Look, I actually got up early.
Oct. 4th, 2004 06:04 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
maderrChapter Thirteen of Treasure has been sent for beta-ing. I am hoping this means you guys will let me live XP.
I also have a new chapter of Sixpence here. I apologize for the profusion of descriptions, I really couldn't come up with a clever or more simple way to get so many angels into one chapter. Oh, you'll have to tell me what you think of the Wraths; I was rather pleased with their design.
Need more coffee.
Raziel straightened and re-straightened the papers on his desk, then neatened his hair and straightened the cuffs of his white shirt. He went back to adjusting the papers. A soft, pale hand reached out to still his. Raziel looked up, smiling sheepishly. "I guess I'm a bit restless."
"Maybe just a bit, Boss."
He shook his head, "It really isn't necessary to call me that, Vrevoil."
Vrevoil smiled fondly, "I know. You know I know." She brushed a strand of coppery hair from her face, pale amber eyes sparkling behind her glasses despite the solemnity of the pending meetings. The bright lights of Raziel's' office brought out the freckles on her cheeks and nose. In a plain brown skirt and blue sweater, she looked like a friendly, young librarian.
"I know." Raziel smiled back.
"Oh, for the love of--knock it off." A disgusted voice interrupted their exchange.
Vrevoil stuck her tongue out at the speaker, "You be quiet, Hochmel."
"Yeah, yeah." Hochmel rolled his green eyes and went back to reading the book he'd brought with him. He was short and stocky, decked out in a green polo and jeans. Handsome in a quiet, unobtrusive way, he looked much like a perpetual student. He was seated on one of two couches, one on either side of a long coffee table, in the center of Raziel's office. An angel sat next to him, two more sat across from them.
On the couch opposite were two twins. Both were tall, fair, and stern looking. Something in their faces set them a bit apart from the other angels in the room, but it was impossible to determine what exactly the difference was. The one to Hochmel's right stared into the fire, lost in deep thought. He wore a soft, long sleeved shirt that matched exactly his cornflower blue eyes. His twin wore a similar shirt, only darker in color. Both wore pale slacks, and they sat so that they were partially leaning against each other. The rightmost twin wore his long hair loose, so that it spilled over his shoulders and down his chest. His brother was slightly more practical; his heavy hair was braided. The only two angels who had once been human: the Metatron and Sandalphon.
Beside Hochmel sat an angel with dusky skin, her hair bound intricately atop her head. She wore a dress of dark burgundy, the fabric clinging loosely to her figure. Her feet were tucked up under her on the couch, and like the flaxen-haired angel across from her, she stared anxiously into the fire. Between her teeth her bottom lip was red and bruised, she had been worrying it for so long.
Hochmel laughed softly at her, "Israfel, you're not going to have a lip left if you keep that up."
She jerked her head around to look at him, blinking and then laughing ruefully. "I can't help it. This entire affair has me in knots. There are just too many things that could go wrong..."
The twin with his hair unbound sighed softly, "I suppose it does us no good to worry ourselves to death." His eyes flicked past her, as he caught movement. "Ah," he said softly. "The Deaths are here at last."
A second later Raziel had opened his balcony doors to admit Nakir, Munkar, and Azrael. "What's wrong with you?" he frowned at Azrael, who had fished out a cigarette and nearly lighted before remembering he wasn't allowed to smoke in the Spire.
Azrael grimaced and put his smokes away, "I was attacked by Rabdos."
Seven angels gaped at him in shock. "How is that possible?" Israfel demanded.
"He has Gabriel's Star, no?" Sandalphon asked.
Nakir nodded, "Got it in one, Sandy."
Sandalphon glared at him, but said nothing.
"I'm going to go smoke on the balcony until the Wraths get here," Azrael said. But even as he moved to go outside, a sharp knock came from Raziel's office door.
It swung open at Raziel's command, admitting the last of the thirteen angels expected. The first to step inside was clearly an Archangel, with four great dark wings. They almost looked black, but as the light hit them it became clear they were actually a dark, dark crimson.
Archangel of Fury, Uriel commanded the Angels of Wrath. And she was good at it. Her face was characteristically smooth, blank, as she stepped into the room. Her long, gently clinging black dress whispered as she moved. The only color was the bands of silver that kept her sleeves fastened at her slender wrists. A black ribbon kept her dark blonde hair pulled loosely back; only her dark red-brown eyes gave away just how fierce she could be. She nodded to each of them, silently taking a seat near the Metatron and Sandalphon.
Behind her came another set of twins, and they were by far the strangest looking angels in the room.
Their black hair was short, coming only just to their ears. It was woven into hundreds of tiny braids, each with a red glass bead fastened to the end. The beads rattled and clicked as they moved. Their lips were dark pink, teeth bright as they grinned ferociously, tauntingly, at the black twins of death. Sleeveless mesh shirts fit their chests; black pants were all but painted onto strong legs, tucked into knee-high boots. Black cuffs were at their wrists, and their nails were a tad bit longer than was practical.
But strangest of all was the tattoo visible at their throat and arms, and beneath the thin mesh of their shirts. It looked as if the entirety of their bodies was wrapped with chains made from black and red fire; it took a second look to realize the design was only ink. Another strip of chain ran across their foreheads. The infamous Angels of Wrath, Af and Hemah.
Metatron called them all to attention before the twins of Wrath and Death could get into another of their perpetual fights. "Come to Order," he said quietly.
"Sing a Song," Vrevoil and Hochmel said together.
A pause.
"Pocket," said Raziel.
Uriel's voice was mellow, even. "Rye."
"Four and Twenty," spoke Sandalphon and Israfel.
"Blackbirds."
"Pie." Azrael said.
"Dainty Dish," Af and Hemah.
"King," the Metatron finished.
To anyone else, the words would have made little to no sense. When the Court of Thirteen had first assembled, it was Gabriel who suggested the nursery rhyme for their codenames.
Strict records were kept of all journeys to Earth. Of all the angels in Heaven, only thirteen were able to go between the two places at will. All others were restricted to their duties, no exceptions. To avoid the inevitable problems, the Thirteen used codenames. And while rumors flew about who those thirteen could be, no one knew for sure. If it was possible for just anyone to check the records, they would see only nonsense words for names.
"I hear Azza is loose," Azrael said with a grunt as he sat in a chair near Raziel's desk.
"Yes." Raziel nodded. "And once this meeting in concluded, I plan on sending Sing a Song to check for other escaped Punished. And how they managed to escape. Have you had any luck on your search, Pie?"
Azrael shook his head, "No. Unless you count being attacked by Rabdos as lucky."
Those few angels who hadn't already heard of that attack started. Uriel remained expressionless. "How is that possible?"
Hochmel answered, "It wouldn't be hard for Azza or another Punished to summon him. I wouldn't doubt they've summoned others. Actually, it's rather clever."
Vrevoil continued, "Yes. The Punished have been locked away for centuries. What better way to give yourself an edge than to get the help of the Fallen?"
"So we have no idea what we're up against?" Azrael twitched for a cigarette.
The Metatron sighed, "It would seem that we have no choice but to involve Hell. I was hoping the Morningstar could remain ignorant of this. It would seem we're not going to be so fortunate."
Hemah's eyes brightened with anticipation. "Could be fun."
Munkar glared at him, "What's so fun about Gabriel missing and our having to involve the Morningstar? That's called trouble you fool. Not fun."
"No, it's called making the best of a bad situation." Af defended his brother. "We can't help it you Deaths are sticks in the mud."
"Or maybe you've been sucking too much blood of late." Nakir returned.
"We do not drink blood!" Hemah snapped.
"Enough," Uriel said in a level but still menacing tone. "This is neither the time nor place."
"Yes, master." The twins subsided.
Sandalphon spoke, "So what should we do?"
"We continue searching," the Metatron said. "I want three, maybe four, of you to go to the Gates of Hell. Speak with Morningstar and whomever he brings with him. We will without a doubt be obliged to permit them to assist us on the search."
"Yes," Azrael said, "But if demons are involved, Morningstar could prove to be the help we need. As much as I hate to say it."
"Can we go?" Af asked.
Raziel shook his head, "Not if you're that eager. We have enough trouble on our hands without the two of you making things worse."
Hemah rolled his eyes, "Nobody trusts us."
"Besides," Uriel said levelly. "Now that the situation has proven worse than we first thought, there are other things you'll be needed for."
Af was unimpressed, "Such as?"
"Such as drawing out the rabble on Earth," Uriel replied. "You two will be perfect for either attracting those who want the Stars, or scaring them away from the idea."
"Sounds boring." Hemah said dismissively.
Uriel raised her chin, a warning in her eyes.
"Okay, okay" was Hemah's hasty reply. Beside him Af shrugged in reluctant agreement. "I guess we might get a few good fights out of it."
Nakir grinned, "Don't worry, if you get too bored on that front we'll be more than happy to kick you out of the sky."
"That'll be the day, Blackbirds." Af grinned back.
Around them the other angels sighed.
The Metatron skimmed the Court thoughtfully. "Sing a Song are responsible for figuring out who else is missing among the Punished, and with Raziel tracking down how they did it." The three he named nodded.
"The Blackbirds are to stay in Heaven and keep an eye out for further intruders." He looked at them, "Keep a careful eye on Raphael and Michael especially. I have no doubts that our enemies, like everyone else, assume that all of the archangels have Stars." His expression softened slightly, "That should also give you time to check on Ruman from time to time."
Af frowned, "What about Ruman?"
"He was attacked by Azza," Azrael said shortly. "He's still healing."
"Will he be okay?" Hemah asked, tone serious for once.
Munkar nodded, "He'll be fine, eventually."
"That's a relief."
"Thanks," Nakir said quietly.
The Metatron recalled them, "Rye and Dainty Dish will essentially serve as bait. Seeing you on Earth will hopefully draw some of our enemies out."
"Are you really sure that's a good idea?" Azrael asked. "We want to find these people, not scare them off."
"Hey, they attacked you didn’t they?" Hemah had returned to his taunting tone. "You could give us lessons on scary."
Azrael glared at him.
"See what I mean?"
"Enough," Uriel said again. "That is your last warning."
Hemah eyed her warily and subsided.
"Sandalphon, Israfel, and Azrael will go to hell."
Azrael frowned, "Forget it. I've got business to finish with Rabdos. I'm going back to Earth as soon as this meeting is over."
The Metatron frowned, but Uriel spoke before he could. "I will go to Hell. Pie can control Dainty Dish as well as I, and if he already has attracted the attention of Rabdos then that solves the problem of whether or not we can draw the enemy."
"Fine."
"Thanks," Azrael told Uriel, who only nodded.
"If anyone learns anything new, bring the information to Pocket," Sandalphon carried on for his twin. "If you find any clue pertaining to Sixpence's location, bring that to Pocket immediately. Don't try to rescue him yourself," this was said mostly to Azrael and his fellows Deaths.
The black winged angels remained silent.
"Is there anything else?"
"Yes," Israfel said. "In regards to Lucifer and his men. How many shall we permit to help search?"
The Metatron thought, fingers playing with his braid. "Four total - the Morningstar and any three of his men. I have my guesses as to whom he'll select, and so long as they're properly restricted I have no problems with it."
Israfel nodded, "Very well. Then I suggest we adjourn and set to work."
"Agreed. Go."
In seconds, all but Raziel and the Metatron had vanished from the study.
I also have a new chapter of Sixpence here. I apologize for the profusion of descriptions, I really couldn't come up with a clever or more simple way to get so many angels into one chapter. Oh, you'll have to tell me what you think of the Wraths; I was rather pleased with their design.
Need more coffee.
Chapter Four
Stars of Passage
Stars of Passage
Raziel straightened and re-straightened the papers on his desk, then neatened his hair and straightened the cuffs of his white shirt. He went back to adjusting the papers. A soft, pale hand reached out to still his. Raziel looked up, smiling sheepishly. "I guess I'm a bit restless."
"Maybe just a bit, Boss."
He shook his head, "It really isn't necessary to call me that, Vrevoil."
Vrevoil smiled fondly, "I know. You know I know." She brushed a strand of coppery hair from her face, pale amber eyes sparkling behind her glasses despite the solemnity of the pending meetings. The bright lights of Raziel's' office brought out the freckles on her cheeks and nose. In a plain brown skirt and blue sweater, she looked like a friendly, young librarian.
"I know." Raziel smiled back.
"Oh, for the love of--knock it off." A disgusted voice interrupted their exchange.
Vrevoil stuck her tongue out at the speaker, "You be quiet, Hochmel."
"Yeah, yeah." Hochmel rolled his green eyes and went back to reading the book he'd brought with him. He was short and stocky, decked out in a green polo and jeans. Handsome in a quiet, unobtrusive way, he looked much like a perpetual student. He was seated on one of two couches, one on either side of a long coffee table, in the center of Raziel's office. An angel sat next to him, two more sat across from them.
On the couch opposite were two twins. Both were tall, fair, and stern looking. Something in their faces set them a bit apart from the other angels in the room, but it was impossible to determine what exactly the difference was. The one to Hochmel's right stared into the fire, lost in deep thought. He wore a soft, long sleeved shirt that matched exactly his cornflower blue eyes. His twin wore a similar shirt, only darker in color. Both wore pale slacks, and they sat so that they were partially leaning against each other. The rightmost twin wore his long hair loose, so that it spilled over his shoulders and down his chest. His brother was slightly more practical; his heavy hair was braided. The only two angels who had once been human: the Metatron and Sandalphon.
Beside Hochmel sat an angel with dusky skin, her hair bound intricately atop her head. She wore a dress of dark burgundy, the fabric clinging loosely to her figure. Her feet were tucked up under her on the couch, and like the flaxen-haired angel across from her, she stared anxiously into the fire. Between her teeth her bottom lip was red and bruised, she had been worrying it for so long.
Hochmel laughed softly at her, "Israfel, you're not going to have a lip left if you keep that up."
She jerked her head around to look at him, blinking and then laughing ruefully. "I can't help it. This entire affair has me in knots. There are just too many things that could go wrong..."
The twin with his hair unbound sighed softly, "I suppose it does us no good to worry ourselves to death." His eyes flicked past her, as he caught movement. "Ah," he said softly. "The Deaths are here at last."
A second later Raziel had opened his balcony doors to admit Nakir, Munkar, and Azrael. "What's wrong with you?" he frowned at Azrael, who had fished out a cigarette and nearly lighted before remembering he wasn't allowed to smoke in the Spire.
Azrael grimaced and put his smokes away, "I was attacked by Rabdos."
Seven angels gaped at him in shock. "How is that possible?" Israfel demanded.
"He has Gabriel's Star, no?" Sandalphon asked.
Nakir nodded, "Got it in one, Sandy."
Sandalphon glared at him, but said nothing.
"I'm going to go smoke on the balcony until the Wraths get here," Azrael said. But even as he moved to go outside, a sharp knock came from Raziel's office door.
It swung open at Raziel's command, admitting the last of the thirteen angels expected. The first to step inside was clearly an Archangel, with four great dark wings. They almost looked black, but as the light hit them it became clear they were actually a dark, dark crimson.
Archangel of Fury, Uriel commanded the Angels of Wrath. And she was good at it. Her face was characteristically smooth, blank, as she stepped into the room. Her long, gently clinging black dress whispered as she moved. The only color was the bands of silver that kept her sleeves fastened at her slender wrists. A black ribbon kept her dark blonde hair pulled loosely back; only her dark red-brown eyes gave away just how fierce she could be. She nodded to each of them, silently taking a seat near the Metatron and Sandalphon.
Behind her came another set of twins, and they were by far the strangest looking angels in the room.
Their black hair was short, coming only just to their ears. It was woven into hundreds of tiny braids, each with a red glass bead fastened to the end. The beads rattled and clicked as they moved. Their lips were dark pink, teeth bright as they grinned ferociously, tauntingly, at the black twins of death. Sleeveless mesh shirts fit their chests; black pants were all but painted onto strong legs, tucked into knee-high boots. Black cuffs were at their wrists, and their nails were a tad bit longer than was practical.
But strangest of all was the tattoo visible at their throat and arms, and beneath the thin mesh of their shirts. It looked as if the entirety of their bodies was wrapped with chains made from black and red fire; it took a second look to realize the design was only ink. Another strip of chain ran across their foreheads. The infamous Angels of Wrath, Af and Hemah.
Metatron called them all to attention before the twins of Wrath and Death could get into another of their perpetual fights. "Come to Order," he said quietly.
"Sing a Song," Vrevoil and Hochmel said together.
A pause.
"Pocket," said Raziel.
Uriel's voice was mellow, even. "Rye."
"Four and Twenty," spoke Sandalphon and Israfel.
"Blackbirds."
"Pie." Azrael said.
"Dainty Dish," Af and Hemah.
"King," the Metatron finished.
To anyone else, the words would have made little to no sense. When the Court of Thirteen had first assembled, it was Gabriel who suggested the nursery rhyme for their codenames.
Strict records were kept of all journeys to Earth. Of all the angels in Heaven, only thirteen were able to go between the two places at will. All others were restricted to their duties, no exceptions. To avoid the inevitable problems, the Thirteen used codenames. And while rumors flew about who those thirteen could be, no one knew for sure. If it was possible for just anyone to check the records, they would see only nonsense words for names.
"I hear Azza is loose," Azrael said with a grunt as he sat in a chair near Raziel's desk.
"Yes." Raziel nodded. "And once this meeting in concluded, I plan on sending Sing a Song to check for other escaped Punished. And how they managed to escape. Have you had any luck on your search, Pie?"
Azrael shook his head, "No. Unless you count being attacked by Rabdos as lucky."
Those few angels who hadn't already heard of that attack started. Uriel remained expressionless. "How is that possible?"
Hochmel answered, "It wouldn't be hard for Azza or another Punished to summon him. I wouldn't doubt they've summoned others. Actually, it's rather clever."
Vrevoil continued, "Yes. The Punished have been locked away for centuries. What better way to give yourself an edge than to get the help of the Fallen?"
"So we have no idea what we're up against?" Azrael twitched for a cigarette.
The Metatron sighed, "It would seem that we have no choice but to involve Hell. I was hoping the Morningstar could remain ignorant of this. It would seem we're not going to be so fortunate."
Hemah's eyes brightened with anticipation. "Could be fun."
Munkar glared at him, "What's so fun about Gabriel missing and our having to involve the Morningstar? That's called trouble you fool. Not fun."
"No, it's called making the best of a bad situation." Af defended his brother. "We can't help it you Deaths are sticks in the mud."
"Or maybe you've been sucking too much blood of late." Nakir returned.
"We do not drink blood!" Hemah snapped.
"Enough," Uriel said in a level but still menacing tone. "This is neither the time nor place."
"Yes, master." The twins subsided.
Sandalphon spoke, "So what should we do?"
"We continue searching," the Metatron said. "I want three, maybe four, of you to go to the Gates of Hell. Speak with Morningstar and whomever he brings with him. We will without a doubt be obliged to permit them to assist us on the search."
"Yes," Azrael said, "But if demons are involved, Morningstar could prove to be the help we need. As much as I hate to say it."
"Can we go?" Af asked.
Raziel shook his head, "Not if you're that eager. We have enough trouble on our hands without the two of you making things worse."
Hemah rolled his eyes, "Nobody trusts us."
"Besides," Uriel said levelly. "Now that the situation has proven worse than we first thought, there are other things you'll be needed for."
Af was unimpressed, "Such as?"
"Such as drawing out the rabble on Earth," Uriel replied. "You two will be perfect for either attracting those who want the Stars, or scaring them away from the idea."
"Sounds boring." Hemah said dismissively.
Uriel raised her chin, a warning in her eyes.
"Okay, okay" was Hemah's hasty reply. Beside him Af shrugged in reluctant agreement. "I guess we might get a few good fights out of it."
Nakir grinned, "Don't worry, if you get too bored on that front we'll be more than happy to kick you out of the sky."
"That'll be the day, Blackbirds." Af grinned back.
Around them the other angels sighed.
The Metatron skimmed the Court thoughtfully. "Sing a Song are responsible for figuring out who else is missing among the Punished, and with Raziel tracking down how they did it." The three he named nodded.
"The Blackbirds are to stay in Heaven and keep an eye out for further intruders." He looked at them, "Keep a careful eye on Raphael and Michael especially. I have no doubts that our enemies, like everyone else, assume that all of the archangels have Stars." His expression softened slightly, "That should also give you time to check on Ruman from time to time."
Af frowned, "What about Ruman?"
"He was attacked by Azza," Azrael said shortly. "He's still healing."
"Will he be okay?" Hemah asked, tone serious for once.
Munkar nodded, "He'll be fine, eventually."
"That's a relief."
"Thanks," Nakir said quietly.
The Metatron recalled them, "Rye and Dainty Dish will essentially serve as bait. Seeing you on Earth will hopefully draw some of our enemies out."
"Are you really sure that's a good idea?" Azrael asked. "We want to find these people, not scare them off."
"Hey, they attacked you didn’t they?" Hemah had returned to his taunting tone. "You could give us lessons on scary."
Azrael glared at him.
"See what I mean?"
"Enough," Uriel said again. "That is your last warning."
Hemah eyed her warily and subsided.
"Sandalphon, Israfel, and Azrael will go to hell."
Azrael frowned, "Forget it. I've got business to finish with Rabdos. I'm going back to Earth as soon as this meeting is over."
The Metatron frowned, but Uriel spoke before he could. "I will go to Hell. Pie can control Dainty Dish as well as I, and if he already has attracted the attention of Rabdos then that solves the problem of whether or not we can draw the enemy."
"Fine."
"Thanks," Azrael told Uriel, who only nodded.
"If anyone learns anything new, bring the information to Pocket," Sandalphon carried on for his twin. "If you find any clue pertaining to Sixpence's location, bring that to Pocket immediately. Don't try to rescue him yourself," this was said mostly to Azrael and his fellows Deaths.
The black winged angels remained silent.
"Is there anything else?"
"Yes," Israfel said. "In regards to Lucifer and his men. How many shall we permit to help search?"
The Metatron thought, fingers playing with his braid. "Four total - the Morningstar and any three of his men. I have my guesses as to whom he'll select, and so long as they're properly restricted I have no problems with it."
Israfel nodded, "Very well. Then I suggest we adjourn and set to work."
"Agreed. Go."
In seconds, all but Raziel and the Metatron had vanished from the study.
no subject
Date: 2004-10-04 05:21 am (UTC)This is such a wonderful thing to see first thing on a workday.
no subject
Date: 2004-10-04 05:45 am (UTC)Yay! *loves back* Always happy to brighten a Monday.
no subject
Date: 2004-10-04 05:43 am (UTC)(Since I already commented while I was reading, I think I get to be incoherent here, don't you? XD;)
no subject
Date: 2004-10-04 05:43 am (UTC)Lol. Yes, I think you get to be incoherent here.
Need your help
Date: 2004-10-04 08:26 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-10-04 08:34 am (UTC)~Hannah-chan
P.S. =3; Forgive me. I just ate two bowels of Fruit Loops. XD;
no subject
Date: 2004-10-04 09:45 am (UTC)On an unrelated note, I absolutely love and adore that icon.
On a related note, I shall endeavor to please. Embrace is tricksy but I'll drag it out and force it to speak to me. Drat you fans and your guilty trips. XP
no subject
Date: 2004-10-04 09:52 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-10-04 09:04 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-10-04 09:45 am (UTC)*glomps back*
no subject
Date: 2004-10-04 10:57 am (UTC)By the by, where did you get the information on everyone? Did you make most of it up, or did you do massive research? Either way, I'm undoubtably impressed!
Anyway, real review. Well, ok, just massive squealing. This is absolutely wonderful!
no subject
Date: 2004-10-04 11:06 am (UTC)Thanks! ^_^
It's rather weird to make Israfel a woman...but the image popped in my head and I couldn't dismiss it.
"massive research" = one site. I've made up nothing, merely tweaked a few details. the site is... http://www.heavensangel.net/atoz.htm
no subject
Date: 2004-10-04 02:25 pm (UTC)*bwhahaha*
*ah choo!*
fuck
no subject
Date: 2004-10-04 02:43 pm (UTC)Steal away!
no subject
Date: 2004-10-04 03:43 pm (UTC)i've probably gone to junkmail now... my exeter address...
no subject
Date: 2004-10-04 03:44 pm (UTC)Lol. It only just arrived...in my junk folder. I will reply in due course, oh Queen.