Waiting In The Kitchen

<> Demiurge says "So. Shannen and Zebina were heading down to Earth?"

<> Shannen says "Yeah :)"

<> Zebina nods.

<> Zebina was pretty much just keeping an eye on Shannen.

They pass down the Tether, and arrive in Sistine's.

Shannen greets Marath if she's around, stretching and taking in deep whiffs of the aromas. "It's so nice to be back on earth..."

Marath is trying to handle the breakfast rush, it being early morning, but she spares the time to greet the two angels.

Marath says, "I've heard the others are being looked for. Had a call from the Judgement-Tether."

Shannen eeks softly at Marath "Do you want some help, dear?" and blinks "A call? About what?"

Zebina offers to lend a hand as well.

Marath says, in between handling croissants, "Phone call, that some of them were stuck in Hell. And thanks, but things are just about under control."

Zebina nods. "That's pretty much what they told us."

Tania pokes her head through the door, briskly. "Marath, can I... oh! Hello." She blinks.

Zebina looks worried.

Tania says, "Is something the matter?"

Zebina says "Hello, Tania. How are you doing?"

Shannen sighs and nods "Yeah..We heard..about that."

Tania pushes hair back from her face. "I'm fine. There are a couple of things I need to ask about, but it's not anything right now important. Is something the matter?"

Marath flicks a questioning glance at Shannen and Zebina, as though to ask whether she should share the news.

Zebina says "Tell you what, let's get Marath through the breakfast rush, and then we can all talk."

Zebina says "I don't think there's anything that can't wait until then, considering."

Shannen gives a little shrug to Marath before nodding to Zebina "That's a good idea. Keep busy and all."

Marath says, "Why don't you two grab some coffee and sit down? I appreciate the thought, but if you try and help, it'll take me more time to explain what to do than it would to do it myself.

Marath's hands remain in motion, wrapping dough in knots.

Zebina grins. "How about a hand with the dishes?

A waiter comes in, collects a tray of hot food, and leaves rapidly.

Zebina says "Dishes I've done. Millions of them, probably."

Marath nods towards the sink. "That's fine. Clean teatowels under the counter. Feel free. And thanks."

Zebina says "No problem."

Shannen perks up at the mention of coffee before nodding to Zebina. "Okay..Erm..You're welcome."

Zebina walks over to the sink, and begins cleaning dishes with unnatural speed and grace.

Marath laughs. She says, to Shannen, "Heavens, dear, you don't have to wash dishes just because your friend is. Sit down. Have some coffee."

Marath says, "Or if you need to contact your cafe or anybody, the phone's through there."

Shannen says "I..well..need something to keep my brain occupied. You know.." she sighs a little and goes to get a cup of coffee "It's been a long morning."

Marath shoves another tray of croissants into the oven. "Some mornings are like that."

Tania perches in a corner, some books in front of her, with the air of one who hopes she will not be noticed.

<> Shannen dials up 1-800-6DEMONS from Marath's phone. :)

<> Demiurge chuckles.

Shannen nurses a cup of coffee, mostly staring thoughtfully into it.

The pile of dishes goes steadily down.

Marath stays busy with the cooking.

Zebina says "Tania, would you come help dry?"

Shannen fidgets around in the chair a bit "How..is everyone else?"

Tania says, "Sure!" She puts down her books, and lends a hand with the drying, though she cannot match Zebina's speed.

Marath says, to Shannen, "I was told that Mazpatiel and Eduardo and some Cherub called Maasiai went down to Hell after Daimon and Sephar and Chephirah."

Zebina smiles a bit and moderates her speed just a bit to make Tania more comfortable. There's always a dish or two to dry and put away, but never so many that it's disheartening.

Marath says, chopping bacon, "Other than that, I heard that you all got out."

Tania dries away industriously, ears pricked.

Tania pauses, blinks.

Tania says, "_Hell_?"

Zebina says "Yes, Hell. It exists."

Shannen nods silently "Yeah..I.." she sighs and nods "Yeah, that's what happened."

Zebina says "Marath, it seems Nightmares, or perhaps Fate, or the both of them in partnership, had carved out a 'false Heaven' in the Far Marches."

Tania says, "Wait, wait, wait... oh, no." She goes white.

Zebina says "They the took demons who were redeemable or trying to redeem there, and used them for..something. The 'redeemed' Demons weren't, but I think they thought they did."

Zebina pauses, scrubbing out some pot or another, waiting for Tania to catch up.

Tania's hands twist the teatowel. "But they'll get them out, won't they?"

Zebina says "We pray so."

Tania belatedly picks up a pan, and flops the teatowel round it.

Marath says, "We do." Her knife thuds rhythmically into the chopping-board.

Zebina says "They will not be abandoned, Tania. Everyone will do what they can."

Zebina says "But Heaven won a great victory today, and undoubtedly Hell will be looking for any small bit of revenge they can get."

Shannen nods "Yeah..we do."

Tania says, "But won't they get burned up at once by all the fires?"

Zebina smiles. "You have it slightly reversed."

Tania blinks. "I do?"

Zebina says "An angel can survive in Hell. Two mighty angels guard the very gates, to pick out those souls who unjustly go wind up there."

Tania says, "Oh. Then won't they pick Daimon and the others out, then?"

Zebina says "But Demons cannot stand the pure light of Heaven, and burn up there."

Marath drops some bacon into a pan. There are sound effects.

Zebina says "I think Daimon and the others are beyond the gates. It's not a small place by all accounts."

Zebina says "Thus Mazpatiel and the others gone searching."

Tania says, fascinated, "What's it like, then?"

Shannen shifts in her seat and returns to staring at her coffee.

Zebina says "Hell?"

Zebina says "It's nowhere you'd ever want to be, Tania, not for the slightest moment."

Tania says, hastily, "In case I need to know. I've got to be prepared, right?"

Zebina says "When Daimon gets back, if you're still interested, and he's willing, he can tell you more about it than you'd ever want to know."

Zebina says "I think you'll find that even those who have power there find it a cruel, horrible, treacherous place. For those without that power, it's significantly worse."

Tania goes back to drying the pans again, shoulders slumping.

Tania says, sotto voce, "Sounds like ballet school."

Zebina laughs softly.

Zebina says "Tania, if you follow the Path of God, one day you shall see Heaven, and I think you'll find that not all the temptations of Hell would make it worth losing Heaven."

Shannen says "How long do you think....before they get back?"

Tania says, "I'm just curious." Still sotto voce.

Marath says, "There's no way of knowing. Could be half an hour, could be a day."

Zebina says "So, what was it you wanted to talk about, Tania?"

Tania says, hastily, "Oh, it wasn't that important. I just wanted to ask if it was all right to serve God and do, you know, stuff too."

Zebina says "What sort of 'stuff'?"

Tania says, "Like, you know, recreational pharmaceuticals."

<> Pat says "Ask Daimon about that, too. :)"

Zebina says "Mmm."

Zebina says "I think I'll let Shannen answer that one."

Shannen coughs a little "Erm."

Tania looks hopefully at Shannen. "It is, isn't it?"

Shannen nods faintly "It depends. Why are you doing them, how harmful is it. Things like that."

Tania says, relieved, "Oh, that's okay, then."

Tania returns hastily to drying dishes.

Shannen smiles faintly "Be careful, dear."

Tania says, without thinking, "Oh, this one's really harmless."

Marath tilts her head.

Zebina says "Harmless?"

Zebina says "How 'harmless', precisely?"

Shannen nods, smiling "Of course. What is it?"

<> Sephar watches the angels pounce.

Tania looks as if she had rather not been caught in the middle of this. "It just gives you dreams, that's all."

<> Shannen makes a note to talk to Aron. ^_^

<> Sabriel says "She's taking pizza? ;)"

Tania says, "It's called Vision."

Shannen nods idly. "Vision..that's an appropriate name.."

Tania says, "Um, yeah," and scrubs a pan diligently.

Shannen watches Tania worriedly for several seconds, then returns to her coffee, thoughtfully looking into it before returning to look at Tania, frowning slightly. "What kinds of dreams does it give you?"

Tania looks relieved. "Oh, it was a really pleasant dream. Flying through rainbows. I woke up, I felt fine, my pulse was normal, I touched my toes ten times, my eyes weren't bloodshot or anything."

Shannen smiles faintly "That sounds nice. How often do you take it?"

Tania snorts, putting the pan down.

Tania says, "I have taken one, one dose. Last night. And I came in today to ask about it. I know drugs are dangerous, I don't do crack, you don't have to give me the addiction-is-bad talk. Really."

<> Pat says "Drugs are bad, m'kay? Angels are good, m'kay?"

Tania says, "But I was told that Eli was the Archangel of stuff like singing and jam sessions and creation and drink and sex, so I wondered if it covered drugs."

Zebina says "Hmm."

Zebina says "It sounds nice, yes, but given what's been happening lately..."

Shannen lowers her head, closing her eyes faintly. "I'm sorry. I'm just overly worried about everyone right now.." She lets out a breath. "I don't think I'm going to be very good company for a while. I think..I'll go home." She looks to Tania again. "It's okay, but make sure you're careful."

Zebina says "Shannen?"

<> Daimon is so disappointed. There was a hallucinogen party while we were away!

Tania says, "I didn't know stuff had been happening lately. So I'm sorry if I offended people."

Zebina says "I don't think it's a good idea for any of us to be unescorted just now."

Tania speaks in a dignified and adult way, only spoiling it by the amount of force she rubs the pan with.

Zebina smiles. "It's not your fault, Tania. It is merely interesting timing. Of late, most of the interesting timing has been bad."

Tania shrugs. "It was only because I was at that party last night."

Zebina says "It sounds like it was a good party, certainly."

Tania says, "It was a party. There's usually someone who has something."

The dishes are finished, washing and drying both.

Shannen nods to Zebina and closes her eyes. "Okay..I'll stay." Letting out a breath. "I could use a party."

Zebina smiles. "So could I."

Zebina says "Along with a nice, peaceful flight to the Grand Canyon."

Tania says, "Is that because you're one of the angels who likes movement?"

Zebina laughs. "Movement in general, yes. Flying in particular."

Zebina says "Has Marath been telling you tales?"

Shannen smiles faintly.

Tania nods. "She said that you serve the Archangel of Trade, who is all about communication and fair dealing. And that you," she nods to Shannen, "serve the Archangel of Flowers, who is peace and kindness and love and, well, mothers."

Zebina says "Mmmhmm. And if this 'Vision' that you're talking about is good stuff, and non harmful, I wouldn't mind getting a line on it."

Shannen nods to Tania. "Yup. That's Novalis."

<> Zebina might even get essence for it!

Tania looks relieved. "I can see if I can pick you up a tablet or two, so you can check it out."

Zebina nods. "That would be good."

Zebina says "Three tablets would be perfect."

Zebina . o O (One for Trade, one for Flowers, one for Dreams.)

Tania says, "I'm not sure I can get three. They're only giving one to anyone."

Zebina says "Are they?"

Zebina says "Hmm. Giving them away, you said?"

<> Hitherby was thinking, "One for Liz, one for Marc, and one for a guest," but hey. ;)

<> Shannen grins.

Tania nods. "It was Thomas and Belle. They said they didn't have many."

<> Daimon lifts the tablet. "I have to experiment, see." And goes off looking for a can of Coke.

Zebina says "Tania, any chance there's another party tonight where they might be?"

Shannen nods to Zebina.

Zebina looks definitely intrigued.

<> Hitherby's dragonfly sense tingles.

Tania looks thoughtful. "They might be, but... well, you're kind of _old_ for it."

Zebina laughs. "Probably by half."

Shannen looks down at herself and sighs "I'm not -that- old."

Tania says, to Shannen, "Oh, well, _you_ could get away with the retro-hippy look."

Tania turns back to Zebina. "But you wouldn't look right as a retro-hippy."

<> Shannen makes a mental note to get a younger-looking vessel :(

Shannen smiles. "Retro-hippy. I guess that's me."

Tania says, hastily, "In a nice way! Really."

Shannen grins. "I know."

The phone rings.

Marath puts aside her latest plate of apple tart, and goes across to answer it. "Sistine's..." She pauses.

Marath's face lightens. She flashes a thumbs-up at Shannen and Zebina.

Marath says, "I'll pass it on. Thank you, Most Holy."

Marath puts the phone down. She says, simply, "They're all out."

Shannen raises an eyebrow at Marath for a few seconds, looking a bit uncomprehensive "Huh?"

Tania gives a squeak of joy, and waves the teatowel like a banner.

Marath says, "Daimon and all the others, and Mazpatiel and his group. They're in Heaven. They're safe."

Shannen blinks "Safe? All? In Heaven?" She looks down in her coffee to contemplate for a few seconds before beginning to giggle "Safe. Safe safe safe."

Zebina says "All of them?"

Marath says, "Every single one. Feathers and all."

Zebina gives a little jump for joy (that goes most of the way to the ceiling).

Zebina smiles at Tania. "As for the appropriate look, well, you'd be surprised."

<> Zebina says "particularly with Pre 7 and Savoir Faire/2."

Tania grins, as she drops the teatowel - then, at a glare from Marath, picks it up and refolds it.

Tania says, "If they're okay, I should go do stuff. I'll try and get back here this evening, and let you know if there's something likely?"

Zebina nods. "That would be helpful."

Tania says, "There may not be. I can't be sure."

Shannen dances around in place "Amazing! It's wonderful wonderful WONDERFUL! Oh.." big breaths "I was so worried and depressed and everything! It's great!" She pauses in the dancing to nod to Tania "Oh, could you come by my place or give me a call, too?"

Zebina says "I'll make sure you're contacted, Shannen."

Tania says, "Er, just how many angels are going to want to come along on this?"

Zebina says "I think the two of us should be sufficient."

<> Chephirah holds up a 'NOT ME' sign :)

Tania says, direly, "It'll probably be just, you know, a party. And you'll get all bored."

<> Zebina says "So, Demi, do you think that Precision + Savoir Faire would allow me to use make up and clothing to lower my age by a good chunk? It's not as if angels get worry lines or wrinkled skin."

<> Sephar giggles so much.

Shannen nods and dances over to Zebina to give her a hug "Yeah. No one else likes to have fun." She grins "Bored? At a party?"

<> Daimon perks up. "Party? Party? I can't go to a Party until I talk with God. God, then drugs."

Zebina smiles. "I think you need to learn a little more about us, Tania. I don't think it's possible for Shannen to be bored at a party."

<> arcangel says "God, *the Cloak*, drugs, Dai -- betcha."

<> Demiurge says "You can probably get yourself looking like early twenties, Zebina, which is the sort of age group Tania belongs to."

<> Zebina says "All right, that will do nicely."

Tania says, "Not even if she gets stuck in the corner where they smoke clove cigarettes and talk about philosophy and poetry and angst?"

<> Daimon works on Surprise, Fear, and Fanatical Devotion to the Cloak.

Zebina says "Not even then."

Shannen bahs "Not even then." and grins at Zebina.

Tania laughs. "Okay. I'll ask round. But I've got to get moving."

Zebina smiles benevolently at Tania. "Have a good day."

Tania scoops up her books, hugs Marath - who returns the hug - and heads for the door.

Tania says, "Walk in, um, surprising and brilliant enthusiasm. Marath told me that one." She ducks out of the door.

Zebina waits until Tania's good and gone and then says, "I do not like the sound of that drug one bit."

Marath shrugs. "It may just be an LSD variant. Wait till we can check it out."

Marath says, "At least she's talking to us about it."

Zebina nods. "It's a good sign. I hope it does turn out to be innocuous. If so, it could generate a tidy little profit."

Zebina says "And I rather like the way she's handling all of this."

Shannen smiles and nods "I think she was just annoyed that we might be giving her The Talk."

Marath says, "She's sensible at root. Manages her own budget. Copes with the fact that the guy she fancied is hanging out with an angelic redhead. I like her."

Zebina smiles.

Zebina says "Good."

Shannen nods "I like her, too. How..erm..did she get involved in everything?"

Zebina looks serious. "One of the musicians at the opera is a remnant of a Servitor of Destiny."

Zebina says "He was teaching her, with prompting by a couple of Demons of Dark Humor, some songs, including the Song of Thunder."

Zebina says "The results could have been disasterous."

Shannen ohs softly and nods "I remember the Remnant. But I didn't get to meet her."

Zebina nods.

Zebina says "She's definitely Creation oriented, I think it's safe to say, so we put her together with Marath here to keep an eye on her."

Marath finishes a batch of dishes. "Yup."

Marath says, "Do you two want to pop upstairs to check on the others, or will you be off to work now that you know they're okay?"

Shannen says "She's handling everything well, though. That's good." and nods to Zebina before looking down at herself "Do I really look old?"

Zebina laughs. "Not a day over two hundred, dear."

Zebina says "It's attitude, you know."

Marath says, "Everyone over twenty-five looks old to that age group."

Shannen pouts a little before smiling "Well, true." and then frowns. "I..erm..really can't go back quite yet."

Marath says, "Out of Essence? I can handle that."

Shannen nods to Marath "Yeah.." she smiles faintly "Thanks a lot, Marath."

Zebina ponders. "If I know Daimon, he's probably at the bottom of a pile of Cherubim right now."

Marath nods, and walks across, setting her hand on Shannen's shoulder. Three measures of Essence are transferred.

Zebina shivers slightly. "I'll catch up to him after he's had a chance to readjust. With any luck Sarah will keep him from thinking too much."

Marath nods.

Marath says, "He'll probably have to report, too."

Liz works herself a bit more into her role and says, "If it's all right with you, Marath, I'd like to make a few calls from here, and then I'll check on the hanger and other things.

Shannen smiles at Marath "Thanks. I needed that." and nods to Zebina, blushing faintly.

Liz says "Shannen, we should probably stay fairly close, at least until we know what's happening Downstairs."

Marath says, to Liz, "Sure, if you need to." She goes back to her work.

Liz says "At least one DP and a bunch of demons got good looks at us, and I'm fairly sure we're on file with the Game, and possibly Fate as well."

<> Shannen whees.

Liz says "I was celestial, but..."

Liz says "You resemble your vessel pretty closely."

Shannen frowns for a second before nodding to Liz "Yeah. Sooo.. you want some coffee later on." She blushes faintly "I -like- the way I look.

Liz smiles. "You look fine. You're just very recognizable."

Liz says "And some decaf would be lovely, yes."

Shannen gasps "Decaf is a crime." before grinning.

---

Fiat Justitia