| Logs |
2006 December 06
| Law |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: Law Logs |
Help me, Mommy.
A Cave in the Mojave Outside Phoenix, AZ, Present DayAs the sun sets, the baking heat is starting to seep out of the sand and rocks and the animals that have been hiding are starting to creep out. One or two lizards can be skittering across the sand. In the distance, a coyote's yip-yip-yowl can be heard. With the cooling of the day, cactus flowers open.
As the Mercurian and Kyriotate start outside to see if Novalis will speak with them, Slate stays by Harry, keeping the vial of poppy syrup at hand to keep him drowsy.
Devorael in Holly-form stays very close to Rosie, sniffing for a close, healthy, open cactus flower.
Rosenstern shivers a little, a she looks around at the rapidly-cooling desert. He follows Deva-Holly to where a small patch of greenery surrounds a small cactus, whose blossom recently opened. He grins softly. "That should do nicely, I think. Thanks, Deva."
Devorael sits very close, panting, tongue lolling. You're welcome, the body language says.
There are enough blossoms here that they would make quite the bouquet where they gathered. There's a slither and skitter at the base of the cactus and a small snake darts off into the moonlight.
Rosenstern scritches Deva-Holly about her ears, then begins to gather the blossoms carefully, being extra mindful not to disturb any other small desert wildlife.
The sky is still deep rose and dusky purple along the horizon, but directly overhead, stars are starting to come out, silver against the velvety darkness of the night sky.
Rosenstern pauses every so often, looking up into the sky at the second half of his namesake. He tries not to woolgather; now isn't the time! They very badly need to get a Superior involved in this, if for nothing else then to warn them about Sheba's group.
Devorael is there... a warm, supportive presence. It's very clearly friendly to you, and to your Pack Leader, and if it thinks you need it, you find a cool nose pressed against your skin. Essence is there at your need.
The Novalite soon has enough flowers and managed to get them without stripping all the flowers that were there. The Symphony here is peaceful, almost sleepy, a lullaby.
Rosenstern settles down, the bouquet nestled in his lap, taking in a few deep breaths before trying to call to Mom. He smiles to Deva, and hugs her with one arm. Then he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and sings softly through the Symphony to Mutter, trying to not disturb the stillness of Creation's Music here.
The sound of Rosie's voice rises on the fragrant night air. A gust of warm wind swirls around the slight angel, catching the blossoms and making them dance across the sand. The cactus flowers start to spin, the wind also catching up the sand of the desert, everything melding first into dust devil. In the center is something that looks like it could be heat shimmer. When the wind dies down and the dust settles, the figure of an ageless woman wearing a rose-pink and bluebell-blue tie-dyed dress is revealed, holding the flowers in her arms and breathing in their scent. When she looks up, she's smiling warmly, "Oh, they're lovely."
Devorael's tail begins to wag, and it looks up to Rosie for cues as discreetly as it can.
Rosenstern beams happily, and he stands politely. In contrast to a few minutes ago, Rosie is much more relaxed, comfortable, at ease with everything, and is every inch the shy, loving son. "I'm glad you like them."
The Archangel pads barefoot across the sand. Her hair is pulled back in a ponytail, small purple John Lennon shades on her nose. She pauses at the cactus and starts putting the blossoms back, humming happily under her breath as they meld back with the plant as if they had never been picked. Once she's done there, she makes her way over to Rosie and folds her son in her arms for a joyful, loving hug, "Thank you for them, dear."
Devorael's tail now thumps the sand softly. It's good for the spirit to see Rosie so happy. Back in the cave, the cat purrs even more loudly and the crow tells Slate "She's here. And she's so beautiful."
Rosenstern embraces Novalis warmly and closely, as if he was a mortal who hadn't seen his mom for some time. "You're welcome, Mom," he says sheepishly. "Oh! I... I'm sorry, my manners.... This is Deva, one of Jordi's Dominions."
Slate smiles a little tightly and nods. The Seraph is still feeling the strain of having to skate so close to lying earlier.
Novalis' voice is warm and affectionate, "Your manners are exquisite, sweetie." She crouches down, gathering her skirt up as she offers a hand for Deva to sniff, palm up, "It's an honor."
Devorael bows down low, tail high, nose and chin to the earth, before sniffing. "The honor is ours, great Lady," it chuffs softly... absolutely certain that the Archangel can understand it.
The eyes aren't visible, but the laugh-lines are visible around the rims of the glasses as she smiles. She stands and brushes her hands together as if getting rid of dust on them, "Now... what did you need, sugar?"
Rosenstern lets out a breath. "Well... it started a few days ago. Deva here.... Judgement had done a favor for her some time ago, and they called it in. She came to us for help. We... well, the others at the Circle-H -- You remember Slate and Bella and Ellie? and a fellow named Conary -- went to the Judgement Tether nearby, the," he makes a sour face, "the... museum. It turns out that one of the Seneschals of the Tether was murdered...." He goes on to relate the events as best as he can, up to and including the fellow that they have back in the cave.
"And that brings us to now," Rosie concludes with a sigh. "We felt that we needed to tell a Superior, in part because this sounds like some sort of rather wide-ranging cult this 'Sheba' is running, and also because we're not sure what to do with 'Henry.'"
The story soon has the smile fading from Novalis' face. While she has no particular grudge against Dominic, she is also not overly fond of his brand of Justice. "And he's been working under Dominic?"
Rosenstern nods. "He says he's been pretending to work under Dominic, yes."
The Archangel of Flowers nods, taking off the sunglasses. Deep violet eyes are looking concerned, "And this Sheba... did he mention whose Servitor she is? Or this Jakob?"
Rosenstern shakes his head. "He didn't, no. He just kept talking about Life, as if it were Sheba's Word, but there is no Angel of Life."
Devorael keeps quiet, letting Rosie do the talking.
Novalis shakes her head slowly, "No... no there isn't." She glances toward the cave entrance, "If he used to be Uriel's, then he belongs to Lawrence... but Lawrence would just send him to Dominic." The Archangel sighs unhappily, "I don't know if it can be allowed to continue to exist, but I don't relish knowing you had to give him to Dominic to have his Forces scattered, sweetie."
Rosenstern winces, and shies away. "Shouldn't... shouldn't he be at least questioned? I mean, besides that... I've worked with a lot of humans who were taken into cults. They can be rescued. can't the same be done for him? He... he just seems misguided....
Novalis' expression clears and she wraps Rosie in her arms, "Mmmm. Good child. Mercy for the misguided. Yes, he should be questioned. I'll take him with me when I go back home." She steps back and smiles apologetically at both of you, "I'm sorry to have put you a bit to the test. I needed to see how you truly believed it should be handled."
Devorael says quietly, although Rosie doesn't understand it, "Thank you, Lady... I hoped there was a chance, but didn't feel it was my place to speak." Ears and tail speak of relief.
Rosenstern lets out a breath, hugging her back tightly. "I understand, Mom. Thank you. I think Slate was hoping Harry would wake up so we could ask him some questions again, but... it kind of wore on him, he had to almost-lie to get Harry to open up to us."
The Archangel of Flowers winces slightly. David is not her favorite person, but she has come to trust Slate as Rosie's companion and friend, "That must have been painful for a Seraph. I think I have someone I can get to find information from him. You have a plan for the poor human he's been riding?"
Rosenstern pauses, then shakes his head. "We... hadn't thought that far ahead. He might have been riding Harry for a long time. Mmmph... we'll check his wallet and if he lives anywhere close by we'll take him home....
Novalis nods. Close up, there's a sweet, soft scent. It's definitely flowery, but it's almost impossible to place. Though Rosie may remember it as smelling near to Hera's Stars. "I would ask that you make sure the human has a way to get back home, even if home isn't near here."
Rosenstern nods, unhesitatingly. "We'll see that he gets home, safe, Mom. I promise." His nose twitches a little, hiding his recognition of the scent as best as he can, banishing the flood of questions that wash his mind about the scent.
Devorael will remember that scent for a long, long, long time.
Novalis smiles and motions at the cave again, "He's in there?"
Rosenstern nods, looking up to the cave. "Yes, both he and Slate are up there.
Novalis nods and walks ahead, ducking into the cave as if it weren't pitch black and making her way to the chamber where the other animals and the angel of David wait with the unconscious host body of the misguided Kyriotate.
Rosenstern bends down to hug Deva-Holly as Mom heads up the hill, but before she goes very far. He's just euphoric; Novalis seems to have that effect on him.
Devorael hesitates... but, hey, why not? A warm wet tongue comes out, and Holly-Deva sluuurps Rosie's cheek. Thumpthumpthumpthump.
Rosenstern laughs softly at the slurpkiss, and snugs Deva again. "Let's go up to Mom and Slate!"
Shateishael glances up at the sound of footsteps, rising easily and falling into a slightly ready pose... then relaxes and bows politely at sight of Novalis, "Ma'am. Thanks f'r comin'."
Devorael bows again, in catform and birdform. Not necessary, perhaps, but the Kyrio feels like it wants to show its respect again.
Novalis' face is kind as she pads over, laying her hand on Slate's head almost as if in benediction, "From the story my sweet son has told me, it's good I was able to make it." She looks down at the unconscious form, face clouding slightly, "He feels... young... But he isn't." She crouches down near him.
Shateishael blinks slightly as the archangel reaches for the top of his head, then politely bows his head enough so she doesn't have to stand on tiptoes. He stands out of the way, watching Flowers with the rogue angel.
Shateishael nods at her words, rumbling quietly, "Yes'm, he talked like he was young 'n idealistic... but he cain't be, if'n he's one 'a Purity's.
Rosenstern pads back into the cave shortly after Novalis arrives, looking almost euphoric still in the presence of Mom.
Novalis kneels by the body, leaning over to sing softly into his ear. As she sings, she strokes his cheek. A moment later, a cloudy, indistinct form starts to take form over the prone body.
Shateishael nods quietly to Rosenstern, putting an arm around his shoulders if he wants... then turns back to watching the archangel.
Rosenstern smiles to Slate, not without gentleness, and leans against him as if supporting him, his arm gently around the big Stone Angel's waist.
Shateishael sighs softly, relaxing a bit more. Knowing he's not going to be dancing around lies any more is a relief.
Devorael presses in close, cat on Slate's lap, dog at Rosie's knee.
Shateishael smiles down at the big Maine Coon, gently rubbing his ears.
When the angel of Flowers is done, the Kyriotate's Celestial form is hovering over his former host. From several mouths, it speaks, "Why have you bound me?"
Rosenstern blinks a little at the Kyrio's celestial form. While horrifying to a mortal, there's something of unearthly beauty about it all the same.
Shateishael leans to check the unconscious host, resting a few fingers against his throat to be sure his heartbeat is still steady.
The host body seems to be in fine shape aside from unconscious and bruised.
Shateishael sits back out of Novalis' way, relieved, and goes back to rubbing Deva-kitty's ears, and being someone comfortable for Rosie to lean against.
Devorael rests Holly's chin on the human. If anything changes, strong hearing will detect the heartbeat change... and the scent might even shift.
Novalis speaks, her tone is that of a disappointed mother, "I have bound you to keep you from fleeing and doing more harm to yourself or others, child." She shakes her head sadly, "I am taking you with me to save you Dominic's tender mercies."
Shateishael's arm tightens slightly against Rosenstern for a moment... then he sighs softly again, relieved to hear that as well.
Rosenstern nestles against Slate, already knowing that Novalis wasn't going to scatter the angel's forces to the winds. He continues to gently scritch Deva-Holly as he listens.
The Kyriotate wails, "No! Our work isn't done! Please!" The sound coming from so many mouths and voices is eerie, echoing off the walls of the cave. It carries the tone of a breaking heart.
Rosenstern winces, mostly in a touch of pain from the legion of voices echoing in the chamber, but also because it sounds so honest.
Novalis shakes her head sadly, "The work you've been doing is harmful, child. You'll come with us and we'll help you heal, I can feel how close you are to Falling... Don't let your joy and enthusiasm lead you down the road to being one of our damaged children."
Rosenstern winces. Joy. Did he really take joy in killing those people? if so... no, the attempt has to be made, he has to be rescued.
Devorael winces, not at the sound of the other Dominion, but at Novalis' words. It's relieved they caught the bound one in time, and even more relieved that Novalis' compassion is all it's been said to be.
Shateishael studies the hovering Kyriotate expressionlessly. He feels pity for it -- he doesn't quite grasp how it might be tempting to believe someone who made you feel right again, even if it was a deception.
The disjointed, cloud-like form wavers and pulses as the Kyriotate tries to break free of the gentle bonds that hold it to Novalis' will. The Archangel's soft voice continues, "Come with me, young one. We'll make you whole again." She makes a gesture and the manifold eyes droop drowsily, the formless struggle ceasing. Turning to Rosie, Flowers motions her Servitor close.
Rosenstern stands, gently slipping from Deva-Holly, and pads close to Novalis, giving Slate a quick hug and touch to his cheek.
Shateishael smiles up at Rosie, then goes back to watching the unconscious human and the Archangel.
Novalis lays her hand over Rosie's chest, speaking quietly almost as if she's trying to keep from waking a sleeping child, "We will talk to him, heal him." She tips her head and smiles gently, "David's child means much to you, doesn't he, son?"
Shateishael looks up from the human, studying Novalis interestedly.
Rosenstern blinks at the question, glancing over his shoulder to Slate, then looks back to Novalis, smiling shyly and nodding.
Shateishael gets a quiet, lazy smile of his own at that.
The Archangel nods, eyes sparkling for a moment, "Perhaps you can soften some of his sharp edges." Turning to Slate she says, "And perhaps you can shelter my child."
Thumpthumpthump. Yeah, Deva agrees: they're very close.
Shateishael rumbles peacefully, "Yes'm. Been doin' that f'r while. Ha'n't been asked t'stop."
Last of all, Novalis crouches again, motioning Deva's several forms closer.
Shateishael opens his big hands so Deva-kitty can easily leave his lap.
Rosenstern, blushing deeply, steps back to let Deva come forward to Mom.
Devorael approaches in triplicate, purring and tail wagging. The crow speaks for it now: "Yes, great Lady?" But the tone in the mind of the Dominion is closer to pack leader, and for one who could actually read the Kyrio's thoughts the image would be the tallest, most enticingly-scented wildflower in the field, perfect for a honeybee's landing.
Novalis' smile broadens as that last image floats through her mind, "If what my Star-Rose tells me is true, you may be in an unenviable place. Know you have at least one of us willing to try to shelter you. This burden is overlarge for one so young."
Shateishael nods silently, listening.
Rosenstern nods soberly, but with conviction. He stands besides slate, gently placing an arm around him.
Shateishael smiles at Rosie and draws him to lean comfortably against the big Stone angel.
Devorael says, "I... sometimes wondered if that might not be the case, great Lady. Your words help ease my heart, knowing that we're not alone. I'll try to be strong without being overconfident, and if I call for help it will only be if I feel it's truly needed... but it's good to know that help is there."
Novalis nods and stands again, sadness flickering through her eyes as she looks at the amorphous form of the Kyriotate, "I must take him back now." She moves close and kisses Rosenstern's cheek, "I regret that you had to be involved in this, sweet child." She says nothing more and with a sweep and whirl of air, she fades and is gone. With her is gone the Celestial form of the Kyriotate, leaving the scent of flowers lingering in the cave.
Rosenstern takes in a deep breath of the scent, then lets out a breath, his euphoria fading with the scent of flowers, but not entirely.
Shateishael sighs quietly again, then looks at the little Mercurian and smiles, "How y'doin', pretty flower?"
Devorael sighs and shakes out its fur and feathers, turning back to the pair. The fear that's appeared on and off is gone again, replaced by... hope and resolve? It checks the human for any change in condition.
Rosenstern mms quietly, and smiles, nodding to Slate. "I'm okay." He looks to Harry. "Oh... We should find where he lives and get him home. Hopefully he'll think that his rider just had a long job.
Shateishael nods, glancing at the various forms of Deva, "Y'doin' okay too, Deva-chan?"
The human body seems to be resting as well as can be expected.
Devorael says, "I'm fine... and yes, we need to get this one home soon." It sniffs at the pockets for any sign of leather-scent. "We promised."
Shateishael nods, kneeling next to the young man's form, searching his pockets, "Yeah."
There is a wallet in the young man's hip pocket. The name on the license is James Morton and the address listed is in Sedona.
Shateishael nods, reading it, "Okay, looks like it's back t'Sedona, kids." He looks around at the others, "Y'all ready t'go?"
Devorael nods. The crow says "If he wakes, what will we tell him?"
Rosenstern nods to Slate. "All set. We should get him back soonest, preferably before he wakes up.
Shateishael grins at Deva-crow, "Could al'ays jus' tell him th'truth?"
Rosenstern looks to him. "Deva, do humans that Kyrios ride normally give their permission? If so, we just tell him that his rider was taken back to Heaven.
Wagwagwag. "I mean, how much of the truth."
Shateishael collects up the body, tucking the bottle of poppy syrup into his jacket pocket, and rumbles, "Le's go. Gotta 'bouta hour b'fore we're done. Rosie, wanna call Ian, let him know th' kid's okay?"
Devorael says, "Normally, they do, yes... but I'm not sure in this case if that applies. "
Devorael says, "They don't have to, after all, and while most of us feel it's polite..."
Rosenstern nods, to Deva, then nods to Slate, taking out his cell phone. "Gotcha. Sometimes they just do it. Uhmph.... maybe we can keep him out until we get him home?
Devorael nods. The crow says "If he wakes, what will we tell him?"
Rosenstern nods to Slate. "All set. We should get him back soonest, preferably before he wakes up.
Shateishael grins at Deva-crow, "Could al'ays jus' tell him th'truth?"
Rosenstern looks to him. "Deva, do humans that Kyrios ride normally give their permission? If so, we just tell him that his rider was taken back to Heaven.
Wagwagwag. "I mean, how much of the truth."
Shateishael collects up the body, tucking the bottle of poppy syrup into his jacket pocket, and rumbles, "Le's go. Gotta 'bouta hour b'fore we're done. Rosie, wanna call Ian, let him know th' kid's okay?"
Devorael says, "Normally, they do, yes... but I'm not sure in this case if that applies. "
Devorael says, "They don't have to, after all, and while most of us feel it's polite..."
Rosenstern nods, to Deva, then nods to Slate, taking out his cell phone. "Gotcha. Sometimes they just do it. Uhmph.... maybe we can keep him out until we get him home?
Rosenstern winces as his phone 'blerts' at him. "Oops. We'll have to get closer to a tower...."
Shateishael slides out of the cave tunnel, heading for the back of the truck to gently lay out the young man's body.
Once the unconscious human is settled and the angels are safe in their various seats in the truck, Rosie finds that his phone works again. A quick call to Ian lets him know they're on their way back with the vacated host. The Malakite tells them he'll be happy to help find the poor kid's actual home and that he'll check in after a day or so. The desert sky looks almost touchable as they drive through the Mojave, stars winking their eternal messages. Somehow, things don't seem quite so bad.
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