NachtMusik -- Logs

It is now Thursday afternoon. Our stalwart band of Poltergeist, Car Salesman, Flower Child and Nordic Sex Symbol have just learned the specifics of the plot surrounding the upcoming music festival, though not how their erstwhile employer Wrenchial fits in exactly. Tomas has wandered back to his own suite to be by himself, having not been encouraged by the response of the new angels to his plot. Zara has returned to Donna's suite, as Donna is looking increasingly green. There are twenty-eight hours remaining.

Shateishael is silent, thinking while leaning back against the wall with his arms folded. Thessaloniki shakes his head and says, "Well, I, for one don't want to see the big L show up at this concert. Do you think we could get him to come early, and then not have to deal with it at the show?"

Thessaloniki is a tall gentleman, with dark skin and dark hair, only slightly graying at the temples, who seems fit for a man his age. He manages to look somewhat careworn and friendly, and he seems to cast the aura as of someone's favorite grandfather. He is wearing tan pants, a brown belt, shoes, and socks, a slightly pink Oxford shirt with a slightly darker pink tie with a creamy yellow stripe, and a light cardigan-like sweater, which he leaves unbuttoned. The sweater has interlocking geometric patterns in yellow, black, turquoise, red and green, which manages to be merely remarkable rather than actually loud, and makes the tie and shirt pale to dullness. It also makes the silver and turquoise collar tips, accents on his belt and the eyeglass case in his shirt pocket seem to belong there. He carries several things in his pockets, and smiles cheerfully.

Rosenstern says quietly, after Zara leaves, "We should keep that pusher away from Donna, no matter how strung out or cold turkey she gets." He looks at the clock and sighs, "If we can in the time remaining. No, Nick, I don't think any of us want that. But how would we get him to come early?

He stands about six feet tall, slender and light of build, with an easy, casual and friendly grace about him. He has shoulder-length brown hair, wavy and neatly trimmed, framing a face which holds a pair of deep brown, expressive eyes. A green button-down shirt, under a plain, featureless black vest, is tucked into a pair of khakis, and comfortable, plain casual shoes are upon his feet.

Taygeta sits quietly, thinking about the situation while his other self continues to watch outside the building. Shateishael frowns slightly, then turns his head to study the Ofanite, "That... is just so weird... it might work! We'd need Tomas to tell us what the 15 seconds of Infernal are, and have Nick record it, if what Tomas said holds true."

Slate: male, looks about 20 to 25 years old. Bright blonde hair sometimes worn back in a ponytail, sometimes rather impatiently hacked off in front as bangs. Usually narrowed blue eyes and tanned skin. Broad shouldered, with a muscular torso like a blacksmith. Slightly sardonic grin most of the time. Usually moves deliberately, tends to wear pragmatic, sturdy clothing: heavy leather boots, jeans, flannel shirts, stuff like that.

Thessaloniki says, "Play the Song. A lot." He shakes his head, then asks, "Do you know just how many ten million times is?" He gets out a scrap of paper and starts trying to scribble some notes about how long it will take to play something that often.

Shateishael says, "Uhh... 10 million times, for 15 seconds... that'd take... years. Still... if we had more than one singer? Hm, no... recordings. If we had more than one recording? What if we had a hundred?"

Thessaloniki says, "More than four years, I think. It's a lot of time."

Taygeta says, "If it's fifteen seconds, that's 4 per minute, so 2 and 1/2 million minutes if we have just one recording to play... which is over two years."

Currently a tall, sunburned, blond fellow, wiry rather than bulkily muscled. He's dressed in a stereotypical southwestern cowboy shirt, jeans and boots.

Rosenstern says, "How long would that take, though? Even if we had a hundred recordings of those fifteen seconds, it would take..." He blinks to Taygeta. Okay, that's certainly his department. "Uhm, right, a lot of time."

Shateishael frowns again, "Wasn't he going to let it out via the web too though? So... what if we compressed it?"

Thessaloniki asks, "Anybody know how fast you can sing a Song before it's ineffective? If we sped it up three times, to get it down to five seconds -- twelve per minute instead of four -- or down to one second -- 60 per minute -- that would help."

Shateishael says, "Could we do that? Compress it down to, say... a second?" He glances at Nick, "D'you think Darius would help?"

Rosenstern says, "I don't know, Slate. I'm not familiar with technology that well..."

Taygeta chuckles. "As long as I don't ask him, he might."

Thessaloniki says, "I know they've got machines that can do that." He considers, then says, "Maybe so. Worst case, we can bull our way through asking at a musician's gear place."

Taygeta says, "It can be compressed, of course. I really don't have any idea if it would still be effective."

Shateishael says, "Okay, so if we can get it compressed down to, say, a second... and we'd want to do it in less than the day we have left, so we have time to realize if it doesn't work and start a new plan, or to fix any machine breakdowns... how many machines would we need? Nick, can you bankroll this?"

Thessaloniki adds, "And we'll need to be able to play it back often. How many players do you think we can get, quickly? Probably a hundred, maybe two, if I'm willing to drive to every warehouse store in town... If it's $50 per machine, and we get 200..." he scribbles, and says, "$10,000, plus tax. Yeah, I can swing that. American Express will cover it."

Shateishael murmurs quietly, "I think we'll all be willing to drive all over town for this, Nick... to give you time to record this." Rosenstern just... kind of blinks. That's a lot more than he'd have thought most angels would have lying about. He shakes his head. It's been a while since he's had to deal with sums of money like that.

Taygeta says, "Burn it on CDs and put them on infinite repeat... that's the fastest way to play them. Do they have to be out loud, or will the electronic pattern do?"

Shateishael says, "Okay... we need Tomas to teach you the Infernal, Nick -- and we can get you to do the driving around to the recording studio and to Darius' place, too. Rosen, can you call him in here? Taygeta, can you get on the phone and start buying CD players -- and have them delivered? Nick, can you give him your AmEx card?"

Thessaloniki says, "Okay. Rose, can you ask Tomas what the important bit of the song is? Maybe as 'catchy tunes' he knows how fast a song can go and still be useful..."

Rosenstern nods quietly, "Sure, I will."

Shateishael says, "I'll call Darius, and be handy if any fetching needs doing."

A few phone calls and several large purchases later, the various equipment is gathered, Darius doing a little bit of math and contributing a bit of necessary equipment. He doesn't stay long; just long enough to drop off enough replicated CDs to fill the players. He also comes and goes by way of the phone line. This is great for rapid transit... but the phone's seen better days. Shateishael looks at Nick, "So... that took a couple of hours. Now... where to do it? Here? Abandoned warehouse? Should be close and have power, whatever we chose."

Thessaloniki says, "Someplace quiet would be better than this. Think we can find a big mostly empty space nobody's using."

Shateishael nods, "Okay. Taygeta, can you do that as a pigeon? The rest of us can load up the car with the CDs, the CD players, and the power cords... and follow?"

Taygeta says, "I can look. What sort of place are we looking for, though? We need power... a warehouse, maybe?"

Shateishael says, "Yah. Go for it."

Thessaloniki says, "Warehouse would be good, yes. In a perfect world we'd rent it, but at the moment we'll settle for borrowing it. If anybody bothers us, we'll deal with it then." Shateishael nods, already loading up his arms with boxes. Taygeta helps load with the Aric body, while his bird-self heads for the warehouse district. He's looking for an empty one with the power on but no one around... he spreads himself out through a trio of small birds (well, two wrens and a dragonfly) and looks for the sort of place they want. Rosenstern also nods, and starts helping to load up the vehicle with, well, STUFF. He's a little dazed by all this; he's used to a slower pace -- flowers take a while to grow, after all -- but he does his best to adapt.

Before they leave, Slate stops by to talk quietly to Zara for just a moment, where Donna can't hear, "Ma'am, we've got some errands to run. I just wanted to say, regardless of what happens tomorrow at the festival... could you keep an eye on Donna? -be her friend in the future, after this is over?" His face is a little grim as he adds, "I think you might well be the only friend she's got... that doesn't want something from her."

Zara smiles, "Don't worry. I'm going to take good care of her." Shateishael nods to Zara unsmilingly -- but also with some relief -- then goes back to helping his friends load the rental van.

Upon arrival at the selected warehouse, Nick starts an assembly line of unloading, setting up players, plugging in power strips, and getting discs playing. He comments, about the fifteenth power strip daisy-chained on to the next, "Man, the local fire department would have kittens."

Shateishael grins at Nick from where he's unpacking CD players, "So we won't call 'em. How're we doing? We've got how many running already?" He checks the time, so they can do guesstimates of when they're expecting the summoning to work.

Thessaloniki looks at the seventeenth power strip, and says, "Thirty-four. Two per strip, with these big AC blocks. Bargain Warehouse had never had someone want the whole pallet before."

Rosenstern grins quietly. "I don't imagine we'll be here long enough to get their attention..."

Shateishael nods ruefully to Rosenstern, "Sure hope not. Let's see now... 200 machines, that should be umm... slightly under 14 hours. Setting our watches." He grins again at Nick's comment and continues rapidly unpacking, plugging in, and starting CD players, "Okay... Nick, you're going to have to do all the talking, y'know, right?"

Thessaloniki nods, and says over the growing cacophony, "Yep, since I taped the Song we're playing. Better know exactly what I say, too. I'd hate to screw this one up."

Shateishael nods thoughtfully, then says slowly, "How's this? Um... you'd like the permanent eradication of the demon Furfur? No, wait... it needs to happen right away, right?"

Rosenstern says, "Permanent and immediate, maybe?"

Taygeta says, "Wouldn't do much good to have it happen next millennium, no..."

Shateishael nods slowly, thinking about Kyriotates, "And total. Uhh... okay. The permanent, total eradication of the demon Furfur, right now, please? How's that?"

Thessaloniki considers, then suggests, "I would like the demon Furfur permanently, completely, and immediately eradicated."

Shateishael nods again, still working hard on the unpacking, "Sounds good to me, Nick."

Thessaloniki sighs, "It's too bad we couldn't think of another solution. Remove all of his drive for power or something."

Shateishael nods a little regretfully to Thessaloniki's comment... but remains silent, having no solution for that himself. A moment later he sighs, muttering quietly, "Sure hope this works... if we actually have to deal with Furfur in any way... we're screwed. I can't imagine someone like Wrenchial letting Furfur push him around without a damn compelling geas, y'know?"

Thessaloniki presses 'play' on another machine, makes sure it's running, and nods, saying only, "Yep."

Taygeta sets up yet another CD player and starts it up. "Furfur's a powerful demon, but he's not a Prince. On the other hand, he's getting close and Wrench probably doesn't want to make him interested in revenge if/when it happens."

Thessaloniki mutters, "Wrench is going to owe us such a favor for this." He doesn't comment about how he thinks Tomas probably does too, because we let his dumbass plan go off.

Shateishael looks up suddenly, "Nick! Don't forget to take in the tapes! They'll know something's up for sure if you don't!"

Thessaloniki says, "Did it while buying stuff, never fear." Shateishael grins in silent, grimly amused agreement with Nick, looking a bit relieved. Thessaloniki comments, "In fact, Lauren was there as the band's representative, and her demeanor to me was quite different. Apparently now that she's convinced I'm not worth being afraid of, she can now take charge of everything. Better, in many ways."

Rosenstern starts feeling a little edgy as player after player spins up and starts spluttering the vaguely Infernal cacophony. "I... don't think any angel in the past has ever... you know... asked anything of Lucifer..."

Shateishael glances up and grins at Rosenstern, "Guys... we don't have to turn them up loud. It's not like Lucifer's hard of hearing or anything."

Thessaloniki shakes his head, "Not loud, but I figure they've got to be audible."

Taygeta says, "If we're lucky, he'll be too surprised to do anything nasty."

Thessaloniki shrugs and says, "There's always a first time. Could go badly, too. He might decide to smite us all for bothering him, and Furfur'll still get his boon. We'll see."

Rosenstern closes his eyes and nods quietly. "Right. Gotcha. I wouldn't mind being smited if it was worth the cause..."

Thessaloniki gives Rosenstern a funny look, saying, "I expect I'll object to being smited -- smitten? -- regardless of the reason. I hope it's not something I find out."

Shateishael nods at Rosen's comment and sighs... but continues working until all the CD players are set up. Then he sits back with another sigh, rubbing his forehead, "There. Now... we wait." He glances at his watch, "Another... ten hours or so."

Thessaloniki nods, "Yep." He settles in to watch and baby-sit the jury-rigged pile of CD players, and to fend off any problems which may occur.

Shateishael looks around, then nods, "Taygeta, why don't you and I go back to the band. Leave your pigeon here to watch over Rosenstern and Thessaloniki... 'cause if anyone official turns up and yells at them, they're the best folks to talk themselves out of trouble. And if crap happens to the band..." he looks a little grim, "-well... guess we're the best to help with that."

Thessaloniki adds, "And I'm the one who Lucifer will want to see, so I should probably not be at the hotel. That could get tricky." Rosenstern nods, shakily looking to Nick.

Shateishael nods again, then looks worriedly at Nick, "You call if there's any trouble, 'kay, man? We may not be able to get here quick... but we'll get here as fast as we can."

Taygeta nods. "Sounds like a plan. I'll be the link if we need to communicate rapidly."

Thessaloniki comments, "Remember, some of the players have run longer than others. He might come a little after we suggested... or maybe before, depending on when we started the clock."

Thessaloniki nods, "Don't worry, Slate. I'm a chickenshit, remember?" He grins at the other angel.

Shateishael says, "Okay... so we'll try to be here a little early the-" he blinks... then snickers stifledly... then laughs aloud! "Okay, okay, I'll remember." He grins, slaps Nick cheerfully on the back, and leaves with Tay, muttering in amusement under his breath, "Chickenshit, my ass..."

Approximately ten hours pass. This is a mere eye-blink to a Celestial, but under the circumstances it certainly seems to drag on. Long moments of silence pass, uninterrupted by sounds of traffic or humanity at large outside. It is during one of these long silences that a rich baritone cuts the quiet, directly behind and to the left of Rosenstern's left ear. "Pardon me."

The relatively young angel almost leaps right out of his corporeal form in total fright. When he manages to get himself under control -- which involves calming his body down from the physical effects of panic, trying to stop panting heavily, slowing his heart rate, and keeping his mind in check -- he takes a deep breath... and turns, quietly, calmly, and slowly. Taygeta, in a reverse of his usual practice, is present in bird form, having left Aric at the hotel to protect the human he's Borrowing. The pigeon flutters nervously in the rafters at this appearance. Thessaloniki looks up, surprised, and then smiles, and says, "Hello, sir. Were you looking for someone?"

The voice belongs to a tall, broad man, with sandy blonde hair that's beginning to go a little gray. His physique is immaculate; his bearing reminds one of some kind of jungle predator. His features are radiantly handsome; his smile could stop traffic. His suit is perfectly tailored: a black silk suit and a tasteful red power tie of the same material. He smiles politely and nods. "Oh. Pardon me. I didn't mean to frighten you." He glances between the two angels unhurriedly and adds, with a hint of irony, "Is there... something that I might do for you?" There is absolutely no doubt in anyone's mind who they're talking to. He radiates power. It's worse than being in front of an Archangel.

Thessaloniki enunciates clearly, "It would be a help to everyone if the demon Furfur was permanently, completely, and immediately eradicated."

A smile plays across the tall man's lips. "Furfur? Hardcore? You have... something against loud music?"

Thessaloniki shakes his head and says, "No, sir, not at all. Rather, he is doing things which are harmful to everyone, Light and Darkness both. He is also trying to attain a position at which he will probably be ineffective, much to the detriment of all involved."

The tall man mms. "You seem to have rather a detailed opinion of the comings and goings of Hell. You've been spending much time with us, I take it?"

Rosenstern's heart -- his physical one at least -- leaps into his throat. This is the Lightbringer! his mind screams. The same as he was when he Fell, I imagine... He remains studiously silent, trying to keep from quivering, in fact trying to keep from... doing anything, really. The Arch-Balseraph's presence is like a physical hammer, having struck once from his eyes, and he has no desire to feel it strike again. The tall man, who hasn't moved, lays a reassuring hand on the younger angel's shoulder. He smiles, "It's quite all right. Calm yourself. You'll make yourself old before your time."

Thessaloniki says, "This, sir, is a strange city. I've lately found myself in a position where it seems I'm more likely to get a straight answer from your staff than from ours. It is, in fact, this which has led me to be asking you of all people for help with this sticky problem. I don't know which is odder... the lies from the angels or the truths from the infernals." He takes a breath, adding, "While there may be a short-term gain, in the long run having an ineffective person in a powerful role is to the detriment of everyone."

Thessaloniki cannot help the thought of, I'm in over my head. I wish I'd thought to ask Eli to do this. No. I can do this. It's okay. I'm doing all right. Everyone is being reasonable. What's the worst thing that happens? He then thinks, I wish I hadn't thought that.

The tall man nods thoughtfully, giving Nick his undivided attention -- though keeping that steadying hand on Rosen's shoulder. "Well, I can certainly appreciate your concern for organizational efficiency. And let me state simply that I understand your awkward position. It's difficult to follow Creation, isn't it? To be persecuted and harassed from pillar to post for your own unique beliefs. I know... just how you feel. I too have borne that stigma. Someone of your obvious facility going to waste, unappreciated. With the unlimited resource that my boon represents, surely there's something you must desire, beyond efficiency in the Principality system?"

And the thing is... he sounds unutterably sincere. One could almost believe he really does understand.

Thessaloniki smiles easily, on solid ground again as he says, "No, sir, this is what I would have you do. While I thank you for the compliment, I don't feel as if I've gone to waste or am unappreciated, and Creation, while hard to fathom, is always rewarding. I am able to do plenty of things to benefit the world and Creation just as I am now."

The man's -- the Lightbringer's hand seems to be a force that nails Rosenstern to the floor. The Novalite comes that much closer to just bursting from his Celestial shell, before he remembers himself: You are one of Novalis'! You are Mercurian! Dealing with other beings is what you do! Including the Arch-Fallen! He swallows and, through great effort, becalms himself. Roses... a field of roses, swaying in the wind but not breaking off from their stems... stars... the silent stars at night, glittering in silent strength... He takes a shaky breath and nods quietly to... to Lucifer, trying to calm himself.

Then he blinks. No, the man isn't saying what Rosen thinks he's saying, is he? He is... oh dear Lord, dear Novalis, by the Garden, by the Choirs! But no, Nick is Eliite. Temptation... that's got to be beyond him. He looks over to Nick, over the man's hand... then realizes just what position he's in: far too close to the Lightbringer, and in fact being held by the Lightbringer. Oh, shit. *sigh* Rack up another story about 'stupid Novalites' making the rounds of Heaven...

The tall man smiles broadly and nods. "Very well then. Furfur... he's terribly popular lately. We'll see what develops... won't we."

Thessaloniki thinks, Eli did just the right things when he was around last time, to make my confidence in him unshakable. How could I want to desert a compassionate, caring, understanding, and wise person like that? I wonder if he had any idea of what I'd be up against? I wouldn't put it past him. He replies, "That's how things usually go, sir, finding out what develops as it happens. Thank you for coming, and for anything you can do to help resolve this confusing situation." He thinks, hopefully hiding his nervousness, I cannot believe that I just attempted to casually dismiss Lucifer at the end of a conversation.

The tall man smiles again, "No thanks are necessary. You called... I came. That is the bargain."

Thessaloniki says, "So I was led to understand. I am pleased, and yet unsurprised, to discover that you do keep your word. I hope you can consider that promise fulfilled, and be free of one more burden."

The tall man laughs quietly, and it fairly resonates in the warehouse's still air. "I don't consider myself burdened. After all... never was it said I must grant a boon... only that you may ask. And I so rarely make new acquaintances these days. Well, then... if there's nothing else?"

Rosenstern blinks at the man's words. Double shit! He feels his heart beat faster. Dammit, I thought that... argh, Rosenstern, let this be a lesson to you... if you survive this... LETTER of the contract, not the SPIRIT!

Thessaloniki shakes his head, and says, "No, sir, that will be more than enough. It is certainly an unusual experience to have made your acquaintance too, sir. I don't know how I shall explain it to the others." In a flash of insight, he thinks, I wonder if he's lonely. Well. He'll have to live with the choices he's made, as we all do. I hope he knew the risk when he made them.

The tall man nods politely, and turns to face the younger angel. "Actually... I've a few free moments. Is there anything that I might do for you?" This motion allows Lucifer to turn slightly, and in the process actually place his arm across the young angel's shoulders.

That's pretty much it. With a sharp start, the young angel literally jumps out of his corporeal form. Fortunately the shock of the transference, the sound of its music in the Symphony echoing in his ears, brings some semblance of order to his terrified mind. Calm... calm, Rosen... You are Mercurian of Novalis... The disembodied Celestial manages to say, "Ah... no, nothing, sir, but thank you; from what I've heard that is an offer you make to few.

Thessaloniki gives Rosenstern a look that reads only, Be strong, Novalite, and then, so as not to stare, tries to casually walk over to the wall and unplug the pile of nattering CD players. Having done so, he looks back curiously, trying not to scream at Rosenstern. I don't have to tell him. he thinks Rosenstern knows the right answer to that question.

The tall man smiles slowly. Then grins, then chuckles quietly, then laughs out loud. The sound of it echoes through the warehouse. He continues laughing as his arm, now propped against empty air, falls back to his side. "No, I don't usually offer... but then again, I'm not usually so amused. I like you, boy." He adds, "I should say thank you. I've not laughed like that in a long time." The tall man laughs again as he turns away, walking slowly out of the warehouse. His voice echoes in the open spaces, "I'll be seeing you."

Rosenstern blinks, his wings fluttering slightly, bright eyes blinking a little... then, now calmer, unfettered by the physical effects of stress and fright, manages to smile quietly, seeing some humor in the event. He can laugh. It isn't a horrible laugh -- oh, Dominic is going to have a field day with me... The Mercurian then blinks. "Ah... I would say you're welcome, sir. I'm glad I could do that..." I imagine Novalis is going to want to have a very long talk with me... and Dominic will want an even longer one. A hundred years will probably do it... As the Arch-Balseraph, the Lightbringer leaves, Rosenstern starts to relax -- more like collapses, and starts to try to bring himself back into his corporeal form.

Thessaloniki says, only, "Goodbye," as the former Archangel leaves. Afterwards, though, he collapses into one of the folding chairs they'd rummaged around and found, and breathes heavily for a moment, asking, "You okay, Rosenstern?"

Rosenstern flits gently over towards Nick, remaining Celestial for the moment until he gets his wits about him. "I'm fine now, Nick, thank you. I'm sorry I reacted as I did. I can... better understand much of what I have been told about that one."

Thessaloniki shakes his head and says, "You did okay. You could have done lots worse. Relax. We did what's done. Now we'll see what happens. The die is cast, and only time will tell us the results." He is still sitting exhaustedly in the cheap folding chair.

Taygeta, as Aric, has reported these events to Slate as they occur. At the Stone Angel's frenzied lunge for his cycle, he shakes his head, "You won't get there in time." He'll follow anyway, the presence of the Seraph more comforting than he'd normally care to admit.

Shateishael tears out of the hotel, tossing a helmet at Aric, and has the bike screaming out of the parking lot way too fast. He doesn't move like an Ofanite... but does a respectable job of scaring a few decades of life off himself and Taygeta in his efforts to reach the warehouse rapidly. Taygeta-Aric nudges Shateishael's vessel before they reach the warehouse. "He's gone now!"

Shateishael yells back, "Are they all right?!"

Taygeta says, "Yes! He found us... amusing. No idea whether he'll grant the wish or not, though. At the least, we've scrambled Furfur."

Shateishael sighs, relaxing slightly on the bike. He doesn't leave smoking rubber behind any more, although he does progress with all respectable speed to the warehouse. He trots swiftly into the building when they arrive, looking around worriedly as he yanks the helmet off, "Y'all okay?" Taygeta-Aric follows more sedately, making sure the bike is secure before entering the warehouse. Taygeta-sparrow flits down and settles on Slate's shoulder.

Rosenstern says, "Thank you, Nick. And... are you well?" He settles down; in celestial form, this is more of a sense of him being there, but his form 'straightens,' turning his attention to Slate as the Seraph enters. "We're all right, Slate, thank you. Just..." He hesitates. "A little disquieted, that's all."

Thessaloniki is sitting slumped in a folding chair, next to a long chain of dark and quiet CD players. Something is ineffably disheveled about him, although his clothes are as neat as ever. He looks up and says, "So far, so good. I don't quite know the real extent of what we have wrought."

Shateishael sighs, finally relaxing completely. He paces over to hug Thessaloniki tightly for a moment, although he's careful not to squish the sparrow in the process -- then sits back, looking at Rosenstern and Thessaloniki both, saying in a guilty voice, "I'm so sorry I wasn't here, guys..."

Thessaloniki returns Slate's hug, the contact reassuring and steadying, as Stone tends to be. He says, "What would you have done? Been another chance for him to tempt someone? Better that you stayed with the band. If something had gone wrong there, you could have done something useful. Here... we're all outclassed."

Taygeta-Aric sounds a bit shaken even yet. "Don't be. It was not an experience you wanted to have."

Rosenstern's form smiles gently. "It's all right, Slate. As it is, we should probably go back there soon. Furfur is bound to know something is up."

Thessaloniki relates the whole story to Slate. Afterwards he says, "I hope I didn't paint us in to any corners. I didn't ever expect to literally get to dance with the devil, even if only in words." He sighs at Rosenstern's comment and says, "Yeah. Can we throw all this stuff in the truck?"

Shateishael frowns, thinking about the story... then shakes his head, "I... don't know. I just... I feel like I should have been here." He falls silent again, looking around at his friends... Rosen still in celestial, Nick looking shaken... even Taygeta still looking a bit disquieted. After a moment he smiles, "All right... I'll be here now. C'mon... I'll buy y'all a beer. We'll worry about the stuff after that, how's that?"

Rosenstern has finished recorporating by the time Nick finishes the story, and stands quietly nearby Nick as he finishes the tale. The Symphonic noise of Rosenstern's manifesting his Vessel again is utterly swallowed up by the deafening series of ripples that explodes through the Symphony at that moment. Thessaloniki says, "Oy," and looks up at the feeling of things changing around him in the Symphony. Now what? is all he manages to think.

Shateishael's head jerks around, "Oh my god... that's... what, four Superiors hitting the ground? In the direction of the stadium-" He grabs at Nick, "Beer later! Can you get us to the stadium now?!"

Thessaloniki says, "Shit. I'll do my damnedest. We'll have to take the truck. Inertia will be on our side."

Taygeta winces at the crashing notes in the Symphony. "Either that or Furfur just went bye-bye. I hope." Shateishael nods, already heading out the door.

Rosenstern lets out a breath, and straightens his sleeves. "There. That's-" He blinks, looking around. "What are you all looking at?" At Slate's exclamation, his jaw drops. "Oh, dear..." He races after the others. Four Superiors... Our superiors?!

Shateishael glances in bemusement at his watch -- they'd planned to be done well before the festival -- what happened?! Apparently that conversation took longer than expected; it's Friday afternoon... three PM. When that happened, is anyone's guess. Shateishael says, "Holy shit -- it's the festival!"

Thessaloniki says, "Traffic is going to suck. I don't know if I can get us there quickly. You might be better off on your bike, Slate, and Aric might be better on wires or in another form."

Shateishael looks up, "Rosen, go celestial -- you're the fastest of us -- right, Nick, come with me on the bike, and Tay can fly, right?" Rosenstern gulps, and nods quickly. He looks around for any witnesses, then closes his eyes, and goes through that disconcerting transition again.

Thessaloniki says, "Let me drive, Slate."

Taygeta-sparrow flits off in the direction of the stadium. "I can't move this vessel quickly, I'm afraid. I'll just have to ride along with you."

Shateishael pauses at the bike for only a second -- then nods, tossing the keys to Nick and opening his jacket for Taygeta, "C'mon, hurry!"

Thessaloniki starts the bike and plays with the accelerator, getting to know the feeling of the machine. He says, "Hang on, everybody." Shateishael nods at Nick's comment, and hangs on tightly -- he knows what Nick's driving is like when the Ofanite really means it! Taygeta-sparrow turns around and lets Slate carry him, just barely making it back before the Ofanite heads out. Aric follows in the van, more slowly. Rosenstern sweeps his wings about himself, dancing the winds as pollen from flowers, making his way to the stadium, praying that he arrives in time to see what has happened and that he can see it well enough to tell the others.

Thessaloniki drives like the proverbial bat out of heaven, blowing through all the lights -- green no less -- and passing between rows of stalled cars as only a motorcycle can, driving in as close to the festival as he can get, nearly right in to the stadium. Shateishael mutters to Nick, as they dismount the bike at the stadium, "Okay, okay, I'll take driving lessons from you this time, sheesh!"

Thessaloniki says, "I can only teach so much. C'mon, let's see what's happening." Shateishael grins, then continues heading into the stadium. Taygeta-sparrow chirps at Slate and flies up and over the stadium wall.

The stadium is packed to capacity, as one would expect; all manner of loud and horrendous music of varying degrees of quality is being played and enjoyed presently. Security gives the group quite the hassle, particularly the freak with the live animal in his jacket, until Zara arrives with a copy of the staff listing. Security gives her an odd look, but the list is legit and they're herded inside. Zara asks, leading them back to the Green Room, "Where were you, child?!"

Shateishael sighs, "Ma'am, you wouldn't believe us if we told you... how's Donna? And... which Superiors are here, and why?!"

Thessaloniki says, "Sorry. Had an important conversation, which took longer than we thought."

Zara smiles proudly. "I fixed her up, don't worry... gave her the special treatment. She looks beautiful tonight." At the latter comment she shakes her head, "I don't know, child, I haven't seen anyone I recognize..."

Thessaloniki smiles and says, "Good. I hope she's feeling better."

Shateishael gives Zara a puzzled look as he hustles along after her, "Um... didn't you feel 'em come down? Like thunder in the symphony!"

Zara says, "I heard 'em, child, but seeing is something else again."

Thessaloniki calms his friend, "Doesn't mean she knows who they are or what's going on either." He asks, "When is the band on?" Rosenstern follows along, trying to remain calm and unfrazzled. He looks about, wondering if he could possibly spot them himself, though he doubts it if Zara can't see them. Shateishael nods to Zara, then gives Nick a worried glance. After that he checks to be sure the sparrow and Rosen are near... then just follows. Guess it's too late now to do anything, even if we wanted to... which means Lucifer has something planned that he wants to have go off without a hitch. Dammit! Would have liked to try a back-up plan...

Zara leads the group back to the Green Room. "They're on next." The band is there, Marty/Tomas looking chipper as ever, and the rest of the band seeming terrifically excited. This is their proverbial big break. Zara's right; Donna looks fantastic.

Thessaloniki smiles and says, "Hey," to the band, then, "You look good tonight, Donna." He adds, "You all do. Gonna be a good show." Shateishael blinks at Donna's transformation... then smiles quietly and nods to the excited young girl. Rosenstern also blinks and waves to the band, starting to echo Nick's compliments, when he realizes he's still celestial. A little crestfallen, he remains with the group, alert and looking around.

Thessaloniki realizes, If there were four Superiors coming down, that means there are at least four handy. We wouldn't have felt any who were already here; perhaps Dominic or Eli. This could get busy. Taygeta-Aric hurries in, having had his way smoothed by the rest of the gang going through security and telling them to expect him. "Haven't seen anything out front yet, or identified any Superiors. Any sign of Drew?"

Shateishael says, "No, Mitrah has him."

Taygeta nods. "Good. I was hoping he'd hang on to the boy for us."

Shateishael wonders with moody worry how many demon Princes are here too... then adds dryly, "She."

The band accepts with a chorus of, "rock on," and, "hell, yeah!s" It's about that time that a crowd of sharp, hungry-looking young people in dark suits and power accessories breeze through, madly shaking hands and making hurried hellos and introductions in passing. It's the producer and his entourage, among them Lauren, wearing a sharply conservative little three-piece number. Her hair's fantastic. At the head of the group is a large, large man, strapped into a suit that looks about two sizes too small for him. His head is shaved close and tattooed, and he wears a neatly trimmed goatee. This, it is revealed, is Frankie the producer.

Shateishael watches the demon quietly, his arms folded. Guess Lucifer didn't keep his prom- hm... didn't feel like granting the- no, I don't know that either. He remembers his manners, and will nod politely to Lauren if she notices him. Taygeta stays polite as the introductions sweep past. He's not particularly impressed by Frankie, but tries to conceal his distaste. Thessaloniki smiles politely and tells Frankie he's pleased to meet him, as the group passes through. He keeps a close eye on the band and watches for things to change hands or, worse, for people's behaviors to change. He thinks, We'll see what happens. He smiles and kisses Lauren's hand, probably much to her irritation. The old gentleman can get away with it, though.

Lauren doesn't seem to mind it much. The group whirls through quickly, and moments after they sweep up to the private box on the second tier a roadie announces that it's time for the band to go on.

Shateishael wonders idly what job Lauren fills, and why she'd bother doing that. She'd mentioned being paid to let men stare at her... surely stripping would be more lucrative than this? Or... then again, maybe she also is getting pushed around by Furfur. He shrugs... who knows? Thessaloniki encourages, "Break a leg, kids," in the bass-ackwards notation used around the stage.

Rosenstern remains quietly alert, acutely aware that Frankie and his entourage probably can see him perfectly clearly, and wondering if any of them react to his presence and form at all. He misses interacting with people already, though. Shateishael waits until the attention of most is on the entering band -- then jerks his head at Rosen, urging him to follow to a restroom... there the Mercurian should be able to switch quietly.

The staff informs the group that if they wish to observe from backstage they're welcome to, as the mosh pit is already several meters deep and the complimentary seating is pretty much out of the question. Thessaloniki smiles and says, "That will be fine. I think the mosh pit is probably a little much for me, at least." The roadie is inclined to agree with that. He leads the interested parties backstage.

Taygeta says, "We're their security. We ought to be in the wings, just in case they need us."

Rosenstern blinks, then nods to Slate, and flits into the restroom backstage, hoping he can use one of the stalls. Some part of him notes with amusement that this is the second time in less than a week he'll be coming out of a bathroom without having entered it physically first. As he steps out, straightening his vest, his nose wrinkles. Still not as nice-smelling as one of Novalis' places... he makes his way to the others. Shateishael nods to Rosen with curt nervousness, already heading back. He murmurs, "So... this the kinda gig Novalis might come to? Trying to figure out who's here..."

The angels arrive just as the band is launching into their big hit. The crowd is going absolutely wild, and event staff is hard-pressed to keep everyone from climbing onto the stage, only to leap back off again a moment later. On the other side of the stage, also hidden in the wings, is Frankie, flanked by Lauren. The band, for their part, are tearing the roof off... except for Marty, who still sucks.

Shateishael raises an eyebrow... okaaay... guess the reports of Lauren hating Furfur are overstated... He murmurs worriedly to Nick and Zara, when they get back, "Um... any idea how Furf's gonna replace Donna on stage? Don't want her getting shot or anything, after all?"

Rosenstern says softly, "I had thought of that. I was thinking that our superiors showed up after the little... conversation we had earlier..." He glances across the stage, wondering how Frankie and his flunkies -- Oh, keep THAT away from Marty, Angel of Catchy Tunes! -- got there so quickly. "He might not have to. Might just have to sing along with them, maybe?"

Thessaloniki shrugs, and doesn't answer. Not like he'd be overheard, here, but he doesn't have much to say. Taygeta mutters, "I'm not sure he intends to. If his voice is on the CDs that they'll be selling, he'll get it played instead of her."

Shateishael raises his head slightly, frowning, then murmurs, "Hear it? The alternative vocals are running..."

Taygeta nods. "Just the end of the tune. He has to let her sing it or it won't be popular enough to get played."

Rosenstern's ears twitch, and he frowns. He looks around. "Yes... I hear them... think we should do something about them? Or should..." He looks, slowly, to the Domination of the group. The Domination of Lightning. "Tay... think you can find where those 'alternate vocals' are coming from, and fry them?"

Thessaloniki listens, then nods. He asks Tay, "Can you find, and stop that tape?" Shateishael looks around at the audience nervously... Superiors, hysterical humans, demons and probably demon Princes too... depending on the former Lightbringer to do what they asked him to do... he wishes tightly that he didn't feel like this was a recipe for disaster...

Taygeta says, "I can give it a try... heck, I can pop into the speakers from here. Just a sec..."

The alternate vocals are indeed running. And they increase slightly in volume as the refrain comes in, Donna's voice surging to the occasion and fairly entrancing the humans, and perhaps the more sensitive angels in the audience. As the refrain comes to a close... everything stops.

Shateishael's head jerks around again to the stage... he whispers softly, "Too late." Thessaloniki holds up a hand, signaling Tay to wait, trying to see what's happening. Rosenstern senses it, whatever it is, and looks sharply to the stage, his heart threatening to throttle him again... Taygeta looks around from both his vantage points at the sudden shift in things. What now? Who's responsible for this?

Everything has stopped moving. All the humans seem to have frozen, even those in the pit, suspended in mid-stage dive. The only things that are moving are the angels, Marty, Lauren, Donna, and Frankie, who is now striding confidently toward the middle of the stage. Also in the crowd the angels notice that there are four places where individuals seem to have their own sort of celestial "spotlight." Down near the pit, in battered leathers and holding a plastic Dixie cup half-filled with beer, is a weathered-looking old biker with long brown hair streaked with gray. Michael.

Nearby, an angry looking woman wearing a leather jacket bearing a striking flame job is also watching the stage. Gabriel. Shateishael's eyes widen -- the Axe Man himself! -and... he takes a deep, nervous breath... Fire!? Situated near the other edge of the pit, is an enormous biker covered up to his neck in what appears to be scar tissue. Belial. And near the stage itself, appearing as one of the talented professionals who make it all happen... Baal. Thessaloniki watches quietly, and apparently with equanimity, as this power play unfolds. Until he will be useful, he remains quiet and ready, watching the Powers gather.

Rosenstern gulps sharply as he sees the superiors. Two Celestial, two Infernal. Oh, by the Garden, this is going to become ugly... no, wait... the Treaty! The only thing keeping the Eternal War from breaking out into a new skirmish of epic proportions here... He looks to the stage, an idle part of his mind wondering where Novalis is. Taygeta looks relieved. Two and two. At least it wasn't our Superiors showing up to drag us home...

Shateishael takes a few more breaths to center himself... Okaaay... I must've heard the demon Princes coming down too. Then he looks astonished again, Donna is still moving?! Thessaloniki looks carefully through the crowd, wondering if Eli is out there, and what he'd be thinking.

A small plume of smoke appears to be rising from the mosh pit. Stuck half to his waist in frozen humans, Eli is looking a little uncomfortable, and holding a lit cigarette. He looks around, notices the younger angels observing him, and knocks the cherry off his cigarette... then pretends to be frozen. Thessaloniki smiles a half-smile, and doesn't seem to notice. His Superior's mere presence is greatly reassuring to him. Shateishael notices Eli, and wishes a bit wistfully that David could have come too. He knows why his Superior isn't here... but still. Well... maybe next time Nick calls Eli, he'll let Slate ask Eli if it's okay to try calling David to say hi to him...

And there on the stage, as imposing as he was before -- in fact, maybe a little more so with legions of humans spread out before him... is the tall man.

Shateishael blinks, stiffening as he notices Lucifer. So... that's what they meant... uncomfortable doesn't do it justice... Rosenstern's breath catches as he looks there. ... more or less sums up his thoughts as he espies the Lightbringer, We are in the middle of a tableau that was last seen right before the Fall...

Frankie is striding confidently toward the tall man, grinning maniacally. The tall man says simply, "Well now. Is there something I might do for you?" Frankie grins, "Hell yeah. I have a boon to ask you, greatest of evil dudes!"

Shateishael forgets to breathe, he's praying so hard. Taygeta rolls his eyes. Evil dude? I was right. No class at all.

The tall man nods. "Then you may ask it of me now." Frankie grins, announcing with great theatrics, "I beseech thee... I wish to be... the Demon Prince of ROCK AND ROLLLLLL!! I want to be... the Ayatollah of Rock and Rollah!"

Rosenstern blinks a little. No. That can't be right. Oh, dear Heavens, if Lucifer chose not to grant us the boon, it's even worse than we thought... Thessaloniki waits calmly. He thinks, Now we see if what we tried earlier works. If so, good for us. If not... we have something new to cope with.

The tall man considers, for what appears to be a very, very long time... long enough to make even Frankie, or rather Furfur, seem quite uncomfortable. At great length, the tall man raises his head, and gives his reply.

He says, simply, "No."

Furfur's eyes bulge. Shateishael's eyes widen... then, with a small whoosh of air, he remembers to breath again. Out in the crowd, four figures begin advancing on the stage.

Lucifer holds up a hand. "Hardcore was your Word, and Hardcore it shall remain."

Shateishael looks worried... and casually slides slightly in front of his friends. Should he turn to stone now? No... wait... Taygeta sighs. He's playing with Furfur. He's playing with all of us. We'll just have to wait and see how it plays out. Rosenstern doesn't quite collapse as he relaxes. Oh, thank... er... who am I supposed to thank, here...?

Then he notices the incoming four figures, and his nervousness returns... followed by resolve, as his nature comes to the fore. Novalis's imperative... no violence! The Treaty must be maintained here. He swallows and stands ready, for the moment, to just step forward, nervousness and good common sense holding him back. It's four Superiors out there...

Lucifer decrees, "Henceforth... you shall be the Demon Prince of Hardcore." Furfur seems a little perplexed at first... but never one to look the Lightbringer in the mouth, he grins, holding up little and index fingers in the time-honored rock and roll salute, "Rock out! Thank you, Master!" The four figures in the crowd pause.

Lucifer turns and says, "My, how popular I am today." He looks to Donna at last. "You look lovely today, my dear. As long as I'm here... is there something I can do for you?"

Shateishael sighs quietly and ruefully... Guess we were wrong to think this'd work. Now he's not Furfur any more... so strictly speaking Lucifer kept the boon he was asked for. Ah well... live and learn. He crosses his fingers that Donna will have listened to Zara... and will say no.

Thessaloniki looks at the young singer, and thinks, Do the right thing, Donna. It matters. To all your fans and to all your friends, and to you, it matters. He looks over and tries to smile encouragingly; the reassuring, almost grandfatherly image he cultivates to keep auctioneers off their toes.

Donna doesn't seem to be quite following all this nonsense about Princes and Rock and Roll. She came here to play a gig, god damn it. At the offer of a favor, though, she frowns, swaying a little with frustration, and finally points at Furfur. "WHY?" She demands. "Can you get that asshole out of my life?!"

Shateishael's eyes widen again... then he tries hard not to grin. It won't get rid of Furfur... but Donna's spirit is brave, at least. Thessaloniki smiles wryly, and wonders, Perhaps Zara had it right after all... Rosenstern is given pause. So many conflicting emotions well up within him... And then he blinks at Donna's exclamation. No... Lucifer couldn't have planned it that way... could he...? Taygeta-Aric grins. Taygeta-sparrow chirps in the silence, an avian giggle. You go, girl!

Lucifer half-turns, looking at Furfur impassively. He looks at Donna and says, "Certainly, my dear."

Furfur's eyes do that thing again. He retains his Princehood; he still radiates power and authority. However... all of his Essence seems to have just blown out into the Symphony at large. The four figures in the crowd begin advancing again. Shateishael murmurs softly under his breath, "Ho-lee... cow!" He wishes a bit bemusedly he knew exactly what was going on... then grins ruefully. How very... Lucifer this is becoming. Shateishael's eyes widen as a bit of realization hits him... Belial must be very angry with Furfur right now... Michael and Gabriel are always willing to administer angelic justice to demons, as far as he knows... so... Furfur looks like he's in for a world of hurt!

Furfur looks around, worriedly. Michael is actually mounting the stage by now. With a terrific Symphonic noise, Furfur vanishes, as do each of the remaining Superiors, in turn. Michael pauses to glance at Lucifer, once, sharing some wordless conversation, and then is gone as well. Shateishael's jaw drops. He finally mutters, "...whoa..."

Lucifer brushes off his lapel. He looks around, and then sees the group of angels. Smiling affably, he approaches.

Rosenstern blinks and opens his mouth to say something, anything, the urges of a Novalite reasserting themselves, the passion for nonviolent resolution strong... but he doesn't know what, or how. He feels panic at being insignificant, tiny, bacterial, in a stadium that seems far, far too small to hold the Powers that stand within it, Powers that move to songs all their own... and then it's over. Furfur's escape and, no doubt, pursuit by the other Superiors. And there was no spilling of blood. His shoulders slump, some part of him worrying that his urge towards nonviolence was too little too late, but mostly... just relieved.

At least, until Lucifer approaches. Naturally.

Shateishael wishes, a little wistfully, that he could have talked to Michael... then he straightens again, holding his ground because he knows his friends who depend on him are behind him... not like it'd make much difference if Lucifer decided to scorch- Will you just SHUT UP!? He takes a deep breath, and nods politely. Thessaloniki also watches. He breathes slowly and deeply to keep his usually dormant Ofanite habits from surfacing. Twiddling his car keys, pacing, smoking, or finding a cup of coffee would be inappropriate now. He remains calm as Lucifer approaches, and smiles pleasantly.

Lucifer also smiles pleasantly. "I'm so very busy lately." He nods politely to each angel in turn, then smiles to the Kyriotate. "Hello there. It seems I'm giving out freebies today, and since I've spoken to your friends already... is there something I can do for you?"

Thessaloniki smiles wryly and thinks, Freebies from you? I think not. There is some cost, or some benefit to you, somewhere. Even if it's just the pure joy of throwing your weight around and manipulating others to do your dirty work, there's something in it for you. Helping Donna, listening to us, crowning Furfur; I have no doubt that these all worked together, even if it's beyond me to fathom how.

Taygeta nods as the Lightbringer approaches, gathering up the nerve to say something. "I... think not, sir. Though I feel privileged to have witnessed the by-play just now. A fascinating glimpse of how things work behind the scenes."

Lucifer arches one perfect eyebrow. "You're certain? You could know the real mechanism of things... always, if you wished it."

Rosenstern gulps, and closes his eyes. Please say no, please say no, please say no, please say no, please say no... Taygeta sighs. "Tempting, but no. It is the not knowing that makes the search for knowledge worthwhile. If it was handed to me... that would ruin it. My Word may someday be curiosity. And if I had nothing to be curious about? That would destroy my reason for being. I shall continue to work on my own."

As Taygeta deliberates, Lauren is nervously edging closer. She stands a few feet away, behind and to the right of the Lightbringer, studying him with... almost familiar intensity, as if she was searching for a feature she recognized. Lucifer nods, again giving his subject his undivided attention. "Very well then." He turns to Slate, "Is there- never mind." He turns away again.

Shateishael stands quiet and still, arms folded. His smile is slow. Rosenstern opens his eyes, blinking, and glances up to Slate silently in a mild form of awe. Shateishael eyes Lauren thoughtfully, wondering if she's looking for a boon too. Interesting... would he have given his to her? He doesn't know... and won't ask. At Rosen's stare he gives the Mercurian a mildly curious raised eyebrow.

Thessaloniki wonders quietly, What does Lauren want? What else could happen now? and then, And how do we explain this to Donna? Rosenstern is aware of Slate's curiosity, and realizes he's staring. He gives an apologetic look to Slate, and looks away... right at Lauren. She's... she's the person we ran into that first morning at Zara's...

Lucifer does pause, however, to regard Lauren. "Well... hello again. That look suits you, my dear. You look well." He smiles, perhaps... fondly? "You know... I forced my favor upon you, the last time we met. I shall let you decide this time. What can I do for you?" In a cracked voice, Lauren murmurs, "I just... I just want to get away from him..." Lucifer thinks about this for a moment... then nods. "I understand. These children," he gestures at the stage, "-seem to have a bright future, don't they? I think you might do well to stay close to them. They'll surely be a... more pleasant diversion."

Thessaloniki wonders, Away? Away from who? but tries to remain neutral. Lauren obviously has her own problems. Shateishael looks faintly surprised. So... I was wrong about Lauren and Furfur. That's... almost nice of Lucifer. He feels a little sorry for the Lilim... to hate Furfur that much... what must the demon have done? Then he shakes his head once, No, what am I thinking? If she considers them nothing but a 'diversion' she won't be much better than Furf was. He sighs softly, internally.

Lauren seems greatly relieved at this, and stammers a thank you. "Well," says the Lightbringer, dusting off his hands and looking about, "I'm terribly busy, and it seems there's no further need for me here." He nods again to everyone, offering Lauren a little bow, and wanders off the edge of the stage. As he crosses into open air, he vanishes, with a theatrical burst of flame and puff of brimstone. The humans pick right up where they left off... and Donna just soaks up their enthusiasm for several moments. The crowd seems to have absorbed the Essence that Furfur was stripped of... they rage on harder than ever.

Taygeta's eyes widen ever so slightly. Most interesting. Perhaps I can find out what is behind all this... Shateishael shakes his head slowly, once again... then looks around for Zara. Donna will need Zara more than ever, after this, he thinks, and... maybe Lauren will too. He smiles quietly at Lauren, if the Lilim happens to look his way. Hit with the wall of sound that the cheering crowd and amplified instruments makes, Thessaloniki is stunned for a long moment. After the tumult and the shouting dies down, he winds up just thinking, I need a cup of coffee.

Rosenstern watches the interplay, curiosity and interest flecking his Mercurian brow... but he doesn't pry any more than just witnessing this. He relaxes slightly, for what must seem like the tenth time that night, and simply lets the energy of the crowd help to lift his spirits as much as he can let it. I don't know what Novalis might think of this, he thinks, or what any of our Superiors might think. But... the Treaty is maintained, Furfur is probably being chased to all ends of Creation... and for a little while longer, here, a handful of mortals are at peace with the world. He winces a bit with the blast of cheering from the roaring crowd, and gives a quiet grin. Well... 'peace' being a relative term.

The gig went better than expected, with no further disturbances, mortal or Celestial. No further noise was heard in the Symphony, and everything went more or less according to plan. As such, the angels, with Tomas in tow, wash up that night at the coffeehouse on Fourth Street, where Austin's demons congregate on Friday nights. Wrenchial is there, and he's grinning even more than usual, his teeth incredibly white against his perpetual sunburn. "Heeey, my PEOPLE!"

Shateishael smiles at Wrench's enthusiasm, although he's still feeling somewhat wired inside, "Hey, Wrench! Did you see?"

Thessaloniki smiles, and says, "Hey, Wrench. Sounded good today, man." Rosenstern honestly wonders, even as he's smiling and getting roughly into his element -- being around people, other beings -- if Wrench knew what was going on there. He greets Wrench cheerfully, and any others whom they've met whom he sees there.

Wrench says, "Did I see?! Hell, yeah!" He claps the Stone angel on the shoulder. "You guys did me a tremendous solid, man... went even better than I hoped for! That was some heavy shit, man."

Shateishael nods amusedly, "Nearly shit bricks," whilst making a mental note to check his jacket for Calabite-induced wear and tear later. He grins ruefully as he realizes what a horrible pun he made, "Oh, that sucked!"

Taygeta shrugs. "Well, we did it for Donna and her band, really. You just got some positive fallout." He grins. "Can't let our folks get the idea we were helping Infernals, after all."

Shateishael snorts amusedly at Taygeta, "Speak for yourself, dude."

Thessaloniki drinks from something with more espresso than milk in it, and says, "Yes, Slate." He grins, and looks back to Wrench, "You're not kidding about heavy shit, though. Think we'll see Hardcore again?" Shateishael wishes he could help himself to something alcoholic, thinking, Hell of a night so far...

Rosenstern nods, grimacing a bit. "Almost went through the floor-" He blinks to Slate and shakes his head disbelievingly; frankly, the thought of 'Slate Davidson' cracking a joke like that on purpose is beyond him. "I don't know, Nick. He had four Superiors chasing after him when he bolted."

Wrench grins, looking around amid the party atmosphere and looking... relaxed. For a Calabite, that says something. "Not as much as it sucked for Furfur... fuckin' cocksmoker. I hope that leather chick is wearin' his nuts on a belt right now."

Taygeta snorts. "After Gabriel and Michael get through with him? The only way he'll survive is if they fight with Belial and Baal long enough for him to get away."

Shateishael shakes his head at Taygeta, "Think, guy. Belial probably wanted a piece of him for something that arrogant."

Wrench says, "Dude. Think about it. Furfur made a shot for Princehood, man... you don't think the old man was gonna take that lyin' down, do you?"

Rosenstern says dryly, "The 'Ayatollah of Rock and Rollah.' No, I don't imagine he'd be too pleased. I don't imagine Iran would be too pleased, either..."

Thessaloniki smiles and says, "Probably true. I'm not really too worried about it, I must admit."

Shateishael glances at Wrench curiously, "So... Furfur was real unpopular, I take it?"

Taygeta chuckles. "S'what I meant. Furfur will only get away if Mike and Gabe fight with B and B over who gets first shot."

Shateishael looks thoughtfully into his (unfortunately non-alcoholic) drink, then up at the others, "Know what I wonder? I wonder who Lucifer's saving 'Prince of Rock and Roll' for... 'cause he wouldn't give it to Furfur... why?" He looks at his drink again, and mutters, "I wonder why I wonder so much..." and has another drink. Thessaloniki drinks all of a startlingly large coffee, and pauses to order another.

Wrench smirks, "Fuckin' Iranians. Who cares." He shrugs, "I dunno, dude. He's like that, y'know? Probably didn't think 'Rock and Roll' would be dignified enough for Princehood or some shit."

Taygeta says, "Are you sure that Rock and Roll is an Infernal princedom? There's been a lot of good come out of that music over the years."

The Calabite adds, "Hell, man... I know about this one guy who asked for a Word and came away with Stale Bong Water. How's that for a drag."

Shateishael nearly snorts his drink as he laughs into it, at that comment from Wrench! Thessaloniki suggests, "Perhaps he thought it deserved someone more capable? Who knows. I'll avoid having the chance to ask." He sighs, adding, "Or when a nice kid winds up with 'Teenage Death'," and grins wryly.

Taygeta laughs hilariously at that one from Wrench. "You're kidding! You've got to be kidding!"

Rosenstern blinks, almost hurling his latte. "St-stale bong water...!" Oooh, that explains all those oddball prayers not too long ago...!

Wrench grins, "I wouldn't kid about shit like that, man. Fucked that guy up." He shrugs. "Drew'll get by. He's got, you know, like... emotional problems and shit. But me an' Tomas, we're like his emotional support. Or something. Least, when he'll hang with us and not get all fuckin' crazy."

Shateishael looks around curiously to see if Lauren's there. If he doesn't see her, he then says to Wrench, "Hey... is Lauren okay? She looked real shaken up there...?"

Wrench says, "Lauren? Yeah, man, she ain't too crazy about Furfur either. 'cept she ain't afraid of him like she is her Prince. That guy's a fuckin' wacko."

Thessaloniki ahs, and comments, "I wondered if it was Furfur she was tired of. That's a whole lot of unpleasant."

Shateishael studies Wrench curiously at that comment about being emotional support... then smiles ruefully, "Glad to hear it, Wrench." Weirdly enough, he believes the demon more than he would Tomas saying the same thing. Interesting... and disturbing. He blinks, "Uhh... Lust?" He shakes his head, "Poor kid." Then he straightens up slowly, "Whoa... wait... she never said who 'he' was!"

Wrench says, "Andre, man. You know. The him/it."

Shateishael raises his eyebrows slowly, thinking... did Lauren just escape Andrealphus? For that matter... did they actually succeed with this? He looks up and says bemusedly, "Did it... actually work, guys? Did we get away with it?"

Thessaloniki finishes his second quad-shot latte and says, "So far, so good, man. Who got screwed on this deal, and who's likely to want our hides?"

Taygeta says, "Furfur, for one. And he's unlikely to be able to do much about it."

Rosenstern shivers a little, looking into his cup. At Slate's question... he doesn't immediately look up. "I... think we did," he says quietly. He looks over to Nick. "Furfur, for starters. If he survives."

Shateishael frowns, focusing on the question... after a moment he says dubiously, "Um... yeah, him. Anyone else we can think of?"

Thessaloniki says, "Andrealphus may have lost Lauren. Don't know how that relates to us. How's Druiel? How about the other, er, stuff?"

Wrench says, "Only person yer gonna wanna look out for is Furfur and his crew, provided the old man's not wearin' his cock for a necklace. Inside Austin, man, you guys are in tight with us. Welcome." The demon grins, broadly.

Shateishael looks up thoughtfully at Wrench... then smiles slowly, "Thank you. Nice to have arrived." He grins with the beginnings of his usual confidence returning, "We'll deal with it when we have to, Nick. Same as we always do, right?"

Wrench says, "Drew'll get it together in a couple days. He runs out to the Rock after he has one of his little freak-outs. Usually comes back in a couple days needin' a shower."

Taygeta runs through the list. "Mitrah seems to be okay with things. We'll have to see what we can do to help Drew, though. Lauren seems okay with how it turned out, and Andrealphus has no reason to connect any annoyance over that to us. The other Superiors present seem to have been annoyed with Furfur, and Eli was cool with the whole thing, judging by his reaction."

Rosenstern thinks for a moment, then frowns, mindful of Wrench's presence. He looks up to the demon, and smiles quietly. "Thanks, Wrench. Not that it matters to you, really, but do you have any idea how hard it's gonna be to explain all this to our bosses?"

Taygeta sighs at the reminder. "I'm going to have to write this up in a report. The boss is such a micro-manager sometimes..."

Thessaloniki chuckles, and grins at Rose. Wrench shrugs to the younger angel. "Ain't my problem, chombata."

Rosenstern chuckles, and nods. Somehow he manages to have a sense of humor about it. "Not saying it is. Just that it's going to be... an interesting time." He sips his latte. "So, if we go missing for about, oh, a hundred years..."

Wrench grins. "I'll keep a seat warm for ya, dude. Least I can do."

Thessaloniki says to Wrench, "Well, we're glad to be here." He adds, "One fuck of a way to get to know the neighbors, though. Whew." Shateishael smiles quietly at a passing thought... Damn fine paint job on Gabriel's jacket. Wish I could find something like that for mine...

Tomas sweeps the remaining Celestials back to his pad, where they party until whenever, in relative privacy from humanity. All Tomas asks... is that everyone just ignore the funny smell in the closet.

A few days later, the inevitable aftereffects start trickling in. Taygeta's email report is met with the reply, "Report to the Alamo and return Aric to War custody. Report to me in person. NOW."

Upon hearing the response to Taygeta, Slate gets a rather thoughtful look... then decides he should go check in also. On his next visit to the Rock, he learns that Drew has been released, having worked off some of his Dissonance in the intervening time, and is now being seen to Heavenside by some of Christopher's people. "However," Maxine adds, "I got word by courier last night... the Master wants to see you."

Shateishael nods, "Not surprised. Can I have a lift?"

The ranger nods. "Feel free."

Shateishael thanks Mitrah, then leaves for Heaven up the Enchanted Rock Tether. Once there, it intends to shake out its wings, then head for David's lovely stony halls. It finds that the Tether's Heavenside terminus is a chamber in one of the upper Catacombs, made of the same pink granite as Enchanted Rock. David, as it happens, is already waiting. The Archangel is standing over the terminus, arms folded, expression impassive. Shateishael looks a little surprised at David already being there, but bows politely.

David says, "Shateishael. Explain yourself."

Shateishael nods once, then explains succinctly, "Within Austin we found ourselves embroiled with a group that was critical to the demon Furfur asking a deferred boon of Lucifer -- to make him a demon Prince. As far as we could tell, our alternatives were: kill the band and defer the summoning -- unacceptable; ask another angel to replace the lead singer and work with the sound system so she, the impostor, would be granted the boon -- the other angel refused; kill Furfur -- corporeally would simply have alerted him to our presence and we didn't know how to kill him totally, plus that would have violated the Truce; or trigger the summoning early. This we thought we could do, especially since it would also benefit humanity -- at least as far as we could tell -- to not have a new demon Prince around."

Shateishael pauses, then says, "So... I did what I thought was the right thing to do, to fulfill your orders." He folds his many wings back and waits.

David says, "Furfur is alive. The newest Prince still lives." Shateishael sighs... then nods once. David continues, "However... I believe, as I always have, that you acted in the best interests of humanity. The outcome was not the best that we could have hoped for... but you acted in good faith, and I have come to expect nothing less of you."

Shateishael looks a bit startled... then smiles, straightening a coil or two, "Thank you, Architect." Then it thinks wryly to itself, Well... I try. Wish I actually succeeded a bit more...

David says, "The matter of the summoning is to be considered. You will aid Mitrah for as long as she requires you, as penance."

Shateishael nods, then says quietly, "My lord, may I ask you one question, please, that has been troubling me greatly?"

David says, "You may."

Shateishael nods, and succinctly explains Mitrah's plan... then says worriedly, "I... don't know enough about nuclear explosions, sir, to know -- is this to the benefit of the humanity of Austin? -or will it harm them?" It doesn't bother pointing out to David that it's already promised the huge Kyriotate to help her as much as she needs... it suspects David already knows that.

The Archangel seems somewhat surprised. "I was not aware of this plan of Mitrah's. I will charge you with a new task, Shateishael, as your penance. Find out all you can about Mitrah's plans, her execution of them, and of the possible effects that it might have upon Austin. When you know all you can... then I task you with making the decision... and after that, I task you with being strong enough to execute it... or with being strong enough to oppose her."

Shateishael's many eyes widen a bit, "M-m-" It pauses, taking a deep breath, and nods firmly, "I will do my best, lord Architect."

David nods. "I have faith that you will, Shateishael. That is all I have to say." Shateishael nods firmly and confidently, then heads back down the Tether at the dismissal... although it does feel rather bonelessly panicky inside!

Rosenstern passes the intervening days quietly, serving at Zara's shop. As he is tending the garden in back after hours, after Zara has locked up for the night, he looks up from the roses to see a pleasantly smiling young woman seated on the terrace. He blinks, partly in surprise that she's there at the shop, partly at the suddenness of her arrival. He knows who she is; who else could she be?

He smiles quietly, gently, and stands, brushing off his hands and knees a little, and walks unhurriedly but directly, careful though to not step on any of the flowers or herbs. He stands near the woman, inclining his head to her a little sheepishly. "Ah... hello," he says, and in his voice is the trepidation he's felt over the past few days, the caution and worry that on occasion haunts but some of the Choirs.

Novalis says, "Everyone's talking about you kids in Heaven. So, you want to tell me your side?"

Rosenstern nods, a little bit, sighing. "It... isn't easy. I won't blame you if you're angry, but... Well. We came down and we came here, to Zara's. Zara was very good to us -- talked with us and introduced us to people. We saw the sunrise with them. That first morning we met Wrenchial, and Zara told us... told us about Druiel." He continues, telling her about the Jeanite's mission, how he felt that it would be devastating to the humans in the city. How Wrenchial made his request for help, and that they thought that helping him might lead to opening doors to Vapula's project. And how it then snowballed, and Druiel, Angel of Teenage Death, began pursuing their charges. The breakdown of what seemed like normalcy for them

"We talked and talked about what to do," he says finally, quietly and not without emotion. "It seemed horrible, what Druiel wanted to do, but we couldn't let the band play their song." He sighs. "The rest... I guess you know about that." He represses a shiver at the meeting with the Lightbringer. "It was confusing," he confesses quietly. "Everything seems... so wrong, here. Angels -- A Seraph! lying, demons speaking truth... I respect the Treaty, I'm glad it is here, otherwise there would be so much devastation... and I can't say I'd do anything differently." He nods a little. "The angels I worked with... they did what they could. I... wasn't exactly in the best of form, myself. But... again, well..." He shakes his head. "I can't say I'd do things differently." He falls silent then, not unaware of the woman's position and power and responsibility over him.

Novalis takes a deep breath. "I know you did what you could, dear. I don't... know if I'd have done the same thing in your place. But I don't fault you for what you did. You did what you thought was best, and you're mine alone so only answerable to me. But... I know that someone took a boon from him." Her face darkens considerably. "I don't know if you can protect your friend, Rosenstern. So... I want you to take good care, okay?"

Rosenstern blinks a little, worry covering his face like a cloud. "I... I know that a boon... several boons... were given. I wish we could have stopped it. But who... whom do you mean, that I might not be able to protect?"

The Archangel gives her Servitor a motherly hug. "Dominic knows, Rosenstern. He knows. If something happens... I want you to be careful, do you understand?"

Rosenstern blinks in silence, hugging his Superior back gently, quietly... and not without fear in his Angel's Heart, far off in Heaven, at her words, the faintest of touches of worry oddly unable to be banished by the Archangel. "Dominic," he says softly. Then he realizes, and sighs heavily. "Nick..." He nods quietly and with somewhat sad finality. "I'll... I'll try," he whispers. Then, "Thank you."

Novalis kisses her favored Servitor's forehead. "Okay. Take good care, Rosenstern. I know you mean well." She gives him another squeeze, and lets herself out. Rosenstern stands there for a moment, then returns to the garden... but somehow he sees the colors are muted for him now, and even the embrace of an Archangel cannot mute the winter's chill of fear and sadness that cloaks his thoughts.

Nick's return to the Ranch, with Slate and Rosenstern in tow, is not totally uneventful. The young Dominican that comes by once a month is there and waiting, standing in the lot. However, he isn't alone. A humorless looking young woman, in severe black button-down Goth attire, and a tall man in a dark Western suit coat that resembles no one so much as Christopher Walken, are standing behind and to either side of him.

Thessaloniki casually drives in to the garage, the remote having opened it before he got to it. He sets the brake on the car, shoos Slate and Rose out of the garage, and leaves himself, stabbing the 'close' button on the door as he does so. He approaches the waiting people, saying, "Hello there! Can I help you? Have you been here long? Would you like something to drink?" Shateishael paces along next to Nick, worrying about his friend.

Rosenstern walks beside Nick as well. Novalis' words still ring in his ears and his heart; an hour hasn't gone by that he hasn't remembered. But he stands quietly by, supportive as best as he can. Unlike Slate, Nick seems completely at ease and doesn't appear to have a worry in the world. He definitely knows who at least one of these people is, and isn't worried by it. He might be more worried if they hadn't come.

The young man shakes his head once. As he speaks, the tall man "hums" the Celestial tongue, echoing him in the alternate language. "Thessaloniki. You are required to come with us for trial, for the sin of Heresy. You are under arrest."

Thessaloniki starts to hand Slate his keys, saying, "Look after the place for me, okay?" and says, "All right." The tall man steps forward and intercepts the keys, moving remarkably quickly and without so much as a word. Thessaloniki looks a bit startled, and then resigned, and somewhat unhappy. He says, "Oh, I see. Of course."

Shateishael is already reaching for the keys as they're intercepted. He frowns, then looks at Nick for a lead... then doesn't do anything. Instead he starts to step towards Nick, to give him a hug... then pauses a bit curiously, to see if the tall man reacts again. The tall man holds up an obstructing arm, and shakes his head.

Rosenstern blinks, looking between the Dominicans and Nick -- Thessaloniki. "Heresy?" he exclaims, softly. "But he didn't..." He falls reluctantly silent, seeing Slate not do a thing. That is so unlike the Seraph of Stone that he knows... but then again, he doesn't know Judgement.

Shateishael shakes his head slowly as he asks the tall man, "Does it ever get lonely, or do you enjoy your job?" He has a faintly disgusted look, "Don't bother answering." To Nick he says quietly, "I'll take care of the place, don't worry, Nick. Call if there's anything I can do."

The woman produces a set of handcuffs. The tall man doesn't say anything else, but one of his hands remains conspicuously under his jacket, and he eyes the other angels evenly. The young man in the middle says, "You have the right to answer questions truthfully. Failure to exercise that right will be held against you in Tribunal." He turns to Rosenstern, "If he didn't, then there's nothing to worry about. And, yes, sir. I do enjoy my job very much. Expect your summons within the week." With that, Nick is led away.

Thessaloniki says, "I'm sure these nice folks will take excellent care of the Ranch, Slate. They are not our enemies. If you need any of your things that are here, I expect they'd be obliged to allow you access. And to give you a lift back to town."

Shateishael smiles quietly at Nick, "No worries."

Thessaloniki having so said, he allows them to handcuff him, and is led away wordlessly, although obviously paying attention to every detail, and answering each question put to him, if any, clearly and directly.

Rosenstern takes a step after the departing persons, his shoulders not quite still, his expression a confused morass. He turns to Slate as Thessaloniki is led away... and can find nothing to say. Shateishael watches quietly, arms folded. Once they're gone he looks at Rosenstern and says quietly, "Pity these folks wouldn't know mercy if it bit them in the ass... and that there's no justice for false arrest, eh?" He sighs, shaking his head, "C'mon... let's make sure everything's okay here."

Rosenstern lets out a breath and nods, following along beside Slate. He stands clearly shorter than the Angel of Stone, and yet his slightly slumped shoulders seem to make him smaller. Another Novalite might say something like 'wilted flower' or 'bowing vine.' It's certainly not his best profile, he would readily agree, if he were in the mood to. The arrest of Nick, an angel he'd come to like and respect, clearly weighs heavily on him. As he walks back to the house, he asks, a little out of the blue, "How did you meet Nick, Slate?"

Shateishael smiles quietly, "Eeeh... we didn't recognize each other as celestial the very first time we met. He was a surveyor and I was riding with the Comanche at the time." He grins ruefully, "The Comanche weren't real fond of the surveyors, with good reason -- surveying the land meant the white ants came soon after, spreading all over everything and eating up the land. That's where the Texas Rangers came from, in fact... those early surveyors." He starts quietly and methodically going through the house, checking with Rosen that everything is as it should be, and Nick's previous shut-down of the house continues without problems. He smiles at the dejected looking Novalite next to him as he does so, "Why're you asking?"

Rosenstern tilts his head to the side, "Huh... I hadn't known that. About the Rangers, that is." He walks throughout the house, always managing to be within conversational distance of Slate as they go. He's silent for a moment, at Slate's question. "Curiosity," he replies, after a moment. "And concern. I know I hadn't -- haven't known him nearly as long as you. It's just... I really came to like him. He was -- is, I mean, is a good person." He manages a faint smile. "Being of Eli certainly makes him interesting to talk to." His momentary humor subsides and he shakes his head. "I guess... it's just been a very long time since I've dealt with the Servitors of Judgement."

Shateishael chuckles quietly as he checks all the faucets on Nick's indoor pool are firmly turned off, and the water cover where it belongs over the pool. He murmurs casually, without looking up from what he's done, "Nick's a very smart man, Rose... don't underestimate him. He's not 'in the past'... he'll be back, I'll bet." He looks up then, grinning, "After all, any man that can talk a band of angry Comanche out of killing him -- and then get invited to their camp later... sure has his shit together, y'know?"

Rosenstern nods, then chuckles, then laughs quietly. "You're right, of course," he says softly. "Justice, though... you're right, Slate, Justice is... very, very hard. But from what you've said, Nick should be in no trouble at all..."

Shateishael looks back at his work, pragmatically continuing, "Nope. Nick's a straight shooter... and he didn't do anything any of us wouldn't have done either. And like Nick said to me once, 'If you can't get a fair trial in Heaven -- where can you?'" He smiles, rising and continuing to the next room to be checked, "So... that's why, when Nick says with his body language that he doesn't want any fuss while he's bein' arrested... well... seems like that's the least I can do for him, like."

Rosenstern nods quietly, frowning slightly. "I... I know that. I should know it. Judgement is harsh, but fair. It's just... Novalis, when I met her... Slate, it's not often I've seen my Superior bothered and down. She... kind of implied that Nick would be in trouble. I mean, serious trouble." He sighs heavily and shakes his head again. "Sorry," he mutters. "I'm supposed to be a paragon of light and happiness, Mercurian of Flowers. Right now I feel as if a large heavy stone just got dropped on me -- no offense, Slate, I'm not referring to David, honest."

Shateishael stares at Rosen, then laughs a good long while, his eyes bright with amusement. Rosenstern smiles quietly. Not like I was intending to make him laugh. Still, hearing other laugh helps, a lot. "I'll trust you, Slate. I'll try not to worry about him." But forgive me if I can't help but be nervous at the words of my Superior...

Shateishael grins cheerfully at Rosenstern, still snickering, then finally answers, "Rosie, take it easy, guy." He regards the depressed Novalite for a bit, then smiles quietly and reaches out to puts a hand on the smaller angel's shoulder, "Seriously... chill, okay? Dominic is a seraph. Just tell him what we planned when it's your turn, and he'll know it's the Truth... same as he will with me, with Nick, and with Tay."

Rosenstern lets out a breath and nods, "Yeah... I'd almost forgotten we're going to have to testify before him." He shakes his head. "I wonder what he's going to make of what we ran into down here..." He coughs, "No, I shouldn't go into that now. I think we already know how he feels."

Shateishael smiles and shrugs quietly, "Damn if I know. Not our problem, y'know? Issue right now's just Nick. I figure the main reason Dom's grabbing Nick is 'cause Eli's not able to intercede for him like our Superiors did for us. So... we didn't kick up a ruckus, Nick went quietly with them, nobody gets hurt, the Dominican with the gun didn't have to draw it at all -- no muss, no fuss." He grins lazily, his eyes mischievous, "Go into what, Rosie?" He continues out of the house once it's checked, and starts on the multiple sheds on the property, checking each to be sure it's tidy, everything's where it should be, and it's all locked up tight. Rosenstern, following, sees a large car repair shed, a spacious and well-appointed car display shed, and a few other sheds... one of which causes Slate to brighten.

Rosenstern nods quietly. "That would explain why Novalis said she couldn't protect him like she could me... I hope you're right, Shateishael. I guess... just after all that happened down here, it's been a little... faith-shaking. Oh, I'm not going to run off and join the Lilim, as much as a human might think that a wonderful idea." He follows Slate out of the house. "My nature's still strong. It's just... after seeing all that's gone on down here in Austin, I'm wondering just what is the way things are? But... that'll have to come in time. Like I said, it was a long time ago that I ran into the Servants of Judgement, and I've been mostly in gardens and amongst the people in those gardens..." He blinks at little at Slate's expression. "What is it...?"

Shateishael grasps the edge of a tarp, then grins a bit proudly at Rosenstern, "Wanna see something wonderful, that's served me faithfully and is almost as old as I am?" He doesn't wait for an answer, really... it's obvious he wants to uncover this. He tosses the tarp back with a flourish, revealing a dark black, battered, scarred, heavy anvil, securely fastened with huge nails into a massive tree trunk segment, "Ta-daaa! Ain't she a beauty?" He runs a pleased hand down the bluntly pointed end, smiling with quiet pleasure. He murmurs quietly, "Thanks, Nick... you kept her fine an' safe..."

Rosenstern blinks a little. Beautiful? Uhm... I think so. I'm not an anvil expert, though... He smiles quietly, looking over the dark steel. "It looks in fine shape!" No rust, well used, as old as Slate... darn straight it's in fine shape! "I didn't know you were a blacksmith."

Shateishael smiles, neatly folding up the dusty, battered, well-aged canvas that had protected the anvil, "Yup. That's what I did for most of my early life, in fact, for David, with the Norse. Organized communities, forged the tools they needed, functioned as their shaman..." He sighs quietly at the memories, still smiling faintly as he studies the anvil, the beat-up-but-still-sturdy canvas still folded in his arms... then sets the canvas aside and grins at Rosenstern, "Here... one of the first things I forged." He reaches up to lift a leather thong from around his neck, handing it carefully to the young Novalite. "Have to keep replacing the tree truck and the leather thong... but the anvil and the hammer there..." he gestures at the intricately decorated, small hammer pendant, "-well... they're still going strong."

Rosenstern grins, "The Norse, huh? Sounds much more exciting than my past. Those must have been exciting times. I've only been around for somewhat less time..." He accepts the small pendant gingerly, examining it and studying it closely and interestedly. "Excellent workmanship," he says admiringly, handing it back and grinning. "I admit that I'm not too familiar with Stone's work, except when I've worked in cities with gardens. Gardens here, gardens there..." He gets a bit of an odd look, which disappears quickly into a neutral smile. "Gardens... were you in Europe, by chance, in the 14th Century?"

Shateishael grins quietly, accepting the pendant back and replacing it, tucking it carefully back into his shirt, "Well... depends on when exactly, I think. At some point I was... but I'm not real good at dates, and at some point I went wandering off with some of the Crusaders... so... not sure for certain." He adds in explanation, "Wanted to learn more about their swords... real different style of metalwork, y'know? Nice horses too... and cleaner folks. Khalid sure got some things right on the money, f'you ask me."

Rosenstern nods, smiling again. "Just wondering." He spreads his hands cheerfully. "I guess I tended to come after Stone's people. Adding gardens here and there, and talking and helping people." He looks at Slate curiously again, grinning. "I was going to ask if you spent more time with the Europeans or with the Saracens.

Shateishael grunts amusedly as he hefts the anvil around, "Ehh... Saracens. Europeans were insanely touchy-proud folk." He settles the anvil firmly, then dusts his hands off on his jeans and grins at the Novalite, "I dunno... don't you guys work with any of those nice Zen gardens of stones?"

Rosenstern blinks as Slate bodily lifts the Anvil. "Uhm... well, yes, some of us do." He regains his composure. "I'm afraid I don't know too much about them, though. I tended gardens for people to come to and gather at and meet old friends and new acquaintances. Village greens... I used to love village greens!" He grins quietly. "But I can see how a stone garden would appeal to David's folk as well as Novalis'..."

Shateishael is casually rootling around in the dusty, dim, cool back-end of the shed, pulling out old, cracked leather wrappings and a scarred, ancient apron. He eyes the apron critically... then nods, "Might be salvageable... only been about 50 years or so, right?" He looks up at Rosenstern and smiles, "Yah, village greens are nice. Most of my forges faced onto public ground -- good place to gather, get a coal for a smoke, and chat quietly in the evening."

Rosenstern nods, stuffing his hands in his pants pockets comfortably. He seems content to while away the time this way; he's certainly a little calmer and more collected than earlier. "When we first ran into Nick at the Tether -- sorry, the Alamo," he says, "-you said you had a... a car radio for him? How did that come about?"

Shateishael laughs again as he's carefully unfolding the cracked, deteriorating leather wrappings. Occasional clinks and clangs reveal that the wrap-protected tools... rasps, files, a hammer, and other useful tools of the trade. He lays them out carefully so he can inspect them all, then grins at Rosenstern, "Ehhh... well, you know Nick's an Ofanite, yeah? And... I'm not." His grin gets rueful, "My driving needs work, I know... Nick teases me about it sometimes -- says he let me teach him to dodge, least I can do is let him teach me to drive. So... anyway... I joking-promised him that next time I destroyed a car I'd bring him the nice parts that were left. So... I did!" He chuckles quietly again as he starts going over the tools -- then looks up suddenly, hastily adding, "Uh -- hey! Don't tell Nick that was all that was left, 'kay? He'd glare at me..." He snickers quietly to himself as he goes back to inspecting the tools.

The Novalite chuckles softly. "Don't worry, I won't tell him." The future tense with regards to Nick comes easily to him this time. He watches Slate examine the tools for a few more moments, certainly conveying no antsiness or impatience, honestly curious as to the silent angel's inspections. Eventually, though, he comments quietly, "I don't know if you were there, but... did you ever happen to see the Hanging Gardens, Slate?"

Shateishael looks up, "Babylon?" He chuckles, "Man, I'm not that old... only about a millennium."

Rosenstern chuckles quietly. "Sorry. No, I didn't think you were. I'm certainly not. Actually, I'm a bit less than a millennium myself. But I remember the tales we would share about the Hanging Gardens. Some promised that there'd be another Hanging Gardens someday, or at least something similar." He chuckles. "Most ended up designing botanical gardens, actually." His smile gets that odd, neutral look to it. "The rest of us... well, I guess we did our best to bring what joy we could to people... though..." He shakes his head a little and looks over to Slate, grinning slightly with his more-usual humor. "If this is all the stuff you've gathered over time, you've a collection that would be the envy of any archaeologist."

Shateishael studies Rosenstern with some curiosity, wondering what the source of that odd, neutral smile is. At the last comment his eyes narrow in thought, and he looks down at the tools in his hands and on the anvil... then smiles quietly, "Well, no. I tended to give things away whenever folks needed them, so I didn't keep much. This is about it, really... the anvil and my hammer. The tools periodically need replacing... and the wooden handles need replacing even more often." He looks up and asks curiously, "So... what were you thinking about there, where your face gets... kinda still looking?"

Rosenstern grins and nods, "Makes sense. Tools like that are best if used..." He fidgets a little and looks out the doorway to the shed, looking only mildly discomfited. "Ah... well... it's kinda hard to say." He lets out a breath. "One of the... disadvantages... to tending gardens in the 14th Century was the... depressingly large demand for..." He visibly hesitates. "Posies," he says softly. "Probably the only flower I'm not particularly fond of," he says, chuckling softly.

Shateishael looks curious, "Posies? What's wrong with them?" He frowns, thinking, "Wait... wasn't that during the Black Plague or something that they were real popular? Don't remember why though...?

Rosenstern nods quietly. "That's one of the names for it, yeah," he says quietly. "Gardens... cease to be a joy when they're open graves." He rouses himself and looks to Slate, smiling softly. "Posies. They were used to ward off the smell of the disease. You know..." He recites in a bit of a singsong voice, "'Ring around the Rosie, pocketful of posies..."

Shateishael says, "Oh, right, yeah... 'ashes, ashes, we all fall down.'" He studies the slight Novalite for a bit, then smiles, leaning forward to clap him lightly on the shoulder, "Hey, c'mon, Rosen... gotta let the past go once it's happened. People don't live forever... and there's new music now -- remember Donna's new song?"

Rosenstern nods quietly and does smile. "I know. It's just not really the best of memories we have, you know? Everything turned upside-down, things not the way they should be..." He gives a wry look and adds, "Kind of how things are here in Austin. And you're right. Donna's group has quite a future, it seems!"

Shateishael chuckles, "Yah, it is weird here." He pauses, thinking a bit, then adds quietly, "I'm thinking we might want to suggest to Tomas that he let 'Marty' die, in fact. Let the band grieve, then get on with their lives and chose a new drummer. That..." he gets a faintly disgusted/amused look, "-or take drumming lessons!"

Rosenstern manages a wry smile. "That might be best. He'll be able to clean out his closet, at least..."

Shateishael rolls his eyes, "Man, that is disgusting -- I don't believe that guy!" He sighs, sorting through his tools and putting some aside for replacement, then adds quietly, "Guess we should go meet the Old Guy at some point, too. Hopefully he won't be full of questions about what the Symphonic disruptions during the festival were all about."

Rosenstern nods. "Before we came down, Novalis gave me the names of some people to meet, besides Zara. It might be good to say 'hi' to them before we're brought back."

Shateishael looks up interestedly, "Who?"

Rosenstern mentions a few fairly innocuous-sounding names, then notes, "I don't know how keen they'll be on meeting after all that's happened, but all things considered it'd be neighborly to at least greet them if Novalis pointed me to them..."

Shateishael grins, "Yeah, makes sense." He thinks a moment, then nods, "I need to go say hi properly to Mitrah, too."

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Last modified: 2002-Mar-30 13:54:51

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