| Logs |
2006 September 14
| Law |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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| Realms: Law Logs |
Redemption.
Phoenix, AZ, Late September 1978
The night at Fat Charlie's doesn’t turn out nearly as exciting for Slate as his meeting with Bella. Patrons behave themselves and no one untoward showed up. The next morning dawns cooler than normal and overcast. The rainy season will arrive soon.
Thea has spent most of the morning grazing and taking advantage of the cooler temperatures to gallop through her paddock and as a result, she's not been anywhere near the actually house for several hours.
Shateishael is sitting on a boulder next to the herb garden, watching Rosenstern working there.
Rosenstern shakes off the morning dew from his windbreaker. The herb garden is doing well, as is the flower garden; he's a little worried about the vegetable garden, if there's a sudden frost it could be bad for the potatoes. "So," he says with a grin flashed to Slate. "Did the lasagna keep?"
Shateishael chuckles, "Yeah, that it did. Thanks... was good." He's sitting cross-legged, wearing only his usual slightly threadbare jeans, enjoying the feel of the sun on his shoulders and the solid strength of the boulder beneath him. After watching Rosenstern weeding or picking herbs or whatever it is he does in the garden, Slate slowly asks, "Rosie... did you hear about the Lilim yesterday?"
Shateishael's bright blonde hair is a shaggy tangle down his back -- again. While he takes good care of his vessel, he tends not to bother with 'prettying up' unless he's going to be associating with humans or working within the forge.
Rosenstern pauses, sitting up and looking in surprise at Slate with a handful of rosemary. "Lilim? I didn't hear about any Lilim, let alone one in particular. What happened?"
Shateishael grins slightly, then tersely describes his encounter, ending with, "So, couldn't bring her here -- unfortunately. I know Thea wouldn't mind a larger herd. I'll be heading out to visit her again some time tomorrow, I think." He pauses, considers, and then adds, "Want to come along?"
Shateishael says, "I'm hoping she'll Redeem, but I'm also guessing she may just want a lift to the bus stop." He sighs softly, then adds, "I suspect unless one of Baal's boys finds her while we're away, and leaves her to bleed, she's unlikely to be convinced just yet."
Rosenstern taps his chin idly; he's a little grubby-handed at the moment, Novalites tend to not be too concerned about appearances when they're 'playing' in a garden, even Mercurians. He nods a little. "It seems too elaborate to be any sort of trap." He makes a quiet sound, then nods, standing, brushing off his hands. "Sure! Let me get cleaned up a little. have you dealt... um. Worked with Lilim before?
Shateishael says, "Nope, just met one -- a Bright. But we've got an arrangement in place: she doesn't try forcing any promises on me, and I don't turn her into hamburger." He grins, "Her words."
After the angels have been chatting for a few minutes, Thea comes trotting up, shaking her mane, stepping high and all but radiating self-satisfaction.
Rosenstern says dryly, "Effective. If descriptive. Let's hope it doesn't come to that! Hope she doesn't mind the Beetle."
Shateishael adds, "Tomorrow, not today..." He looks up and grins at Thea's approach, then adds to Rosenstern, "Unless you can't make it tomorrow." He looks back at the big mare, "Heya, sweetheart. Whatcha up to?
The mare trots up to Slate and nuzzles at his face affectionately. “The morning is beautiful. I was running.” It seems as if she feels she needs no further explanation.
Rosenstern grins at Thea's affection, and nods to Slate. "Tomorrow is fine, I've got nothing planned!”
Shateishael chuckles, raising a hand to scritch under her cheek bones, and leaning his head against hers for a moment. He quite understands.
Thea nickers and tosses her head, giving her best approximation of a smile for Rosenstern. "What's tomorrow?"
Shateishael says, "Rosie and I are going to go see a Lilim I helped." He smiles, adding, "I'd have brought her home for you, but Elli would've been unhappy."
Thea stamps lightly at the ground with one front hoof, "That was probably wise. Elisheba is good people, but not so forgiving at times."
Shateishael chuckles, "True. Still, maybe we'll be lucky and she'll Redeem, and I can bring her to see you then." He looks around, noticing the calm of the day -- cats prowling happily through the vegetable garden, geese grazing around the pond, dogs flopped nearby and panting from following Thea around... he grins at Thea, "She couldn't have a better lead mare, after all."
Thea tosses her head, doing her very best not to look too proud at that, "Why wait until tomorrow to check on her?"
Thea continues a moment later. "I hate to think of a poor filly alone and possibly worried."
Shateishael considers... then nods thoughtfully, "Well, good point. I mean, it's not like we have to wait... she could probably use a decent bed roll if nothing else. Plus she might want more batteries for the flashlight." He looks at Rosenstern, "If you were alone in a cave, hiding from folks that wanted to hurt you... what else might you want?"
Rosenstern thinks, pursing his lips. "Warmth, light, food, water... that might be the extent of it..
Shateishael looks a bit surprised, "You'd want food and water?"
Rosenstern says, "Why no-- oh, right. She's a Lilim. Sorry, I sometimes forget! So she might not need food and water."
Thea reminds Slate gently, "Dearling, food and water give you more than nutrition. They can give comfort as well."
Shateishael tilts his head, considering... then scritches the big mare's withers and nods. He sounds a bit sheepish, "You're right, sweetheart. Sorry, I forget." He grins at Rosenstern, "Okay, then shall we collect some together and go see her? I can bring some rope and other climbing gear too, if she wants to do something while she's waiting alone all day. We'll need to take the bike, though, since it's off road -- I don't want to destroy your bug's transmission."
Rosenstern nods, standing and brushing off his hands. "Sure!" He sounds pleased to be riding on Slate's bike. "Just let me get washed up a bit.:"
The old lead mare whinnies appreciatively and paws at the ground with one front hoof. "The pair of you be careful scrambling around in that hole."
Shateishael chuckles again, rising to give her a hug around the neck, "You know I will, sweetheart. Take good care of everyone while we're gone, 'kay?" He strolls back towards the house with one arm across her back, adding, "Do we need any more feed or anything, while we're out?"
Thea gazes around at the flopped and panting dogs and the wandering geese, "I think everyone not two-legged needs sleep and shade."
Rosenstern nods, and heads inside, quickly cleaning his hands and face before emerging from the house, zippering up his windbreaker and looking around. "We should be able to get out there without much attention," he says.
Shateishael laughs, "Okay, that part is fine then." He heads into the house, leaving the door open for Thea if she wishes, and pulls on proper clothing for heading out into the desert. Then he collects some good climbing gear, a bed roll, and batteries. "Rosie, can you put together the food and water part? I'll start loading the bike."
Rosenstern nods, and slips back into the house to put together a reasonable 'care package.'
Shateishael pauses, looking at the batteries, then shakes his head. A gas lantern would last longer, and he's got one he can loan the Lilim. He checks to make sure it's all prepped and clean, then loads it and the other supplies up on the bike. When Rosenstern comes back he adds the package of food and water, then hands Rosie his helmet.
A moment later, with a wave to Thea (who cheerfully races them to the front cattle guard), they're off and away.
Rosie holds on to Slate in a manner not unlike how Bella did the night before. He's quite comfortable and behaves, not taking advantage of the moment. Besides, he most definitely does not want to upset or distract Slate while he's driving a motorcycle of all things, and he's not going to cross that line right now. "How far out of town is the cave?" he asks Slate.
Shateishael is leaning happily into the wind, enjoying the power of the bike carrying them both. At the query he sits back a bit, turning his head slightly to reply, "'Bout... half an hour, 45 minutes or so, as the crow flies. Takes a bit longer riding the bike carefully so we don't break anything."
Rosenstern nods, his head against Slate's back. "Gotcha. How do you think she'll react to you coming so early with someone else, besides?
Shateishael grins, "Well, first we'll have to ask her to agree to amend our previous agreement so you're covered too. Once that's done... dunno, really, but we brought useful gifts. Considering she said her duffel was stuffed with just clothes, makeup, and some goodies, I'm guessing some practical stuff like we have will be welcome."
The sun has gotten well over the horizon on the ride, showing the desert to its best advantage. Here and there, there's a skitter or scurry as a snake or lizard gets out of the way of the loud bike. Once in a while, there's a glimpse of a jackrabbit's tail as it dashes off across the Mojave. Once they arrive at the cave, it looks just like it did when he left last night. No sign of anyone at the cave mouth.
The climb down to the large semi-circular chamber is a little more encumbered this time with the care package the pair of angels have put together for the Lilim. When Slate and Rosie near the cavern, there's a quiet skittering sound and then complete silence.
Rosenstern holds his breath, glancing around at the skittering sound. He looks to Slate to announce them.
Shateishael hands the flashlight he was using to Rosenstern, and calls, "Bella? It's okay, it's me. C'mon out?"
After a moment, a voice comes from the farthest wall of the cave, cautious, "I heard two people, Slate. I'm not coming out until I can see who else you've got with you."
Rosenstern takes the flashlight but politely does not point it at the voice.
The voice comes again, "And with that light in front of you, I can't see either of you.”
Shateishael smiles, "Rosenstern is a friend of mine; he won't hurt you. Before we move the light, though, you willin' to amend our previous agreement to include him?"
There's silence for a moment, then the sound of shifting on the cave's sandy floor, "No asking for promises?" Bella asks to make sure, voice still cautious.
Rosenstern points the light at the floor, letting the light splash upward but hopefully not blinding the Lilim.
Shateishael nods, "Yeah, pretty much. You don't hurt us, we don't hurt you. S'okay?"
When the big blond answers, there's another moment of silence and the Lilim replies, "I'll keep my side of it." There's a quiet click and the small flashlight Slate left last night comes on, upturned to show the demon's lovely-but-unfinished face, "Didn't expect you until tomorrow."
Shateishael chuckles quietly, "Got pushy friends. They wanted me to make sure you were comfortable." He grins at Rosie, then looks back at Bella, "Bella, this is Rosenstern. Rosie, this is Bella."
Rosenstern lets out a breath, and smiles quietly to Bella, nodding pleasantly. "Hello there."
Bella puts the flashlight down on top of her duffle, making a little circle of light near sweatpants-clad knees. She's apparently changed clothes since Slate left her, "I thank you and your friends, then." The face that showed in the brief light was bruised, still, but not the brilliant colors a human would have been sporting.
Shateishael goes to one knee and opens the pack, casually pulling things out, "Gotcha a warm bedroll, some climbing gear if you wanna give it a try, some hot food and liquids, an' a gas lantern. It'll last longer'n the batteries in the flashlight."
Shateishael starts setting up the lantern for Bella, since it takes a bit of prepping. "Rosie, why don'tcha pour out some tea for us all?"
There's a quiet chuckle at the mention of the lantern, "I've been trying to conserve them, but I'm finding I don't much like the dark."
Rosenstern nods, "Sure!" and starts to set up the tea. Though it takes a little work for him to get the little propane cooker to start boiling water.
Shateishael glances up at Bella once the gas lantern is going, taking more notice of her now. "So, y'doin' okay?"
As it brightens in the cave, Bella is shown to be sitting against one wall of the cave, knees pulled up and arms wrapped around them. She's wearing what looks to be a couple of layers of sweat clothes, "I guess so... found out you get to do a lot of thinking in the dark."
Shateishael pushes his bangs out of his face and nods, "Yup. Get my best thinkin' done in caves, I've found." He studies her for a moment, not without sympathy, then hands her a blanket, "Here. You look like you're still cold. What'd you think about?"
Rosenstern pauses in making the lemon Wulong tea. Bright Lilim of Stone? After a moment of trying to picture that, he returns to making the tea.
It takes the girl a moment to accept the blanket and she looks cautiously at Rosenstern before she does. Once she has it, she moves back to her place, wrapping the blanket around her shoulders, "About the option you were giving me... and about that poor asshole in the hospital." She rubs the heel of her hand against her forehead, "Sometimes I want to go and smack that doctor."
Shateishael settles comfortably cross-legged, "Why's that? And why are you worried about the blanket?"
The look Bella gives Slate is one of utter incomprehension, "Worried... about the blanket? What the hell do you mean?"
Shateishael says, "You were studying Rosie before you accepted the blanket. Was wonderin' why."
Rosenstern blinks, glancing up and looking between Slate and Bella.
Wide green eyes blink slowly, "I wasn't worried about the blanket. I was trying to figure out how much I could trust your friend. But he looks like he ought to be out handing out daisies."
Rosenstern laughs softly. "I'm a Mercurian of Mom -- er, Flowers. So you're actually pretty close to the mark."
Shateishael grins, "Pretty much, yeah. Oh! You mean to talk about your thoughts, gotcha." He turns and says to Rosenstern, "Hey, Rosie! Would you promise not to talk about anything you hear here unless it's to me or Bella, or she says it's okay to do so?"
Rosenstern nods to Slate, and says solemnly to Bella, "Anything discussed in here will not be heard by anyone beyond us three from my lips unless you say it's all right to do so."
The looks Bella gives Slate's turned back is one of bemusement at the strange naiveté of the large Seraph. The fact that things seem just that simple to him is a foreign concept.
Shateishael nods, then turns back to Bella, "S'okay?"
She shakes her head with a quiet chuckle and a shrug, "You people are just awfully trusting. Fine. It's OK."
Shateishael smiles slowly, "So are you, but that's all right."
Rosenstern isn't quite that trusting. He's a Mercurian of Novalis, a 'Flower-Friend,' not a fool. The vast majority of demons, not to mention a good chunk of the War faction Celestials, consider his ilk to be the ne plus ultra of the angelic hippies. He doesn't mind that image; but it does mean he gets dismissed out of hand now and then. He's well familiar with how humans -- and demons -- can deceive and conspire and lie; he's inwardly alert and mentally chewing on everything Bella says and her body language, though he's reasonably sure there's no trap in the making.
Bella blows her bangs out of her eyes and puts her chin on her knees. She looks very young as a human and the troubled expression across her face makes the illusion even stronger, "See, I made this Promise. This surgeon made me make it. And I've been trying to figure out what the fuck he was thinking. 'Say, Mister, you get one wish to ask of a supernatural being. She happens to look like a pretty good looking chick. What do you want?' You know what the bastard asked me?"
Rosenstern blinks. "Somehow, I have the feeling this is going to either mystify me or shock the azaleas out of me."
Shateishael smiles, "Never hurt the infirm."
Shateishael says, "Or something similar to that."
The Lilim smirks at Slate and taps herself on the nose. She puts on a British accent for a moment, "I want to ask that you allow no harm to come to anyone that's ill. Or, well, do your best not to allow it. Maybe I should add cause?"
When she speaks again, it’s in her normal non-accent, "It comes down to I can't hurt sick people or just let it happen around me, either."
Shateishael nods, stretching out and crossing his booted feet. Might as well relax and let her tell the story her own way. He's got all the time of stone.
Rosenstern tilts his head to the side. "Well. That's unusual," he says a touch cheerily. Though inwardly it's a little disheartening. She didn't exactly let the sick man live out of conscience. Still, it's not all that bad a thing. Hoist by her own petard, so to speak, or he would if he felt she had less of a conscience. As it is, he's intrigued by the route her thoughts are taking her.
She's gone back to hugging her knees, looking decidedly grouchy, "I've spent ten years trying to figure that out. Most human guys, I'd have been dressed up as a French maid or doing some ridiculous striptease. This guy asks that I let no harm come to sick people."
Shateishael grins, "What's to figure out? Sounds like a conscientious doctor."
The demoness seems to be sort of tuning out the fact that there are actually other beings in the cave with her, "And the guy with the cancer? The one Baal's got his nose all out of joint over? He converted because this Chaplain dude was being nice to him despite knowing that he's killed dozens of humans."
Bella gives Slate another incredulous look, "Look, I know you guys are all holy and stuff, but humans, most of them, tend to think with the wrong head."
Shateishael smiles again, but doesn't answer. He's a little curious as to how she can have the answer and not realize it.
The Lilim wriggles slightly, looking uncomfortable, "Then along comes a big, blond mountain of a goddamn angel and helps me just because it looks like I might be getting hurt. I just don't fucking get it? Why do this shit? The cancer guy gets to spend his last weeks dodging Calabim and Stony here gets stuck with a demon in a cave. Isn't it just more hassle than just letting them take care of themselves?"
Shateishael laughs softly, "What, you don't think you're worth sitting in a cave with?" His tone is gently teasing.
The Lilim's smirk returns, "Honey, I'm all sorts of worth being in dark places with. I'm just not sure why you'd bother keeping the Calabite from rearranging my bone structure."
Shateishael gives a more genuine rumble of laughter this time, and then grins at Bella, "You already know the answer, kid. Does it matter?"
Bella gives Slate an annoyed look, "No, I really don't. You people do this weird, dangerous, stupid stuff... and you look happy about it. What the hell does it get you? Really?"
Shateishael gives Bella a genuinely curious look, "You don't? Huh." He thinks for a moment, and then says, "What makes you happy, Bella?"
Rosenstern remains quiet, letting Slate talk to Bella for the time being. He pours out the tea, three cups, considering how to get it to Bella non-threateningly.
Shateishael accepts his mug from Rosie when it's offered, and blows gently on the tea to cool it, his ice-blue gaze steady and curious on Bella.
Bella lets her eyes flick over to Rosie and the tea. She unfolds her arms and reaches out for the mug, "What makes me happy? Traveling. Seeing things... I liked hang-gliding pretty well."
Rosenstern smiles to Bella then, and stands taking a mug over to her and handing it to her.
Shateishael nods, "Do you get to do it much?"
The girl smiles a bit at Rosie and sips the tea, shrugging at Slate's question, "Not as much as I'd like. But who gets to do the things they like enough?"
Rosenstern returns to where he was sitting, so as not to crowd Bella. He sits cross-legged, holding his tea mug in both hands.
Shateishael waves a hand at Rosenstern, "He does." He sips his tea, thinking, and then adds, "So does Elli, I think." He grins, "I know I sure do."
Bella nods, thinking about that for a second, "I liked playing with the pottery in the stupid little art class I took. That was nice, too. Sensual and pretty and just lovely."
Rosenstern politely doesn't mention what Elli does that she likes.
Shateishael looks curious, "What's stupid about art?"
Bella rolls her eyes again, "The art wasn't stupid. The class was."
Shateishael is silent a moment, thinking, then smiles, "As the poet said: 'Believe in your own powers, and your own potential, and in your own innate goodness.
Wake every morning with the awe of just being alive.
Discover each day the magnificent, awesome beauty in the world.'" He smiles, his gaze far away, and adds quietly, "I get to do that every. Single. Day. It's... truly wonderful."
Bella watches Slate, scrutinizing his face and then shakes her head, "Jesus. You believe that..." her voice is less cynical, more amazed.
Shateishael chuckles again, "Nope. I live it."
After another long moment, Bella nods quietly, disbelief slowly becoming wonder, "Christ. And I thought I was the one that was free."
Shateishael smiles, tilting his head curiously at Bella, "You keep referring to him. Why don't you actually call on him?"
The girl blinks again, trying to figure out what Slate means, and then it clicks and she laughs, "You sounds just like a human cleric, Slate."
Shateishael smiles, "Well, it worked for your invalid friend." He sips his tea and watches her thoughtfully.
Bella nods again and then asks slowly as if she's trying to figure out how to ask, "Listen, I don't think your boss would really suit me... do you know anyone else that might... be willing to help out?"
Shateishael hms quietly, "Well, let's see. Do you know the Words of the various archangels? Do any of them particularly resonate for you?"
There's another of those blinks. If she were human, it would be almost like she was intoxicated, "Well... I... haven't ever really thought about it."
Shateishael grins, settling more comfortably -- this could take a while as she realizes she has the freedom to consider her preferences.
Shateishael waves a hand, "Why not now, then? Consider all you'd like."
Bella sips her tea silently, actually relaxing slightly when Rosie slips out with a murmur about needing something from the bike.
The thoughtful look falls back into place. Oddly, it makes her face look more real, less like something waiting for a finishing touch.
Shateishael watches thoughtfully, guessing 'Flowers' won't be one of Bella's preferred choices. "So... there's the War, Fire, Stone, Justice... I'm not sure I'd suggest any of those, though. There's also Flowers, Lightning, Animals, Wind, Dreams... any of those grab you?"
Rosie returns from the bike, carrying a small pack he had forgotten on the bike with some food and fuel for the small camp stove in it.
Shateishael nods companionably to Rosenstern, and then turns his gaze back to the pondering Lilim.
Bella licks her lips and takes a deep breath, "Maybe... maybe creation? Dreams? Something... free. Something that..." She furrows her brow, "Look, I don't do so well with someone watching me too closely."
Shateishael smiles and looks away.
Rosenstern says dryly, "That sounds like Creation for certain. I would just hope Dominic would let that happen, though I don't see why not."
Shateishael grins and rumbles lazily to Rosenstern, "Let a freshly fledged Bright go to an archangel on walkabout? I suspect he'd rather lay kittens, myself."
The Lilim winces at the name Dominic, "Does he even have to know? Dominic is... look, if demons had nightmares, he'd be one of the things we'd have them about."
Shateishael gives Bella a sympathetic glance, "So do we."
Rosenstern nods, not unsympathetically, to Bella. "He doesn't, at that, actually.
Shateishael politely looks away again, adding, "Dreams might work, though." He frowns at Rosenstern, "Hey. Don't tell her things that aren't correct, Rosie -- you know he'll be told."
Bella licks her lips again, "But does he have to know about it before it happens?"
Shateishael sighs, not looking at Bella, "Question isn't does he have to, girl. It's if he will know."
A nervous glance toward the entrance to the cave and then back at the two angels with her, "So.. OK. He might... might allow me to go to Dreams?"
Shateishael says, "Bella, girl... we don't know. Frankly, his folks piss me off somethin' fierce. So my recommendation is for you to decide what your heart says, an' follow it." He studies her gravely for a moment, and then says, "I know I at least will do my best to help you, if that's what you want."
Shateishael says quietly, "Do what feels right, sweetheart... not what's most convenient."
Bella nods and puts down the mug of tea, brushing off the front of her shins, the motion nervous and quick, "OK. Yeah. What feels right... I want to make things. If I can do this, if I survive, I want to be part of Creation."
Shateishael nods firmly, "Good. Okay... you wanna try now? I know someone that might be able to help..." he glances at Rosenstern, "unless you have a good friend who's one of Eli's?"
The demoness nods, hugging her legs to her chest again and rocking forward and back a little bit, "No time like the present, huh?"
Shateishael smiles quietly, trying to look slightly to one side of her so she's less uncomfortable, "That'd be my suggestion, yeah. That feel okay to you?"
Bella laughs a high, nervous laugh and shakes her head, "No. Nothing feels OK right now. I'm scared to fucking death right now."
Rosenstern shakes his head. "I don't, no. But she's right, no time like the present." He should have realized; Slate's a Seraph, he can't help but tell the truth, and won't ever do anything else.
Shateishael tilts his head at the rocking girl, "Well... is there anything in particular that might help? Going right away? More tea? A hug?"
Bella blinks again, slow and almost thoughtful, "Could we go now? I'd be out of town, and the sooner I'm off Baal's radar, the better."
Shateishael nods, "Sure thing." He starts packing stuff up, asking them both, "So what sounds safer to you guys -- take Bella to Sedona, or ask the Eliite to come to the ranch? I'm leaning towards the ranch, myself -- more folks to protect her there than on the highway, y'know?"
Rosenstern considers. "The ranch might be better, I think. It's well out of the way.
Shateishael nods, "All right. You wanna fly straight to the house, Rosie, and call ahead and get Ian on his way here, and I'll bring Bella back on the bike?"
Bella starts packing her own things up, shrugging out of the sweatshirt in the process, leaving her briefly in a just slightly too-skimpy bra before she pulls on another shirt, "Isn't there someone I shouldn't get in the way of at your ranch?"
Shateishael grins at Bella, "Not if you're Redeemin', nope. She'll probably gleefully defend you against anyone hostile that turned up, in fact."
Shateishael casually shoulders saddlebags and duffel, then heads for the cave's entrance, leaving Bella to finish straightening her clothes and Rosie finishing re-packing his littler pack, "C'mon when y'all are ready, folks."
Rosenstern nods to Slate, then smiles quietly to Bella. "Don't worry. It'll all be taken care of. Do you want any help with your stuff?"
After the big Seraph leaves the cave, taking her duffel and most of her belongings with it, Bella chuckles "Big, blond and buff took it already." After a barely discernable pause she adds, "But thank you."
There's a small snicker from the cave's entry tunnel.
Rosenstern ohs! and nods, grinning sheepishly and walking out with Bella. He glances around, trying to be as alert as possible for any watchers.
Shateishael loads up the bike, then hands his jacket to Bella, "Here. Can't hurt to put a li'l bit of armor on you." He nods to Rosie, "'Kay, give Ian the full story when you call him, and let Elli 'n Thea know what's up too so they know to be on guard 'til everything's settled. We'll be there in about an hour tops. If Elli wants she's welcome to fly out and be high guard on the way, too."
Bella follows the pair of angels out of the cave, having a strange thought for her, having to crawl out of this place is almost like a physical rebirth for the spiritual one.
Rosenstern nods to Slate, and takes in a deep breath. As he exhales, he becomes Celestial, and pauses a moment to get his bearings. Then he is off to the ranch, as fast as he can in Celestial form, hoping he isn't making too much of a ruckus in the Symphony with his passage.
As Slate takes Bella back to the ranch by the long and bumpy way on the bike, Rosenstern gets back at just about the speed of thought and calls the number for Ian. The Malakite of Eli is fairly well known around the Southwest due to his tendency to travel to different Faires and SCA events selling his woodworks. Though he looks like he and Slate could be cousins, he tends to be strangely gentler than the Seraph.
During the ride, Bella clings to Slate like she were a child and he were her teddy bear. But even the bone-numbing fear about how badly this could go can't make her completely too nervous to enjoy the ride. At one point, she asks into the mic, "If I survive, would you teach me to ride?"
Shateishael smiles quietly, relieved to feel her relaxing a bit, and replies, "Love to. Bike or horse?"
Bella laughs happily, "You have a horse?" Again, there's that moment of her sounding so young.
Shateishael grins, remembering how joyous the Bright he knew was. He quietly promises himself he's going to make sure this kid gets a chance to feel that joy too, then nods, "Ayup. Her name's Aletheia, and she keeps track of us all on the ranch. She's one of the folks who pushed me to go make sure you were comfortable, in fact." He chuckles, adding, "I think she's hoping you'll be part of her herd too."
The tone of Bella's voice is just a little teasing, "I don't know, I've never tried using an animal Vessel."
Shateishael grins, "Me either, actually. She's my lead mare; we started runnin' together when I was ridin' with the Nemene. You might know 'em as the Comanche?"
Slate's complete miss there just makes Bella laugh and hug him around the waist tight for a second, "I'm not big on human history, honey, sorry."
Shateishael smiles, lightly patting her arms with one hand for a moment, "S'okay. I miss out onna lotta stuff too. Don't tell him I said so, but I think Rosie despairs of me ever gettin' flirtin'."
That just makes her laugh again and hug Slate again. She's feeling joyous. This really feels like freedom. It's scary and thrilling and perfect. Just like freedom ought to be.
Shateishael grins again, heading the bike swiftly towards the ranch. He really likes her laugh for some reason... and he wants her safely home as quickly as possible.
The number for Ian is on a business card of his stuck to the fridge with a magnet. It's a rather battered card, as if it's been hauled around a lot, and that's just exactly the way it came to Slate from Ian's hand. The phone rings seven or eight times before it's answered by a deep male voice with a thick Irish brogue that has to shout over the din of a pair of dogs barking, "Shush, lovelies, got a call! Hello?"
Rosenstern smiles to himself. "Hi, Ian, this is Rosie."
Ian laughs delightedly, the roar of it easy to hear even over the racket the dogs are making. The pair of them, Princess and Sweetie, are with him everywhere he goes. One is a rescued Rottweiler, the other a rescued American Bull Terrier, "Rosenstern, you wee adorable poofter! To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Rosenstern laughs out loud. Somehow, Ian's one of the few people he has utterly no problem calling him that. "We have an... interesting development. Slate ran into a demon who wants to Redeem."
The barking of the dogs settles down and there's a creak of wood as if Ian is settling his considerable bulk into a chair that isn't quite up to it, "Oh, aye? And just why di' ye's think to call l'il ole me?" The Malakite shifts the phone enough so he can talk baby talk to one of the dogs as he waits on his answer.
Rosenstern takes in a breath; he has a feeling that this is a much more delicate thing to talk about. He gives Ian the full story about what Slate told him, about how Slate discovered the demon. He does, of course, leave out the part that he promised not to speak of. "...And she's found it in herself to come into service with Creation." he finishes.
The Eliite listens to the story, making the appropriate acknowledging sounds in the right places. When Rosie ends it up with the Redemption part, "So, my part in all o' this is to find me boss and see what he thinks of havin' a Bright Lilim runnin' about under his Word?"
Rosenstern says, "That's the short and the long of it. May we ask this of you, if it's possible?"
Ian is silent for a good several minutes as he thinks it over, "An' ye say ye're pretty sure she's really Redeemable and not jus' attemptin' some suicide mission?"
Rosenstern says, "Well, Slate's a Seraph. I'd say he'd be pretty sure. If it's doable, can you come to the ranch to call Eli? This might be something best done soonest, and out of sight of demons -- and, well, I imagine we'd also like to make it so the Domini Canes aren't involved until later.""
Ian snorts contemptuously at the mention of Dominic's people, "Oh, aye, I can do tha'. I'll be down soonest... well, as soon as me old truck can make it. Gonna need to bring a thing or two along."
Rosenstern lets out a breath. "That's much appreciated, Ian. Thank you so very much."
After his conversation with Rosie, Ian wastes no time in loading himself, the dogs and a few other things into his rattletrap old truck and setting out for Phoenix. It's a familiar trip and he's making it in less time than normal. Meantime, Bella enjoys her ride back to the ranch with Slate, only wishing she weren't wearing the helmet.
Shateishael hums contentedly to himself. He's having a very pleasant time also, truth be told.
The trip back goes silent once Bella falls into just letting the wind blow around and past her. Her arms around the Seraph are quite a bit more relaxed this trip, but somehow she seems to be holding herself just a little more tightly against him. Once they reach the ranch, she even sighs a bit in disappointment that the ride is over.
Shateishael slides smoothly off the bike, then turns and smiles, casually lifting her off the bike, "There you go! Wanna meet my best girl?"
Bella puts her hand lightly on Slate's shoulders as he lifts her to the ground, laughing again as she takes off her helmet, "That depends. Is she the jealous type?"
Shateishael gives Bella a slightly perplexed look, "Thea? Jealous? Um... should she be?" He looks around and, not spotting Thea immediately, puts two fingers to his mouth and gives a piercing whistle. Then he looks curiously at Bella, "Jealous of what?"
Shateishael grins at Bella, putting both her helmet and his on the bike, then looks up at a faint whinny. "Ah, here she comes!"
The Lilim laughs again, smiling brightly. It's really the most happy expression Slate's seen on her. The ride and the thought of what's possibly coming up have made her almost intoxicated, "Well, you bringing home a nubile young demon?"
Shateishael blinks at Bella as if it's just occurred to him... then he half-laughs, half-groans, "Oh, not you too! She's been trying to set me up with another humanoid female for almost a century now!"
Bella puts on a wounded expression, laying a hand over her chest. When she's not frightened out of her wits, she seems to have a bit of a sense of humour, "Oh... oh no. My heart... it's breaking..." She sniffs exaggeratedly.
Shateishael blinks at Bella in startlement -- then suddenly laughs, finally getting the joke. He grins, rumbling, "I think Thea's gonna like you. I may be in trouble."
- Aletheia is a big mare, standing about 17 hands at the withers and with a flowing mane and tail. Her conformation is long-limbed and clean, and she carries herself with confidence and grace. Her coat is a beautiful testament to the breeding skills of the Comanche: mostly white with rich reddish-brown spots all over her body, clustering into a lovely mahogany roan across her rump. She bears a Medicine Hat pattern over her ears (one of which is slit), and her eyes are an eerie blue.
Aletheia comes up in an almost floating extended trot, her head and tail up in interest at the new person. Slate waves a hand to her, "Thea, sweetheart, this is Bella. 'Member I told you 'bout her yesterday? She wants to Redeem!"
Shateishael adds to Bella, "Could I ask you not to pull any promises from Thea neither, please?"
Bella is still grinning at Slate's finally getting the joke, green eyes sparkling. When she catches sight of Thea, the expression becomes one of wonder. The girl has to visibly restrain herself from bouncing and clapping like a child, but she does breathe, "Ohh, she's beautiful..." and then answers, "It would be an abuse of hospitality to do that..." She offers her hand to Thea, palm up.
Shateishael says quietly, "Thank you." Thea snorts, tossing her head in somewhat prideful agreement with Bella's assessment of her, then slows and walks over, extending her head to gently snuffle Bella's hand with velvety lips. Once she has Bella's scent she says approvingly, "You smell good. You should stay. Bear of the Sun needs more smart fillies like you around."
Shateishael grins, leaning against Thea's shoulder as he gently scritches her withers. He's vaguely surprised at how pleased he is that Thea likes Bella.
Bella curls her fingers to stroke beneath Thea's chin if the horse will let her. She smiles, eyes flashing worry for just a moment, "I'm surprised I don't smell pretty awful with the last couple of days I've had. But I'm honored you approve, Miss Thea."
The big mare's eyes go half-closed with pleasure, and she rumbles, "You smell like my stallion. He's a good smell. You should get him to smell like you too."
Shateishael rumbles warningly, "Thea, be nice -- she just got here."
The Lilim smirks slightly as the mare does exactly what Slate predicted she would. Bella cuts her eyes over at the big blond and chuckles, "I don't see your stallion there being all that interested." She smells a little of sweat, but also of Slate's jacket and of the last traces of some woody perfume. And beneath it all, Thea can catch just the slightest trace of pheromones.
Thea snorts, "Oh, him -- you could lift your tail right in his face and he'd politely step out of your way! And just Thea's fine -- 'miss' is a human thing!" Slate coughs, hastily looking away.
Thea looks around, "What? Am I wrong?" Slate mutters something about putting the bike away, and hastily escapes. Thea whickers in amusement, calling after him, "You come back when you're done, youngster!"
Unlike Slate, Bella laughs at the mare's blunt-spokenness, continuing to stroke and scritch under her chin. She watches the Seraph walk away with appreciation and contemplation, "He's a good spirit, that one." She tips her head to the side and says with a twinkle, "And the ass ain't bad, either."
Thea snorts approvingly, "Good, I'm glad you like him. He's always more settled when he has a mare he's sleeping with." She considers, then adds, "If you've had a hard time, I bet you'd like to clean up, yes? Do you do dust baths or water baths?"
Bella's smile tightens slightly and something of worry flashes across her eyes, "Well, that might be something I'll consider trying to convince him of once I've... well, after I've spoken with Eli." She actually groans at the thought of a bath, "That would be wonderful. Water. And soap. You don't have bubble bath, do you?"
Thea turns and heads for the house, in a relaxed walk that's easy for Bella to keep up with, and adds with a gusty, long-suffering sigh, "Not that he's been like that with mares much. I swear, I practically shove them at him sometimes! But he was really happy with his Nemene wife. Even though I couldn't talk to her, she figured out she needed to be incredibly obvious with him." She tilts her head to regard Bella and adds firmly, "If you're as interested as your scent is hinting at, you'll be fine. Don't worry -- he's not the type to rush off after any filly that squeals and lifts her tail, so you can wait until you're sure." She pauses long enough to slide the door open with her teeth, then nods, "Yep, we'll borrow some of Rosie's bubble bath for you." She taps each hoof carefully, wiping it on the doormat, then walks on into the house, "This way!"
Bella just nods at the advice, smiling crookedly. "Rosie's awfully sweet." She pauses for a moment to adjust to the idea of a horse in the house and then follows along after Thea, shrugging out of Slate's jacket, "As for being sure, I just want to make sure I survive... being Remade... it can be the end of me." She somehow feels more comfortable with Thea than with the two angels that have been taking care of her.
Thea looks over her shoulder and whickers comfortingly, "It's all right, Eli's a wonderful guy. I've heard about him a lot from a good friend of Bear of the Sun's -- he'll take good care of you." She pushes a door open with her nose, adding, "Towels are in the closet there. Dump your clothes outside the door and I'll get Bear to put them in the wash for you. Enjoy your bath!" She starts to step away, then pauses, "Do you want anything else? I can send Bear in with whatever you want, if I can't get it myself."
The Lilim starts stripping off her clothes while she runs bathwater for herself, "Just the bubble bath..." She tosses clothes out the door and sits on the edge of the tub, letting her feet soak in the water, sighing happily.
The big mare nods, "All right." She's still for a moment, thinking... then tosses her head a little in pleasure, "Welcome!" Then she carefully backs around and clops away.
While Bella is still luxuriating in her bath, Ian arrives along with his dogs and something that he carries very carefully in one enormous hand. The Malakite of Eli is as tall as Slate and slightly broader through the shoulders, but he's not buff. In fact, he carries around a bit of pudge. His hair is blond and worn in a braid that reaches past his waist, tied off with a leather thong. His beard, likewise, is long and bushy, but he's braided it as well, tying the ends off with scarlet ribbons. And he wears, of all things, an enormous black canvas kilt. He pounds at the door with his free hand, calling out, "Halloo the house!"
Shateishael throws open the door and gives a huge hug to the big Malakite, "Ian, you old trouble-maker! Good to see you again!"
Ian hugs Slate with his free arm, beaming broadly, "Ahh, Slate. How are ye, boy?" Princess scrambles into the house, shoulder-blocking into Slate's leg to demand petting. All 80-some-odd pounds of Rottie is wiggling like a puppy.
The ranch's dogs are dancing around and barking their heads off, and the geese are hissing and being sternly ordered off by Thea. Slate laughs, enjoying the exuberance, and slaps Ian's shoulder, "C'mon in an' have a beer! Thea says Bella's having a bubble bath, but she sho- oh, hell!" He looks guilty, "Uh, help yourself to the kitchen -- I gotta move her clothes to the dryer!" He grins, ruffling ears and gently slapping puppy-sides, "Hey, y'all! Lemme through, or I'm gonna be in trouble!"
Princess and Sweetie take their chances to slobber on Slate and then bound outside to tussle and play with the ranch dogs. Ian lumbers in, that one hand still cupping its burden quite gently, "Go take care of the lass an' her kit. I'll grab a beer and take Thea the honeycomb I brought for her."
Thea looks up with a snort at that, then comes walking hastily over, "Hello! What was that, Ian?" Slate grins and swiftly heads for the laundry room. He hastily moves things around from washer to dryer, then leaves the duffel by the bathroom door within Bella's easy reach. After that he gets his own beer and comes back to settle in the living room with Ian. "Thanks for comin', man -- really 'ppreciate it."
Ian beams at Thea and produces a small wax packet of fresh honeycomb from his sporran, "Fresh from me own hive, darlin'." He sets about the kitchen like he owns it, getting out a bowl to put the honeycomb in. He grabs a beer and settles in the living room, legs in their moccasin boots stretched out comfortably. He puts a small hand-worked puzzle box on the table, "It's a good day to talk to me boss, I think. Feels like fresh beginnin's."
There are happy slobbering noises from the kitchen -- it's hard for a horse to be tidy with drippy food, after all. Slate grins affectionately at the sound, then looks to Ian, "So. Any questions or anything you need before she comes out?" As usual when he doesn't have to 'pretty up' for humans, he's only in his comfortably threadbare jeans, one leg over the arm of the overstuffed chair he's sprawled in.
From where he glances, it's clear Slate is referring to Bella, not Thea.
Eventually, Bella emerges from the bathroom. She doesn't even bother trying to reach out and grab her duffel through the door. Instead, she wraps a towel around herself to come out for it and takes it back in. The second time she comes out, she's wearing a simple white sundress and her wet hair is combed back against her head. She pads through the house, stopping just out of sight of the living room as she hears voices.
Ian shakes his head, "Nah, nah. Rosenstern assures me the lass seems to be in earnest. If I can catch the attention of Himself, he'll be able to see into the heart of her and he'll do what needs be done." He nods his head toward the box, "I've got a flower for him I think'll do the trick."
Shateishael smiles, "Fantastic. In that case, d'you wanna call now, or wait 'til she comes out?"
Ian smiles, the corners of his eyes crinkling into smile lines, "Oh, she's already out here..." He cranes his neck and calls out, "Quiet as a mouse y'may be lass, but ye're also smellin' of Rosie's bubble bath." Bella jumps slightly and creeps into the room. She tries to move very primly, but being who and what she is, it's not exactly successful.
Shateishael chuckles, "Ah. Bella, meet Ian. Ian, this is Bella." He has a drink of his beer, and then adds belatedly, "Help yourself to a drink if you want?"
The Malakite looks her over and whistles under his breath, "And aren't ye a lovely one?" The smile he gives her has more to do with paternal kindness than lechery, however, "Now, girlie, me friends here have assured me that ye are in earnest about Redemption." He leans forward, elbows on his knees and puts on a serious expression, the father about to explain a hard rule, "And I am bound by me honor to tell ye that if this be a trick of some sort, I will see to it that ye come out of it in bitty little pieces. Are we clear?"
Bella's eyes are wide with a species of fright that Slate didn't quite seem to inspire, perhaps because of her own confidence that an angel of Stone couldn't start a fight, "Yes. I understand." Her answer is barely audible and she lowers her head, swallowing.
Ian studies the girl and then glances at Slate, "Did you make absolutely sure she was sure about this, Slate? I don't want to have to harm someone here in your house."
Shateishael watches silently, suddenly faintly amused as he realizes -- she thought she was completely safe with him! He has another swallow of beer, savoring the cold, creamy taste, and reflects thoughtfully, Well... strictly speaking she was perfectly safe. She doesn't seem to be the type to abuse the courtesy, and so I didn't need to withdraw it. He looks thoughtfully at Ian, then back at Bella, and simply says, "Bella, do you wish to Redeem?"
Bella closes her eyes and clasps her hands together between her knees, shuddering again. There's still that sense of fear around her, but when she whispers, "Yes..." It rings as clear truth. Ian watches Slate's face for his reaction to the girl's answer.
Shateishael smiles at Bella's response, then gets a thoughtful look as some poetry comes to mind. Softly he quotes,
"
Love seeketh not Itself to please,"
Nor for itself hath any care;
But for another gives its ease,
And builds a Heaven in Hell's despair.
He smiles again, "William Blake."
Ian lifts his beer in a toast to the poetry, "God bless Billy Blake." He slugs back some more of the drink, giving Bella plenty of time to stare quietly at Slate, smiling beatifically, despite traces of tears.
Shateishael looks a bit caught by that smile for a moment, and his own brightens a bit in return.
Shateishael remembers himself a moment later, and looks at Ian, "So... good to go, man?"
After what he deems a discreet amount of time, Ian clears his throat and reaches for the box. It's one of his own make, something that he could charge a pretty penny for at any of his normal venues. And he manages to hide the amused smirk with working at opening it. What he draws forth is tiny, delicate and so heavily scented that it perfumes the room within minutes. It looks like a wild violet, but the color is a yellow so bright it almost shines metallic. "Aye.. I Made this for Himself. Ought to get his attention right real quick." He lays the tiny bloom on top of the box and starts to sing something lilting and warm and soft.
Shateishael's eyes widen in appreciation of the skill involved. He waits silently, though, listening and enjoying the sweet scent... and occasionally smiling at Bella. He likes seeing her smile like that.
As the song goes on, the glow around the flower becomes more than a seeming, light starting to emit from its petals, starting golden and slowly becoming pure white that fractures into wildly dancing rainbows. The rainbows themselves coalesce and melt into the shape of an ageless African man with short braids, dressed in ragged clothes. The smile on his face could melt glaciers and his eyes are merry and kind at once.
Shateishael sits up, reaching for the extra bottle of beer he'd brought into the living room. He pops the top, then with a polite bow sets it within reach of the archangel, should he want some.
For a moment, Bella is too caught up smiling at Slate, but when the light gets so very bright, she sits up, expression rapt and a little nervous.
Thea sticks her head into the living room, her ears perked up in fascination, still licking her lips.
Eli stretches and yawns, "Ian, my man, nice to see you." He reaches for the beer and raises it in salute to the Seraph before taking a gulp and flopping down on the couch. His eyes catch Bella and he blinks, tipping his head to the side, "Well... this ain't exactly something I'd expect." The archangel kicks bare feet up onto the coffee table, crossing them at the ankle, "So, what's all the ruckus?"
Shateishael grins, relaxing a bit. He glances at Ian, not sure if the Malakite wishes to do the talking to his archangel or not.
Bella is utterly silent and still, watching Eli with wonder and a little confusion. And maybe a bit of recognition. Lilith can be similarly informal at times.
Thea taps a hoof lightly once, glancing inquiringly at Slate. He puts a finger to his lips and she nods once, then turns her fascinated gaze back to the archangel.
Once his Superior is settled, Ian clears his throat and motions at Bella, "It's about the lass. Seems my friend here saved her from getting her head bashed in and managed to scare the Hell out of her." Eli snorts at the joke, folding his hands behind his head and examining Bella with a new curiousity, "Mmm.. and you're asking me to re-Create her?"
Shateishael chuckles quietly at Ian, then nods to Eli, "Please, sir."
Eli smiles at Slate and purses his lips thoughtfully, then finally goes back to looking at Bella, "So, what about it, girlie? You comin' over to the Light Side of the Force? Gonna forsake all that drinkin' and sexin' and bein' evil?" There's a twinkle of amusement in his eyes as he asks the question and takes another swig of beer.
Shateishael nearly coughs on his beer at that! Thea snorts amusedly as well, her head bobbing in equine laughter.
Bella has to take a breath and lick her lips before she can do it, but she manages to say, "Certainly, sir, just as soon as you are."
Shateishael really does choke on his beer at that one! Thea says sharply, "Bear! Clean that up!"
Shateishael rolls his eyes, "Sorry, sorry," and heads for the kitchen for a towel.
That draws a hearty guffaw from both Eli and Ian. Eli finishes off his beer and slaps his knee, grinning in a way that illuminates the whole house, "Well, I'll give up that last one, but if I have to give up sex, might as well give up existin', so I guess we got ourselves a deal." He leans forward, offering his right hand to the Lilim. Bella lets out her breath with a relieved smile, reaching out to take the offered hand.
Shateishael pads back out a moment later and wipes up the mess he made, then makes an amused face at Thea and throws the towel at her, "Nag!" She neatly catches it in her teeth, snorting once at him, and carefully backs up to hang up the towel. Slate settles back down, brightening as he sees how well things are going.
At the contact of her palm against Eli's, there is a thunderous crash of music that seems to shake the very walls of the house. A starburst of heatless fire envelopes the archangel and the Lilim, completely obscuring both of them for a moment. The crash builds to an ecstatic, wordless song as the light flashes sun-bright for a moment and then fades. Where Eli and Bella were, there's only Bella now. Her Vessel has been remade as well as her Essence. Where before there was something unfinished and undone about her features, she now wears a joyous face. She isn't stunningly perfect, but at the moment of her Recreation and Redemption, she glows with a beauty beyond physical. Her skin continues to glow for moments after the initial flash, and it takes a moment to realize that she's now bare from head to foot, the sundress having disappeared.
Into the silence that follows, Ian murmurs, "So mote it fuckin' be." He raises the last of his beer and toasts Bella, "Welcome home, lassie."
Shateishael feels the Symphony thundering orchestrally, rushing through him like a tangible thing, and it's all he can do to hold onto his vessel for a moment. When his head clears he finds himself standing, half-crouched, his hair ruffled as if by a sudden wind. He takes a slow breath, straightening... then laughs, suddenly and joyously, "That's it? That's bloody wonderful, man! Bella, sweetheart, you look great!" Unless she flinches away he'll stride forward, reaching to give her a congratulatory hug.
Bella is taken by surprise by the hug, but she returns it, hugging Slate back tightly and squealing with delight as she feels herself flung around by the Seraph, hair streaming with it. When he puts her down, she throws herself at Ian, who was standing up in anticipation of his turn, "Oh... oh thank you. Thank you both! And Rosie..." She looks down at herself, blinking a bit and staring at her own hand.
Shateishael beams, watching the new Bright. There's something truly amazing about them... it's like the whole Symphony cries out for joy when they happen.
Ian hugs the girl back with a thunderous chuckle, patting her first on the shoulder and then on her rump as he points her back at Slate for more hugs. He flops back into his seat with a satisfied smile on his face. While Bella is busy literally whirling around the room and laughing, the big Malakite gathers up the box (the bloom is gone), and slips out silently. By the time anyone notices that he's not there, he and the dogs are gone.
Shateishael grins, a bit lost in watching Bella darting joyously around the room. He doesn't notice Ian leaving -- he's not yet quite registered Bella is nude either, truth be told.
But he's quite happy to give her all the hugs and congratulations she wants.
After several rounds of hugs and giggling with both Slate and Thea, and Rosie if he appears, Bella eventually realizes that she ought to dress. She digs out a pair of baggy jeans and a t-shirt with a representation of a beauty pageant sash that says "Miss Behaving." Eventually, the shine of her skin fades, leaving her no more luminous than any other young woman and eventually, she finds a place to be quiet, explaining to Slate that she has some thinking to do about what to do now.
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