| Logs |
2006 January 10
| Law |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: Law Logs |
We have met the enemy.
Shateishael looks around thoughtfully, then rumbles, "Okay, 'fore we call... what Songs we all got? What capabilities? I c'n Turn t'Stone, 'n got some martial arts 'n some sword knowledge. Bella, Deva, Rosie, what'cha'all got?"
Shateishael adds slowly, "If'n we gotta run, Lillian, stick close t'Rosebud -- he c'n hide himself 'n others in flowers."
Lillian stands up and stops Bella from locking the door, "She won't just appear. She'll come through the door. She might bring Jakob with her, since he's sort of her body guard, but I don't think she will. Not just for me."
Shateishael says, "Whut's Jakob, then?"
Bella nods and just leans against the wall near the door, arms crossed over her chest. She smiles her lopsided smile, "I have spike heels and Thunder, but that's only going to cause more harm than good here."
Devorael blushes, showing its youth again. "If you can give me a few minutes, I can find some dogs and cats to help us keep watch for them... but I'm, well. I'm not a fighter in a human form. Or much of any other way. Tracker, yes..."
Lillian turns to meet Slate's eyes and says, "Jakob is a Cherub. For now at least."
Shateishael rumbles quietly, "Yeah, let's not use Thunder here'bouts." He adds reassuringly to Deva, "Don' hafta fight physically, Deva-chan. What Songs y'know, or whut skills, might be helpful?
Shateishael nods slowly to Lillian, "Take it y'started seein' Discord on 'em?"
Devorael says, "I can heal. ANd I can Sing Harmony. "
Shateishael says, "'Kay, Deva. Why'nt you 'n Lil stay inna back, then, by th'window near Rosie 'n Bellisima?" He thinks a bit, then adds, "You know jus' corporeal Harmony?"
Some of the hesitation has melted off Lillian, giving everyone in the apartment a bit of a look at what she might have been before she was sent into Trauma. She laughs, a slightly jagged, nervous sound, "I think I've seen more than that. Sheba... she claims to be an Elohite, but... you'll see what I mean."
Devorael shakes his head, smiling a little. "No... I can Sing it on all levels. Not really well, I'm just learning the notes. But it helps to be able to Sing them all. It makes it easier."
Rosenstern perches on the edge of the bed, hands pressed together, not quite wringing them in his nervousness, "I can sing Light. Even if it doesn't hurt her, it might blind her long enough for us to get away... and I can always try to Charm her."
Shateishael gives Lillian a long look... then nods quietly to the twitchy Dreamer, "'Kay, good t'know." He thinks for a while, then rumbles, "Okay, how's this. I'm gonna stay in front, 'cause I c'n make a good shield, 'n I c'n Sing Shield on y'all if we hafta. Y'all stick close t'th'window, please, 'cause I don' wanna hit any a' y'all if'n we get into a fight. Deva-chan, don' use corporeal Harmony 'less I go down -- an' jus' use it t'get y'all out th'window, 'kay? Bella, c'n you make sure Deva-chan, Lil, 'n Rosebud get out if necessary? An' Rosie... if I say, 'Light,' 'r 'Charm,' c'n you Sing th' 'ppropriate Song?" He sighs softly, considering... then adds ruefully, "'N if'n I start gettin' hurt, 'n y'all c'n do it safely, wouldn' min' some Healin'." He's silent a moment longer, then nods once, "Howzat soun'?"
Devorael nods. "I understand, Slate. Don't worry. I don't want to handicap you. But if...well. Maybe I should start Singing Ethereal as soon as they arrive?"
Shateishael considers for several heartbeats... then looks at Lillian, "Lil, need t'know... you think Sheba'll listen t'reason atall?"
Bella, Lillian and Rosie start moving, arraying themselves near the open window. The Bright gets the others behind her, keeping herself closest to Slate.
Lillian shakes her head, laughing that nervous titter again, "Reason? She thinks she's the only reasonable one left..."
Shateishael nods slowly to Lillian, his demeanor troubled... then looks at Deva and nods, "Think you're right, Deva-chan... ethereal Harmony soonest'd be wise."
Devorael hesitates a second more, then: "Slate?" His voice is diffident, but he's looking around thoughtfully.
Shateishael says, "Mm?"
Shateishael is slowly stretching in place, figuring out how much strike space he has.
Devorael says, "What if I called some animals to help distract them? Not rode them, but... if I called some things to give them something besides us to look at?"
Shateishael rumbles, "'Less y'r willin' t'sacrifice 'em f'r us, wouldn' suggest it?"
Devorael says, "That way, I could stay with you a little bit, anyway. Even if I hid out of view. There's carpenter ants all over the place here, look." He points to tiny holes in the frame of the window. "I could still be here, still Sing."
Shateishael reaches to his left side with both hands -- and a moment later, with a distinctive shNNNNNG, he's pulled a long, gleaming katana. He repeats his slow stretching (although his range is far less with the weapon)... then straightens and, with a slight shNIKt sound, the katana is sheathed and vanishes again. He turns and looks at Devorael, "If'n y'all're runnin'..." he pauses, thinking, then rumbles slowly, "Up t'you, Deva-chan. Don' wan' y't'get Discord 'cause someone stepped on th'ants, though, y'know?"
Devorael says, "It would be a last resort, Slate." His expression shows it, too. "But I thought I'd tell you I was thinking about it, so you didn't get surprised if a bunch of rats or ants or other bugs showed up."
Lillian pulls her own spindly heels off. She digs around under the bed and comes out with a pair of ratty running shoes that she puts on. She smiles slightly, "I just realized I'm going to have to answer the door. I can't be over by the door."
Shateishael grins and nods, "Good t'know, then. Thanks, Deva -- 'ppreciate it."
Shateishael shakes his head, "Nah, I'll answer th'door for ya, Lil."
Lillian shakes her head, "No. She won't come in if you answer it. I need to be the one to let her in. Just..." She licks her lips nervously, "If I start to act like I might want to go with her, grab me. Please? She's really, really good at making you see her point of view."
Shateishael eyes Bella's spike heels and gets a faintly rueful look... but doesn't say anything. He looks around, "'Kay... so soon as she comes in, Deva's Singin' ethereal Harmony. Rosebud, might's well Sing Light, since we're tryin' t'catch her off guard right 'way. Lil, jus' invite her in, then get b'hind me, 'kay? An' yeah, I'll grab ya if'n y'need." He thinks again, then nods, "'Kay. That a plan?"
Bella nods and Lillian does as well. As if the Mercurian's idea made sense, Bella takes off her own spiked heels.
Shateishael adds amusedly to the other angels, "Let Sheba get inna door 'fore y'start, 'less shit hits'a fan right 'way."
Devorael makes a soft purring sound in his throat. "We'll all hold you, Lillian."
Shateishael gives Devoral a faintly startled look, then grins and looks away, shaking his head, "Damn weird noise t'hear comin' from a human throat." He chuckles, then gently pats Lillian's shoulder, "Ready when you are, girl."
Rosenstern nods to Slate, taking a deep breath. "That sounds like a plan."
Shateishael nods, turning to interpose himself firmly between Lillian and the door -- and the others.
Shateishael rumbles thoughtfully, "Think I'll be Stone right 'way, too..."
Lillian kneels on the foot of the bed and closes her eyes, starting to sing softly. As the words twine together with the melody, there's something that feels like a brush of wind winging its way out the door.
Shateishael draws a deep breath, then Sings powerfully, his deep voice harmonizing effortlessly with the Symphony... and like a wave running across his body the craggy gray Stone ripples across him. He finishes, taking a carefully deliberate look at his stony hands... then nods and shifts to stand next to Lillian.
Devorael reflexively sniffs in Slate's direction, although the subsequent blush and rubbing of the young man's nose indicates the Kyriotate is trying to get the hang of that whole human thing.
Lillian breathes out and opens her eyes, "If she heard me and she believed me, she'll be here soon. I told her 'You were right. I'm back in my old place. Please come.'"
Shateishael offers his large hand to Lillian to help her rise, once she's done.
Rosenstern nods to Lillian, reaching behind his back to make sure that the tanto is still there, just in case, and running the melodies of his Songs through his head.
Shateishael's voice is, if anything, even deeper and more growly as he rumbles, "Good. Deva-chan, Rosebud, be ready."
Lillian waves Slate away, just unfolding her legs so she's sitting on the foot of the bed rather than kneeling on it, "No, I'm...." She sways a little, blinking and catching her breath.
Shateishael waits patiently next to her, unmoving.
Devorael tenses, eyes on the Dreamer.
The Dreamer's voice is soft, "She says she'll be here soo..." Before Lillian can even finish the sentence, there's a knock on the door.
Shateishael sticks close to Lillian, standing on her flank opposite to the side the door opens on.
Devorael closes his eyes, draws in a deep breath, and runs his hands through his hair. He, too, stays back from the door. His eyes open and then lock on the jamb. He is ready.
Rosenstern remains utterly silent, even stilling his breath and his Vessel's heartbeat if he can.
Bella shifts her stance. It looks something like Horse stance to anyone that knows martial arts, but she doesn't tense as if anticipating a fight.
Lillian reaches a shaking head out and opens the door, stepping back as she says, "C-come in, Sheba..." The person in the door sweeps through, the scent of cloves and sandalwood following her.
If only one word were chosen to describe Sheba, exotic would probably be it. Her carefully crafted Vessel has skin of a shining caramel hue and hair so black the highlights seem almost purple. All that wealth of hair falls around a delicately heart-shaped face with wide tip-tilted eyes and full, lush lips. Her nose has the curve most often seen on the Indian sub-continent. Her shape is a slightly hip-heavy hourglass and she has dressed to emphasize it, jeans so faded they're almost white ride low on her hips and a halter top wraps around the upper part of her torso, leaving her stomach bare. A curved barbell pierces her belly button, the upper ball having been replaced with a deep red jewel that rests in the hollow of her navel. Painted around it in henna is an intricate geometric design. On her feet she wears simple thong sandals, baring her richly painted toes. Her fingernails are similarly painted and manicured exquisitely. Both wrists are heavily laden with numerous thin bangles.
Sheba speaks in a throaty, purring voice, "I'm glad to hear you've regained your..." She pauses, both perfectly shaped brows arching, "Oh my... you seem to have some friends..." The last word has a slightly sing-song note to it.
Shateishael puts one hand on the door, forcing it closed behind Sheba. With the other hand he pushes Lillian back behind him and towards the other angels, then reaches for Sheba.
Devorael draws in a deep breath as soon as the possibly-Elohite comes in the door and tilts his head back. He begins to howl, but it's a different howl than you may have heard before. It's definitely got all the notes to the Song of Harmony, although he's almost growling in the lower registers.
Rosenstern, almost as soon as the words are out of her mouth, immediately and quickly Sings the notes of the Song of Light, directing it at Sheba, hoping to give Slate that moment enough to grab her, even as he thinks, Gods, that's not an Elohite's Vessel, definitely not like Conary -- she must have already Fallen!
Shateishael hopes by that to draw attack on himself first.
As the angels start to sing, a look of consternation crosses Sheba's attention, "Oh fuck no!" She growls, starting to open her mouth, perhaps to start Singing herself, but before the first note can ring out, there's a clap of thunder that seems to shake the very foundations of the building in which you all stand. Rosenstern's beam of Light explodes into a flash, blinding everyone in the room for a moment. There is a sound of keening, a wordless scream and when your vision starts to return, Sheba is cowering on her knees before a dark-robed figure.
Shateishael goes stone-still, his hand still reaching out... then very, very carefully takes a step back.
The figure pulls back the hood of the robe, revealing features that are striking but not exactly beautiful. The lines are too sharp, the planes too severe. The woman has pure white hair that is braided in a tight line down the back of her head. Her voice is crisp and holds an accent that isn't immediately identifiable, "This is the one that defiled My Tether?"
Rosenstern blinks, trying to clear his eyes from the surge of the light. He felt something else on top of that, an underchord that wove it's way into the Song, something deep and basso that rose to an overwhelming crescendo that he wasn't entirely in control of. And when his eyes clear, finally... he spots a dark-robed figure, and his first thought is that it's the one that he's dreaded ever coming into the presence of for the past decade. He looks around quickly for a flowerpot or planter, anything with a flower where he can leap into and there be Nothing But Flowers....
Shateishael takes another quiet, careful step back, rumbling, "Yeah, y'Honor."
Shateishael says, "'Least'ways, we b'lieve so."
Devorael stops Singing, bowing his head respectfully. He doesn't speak yet, letting the older and far more experienced angel take the lead.
Bella has moved herself in front of Rosenstern, reaching back as if to pull the little Mercurian against her back. Lillian licks her lips and says in a horrified voice, "They defiled a Tether? Oh Sheba...." The Dreamer looks at the cowering Habbalite with pity and sadness.
Shateishael shifts silently once again so he's directly between his friends and Judgement.
Devorael steps close to the Dreamer's side, almost rubbing his shoulder against hers. One day, maybe, he'll tell her. Not now. Definitely not now.
Rosenstern's eyes fall on the vase on Lillian's dresser, and for a brief moment he wonders if he can hide behind/within it. Maybe if he exhales a lot, scrunches down really small.... He mentally sighs. Not a chance. He takes a soft, deep breath, and stays quiet. Maybe Dominic, that is, Dominique -- Oh, Scheisse, even worse.... -- won't notice him at all. he blinks at Bella's movement, and takes her hand.
Dominique's eyes narrow as she peers down at Sheba, "She did not work alone... not to cause that amount of damage. I can feel her strength, but she is not that powerful." The severe woman's eyes move to Lillian, assessing her carefully, "You. You know her."
Lillian feels her mouth go dry as the angry Archangel turns her attention to the Dreamer. She swallows hard, whispering, "I thought I did, Your Honour... but I know now that I never did."
Shateishael remains silent since he wasn't spoken to, wishing a bit frustratedly he could grow larger so he blocked all view of his friends.
Rosenstern's breath catches. Scheisse, Dom's focusing on Lillian. He doesn't want anything bad to happen to Lillian, it's not her fault for what Sheba did.
Bella's muscles are fairly singing with tension, but she doesn't waver, staying close in front of Rosenstern. She may not be a warrior, but part of her believes that Rosie is hers to protect in part.
Devorael speaks up, voice quiet but not trembling too much. "Pardon, Lord Justice... there was at least one other scent. This one, Lillian, was not one of them...she was in the Healing at the time. The other is a cherub known as Jakob."
The Archangel considers the Blandite Mercurian closely, "You will come with us when we ascend. You will have questions to answer." Dominique's eyes move from Lillian to the Kyriotate when Deva speaks. She nods once, shortly. "We will deal with the Cherub. The Mercurian will still have questions to answer about this creature." There's a sneer in that last word and she yanks on Sheba's hair. Her eyes move over the other angels in the room, a look of slight disapproval crossing her features before they smooth into their former sneer and come back to Devorael, "Your debt to us is discharged, child of Jordi."
Sheba is half-cowering and half-glowering, trembling with the anger that's bubbling through her.
Devorael says simply "Thank you, Lord. We have learned much." Truth. Very much truth.
Shateishael rumbles quietly, "Beggin' y'r pardon, y'Honor, but th' Mercurian did break free a'that one's hold... despite th'Trauma inflicted on her."
Rosenstern winces a little at the tone in Dom's voice. He opens his mouth, but Slate beats him to it. And what's with that look of disapproval? Is there something he knows that we don't know he knows? Er....
Dominique looks flatly at Slate, "She shall not be punished, Seraph. I simply wish what information she has." There's a tone of grudging thanks, "It has been seen that she was a help in bringing this beast to Justice."
Shateishael nods once, remaining motionless. The tension is still practically singing through his Stone form.
Lillian stands with her head bowed, trembling a little, but accepting the Archangel's decree.
Devorael murmurs to Lillian "When you're done... I know some animals whose dreams are sad."
The Dreamer's lips twitch into the very barest of shy smiles, "I would be honored to help them."
Rosenstern relaxes, but just a little, at Dom's words.
Devorael bows his head respectfully to Dominique, and steps away from the Mercurian.
Shateishael glances sideways at Lillian, then takes a deep breath, considering. His training is to remain silent until spoken to, with strongly hierarchical angels... and actually, even if Jakob does burst through the door, Slate doesn't think it'll bother the Archangel much.
On the other hand, better to answer the question before Dominic comes looking for them again... he rumbles quietly, "Lil's gonna tell ya Harry's one a' them too. He's in Novalis' hands now, y'Honor."
After a moment's thought, Dominique adds, "You have all performed admirably, despite my misgivings. These creatures could have brought much more damage to the Symphony and those that serve it." Her free hand makes a sweeping gesture through the air as if gathering something together, "A reward. Use it well." She makes a motion as if sowing seeds and each of you feel yourselves refreshed and more than refreshed. Somehow, you feel just a little stronger or perhaps a little more confident. When the motion is done, the Archangel starts to make another and stops, harsh eyes on Slate, "Thank you for the information, Stone child. We shall consider the implications of that." There's something icy in her tone. She starts the motion again and between one breath and another, the Archangel, the demon and the Dreamer are gone with a resounding chord ringing through the Symphony.
Shateishael sighs, his shoulders relaxing a bit. He rubs his forehead, the stone making a faintly screechy noise, "Holy crap."
Shateishael turns towards the others, and just relievedly hugs all of them he can reach.
Once the Archangel is done, Bella slides to the floor with a shaky expulsion of breath, "Holy fuck."
Shateishael chuckles rumblingly, "Yeah." He thinks a bit, then adds, "C'mon, le's get outta here. If'n Jakob turns up, I don' wan' us here."
Devorael is slumping just as Bella does. At Slate's words, though, he nods and gets to his feet. Now the shakes hit.
Shateishael scoops up Bella, "C'mon, beautiful." He puts out an arm for Devorael, "Y'okay, Deva?"
Shateishael nods to Rosenstern, "Out th'window, pretty flow'r."
Rosenstern lets out a breath, despite the gift from Dominic. If anything, it bothers him, this gift. Like having some kind of black-robed cat sitting on his shoulder. He gently hugs Bella, then nods to Slate, and hugs Deva as well. "It's okay, it's over now...".
Bella wriggles just enough to get her feet on the ground, but she doesn't move away from Slate's embrace, "Yes. Out the damn window. Back to the fucking bar. I want a drink."
Devorael murmurs "We're OK. We're just..." He doesn't finish, but after the hugs he's on his way to the window.
The Bright thinks for a moment, "Actually, I want a couple of drinks. And an orgasm. Maybe two. And then I want to hide in my room for two weeks and not think about Dominic."
Shateishael follows everyone out, carefully tugging the window mostly closed behind him. He's still Stone... but once he's sure they're safely well away from the apartment where Sheba was put into mortal danger (by her own hand, admittedly), he'll shift shape back to normal human.
Shateishael rumbles quietly, "You'n me both, lover," as he looks around warily.
The street seems clear. Lillian's estimation of Sheba's hubris was apparently right. Once back on street-level, Bella puts her shoes back on and click-clacks over to wraps Devorael up in a hug of her own, "Kid, let this be a lesson to you about favors, hm?"
Shateishael whews slightly once he feels safe enough to release the Song on himself, and gently shoos everyone on.
Shateishael grins ruefully at Bella's comment. "What th'pretty Bright said, Deva-chan."
Devorael hugs tightly, resting his head against the Bright's shoulders. "I've learned," he says softly. "If this was what it is to owe a favor to an angel..." A cat meanders up to them and keeps pace, and Deva lets go, seemingly much calmed. But which calmed the Kyriotate more is difficult to say, right now.
Without seeming to think there might be opposition, Bella leads the not-so-ragtag bunch back to Limbo, plus one rather scruffy looking alley tabby cat. Janice is still on the door and the big demon waves them in with barely a glance while she explains that she can't make "just one exception" to the pair of obviously under-aged girls trying to talk their way past her bulk.
Shateishael snorts amusedly under his breath, reaching down to gently scoop up the cat and tuck it under his jacket while they enter.
Shateishael waits until they're seated, then opens his jacket enough for the cat to either sit comfortably there and still see, or discreetly step out and sit elsewhere. He'll order drinks for all of them and simply wave his credit card at the waitress... he figures it'll be a bit before they're all ready to leave.
The waitress, the same one from before, takes Slate's card to start running a tab and saunters off to get their drink order from the bartender.
Rosenstern is a bit ragged-looking, and weary. Certainly a couple of drinks look like they'll fix him up.
Devorael does, indeed, drop down to the floor and sit there. The human host, meanwhile, says "Water, please. Just water." This is not the time to discover what drinks does to it.
Shateishael sighs gustily, stretching out his legs and rumbling, "Man, glad that's dealt with."
Shateishael grins at Rosenstern, adding, "Dayum, Rosebud -- when you call 'em, y'really call 'em!"
Rosenstern shakes his head quickly. "It wasn't me!" he insists softly. "I just... when I Sang, I felt something else wrapping itself around the harmony, and then suddenly Dom was there.
Bella has ordered a Long Island tea and slouched in her chair, shaking her head in amazement.
Shateishael chuckles a touch wearily, reaching out to gently tousle Rosenstern's hair, "Just teasin', pretty flow'r. Y'did fine."
Devorael says, "And none of us were hurt... Dominique even promised Lillian would be all right."
Rosenstern nods to Slate, then nods to Deva, letting out a breath. "At least he told the truth about that.
Shateishael takes a long draught of his beer when it arrives, then sets it down and nods relievedly, "Yeah. Turned out okay, 'm thinkin'."
Shateishael grins mischievously at Bella, "So, c'n I take y'up on 'at list a' wants y'gave earlier?"
Devorael leans its head on Rosie's shoulder for a moment, probably oblivious to any social implications.
Bella gulps down the first couple of sips of her drink and snorts, smiling playfully at Slate, "They might not smile on that right here, sugar, but once we're home, yes."
Rosenstern doesn't mind, gently putting his hand on Deva's arm. "It's okay," he says gently. "You don't have to worry about Justice.
Shateishael chuckles with lazy warmth to Bella... then grins at Deva's action. He reflexively glances around, using his body language to silently warn off any potential hecklers.
Devorael says, "I just miss my shelter, I think. I miss helping the animals heal. And I wonder how... how could anyone think that... that thing was an Elohite? I mean, even before I saw it, I was suspicious from her description..."
Shateishael rumbles quietly to Deva, "If'n y'han't been tole she wuz an 'Lohite, how wouldja have known?"
Bella sips her drink, having shifted so she can put her feet up in Slate's lap, "Mmm... maybe she was just really persuasive?"
Shateishael snorts amusedly, "An' then some, from what we heard." He slides off one of Bella's spike-heeled shoes and starts massaging her foot.
Devorael says, "If I hadn't been told she was an Elohite... I don't know. But if I did think she was still True, that's not the breed I would have thought. I don't know."
Shateishael nods silently to the Kyrio and has another sip of beer... then goes back to massaging Bella's feet. He seems to find that sort of touch relaxing.
Rosenstern gently puts an arm around Deva. "She was Falling," he says gently, "And the others will have also Fallen in time, or at least tripped."
Shateishael looks around curiously at the other inhabitants of the bar, wondering how many are demons... or perhaps even angels.
Beneath the table, the cat grooms its fur thoughtfully. "Well... maybe Lillian can help me. I don't think this place would be healthy for her any more."
Shateishael says, "She's certainly welcome at th'ranch too."
After a couple drinks and letting the tension of the last few hours seep out of their Vessels, the angels make their way back to the Circle-H. In New York, it was getting close to dawn. In Arizona, the sun is still well down and the ranch lies quiet. There's a single light on in the front of the house, giving the big front window a welcoming golden glow. At hearing the truck roll up the driveway, Thea trots out to meet the returning Celestials.
Shateishael sighs and gives her a heartfelt hug, rumbling quietly, "Hey, beautiful. Missed ya."
Devorael says, "Maybe after dawn, we should check in with Ian. I owe him thanks."
Shateishael rumbles to Devorael, "Y'could jus' call 'im."
Devorael blinks. "Oh, yeah...:
Bella smiles and nods, yawning, "Ian doesn't believe in sleep unless he's got someone in the bed with him. Says it takes away from time he could be using to have fun."
Shateishael chuckles tiredly, "Man after m'own heart."
Shateishael leaves the house to Rosie and Bella; he moves through the barn to make sure everyone's fed, bedded down, and happy before he wanders back into the house.
Rosenstern begins to put on some food, something light and refreshing but warm and tasty.
Shateishael seems to be in a very good mood -- he tends to quietly hug or nuzzle whenever he's close to Rosie or Bella. If Deva doesn't twitch, her human form gets a hug too.
Devorael doesn't twitch. After all, pridemates and pack members lie all over each other... and then there's the close quarters swarming insects share. The local alpha can do whatever he wants.
Devorael is also rapidly wearing at least one of the barn cats.
Shateishael finally ends up sprawled comfortably across the couch with a pretty little tortie purring on his lap and having her ears scritched. He has no idea if Deva's riding the kitty, but it doesn't really matter -- he likes making the animals feel good.
Bella is wearing a slightly impish smile when everyone else joins her and Rosie back in the house. She's ensconced herself at the kitchen table and has been watching the Mercurian put together food.
Shateishael leans back his head against the sofa and rumbles, "Rosebud, c'n I trouble y'f'r a beer?" He finally looks relaxed.
Rosenstern calls out, "Sure, Slate!" He pauses just long enough in the food preparations -- after putting a tray of some sort of non-packaged, home-made finger-food into the oven -- to slip out of the kitchen long enough to hand SLate a beer. "Deva, would you like anything?"
Shateishael accepts the beer, smiling with quiet warmth, "Thanks, pretty flow'r." He pops the cap and has a long draught, then sighs contentedly. A moment later he rumbles, "'Kay... now what. We got any way t'fin' out what happens t'Harry, Jakob, 'n Jared?"
Devorael is flopped out on the floor in humanform, laying on his belly. He has his eyes closed. "Nothing for me, thanks. Stomach's stil unsettled."
Rosenstern smiles quietly to Deva, nodding, and pads back into the kitchen.
Thea leans her head down to lip gently at Deva-human's hair, "Do you need to come eat some grass, little one?"
Devorael giggles softly. "No, Thea. Not in this form. I need to let it rest a bit, and then feed it, and then release it so that it can go safely home. I can't leave it when it's like this, though. It'll be better soon enough."
Thea harrumphs softly, with a gust of grass breath, muttering, "Human bodies... don't know what's good for them!"
Shateishael grins affectionately at Thea, then raises an inquiring eyebrow at Bella, patting the sofa next to him once.
Bella climbs onto the couch and curls up with Slate, "Well... we can maybe have Rosie ask his mom."
Rosenstern calls from the kitchen, ""I'm not sure, Slate. I can ask Mom about what happened to Harry. As for Jakob and Jared, though.... That'll be something that Domi's people take care of. Oh... we should tell the Seneschal what happened...."
Shateishael beams relaxedly at Bella, cuddling her warmly close, then listens to Rosenstern.
Shateishael nods, rumbling, "Yeah, good point."
A few weeks later, after Bella has returned home and things on the Circle-H have returned to their normal routine, a messenger arrives in the form of the surviving Seneschal. With Lillian's cooperation and the help of the bound and healing Harry, Dominic's troops managed to find the other two rogue angels. Sheba had been using gifts she'd obtained as a newly Fallen servitor of Malphas to make her followers really feel like they believed her teachings. Once separated from her, the three of them seemed to begin rehabilitating themselves easily. As for the demon herself, Sheba's forces were scattered to the winds. Her followers' penance was decreed to include service to Justice, including restoring the damage done to the Tether.
Rosenstern shivers a bit at the news. No attempt to understand why she fell? No penance or chance for redemption? She did terrible things, definitely, but....
Shateishael is deeply relieved to hear that... he'd feared destruction of the unwitting accomplices.
Shateishael quietly hugs Rosenstern when he shivers, "S'okay, Rosie."
Shateishael phones Bella and Ian to update them as well.
Devorael is at peace with the results. The followers are healing, and the Tether - uncomfortable as it is - will be restored. And the Habbalite is gone. That should also please Ian, come to think of it.
Rosenstern lets otu a breath, nodding to Slate. "I know. I... guess it's over, then. I just wish that...." He shakes his head, smiling wanly. "Judgement is not necessarily Mercy, these days. Still... it is Justice."
Shateishael rumbles quietly next to Rosenstern's ear,
"Mono iwazu
kyaku to teishu to
shiragiku to.
[They spoke no words
the visitor, the host,
And the white chrysanthemum]"
[Previous Log] [Index] [Next Log]