Malakite Warnings

<> Demiurge says "It is Sistine's. It is late lunchtime. Marath is busy, but has left a small bowl of sugar and another of peanuts on the windowsill for Kyriotate hosts."

Hitherby mills about in the bowl with a minimal handful of ladybugs, a selection of miscellaneous gnats and long-bodied bugs politely reclining nearby.

The Tether leads down from Heaven, and Faber assumes Corporeal form in a dark cupboard. >From beyond the closed door come the scents and sounds of a kitchen.

Faber takes a deep, slow breath of the scents, smiles a smile that only touches his eyes and then he carefully, slowly, pushes open the door, so as not to surprise anyone on the other side.

<> Pat says "Oh dear. Faber's out of the closet. The world will never be the same."

Marath has left the kitchen for a moment, to check on something in the dining room. The only being in the kitchen is Hitherby.

<> Faber grins wicked.

<> Demiurge laughs!

Faber checks about, frowns, calls out softly, "Seneschal?"

Hitherby does not look surprised. Then again, how would she? One small insect carefully realigns itself to study Faber.

Hitherby flutters her wings. Slightly distorted by the acoustics in the bowl, she says, "She's busy just now. Although not in case of emergency, of course."

Faber takes a step back from a bowl speaking, something shines a moment in his right hand, but then he puts it away and then peers closer, "Bugs? Oh. Uhm. Thank you, this isn't an emergancy."

<> Demiurge | "Take that, bowl of Hell! (blam blam blam)

Hitherby says, "We prefer to think of ourselves as advanced exoskeletonic citizens of the world."

Faber now looks closer in interest, "Nice turn of phrase, that. Hum... Would you happen to know anything about the whereabouts or doings of one Daimonique of Creation in service to the jack... uhm... to Judgement?"

<> Pat glares at Faber. Makes a note.

<> Demiurge laughs.

Hitherby says, interestedly, "I thought that was an abbreviation for 'Jonathan'."

Faber coughs.

Hitherby says, "I'm aware of Daimonique's whereabouts and doings, generally, yes."

Hitherby says, "What do you need to know?"

<> Hitherby thinks. She could hear him descending from Heaven, probably, yes?

Faber says "I'd like to know where she is, where she generally hangs out and where she sleeps."

<> Demiurge says "You would have seen him step out of the otherwise-unconnected Tether-locus-cupboard."

<> Hitherby says "Okay. :)"

<> Demiurge says "Hitherby, you didn't hear him, but then you don't hear when it's used normally, either."

<> Hitherby says "Where *is* Daimonique right now? Waiting for Ashley? Post-Ashley? En route to the Tether?"

<> Demiurge says "Post-Ashley, heading for Judgement-Tether to get to Paris."

Faber says "I mostly intend to run interference for hidden perps around her, as she seems to... attract trouble."

Hitherby says, "An admirable goal! And your perception is correct."

Faber actually gets a grin to surface, this time.

Faber says "Oh. I'd... kinda like it if she didn't know I was hanging around, I don't want to cramp her style."

Hitherby says "If I were to say that David is a bloody-handed underhanded bastard barely worthy of the name Archangel, what would you say?"

Faber gives a cough of a laugh and then considers.

Hitherby watches carefully.

Faber now resonates the bugs in the bowl.

Hitherby hums cheerfully.

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

Hitherby says "Daimonique is en route to the Jack Tether. The Really Big Court."

<> Demiurge says "Okay, Faber. That's a success. You know Hitherby's three most noble acts in the past year."

<> Hitherby can figure them out, one sec!

<> Demiurge says "Faber, most people know that the Supreme Court in DC is a big Dominican Tether. So feel free to make logical assumptions."

Faber gives another cough of a laugh as he figures it out and then frowns mildly. "Hm. No chance out of Hell gettin' through Judgment Tethers. Where are they living? Maybe I can flush some prey from around their den..."

<> Demiurge sees that Faber has dealt with Jordians before. ;)

<> Hitherby says "Trying and failing to insult Andrealphus due to not coming up with a better phrase than 'eater of dead' before the situation changed. Um. Trying and failing to fight a huge-Force Balseraph celestially due to, well, not being strong enough. And probably falling part of the way (continuing process) for Sephar, which is by definition a noble thing!"

Faber says "Y'know, concerning that first question? I don't think I could say a darned thing 'til I knew why you said it."

Hitherby says "As for where she hangs out, hm! Well, that's sort of difficult to answer. She's only been Redeemed for a few weeks, and stuff keeps forcing us to change our habits."

Hitherby says "Although this place is usually good."

Faber hmms softly at that.

Faber says "Maybe I'll ask her for work, then."

Hitherby says "Marath?"

Faber nods.

Hitherby flutters up into the air.

Faber says "And scout the areas around here when she doesn't need me."

Hitherby says, "I find myself in a moral dilemma. One moment."

Hitherby says "You're obviously not of Stone. What are you?"

Faber says "Creation."

Hitherby says, "Mercurian?"

Faber says "Oh. hm... introductions, I'm lousey at introductions, sorry. Faber, Malakite of Creation."

Hitherby says "Ah!"

Faber huffs a laugh at the Mercurian, eyes alight.

Hitherby says "Hitherby, Hive of the Great One."

Hitherby bobs.

<> Faber just sparks at the idea of being a waiter and pointing out how morally wrong it would be for him to serve a fat customer just waiting on a heart attack a muffin with butter...

<> Demiurge somehow doubts that Marath would _let_ you be a waiter.

<> Demiurge says "For the Tether's own sake. ;)"

<> Faber drats.

<> Demiurge says "Cook, now..."

<> Faber says "Ooo... knives..."

<> Demiurge says "Or perhaps there's some rebuilding or decoration that needs doing."

Faber bows a small bow to the bowl of bugs.

Faber says "Glad to meet you, and I rarely say that."

Hitherby says, "Dear, I'm afraid that Daimonique will not be in this city for at least a day or two. It relates to her current assignment. I, um. I had sort of hoped you were a Malakite, so that you can make a promise - I mean, not necessarily a whole formal oath thing, but you know - but I don't think it would be good for me to come up with the wording."

Hitherby says "I mean, after about a half hour from now."

Faber says "Uhm. What?"

Faber looks utterly baffled.

Faber says "What happens in half an hour?"

Hitherby orbits her ladybugs around. "I mean, you would need to promise not to betray her assignment, but I figure you're a lot better at defining your promises properly. You know?"

Hitherby says "Well, in less than half an hour, or maybe a bit more, she goes up the Tether and out elsewhere."

Faber says "Oh!"

Faber says "Daimonique, you mean?"

Hitherby says "Yes."

Faber says "Hm. If I don't know what her assignment is I can't betray it, can I?"

<> Faber says "As Faber suddenly realizes he's not going to have easy bait, but someone working on something else as well..."

Hitherby says "True!"

Hitherby says "But."

Faber says "Good, then don't tell me what it is she's doing. But..?"

<> Demiurge watches Patent Faber Logic collide with Patent Hitherby Logic.

<> Faber hee.

Hitherby makes a frustrated noise. "I can't tell you where she's *going*. Because there are some people who you might not know not to trust that can't know that, but I *really* can't tell you who those people *are*. I think. I might change my mind on that."

Faber says "Good. Then don't."

Hitherby says "Oh!"

Hitherby says "Okay."

Hitherby says "If you want to just hang out around here until she gets back, that's okay."

Hitherby says "Or do something else."

Faber says "Hm. Does she have an apartment or something as well? That would be fun to circle around, too, I think."

Hitherby lands in a circle on a table and makes an embarrassed coughing noise.

<> Demiurge says "Clearly this Faber wishes to imitate the mate-display of an attractive bird, circling around Daimon in order to show his handsome plumage and strong wings."

Faber peers mildly at the circle.

<> Faber says "Clearly."

Hitherby says, "She said she got one at one point, but I haven't been there yet. At least, um, unless I didn't know that that was where I was."

Faber pauses at that. "Hm. Is there anyone you do know has that information?"

Hitherby says "However, I can get the information from her as soon as she finishes her current conversation with Pat."

Faber says "Pat... Pat... is that...hmm... what was it? Map-- Mazaltov... no... uhm.... Mazpatiel?"

Hitherby says, "You understand, Pat will probably want to know why you don't want Daimonique to know you're around. I mean, I don't think he'll grasp this cramping style thing, being an Elohite and all. They don't get cramped. And one of them should know."

Hitherby says "Yes, Mazpatiel."

Faber says "Ah."

Hitherby says "He's pretty cool, as Elohim go. I mean, if that's not a contradiction in terms. Which it isn't."

Faber says "Why. Hm. Mostly because I don't want them changing what they're doing because of me. But, yes, an Elohite should be fine to tell."

Hitherby says "I see! You're afraid that Judgment would get further annoyed at Creation if your actions changed the course of an ongoing assignment in a negative way, a cumulative if microscopic amount?"

Hitherby says "Well, not afraid."

Hitherby says "But you know."

Faber says "No."

Faber says "I'm afraid they'll change what they do and alert others to the fact that I am there."

Hitherby says "Ah!"

Hitherby says "Then, yes, Pat's safe to tell."

Hitherby hums cheerfully.

Hitherby says "And don't worry about my knowing."

Faber grins, "I won't. And, yes, I do get afraid."

Hitherby says "No one's ever been able to draw any reliable conclusions from my behavior."

Faber says "I could believe that, yes."

Hitherby lands a ladybug on Faber's finger.

Hitherby notes, "That's my best one today."

Faber peers at the ladybug carefully, "Ah... quite red, indeed."

Hitherby says, "You only find that color on one in about ten thousand, seven hundred and six. Although, mind, there are enough special colors that you can usually find one really unusual one in any given day."

Marath comes in from the dining-room, five dishes balanced along her arm. She raises an eyebrow to see a stranger present.

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

Hitherby says "Jean's angels - I think it was Sephar - told me that you get phenomena like that a lot in mathematical systems."

Hitherby says "Hi Marath!"

Marath grins, abruptly. "Brother." She slides the dishes onto the closest surface, as she approaches, hands open and outstretched.

Hitherby says "This is Fa - oh."

Faber hms, gives a nod to Marath, a nod to Hitherby's words and then grins over the bug to Marath again, "Faber, ma'am, Malakite of Creation at your... uhm... beck and command, it seems."

Hitherby flutters her ladybug out of the way.

Faber grins and hugs Marath close, fierce and strong, "Sister."

Marath returns the hug. "Marath, also Virtue of our Archangel."

Marath mutters, into Faber's shoulder, "Be nice and tell me that you aren't bringing any trouble with you."

Faber lightly runs his face against Marath's hair, breathing in her Italian and food scent and sighs a lung deep sigh. "So few..." and he shakes his head and cuts off his own words, "I am glad to now meet you." Then laughs. "No, I am chasing a... I think the nickname has become, a Trouble that is already here."

Marath pats Faber on the shoulder. "What's he done this time?"

Faber says "He?"

Marath says, "He's usually a he down here."

Faber says "Uhm. Oh. Hm. He hasn't done anything, someone is, however, chasing him, and I want them."

Faber says "Badly."

Marath says, "It's probably all very Freudian. Ah."

Faber laughs.

Faber says "Probably."

Marath says, "Someone of the Demon Prince size, or the smaller size?"

Faber says "Oh, smaller."

Marath releases Faber thoughtfully. "Someone of the Balseraph of the Media size?"

Hitherby says, philosophically, "Daimonique's enemies come in all shapes and sizes. Fortunately, so does she."

<> Chephirah /laughs/.

Faber looks startled, "No. There's a Bal of Tasteless Bits after her... uhm... him?

<> Chephirah bonds with Marath over despising Terry. :)

Faber says "I'll gladly help take care of him, too, if you like."

Faber grins at Hitherby, "Seems plenty for everyone."

Marath looks pleased by this. "Excellent."

Faber says "Sounds like if I take out anyone after Daimonique, I'll be doing somebody a favor."

Hitherby says, "I do not expect he is after Daimonique at present. Mind, there are a number of us after *him*. I believe something to do with leather shoes."

Faber just shakes his head.

Hitherby says "You know how it is. Those wacky Balseraphim. Somehow they always wind up on your bad side."

Marath says, "Amazing how many people he's annoyed."

Faber grins.

Marath says, more seriously, "Were you planning to base yourself here, brother?"

Faber says "If possible. I'd also like to do some Tether work, a little dissonance healing while I also stalk those stalking the tie-dyed wonder."

Marath says, "Should be feasible. How are you at plumbing and decorating?"

Faber says "Better at architecture and getting out of good work people's way, but not adverse to it after absorbing some of it by osmosis. Darn, and I'd been looking forward to waiting."

Marath looks Faber up and down.

Faber gives her a grin that would be really awful on a waiter, just terrifying.

Marath says, very blandly, "I have a gut feeling that you'd really do better as a plumber, brother."

Faber says "You are likely correct, sister mine."

Marath says, "The fire escape needs checking, too, and so do the drainpipes."

Faber says "Mmm... high work. I like that."

Marath chuckles.

Faber says "Steel and copper, shouldn't be a problem."

Marath says, "One more thing. This place is a sanctuary for anybody I give refuge to. If that happens, then whoever they are, they're here in safety for the time." Her tone is warning.

Hitherby hums a faint, sad tone.

Faber hm. "So it's not really my choice, then, is it? You've already made it."

Marath quirks her mouth. "That sounds perfectly logical to me."

Faber gives back the same quirk. "Well, one could say that that is why I'm here, too. Yes, I'll respect your sanctuary."

Marath says, "Excellent. Will you be wanting a bed upstairs?"

Faber says "Please."

Faber says "Though... hm... who or what would be downstairs of me?"

Hitherby says "Well, the core of the Earth, eventually."

Hitherby says "Sorry."

Marath laughs. "Eventually. Before that, probably the cloakrooms. But the floor's good and thick."

Faber grins at Hitherby, nods at Marath, "Good."

Faber chuckles, stretches his arms above his head, "It's good to have a Vessel again."

Faber says "Too much soft time upstairs and I miss it."

Marath shakes her head. "Shame on you, brother."

Faber smiles, "Indeed."

Faber says "I hope so."

Marath says, "So who is it you're looking to catch?"

Faber's gaze slides away a moment then shrugs and meets Marath's, "One Caliah, Punisher of the War."

Marath is silent for a moment, then says, "Private business?"

Faber says "Public record, but, yes, private business."

Faber says "Something unfinished."

Hitherby says "I wish you good fortune in your hunt! If I bump into her, should I hold her for you?"

Faber smiles, "Please. If you can. She's... sharp, sister, not so much warning as information."

Marath says, thoughtfully, "Mm hmm."

Faber says "As sharp as the wounded and torn can be."

Faber blushes the faintest heat of a blush at the sound.

Hitherby says "Then I shall betray my heritage and wear gloves."

Faber says "I am glad bug-one."

Marath turns to sort the dishes out. She says, over her shoulder, "One of the purposes of this place is to give sanctuary - to anybody who sincerely asks it."

Faber thinks that over says a sudden, "Oh." very softly at a thought, and then chuckles suddenly. "Thank you."

Faber then helps with the washing of the dishes if that's what Marath's sorting them out for.

Marath says, "No problem," shuffling dishes into the sink. "I've got to sort out some more stuff in the dining room. You two okay? Need anything else?"

Faber says "This seems a job for the moment, eventually, I'll need you to show me what fire escape needs fixing and what pipes... but that's about it."

Faber says "Thank you, Marath."

Marath says, "Just be careful, brother."

Hitherby says "I'm fine!"

Marath looks across. "Thanks, Hitherby."

Faber grins, "I always am."

Marath mutters, "You're lucky I'm not a Seraph," as she heads back into the dining room.

Faber just laughs and washes.

<> Chephirah giggles.

<> Faber considers, "You are, too." but doesn't quite...

<> Demiurge grins.

Hitherby flutters back to her bowl.

Hitherby says, "You're lucky."

Hitherby says, "I mean, not because of that."

Faber says "Hmmm?" as he swirls soap on and rinses suds off. "How then?"

Hitherby says, sadly, "Too much going on for Tether work. And at least one of the jobs directly assigned, so I can't skimp."

Faber glances at the bowl. "Yes, downtime is a blessing." He splashes quite a bit more than necessary, but hums happily, himself with the simple work.

Faber gets thoughtful, figures out a way to get three or four dishes to wash at the same time, then juggles them under the rinse faucet in a flurry that ends them safely nestled in the drying rack. "Hard when it's too busy to breath."

Faber gets water everywhere.

---

Fiat Justitia