Warning: I would also like to say, that my idea of Heaven etc.is at best
loosely based upon the AS heaven, therefore do not be surprised if it does
not cohere to it, as well as happening in general. Thank you.
Sanctuary of Angels
Chapter 3
Scene one:
It was crystal clear, as it always seemed to be. It had been easy enough; it was not necessarily true that there was music in the sunrise. If there was, it was forgotten in the moment, that such pale feet touched the tiled floor.
A very small smile, as the white fabric gathered around her form, the smile did not move from place, her blue eyes narrow slightly, before finally she is walking at the mirror. It was perfect, part of her job to heaven after all was to make everything she did seem as seamless as possible. Otherwise, she was not much of an angel now was she? It was not necessary for her to call any attention to anything she did, the tasks, how they piled from one to another. After all, when the earth was created, from so many grains of sand did anyone stop and wonder at each particular grain of sand that made of the large expanse of the universe? Of course not, they merely wondered at the Earth itself, such as every angel must take after the Creator.
Another breath, it had to be perfectly soft, like a sigh, it has been done without flaw, her aqua eyes open wider, allowing the light to penetrate her gaze. It was time for her inspection. With great care, her lily-white hands brush back her lace trim on her white nightgown. For a moment, her blue eyes dipped down to the pattern, very intricate water lilies, it was particular fancy that she had taken to them. A small wrinkling of her nose, it was a small digression. She was musing when she had no right to be, she could muse in her dreams, for now, it was the time, for her to be on duty, as she had coined the phrase. The hand absently brushes back a few silken curls from her features; each delicate pale aquamarine strand shimmered in turn under light. Her blue eyes burrowed into her reflection, nothing in anything she did has to seem as though it was pointless, and her appearance was no exception.
Her face was as it always had been. Small, delicate, her blue eyes had the luminosity of innocence, her eye lashes had the curl, that made her gaze either look, dreamy of transparent, through what she had her attention on at the time. Her cheekbones were high, and accentuated the expression in her eyes, it bespoke of her position in the angel hierarchy. She was certainly not the highest, but there were only a few higher then her, it was apparent, in the touch of royal in her bone structure. There were a few finer. In her lips, they were pouty, sometimes full, and sometimes thin, they fluctuated too much for her taste. The tip of her pointer finger absently outlined her soft petal-like lips, before she allowed a frown to flicker across them. She as always held her head, high, giving her chin a few centimeters lift, her lips settled into a small smile. It was the one she reserved for minimal approval when she smiled at all. It was rare; she did not have to walk across the floor of heaven constantly smirking. A small glance downwards at the set of drawers at the bottom of the mirror. Absently she opened the first one, pulling out a ribbon, which matched her eyes perfectly, it was satin of course, and had as a trim, small crystals, clear and reminiscent of water droplets. Pulling back a few unruly strands, she tied the ribbon tying it in such a way, so that it look as though it had been pulled across her head in one continuous line. It was a small touch, and it marked that she was in a good mood. Not, that anyone in particular would know that. Sweeping step, an about face, most of her room was series of mirror-like surfaces, the lights giving the illusion, of water, as though the surfaces melded in and out, and yet a touch of her hand, it was solid. Her eyes fail to scan her clothes, as she picks her garment. She pulls the "dress" over her head, and automatically begins clipping the back, the smile fading for a moment, as her concentration is held elsewhere. It was a bit to mentally scan, what it was she was doing today, and something, somewhere told her that something would go wrong. No day was without a hitch, not when she was conscious anyway. Another glance in the mirror, a straightening the of the material, so that the deep blue fabric fell in perfect folds, all the way down to mid-shin. A mental smile at the flower pattern of her bodice, and with that, she implores the hood, making sure, that it streamed seamlessly with the paleness of her hair. So, that every curl would frame her features, a small delicate curls. Her left hand goes into another drawer underneath her mirror, and pulls out green yellowish sheer material, pulling them up her hands, she takes care in straightening the lace at her wrists. Her blue eyes glance at her door, at the foot of them, is her shoes, slipping them on; she leans against the door for balance. The silence of her room is interrupted by a very soft, but clear, rapping, or perhaps they thought they were knocking, but it was much too discordious to be called anything but rapping. No rhythm at all, it was no wonder where this new angels grew up, was in the realm of God, or with soot in their ears?
It would be too much of a bother to open the door, while she was still leaning against the door. It was only after both feet were on the ground, that she straightens, and pulling the hood back, that she puts her hand on the platinum door knob and opens it abruptly her expression, cool.
" Tell me.trainee is it practice of the Great Creator to make the Angels of heaven without the ability to hear, when it is part of their function and duty?" her words clear.
The young angel, that was standing at the door straightened very quickly. His dirty blonde hair shifting at the tilt of his head, he was looking directly ahead, it was probably brown eyes or something, she did not look at him long enough to distinguish. It really did not matter; he was like they all were, a piece of the puzzle, a piece of the divine clockwork, and not a very big piece to boot. He would not get any bigger just standing there like his brain dribbled out of his ear.
It took only a moment longer of her silence for a very soft answer to come from the angel-boy.
"No?"
"You mean you do not know? You do not know, if God would create an angel that could not do what it was created for, and could possibly go against any function therein?"
"Well, when you say it like that, no."
" Oh, so you finally know, well then, if God would not create a deaf angel, then why pray tell, would you continue to scrape at my door?"
He paused before saying anything, and then glanced down.
" I apologize, high Cherubim."
"Apology accepted, and now, with your business, Archangel in training, Liriel."
A small glance upwards, his green eyes gaze at her for a few moment, it was a look of surprise, as though he had expected a through lashing. Or perhaps something worse, then what he had been given? It was a very ghost of a smile that was returned. Perhaps, he was surprised that she had remembered his name? Her blue eyes finally reach his green eyes, before glancing again once more.
He clears his throat, absently brushing his lean fingers through his dirty blonde hair, he sighs before speaking in a more confident tone of voice, " It seems that the repairs on the Temple of Fire, has been pushed to today. All the available personnel were sent off to deal with that unfortunate incident that befell Michael's structure."
She blinks at his words, once, to show that she is of course listening, she had to do that at the end of each sentence, or so Meta-chan had said, she looked as if she was in another "world". It only took a moment, and then her mind started to filter through the rush of information to do during this particular day. Her mind arrived to it, before he spoke, but she was polite enough to him not to interrupt.
"And so, the official greeter of the champions of the wars fought against the demons, who are scheduled to come home, for a sanctuary today, is also at the Fire temple repairs."
It really did not matter, where the official greeter was there or not, he had been absence on and off; he was a very sick little angel. Which is why he was the official greeter, however, his position was of no real consequence, to the "champions" of battle. It was a pretty dull job to be honest, even Gabriel felt an inkling of sympathy for some one forced to stand-
"And it would usually not be worth reporting, so straight away except for a unknown element that has only come to our attention through a boy who was getting water at the border of-" a slight pause as the youth caught his digression.
" High Cherubim it seems, that the inorganic angel, Alexiel shall be in the ranks of the champions today-"
Gabriel, blue eyes widen slightly at the news, as a delicate eyebrow arched, at such news. This was going to be a very entertaining one to sort through. What was it with the inorganic Alexiel not giving due time in advance of her coming. This of course was the time that the official greeter would be a prudent choice at being there.
" This is of course a great honor for her ladyship to grace us with our presence so early." Gabriel said very gently.
" And why is it Liriel, that you were not reassigned to be the greeter?"
"I am one of the few angels there who has any knowledge of architecture, and besides, it was your prior sentiments, that almost nothing went before the patching up of the Fire Temple."
Gabriel nodded at his words, " Let it never be said, that a temple in heaven was not steady in structure, if there was not an epic battle shaking it to the ground."
It was true, and it was also true, that some one had to be there to greet Alexiel. It was unthinkable to have her unwelcomed home. If anything the tide against the demons was turning because of her, it was her effort, her determination that-
" What are your orders High Cherubim?"
" My orders, are to leave all of the angels as they were ordered they day before, the situation will be taken care of.as of today.I will take the temporary position as greeter."
Liriel blinks at Gabriel, as though perhaps it had happened, that he had not heard correctly. That was certainly a step down, and yet, it showed that her pride was merely as high as the station that she could so easily give herself. It was merely a temporary position, and it was inspiring to see that she carried no qualms about what did and did not need to be done. He gave a small bow to her. And yet, it was a few who saw Alexiel. It was fitting, as always.
Gabriel gave a slight inclination of her head.
"They will be arriving shortly."
"Very well.Liriel, resume your duty."
" Yes, Madame."
A small sigh, as she listened to the door close, and the angel-boy exit. Well, it had not really been on her list of things to do.however a change of plans never hurt anyone. Besides, it was definitely a good thing that Alexiel was returning early, it meant that the demons were at bay.
Scene Two:
A small smile was placed on her lips, one that she had practiced in the mirror for the fifteen minutes that she had allowed herself. It would have been a wise decision for her to remind Liriel that 30 minutes was not an effective time frame for sensible preparations for anything of worth. The homecoming of the inorganic angel Alexiel was to be essential in phrasing would be worth a great deal. The smile of course contained warmth, it was a part of it that could not be left behind, Gabriel had finally decided. It was a rare occasion; she certainly wanted to look happy to see Alexiel. Despite her best efforts however, it began to plunge her into shady remembrances of Alexiel. It was very seldom that their paths crossed, and it was only on those occasions that it was absolutely necessary that Gabriel dawdled outdoor; most of the planning took place in a hall or inside buildings. Which is not to say that she never went outside, absently her blue eyes dip down to her pale hand. Perhaps, it would be better if she accepted more inclinations of Meta-chan to go outside. There never really seemed enough time for endless mooning in the sunlight; there was always a hitch she had to unstitch, so that it was perfect, as it originally should have been anyway. It would have been different if Gabriel had been paying the least amount of attention to beside her because it took very soft words directly to her left for her to stop staring at her own hand.
"Gabriel."
Gabriel, mentally arched a brow at her name being used without a title in front of it, however this mystery was promptly cleared up after her blue eyes raised a few feet.
She did not blink, at the proximity that he seemed to be standing so close to her, but merely paused and took it upon herself to come up with a logical answer to why he was talking to her.
Rosiel spared another glance at her, his lilac eyes took in her appearance swiftly before settling back upon the gates before them, they seemed to loose a bit of focus after it. It was a very long day, when he seemed to be the last angel to know of her imminent return. The real question, was why a High Cherubim was standing at the same gate, and waiting.
It was only a few clicks in time before Gabriel could formulate a civil answer, as to why she was there, that was what he was really saying, not her name in the least. Her voice became something soft and yet strong,
" Inorganic Angel Rosiel, what an honor it is to be in your presence, it has been a few cycles has it not?" there is a slight pause in her voice at his silence. A flicker of a wonder if he can even hear her, before she speaks again, a shade louder.
" I am waiting for Alexiel as well, I understand that she is one of the Champions that are today's homecoming."
Rosiel turns to glance at Gabriel again, his long lilac curls glisten in the sun, before with a very fragile hand, he brushes it aside in a single gesture, and somehow this gesture makes him look even more angelic, instead of impatient. A small smile touches the corner of his lips, at the mention of his twin, before he turns to face Gabriel fully.
His words, dancing across the breeze, as though they were made of light itself, " Yes, I heard the same, but I had no idea it was your function to wait of the Champions of Battle.usually that little.angel is here."
Gabriel gives a slight incline of her head, before saying with a tinge of formality, the cool air giving itself a breath, " Yes, it seems that, the fixing of the fire temple was pushed up today, and that new of Alexiel being a Champion was returning on this day was repressed until recently."
Rosiel not missing the tone, smile widened, the warmth of it seeping into the very seams of his being. He seemed to relax slightly, having decided that it was perfectly respectable for her to be there. It was probably the case that no one else available, when Gabriel went anywhere, it was because it was necessary. It was only after, the reason was established, that he could be more pleasant. So many angels seemed to have developed an interest for his sister, that necessity never was a part of-
It was then, that the trumpets began to blare, the same old tune that it always did, when Champions of War would enter the gates to receive there homecoming. At one time it had probably been considered inspiring but it happened so frequently at times, that it murmured into nothing more then background noise. It was enough draw the attention of Rosiel, who glanced back at the road.
Gabriel mentally checked her appearance and straightened until her back was perfectly straight, place both of her hands at her sides she waited.
It was not a long wait however, before the trumpets could sound the third time, or was it the fourteenth? The gates opened with no sound at all, and out stepped Alexiel, who was leading the throngs of soldiers who walked in proudly behind her.
Gabriel's blue eyes widened at the sight of the Organic angel Alexiel. It was of course unthinkable to not being able to recognize her. It was in any state, which she walked with the elegance and grace of nobility. It was impossible to miss that long train of opulent mahogany curls that fell down her back, the decisive quirk of her brow. The manner at which she glided to a tune all of her own, and yet.and yet. It was true, Gabriel was seeing this, and she was covered head to toe in blood. And it was not all dry; in fact most it still looked warm. It was a shock of red, so much red, gleaming and glistening, it made little consequence from Alexiel's expression. It was unbelievable; there was so much of it. Was it always the case that she walked through those gates in such a state? If it had been the slightest clue to her, she would have brought a towel or, napkin or something.
Rosiel however, seemed to pay little attention to the state of his sister, concerning the bloody clothing, and upon his lavender eyes catching sight of her, waltzed the few steps closer to her, and with a very clean, pristine hand, caressed her cheek, whipping a sugary curl away, " Alexiel."
Gabriel was on the line, she did not know how to handle a situation like this. She had heard of war, of course, it was constant, but there was blood, Rosiel was touching blood, of demons. It was a shock, he never so much as went near anything that was dirty, but now he was smearing his hands in it. It made her nauseous to look at and yet something else, maybe it was a bit of proud, as long as none of that blood was Alexiel's.
Alexiel on the other hand, seemed to be paying the minimal amount of attention to her brother, who as always, had been waiting for her return. Absently and without thought, she took his hand by the wrists and held it out before her, her mouth opened to say something to him, her brown eyes flashing. That was before they caught sight of Gabriel, her clothes white, and gold for the occasion, " Gabriel." a few more steps past her brother, as swerve of her hips, and she was fully facing Gabriel, " The gates of heaven still stand firmly?"
Rosiel did not miss, these very subtle movements. He was almost certain that his beloved sister was about to say something to him, not that Gabriel, and now for her to be spoken to above him. He would simply dismiss her, that distracting little cold impersonal-
Gabriel glanced down her blue eyes widening slightly. It was silly, why was Alexiel talking to her first? Secondly, was it really believed that if she spoke to anyone, that the gates of heaven must come crashing down first, was she that.bad? Still, it was odd to get this much attention, such a direct gaze. Her words came out clear, and slightly warmed, " Organic Angel Alexiel, it is my temporary duty, as well as honor." a slight pause at the realization, she had to be looking at her to welcome her, her blue eyes raise to meet the brown ones. The smile coming to her lips, unbidden, " My duty and honor, to welcome you back home.Champion of Battle."
Alexiel continues to glance at Gabriel, not glancing away, as though waiting for something.
A few clicks of time go by, before Gabriel remembering something else, reaches behind her back and pulls out a wreath of water lilies, which was so much more ordinate then laurel leaves in her opinion. With droplet of frozen water interwoven with frozen droplets of water fashioned like jewels. Carefully and inch forward, she stands on her tip-toes to place the wreath on her head, softly letting it lay on a mass of chocolaty brown curls. Her words lingering as she does this, " And to remember, that as the gates of Heaven opened up before you, so does the heart of each Angel in heaven. Know, Alexiel, that we are grateful, and surely with you valor, purity and perseverance, light shall triumph over darkness."
Rosiel stood, as stiff and straight as the gates of heaven that his sister had just walked under. It has been cycles since his sister had allowed the, "greeter" to continue on for this long. Usually her brown eyes gave such a look, that the stupid insignificant greeter, scampered off like a frightened little whelp, and would not get to the, heart of heaven part. It was almost as if his body became totally frozen, as he knew what would come next, his innards one by one began to freeze, though his blood was pumping hot.
Gabriel took the step back, in order to smile a bit wider, at Alexiel. It was interesting; she had never really read much about the official greeter, although some of that did sound as if she wrote a bit of it. It was over now, if her memory served her correctly and not a moment too soon. It was when Gabriel took another step back that she was stopped from the sterling voice in front of her.
" Are we forgetting something Gabriel?" her voice rang in a melodious tone, despite it tenor.
Gabriel did not really take that step back she was planning to, but continued to glance at Alexiel as though, so much attention would make her speak some more on this subject. It took another click of time, before she spoke up, " Forgetting something?"
Rosiel, gasped, his lavender eyes wide, his bottom lip trembling slightly, his hands at his sides, clenched into fists, " S-sister."
Alexiel took the step forward; it was obvious that Gabriel would not have taken the step, if she had to bee mindful of it. A very small arch of the delicate brow, her voice a velvet snap, " I though you had the hierarchy memorized, from the most weighty to the most mundane.. I know.you did not forget.this.last breath of warmth."
Gabriel did not blink, for it was then, that she remembered that last part of it. Her blue eyes widen slightly, it was a rarity that things of this nature were written into laws. It had almost been her belief that it had been written out totally and yet, it lingered, " The kiss."
The only indication that Alexiel had heard anything, so still was she, was the faint light that echoed in her brown eyes at the correct answer.
It took a moment to sink in, but that was it, it could not have had the gleam of hesitance, it was in the hesitance, that it would be considered faulted. Far be it from Gabriel, to do anything that could be faulted, and so remembering her lines.
She straightened and leaning up again, she put either hand on either side of Alexiel's shoulders. Her words ringing slightly, " And so with this kiss." leaning over a bit, she brushes her lips against a cheek stained with red, " We welcome you back into heaven sister." another pause, before pressing her lips against the other clean cheek, " And with this kiss, we pray for your strength and devotion to be unwavering, sister."
Gabriel finally allowed, her blue eyes to meet Alexiel brown eyes, and for a moment there was silence.
It was shattered quickly however, by a very loud, " Gabriel!"
Gabriel snapped her head in the direction of her name being called, a low and behold, who stood before her? But, Met-chan. His pale blond hair shimmering in the light, his blue eyes sparkling in the light, a wide smile on his lips. His mouth was open as though he had something more to say that is before her noticed something, them probably.
" Gabriel?" His voice sounding very much the child's voice, it quivered at the end, as though he did not know what to think.
Gabriel blinked at his tone, as though it had not occurred to her, that there was nothing particularly strange about the current situation she was not in. Until, she realized to drop her hand she would have to take it off Alexiel's shoulder, well first to Meta-chan.
" Meta-chan, what is this I hear, the Voice of God running across Heaven, to its gates and then very loudly screaming the name of a High Cherubim?"
Meta-chan stopped staring at the both of them, and glanced at the ground, blushing, knowing perfectly well he was not suppose to run around scream anything. For some reason his voice was very loud and commanding. Everyone listened when he spoke, whether or not he was talking to him or her.
Alexiel was watching her, she could feel it, and so quiet, she glanced back at Alexiel, taking both hands off her shoulders easily enough. Alexiel however seemed to have something on her mind to do, because before Gabriel could blink, much less reach Alexiel raised her hand. Very gently the tips of her finger outlined Gabriel's bottom lip, allowing her nail to caress the entire length of it saying in a laugh tingled voice, " A bit of blood on your lips." With that, she removed her finger, and showed it to Gabriel.
Gabriel merely put a hand to her lips, bringing it away to glance at it, her blue eyes widening, " So I do."
Alexiel, let out something akin to a laugh, it was soft, oddly soft, it almost tingled but stopped short for some reason. " Do not worry it is my blood."
Gabriel replied quickly " Worried? I only.but you have an imprint on your cheek."
Alexiel does not really comment, but another smile touches her features, giving a glimmer to the edge, and a shadow to the softness. She probably already knew, but Gabriel did not find any harm in telling.
Meta-chan did not spend too much stand just listening, but instead, quite quickly took hold of Gabriel's hand when she was thusly occupied, and tugged very lightly, " Gabriel.Gabriel.its time for lunch.you promised a picnic."
A small glance in Meta-Chan's direction, her blue eyes flicker slightly, " Yes. Meta-chan.one moment please.let me-"
Gabriel glanced back at where Alexiel stood, she was no longer there, and Rosiel was gone as well.
Meta-chan blinked at Gabriel, " One moment?"
Gabriel arched a blue brow, and shaking her head, figuring that her greeter obligations were done, it was perfectly within in her bounds to go have lunch with Meta-chan. She gave his hand a slight squeeze, and turning walking hand in hand began to walk towards the Star Gardens ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Chapter 4 soon to come.
Sanctuary of Angels
Chapter 3
Scene one:
It was crystal clear, as it always seemed to be. It had been easy enough; it was not necessarily true that there was music in the sunrise. If there was, it was forgotten in the moment, that such pale feet touched the tiled floor.
A very small smile, as the white fabric gathered around her form, the smile did not move from place, her blue eyes narrow slightly, before finally she is walking at the mirror. It was perfect, part of her job to heaven after all was to make everything she did seem as seamless as possible. Otherwise, she was not much of an angel now was she? It was not necessary for her to call any attention to anything she did, the tasks, how they piled from one to another. After all, when the earth was created, from so many grains of sand did anyone stop and wonder at each particular grain of sand that made of the large expanse of the universe? Of course not, they merely wondered at the Earth itself, such as every angel must take after the Creator.
Another breath, it had to be perfectly soft, like a sigh, it has been done without flaw, her aqua eyes open wider, allowing the light to penetrate her gaze. It was time for her inspection. With great care, her lily-white hands brush back her lace trim on her white nightgown. For a moment, her blue eyes dipped down to the pattern, very intricate water lilies, it was particular fancy that she had taken to them. A small wrinkling of her nose, it was a small digression. She was musing when she had no right to be, she could muse in her dreams, for now, it was the time, for her to be on duty, as she had coined the phrase. The hand absently brushes back a few silken curls from her features; each delicate pale aquamarine strand shimmered in turn under light. Her blue eyes burrowed into her reflection, nothing in anything she did has to seem as though it was pointless, and her appearance was no exception.
Her face was as it always had been. Small, delicate, her blue eyes had the luminosity of innocence, her eye lashes had the curl, that made her gaze either look, dreamy of transparent, through what she had her attention on at the time. Her cheekbones were high, and accentuated the expression in her eyes, it bespoke of her position in the angel hierarchy. She was certainly not the highest, but there were only a few higher then her, it was apparent, in the touch of royal in her bone structure. There were a few finer. In her lips, they were pouty, sometimes full, and sometimes thin, they fluctuated too much for her taste. The tip of her pointer finger absently outlined her soft petal-like lips, before she allowed a frown to flicker across them. She as always held her head, high, giving her chin a few centimeters lift, her lips settled into a small smile. It was the one she reserved for minimal approval when she smiled at all. It was rare; she did not have to walk across the floor of heaven constantly smirking. A small glance downwards at the set of drawers at the bottom of the mirror. Absently she opened the first one, pulling out a ribbon, which matched her eyes perfectly, it was satin of course, and had as a trim, small crystals, clear and reminiscent of water droplets. Pulling back a few unruly strands, she tied the ribbon tying it in such a way, so that it look as though it had been pulled across her head in one continuous line. It was a small touch, and it marked that she was in a good mood. Not, that anyone in particular would know that. Sweeping step, an about face, most of her room was series of mirror-like surfaces, the lights giving the illusion, of water, as though the surfaces melded in and out, and yet a touch of her hand, it was solid. Her eyes fail to scan her clothes, as she picks her garment. She pulls the "dress" over her head, and automatically begins clipping the back, the smile fading for a moment, as her concentration is held elsewhere. It was a bit to mentally scan, what it was she was doing today, and something, somewhere told her that something would go wrong. No day was without a hitch, not when she was conscious anyway. Another glance in the mirror, a straightening the of the material, so that the deep blue fabric fell in perfect folds, all the way down to mid-shin. A mental smile at the flower pattern of her bodice, and with that, she implores the hood, making sure, that it streamed seamlessly with the paleness of her hair. So, that every curl would frame her features, a small delicate curls. Her left hand goes into another drawer underneath her mirror, and pulls out green yellowish sheer material, pulling them up her hands, she takes care in straightening the lace at her wrists. Her blue eyes glance at her door, at the foot of them, is her shoes, slipping them on; she leans against the door for balance. The silence of her room is interrupted by a very soft, but clear, rapping, or perhaps they thought they were knocking, but it was much too discordious to be called anything but rapping. No rhythm at all, it was no wonder where this new angels grew up, was in the realm of God, or with soot in their ears?
It would be too much of a bother to open the door, while she was still leaning against the door. It was only after both feet were on the ground, that she straightens, and pulling the hood back, that she puts her hand on the platinum door knob and opens it abruptly her expression, cool.
" Tell me.trainee is it practice of the Great Creator to make the Angels of heaven without the ability to hear, when it is part of their function and duty?" her words clear.
The young angel, that was standing at the door straightened very quickly. His dirty blonde hair shifting at the tilt of his head, he was looking directly ahead, it was probably brown eyes or something, she did not look at him long enough to distinguish. It really did not matter; he was like they all were, a piece of the puzzle, a piece of the divine clockwork, and not a very big piece to boot. He would not get any bigger just standing there like his brain dribbled out of his ear.
It took only a moment longer of her silence for a very soft answer to come from the angel-boy.
"No?"
"You mean you do not know? You do not know, if God would create an angel that could not do what it was created for, and could possibly go against any function therein?"
"Well, when you say it like that, no."
" Oh, so you finally know, well then, if God would not create a deaf angel, then why pray tell, would you continue to scrape at my door?"
He paused before saying anything, and then glanced down.
" I apologize, high Cherubim."
"Apology accepted, and now, with your business, Archangel in training, Liriel."
A small glance upwards, his green eyes gaze at her for a few moment, it was a look of surprise, as though he had expected a through lashing. Or perhaps something worse, then what he had been given? It was a very ghost of a smile that was returned. Perhaps, he was surprised that she had remembered his name? Her blue eyes finally reach his green eyes, before glancing again once more.
He clears his throat, absently brushing his lean fingers through his dirty blonde hair, he sighs before speaking in a more confident tone of voice, " It seems that the repairs on the Temple of Fire, has been pushed to today. All the available personnel were sent off to deal with that unfortunate incident that befell Michael's structure."
She blinks at his words, once, to show that she is of course listening, she had to do that at the end of each sentence, or so Meta-chan had said, she looked as if she was in another "world". It only took a moment, and then her mind started to filter through the rush of information to do during this particular day. Her mind arrived to it, before he spoke, but she was polite enough to him not to interrupt.
"And so, the official greeter of the champions of the wars fought against the demons, who are scheduled to come home, for a sanctuary today, is also at the Fire temple repairs."
It really did not matter, where the official greeter was there or not, he had been absence on and off; he was a very sick little angel. Which is why he was the official greeter, however, his position was of no real consequence, to the "champions" of battle. It was a pretty dull job to be honest, even Gabriel felt an inkling of sympathy for some one forced to stand-
"And it would usually not be worth reporting, so straight away except for a unknown element that has only come to our attention through a boy who was getting water at the border of-" a slight pause as the youth caught his digression.
" High Cherubim it seems, that the inorganic angel, Alexiel shall be in the ranks of the champions today-"
Gabriel, blue eyes widen slightly at the news, as a delicate eyebrow arched, at such news. This was going to be a very entertaining one to sort through. What was it with the inorganic Alexiel not giving due time in advance of her coming. This of course was the time that the official greeter would be a prudent choice at being there.
" This is of course a great honor for her ladyship to grace us with our presence so early." Gabriel said very gently.
" And why is it Liriel, that you were not reassigned to be the greeter?"
"I am one of the few angels there who has any knowledge of architecture, and besides, it was your prior sentiments, that almost nothing went before the patching up of the Fire Temple."
Gabriel nodded at his words, " Let it never be said, that a temple in heaven was not steady in structure, if there was not an epic battle shaking it to the ground."
It was true, and it was also true, that some one had to be there to greet Alexiel. It was unthinkable to have her unwelcomed home. If anything the tide against the demons was turning because of her, it was her effort, her determination that-
" What are your orders High Cherubim?"
" My orders, are to leave all of the angels as they were ordered they day before, the situation will be taken care of.as of today.I will take the temporary position as greeter."
Liriel blinks at Gabriel, as though perhaps it had happened, that he had not heard correctly. That was certainly a step down, and yet, it showed that her pride was merely as high as the station that she could so easily give herself. It was merely a temporary position, and it was inspiring to see that she carried no qualms about what did and did not need to be done. He gave a small bow to her. And yet, it was a few who saw Alexiel. It was fitting, as always.
Gabriel gave a slight inclination of her head.
"They will be arriving shortly."
"Very well.Liriel, resume your duty."
" Yes, Madame."
A small sigh, as she listened to the door close, and the angel-boy exit. Well, it had not really been on her list of things to do.however a change of plans never hurt anyone. Besides, it was definitely a good thing that Alexiel was returning early, it meant that the demons were at bay.
Scene Two:
A small smile was placed on her lips, one that she had practiced in the mirror for the fifteen minutes that she had allowed herself. It would have been a wise decision for her to remind Liriel that 30 minutes was not an effective time frame for sensible preparations for anything of worth. The homecoming of the inorganic angel Alexiel was to be essential in phrasing would be worth a great deal. The smile of course contained warmth, it was a part of it that could not be left behind, Gabriel had finally decided. It was a rare occasion; she certainly wanted to look happy to see Alexiel. Despite her best efforts however, it began to plunge her into shady remembrances of Alexiel. It was very seldom that their paths crossed, and it was only on those occasions that it was absolutely necessary that Gabriel dawdled outdoor; most of the planning took place in a hall or inside buildings. Which is not to say that she never went outside, absently her blue eyes dip down to her pale hand. Perhaps, it would be better if she accepted more inclinations of Meta-chan to go outside. There never really seemed enough time for endless mooning in the sunlight; there was always a hitch she had to unstitch, so that it was perfect, as it originally should have been anyway. It would have been different if Gabriel had been paying the least amount of attention to beside her because it took very soft words directly to her left for her to stop staring at her own hand.
"Gabriel."
Gabriel, mentally arched a brow at her name being used without a title in front of it, however this mystery was promptly cleared up after her blue eyes raised a few feet.
She did not blink, at the proximity that he seemed to be standing so close to her, but merely paused and took it upon herself to come up with a logical answer to why he was talking to her.
Rosiel spared another glance at her, his lilac eyes took in her appearance swiftly before settling back upon the gates before them, they seemed to loose a bit of focus after it. It was a very long day, when he seemed to be the last angel to know of her imminent return. The real question, was why a High Cherubim was standing at the same gate, and waiting.
It was only a few clicks in time before Gabriel could formulate a civil answer, as to why she was there, that was what he was really saying, not her name in the least. Her voice became something soft and yet strong,
" Inorganic Angel Rosiel, what an honor it is to be in your presence, it has been a few cycles has it not?" there is a slight pause in her voice at his silence. A flicker of a wonder if he can even hear her, before she speaks again, a shade louder.
" I am waiting for Alexiel as well, I understand that she is one of the Champions that are today's homecoming."
Rosiel turns to glance at Gabriel again, his long lilac curls glisten in the sun, before with a very fragile hand, he brushes it aside in a single gesture, and somehow this gesture makes him look even more angelic, instead of impatient. A small smile touches the corner of his lips, at the mention of his twin, before he turns to face Gabriel fully.
His words, dancing across the breeze, as though they were made of light itself, " Yes, I heard the same, but I had no idea it was your function to wait of the Champions of Battle.usually that little.angel is here."
Gabriel gives a slight incline of her head, before saying with a tinge of formality, the cool air giving itself a breath, " Yes, it seems that, the fixing of the fire temple was pushed up today, and that new of Alexiel being a Champion was returning on this day was repressed until recently."
Rosiel not missing the tone, smile widened, the warmth of it seeping into the very seams of his being. He seemed to relax slightly, having decided that it was perfectly respectable for her to be there. It was probably the case that no one else available, when Gabriel went anywhere, it was because it was necessary. It was only after, the reason was established, that he could be more pleasant. So many angels seemed to have developed an interest for his sister, that necessity never was a part of-
It was then, that the trumpets began to blare, the same old tune that it always did, when Champions of War would enter the gates to receive there homecoming. At one time it had probably been considered inspiring but it happened so frequently at times, that it murmured into nothing more then background noise. It was enough draw the attention of Rosiel, who glanced back at the road.
Gabriel mentally checked her appearance and straightened until her back was perfectly straight, place both of her hands at her sides she waited.
It was not a long wait however, before the trumpets could sound the third time, or was it the fourteenth? The gates opened with no sound at all, and out stepped Alexiel, who was leading the throngs of soldiers who walked in proudly behind her.
Gabriel's blue eyes widened at the sight of the Organic angel Alexiel. It was of course unthinkable to not being able to recognize her. It was in any state, which she walked with the elegance and grace of nobility. It was impossible to miss that long train of opulent mahogany curls that fell down her back, the decisive quirk of her brow. The manner at which she glided to a tune all of her own, and yet.and yet. It was true, Gabriel was seeing this, and she was covered head to toe in blood. And it was not all dry; in fact most it still looked warm. It was a shock of red, so much red, gleaming and glistening, it made little consequence from Alexiel's expression. It was unbelievable; there was so much of it. Was it always the case that she walked through those gates in such a state? If it had been the slightest clue to her, she would have brought a towel or, napkin or something.
Rosiel however, seemed to pay little attention to the state of his sister, concerning the bloody clothing, and upon his lavender eyes catching sight of her, waltzed the few steps closer to her, and with a very clean, pristine hand, caressed her cheek, whipping a sugary curl away, " Alexiel."
Gabriel was on the line, she did not know how to handle a situation like this. She had heard of war, of course, it was constant, but there was blood, Rosiel was touching blood, of demons. It was a shock, he never so much as went near anything that was dirty, but now he was smearing his hands in it. It made her nauseous to look at and yet something else, maybe it was a bit of proud, as long as none of that blood was Alexiel's.
Alexiel on the other hand, seemed to be paying the minimal amount of attention to her brother, who as always, had been waiting for her return. Absently and without thought, she took his hand by the wrists and held it out before her, her mouth opened to say something to him, her brown eyes flashing. That was before they caught sight of Gabriel, her clothes white, and gold for the occasion, " Gabriel." a few more steps past her brother, as swerve of her hips, and she was fully facing Gabriel, " The gates of heaven still stand firmly?"
Rosiel did not miss, these very subtle movements. He was almost certain that his beloved sister was about to say something to him, not that Gabriel, and now for her to be spoken to above him. He would simply dismiss her, that distracting little cold impersonal-
Gabriel glanced down her blue eyes widening slightly. It was silly, why was Alexiel talking to her first? Secondly, was it really believed that if she spoke to anyone, that the gates of heaven must come crashing down first, was she that.bad? Still, it was odd to get this much attention, such a direct gaze. Her words came out clear, and slightly warmed, " Organic Angel Alexiel, it is my temporary duty, as well as honor." a slight pause at the realization, she had to be looking at her to welcome her, her blue eyes raise to meet the brown ones. The smile coming to her lips, unbidden, " My duty and honor, to welcome you back home.Champion of Battle."
Alexiel continues to glance at Gabriel, not glancing away, as though waiting for something.
A few clicks of time go by, before Gabriel remembering something else, reaches behind her back and pulls out a wreath of water lilies, which was so much more ordinate then laurel leaves in her opinion. With droplet of frozen water interwoven with frozen droplets of water fashioned like jewels. Carefully and inch forward, she stands on her tip-toes to place the wreath on her head, softly letting it lay on a mass of chocolaty brown curls. Her words lingering as she does this, " And to remember, that as the gates of Heaven opened up before you, so does the heart of each Angel in heaven. Know, Alexiel, that we are grateful, and surely with you valor, purity and perseverance, light shall triumph over darkness."
Rosiel stood, as stiff and straight as the gates of heaven that his sister had just walked under. It has been cycles since his sister had allowed the, "greeter" to continue on for this long. Usually her brown eyes gave such a look, that the stupid insignificant greeter, scampered off like a frightened little whelp, and would not get to the, heart of heaven part. It was almost as if his body became totally frozen, as he knew what would come next, his innards one by one began to freeze, though his blood was pumping hot.
Gabriel took the step back, in order to smile a bit wider, at Alexiel. It was interesting; she had never really read much about the official greeter, although some of that did sound as if she wrote a bit of it. It was over now, if her memory served her correctly and not a moment too soon. It was when Gabriel took another step back that she was stopped from the sterling voice in front of her.
" Are we forgetting something Gabriel?" her voice rang in a melodious tone, despite it tenor.
Gabriel did not really take that step back she was planning to, but continued to glance at Alexiel as though, so much attention would make her speak some more on this subject. It took another click of time, before she spoke up, " Forgetting something?"
Rosiel, gasped, his lavender eyes wide, his bottom lip trembling slightly, his hands at his sides, clenched into fists, " S-sister."
Alexiel took the step forward; it was obvious that Gabriel would not have taken the step, if she had to bee mindful of it. A very small arch of the delicate brow, her voice a velvet snap, " I though you had the hierarchy memorized, from the most weighty to the most mundane.. I know.you did not forget.this.last breath of warmth."
Gabriel did not blink, for it was then, that she remembered that last part of it. Her blue eyes widen slightly, it was a rarity that things of this nature were written into laws. It had almost been her belief that it had been written out totally and yet, it lingered, " The kiss."
The only indication that Alexiel had heard anything, so still was she, was the faint light that echoed in her brown eyes at the correct answer.
It took a moment to sink in, but that was it, it could not have had the gleam of hesitance, it was in the hesitance, that it would be considered faulted. Far be it from Gabriel, to do anything that could be faulted, and so remembering her lines.
She straightened and leaning up again, she put either hand on either side of Alexiel's shoulders. Her words ringing slightly, " And so with this kiss." leaning over a bit, she brushes her lips against a cheek stained with red, " We welcome you back into heaven sister." another pause, before pressing her lips against the other clean cheek, " And with this kiss, we pray for your strength and devotion to be unwavering, sister."
Gabriel finally allowed, her blue eyes to meet Alexiel brown eyes, and for a moment there was silence.
It was shattered quickly however, by a very loud, " Gabriel!"
Gabriel snapped her head in the direction of her name being called, a low and behold, who stood before her? But, Met-chan. His pale blond hair shimmering in the light, his blue eyes sparkling in the light, a wide smile on his lips. His mouth was open as though he had something more to say that is before her noticed something, them probably.
" Gabriel?" His voice sounding very much the child's voice, it quivered at the end, as though he did not know what to think.
Gabriel blinked at his tone, as though it had not occurred to her, that there was nothing particularly strange about the current situation she was not in. Until, she realized to drop her hand she would have to take it off Alexiel's shoulder, well first to Meta-chan.
" Meta-chan, what is this I hear, the Voice of God running across Heaven, to its gates and then very loudly screaming the name of a High Cherubim?"
Meta-chan stopped staring at the both of them, and glanced at the ground, blushing, knowing perfectly well he was not suppose to run around scream anything. For some reason his voice was very loud and commanding. Everyone listened when he spoke, whether or not he was talking to him or her.
Alexiel was watching her, she could feel it, and so quiet, she glanced back at Alexiel, taking both hands off her shoulders easily enough. Alexiel however seemed to have something on her mind to do, because before Gabriel could blink, much less reach Alexiel raised her hand. Very gently the tips of her finger outlined Gabriel's bottom lip, allowing her nail to caress the entire length of it saying in a laugh tingled voice, " A bit of blood on your lips." With that, she removed her finger, and showed it to Gabriel.
Gabriel merely put a hand to her lips, bringing it away to glance at it, her blue eyes widening, " So I do."
Alexiel, let out something akin to a laugh, it was soft, oddly soft, it almost tingled but stopped short for some reason. " Do not worry it is my blood."
Gabriel replied quickly " Worried? I only.but you have an imprint on your cheek."
Alexiel does not really comment, but another smile touches her features, giving a glimmer to the edge, and a shadow to the softness. She probably already knew, but Gabriel did not find any harm in telling.
Meta-chan did not spend too much stand just listening, but instead, quite quickly took hold of Gabriel's hand when she was thusly occupied, and tugged very lightly, " Gabriel.Gabriel.its time for lunch.you promised a picnic."
A small glance in Meta-Chan's direction, her blue eyes flicker slightly, " Yes. Meta-chan.one moment please.let me-"
Gabriel glanced back at where Alexiel stood, she was no longer there, and Rosiel was gone as well.
Meta-chan blinked at Gabriel, " One moment?"
Gabriel arched a blue brow, and shaking her head, figuring that her greeter obligations were done, it was perfectly within in her bounds to go have lunch with Meta-chan. She gave his hand a slight squeeze, and turning walking hand in hand began to walk towards the Star Gardens ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Chapter 4 soon to come.
