Law -- Logs

After Devorael's request for aid, Slate went to retrieve a long-time friend, Bella, from Sedona to act as Thea's assistant while the celestial inhabitants are helping. She moves around the ranch house like she's very familiar with it. After greeting everyone, she turns to Conary and smiles.

"I don't think you and I have met, have we?" she asks the Elohite.

Shateishael blinks, then rumbles, "Damn. Still workin' on my social skills. Bella, this's Conary." He looks around, "Anyone else I forgot? Is Deva here?"

Conary smiles and offers a hand to Bella, saying "A pleasure to meet you."

He's a slim, slightly androgynous young man, about in his middle twenties. He has unremarkable, regular, Caucasian features, short medium brown hair, no facial hair, and clear blue eyes. He wears khaki slacks, a purple T-shirt, brown leather shoes, and a simple cross on a gold chain.

Bella doesn't bother taking Conary's hand and instead hugs him with a laugh, "Welcome."

Shateishael smiles as he watches, then glances at Elisheba, "Hey, has anyone given Conary the nickel tour 'round the place? Or told him about not using True Names for daily use hereabouts?"

Conary laughs and hugs Bella back

Conary says, "Um... no, and I only /have/ one name."

Bella appears to be somewhere between twenty and thirty-five human years old. Where along the spectrum she falls depends on expression and manner of dress. Most of the time, she simply wears comfortable jeans and a selection of t-shirts that range from the cutesy to the sarcastic. Her figure is comfortably curvy without appearing overly buxom. She's lovely, yes, but without being a caricature. In her day-to-day dealings, one could look over her without a second glance. On special days, she can make herself glow. her hair is chestnut brown and usually caught back in a long ponytail, the tip of which brushes the waist of her jeans. Her face is heart-shaped and just slightly plump of cheek, giving her smile an edge of mischief, even on the rare occasions that she's behaving herself. Her one truly remarkable feature is her eyes. Deep green in color, they can be compelling or compassionate, but normally they're just impish.

Elisheba smiles to Bella. "Well, Bella? Have you had the tour, yet? I don't believe I've had the honor, thus far.. "

Bella grins at Elisheba, "Honey, I had the buck-fifty tour thirty years ago."

Shateishael grins happily at that.

Elisheba smiles. "Ahhh yes, I do believe I was invited to be elsewhere at the time for some reason or another.. "

Conary quietly enjoys watching the two speak

Shateishael adds to Conary, "You might wanna come up with a nickname to use instead of your True Name, for daily use, like I was using Deshi when we originally met. It's not like you can be forced to come to a Summoning, but I've been told the constant ping in the back of your head can get annoyin'. Also, I'd guess nasty folks could set up an ambush that way, y'know?"

Shateishael gives Elisheba a puzzled look -- then laughs, looking to Bella, "Invited to be elsewhere, eh? Nah, I'm not asking how dense you must've thought I was!" He grins cheerfully.

Elisheba chuckles. "Welllll now, it was a delicate task you were about, in one way or another.. "

Shateishael snorts amusedly at Elisheba.

Bella winks at Elisheba, then turns to Conary, "He's right, you know, Conary. It can help to have a name that people know you by." She tips her head, tapping her chin as she thinks. "What about just Conner?"

Conary tilts his head to one side, considering.

Conary says, "Conner should be just fine."

Shateishael nods, "'kay. Conner it is. So, wanna see the rest of the ranch? Got any questions?"

The Bright grins, "That makes it almost your name, but let's you have a little security."

Shateishael nods, then adds, "If you wanna do the tour later that's fine too, Connor. Just ask Thea if any of us aren't around."

Conary nods saying "Thank you. I'll be back before too long."

Shateishael settles down comfortably on the couch with a cold beer, and a little tortoiseshell tabby jumps up and curls up on his lap. He absently scritchies the kitty as he says to Elisheba and Bella, "So... how's this favor thing Deva's saddled with work? Y'all know anything about it?"

Bella sits on the arm of the couch opposite Slate, bare feet wiggling against the cushions, "That depends on if it's a promise or if it's a geas. If it's a geas, it could cause some serious Dissonance to go against it."

Elisheba pulls a rocking chair nearby, and settles herself into a slow rock as she listens.

Shateishael takes a sip of beer, then hmms thoughtfully, "Well now... you remember what the little Kyrio called it, Ellie?"

The Bright continues on, "If it's a simple promise, she's mostly just got the displeasure of whoever she promised."

Elisheba squints her eyes a moment.. "A Geas? No, no, she never used the word.. Hmm...Ahhhh, now I remember. A favor, it was. A favor to Dominic. The same thing, more or less.

At mention of Dominic's name, Bella makes a face like she just tasted something nasty, "Fuck. Owing a favor to Dominic could be just as bad as an actual geas."

Elisheba snorts. "And no reach around, either. Nor lube. Nor dinner and wine, come to that.

Shateishael gives Elisheba a surprised look, "Don't think I ever heard of Justice's folks bein' that... uhmm... ah, got it -- sarcasm." The corners of his mouth quirk slightly, and he looks back at Bella, "So... she's really stuck with whatever this is, considerin' who it's to, yeah? So are we talkin' letter of the law here or spirit of the agreement?"

Bella hugs her arms across her chest, "I'd say with Dominic, it's about the honor of the thing."

Elisheba chuckles at Slate.

Shateishael raises an eyebrow, "An' that's defined... how?" He tilts his head as he notices Bella's apparent discomfort, then adds in a gentler tone of voice, "You wanna hug, sweetheart?"

Elisheba nods to Bella. "I believe you'd be right, there." She leans over and scoops up a bundle of cat that has been twining around her ankles and strokes it gently as it considers whether to settle in her lap or no.

Bella crinkles her eyes at Slate, "No, darlin', I'm OK. I mean that if this Deva accepted help from Dominic with the provision that she would owe him a favor, it would be considered honorable to fulfill the promise... or he probably could geas her into it." She wrinkles her nose again, "You don't want her being under geas if she doesn't have to be.

Elisheba says, "I got the distinct impression that the favor was being called, right off the bat. If that is the case then I am worried, honestly. "

Shateishael nods to Bella, reassured, then curiously asks Elisheba, "How come, Ellie? You know somethin' we don't?"

The Bright slides down to put her butt on the cushions of the couch, hugging her knees to her chest, "Know what worries me? Dominic calling in favors, period."

Elisheba says, "She told us she was going to be considered as having broken the promise she made if she doesn't show tomorrow morning. I don't know anything about what they want, but I do know that if Dominic can get a favor out of an angel without having to call in said favor, he's not above it, not in the slightest. "

Elisheba touches her nose and nods to Bella.

Elisheba says, "Me, as well. Obviously.""

Shateishael frowns thoughtfully, then rumbles, "'kay, you ladies know more 'bout Dom than I do -- I've assiduously avoided the uptight... um, guy, since seein' his people pointlessly pester an Eliite friend a' mine coupla years back. So... fill me in on what this means, please?"

Bella thinks for a moment, "Dominic prefers to keep things in-house, usually. Why go outside for the help?"

Shateishael says, "Good question, but how're we likely to find an answer?"

Elisheba says, "Well, now, what it means is that I don't know for sure, only it seems out of character. I can't say I am drinking buddies with the fellow but I have seen his handiwork, and, well, he's true to type. Which means I'll have to find out with everyone else come the morning. Frankly, I don't much look forward to it.:"

Shateishael says, "An' for that matter, why pick on such an obvious kid? That little Kyrio's less than a century old at my best guess."

Shateishael grins at Bella, "Yeah, I know you are too, but you're a lot more worldly than Deva, I think."

Bella tips her head back, looking at the ceiling thoughtfully, "I wonder if the bugger has figured out that people aren't exactly forthcoming with his Servitors...."

Shateishael snorts amusedly, "Hafta be damn-all blind t'not know that! An' what good does pickin' on kids do for that?!"

Elisheba coughs. "Ah-heh. Doubtless he's been keenly aware of this for millennia.

Shateishael nods a touch grimly to Elisheba.

Bella smiles bleakly, "Because he can?"

Elisheba sighs, and makes no reply.

Shateishael shrugs, scowling. "If this sorta behavior's s'pposed t'make folks more forthcomin' with his people, someone needs ta tell him what a fuckwad idea this is!"

Shateishael says, "Might as well try askin' Lilith what an' who she is, since we all know the bible's stories are all fables, so she can't truly be th'first wife of Adam!"

Elisheba shrugs. "Doubtless there are plans within plans. One may assume that by the time that fine hand is involved that it is past the time for voluntary cooperation. I am sure he knows quite well it don't work. Maybe he prefers it that way.. "

Bella chuckles at the reference to her creator.

Shateishael nods grimly to Elisheba, "That's always been my suspicion. If he truly wanted real justice I'm thinkin' he'd apply Mercy as well! Since he's not..." he shrugs expressively, still frowning. "Not gonna say more 'cause I don't wanna potentially embarrass my Architect. But ain't gotta lotta kindness for Justice in me."

Shateishael frowns down at the peacefully oblivious kitten he's gently scritching, and falls silent.

Bella reaches over and pats Slate on the knee, "Honey, you're all about justice, but you don't have a lot good to say about Dominic. Just because he has the Word doesn't necessarily mean he embodies it."

Elisheba smiles dourly. "Mercy ain't his line of work, my brother. For that you want Novalis or Eli.. " And at that she gives a smile to Bella.

Bella returns it with a wink.

Shateishael sighs softly, his stony expression softening at Bella's words, and rumbles unhappily, "Yeah, but if he doesn't embody it... who's gonna? What he does affects his Word here in the human realm, after all."

Bella stretches her legs out so that the soles of her feet press against Slate's let, "If he doesn't, the rest of us have to."

Elisheba says, "There is Mercy in the world, simply, not after his pattern. And for that may the Source be praised." "

Shateishael smiles despite himself at Bella, then rumbles quietly, "Still can't figure out why the angel with the Word of Mercy chose to work for him, Ellie. An' Bellisima, ain't nobody can affect his Word like he can. Kinda scares me sometimes. It took the destruction of all the so-called mythic creatures in the world for Purity to be yanked upstairs. What're we gonna lose if Justice gets a bug up his ass like that?"

Shateishael sighs, "But you're right... we try for real justice. That's one a'th' reasons Stone never strikes first -- so we're damn sure we're not just strikin' in anger." He tilts his head curiously at Bella, "I ever tell you that story, sweetheart?"

Bella shakes her head, "You haven't."

Shateishael grins a touch shyly at the two women, "Y'all wanna hear it?"

Bella laughs, "When have you known me to turn down a story?"

Shateishael brightens a bit -- coming from at least two strongly oral-tradition human cultures, he loves hearing and telling stories! He waits politely for Elisheba's nod before beginning, his voice dropping into a rolling rhythm as he speaks, "Know that in the time of the Fall there was great confusion in Heaven. Most of the celestial beings aligned themselves with one side or the other, and the anger and bloodshed screamed through the Symphony. But there were those who chose neither side, who did not wish to take up arms against their brethren, and these left Heaven and settled quietly on Earth, being unwilling to add to the pain they were witnessing, and in anguish that they could not help resolve this terrible schism in Heaven."

Bella hugs her legs to her chest again, chin on her knees as she listens to the story, smiling to herself.

Shateishael rumbles, "As you know, my lord David is a Malakite -- like Elli there, he's sworn never to let a demon live. He's also the embodiment of Stone and the Architect of Community -- helping people live well and abundantly together is of paramount importance to him." There's a touch of pride in Slate's voice as he relates that -- he obviously cares deeply about Stone as well.

Bella's eyes are warm as she watches Slate relate the story.

Shateishael says, "So once the battle for heaven was concluded, David of Stone was still in a rage -- there were demons he could not reach any longer, to slay them in their villainy and to demonstrate what happened to those who shattered the Celestial Community without regard for others. Plus he knew there were six of the angels who'd refused to take sides, who'd settled on Earth and refused to properly aid their Community in its time of need. So he went looking for them, to berate them for their behavior. He found them, and they spoke, and the conversation got heated... and in the end David stood alone. Three of the angels had fled -- because he stood over the bodies of three of his former friends -- whom he'd slain out of hand for disagreeing with him."

The Bright Lilim nods, listening, expression now sober. She hadn't known the reason Stone's angels couldn't strike first.

Shateishael rumbles quietly, "And David realized he'd done a terrible thing, and he was filled with anguish and wept, because he'd permanently killed three who were innocent of wrong-doing -- their only crime was standing by their Community as they saw it, and that included trying to persuade the Fallen to Redeem and return to Heaven. It was not they who'd too quickly given up hope in Heaven's Community, as David had initially believed -- it was he who had given up hope too quickly in the possible redemption of those who had formerly been dear friends of his."

Bella winces at that, suddenly getting new insight into Slate's help with her own Redemption.

Elisheba listens quietly, her expression guarded, her eyes far away, though she clearly is hearing all he is saying..

Shateishael says, "So that's why Stone always holds for as long as possible -- because that day David swore an oath that he and his would never strike first, but would rather hold their hand as long as possible, in the hope that Redemption is still possible." He grins at Elisheba, adding, "You've got your angels of War and of the Sword, and they're all great warriors and good soldiers -- don't get me wrong on that account." He looks back at Bella, smiling again, "But in the end, the ones that have their backs, the ones that give the Enemy every, chance to Redeem, that keep hoping as long as possible -- and that stomp the shit outta evil when all hope is gone... well, that's us. That's Stone."

Bella's serious expression melts into a laugh and she crawls over to kiss Slate on the cheek before resuming her former position, "The heat of Eli and her kind is good, too. But you have to have a foundation, even for a bonfire."

Shateishael has another sip of his beer, then adds a little wistfully, "I've always wished I could find those last three angels. I'd like to apologize to them for the Architect, 'cause they never knew his regret. Or better yet, I'd ask 'em to let me call him so he could apologize in person."

Shateishael grins and hugs Bella with gentle affection.

Elisheba nods with sympathy to her brother in arms. "A good pair, you and I. I can start the fight, you can stop it. Well, in some cases, at any rate."

Elisheba stretches. "And I have work that needs tending and preparations to make for tomorrow. So, if you two will excuse me.."

Shateishael grins amiably at Elisheba, "I prefer 'you start it, I'll end it,' but that works!"

Elisheba chuckles, and dislodges the limp cat, setting her upon the floor. She gets up and wanders off to the darkened recesses of the house, a "Goodnight" floating over her shoulder..

Shateishael's eyes widen at a sudden thought, and he rumbles slowly, "Hey, Bella, sweetheart... you have any idea where your mother came from?"

Bella blinks, taken off-guard by the question, "Honestly, I never really bothered to ask."

Shateishael scritches the peacefully somnolent cat as he ponders. "Huh. Was just thinkin'... I've met an angel who saw the dinosaurs, so we know the bible's metaphor phrased so humans can understand it. That means there wasn't a real Adam or Eve... or Lilith, as the first wife of Adam. So... who is she really, y'know? And... from what I've heard Lilith's gotta be at least equivalent in power t'th' other demon princes or Archangels... but she turned up post-Fall in Hell, right? So..." he grins with inquisitive interest at Bella, "she's gotta have come from somewhere. So, what if she was one a' those three angels? It'd fit the few facts we have currently, after all!"

Bella wiggles her toes as she thinks about it, "Well, it'd be awfully interesting to try and find out."

Shateishael muses a moment, then rumbles thoughtfully, "That'd be damn sad if true, though... 'specially if she's th'last one left." He tilts his head curiously at Bella, "How'd you do somethin' like that, without endin' up in debt, though?"

Bella chuckles, "Slate, I already owe mom a few more favors."

The Bright stretches her legs out again, "I guess it's because it's part of our Creation, but my sisters and I don't lose those even if we Redeem."

Shateishael looks puzzled, "I... don't understand, sweetheart; sorry. How would askin' her where she's from or who she really is lessen your debt?"

Shateishael idly runs his hand in a light caress across Bella's feet when she stretches out again.

"It wouldn't," Bella admits, "But I'm already in her debt, so racking up more wouldn't be so bad for me."

Shateishael looks up in sudden worry, "Don't. Please don't, sweetheart. It's not worth it to me to get you more into debt, in order to satisfy my idle curiosity. I'm worried she'll sell your favors to someone horrible as it is."

Shateishael frowns, belatedly realizing what that sounded like, then amends, "Um, geasa. Sorry, wrong word."

Bella arches a brow and laughs, "Sugar, it is sometimes that kind of favor, you know. It's not an unknown thing to me."

Shateishael nods, "I understand, but I wanted to be accurate, and I'm guessing it isn't always, y'know?" He studies her for a moment, still worried, then adds gently, "Please don't? Not for me. I'll bear my own debts."

Bella looks at Slate for a moment as if she's considering something very carefully. Finally, she smiles, "I won't give Lilith another Favor just to find out where she came from."

Shateishael raises an amused eyebrow, "And what's that supposed ta mean, darlin'?" He grins ruefully at Bella, "When you start considerin' your words all carefully like that, always makes me worry."

Laughing, Bella shakes her head, "It's supposed to mean that I won't trade another Favor to Lilith just to find out her origins is what it means."

Shateishael tilts his head thoughtfully at Bella, although he's still smiling. "What were you considerin' so carefully, then? I'm not that fragile, surely?"

After another moment, Bella stretches out her legs to press the soles of her feet against the side of Slate's legs, "No, honey, you aren't fragile. I was considering making a promise I couldn't keep."

Shateishael nods quietly, looking down at her feet as he runs his hand along them again in a gentle caress. He sighs then, "I know I can't keep you safe all the time, sweetheart -- you've got your own life to live -- but I'd like to know I at least wasn't adding to the danger, y'know? And tryin' t'find out who or what your mom is, well..." he shakes his head ruefully, "-that'd worry me. Th'folks who're likely to know are gonna be scarily high-powered as it is, and demand a price accordin'ly." He looks up at her and grins, "'Sides, who knows? Maybe someday your mom'll decide she just needs th'best sword ever, and she'll come lookin' for me for it!" He laughs, understanding the wild unlikeliness of that occurring, but adds calmly, "Barrin' disaster, we got all th'time we need to find it out... so I'm in no rush."

Bella nods and wiggles her toes slowly, still looking thoughtful, "I can't promise that I won't ever have to trade her another Favor, so I won't. But I will do my best not to do something that makes you feel responsible for it."

Shateishael smiles, "Thanks, beautiful. That's enough for me." He tilts his head thoughtfully at her again... then grins, "Got somethin' for you. Wanna see?"

Bella's expression instantly transforms from serious to beaming, "A present? We had this discussion a long time ago. I love pressents." She all but bounces up off the couch.

Shateishael laughs, rising easily himself as well. His voice is gently teasing as he leads her towards his room, "Well, you mentioned wantin' two favors an' two orgasms, so I gotcha somethin' I thought might be useful to you."

Shateishael turns around with a box in his hands, "Here y'go! It's a set-up so you can put your cell phone in it, plug it into th'wall, and handle your cell via voice... an' not get slip on it any more."

Bella takes the box and looks it over, arching an eyebrow, "Mmhm... and how does this relate?"

Shateishael says, "Relate to what?"

Shateishael says, "Oh! I'm teasin' you about favors." He grins affectionately at Bella, "You're always so careful not to really ask, so I've been tryin' to watch an' figure out what you need."

Bella's eyes are crinkled slightly at the corners as she smiles, "I know. So I figured you meant this to have something to do with orgasms."

Shateishael laughs delightedly! -then cheerfully hugs Bella, box and all. "You're great, y'know that?" He's careful not to squish her against the box, though, and a moment later he grins down at her, his blue eyes bright, "So, is this a request for orgasms now? Couldn't think of refusin' a lady, if so!"

The Bright returns the hug one-armed, "Well, one does one's best y'know." She winks up at Slate, "Not just now, no. You've got company."

Shateishael chuckles, rumbling cheerfully, "Tease."

Bella smiles sweetly, "And damn good at it."

Shateishael laughs and, if she doesn't seem to mind, hugs her again.

Bella never seems to mind hugs and does spend a moment just leaning against Slate's chest before she speaks again, "This whole situation makes me nervous, hon."

Shateishael will set the box aside so it's not between them, and very happily hold Bella while she leans against him. He gently strokes her hair as he rumbles quietly, "Yeah... me too. Dunno what's goin' on, and with Justice's folks that's always a bad sign." He sighs softly, adding, "But if all th'kid's s'pposed t'do is turn up with companions before dawn t'morrow, then we c'n still step back if necessary. Hell, I'm not sure makin' him use up a geas isn't a bad idea, if he's gonna be pullin' crap like this on Jordi's children."

Bella wraps her arms around Slate's waist, face quiet and still. It's rare that there's no hint of a smile on her features, "Just watch yourself and the others, please?"

Shateishael rumbles quietly, "Always, love."

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Last modified: 2006-Aug-27 20:09:50

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