Roses And Thorns

Outside, the bright air of "Heaven" beats down harshly, and the city shimmers in gold and ivory.

Zebina watches Eduardo fly off and turns to Shannen. "It'll probably take him a few minutes to catch up, another minute or two of struggle, and if things are bad enough, he'll probably call in his Superior."

Zebina says "So that gives us something like five minutes before the alarms go off, and not a whole lot longer before things get really scary."

Shannen sighs and nods. "So much for a quiet visit to Heaven."

<> Zebina says "Demi, can I resonate to find the quickest way out from wherever I happen to be at the time?"

<> Zebina says "Out being 'thataway to the marches'."

<> Demiurge says "Assuming you make your resonance roll, yes, but that won't necessarily mean there _is_ a quick/easy way out."

<> Zebina says "Fair enough."

Zebina heads straight into the main part of 'Heaven', looking for angels with those necklaces.

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 2 1 CHECK: 4.

Zebina wants to find a few and quiz them if possible before all the alarms go off.

There is a high skyscraper visible not far off. There is a hugely forbidding library. There is a high cathedral embossed with a sword. There is a green and beautiful grove. There are many large gold and ivory buildings. There are, however, no immediately obvious angels with collars.

<> Demiurge says "Try a Per roll, both of you."

<> Zebina rolls the d666 and gets 2 2 CHECK: 5.

There are also high-topped groves visible not far off, and arching halls that might be those of Creation or Technology, and the Council Spires that you both seem to have emerged from. But no collared angels.

<> Shannen rolls the d666 and gets 5 3 CHECK: 1.

<> Demiurge says "Shannen, you don't notice anything in particular. Zebina, you notice that one particular gold-and-ivory building, set a little back from the main street, seems to have several "angels" gathering outside."

<> Demiurge says "Moreso than others."

Zebina inclines towards the building. "That way. There's a crowd, at least."

There are four "Malakim" talking rapidly to two "Cherubim" outside the entrance.

Shannen follows Zebina, nodding dumbly "Okay.." and trying her best to look like she belongs.

Zebina says brightly, "Cheer up. Nobody's chasing us, and chances are they're about to be distracted."

One of the "Malakim" looks up sharply as the two approach.

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 3 4 CHECK: 1.

Zebina fans her fires a little bit more fiercely.

The Malakite says, briskly, "Hold off, we have a combat situation."

Shannen nods "And after the distraction, they'll come looking for anyone else," she says gloomily before trying to look charming again

Zebina spins counterclockwise. "Combat situation? What's going on?"

Zebina keeps appropriate distance.

The Malakite says, "Uncertain. Persona has been alerted."

Zebina says "Are the subjects being gathered for defense/evac?"

Zebina puts on her relief pilot 'tude.

The Malakite says, "Standard operating procedure."

Zebina says "Fine, neither of us are doing anything, and my friend here is good at keeping people calm. Anything we can do to help?"

Shannen frowns, but in a charming manner and nods to the Malakite.

The Malakite says, "Yeah. Get over to the Glade, they're going to need some of that good old-style Mercurian reassurance."

The Malakite says, "You'll be let back in as soon as it's over."

Zebina says "Right."

The Malakite says, "Then you do your stuff and calm them all down."

Shannen smiles brightly at the mention of the Glade.

Zebina says "Come on, Meri."

Zebina wheels off towards the Glade.

The Glade is comparatively close. Several other "Mercurians" are gathered there, around a taller buxom figure with flowing blonde hair, whose face beams with serenity and love. Just like the very best Barbie dolls.

Shannen follows along with Zebina. "Sounds like Eddie already happened."

<> Demiurge says "Shannen, Zebina, Per rolls."

<> Zebina rolls the d666 and gets 3 5 CHECK: 2.

<> Shannen rolls the d666 and gets 3 4 CHECK: 2.

<> Demiurge says "Alas, you both miss. Still, common logic and what you've seen of the "angels" so far..."

Zebina tilts slightly in a nod. "Sounds like."

<> Demiurge says "Though, Shannen, you are fairly sure that's not Novalis. In fact, you are absolutely totally convinced that is _not_ Novalis."

Zebina looks around for any more likely 'subjects'.

Shannen's mouth drops open just slightly "What the.." and tries to regain her composure before giggling slightly. "Oh my..Novalis -has- changed."

None of the angels here are wearing collars.

"Novalis" looks up and smiles at the two. "Oh, good, more help."

Zebina sighs. In for a penny...

Zebina vibrates, almost angrily, back and forth. "What's going on? The 'Malakite' said there's a combat situation and you needed help."

Shannen grins "Always here for help. What can we do?" She looks around, looking for flowers.

'Novalis' grimaces. "Yeah, well," she mutters, then clears her throat. "There's something going on at the Hospice -- renegades, blessed angels, who knows?"

<> Shannen | "A nice bouquet of flowers helps anything."

'Novalis' says, "When things are settled down, we're going to move in and calm everyone down, smooth the ruffled feathers, that sort of thing. Hand out flowers."

There are flowers scattered around the place - this is, after all, the "Glade". They could even be picked.

'Novalis' shifts position, jiggling slightly in the bust.

Zebina tilts the other way, "What if they need to..." voice drops lower, "evacuate?"

'Novalis' grimaces again. "I don't know if it's *that* bad." Under her breath, she adds, "Yet."

'Novalis' says "The Malakim and whatnot will evacuate the Hospice if necessary. We just get to wait."

The other "Mercurians" murmur among themselves. One is busy combing another's hair, and stealing kisses to his neck in between.

'Novalis' adds, "Over here where it's something approximating safe and boring."

Shannen frowns and nods, before smiling again "Okay. Flowers are great at making people feel better." Shannen begins to calculate the definition of 'a large bouquet' mentally. "So just keep ourselves busy until then?"

'Novalis' nods and goes flup back onto the grass, jiggling muchly. "Yup."

Zebina whirrls around Shannen a couple of times, and says, "Right."

<> Shannen ponders a rude comment to Zebina concernig "Novalis" :)

Zebina says "Any other advice, oh Peaceful One?"

'Novalis' snorts. "Just be careful with the sarcasm when we move in to calm everyone down."

Zebina says "Right, right, sorry. I'm a little tense."

Zebina makes a visible effort to calm her rings.

'Novalis' lifts her eyebrows at Zebina. "Tense? How can you tell?"

'Novalis' adds, "Doesn't that make you dizzy?"

Zebina gives a little laugh. "Not as much as you'd think. I spent a little while banging off of walls when I first tried it, though."

Shannen smiles at Zebina and Novalis, and begins to go around, happily picking flowers, but trying to look charming. Yup. Charm is good. "Novalis" will get especially big smiles.

'Novalis' giggles at Zebina. "Yeah, well." She sits up and jounces, jiggling. "I have a center-of-balance problem."

In the distance, from the direction of the Hospice, comes what might be the clash of weapons. Perhaps. Or maybe it's only random noise.

'Novalis' smiles at Shannen, curiously.

<> 'Novalis' rolls the d666 and gets 1 6 CHECK: 5.

<> Demiurge says "Shannen, do you have any particular Needs to do with this "Novalis"?"

<> Shannen ponders.

<> Shannen needs her to keep calm and stay around :)

Novalis' gives Shannen a faint, faintly puzzled, smile.

<> 'Novalis' rolls the d666 and gets 5 2 CHECK: 2.

<> Demiurge says "Okay, what are your general Needs, Shannen?"

<> 'Novalis' says "Day-needs."

<> Demiurge says "At a level 2. So really basic plain stuff."

Zebina flicks sideways and begins to orbit again.

<> Shannen needs more flowers. Needs to be safe. Needs her friends safe. Needs coffee.

>From the distance, again - yes, surely that _is_ the sound of weapons and voices. A couple of the "Mercurians" glance in that direction.

'Novalis' also looks into the distance, frowning.

Zebina says "That didn't sound good."

'Novalis' absently fiddles with some of the grass next to her.

<> 'Novalis' rolls the d666 and gets 4 6 CHECK: 4.

'Novalis' hands Shannen some more flowers. Roses.

'Novalis' answers Zebina, "No, it did not."

Zebina whirls up to some altitude, to get a good look around.

'Novalis' stands, jiggling and calls up, "See anything?"

<> Zebina says "Maybe 10m or the local equivalent, no more. Not a lot higher than the nearest tree."

>From an altitude - some height above the Glade - you can see a battle going on on the steps of the Hospice.

Zebina calls out, "There's a fight at the Hospice!"

Shannen gives Novalis a quick hug "Thanks!" and continues picking picking picking. Need a large bouquet. Soon.

'Novalis' hugs Shannen back.

'Novalis' calls up, "Who's winning?"

<> Shannen has a feeling she's gonna pay for thoses roses.

<> 'Novalis' hugs Shannen. };)

A dark-winged figure staggers and falls, as a dazzlingly bright Balseraph spreads his wings. From this distance, faces cannot be made out. Another dark-cloaked figure raises a hand, and collared angels come spilling out onto the steps, followed by a spinning wheel of fire.

'Novalis' jiggles with impatient curiosity.

<> Shannen has a large bouquet, as defined by Novalis' invocation modifier? :)

A long, shadowy rumble ripples under the ground, a tremble more felt than heard. It seems to be emanating from the direction of the Library.

'Novalis' swallows and concentrates.

<> Eduardo says "Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to burn we go..."

Zebina gasps. "That wasn't a *Superior* was it?!"

'Novalis' says "Blessed if I know!"

<> Daimon looks up the definition of 'all hell breaking loose'.

<> Daimon sees a picture of this place next to the definition.

Zebina says "There are angels fighting on the steps of the Hospice. Some of them look real!"

'Novalis' rises up from the ground to float next to Zebina, peering at the chaos.

<> 'Novalis' rolls the d666 and gets 1 2 CHECK: 4.

<> Eduardo says "This is all Heaven breaking loose."

<> Shannen says "How quietly can one do an invocation? :)"

In the distance, where Zebina watches, the wheel of fire collapses, but the dark-winged figure rises again. A mass of mouths and eyes throws itself at the rainbow Balseraph, while a pale-winged figure raises an axe and cries out.

'Novalis' whispers something devout in Helltongue.

<> Demiurge says "Depends how much essence you spend, Shannen. But it takes a couple of poses."

<> Shannen plans on burning Essence.

Zebina says "If there's an evac plan, I think you'd better start it now."

'Novalis' just swears in Helltongue again. "There isn't one!"

Zebina says "Oh great. Okay, are all the subjects in the hospice?"

'Novalis' nods. "But Persona'll get things under control," she adds.

Zebina says "And if that was a Superior manifesting near the library?"

Zebina says "One of those Angel Princes?"

'Novalis' looks at Zebina. "It didn't sound like one," she says, a little uncertainly.

'Novalis' says "Why would there be an Angel Prince here?"

<> Eduardo whistles.

Zebina says "Why would blessed *Angels* be here?!"

'Novalis' makes a face. "Captives, maybe."

The pale-winged Mercurian is still for a moment, and then - the air trembles, and shivers, and *shatters* with the sound of something breaking, of a Superior manifesting.

Shannen turns around, so she's facing away from as much of the throng as possible and begins to whisper, clutching the bouquet tightly "Novalis, hear me, Novalis, I don't fear thee. Novalis, where the heck are thee?"

'Novalis' flinchs. "Okay, *NOW* we need an evac plan!"

<> Demiurge says "Tell me how much Essence you're spending, Shannen, and roll. ;)"

Zebina says "I'll help corral."

<> Shannen is spending.. calculate.. +6 for roll +3for CD?

Zebina says "But you'll owe me--that's a superior over there."

<> Shannen figures if Novalis shows, the essence problem will be taken care of. And if she doesn't, then it really doesn't matter :)

'Novalis' hisses between her teeth. "Bless, we're gonna have to leave 'em, head for... somewhere. Bless, where'd they put that exit..."

Zebina resonates for the exit.

<> Zebina rolls the d666 and gets 1 3 CHECK: 3.

<> Shannen rolls the d666 and gets 2 1 CHECK: 4.

<> Demiurge says "Zebina, you get an intuitive sense of how to get out. Down thataway, through the entrance to the Catacombs, through thataway - you think."

Zebina says to 'Novalis'. "I can tell you, but you'll owe me for it."

In the distance, a blinding Seraph or man takes form, as fierce as sunlight on molten iron, power round him like a haze. He brings his axe down at the jewelled Seraph.

There is a *pulse* from the bouquet in Shannen's hands, one that ripples through the Glade, then again. Then again. Like a heartbeat, faster, faster.

Zebina basks in the power of Michael, Manifest. "Owe me *big*"

'Novalis' sniffs. "Be that way." She gapes at the huge Archangel, then dives for the Glade floor. "COME ON! We gotta get to the catacombs!"

'Novalis' starts heading in that direction, losing a lot of the jiggly bits, not waiting for anyone else.

Zebina dives and *trips* 'Novalis'. (Hey, should could have made a deal.)

The grass of the Glade _crackles_, and reaches up to twine itself round the feet of "Novalis", and the trees beat as though in a wind, snatching for the "Mercurians".

Zebina cheers.

'Novalis' looks at the grass in horror and concentrates.

<> 'Novalis' rolls the d666 and gets 1 1 CHECK: 3.

<> Sephar says "Good Momma Nature."

About the "Glade", "Heaven" is starting to come apart, cracking along the roads like seams, with buildings beginning to fall into shadow, tumbling between holes in reality.

Zebina shouts, "Shannen, I'm going for the subjects. Stay as long as you can and beacon them. Go that way," she flares toward the catacombs, "to get out!"

Shannen holds the bouquet as tightly as she can, and turns around to smile brilliantly at everyone else.

The wind hisses through the trees like a voice. "No. Not now. Daughter. Daughter, I have come."

Zebina spins liquidly towards the conflict, searching for collared 'angels'.

As Zebina turns, a chunk of "road" crumbles in front of her, and "Marc's Skyscraper" topples in the distance. The whole city is separating in pieces, and already coming apart between Zebina and the Hospice.

'Novalis' freezes. Then she throws her head back and cackles wildly, tears streaming down her cheeks as she shifts into the form of a green-skinned, horned Lilim.

<> Demiurge says "Zebina, if you go that way, you may not make it."

<> Zebina says "Can I see anyone running? Flying, etc."

Shannen closes her eyes, holding the flowers tighter, whispering "Novalis, please.."

In the distance, Michael raises his axe, and a gap rips in the air, glowing and translucent. The angels, collared and uncollared, in the distance, begin to tumble through it.

Other "angels", some reverting to demonform, flee - a few run for buildings, and others fall screaming into the growing darknesses.

A voice whispers in the trees, strong as the heartbeat of a forest, "Daughter, I am here." The energy pulsing through the Glade rises, and the trees shiver as new growth breaks through their careful pruning, uncontrolled.

Zebina has a split second to think that the problem with doing business with Michael is that he tends to let the details tend to themselves. Not very nice if you're a 'detail'.

Shannen cheers softly and begins to dance a little, before looking around for Zebina, "Liz!" and giving a tree a hug "Oh thank you. Can you help with..everyone?" she blushes.

The faux Novalis Lilim bows her head and mutters frantically, and then says, "A year, blessit, a year!"

<> Kanah rolls the d666 and gets 3 1 CHECK: 3.

Zebina can't do anything about the collared.

Zebina zooms back down towards the 'Mercurians'. "You're all now prisoners of Heaven. The *true* heaven. Surrender now and we won't leave you for Him."

The whole Glade shivers with energy, now, and even the air shimmers with it. The shining gap closes in the distance, and "Heaven" continues to collapse, the darkness spreading like entropy.

Again, the voice that speaks is like the wind through the trees. "Really, Wheel, is this the time for Trading?"

Zebina says "They have Information. On here, on other things."

Zebina says "Information that may let us find others to be Redeemed."

Zebina says "Information that may let us find out why the false reflection."

The Mercurians squawk and twitch where they are held in the branches of the trees. Actually, they would look rather more like Impudites, given the black leathery wings and horns they seem to be developing.

Zebina calls. "Surrender or be cast out. Not down to the Pit but into Oblivion!"

There is a cough. A lean figure steps out from between one moment and the next, black trenchcoat shifting in the wind, short-cropped blonde hair shining in the haze.

Kanah mutters, "Haagenti ate Oblivion."

Lilith - her identity evident in the force that beats through her eyes - says, "Don't mind me. I'm just here to collect on some property."

Kanah stares at the new figure raptly, struggling in the grass. "Mother, please..."

Shannen continues hugging a tree, all nice and happy and safe "Please, there are prisoners. Angels. Please help save them."

Zebina doesn't mind Lilith, no.

Shannen turns her head to stare at Lilith for a second and hugs the tree tighter.

Zebina whirls, "Information on Mazpatiel and the others, yes."

Novalis' voice is stronger now, and the tree branches thrash with movement. "Princess of Freedom. A bargain, to suit your tastes. Give to me those collared demons still within your false City, and you may have your Daughter and these Impudites."

Zebina murmurs into the wind, "One Impudite? For questioning?"

Lilith is still for a moment, considering. Her dark trenchcoat whips against her body, showing glimpses of pale flesh and blue silk below it. Darkness moves in her eyes, as she turns to Zebina.

Lilith murmurs, "What would you give me for that, Wheel? A year of your life? A questioning in return?"

<> Shannen snickers.

<> Kanah cheers Mom.

<> Shannen says "Mom is kinda cool :)"

Shannen hugs the tree tighter "Thank you so much." and whispers "I'm so sorry I wasn't more brave and didn't do more."

The tree seems to pulse beneath Shannen's embrace, comforting and reassuring, accepting.

Kanah is just tugging at the grass that binds her, quiet, unobtrusive, seeking freedom.

The grass is very, very tight. Several nettles are also sprouting near Kanah's head, in what could be considered a meaningful way.

Zebina's flames are fanned by the winds, making her look like a stationary comet on re-entry. "Questions for questions. A year of my life so long as you do not geas me to any Prince or Demon or Ethereal, and do not actively try to cause me to Fall. In return the collared and one of the Impudites."

Lilith laughs, the sound like liquid ice. Outside the sphere of the "Glade", there is nothing but shadows, with tumbling bodies of light in the distance.

Lilith says, "Child, child, you rate yourself by far too highly."

Lilith turns away, towards the hissing trees of the Glade.

Zebina says "Questions for questions then."

Kanah eyes the nettle and scowls, then continues to tug hard, squinching her eyes closed.

Lilith glances back. "A questioning of you, in return for your questioning of an Impudite?"

Shannen stays with the trees, smiling better. She's all safe here, yes.

Novalis' voice rises in the Glade, harsher now, the thorns of winter. "NO."

Zebina says "I bow to the higher power."

Lilith laughs again. "Is she not free to choose?"

Shannen shouts out as well, "Zebina - think about this. It's..not..safe." She mentally adds 'Or smart'

Zebina glances back at the city. "My Lady of the Flowers may speak for me in this. I won't gainsay her."

Novalis' voice shifts to a growing mildness, almost more frightening than the wintry thorns. "Princess of Freedom. The collared demons still trapped there, for your Daughter and these Impudites."

Zebina goes ahead and lets the Archangel deal for her. No use being stupid.

Lilith is still, a pale lily clad in darkness, then says, "It is done." She gestures, and demonic forms begin to fall about her on the grass like leaves, all unconscious, all collared.

Kanah tugs *hard* at the entangling grass.

<> Zebina says "Do I recognize 'Kanah' at all?"

As the last form collapses, the grass shifts and ripples to stillness, and the trees relax.

<> Kanah thinks Zeb might, yes.

<> Demiurge nods.

<> Shannen says "It's raining demons!"

The Impudites come running from where they have been dropped to the ground, clustering near Lilith, terrified.

Zebina calls out, "Kanah, we'll talk again."

Kanah skitters over to kneel at her Mother's feet. She looks up at Zebina. "We might!" she calls back.

Kanah calls, "What's it worth to you, Wheel?"

Lilith's gesture is small.

Zebina laughs merrily, "What's it worth to -you-!"

Lilith and the group around her begin to disappear.

Shannen goes out to tend to any of the collared demons, checking for injuries and such, and giving each one a flower, placing it in their unconscious hands.

Kanah throws her head back and laughs wildly as she fades.

Lilith's voice hangs in the air. "And I will talk with the Wheel bold enough to deal with me."

Lilith's voice fades, and is gone, as are she and the demons.

Zebina . o O (Oh dear, that's -two- Superiors.)

Zebina points with her flames, catacombs-wise. "The exit's that way, My Lady. Or it was."

The tossing of the branches dies down to stillness, and a short coloured woman steps out from between two bramble-bushes - that weren't there before.

The woman - for it is Novalis - steps across to Shannen, and gives her a good firm hug.

Zebina dips low before Novalis, in wordless gratitude.

Shannen melts into the hug "Thank you.." and hugs back tightly, smiling.

Novalis snorts, releasing Shannen and turning to Zebina. "That was the most reckless, half-assed, Trading thing I have _ever_ seen tried. How in the name of God does Marc keep you out of trouble usually?"

Zebina tilts back up. "Usually he has me fly Planes, My Lady."

Novalis says, "He may do. He may do indeed."

Shannen giggles softly, grinning at Novalis, before trying to regain her composure.

Novalis says, "Does he by any chance ever have occasion to scold you for, shall we say, being just a _little_ too sharp? And cutting yourself?"

Zebina says "He does, My Lady, and with good reason. But sometimes the profit makes the risks bearable."

Zebina manages to indicate the unconscious bodies around her.

Zebina says "And my friends have sacrificed almost everything for me. I would do the same to save them."

Novalis' eyes soften. From, say, granite to a slightly softer granite.

Novalis says, "I can't fault your intentions, dear, but I hope you'll believe me when I say that to try and outbargain Lilith - unless you're of a celestial weighting to do it - is not one of those good ideas."

Zebina dips again. "Normally I would not even consider it. The circumstances are, ah, unusual. I hope I did not presume."

<> Eduardo LAUGHS! "Only a lot."

<> Sephar falls over laughing.

<> Zebina says "Hey, Ofanim are known for their enthusiasm."

Novalis snorts. "I believe I'll leave it to your Managing Director to tell you about negotiating, dear."

Shannen nods to Novalis and tilts her head slightly "Are.. Pat and Eduardo and.. the other one.. Are they okay?"

Novalis looks over the collared demons. Her face shadows, as she murmurs, "Poor creatures."

Novalis turns to Shannen. "They were in Gabriel's hands, daughter. I don't know where she has sent them."

Zebina says "Gabriel?"

Zebina says "Wow."

Zebina takes a quick look around, to see what's left, if anything.

There is nothing now except this "Glade", suspended among an endless flow of shadows. Distant lights curve downwards, far away in the night.

Shannen's mouth drops open and nods "Okay.." and looks over the demons as well, sighing. "How can we help them? What happened to them?"

Novalis sighs. She sits down on a grassy hummock, her back to the tree.

Zebina stops spinning, and a few moments later, she's envesseled again. A more useful form for this sort of thing.

Zebina brushes a lock of hair from her eyes, and kneels next to the nearest demon.

Novalis says, "My dears. You've probably worked out that this was some sort of brainwashing establishment."

Shannen plops down as well, facing Novalis, in front of her and a little off to the side.

Shannen nods.

The demon by Zebina is a tattered-winged Impudite, quietly asleep.

Zebina says "Yes. Starting at Bellmans."

Zebina says "We thought it was just a frame up of Kobal."

Novalis nods.

Novalis says, "Several of us have been suspecting something hidden in the Far Marches for a while, something that was designed to brainwash with propaganda about Heaven."

Novalis says, "It wasn't more than suspicion, now. You do realise this is all strictly confidential, dears?"

Zebina says "Yes, My Lady."

Shannen nods, and runs her fingers across her mouth like a zipper.

Novalis nods. "More to the point, with it hidden out in the Far Marches, we couldn't find it. When you discovered that tape, it was very interesting. Very interesting indeed."

Novalis clicks her tongue. "Of course, *some* of us had rather different ideas about how to handle matters."

<> Eduardo whistles innocently.

Shannen nods, frowning a little, looking back in the direction that Michael was, before returning her attention to Novalis.

Novalis stretches her fingers. "Though Michael has a point. Sometimes you just need to put the axe to the root of the tree." She smiles.

Zebina fidgets, rearranging the wings (ick, batwings) of the Impudite to be more comfortable, and doing the same for others nearby.

Novalis says, "Anyhow, when Aron managed to find a trace leading here, we couldn't be sure what you would find. But we could suspect."

Zebina says "Aron... that was him fighting at the Hospice, wasn't it."

Zebina says "And Azalea and Phineas."

Novalis nods, gently.

Zebina says "Are they all right?"

Shannen bites her lip, frowning.

Novalis says, "I saw them go through Michael's portal. That Kyriotate was with them, too. Oboth, you remember it?"

Zebina blinks. "They found Hitherby?!"

Zebina says "But Hitherby was with Sephar and... Daimon?"

Novalis frowns slightly. "Was it? What is all this?"

Zebina says "Sephar and Hitherby were with us one moment and then they were gone."

Shannen frowns "Oboth? Who--err.. Hitherby?" She frowns and her eyes open wide "Daimon?"

Zebina says "And then Aron got a message that Hitherby, er, Oboth and Sephar had tried to aid Daimon and Sarah. They were captured..."

Novalis says, slightly tartly, "Unfortunately I'm not all-powerful or omniscient. If I were, the universe would be _significantly_ better run."

Zebina says "By Teraphim. Balseraph of the Media, and Daimon's agent from before he Redeemed."

Novalis snorts. "That ne'er-do-well? One of my Cherubim had quite a pretty affair with him back in the sixteenth century. She said he was a very charming boy."

Zebina says "If Hitherby was there, then maybe Sephar and Daimon and Sarah, er, Chephirah were there."

<> Sephar giggles so much at the Cherubim.

Zebina blinks. "With Daimon, or with Terry?"

Novalis says, "You'd better ask Oboth then, dear. Shall I send you on to Heaven to catch up with it?"

Novalis says, "With Teraphim."

Shannen's eyes open a little wide "Daimon here?" and lets out a sad sigh before nodding to Novalis "Well..erm.. What should we do about the poor dears here? How can we help them?"

Novalis says, to Shannen, "I can offer the chance for them to genuinely Redeem. I think most of them may take it."

Zebina says "Terry is, as Daimon keeps saying, a 'goof'."

Zebina says "Whatever that is, exactly."

Shannen smiles and nods slightly, biting her lip "The..ones..who..don't?"

Novalis regards Shannen calmly.

Zebina says "Hitherby would be with Aron and Azalea and Phineas. We can see them soon."

Novalis says, "I will do as much as they can, daughter, and they must do the rest."

Zebina nods somberly.

Shannen nods, looking down "I know..I .. just wish I could help all of them."

Novalis nods, hands quiet in her lap.

Novalis says, to Shannen, "Come here, daughter."

Zebina says "If nothing else, Shannen, they'll be Outcast now. Perhaps they'll stick around long enough for the ones who don't Redeem immediately to think about it later."

Shannen scurries the short distance to sit next to Novalis.

Novalis says, "The two of you have saved these beings, at least. If nothing else, nothing else _ever_ in your lives, you have done that much."

Novalis says, "Don't underrate it. The only positive form of revenge is to cause evil to become good."

Shannen nods slowly "Yes, we did. We did our best. We helped." She smiles faintly.

Novalis says, "You have given them the option and the choice. You gave them free will."

Zebina smiles. "There's that, then, yes."

Novalis smiles.

Zebina says "I hope it's a good Trade for them."

Novalis says, "It's something." She puts her arm round Shannen. "In fact, it's a great deal, but I hope you never have to fully appreciate that."

Shannen nods to Novalis, smiling more.

Zebina walks around slowly, looking over all of the unconscious demons, trying to fix the face of each one in her mind.

Novalis leans across, and kisses Shannen on the cheek. "Well done."

<> Zebina says "Although that's probably rather uncomfortable in a lot of cases."

<> Demiurge says "And gives Shannen Cel Healing/3, and pushes her other two Healing Songs up to 3 as well."

<> Sephar cheers and dances.

<> arcangel applauds Shannen.

<> Eduardo says "Dr. Shannen."

<> Zebina says "What Eduardo said."

<> Hitherby says "Yay!"

<> Zebina says "'I love this coffee shop. The herbal teas make me feel -so- much better.'"

The demons are as demonic as demons ever are, their white robes seeming odd on those that wear them - but there is a strange peace about their faces, and a yearning.

<> Shannen heehees evilly.

Shannen hugs Novalis. "Thank you. Hope I can be as brave as you next time," smiling.

Zebina stops next to a Balseraph, looking down at it.

Novalis murmurs, "You walked into an outpost of Hell, daughter. How brave do you _want_ to be?"

The Balseraph is green-scaled and green-leathery, wings huddled vulnerably.

<> Sephar sniffles for the poor Bal.

Zebina says "My Lady, may I ask a favor?"

Novalis says, "Of course you can, dear."

Shannen blushes deeply "Well, yeah. There is -that-."

Zebina says "I'd like to meet them, when they're awake. After they make their decisions but before they act on them."

Novalis says, kindly but firmly, "That may not be possible, dear."

Novalis says, "Do you want me to keep them away from Redemption just so you can talk to them while they have to exist as demons?"

Zebina says "No."

Novalis says, "And why can't you just talk to them afterwards?"

Zebina says "I'd just like to meet them, and find out how they got there."

Novalis says, "I'm sure they can tell you that perfectly well afterwards. It's not as if Redemption brainwashes people or makes them hallucinate, after all, now is it?"

Zebina laughs.

Zebina says "No, it's not."

Zebina says "I supposed it's because I'd like to see how the good managed to grow in amongst the evil."

Zebina says "But I would never want to extend their pain."

Shannen turns to look at Zebina and nods to Novalis and giggling. "Well, I hope not."

Novalis smiles. "I'll be glad to let you talk to them afterwards, though they may be a bit shy. Naturally."

Zebina says "And, after talking to Daimon.. well I get the feeling that some of them may not want to remember afterwards what they were before."

Zebina says "But Daimon's something of a 'goof' himself."

Novalis pushes herself off the ground. "Anyhow, chop chop, we've got things to be doing, people to be Redeeming, lives to save, trees to plant, and vitally important things to be seeing to. Haven't we?"

Zebina nods.

Zebina makes sure the Balseraph is lying comfortably. "It looks so small..." Then she stands up and walks over to Shannen.

Novalis says, "Where would you two like to be sent to?"

Shannen giggles and nods, standing up as well, pondering Novalis' question for a moment before looking to Zebina. "I suppose..a place to find Daimon is out?"

Novalis says, "Well, I can send you to the Glade, dear, and you can check his Heart in the Halls of Creation, or find Hitherby."

Zebina nods. "We need to find out what happened to everyone. With Hitherby would be the best place, I suppose."

Shannen nods to Zebina.

Novalis blinks. "I don't know where Oboth is to send you there, dear."

Novalis says, "It's not _my_ Servitor."

Zebina smiles. "The Glade then."

Shannen nods.

Zebina says "If they're not there, we can check the Tower. Aron and Azalea would go there next."

Zebina says "Thank you, My Lady. I owe you my soul."

Novalis nods, and gestures. And from one growing place, the two angels find themselves ... in another. But brighter, and fresher, and full of the joy of Heaven.

---

Fiat Justitia