange... 'n I don' wanna let Gaelach anywhere near Rosie if'n we c'n help it." He smiles, "Like th' li'l flow'r said, misunnerstan'in's suck."

Soma shakes his head, smiling, "He's not one of Gaelach's flunkies as far as I know. I'll find Bacchus and ask if he meant for Cerberus to actually escort you or if he sent him because he changes so little between courts."

Shateishael rumbles, "Th' latter's whut we as't for. D'ya s'ppose Cerberus din' unnerstan' whut we really wan'ed t'meet 'im for?"

Soma admits, "It's possible. He's by no means an imbecile, but sometimes an overabundance of information gets tangled in his mind."

Shateishael covers a smile, then nods gravely, "Guess it c'n be easy t' f'get when y'get 'xcited 'bout stuff, yeah?"

Soma's smile turns somewhat wry, "Indeed, as evidenced by my forgetfulness about the night of ceremonies. I think I had assumed you knew of them through Rosenstern or perhaps the other members of the court."

Shateishael thinks about that for a while... then nods, "Yeah, did hear bit more 'bout it from Rosie jus' now." He studies Soma steadily, "He wuz tellin' me 'bout meetin' one a' y'all's fledglin's... while he wuz walkin' alone t'th'pavilion t' meetcha... durin' th'time I lef' him wit'cha." His demeanor is quietly thoughtful as he watches Soma, curious as to the fae lord's reaction.

Soma blinks once, twice, and again at Slate's emphasis, trying to sift through why the Seraph seems displeased, "Yes, he met Iris, who seems rather fond of Rosenstern. I think he's asked me half a hundred times if the 'pretty-flower-angel' will be at the ceremonies." After a moment the emphasis sinks in and his eyes widen, "Oh... oh, no. I erred again, didn't I?"

Shateishael rumbles gently, "Didja jus' f'get?"

Soma sighs and nods, "I'm afraid I did, Warrior. We had been somewhat caught up together and then there was an unpleasant situation with my cousin, followed quickly by the appearance of a pair of my courtiers that needed a dispute resolved. I offered Rosenstern the chance to wait for me or to join us in the pavilion for the hearing. That, I believe, is where the forgetfulness came in." The Summer Lord continues, "I meant it when I said Rosie's duties as consort, if he continues to wish to be consort and you trust me enough to allow it, are only as much or as little as he wishes. I did not wish to force him to deal with the pettiness of the dispute if he did not wish."

Shateishael tilts his head thoughtfully -- his Resonance is cueing him strongly, and he knows not just that Soma is speaking truth as the fae believes it, but also what the Truth is, "But... if'n you wan'ed that, howcum he cain't talk 'bout it now t'us?" He dryly adds, "Don' mean t'be rude, but Bellisima 'n I are his lovers too, y'know?" Equally dryly he adds, "'N you a' all folks sh'd know he cain't hardly say no t' his b'loveds."

Soma nods, "This may seem an odd thing to say, knowing that we share so much among ourselves, but judgments and bindings are most often private. To judge or bind someone in public is... humiliating. We are prideful people." The lanky Ethereal is relaxed in his stance, eyes on Slate's face as if he wants to be certain the big angel knows he isn't attempting to hide anything.

Shateishael rumbles quietly, "Not askin' f'that, man. Askin' why y' as't Rosie t' watch, when y'knew it'd mean he'd hafta keep secrets from his lovers."

Soma blinks, processing the question before saying simply, "Among us, keeping the confidence of a judgment is not considered as keeping a secret. It is an honor and a duty."

Shateishael draws a quiet breath, carefully reminding himself he's a guest here. He draws another breath, thinking for a bit and listening. Bella tilts her head, forehead wrinkling, "So... it's like being a confessor, sort of? They tell the crappy things they've done to someone and get... what, absolution?"

Soma shakes his head, smiling at Bella, "The only person that can absolve you of a sin is the one sinned against. And yourself." He looks to Slate, still solemn, "It is easy to forget that you don't know our ways yet, the way of our community. You have accepted it so easily and my people have opened their arms to you so eagerly that we forget you have not always been among us." Shateishael nods silently to Soma, still listening. The Summer Lord takes a deep breath, "I did not mean to ask him to deceive you. I would not ask him to keep something dangerous from you. It was a misunderstanding between cousins who truly love one another. It would be for them to share."

Shateishael nods again, rumbling, "Not innerested in buttin' in on their business -- 's okay. Jus'... real uncomfy wi'findin' out alla sudden, one a'mos' right on toppa t'other, that'cha were a'ready plannin' a coronation ceremony, 'n Rosie got left 'lone after y'promised not ta, 'n now he's s'pposta be keepin' a secret from us." He falls silent again, watching Soma still.

Soma nods quietly, "There have been a lot of stumbling blocks." Shateishael nods silently again, continuing to watch Soma. Soma watches Slate in return for a moment, "I can only say I will do my best to adjust my thinking in future and express my chagrin that my emotions seem to be flooding my intelligence."

Shateishael nods quietly, "Thanks. 'At's all I really wan'ed. Don' wanna see Rosie hurt... includin' from us arguin' as much as from us possibly bein' careless wi'him."

Soma's eyes flare into brightness for a moment, perhaps simply at the thought of Rosenstern, "I couldn't agree more, Friend. I believe if you continue asking questions, we shall eventually reach a place that these misunderstandings will happen less."

Shateishael smiles a touch ruefully, rubbing the back of his head, "Um, yeah... good, glad y'don' min' that, cuz don' think I c'n stop bein' curious..."

Bella smiles and leans her head on Slate's shoulder, "Hey, I'm here because you were nosy... I mean curious. Even if you were a stupid son of a bitch."

Soma looks perplexed again, since Bella's last words hold true affection, though they sound insulting. Shateishael chuckles quietly, sliding an arm gently about Bella's waist, "Yeah, well... y'seem t've f'given me f'that." He cheerfully adds, "'Sides, though I was th' stupidest, not jus' any ole stupid!"

Soma chuckles, "I think I shall have to ask for an explanation of that in the future."

Bella smiles, eyes twinkling, "I'm sure we'll have time to tell you all our stories, Soma."

Shateishael looks around, wondering if Rosie will turn up again, and rumbles wryly to Soma, "So... Cerberus gonna take 'ffense if'n it takes whiles f' us t'warm up t'him?"

Soma shakes his head, "No, no. I have very rarely seen him riled or offended. It is part of why he changes so little. There is not much of a darker side to him."

Shateishael nods silently, reassured.... then rumbles slowly, "So... if'n we d'cide th'darkness we see wi'in ourselves is too much, we c'n jus' step back outside th'glamour, right?"

Elsewhere, Ayra eventually finishes with Rosie's gifts and kisses him on the cheek, "Go on back to Slate and Bella. I have things I have to do to get ready for tomorrow." Rosenstern smiles and blushes at Ayra's kiss, hugging her back warmly and thanking her before heading back to Bella and Slate, carrying the packages in his arms. Shateishael grins affectionately at the laden Mercurian when he re-appears, gently ruffling Rosie's hair. Rosenstern smiles up to Slate, rubbing against the big Seraph a little since his arms are full. "All going well?" he asks.

Shateishael chuckles, "Yep. Looks like Cerberus's jus'... 'nthusiastic. Y'wanna han' wi' all that, pretty flow'r?"

Rosenstern ohs! "Yes, please!"

Soma smiles at the affection between the two, "I hope to see all of you before things get truly hectic tomorrow." He reaches out to touch the side of Rosie's face, "Have a lovely day." With some show of reluctance, he takes a step or two back and then turns to move off.

Shateishael gently relieves Rosie of his packages, tucking them carefully under one arm, "Le's go drop these off at th'tent, 'kay? 'N then we c'n catch up wi'Cerberus 'n go walkin' inna City." He glances at Soma, then murmurs softly to Rosenstern, "Wanna invite 'im t' c'mon 'long if'n he ain't too busy, sweetheart?"

Rosenstern nods enthusiastically. "Yes to both, if you want, love?"

Shateishael chuckles, "Go 'head then, lover, 'n le's head f'th' tent." He starts walking that way with Bella, giving Rosenstern a moment (relatively) alone with Soma.

Rosenstern smiles, blushing a bit, to Soma. "If you have time today, my Lord, do you want to walk with us?"

Soma smiles down at Rosie, wrapping his arms around the angel and brushing his cheek over the top of Rosie's head, "Would that I could, but today is going to be busy. After moonrise perhaps? I'll have respite then before the flurry of the ceremonies."

Bella takes a couple of the packages to carry, just so she doesn't feel left out. Shateishael grins at Bella, teasing gently, "'Kay, if'n you carry alla th'packages, that mean I should carry you?"

Bella wrinkles her nose at Slate, "You just like carrying me around, I think."

Shateishael gets a mock-hurt look, "That a problem?"

Bella asks, "Did I say it was a problem?" She ducks back into the tent with what she's carrying, tucking things away into one of the bags.

Shateishael grins lazily and humming as he watches Bella moving around in the shorts and tied-off, oversized T-shirt. Softly he sings,

"Sugar magnolia, blossoms blooming, heads all empty and I don't care,
Saw my baby down by the river, knew she'd have to come up soon for air.
Sweet blossom, come on, under the willow we can have high times if you'll abide,
We can discover the wonders of nature, rolling in the rushes down by the riverside!

She's got everything delightful, she's got everything I need,
Takes the wheel when I'm seeing double, pays my ticket when I speed.
She comes skimmin' through rays of violet, she can wade in a drop of dew,
She don't come and I don't follow, waits backstage while I sing to you! "

Bella laughs quietly and hugs Slate, kissing his cheek, "Mmm. Gotta love the Dead." She hooks her hand in his waistband to drag him back out toward where they left Soma and Rosenstern.

Shateishael grins, sliding an arm easily about Bella's waist and happily continuing to sing softly to her,

"Well, she can dance a Cajun rhythm, jump like a willy in four wheel drive,
She's a summer love for spring, fall, and winter; she can make happy any man alive.
Sugar magnolia, ringing that bluebell; caught up in sunlight, come on out singing
I'll walk you in the sunshine; come on honey, come along with me.

She's got everything delightful, she's got everything I need,
A breeze in the pines, and the sun and bright moonlight, lazing in the sunshine, yes indeed.
Sometimes when the cuckoo's crying, when the moon is half way down,
Sometimes when the night is dying, I take me out and I wander around, I wander round..."

Bella is grinning as Slate sings to her, humming along -- the song is apparently familiar to the Bright. As she and the big Seraph approach the Summer Lord and the Mercurian, Cerberus returns from where he had been. Slate waves at Soma and Rosie, cheerfully finishing off the song to Bella,

"Sunshine, daydream; walking in the tall trees, going where the wind goes
Blooming like a red rose, breathing more freely,
Ride our singing; I'll walk you in the morning sunshine
Sunshine, daydream; sunshine, daydream; walking in the sunshine! "

Rosenstern smiles, hugging Soma back warmly and nestling into his arms. "I understand. Moonrise it is, then!"

Shateishael gives Rosie an inquiring look, then nods as he overhears. He looks at Cerberus, rumbling calmly, "We wuz thinkin' a' roamin' 'roun' 'n watchin' th'mortals some. Yer welcome t' 'ccompany us if'n y' wanna."

Cerberus nods his head once, "I would be honored."

Soma hugs Rosenstern tightly one last time, leaning down to whisper close to his ear, "Enjoy your day among the mortals, little love. They are a precious thing."

Rosenstern nods closing his eyes and brushing his lips against Soma's cheek. "Yes... yes, they are."

Shateishael smiles and waves as Soma leaves, "Later, dude." He waits until Rosie's ready before heading relaxedly towards Black Rock City with the other three, rumbling, "So, y'all got anyplace in p'ticlar y'wanna visit?"

Rosenstern gives Soma one last nuzzle before walking with Slate, beginning to lean lightly against the Seraph, rubbing his side against Slate's thigh. "I think at least a once-around the fae encampment? Just to see how people are doing?"

Shateishael chuckles, sliding his other arm about Rosie's waist as well, rumbling amusedly, "'At's fine... but'cha keep doin' that 'gainst me, we're gonna be stoppin' at th'tent 'gain, li'l irresistible!"

Cerberus falls in step on the other side of Bella, making the group quite a broad phalanx of bodies, "You will find very few of the fae or their companions abroad this day."

Shateishael looks curiously at Cerberus, "Companions?"

Rosenstern giggles softly, snuggled against Slate and not stopping. "Keep doing what?" he asks innocently. He nods to Cerberus. "Are they all wandering the City as well?

Shateishael blinks at what Rosenstern's doing... then grins ruefully, wondering if the slight Mercurian realizes just how delightfully exciting he is. Affectionately he rumbles, "Silly flow'r," then looks at Cerberus for a reply to his curious query.

Cerberus shakes his head, "Nay, they shall most likely be sequestered in preparation. The ones that are to Become will be preparing in meditation. Those to be joined will be preparing their gifts for one another. Many will be making final farewells before crossing back to the lands across the veil for another year."

Shateishael says, "So by companions y'jus' mean those that are gonna B'come?"

The moth-fledged sidhe shakes his head, "Again, nay. The word fae truly only belongs to those of us who are from the lands of the Celts. The rest have different names. They are our companions."

Rosenstern thinks, Oh, the superiority bit. Shateishael raises an eyebrow, wondering if the Ethereal 'companions' from other cultures find that a bit... belittling. He politely says nothing, though, not wanting to cause problems. Instead he rumbles, "Well, might's well head on out int' th' City then, yeah?" He heads that way, adding casually, "So, Cerberus, y'been t'lotta Winter Courts?" Rosenstern doesn't call attention to it either, at least yet, and remains solidly by Slate's side.

Cerberus puts his hands behind his back, holding one wrist with the other hand, "Aye. I have. Not precisely me, but there is much less difference between me and my brother-self than for many others. Arawn looks and behaves much like myself and we share our memories much more clearly than most."

Shateishael says, "Arawn? Huh... whut kindsa memories y'got, if'n y'don' min' our askin'?"

Cerberus shrugs as if his answer one way or another means little to him, "Just memories. I know things the other-selves of my fellow fae have done that they would not wish to remember themselves. I remember the things they wish most to forget."

Rosenstern thinks to himself that that sounds vaguely... well, all right, not vaguely at all, but most definitely creepy. Shateishael gives Cerberus a very thoughtful glance, "Mus' make it bit awkward f'ya 'roun' them later?"

Another shrug. "There are many reasons I prefer the company of the humans to those of my fellows. They have the capacity to hide things from themselves, but they always remember sooner or later. They haven't the luxury of a mind created to deceive itself as completely."

Shateishael blinks startledly at the moth-winged fae, then rumbles, "In't that kinda... bit harsh on y'r c'mpanions?"

Cerberus stops just short of the border between the Ethereal encampment and the larger City. He seems unfazed and unconcerned, "Truth can be harsh."

Shateishael studies the Ethereal fascinatedly, "Y'so sure y'allus got th'whole Truth, then?"

Cerberus smiles, "No one has the Truth all the time, Warrior. Anyone that believes they do deceives themselves more surely than anyone else ever could."

Rosenstern manages to keep from coughing himself silly -- Cerberus has obviously never met a Seraph before -- painfully obviously. He wonders if Cerberus was actually in the Holocaust. Shateishael smiles faintly, still studying the peculiar Ethereal, "Mm... glad t'hear it." He has to nudge his Resonance slightly with an essence to verify the Ethereal's beliefs. He's somehow strangely unsurprised to find Cerberus really, truly believes (among other things) that if the fae were more honest with themselves there would not be such a split in the Courts... as well as that the moth-winged fae doesn't actually know the Truth. He shakes his head slightly, and murmurs, "Well, we're plannin' on attendin' a Winter Court 'r few. Anythin' in p'ticlar we should look out fer?" Rosenstern is quiet, mainly because he wants to see what more Cerberus says, but also because he doesn't particularly mind if Slate gives this one the full Truth or not.

Cerberus stands for a moment, thinking, "Watch for the things you deceive yourself about. Your weaknesses will show themselves and overtake you, wrap you about and blind you to yourself."

Shateishael nods slowly, then carefully rumbles, "D'y'know whut a Seraph is? 'N how wouldja s'ggest someone'd watch f'sumpin' they're hidin' from?"

Cerberus smiles, saying in a sing-song voice, "Guardian of truth, warrior against deception, stander at the gates of worthiness. Most holy. Highest of the high. Toppler from the pedestal."

Shateishael actually comes to a halt, staring startledly at the Ethereal. "Where'd you get that from, guy?!"

Cerberus looks surprised at Slate's question, "You asked if I knew what a Seraph is. Did I speak un-Truth?"

Shateishael says, "Nah, wuz wond'rin' where y'learned it from. Y' a'mos' sang it, y'know?"

Cerberus nods, again looking mildly curious at Slate's surprise, hands still behind his back, "Aye, I did. It is a hymn of praise. Once, my people and yours were not estranged."

Shateishael studies the Ethereal silently for several heartbeats... then nods once, murmuring, "Le's keep movin'." He steps on towards the glamour, adding to the peculiar fae, "Mus' be a verse t'y'all's folk too, yeah? Whut's 'at one soun' like?"

Rosenstern curiously wonders if Cerberus was being sarcastic or facetious, and checks with his Resonance to tell. He finds he can see nothing more than he already did about Cerberus and the way the fae fits into the Symphony. However, the use of Rosie's Heavenly senses bounces off the Symphony around the three Celestials and the Ethereal. The perfect half-sphere of the glamour wavers and becomes like black glass for an instant, reflecting back the glare of the Playa sun like an enormous jewel and making the Tether sing like an enormous bell, echoing across the plain and through the Planes.

Shateishael blinks startledly again, looking around himself and rumbling, "Th' hell...?!" Rosenstern blinks, staring at the effect on the glamour, and looks like he could drop right into the sand. Shateishael adds softly and worriedly, "Fuck!" then reaches and grabs both Rosie and Bella, making sure they're completely on one side with him. Rosenstern thinks to himself then, Oh, crap... everyone from the High Heavens to the Infernal Throne must have heard that.... Shateishael winces, wondering if that disturbed the meditations of all the Ethereals, then looks around warily to see who turns up. He really hopes Lilith's busy with pretty Joe just now... Bella sways on her feet and skips back from the momentarily solid dome of the glamour, eyes huge. She looks around almost in a panic, hoping desperately no one was crossing the boundary at that instant.

Cerberus blinks slowly, reaching out to slide his fingers over the invisible barrier of the glamour once it has returned to normal, "It reacted as if fending off an attack." His eyes narrow as he examines the angels, "What have you done?"

Shateishael shakes his head bemusedly, still looking around warily, "Ain't gotta clue, dude. Bellisima, Rosebud?"

Rosenstern blinks again. "I didn't attack it at all! The Resonances of Mercurians are passive -- they aren't attacks at all."

Shateishael's startled gaze turns to Rosenstern, "Y'tried yer Resonance? But..." He looks confused -- what Rosie said about them is true, after all. He mumbles under his breath again, "Th'fuck...?!"

From all corners of the camp Ethereals pour out of tents, campers, and other shelters. There is the thunder of hooves as Ajax and Karl both gallop from their camp at the rear of the Ethereal territory. Soma comes out of the main pavilion, accompanied by Bacchus and Peony. Shateishael puts an arm about Rosenstern, calling to Soma, "S'okay, wuz jus' 'n accident!" He hesitates, then adds more quietly, "...I think..."

Rosenstern makes a tiny sound in his throat that sounds like a whimper. "I didn't mean to do anything remotely like that," he says to Slate.

Shateishael nods quietly to Rosenstern, "We know y'din' meanta, sweetheart. Le's jus' go reassure t'others, 'kay?" He'll start walking towards Soma with Rosie.

Soma's eyes are wide and he looks around with an intense alertness. Bacchus has a dagger in his hand. Cerberus looks at Rosenstern carefully and says, "I choose to believe what you say is truth. Or else it is truth as you know it. However, it may be best to not cross that boundary today. The attack may have come from without."

Shateishael calmly explains to Soma and Bacchus, "Rosie wuz jus' tryin' his Res'nance. Dunno why there wuz a reaction like 'at, though. Never seen nuthin' like it b'fore." He nods to Cerberus, starting to worry. Rosenstern is too shaken to make a comment to Slate. He holds himself still, looking stunned.

Soma nods stiffly once to Slate and looks to Bacchus, voice low and almost urgent, "Spread the sentinels along the perimeter. Arm them. Bring Karl and Ajax into the pavilion. Guard from within. I want reports on the quarter hour." He turns to the angels and Cerberus, "Cerberus, help Bacchus organize the border guardians." His face softens slightly as he sees the shell-shocked Mercurian, "Go inside. I will calm my people's fears and join you."

Rosenstern nods shakily to Soma, and looks up to Slate. Shateishael rumbles quietly to Soma, "Y'wan' me anywheres in p'ticlar?" He thinks a moment, then adds, "C'd walk p'rimeter if'n y'wan'ed. If'n Lilith noticed, might be I c'd turn her 'way...?" He's not sure about that, but he feels he should at least try.

Somhairle looks Slate in the eyes, "It were best you were with myself and my lieutenants, Warrior. There may be need of strength on the inside as well."

Shateishael nods, "'Kay." He's not sure what 'guard from within' means, but trusts the Summer King to use his strengths most effectively. He holds out a hand to Bella, to walk both his lovers into the pavilion. Then he blinks, suddenly understanding -- the Tether is within. He shudders at the thought of demons arriving via that route, and moves a bit more swiftly.

Bacchus has moved off and started sorting out people as he was told. Soma trails his fingers over Rosie's arm and speaks to the Mercurian, "Go inside, sweet petal. Stay safe with your Warrior. I must calm my people and I will join you all."

Rosenstern nods again to Soma, still looking partly shocked, partly embarrassed, and partly wishing to melt through the floor. He curls up tightly against Slate. Shateishael will, if Bella lets him, snug Rosenstern between the two of them as they walk into the pavilion -- and Bella not only allows it, but encourages it. Shateishael murmurs quietly and reassuringly to Rosenstern, "'S okay, we're wit'cha, pretty flow'r. Y'know whut happened, though? Were ya jus' tryin' y'r Resonance?"

Rosenstern nods shakily. "Y-yes, just my Resonance. It's not supposed to do that. And then suddenly... suddenly there was that awful gong sound...."

Shateishael nods, gently stroking Rosie's hair, "'S okay, sweetheart, 's okay... y'din' mean t'do it, we know. Why'ntcha settle down over here wi' Bellisima 'n cuddle bit, 'kay? I'll be nearby, 'n so will Soma soon." He smiles with quiet warmth at the shocked Mercurian, "We'll make sure ever'thin's fine, 'kay?"

Rosenstern nods, still very much almost speechless, and sits beside Bella, hugging her and shaking a little. This is by far one of the worst things to have happened to him, short of what happened in the Ratisbon gardens a few hundred years ago. Bella wraps her arms around Rosie, making little nonsense shushing sounds and stroking his hair. She's actually rocking with him a little, resting her cheek against him. Shateishael drops to one knee next to Rosie, keeping the unhappy Mercurian bracketed between them. He wants to stay close and warm until and unless he has to move.

Several long minutes later Soma returns, followed by the centaurs and Bacchus. The monarch-winged fae looks troubled, almost humming with tension. Once the doorway of the pavilion falls closed behind him, his authoritative facade falls and he allows worry to move over his face as he walks toward the Tether, speaking out loud, "The Tether tried to activate. It should not have done. Not today. Those on the other side do not have the ability or knowledge." He examines the Tether carefully for long minutes and finally steps back from it, looking puzzled but reassured, "It does not seem to be fighting to stay dormant." He looks to Bacchus, "Check with the guards and report back. Ajax, watch the doorway, please."

Shateishael looks a bit relieved, watching carefully. The Summer King settles to his knees in front of the angels, face solemn, "I fear I must ask that you stay within the dome today, my Friends. It reacted as if it were trying to be breached by a hostile being." He reaches for Rosenstern's hands, looking carefully at the little angel, "I know you would not attack me or mine, little flower. Fear not that we blame you."

Rosenstern nods, still looking like he could be clobbered with a feather, squeezing Soma's hands. "I... I know, my Lord, I just... I don't know what happened, just that... it was something I did." Shateishael smiles at Soma, grateful the Ethereal is taking such efforts to calm poor Rosie. He muses internally... if Lilith heard and wasn't busy, is she likely to come walking by perhaps? Sort of casually nosing about to see who's intruding on her space? He'll have to ask Bella later.

Soma nods once; kisses the tips of Rosenstern's fingers, "We will continue to be watchful. Mayhap a trap has been laid that was waiting for just the right touch to trigger it. I say again, fear not."

Shateishael murmurs quietly, "Might be th'dome saved ya from sumpin', sweet blossom, 'n not s'much 'atcha did sumpin' t' it, too."

Rosenstern makes a quiet sound. "I'm not sure. I'll have to ask someone about this. It... it just doesn't normally happen..."

Shateishael strokes Rosie's hair gently, not getting in Bella's way, "Later, sweetheart. F'now, jus' relax, 'kay?" He looks at Soma, adding, "Gotta ask, guy... sumpin' comes down th'Tether, c'n I use steel 'r not? Sumpin' hostile, I mean?"

Soma thinks for a long moment and Karl breaks in, "Maybe best you got the sword I made, Smith. Steel may not be safe in close quarters here."

Shateishael nods to Karl, "Good point. Right back." He rises, darting swiftly out of the pavilion. He takes a long, careful look outside the dome as he trots towards his tent. Fortunately it appears to have cleared again. Slate shakes his head, quite confused.

The Ethereals have mostly gone back to their tents with the exception of the border guards and a few stragglers here and there, standing close together and speaking in hushed voices. Bella sits in the pavilion with her arms around her knees. Rosenstern is still holding himself beside Bella; he is increasingly less shocked-looking but still uncomfortable. Bella reaches over with one hand to strokes Rosie's back, eyes closing as she leans close, whispering, "I think you may have gotten someone's attention, sugar."

Rosenstern shivers, biting his lip. "I think so too," he murmurs. "The sound... you could hear it from the High Heavens to the Lowest Throne..."

Bella keeps her voice low, "I don't think it was anyone friendly, either." Soma shakes his head, face serious as he agree, "The dome would not have crystallized for someone that meant none of us harm." Rosenstern winces a little and nods, sinking a bit more into himself. That wasn't supposed to have happened...

Shateishael returns swiftly, the sword and scabbard in hand. He belts it on and ties the end off, then settles back on the other side of Rosenstern, going back to gently stroking Rosie's hair and staying out of Bella's way as she comforts the shaken Mercurian as well. He murmurs quietly, "Din' look like no one wuz innerested outside." He smiles quietly at Rosenstern, then adds, "Folks seem t'be handlin' it 'kay too."

Soma leans in, ducking his head to try and look Rosie in the eyes, "Flowerkin, my sweet, you hold no blame here. We know we are being watched."

Shateishael rumbles thoughtfully to the Ethereal, "Whut's y'r timetable on this, Soma? How long y'all stay on high alert in sit'chayshuns like this'n?"

Soma glances to Slate, "At least two hours." The Summer Lord then admits, "We will likely stay on slightly heightened alert until after the Burn."

Shateishael nods relaxedly, although his gaze is quite alert, "'At's fine. Jus' checkin' how long we'll be." He settles into a cross-legged position next to Rosenstern, glances to be sure both he and Bella are all right... then slides easily into meditation.

Rosenstern says softly, "I know, but... even so...."

Soma says, "Even so what, Rose of Heaven?"

Rosenstern shakes his head. "I... don't know. I can't even start blaming myself if I don't know what happened."

Shateishael rumbles calmly, without opening his eyes, "No point in blamin' y'se'f, sweet rose. Y'did sumpin' 'at's never provoked 'ttack b'fore. Din' have no reason t'believe it'd be otherwise this time neither."

Soma sits back, hands folded in his lap, "We may want to check on the other side of the Tether."

Shateishael nods to Soma, "Happy t'go wi'some others, if'n y'wan' me to."

Soma nods slowly, "It may be a good idea if someone less... martial... did the actual scouting." Shateishael nods again, going back to meditating. That counts him out, from the sound of it. Soma says carefully, "I don't want to forbid you things, Friends, but I wish to ask if you will stay inside the dome."

Shateishael opens his eyes to curiously study Soma, "Y'a'ready as't us that, Soma. Far's I know, we've all a'ready 'greed t'stay too."

Soma takes a deep breath, "I know, but I want to make sure of that." He starts to stand, "I'm going to ask for volunteers to check across the Tether." Shateishael nods silently. He feels a bit grumpy -- he'd rather be doing something actively useful, rather than just sitting and waiting for a call for help -- but he's the guest here, and he'll assume Soma knows best on this particular situation. Soma hesitates again, "Slate, I think you may best be of use on the border."

Shateishael opens his eyes and looks up at Soma from where he's sitting, "Which 'un?"

Soma says, "The outside one. You may recognize some threats more quickly than my guards."

Shateishael nods, rising smoothly to one knee so he can give Bella and Rosie a shared hug and a kiss each, "Y'all take care a' each other now, 'kay?"

Soma reaches out to stop Slate, "I would ask to take Rosenstern with me to the Marches as well."

Shateishael raises an eyebrow at Soma, "Uh, no. Y'jus' said we sh'd stay inna dome. Don' wan' us all d'vided up neither. 'Least, not 'cross th'planes." He thinks a bit, studying Bella and Rosie, then adds, "Why cain't all three a' us walk th'border? We c'd cover more visual terrain 'at way too?" Rosenstern perks up a little and nods firmly, looking like he's getting some determination back in place of the despondence.

Soma thinks on that, "It does make sense. I will take some of the less offensive guards across the Tether."

Shateishael raises the other eyebrow at that comment from Soma... but says nothing, figuring the poor guy's probably having a bad day currently. Bella stands and nods, "I think we can see on a plane none of your people can, as well."

Bacchus enters the pavilion just as the Celestials are readying themselves to leave. He says in a no-nonsense tone, "Guards are patrolling. Ajax is organizing the north side, Karl the south. We have some people wanting to cross over into the human half of the City."

Soma takes another deep breath, "No. No crossing the border. I do not like absolutes, but this one I must have." Bacchus nods and starts to leave, but pauses as Soma calls his name, "Bring Alain and Shale. They can seem less martial than many on the face of things." The satyr nods and ducks back out.

Shateishael rumbles quietly, "Rosie, y'r better at noticin' thin's than I am. Wanna fly C'lestial wi'us, so's we don' miss nuthin'?" Rosenstern nods to Slate, closing his eyes and taking a breath before Singing quietly, his corporeal Vessel shimmering and fading and replaced by his Celestial form, his halo garlanded with roses, a rose vine karada abut him, and pinkish tips to his wing-feathers. Shateishael smiles at the beautiful little changes in the pretty Mercurian's Celestial form... then he looks at Soma, "Ready t'go when y'wan' us to."

Bella looks closely at where Rosie was, and then the Bright smiles at the new addition to Rosie's Celestial form. She murmurs, "You ought to have a look at Rosie if you can, Slate-my-love."

Shateishael hmms? then looks again more carefully at the Celestial. He rumbles to Bella, "Whut'm I lookin' for? Noticed th'karada...?"

Soma looks wistful, "I wish I could see beyond this plane."

Shateishael wonders if the multicolored strands of hair shift over to the Celestial form as well. He resists the urge to reach for Rosie, since that wouldn't help any while the big Seraph is still Corporeal. At Soma's comment he chuckles quietly, "Y'do, Summer Lord... y'see th'Marches, 'n y'see through glamour."

Soma laughs quietly and shakes his head, "It is not the same." Bacchus returns with a sidhe with simple brown moth wings and Shale the dwarf. After a short consultation, Soma prepares to activate the Tether.

Bella smiles, "The wings."

Shateishael smiles in quiet pleasure, noticing the plait that's the symbol of their bonding is still there. At Bella's words he gets a thoughtful look, studying Rosie's wings more carefully... "Cool! Pinkish tips t'th' feathers, yeah? Looks nice, Rosebud."

Rosenstern blushes, smiling, then flits around the small group a bit. "Shall we?" he asks.

Bella smiles and nods "Let's. Rosie can scout. I can relay."

Shateishael nods to Soma, then rumbles to his angelic companions, "Good t'go, then. 'Member, Rosie, stay wi'in th' dome, 'kay?" Rosenstern nods to Slate. Shateishael heads out, glancing around before reflexively holding the entry flap open for Bella and Rosie. Bella lets Rosie lead the way, since he's actually scouting, and she's playing intermediary so Slate can keep his attention on the Corporeal.

The small knots of people are being dispersed by Bacchus and the other satyrs, some with a bit of severity. The border of the dome is being much more obviously patrolled than any other time the angels have been inside the camp. Rosenstern blinks, looking at the dome and hovering uncertainly around Bella and Slate. "The dome... in the Celestial it looks like it's made out of black diamonds. I don't... I don't know if it's supposed to be that way."

Shateishael quietly paces along just within the arc followed by the patrollers, looking around carefully. He has Bella swing out so she's a quick dash away from him, so they can cover a larger visual arc together. Rosie he'll ask to stay up and overhead, to see further out over Black Rock City. Slate remembers to look up as well as outwards, and does not neglect observing within the dome as well as without. The idle thought occurs to him -- at that first gong, Soma and Bacchus had exited the pavilion with Peony... the big Seraph hopes she's okay. To Rosenstern he rumbles, "It looks like 'at now, Rosebud? 'R it did when gonged?"

Bella blinks, "Black diamonds? That doesn't sound good, actually... the dome here is clear." Shateishael thinks carefully... he's flown past here in Celestial form, heading for the human city for food goods. Did the dome look like black diamond then?

Rosenstern says, "It looks like that now. I would have mentioned if it looked that way when it gonged, since it turned clear afterwards. But now it looks like it's all made of black diamonds."

Shateishael frowns, "Y'know... I don' 'member precisely, but seems t'me it wuz more translucent las' I flew by? Like... like 'at real thin, milky glass, y'know? So... 'at mean it changed?" He sounds a bit bemused as he looks around, "Mebbe we sh'd mention this t'someone... y'all see Karl 'r Bacchus 'r Soma 'roun'bouts?" Karl is just visible at the edge of the dome, looking grim and not very happy. Shateishael heads towards the centaur, "There's Karl. We'll let 'im know." He continues to keep watch as he paces in the big centaur's direction.

Rosenstern nods, "Yes, we should. Soonest."

Bella says quietly to Rosie, "Wonder if it's solid?"

Shateishael rumbles, "Don' touch it."

Karl pauses as he sees Bella and Slate coming toward him, frowning, "Did Soma take the Flowerkin with 'im 'cross the Tether?"

Shateishael waves to Karl, "Hey. Nah, he's wi'us now, but in C'lestial form, 'n he noticed sumpin' odd. We don' know whut it means, but th'dome useta look like thin milky glass onna C'lestial... 'n Rosie reports it looks like black diamond now?"

Karl frowns more deeply, "Diamond? Diamond is the hardest substance on earth. Sounds like maybe it's gone into shield mode and stayed that way wherever he's at."

Shateishael says, "Wherever Rosie's at?" He turns and studies Rosenstern thoughtfully, "Hnh... might be. Hey, Bellisima, c'n y'see th'dome 'tall inna C'lestial?"

Bella shakes her head, squinting, "No. All I can see is Rosie and he looks pretty ghostly."

Shateishael thinks a moment, then holds out a hand and rumbles, "Here, sweetheart -- take an Essence from me so's y'can shif' shape, 'n check onna other side a'th'dome from Rosie?"

Karl crosses his arms and scowls, "I don't like that it's changed there and it's normal here."

Shateishael says, "Cuz if'n so..." he nods a touch grimly to Karl, "we need t'get Rosebud back inta Corporeal, 'm thinkin'."

Bella looks confused, "Across the barrier?"

Shateishael says, "Nah. Onna other side a' th' pavilion from us, but still inside th'dome. Wanna see if'n th' ffect goes 'way when Rosie's not near, 'n if'n it goes 'way when Rosie's Corporeal." He adds warningly, "Don' touch th'dome, sweetheart, 'kay?"

Bella says slowly, "So, you want me and Rosie to switch planes?"

Rosenstern swallows a little. "Sort of an acid test if it was reacting to me?"

Shateishael says, "No'm. Firs', le's see if'n th'dome's black diamond 'cross its entire self right now. We'll keep Rosie here wi'us, 'n you, Bella, go over near t'Karl's forge, 'n see if'n it's clear there 'r not. Come back 'n tell us, 'n we'll see if'n we need Rosie t'go Corporeal then. 'At make sense?"

Bella nods and shift with a shimmer and a quiet ringing in the Symphony. Her Celestial form looks much like her Corporeal one -- though there are tiny scars on her forehead where her horns once were and striped scars across her back as if she were beaten with a bullwhip. Wings flare from the middle of her back, the feathers looking almost transparent, made as they are of light and shadow and no real substance. She stays on the construct that represent "ground" on the Celestial and trots across the dome after reaching out to Rosie and squeezing his hand.

Shateishael's face goes still for a moment -- he wishes there were something he could do to heal Bella's Celestial form! Then he takes a deep breath and looks to Rosenstern, smiling reassuringly. "Y'doin' 'kay, li'l Rose?" Karl looks disconcerted as Slate seems to talk to thin air. Shateishael misses Karl's look, focusing on reassuring the Mercurian as he is.

Rosenstern nods quietly, "I'm okay, Slate. A little worried. But okay."

Shateishael nods slowly, "'S 'kay. 'M thinkin' we'll ask ya t'shif' shape 'gain once't Bellisima comes back, though, 'kay?"

Bella comes back flying, "It's the same all around. I didn't touch it, but it looks almost more solid than I do."

Shateishael nods to Bella, "'Kay. Keep an eye on it, wouldja? Gonna ask Rosebud t'shif' back t'Corporeal now." He looks at Rosenstern, "C'n ya do it now, pretty flow'r?"

Rosenstern nods, and takes in another 'breath,' Singing smoothly back into Corporeal form before Slate. Shateishael holds out his arms to catch Rosenstern if necessary. Bella keeps an eye on the dome, wings spreading and carrying her upward for a closer look at the top of the dome. It's fairly high up; it has to be to match the circumference of the camp. Shateishael wraps his arms loosely about Rosenstern, his head tilting back to watch Bella's flight.

Rosenstern is frowning as he shifts. "While I was shifting, I noticed that there's a crack up there. Up at the top of the dome. It spiderwebbed like something really hit it."

Shateishael raises a thoughtful eyebrow, then calls that information up to Bella. He glances at Karl, "Whut c'd strike th'dome 'n cause spiderwebbin'?"

Bella slows down her descent, "Rosie... do you want to come back and help me look again? I'm not seeing it."

Rosenstern nods and looks to Slate. "Should I?"

Shateishael looks worried... then sighs, resting his hands on Rosenstern's shoulders, "G'wan if'n y'wanna, li'l flow'r. Jus' be careful not t'touch it, 'kay? Don' wanna 'ttrac' more 'ttention to ya, after all." Rosenstern nods and shifts again, flittering upwards to where he saw it. Shateishael glances curiously at Karl, waiting for his answer too. If the attack had to be physical, there should be some material debris, after all, surely?

Bella moves to follow Rosie, spiraling around him and his flight pattern as he zeroes in on the spiderweb of cracks. As the two angels near it, there's another impact that turns both the Celestial and Corporeal domes black and crystallized. Shards of the diamond-like Celestial material rain down from the apex of the dome. Rosenstern yelps and flits back, staring, then turns and shouts, "SLATE! Something's trying to bust in Celestially!"

Shateishael roars, "Get away from th'dome, Rosie!" even as he's shifting shape himself.

Shateishael: a palpitating, wingéd snake, bright and cirque-couchant. A gordian shape of dazzling hue: vermilion-spotted, golden, green, and blue. Eyed like a peacock and all crimson barr'd; full of silver moons that, as it breathes, dissolve or brighter shine, or interwreathe their lustres -- so rainbow-sided!

Bella dodges back from the falling shards, doing her best to curse in Angelic -- it's difficult and mostly consists of saying how not-nice something is. Karl looks frustrated and confused as all three angels disappear to do battle in a place he cannot follow. Shateishael's many wings beat strongly as the big Seraph heads swiftly up to join its companions. It circles slowly once it gets near the cracking edges of the dome, studying the situation and keeping itself between the attacker and its lovers. It sings to Bella and Rosenstern, "One of you should shift to Corporeal form so we can keep Karl updated. I think we will need Soma to repair this... unless we think some form of the Song of Healing might help the dome?"

Rosenstern says, "We can't see out the dome, but whatever it is must be Celestial, else it'd be visible to you in Corporeal form." Pause. "I wonder if things can be Ethereal on the Corporeal plane." He shakes his head. "I don't think Healing would help, but -- why not, it's worth a try." Shateishael nods to Rosenstern, watching carefully and trying to see through the dome as to what their attacker is.

Bella nods, "I'll shift back." She whirls around both of her lovers once worriedly, before sliding back down to Corporeal, taking a deep breath, "Something's attacking the dome on the Celestial plane."

Karl growls, "Dammit... none of us can access that." He looks up, "I wonder if it'll affect the main dome?"

Shateishael calls down to Bella, "Ask Karl if he thinks we should call Soma back for repairs!"

Bella relays the question to Karl who nods once, looking grim, "Let me go get Ayra. She c'n activate the Tether if he's not already back." The centaur gallops off in search of the dryad.

Shateishael frowns worriedly. It can't see what's outside, just cracks. There's a divot, but not a breach yet -- the crackling doesn't seem to have pierced the dome entirely yet. The Seraph sings quietly to Rosenstern, "Sing healing, sweet flower. I will try shielding if your Song does not aid." Rosenstern nods, and starts to Sing, his entire attention focused on the dome and not what might be behind it.

As Rosie sings, he realizes that the song doesn't seem to be doing any good, but at the same time it doesn't feel quite right. Maybe I'm using a wrong song? Or it just can't handle this sort of thing? Not surprised -- healing is usually for people. Maybe an Ofanite's ability to 'repair' things.... He lets the Song trail off. "No luck, Slate, it's not helping."

Shateishael nods quietly, "I understand, little rose." It studies the dome worriedly, then adds, "Can you think of anything else to try? I can lay a shield under the dome -- either ethereal or celestial -- but that will only stave off the breakage." It thinks a moment, then adds, "Of course, if the Summer Lord can arrive by then, it will have done its job. I shall try that!"

As the two angels discuss the song not helping, there's another massive impact -- and a manhole-sized chunk of the diamond-like dome shatters and rains downward, revealing the not-sky on the other side of the dome -- and shadowy forms moving on the other side of the breech. Shateishael sings sharply, "Demons take them!" then immediately starts singing the ethereal Song of Shielding. Both angels can tell when one shadow falls over another that the three or four forms are the classically bat-winged, behorned, and tailed forms of Calabim.

There's a squawk and a shout as Rosie Sings the Song of Light, and the beam comes shooting up through the breach. It catches one of the demons in the middle of his chest, making them all scatter from the hole, cursing in the horribly twisted Demonic tongue. Rosenstern's Song is almost a shout, and while it is still laced with the tones and themes of Flowers it is quite a harsh and vicious beam of light that escapes his hands.

Shateishael finishes its Song, although it requires a huge burst of essence to do so! The big Seraph worriedly realizes it has but one essence left... however, the Celestial Shield is now in place and barring celestial observation through the damaged dome. It sings quietly, "Excellent work, Rosenstern! Can you grant me an essence, please, and I shall take the battle to them? We must drive them away and make them think this is angelic territory, or they will be back... until Lilith drives them away, in which case we will have the same problem all over again!" Rosenstern nods, flitting over to Slate to touch him gently, passing some of his own Essence over to the Seraph.

Shateishael thanks the Mercurian, adding, "Hold this spot as best you can, dear one -- they must not pass within!" It draws a deep breath, then wriggles carefully through the ragged-edged celestial hole, emerging above the dome in the sunshine of the corporeal day. It soars upwards, spreading its wings widely and glittering in the light as it sings powerfully of refusal and rejection to the demons. Shateishael does not pause for long, however, knowing how difficult it is to impress demons. Instead it stoops on the one Rosenstern's Song of Light struck, its wings folding back like a falcon's and its tail curled into a tight, hard knot.

Bella swears and pushes herself Celestial, shooting upward toward the breach, glaring and singing to Rosenstern, "I'm going to go help..." She rises toward the breach and folds her wings to wriggle upward through the ragged hole in the dome. There are three Calabim, swooping and diving in the Celestial sky over the dome. As Slate dives toward the injured one, Bella shoots toward the second. The last one dives for the breach. Shateishael swears mentally, making a note to itself that if it survives it must have a talk about tactics with its lovers!

Bella takes a deep breath (figuratively speaking, of course, since this form has no lungs) and Sings out a song that sounds like it speaks of night terrors and the horror of insanity. The edges of the sound are jagged and feel like they could pierce someone. The Song of Entropy hits Bella's target and the demon screams, falling out of the air to hit the dome and roll down its side, clawing at its eyes as if it is seeing something too horrible for even a Demonic mind.

Shateishael comes shockingly fast down on the injured demon, like a celestial falcon, and its tightly coiled tail taps against the Calabite with all the force of the stooping dive behind it. The Calabite that was first wounded by Rosie and then stooped on by Slate screams in pain as part of its soul is stripped away by the damage, clawing blindly at the Seraph that attacked it but missing from the distraction caused by the sheer anguish of losing a Force. Shateishael whirls about in the sky, its wings spreading as it turns, and dives for the one heading for Rosie.

Rosenstern flits into the corridor of the breech that the Calabite is aiming for, still behind the Shield Slate placed, and Sings again -- a Song that is meant entirely for the demon that is on-rushing the breach. In almost any other song the melody would be inviting; in this one Rosenstern puts as much BUZZ OFF! into the melody as he can. The encroaching Calabite screeches in anger and pain, scrambling back up out of the breech, seeming to fade slightly as one of its Forces is stripped away. Without even pausing it soars away, running shamelessly from the battle. The first demon to take such damage hesitates and then follows it, leaving only Bella's victim, still screaming and clawing at its own face at the foot of the dome.

Rosenstern stays within the dome and on the other side of the shield, looking out defiantly. "Roses have thorns, you dark-besmirched not-nice demon!" Admittedly, Enochian is not the best language to curse in, he realizes.

Shateishael turns its dive into a long, arching swirl over the curve of the dome, aiming at the last remaining demon, and sings to Bella, "Stay with Rosenstern! If Soma returns and heals the dome, you must be inside!"

Bella seems to run down the surface of the dome, wings spread to slow her descent, singing back to Slate, "You don't get to take all the glory, handsome!" She throws her head back as she and Slate both converge on the demon.

Shateishael laughs a bit tightly, still deeply worried for her. It slashes two of its heavier wings in a clouting blow at the demon, as it speeds past in flight -- if it can chase the demon off right away, Bella will not be risked. The Demon's body takes Slate's blow and the creature rolls over, screaming. Were it a physical body, blood would be running down the creature's face from the damage it has done itself. Shateishael arcs upwards in flight, several eyes checking to be sure the other demons have truly fled, and its last pair focused on the remaining demon. The screeching demon finally manages to gather its will together, and looks ready to attack when Bella's blow takes it, bringing another wail of anguish as it lofts itself upwards on unsteady wings and flees. Shateishael whews quietly, waving a wing to Bella, "Back inside quickly please, dear heart!"

As the demons flee, the dome begins to change, the diamond-like crystalline structure smoothing and paling into something that looks like opals made into mist. The breach begins to slowly heal itself. On the inside of the dome Rosie can see, through the veil that separates the planes, Soma with his head thrown back and his hands upraised as he pours raw power into the dome. Rosenstern lets out a breath, relaxing. Shateishael dives back to help Bella fly faster.

Bella was starting for the breach when the dome began to heal. She reaches out and touches it, and her hand sinks through with no harm -- so she lets herself push through the semi-solid mist, which closes again behind her. Shateishael also tries a careful wriggle through if it can, not wanting to damage the dome again. The opalescent mist lets Slate pass through with almost no resistance and closes behind him again. Soma is looking around, seeming almost frantic and calling out to Karl, "Where were they last?"

Shateishael whews in quiet relief again, gliding easily over to Rosenstern and Bella, "Time to go back, beloveds, so the Summer Lord knows he need not worry." Proudly it adds, "Well done!" Rosenstern smiles and nods to Slate, arcing around to flit down to where Soma is. Shateishael follows the little Mercurian down, its tail gently trailing along the side of the Bright with it. It sings softly to her, "You know you do not have to impress me, beloved, yes?"

Bella swoops through the air once and then settles down, smiling at Slate and singing back, "I know that. But it feels good to help be the protector instead of the protected." She winks at Slate before she slides back into Corporeal form a few feet in front of Soma.

Shateishael smiles, reassured, and lands lightly in Corporeal form next to his lovers. He brushes his shaggy bangs back, rumbling, "Dayum, 'at wuz 'xhaustin'. Think I on'y got one essence left! How're y'all doin'?"

Rosenstern shifts smoothly back into his Corporeal form, nearby Soma but not trying to startle him. The Summer Lord almost sags with relief, "I felt the dome trying to give, but I couldn't see the damage..."

Shateishael puts a bracing arm around Rosie, adding in explanation to Soma, "Coupla, three Calabites in C'lestial form. Gone now."

Soma takes a deep breath, hands squeezing into fists so that he doesn't reach immediately for Rosie to crush him into a hug, "Our biggest blind spot."

Shateishael gently nudges Rosenstern towards Soma, murmuring softly to the Mercurian, "G'wan, sweetheart." He smiles at Bella, taking her hand if she'll let him, and rumbling, "How're ya feelin', beautiful?"

Bella grins and takes a deep breath, "Strangely aroused and exhilarated."

Rosenstern takes the nudge almost without prompting, and wraps his arms around Soma snugly and tightly. "It's all right, my Lord," he murmurs, "they're gone and won't be back."

Shateishael chuckles at Bella's comment, "Still battle high, eh?" He'll hug her gently, nuzzling against her hair as he rumbles, "Feels great, I know. Jus' 'member it don' make ya immune t'damage, 'kay?"

Bella laughs and wriggles into Slate's arms, quite shamelessly rubbing against him with a purr, "I know."

Shateishael's answering rumble of pleasure is initially a bit surprised -- then he grins, his eyes lighting up, "Ah... 'at's how you react t'combat? Fine wi'me, lover!" He happily leans his head down for a leisurely kiss. Bella kisses Slate back, mmming happily into the kiss -- the joy of adrenaline. Shateishael slowly strokes Bella's back, contentedly losing himself in the kiss. He figures they've got a little time before Rosie and Soma come up for air too, after all!

Soma hugs Rosenstern and smiles against his hair, murmuring, "Even flowers can be fierce."

Rosenstern smiles quietly, looking up at Soma. "Slate did most of the fighting. Slate and Bella."

Soma smiles quietly, "But not all." He strokes the side of Rosie's face, murmuring, "We are very lucky to have you, my sweet. You and your lovers all." Rosenstern blushes a little, half-closing his eyes from the touch and not saying anything -- just leaning up towards Soma's lips. Soma leans down to cover Rosie's mouth with his own, wings flaring as he pulls the little Mercurian close. There's a fierceness in the kiss that speaks of relief as well as desire. Rosenstern surrenders himself into the kiss, sighing softly and comfortably into it even as he gives himself to Soma's ardor.

Bella eventually pulls back from the kiss, but not before nipping Slate's bottom lip and grinning up at him, "I haven't been in a fight in a long time."

Shateishael sighs deeply, his eyes still smoky with desire as he raises his head slightly. He murmurs amusedly to Bella, "Mmm, 'at'sa good thin' usually, sweetheart. Bes' part's after, though, 'm thinkin'?" He grins ruefully, adding, "Guess we sh'd wait, though, till th'stan' down c'mmand..."

Eventually Soma reluctantly pulls back from the kiss, murmuring, "Karl, halve the guards. Let people go back to their preparations. If nothing further happens in an hour, back down to normal levels."

The centaur bobs his head, "Aye, Soma. I'll see it's done." Shateishael watches silently, smiling faintly and with one arm still about Bella. Bella nestles up against Slate and takes several deep breaths, reminding herself to behave. Shateishael grins mischievously down at Bella, also having to remind himself not to just scoop her up and press close!

Soma looks back to the angels, eyes serious, "I do not think we shall be able to adequately thank you for your assistance, my friends."

Shateishael smiles quietly, "Y'all made us feel welcome, even though we're angels. Cain't ask f'a nicer thanks than that, guy."

Rosenstern ducks his head, smiling quietly. "We could do nothing less, my Lord." Shateishael nods silently.

Soma smiles slightly, still holding Rosie if the Mercurian doesn't seem to mind being held. "I believe a respite is in order. Would you accompany me to my yurt? I can offer you something to drink and privacy to recover." At Rosie's assertion the Summer Lord smiles, "It is because you believe that, that I know you will be such an asset to this motley family."

Shateishael tilts his head thoughtfully, glancing around at the perimeter and then back at Soma, "If'n y'think it's 'kay t'stan' down now, happy t'do so...?" He doesn't want Soma to feel he must invite Slate along, if there's still the potential of threat... but he doesn't know how to tell the Summer Lord that either.

Soma smiles slightly, "I feel no tension in the glamour. I felt such before, but could not see what was causing it. I believe the attack the three of you thwarted would be it."

Shateishael nods, relaxing a bit, "'Kay, then I know I wou'n't mind a drink 'tall." He glances inquiringly down at the Bright, "You too, Bellisima?"

Bella nods and smiles, "And a little quiet."

Shateishael grins cheerfully, "'At works!" He smiles at Soma, "We 'ccept, 'n thank'ee kin'ly, Summer Lord." The three angels and the Ethereal move off from the dome to Soma's yurt. The tension of the battle -- it could only have been a few minutes -- ebbs away as they rest in the peace and quiet of the tent. Rosie is certain that something in the Resonance he had done called the three Calabim to the dome, but for the time being there's no need to dwell on that. There's simply the pleasant shared company for an hour or two.

After the angels have recuperated from their battle with the demons, Soma regretfully excuses himself to go finish preparations for the things he has lined up for the night of the Burn. Before he leaves, he takes Rosie's hands and says solemnly, "You protected my people, Kabatstselael. You and your lovers. Thank you." There's a lot of emotion boiling under the surface there before he goes. The camp quiets back down to the pre-burn, almost eerie silence as people go back to their preparations -- and it continues that way into the night.

Shateishael grins lazily at Rosenstern from where he's relaxedly flopped across the bed after Soma's departure, "Soma's right -- y'did great, li'l blossom."

Rosenstern is still blushing at Soma's words to him. "I couldn't have done it without you or Bella," he says quietly.

Shateishael says, "Yeah, but 'at's whut teamwork's all 'bout, sweetheart. Y'did whut needed doin', 'n y'din' panic 'r nuthin'." He pats the bed next to him, adding cheerfully, "'S one 'a th' lovable thin's 'boutcha!"

Rosenstern smiles, still blushing, and slips onto the bed beside Slate. "I try," he murmurs softly, snuggling against Slate. "I hadn't expected... all this... when we came to Burning Man..."

Bella laughs quietly, "I don't think any of us had. All of this is... sort of dreamlike, actually."

Shateishael puts his arms around the slight Mercurian and cuddles him close. His voice is a bit wondering, "Innit though? Kinda... strange. Never 'xpected this." He grins, "Real glad it happened, though."

Rosenstern bobs his head, smiling as he snuggles into Slate's side comfortably. "I am too. Glad, I mean." The day passes with the camp still on somewhat heightened alert. There are still guards heavy on the perimeter when the angels head back to their own tent. The night is cool and an overcast sets in that threatens rain on the last day of the festival.

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Last modified: 2006-Dec-07 15:15:59

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